Adam Lambert | |
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 Lambert in 2025 | |
| Born | Adam Mitchel Lambert (1982-01-29)January 29, 1982 (age 44) Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S. |
| Occupations |
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| Years active | 2001–present |
| Musical career | |
| Origin | San Diego, California, U.S. |
| Genres | |
| Instrument | Vocals |
| Labels | |
| Member of | Queen + Adam Lambert |
| Website | adamlambert |
Musical artist | |
| Signature | |
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Adam Mitchel Lambert (born January 29, 1982) is an American singer, songwriter and actor. He is known for his dynamic vocal performances that combine his theatrical training with modern and classic genres.[4] Lambert rose to fame in 2009 after finishing as runner-up on theeighth season ofAmerican Idol.[5] Later that year, he released his debut albumFor Your Entertainment, which debuted at number three on the U.S.Billboard 200.[6] The album spawned several singles, including "Whataya Want from Me", for which he received aGrammy nomination forBest Male Pop Vocal Performance.[7] He is also known for replacingPaul Rodgers for a reunion project known asQueen + Adam Lambert, which features the remaining members of rock bandQueen.
In 2012, Lambert released his second studio albumTrespassing. The album premiered at number one on the U.S.Billboard 200, making him the first openly gay artist to top the album charts.[8] In 2015, Lambert released his third albumThe Original High, which debuted at number three on the U.S.Billboard 200 and produced the single "Ghost Town".[9] Since 2009, he has sold over three million albums and five million singles worldwide.[10][11]
Alongside his solo career, Lambert has performed withQueen in several worldwide tours from 2012. Their first album,Live Around the World, was released in October 2020, and debuted at number one on theUK Albums Chart.[12]
In late 2019, Lambert founded the non-profit Feel Something Foundation, anchoring his ongoing philanthropy, LGBTQ+ and human rights activism. Its particular focus is support for organizations and projects that directly and disproportionately impact the LGBTQ+ community, including education and the arts, mental health, suicide prevention and homelessness.[13]
Lambert made hisBroadway debut in 2024, replacingEddie Redmayne as the Emcee in therevival ofCabaret on September 16.[14]
Lambert was born inIndianapolis, Indiana, on January 29, 1982,[15] to mother Leila, adental hygienist; and father Eber Lambert, aprogram manager for Novatel Wireless. His father is of English, Norwegian, Irish, French, Danish, and German descent while his mother isJewish, withRomanian-Jewish roots.[16] Lambert was raised in his mother's religion.[17] He has a younger brother, Neil.[18] Shortly after his birth, his family moved toSan Diego, California.[19][20][21]
Lambert began performing with Metropolitan Educational Theatre network (now MET2) from the age of nine.[19] A few years later, he began more intense acting and vocal coaching, continuing to perform with both MET2 and what was to become the Broadway Bound Youth Theatre Foundation, as he moved throughMesa Verde Middle School and thenMount Carmel High School.[18] There, he became heavily involved with theater and choir, performed vocals with the school's jazz band, and competed in the local Air Bands competitions.[19] He also appeared in local professional productions such asHello, Dolly!,Camelot,The Music Man,Grease,Chess andPeter Pan, at venues such as The Starlight, The Lyceum and others.[19][22]
After graduating from high school in 2000, he attendedCalifornia State University, Fullerton. His major was musical theater, but he withdrew from the program after five weeks to move to Los Angeles: "I just decided that what I really wanted to do was try to work in the real entertainment world. Life is all about taking risks to get what you want."[23][22]
At 19, Lambert got his first professional job, performing on a cruise ship for ten months withAnita Mann Productions. Afterwards, he performed in light opera in Orange County, California. By 21, he was signed with a manager and cast in a European tour ofHair.[24] In 2004, he appeared in theTheatre Under the Stars (TUTS) production ofBrigadoon[25] and aPasadena Playhouse production of110 in the Shade,[19] before being cast in the role ofJoshua inThe Ten Commandments: The Musical at theKodak Theatre alongsideVal Kilmer.[26] He came to the attention of the casting director forWicked, and was hired as the understudy for the role ofFiyero and an ensemble member in the first national touring production of the musical from 2005, and the Los Angeles production from 2007. He finished performances with the musical in 2008.[19]
During this same period, Lambert briefly fronted underground rock band The Citizen Vein with Steve Sidelnyk,Tommy Victor andMonte Pittman.[27] He also worked as a demo singer and asession musician; a compilation of his 2005 recordings was later released in 2009 on the albumTake One.[28]
In 2009, Lambert auditioned for theeighth season ofAmerican Idol in San Francisco, California by singing "Rock with You" and "Bohemian Rhapsody".[27] Advancing to Hollywood Week, he performed "What's Up" and "Believe" solo, and "Some Kind of Wonderful" in the group effort.[29]Simon Cowell voiced some concern about his theatricality, butRandy Jackson found it "current".[27] He advanced to the top 36 performing "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction".[29] In the first week of live shows, his rendition ofMichael Jackson's "Black or White" was praised by all four judges.[30] ForCountry week, he sang a sitar-infused version of "Ring of Fire". HisMotown night acoustic version ofThe Miracles' "The Tracks of My Tears" drew praise from judges and a standing ovation fromSmokey Robinson, the week's mentor. Advancing to the top 8, he sang the 2001Michael Andrews andGary Jules arrangement of "Mad World". Because the show exceeded its time slot, only Cowell gave a critique, which he did by giving Lambert a standing ovation, the only one he bestowed during his decade-long run as anAmerican Idol judge.[30] After Lambert sang "If I Can't Have You", delivering what DioGuardi called his "most memorable performance", Cowell described his vocals as "immaculate". For the top 3 show, he performed "One" before Cowell declared, "If you are not in the final next week, it will be one of the biggest upsets"; and continued with "Cryin'" before Abdul affirmed, "we'll be seeing you next week and many years after that."[30]
In March 2009, photos of Lambert kissing another man while dressed in drag atBurning Man surfaced online.[31] Highlighted as controversial, they were displayed by conservative commentators onThe O'Reilly Factor, who called them "embarrassing" and questioned if the images would have an effect on the program.[32] Fox restricted press access to Lambert and to his family following the outing.[33] Despite conservative backlash, outlets such asThe New York Times andABC News speculated that Lambert would be too popular to lose the competition.[33][32] Upon the announcement of Lambert as runner-up,American Idol pundits, gay bloggers, and LGBT news outlets reassessed these claims, noting that his queerness may have alienated conservative viewers.[34][35]
Lambert performed three solos in the finale, a reprise of "Mad World", followed by the 1960s civil rights anthem "A Change Is Gonna Come", to tremendously positive judge reaction. After his performance of the mandatory winner's single, "No Boundaries", Cowell summed up Lambert's journey: "Over the entire season, you've been one of the best, most original contestants we've ever had on the show. The hope and whole idea of a show like this is to find a worldwide star, and I truly believe we've found that in you."[30] Upon winning the competition,Kris Allen stated: "Adam deserved this," later explaining he thought Lambert deserved to win as much as he did, and that Lambert "was the most consistent person all year. He was seriously one of the most gifted performers that I've ever met."[36] Lambert's version of the winner's single was released alongside Allen's.The Los Angeles Times later ranked Lambert fifth in its list of the top 120American Idol contestants, selected from the first nine seasons of the show.[37]
| American Idol season 8 performances and results | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Week # | Theme | Song choice | Original artist | Order # | Result |
| Audition | Auditioner's Choice | "Rock with You" "Bohemian Rhapsody" | Michael Jackson Queen | N/A | Advanced |
| Hollywood | First Solo | "What's Up" | 4 Non Blondes | N/A | Advanced |
| Hollywood | Group Performance | "Some Kind of Wonderful" | Soul Brothers Six | N/A | Advanced |
| Hollywood | Second Solo | "Believe" | Cher | N/A | Advanced |
| Top 36/Semi-final 2 | Billboard Hot 100 Hits to Date | "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" | The Rolling Stones | 12 | Advanced |
| Top 13 | Michael Jackson | "Black or White" | Michael Jackson | 11 | Safe |
| Top 11 | Grand Ole Opry | "Ring of Fire" | Anita Carter | 5 | Safe |
| Top 10 | Motown | "The Tracks of My Tears" | The Miracles | 8 | Safe |
| Top 9 | Top Downloads | "Play That Funky Music" | Wild Cherry | 8 | Safe |
| Top 8 | Year They Were Born (1982) | "Mad World" | Tears for Fears | 8 | Safe |
| Top 7 | Songs from the Cinema | "Born to Be Wild" –Easy Rider | Steppenwolf | 3 | Safe |
| Top 71 | Disco | "If I Can't Have You" | Yvonne Elliman | 5 | Safe |
| Top 5 | Rat Pack Standards | "Feeling Good" | Cy Grant | 5 | Bottom 2 |
| Top 4 | Rock and Roll Solo Duet | "Whole Lotta Love" "Slow Ride" withAllison Iraheta | Led Zeppelin Foghat | 1 6 | Safe |
| Top 3 | Judge's Choice (Simon Cowell) Contestant's Choice | "One" "Cryin'" | U2 Aerosmith | 3 6 | Safe |
| Top 2 | Contestant's Choice Simon Fuller's Choice Coronation Song | "Mad World" "A Change Is Gonna Come" "No Boundaries" | Tears for Fears Sam Cooke Kris Allen/Adam Lambert | 1 3 5 | Runner-up |
Lambert performed "Mad World" onThe Early Show[38] andLive with Regis and Kelly.[39] He began theAmerican Idols LIVE! Tour 2009 in July and that summer was also the recipient of two awards: theYoung Hollywood Award for Artist of the Year and theTeen Choice Award for Male Reality/Variety Star at the2009 Teen Choice Awards.[40][41]
For Your Entertainment, Lambert's first studio album, was released on November 23, 2009. Debuting at number three on theBillboard 200 and selling 198,000 copies in the US its first week,[6] the album saw Lambert in collaboration with producers such asRob Cavallo,Dr. Luke andMax Martin. Album writers includedMatthew Bellamy,Ryan Tedder,Rivers Cuomo,Justin Hawkins,P!nk,Linda Perry andLady Gaga.[42] AtMetacritic, the album received a score of 71, which indicates "generally favorable reviews".Spin said the album is "perhaps the strongest, most flavorful batch of tunes to reach anAI vet, and Lambert's polymorphous vocal skills unite dancefloor strut and hard-rock pomp in a convincing glam package."Rolling Stone, however, gave it a more mixed review: "The songs sound great but feel strangely stuffy—[it] seems like a disc that was overthought. Next time, the hugely talented Lambert should make sure he's going straight for the gut."[43]
ItsClaude Kelly andDr. Luke-produced lead single "For Your Entertainment" preceded the album's release but was not as successful as its second single "Whataya Want from Me" which impacted on charts worldwide, became his highest-peaking single (at number 10) on theBillboard Hot 100, and was nominated for theGrammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance at the53rd awards ceremony. Another notable single was "Time for Miracles", the ending theme for the disaster movie2012. As of April 2012[update],For Your Entertainment has sold nearly 2 million copies worldwide[44] and wascertified gold in the US in June 2010.[45] On November 22, Lambert performed "For Your Entertainment" at theAmerican Music Awards of 2009. The controversial performance, which was the night's finale, showed Lambert kissing a male bassist and grabbing the crotch of another.[46] In response, theParents Television Council, a conservative decency group, urged viewers to complain to theFCC and launched a formal complaint—though the performance aired "outside the FCC's usual 6am-10pm time frame prohibiting the broadcast of indecent material."[47] After receiving about 1,500 telephoned complaints,ABC canceled Lambert's November 25 performance onGood Morning America, canceled his upcoming performance onJimmy Kimmel Live!, and removed him from consideration forDick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve.[48] Discussing the incident in aRolling Stone interview, Lambert said: "Female performers have been doing this for years—pushing the envelope about sexuality—and the minute a man does it, everybody freaks out. We're in 2009—it's time to take risks, be a little more brave, time to open people's eyes and if it offends them, then maybe I'm not for them. My goal was not to piss people off, it was to promote freedom of expression and artistic freedom."[46] Lambert returned two years later as a presenter at theAmerican Music Awards of 2011 and was warmly received. Rejecting claims that the singer was banned from the show in 2009, executive producerLarry Klein said that he was anticipating future Lambert performances: "Adam Lambert is a friend of ours, he's talented and I like everything about him."[49] Lambert's performance was included in Billboard's list of "Top Ten American Music Awards Moments" on the eve of its 40th anniversary, in November 2012.[50]
In the months leading to his album release, Lambert appeared on the cover of magazines such asEntertainment Weekly in May 2009,[51]Rolling Stone in June 2009[52] andDetails in November 2009.[53] HisRolling Stone cover story became the magazine's best selling issue of the year.[54] He appeared on the cover ofOut magazine in their 2009 "Out 100" issue, sparking controversy asOut's publisher issued him an open letter questioning the "gayness" of his image.[55] In April, he became one ofPeople Magazine's Most Beautiful People 2010.[56] He was chosen forBarbara Walters' 10 Most Fascinating People of 2009, and interviewed on the show of December 10.[57] In late 2009, he performed on theLate Show with David Letterman,[58]The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien,[59] the season finale ofSo You Think You Can Dance,[60]The Jay Leno Show[61] andThe Oprah Winfrey Show.[62] He performed his first official solo concert, which sold out, atFantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, California.[63]
In April 2010, Lambert returned toAmerican Idol onninth season as the first former contestant to mentor contestants during anElvis Presley themed week, where he also performed.[64] In June, he appeared on Canada's2010 MuchMusic Video Awards to receive the UR Fav International Video award for "Whataya Want from Me".[65]
In early June 2010, Lambert embarked on his debut headliningGlam Nation Tour, playing in the United States, Europe and Asia for 113 shows, nearly all of them sold out.[66] The Indianapolis show was filmed for Lambert's first video releaseGlam Nation Live, a 13-track CD with DVD.[67] The concert, whichMTV called "out of this world", and his subsequent video release, were well-received, withEntertainment Weekly saying it "sizzles" with the energy that Lambert's vocals bring in a live concert setting.[68]Glam Nation Live debuted at number one on theSoundScan Music Video chart[69] and landed at number 12 onBillboard's 2011 year-end music video sales chart.[70] This followed the release of his firstextended play,Acoustic Live!, consisting of acoustic versions of songs recorded live in various countries. The EP garnered excellent reviews and was called "electrifying" by theNew York Daily News.[71][72] In March 2011, Lambert appeared ontenth season ofAmerican Idol to perform his song "Aftermath" and in August, he was profiled in an hour-long documentary forBehind the Music series.[73] Later in 2011, he again appeared as a mentor on a singing competition, this time onThe Hub'sMajors & Minors, coaching singing contestants who were children.[74] In November 2011, Lambert joinedQueen as the lead singer at theMTV Europe Music Awards, where the band was honored with theMTV Europe Music Award for Global Icon and performed a medley of classic hits.[75]
Lambert changed management from19 Entertainment to Direct Management Group in August 2011.[76] Thetitle track of his second studio album,Trespassing, was co-written withPharrell Williams; while the album's lead single, "Better Than I Know Myself", a collaboration with Dr. Luke and Claude Kelly, was released digitally on December 20, 2011.[77]
Trespassing was released on May 15, 2012, to positive reviews.[3][78][79] On May 23, the album debuted at number one on theBillboard 200 chart, selling 77,000 copies.[80] and at number three in United Kingdom's midweek chart.[81] His second single "Never Close Our Eyes", written byBruno Mars and produced by Dr. Luke, was released digitally on April 17, to positive reviews.[82][83] Lambert returned toAmerican Idol for his third consecutive year on the results show that precededeleventh season's finale week. The performance of May 17 of "Never Close Our Eyes" was touted for its vibrant energy and dazzle, as well as for the powerhouse vocals that had become his signature.[84][85]
Throughout the spring and summer of 2012, Lambert performed across Europe, North America, Asia and Australia, appearing in festivals, on radio and television, and in concert, including one of several headlining spots atSummer Sonic Festival 2012.[86] In September, he appeared on thefirst season finale ofThe Voice of China, the country's most popular program.[87] Lambert joined Queen for a six concert datecollaboration tour, kicking off with a two-hour extravaganza under the auspices of theUEFA inKyiv on June 30, the eve of theEuro 2012 Football Championship. Viewed live by hundreds of thousands inUkraine's main square,[88] the performance was touted for the strength of Lambert's showmanship, vocal excellence and interpretative skill, which confidently balanced old and new.[89] Almost uniformly, reviews noted Lambert's vocals, his "sizzle" and "electrifying" presence; along with the synergy of the collaboration, whichQueen guitaristBrian May called "organic".[90]
Lambert's third single, "Trespassing", was released as part of an eight track EP of remixes that included a radio edit of the original song. EntitledTrespassing Remixes, it became available to radio and digital outlets in October, with hard copies sold from his official website only.[91] "Trespassing" debuted at number one on theBillboardHot Dance Singles Sales chart, giving Lambert his tenth number oneBillboard entry.[2] On October 23, Lambert acted and performed two songs fromTrespassing in the Halloween special of the television seriesPretty Little Liars.[92]
Lambert appeared for the first time in South Africa in November, headlining arena concerts inCape Town andJohannesburg.[93] South Africa'sThe Sunday Times called Lambert's Johannesburg performance "epic" and "electrifying", stating: "His voice is stunning and his entertainment factor is through the roof."[94] Later that month he was in Hong Kong delivering a "powerful performance" at the2012 Mnet Asian Music Awards (2012 MAMA.)[95]
The albumTrespassing was rewarded in year end lists and polls, among them best album of the year atRolling Stone,[96] number three atBillboard for "Favorite 200 No.1" albums,[97] and number eight onPeople magazine's list of "Top Ten Music" in its year end issue.[98]Queen + Adam Lambert was named best live act of 2012 atGigwise,[99] and one ofClassic Rock magazine's top events of the year.[100]
Lambert left19 Recordings when his contract expired, but remained withRCA Records.[101] On February 17, the newly dubbed We Are Glamily Tour kicked off inSeoul, with seventeen stops throughout Asia and Europe.[102] His first solo concert in Hong Kong on March 5 was noted for the live debut of two songs, "Time for Miracles" and a cover ofTears for Fears' "Shout", called "stunning" and vocally impressive.[103]
Lambert won the "Favorite International Artist" category at theSTAR TV 17thChinese Music Awards held inMacau in April, also performing two songs fromTrespassing.[104] Lambert also appeared as a guest judge during auditions onChinese Idol.[105]On May 11, Lambert for his albumTrespassing along withFrank Ocean forChannel Orange were co-recipients of theGLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Music Artist at the24th GLAAD Media Awards.[106] He returned toAmerican Idol on May 16 for the fourth consecutive year, performing a duet withAngie Miller on thetwelfth season finale, where Miller was a finalist in the top three. The pair tackled the song "Titanium".[107]
In a letter sent toThe Hollywood Reporter on July 12, Lambert revealed that he would be leaving RCA due to "creative differences" centering most directly on his next release. With RCA "pushing" for a covers album, Lambert stated: "my heart is simply not in doing a covers album... I am already deep into writing new material with some very talented colleagues for a brand new album, and I can't tell you how excited I am to share this new sound and direction. This music is where my heart is."[108]
Lambert unveiled a collaboration withNile Rodgers and DJ-producerAvicii when the three appeared onstage together for the track's US debut at an August benefit concert onLong Island.[109] The song, entitled "Lay Me Down", released on Avicii's debut albumTrue on September 17 in the US, though it had already begun climbing charts worldwide.[110] It received wide acclaim in previews, and landed at number one on a compilation ofRolling Stone's favorite songs, albums and videos.[111]
Lambert and Queen made their first live concert appearance in the United States, closing the night on September 20, at the 2013iHeartRadio Music Festival at theMGM Grand Arena. Reviews for the performance were stellar, withRolling Stone stating that they dominated night one, also calling them most anticipated act of the evening, with Lambert "astound[ing] the audience."[112]Billboard was equally laudatory, remarking on the "magnetic power" of the vocals, adding that Lambert "oozed charisma".[113]
Lambert made his debut on thefifth season ofGlee on November 7, playing the role of Elliot "Starchild" Gilbert in what became a multi-episode arc. His rendition of Lady Gaga's "Marry the Night" was released prior to air date, garnering publicity and positive reviews. Accolades for Lambert's debut spotlighted his powerful vocals and dynamic presence. His remake of "Marry the Night" impactedBillboard the following week, debuting at number 39 on the Pop Digital Songs chart.[114]
Lambert was in attendance to receive two awards at China'sHuading Awards: Best International Male Vocalist and the Fan Choice Award, on December 18 in Shanghai.[115] Lambert tied at number three onForbes annual list of top earning American Idols, due to his live performances and other endeavors.[116]
In February 2014, Lambert returned toAmerican Idol, where he was a guest mentor on thethirteenth season duringRandy Jackson's two-night "Boot Camp" workshop.[117] He was a guest judge on theseason 6 premiere ofRuPaul's Drag Race the following week.[118]Glee returned on February 25 with the episode "Frenemies" featuring Lambert in a performance ofThe Darkness's "I Believe in a Thing Called Love".[119]
On May 27, 2014, acompilation albumThe Very Best of Adam Lambert was released bySony Legacy'sPlaylist series, featuring recordings from Lambert's two studio albums along with studio recordings fromAmerican Idol andGlee.[120] It debuted on theBillboard Top Internet Albums chart at number 14.[121]
Lambert started touring withRoger Taylor and Brian May of Queen in June 2014, with 35 dates in North America, Korea, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. TheQueen + Adam Lambert Tour 2014–2015 was a critical and commercial success, as reviews highlighted the musical virtuosity of May and Taylor, alongside Lambert's impressive vocal dexterity, charisma and affinity with Queen's repertoire – all augmented by the elaborate spectacle of the production.[122] In 2015, a second leg of eleven countries and 26 dates in Europe and the UK was performed.[123] On November 4, Queen + Adam Lambert was named Band of the Year at the 10th annualClassic Rock Roll of Honour Awards.[124] Following a much reviewed "soaring" performance on the UK'sThe X Factor,[125] Lambert and Queen presented an exclusive New Year's Eve concert in London atCentral Hall Westminster,Queen + Adam Lambert Rock Big Ben Live. The praised concert was called "pitch-perfect".[126] In January, Queen + Adam Lambert appeared on the cover ofClassic Rock magazine; he was applauded in the cover story by Taylor and May, who called him "a gift from god."[127] In September, Queen and Lambert headlinedRock in Rio's "30 Years Celebration" in Brazil, as part of a six date South American tour.[128] The tour was a critical success; and their Rock in Rio performance was the seven-day festival's most popular, based on ticket sales.[129]
On January 15, 2015, Lambert became the first former contestant to appear as a guest judge onAmerican Idol at thefourteenth season's New York City auditions, filling in forKeith Urban.[130] That same day, Lambert revealed in aBillboard interview that he signed toWarner Bros. Records within twenty-four hours after announcing his departure from RCA. He further stated that his upcoming studio release, scheduled for early summer with a single out in April, would be executive produced by the Swedish songwriter-producers Max Martin andShellback.[131]
Promotion for the new album,The Original High, began with a series of magazine cover stories, television appearances and teasers of the lead single, "Ghost Town", prior to its release on April 21, 2015. Also notable was "Ghost Town"'s performance at the 2015Logo Trailblazer Honors;[132] and its performance in early August on Australia'sThe Voice.Spin named it one of 2015's best songs so far; andThe New York Times stated it "was perhaps his best single to date."[133][134] "Ghost Town" entered theBillboard Hot 100 at number 73,[135] and charted on theBillboardAdult Top 40.[136] It reached 100 millionSpotify streams in early December 2015[137] and wascertified gold in the US on January 15, 2016.[138]The Original High debuted at number three on theBillboard 200 selling 42,000 albums and moving 47,000 total units, including track and streaming equivalent albums.[139] Lambert garnered his first top ten album in the United Kingdom, with a number eight debut on theUK Albums Chart.[140] As with "Ghost Town", reviews were largely positive.The Original High Tour commenced in January 2016 with six dates in Australia and New Zealand and seven dates in Japan.[141]
On August 29, Lambert received the award for Best Foreign Artist at the 2015Eska Music Awards held inSzczecin, Poland.[142] On the 30th, he made his first UK festival appearance, performing a set atFusion Festival UK 2015 inBirmingham.[143]
In early October, Lambert released "Another Lonely Night".[144] It debuted live as the new single at538LIVE XXL at theZiggo Dome in Amsterdam, and a few days later onX Factor Australia.[145][146] Twenty dates were then added to The Original High Tour to include thirteen European countries;RedFestDXB, a two-day music festival, inDubai; and two dates in China.[147] The tour commenced at No. Celebrate2016 inThe Float at Marina Bay, Singapore on December 31, 2015.[148] In November, an online petition supported by conservative groups was launched to remove Lambert from the Singapore program, citing his controversial performance at the AMA's in 2009, and active support for LGBT rights. He was not removed from the headlining spot, but it was reiterated that his performance would conform to strict broadcast regulations.[149][150]
Throughout the fall, Lambert continued appearances in the US, Europe and Asia. Notable performances includedToday,Swedish Idol,The Voice of Poland andBBC One'sStrictly Come Dancing, as a musical guest. After participating in aBillboard news conference in Beijing announcing the inclusion of China in its music charts, he was the guest performer atAlibaba'sSingles' Day event.[151][152] On December 2, he performed at theCMT "Artists of the Year" special to honorLittle Big Town and their controversial song "Girl Crush" in a duet withLeona Lewis.[153] The performance was nominated for "Performance of the Year" at the 2016CMT Music Awards.[154]
Lambert received several year end accolades, among them a number one inForbes yearly earnings ranking ofAmerican Idol contestants;[155] and the top spot inRolling Stone's "The Ten Best Albums of 2015" readers' poll, with the publication noting his "vocals are as massive as his performances."[156] In January 2016, twenty-three US dates were added to The Original High Tour, bringing it to 56 dates worldwide.[157] In mid-January, Lambert partnered withOreo to launch a diversity focused global ad campaign, "Open Up", featuring his vocals in an animated spot.[158] In February, he featured in the finale tribute toDavid Bowie atClive Davis andThe Recording Academy's pre-Grammy event.[159] In March, he debuted "Welcome to the Show" on thefifteenth season ofAmerican Idol.[160] The next week, the DJ producedSteve Aoki andFelix Jaehn track "Can't Go Home" debuted, with Lambert as the featured vocalist.[161]
In May 2016, Lambert became the new face ofMacy's lifestyle brand, I.N.C. International Concepts, and a participant in its "American Icons" summer campaign.[162]
Queen + Adam Lambert headlined Rock in RioLisbon,Sweden Rock Festival,Isle of Wight Festival, and twelve more European festivals and shows in May and June 2016 as part of theirQueen + Adam Lambert 2016 Summer Festival Tour.[163][164][non-primary source needed] In September, they headlined the 2016Formula 1Singapore Grand Prix, performed one date inTel Aviv, three dates in Tokyo, and one each inBangkok, Hong Kong, Shanghai andTaipei as part of an Asia Tour.[165] In June, Lambert joined the judging panel for theeighth season ofThe X Factor Australia to replaceJames Blunt.[166]
Lambert released his first independent, self-produced music video in July to accompany "Welcome to the Show".[167] He performed a cover ofGeorge Michael's "Faith" on the season finale ofGreatest Hits in August.[168] Lambert is featured on the single "Broken", released in August by DJ/producersTritonal in collaboration with producer Jenaux.[169]
In October, Lambert co-starred inThe Rocky Horror Picture Show: Let's Do the Time Warp Again, the television remake ofThe Rocky Horror Picture Show.[170]The X Factor Australia wrapped its 2016 season in November, withIsaiah Firebrace, a contestant of Lambert's team declared the winner.[171] In December, he performed a duet with finalistSaara Aalto onthirteenth series finale ofThe X Factor, and presented the award for British Artist of the Year on the2016 BBC Music Awards live telecast.[172] Lambert featured on the soundtrack album ofDreamWorks Animation'sCaptain Underpants: The First Epic Movie with a cover ofAretha Franklin's "Think", released in June 2017.[173]
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Queen + Adam Lambert commenceda worldwide arena tour on June 23, 2017, inGlendale, Arizona consisting of dates in North America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand.[174] The group appeared onThe Late Late Show with James Corden with Lambert andJames Corden having a sing-off to be the Queen frontman.[175] Lambert and Queen performed a mini-concert onJimmy Kimmel Live!, with a four-songset list that included the debut of a new track from Lambert entitled "Two Fux".[176] Early reviews for the shows were strongly positive, highlighting both the synergy of the collaboration, whichBillboard stated was perhaps the most "serendipitous fusion of two established recording acts" sinceFleetwood Mac; and the emergence of something new, moving the band forward.[177][178]
"Two Fux" was released to digital retailers on June 30, with reviews that were similarly positive:Yahoo! Music called it "a delightfully attitudinal rock 'n' roll waltz" exhibiting a highly confident "almost superhuman" Lambert.[179]Esquire stated the song was "effervescent, and a showcase for the nosebleed-inducing heights his falsetto can scale; it also serves as the conflation of Queen's influence and Lambert's own experiences and perspective." "Two Fux" is included in the Queen + Adam Lambert live show set list.[180]
Lambert appeared as guest judge and musical coach on an episode of thethird season ofRuPaul's Drag Race: All Stars.[181] Due to its success, the Queen + Adam Lambert tour announced a fourth leg to commence June 7 in Lisbon, ending July 8 in Dublin.[182] In March,Billboard reported that Queen + Adam Lambert topped their "Hot Tours" recap, with their Australian shows.[183]
In May, Lambert teamed up withMelissa Etheridge to open the29th GLAAD Media Awards with a "ripping" performance of Etheridges's song "I'm the Only One".[184] Days later, he appeared onLive with Kelly and Ryan, announcing a 10-date Las Vegas residency for Queen + Adam Lambert in September 2018, at thePark Theater atPark MGM. The new production, titled "The Crown Jewels", was well received.[185] Lambert changed management to Philymack.[186]
Lambert was a guest judge in the "Judges' Houses" segment on thefifteenth series ofThe X Factor in October.[187] He performed the duet "As Long as You're Mine" withLedisi onNBC'sA Very Wicked Halloween, commemoratingWicked's fifteen years onBroadway. The performance was lauded for its brilliant harmonies and "impressive vocal riffs," and later released onWicked: The 15th Anniversary Special Edition album.[188][189] On December 2, he appeared on the results show of thesixteenth series's Musicals Week ofStrictly Come Dancing, singing "We Are the Champions", fromWe Will Rock You.[190] On the same date, he performed live at theKennedy Center Honors in support of honoreeCher, singing "I Got You Babe" withCyndi Lauper and an orchestral ballad version of "Believe", called an "event high point" byThe Washington Post.[191] Following the ceremony's broadcast on December 26, Lambert's performance was widely praised.[192]
Lambert appeared with James Corden onThe Late Late Show on January 20, 2019, for anNFL themed episode, singing a parody of "Don't Stop Me Now".[193] On February 17, he performed a well-reviewed "rocking" version of "Blue Suede Shoes" onNBC'sElvis All-Star Tribute, a recreation of Elvis Presley's'68 Comeback Special.[194]
Lambert voiced the character Emperor Maximus and sang original songs forPlaymobil: The Movie, a combination animated live-action film released in 2019.[195] On December 3, Queen and Adam Lambert announced a 23 date arena and stadium tour with a brand new production for North America.The Rhapsody Tour added additional dates in New York City and Los Angeles; at 25 dates the tour ran from July 10 through August 23, 2019.[196][197]
Lambert released the song "Feel Something" on February 22, called an "achingly yearning ballad" byRolling Stone that "showcases [his] acrobatic vocal range." Co-written withBenedict Cork,Josh Cumbee and produced by Cumbee and Afshin Salmani, it was the first track revealed from the singer's then-upcoming fourth studio albumVelvet, which was released through the independent labelEmpire.[198] Calling the song "a gift" to fans and the launch of a new era prior to his official first single, Lambert explained viaInstagram the process by which he emerged from a dark period of second-guessing, compromise and disillusionment - with "Feel Something" the emotional starting point for his new work.[199] Days later he released a "captivating" live studio performance of "Feel Something", whose beauty and soothing tone capture the song's intent.[200]
On February 24, 2019, Lambert and Queen were the first rock band to open the91st Academy Awards with an "explosive" performance of two classic Queen songs in honor of the filmBohemian Rhapsody that earned a standing ovation. The following day, they announced a two-hour documentary,The Show Must Go On: The Queen + Adam Lambert Story, depicting the journey of their ongoing collaboration.[201] The film aired on ABC in April, offering rare behind-the-scenes concert footage and new interviews.[202][203] Roger Taylor appeared onGood Morning America the same morning, calling the collaboration with Lambert "magical", and an example of "fate unfolding".[204] On April 28, Lambert guest mentored theseventeenth season's top 8 finalists onAmerican Idol's Queen-themed night, and was praised for actionable advice that elevated performances.[205] In April 2019, The Rhapsody Tour expanded to include seven stadium dates in Australia and three in New Zealand, slated for February 2020; four shows in Japan and two in South Korea, for January 2020; and 26 shows in Europe including a ten show residency atThe O2 Arena in London.[206]
On May 15, 2019, Lambert released "New Eyes", the lead single from his fourth studio albumVelvet, co-written with Paris Carney and produced by Jamie Sierota. The "effortlessly cool, sleek" song fuses modern and classic rock, while its video reflects the song's lyrics and1970s-inspired aesthetic. Directed by Miles & AJ, the video was the first part of a short film that accompanied the lead-up to the album release.[207][208] Lambert returned toAmerican Idol for its May 19 season finale to perform "New Eyes" and a duet ofBohemian Rhapsody with contestant Dimitrius Graham.[209] On May 31, he performed "New Eyes" onThe Ellen DeGeneres Show and again on June 24 on theeighth season finale ofThe Voice Australia.[210][211]
Lambert releasedThe Monarch-produced track "Comin in Hot" on June 26, along with the second video installment of the short film supportingVelvet. The video was called "bewitching" and "mesmerizing", and the song said to extend the '70s rock-driven sound of the album's first single. Lambert revealed thatVelvet would be released in two parts, withSide A slated for September 2019.[212][213] "Comin In Hot" saw its broadcast debut on June 28 when Lambert performed a five-song set and was interviewed onGood Morning America's Summer Concert Series, in celebration of Pride month andWorldPride NYC 2019.[214]
On September 4, Lambert released the single and video for "Superpower", appearing onVelvet: Side A, the first half of his fourth studio album. TheTommy English produced song was co-written by Lambert, English andIlsey Juber, with video direction by Millient Hailes. Its weighty baseline and "smooth falsettos" reflect the '70s rock, funk-heavy core of the multi-genre album, which was released on September 27.Billboard called the 6 track EP his "best work yet", exuding confidence and raw vocal power.[215] His proficiency and artistry across genres was also noted.[216] He performed "Superpower" live on October 2 onLive with Kelly and Ryan, and for Halloween week of BBC One'sStrictly Come Dancing.[217][218] On the 12th, he delivered a "show-stopping" performance of "Superpower" onThe Talk.[219] On October 15, a live black-and-white video version of the track "Closer to You" fromVelvet: Side A was released, lauded as "a vocal masterclass".[220] Its broadcast debut onThe Late Late Show with James Corden was highly praised, characterized as "scaling the song's heights with pop operatic virtuosity."[221]
On September 28, Lambert with Queen headlined the 2019Global Citizen Festival in New York City'sCentral Park. Dedicated to mobilizing world governments to eradicate extreme poverty andaddress climate change, the festival posted its best ratings yet: with 60,000 in attendance and nearly 21 million views worldwide, it generated close to $1 billion in pledges.[222][223]
In November, Lambert released a cover of "Please Come Home for Christmas" for theSpotify Singles: Holiday Collection.[224] He was among several performers at the Avicii tribute concert atFriends Arena in Stockholm on December 5, to support suicide prevention and promote mental health awareness.[225] On December 6, Lambert released a cover of Cher's "Believe" based on his 2018 performance at the Kennedy Center Honors.[226] He performed the song as a duet with Katie Kadan on the December 17 finale of theseventeenth season ofThe Voice.[227] On December 22, he performed on theCBS specialA Home for the Holidays Christmas special to raise awareness about adoption and the foster care system.[228] Lambert gave four well received solo concerts throughout December to promoteVelvet: Side A.[229]
In January 2020, Lambert was nominated for aGLAAD Media Award in the Outstanding Music Artist category forVelvet: Side A.[230] Lambert opened the31st GLAAD Media Awards with a special performance on March 19 in New York City.[231] On February 16 in Sydney, Lambert with Queen performed at theFire Fight Australia concert to raise funds for relief from Australia's bushfires and replicated Queen's 1985Live Aid set in its entirety.[232]
On February 4, 2020, Lambert released the retro-funk track "Roses" featuringNile Rodgers. The Velvet Tour began on August 3 atManchester Pride, followed by London'sSSE Arena Wembley and seven more shows across Europe. The tour was preceded by a mini-residence of five shows at The Venetian Theatre atThe Venetian Las Vegas in April.[233][234][235][non-primary source needed]
Lambert with Queen united virtually on April 30 to release "You Are the Champions", a reimagining of "We Are the Champions", on streaming and download services, with proceeds going to theWorld Health Organization'sCOVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund.[236] In May, Lambert was part of a 3-day livestream event called "Stronger Than You Think", a conversation to address mental health issues affecting teens and young adults, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.[237] In June, he appeared onThe Late Late Show with James Corden to discuss his support and experience of theBlack Lives Matter movement, and gave an acoustic performance of "On the Moon" fromVelvet.[238] Lambert participated in theGrammy Museum's virtualPrograms at Home, with an in-depth interview and acoustic four song set.[239] In July, in support ofJoe Biden's presidential bid, he performed "Ready to Run" at Biden's live-streaming fundraiser "Celebration for Change".[240]
Queen with Lambert released their first album on October 2, 2020,Live Around the World.[241] Debuting at number one on theUK's Official Albums Chart,[242] it was followed by a concert film of the same name on January 29, 2021, with tour footage and streaming or purchase access.[243] The group announced that their United Kingdom and European tour would be postponed a second time to 2022 with multiple shows subsequently added.[244]
In November, the comedy television seriesMoonbase 8 debuted, with Lambert in a non-musical guest acting role.[245] Lambert sang "Starman" for the three-hour livestream event, "A Bowie Celebration", on what would have been David Bowie's 74th birthday.[246] He played the role of "Emile" inRatatouille the Musical, a first of its kind collaboration betweenTikTok and the theater community. What emerged was a full Broadway-style musical, streamed on January 1, raising two million dollars forThe Actors Fund, and scoring aDrama League Award nomination in an expanded digital category.[247][248] Lambert sang on the concept recording ofCinderella, "rocking out" in hisPrince Charming solo. The album was released in July, and debuted at number one on theUK Official Compilations Chart, later garnering a 2022 Grammy nomination forBest Musical Theater Album as the64th Annual Grammy Awards.[249][250][251]
Lambert was supposed to perform during a North American summer tour withChristina Aguilera throughout 2020. These plans were ultimately cancelled due to theCOVID-19 pandemic.[252][253]
Lambert, through his Feel Something Foundation in partnership withPride Live, curated and headlined a three-day festival, the annual JuneStonewall Day global celebration, to boost and preserve the legacy of theStonewall riots and LGBTQ activism.[254] He appeared onThe Kelly Clarkson Show on January 26, and discussed the possibility of developing his own beauty brand.[255] In March 2021, Lambert revealed that he was writing a Broadway-style rock and roll stage musical in collaboration with other songwriters. Set in the 1970s, the work will be about a real person; and represents his intent to expand into other creative spaces like acting and producing.[256]
Lambert sang "These Are Your Rights", an "anthemic power ballad", for the episode "The Bill of Rights" inWe the People released on July fourth.[257][258] In September, he participated inGlobal Citizen Live, a worldwide 24-hour broadcast and livestream event to defeat poverty and address the global effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.[259] In May he appeared as a guest judge on thesecond season ofLegendary.[260] Lambert appeared onThe Ellen DeGeneres Show in advance of his role as a judge on the reality competitionClash of the Cover Bands, that debuted in October.[261][262]
He voicedThe Devil on the animated seriesA Tale Dark & Grimm, that also debuted in fall 2021.[263][264][265] He returned to Las Vegas for six solo shows at The Venetian Theatre at The Venetian Las Vegas in October.[266][267] In November, Lambert performed onThe Queen Family Singalong.[268]OnThe Kelly Clarkson Show, he performed the duet he recorded withDarren Criss for Criss' holiday albumA Very Darren Crissmas, "(Everybody's Waitin' for) The Man with the Bag"; a music video of the track was released the following day.[269] Lambert performed two songs to close the 2021 ITV Palooza event; and appeared as a judge on the talent showStarstruck, that debuted on February 12.[270][non-primary source needed][271]
Lambert performed on the second annual global livestream event, "Rise Up With The Arts", which went live onWorld Theatre Day, March 27. In response to theRusso-Ukrainian War, funds raised were designated forSave the Children's emergency appeal for Ukraine, as well as to support the theater community and the charity "icandance".[272] Lambert headlined the April 30 show ofSunFest music festival inWest Palm Beach, Florida; later he announced four more Florida solo shows plus one in Georgia, unofficially dubbing the dates the "Say Gay" tour in response to Florida's recently enacted"Don't Say Gay" bill.[273][274][non-primary source needed]
Queen and Lambert began the European leg of The Rhapsody Tour on May 27 and concluded on July 25.[275] On June 4, they opened thePlatinum Party at the Palace with a three-song set outsideBuckingham Palace, in honor ofElizabeth II'sPlatinum Jubilee.[276]
Lambert appeared in the filmFairyland that debuted at the2023 Sundance Film Festival in January 2023.[277][278] Lambert received an award from theCreative Coalition's Spotlight Initiative, whose awards ceremony gala took place during Sundance.[279] He returned to Las Vegas in October for the Halloween themed concert series "The Witch Hunt", consisting of three shows at theEncore atWynn Las Vegas; five California dates were subsequently added to the mini tour that concluded with a livestreamed show at theHollywood Palladium on October 30.[280][281][non-primary source needed] Lambert returned toWarner Music Group with global representation onEast West Records. His first single release on the label was a cover ofNoël Coward's "Mad About the Boy" that would feature in a documentary about Coward of the same name released in 2023.[282] Lambert debuted the track with an "amazing" live performance on thetwentieth series ofStrictly Come Dancing.[283] Also in October he performed two duets withJennifer Hudson, including the aria "Nessun dorma", onThe Jennifer Hudson Show.[284]
In February Lambert released his fifth studio album,High Drama, a collection of cover songs. It debuted at number five on the UK Albums Chart, marking his first solo entry in the UK Official Charts top ten.[285] Its number seven debut onBillboard'sTop Albums Sales chart was his fifth top ten entry in this category.[286] The video and song, "Ordinary World", was released and was called "haunting" in its sound. The song debuted with a performance on thetwenty-second season finale ofThe Voice that Lambert dedicated to the victims of theNovember shootings at the LGBTQ+ Club Q.[287][288] Lambert was a judge onBritain Get Singing, a televised celebrity singing competition in support of mental health.[289] He debutedHigh Drama's secong single, "a glam-rock makeover" of "Holding Out for a Hero", onThe National Lottery's Big Bash end-of-year special held at Ovo Arena Wembley, televised on New Year's Eve.[290][291] On December 17, he performed onThe Jonathan Ross Show's Christmas episode.[292] He performed a "show-stopping" version of "Chandelier" fromHigh Drama onAmerica's Got Talent: All-Stars February 27 finale with the season's winner.[293]Lambert held a one-off album launch show at London'sKOKO concert venue on February 27.[294] He began a series of solo concert dates in June, beginning withRoyal Albert Hall in London.[295][296] In early March, he performed onThe Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,[297]Good Morning America,[298][non-primary source needed]The View[299][non-primary source needed] andAustralian Idol;[300][non-primary source needed] and was interviewed for aNightline segment.[301][non-primary source needed] On April 17, he appeared onThat's My Jam and performed an "hysterical and impressive" version of "The Muffin Man" as Cher that went viral.[293][302]
Queen + Adam Lambert expanded The Rhapsody Tour, adding 22 dates in North America starting in October in Baltimore and finishing in Los Angeles in November.[303] They headlined the last night of the Formula 1 LenovoUnited States Grand Prix in October atCircuit of the Americas inAustin, Texas.[304] In February 2024, they will perform five mega dome concerts in Japan.[305]
Lambert returned toAmerican Idol on April 30 to mentor the top twelve oftwenty-first season on aRock and Roll Hall of Fame themed night; also performing "I Can't Stand the Rain", praised for its "glam magic".[306] He performed atCapitalSummertime Ball in Wembley Stadium on June 11;[307] and at theamfAR Gala on May 25, an annual event to benefit AIDS research, held during theCannes Film Festival.[308] On June 30, he received theSilver Clef Award for international artist at theNordoff and Robbins awards ceremony. The latter is a charitable organization that raises money to train music therapists to work with populations with largely mental health disabilities.[309]
Noting thatPride seemed "more important now than ever", Lambert had an active Pride season. To kick off Pride Month, on June 1 he hosted a live discussion with military service members and their spouses.[310][non-primary source needed] He headlinedLondon Pride on July 1, having released the cover single, "You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)" withSigala, named the official song of London Pride.[311] In honor of Pride Month, he collaborated with Orly beauty to release a nail polish collection, the "Adam Lambert x Orly: High Drama Collection", with proceeds going to the non-profit "Stand With Trans" in support of trans youth and their families.[312] Lambert's "Feel Something Foundation" collaborated withMusiCares andBMG to host a panelCare/Feel that addressed the intersection of mental health and "queer" identity in the music industry, moderated by Lambert.[313]
ITV announced that Lambert will create a documentary focused on queer music history and the experience of LGBTQ+ artists as they navigate the music industry. His own perspective will be explored in the program,Loud: An Adam Lambert Documentary.[314] On December 8, Lambert performed atPrincess Catherine's "Together at Christmas" special atWestminster Abbey. The program, airing Christmas Eve, is in support of early child development efforts as part of the Princess's "Shaping Us" awareness campaign.[315] He will be a judge onBritain Get Singing, a Christmas special in support of ITV's mental health campaignBritain Get Talking.[316]
In February 2024, it was announced that Lambert would be featured as a judge on thethirteenth season ofThe Voice Australia, alongsideGuy Sebastian,Kate Miller-Heidke, andLeAnn Rimes.[317] In March, he voiced a character and sang the theme song forMegamind Rules!.[318] Additionally, he voiced a character for the second season ofApple TV+'s original seriesFraggle Rock: Back to the Rock, singing a reimagined version of a series original "Free and High".[319]
In May 2024, Lambert was a guest performer on theninth season ofSinger, a singing competition for professional singers.[320]
In July 2024, it was announced that Lambert will take over the role of Emcee in theBroadway production ofCabaret, alongsideAuliʻi Cravalho who will take over the role of Sally Bowles beginning September 16.[321]
Critics, celebrities and colleagues have been outspoken in their praise for Lambert's vocal command. Kathie Bretches-Urban, co-founder of Metropolitan Educational Theatre Network (now MET2)[322] where Lambert performed as a youth, said "He has invested his entire life in music and performing ... He'd just come out onstage, and it popped."[323] Record producerRob Cavallo once described Lambert as having an unlimited range and able to sing every note on a guitar from the lowest to the highest.[324] In a March 2012 interview, rock artistMeat Loaf rated Lambert's voice in the company of only two others,Whitney Houston andAretha Franklin, based on "that jet pack quality to their voice that just lets it take off."[325]
In 2011, when he took the stage at theMTV Europe Music Awards, honoreeQueen guitaristBrian May noted that Lambert's voice has "sensitivity, depth, maturity, and awesome range and power which will make jaws drop";[326] whileRoger Taylor added that Lambert had "the best range I've ever heard" in aBBC interview in 2012.[327]Pharrell Williams, after collaborating with Lambert on hisTrespassing album, commented, "This kid has a voice like a siren – there's no guys singing in thatSteve Winwood-Peter Cetera range."[328]
In October 2012, theSunday Mirror reported that Lambert insured his voice for $48 million. A source told the tabloid newspaper: "Insurance for stars is a big deal in the US and Adam's voice is his bacon."[329]
In a 2019 interviewJames Michael, lead vocalist for the bandSixx:A.M., praised Lambert's vocal technique, power and the facility of his vocal control - judging him one of the best vocalists in the world.[330]
Lambert is best known for his theatrical performance style and meticulous attention to detail in all aspects of his personal presentation. He draws upon extensive stage experience in the ease with which he can refine and define his image through fashion and other imagery, which are essential to how he chooses to inhabit his songs, rivet his audiences and showcase his individuality.[331] While a contestant onAmerican Idol, Lambert's precise yet varied stagings of himself kept audiences and judges glued as much to his presentation as to his vocal talent.[332] His signature flamboyance and glam rock styling was a break-out moment in men's fashion, duly noted by fashion publications and taste-makers, who compared him toLady Gaga in terms of crossing style boundaries and being unabashedly individual.[333][334]
Lambert made three fashion related TV appearances at the close of 2010. He fused his passion for music and fashion onMTV's "Talk@Playground", appearing in discussion with Skingraft designer Jonny Cota.[335] He was a guest judge onProject Runway in an episode that styled a rock band for their upcomingRolling Stone cover.[336] He was the subject for whom the young designers of "All on the Line withJoe Zee" created a modern look, which he then critiqued along with the show's hosts.[337]
Lambert continued to grace the covers of magazines, moving more specifically into the fashion and culture space.[338][339] Reflecting the mood and concept behind his albumTrespassing, theFault Magazine fashion shoot exemplified Lambert's commitment to aligning the elements of his artistic vision so that a cohesive narrative emerges.[340] When Lambert appeared on the December 2012 cover of London-based high style magazineFiasco's "Obsession" issue, he again took the opportunity to manipulate and provoke with his image and style. Sporting a sophisticated, minimalist look that recalledold Hollywood, Lambert played with male stereotypes and representations; and in the interview, emphasized that his fashion and presentation are often disparate from gay as well as straight regimes: "For the general audience, they look at the way I style myself and they go, 'Errrr, that's gay', but you ask a handful of gay guys and they're like, 'I would never wear that!'"[341][342]
In August 2015, he was one of four artists to appear on the cover ofBillboard's "Music's Men of Style" issue. He discussed his natural shift towards a cleaner, more classic look; and reiterated that the intersection of music and fashion—the constant motion of trends—is a fascination and part of being a pop musician.[343]
Lambert is represented by London-based MiLK Management modeling agency as of July 2016[update].[10]
Lambert was inspired when his father gave him access to his large record collection of1970s music. He was attracted to theatrical rock from artists like Queen,Led Zeppelin, andAerosmith. Among his strongest influences are British singers such asFreddie Mercury,David Bowie andRobert Plant: "Those are the people I really gravitate towards."[344] Lambert referred toMichael Jackson andMadonna as "King and Queen" because they creatively merged music with makeup, fashion and cinematic video.[345][346] He also citesChristina Aguilera as an inspiration to him as a vocalist.[347][348]
In March 2013, Lambert wrote an article forOut magazine's tribute to David Bowie, who was about to release a new album. In it, he explained how Bowie helped inform the expression of his own sexuality and gender in his work: "A light bulb went off—I wasn't into drag, I didn't want to dress like a woman, but I wanted to express my gender and artistic identity differently than the mainstream. Bowie was a key inspiration. It was about the androgyny of mixing it up, and that was what was so incredible about his concepts—he was one of the first rock stars to really push the idea that sexuality was not black and white but an exploration."[349]
Lambert's own music has been influenced by numerous genres includingclassic rock, pop, andelectronic music; and his performance style draws heavily from his stage experience.[350] Lambert envisions himself as the type of artist "that creates from the ground up, not only an amazing song, but one with a beat, and a story, and a look, and a theme."[346] For his second album, he used inspiration from classicdisco, 1990selectronica,funk anddubstep music.[328]
Since his appearance onAmerican Idol, Lambert has lent considerable support and time to charitable causes. As of October 2011[update], financial donations reached the $1,000,000 mark.[351]
In January 2010, in lieu of gifts for his 28th birthday, Lambert asked fans to donate toDonorsChoose.org, as 2,435 fans donated $322,700.[352] In June 2010, Lambert teamed with the charity for his "Glam A Classroom" campaign, raising another $208,590, supported by 3,020 fans.[353] In October 2010, he collaborated on a second Signature Collection with The Pennyroyal Studio, which sold out after raising $43,092 for DonorsChoose.[354] Lambert contributed to theMusiCares charity when he and The Pennyroyal Studio collaborated on the design of anEye of Horus pendant, whose sale raised $32,000 in 7 days.[355]
In January 2011, he began a campaign to raise $29,000 forcharity: water to commemorate his 29th birthday and the campaign raised $323,803, which helped 16,190 people receive clean water.[356] He continued his efforts for his 30th birthday, in January 2012, this time asking fans to "give up" their birthdays in an ongoing drive that raised $82,000 by May 2012.[357] In June 2013, an accounting by charity:water listed 55 projects thus far completed with funds raised by Lambert.[358]
Lambert returned to theAmerican Idol stage for the March 10, 2011, results show, singing an acoustic version of hisFor Your Entertainment track "Aftermath". After the performance, a dance remix version was made available for purchase, with proceeds benefitingThe Trevor Project.[359]
Lambert performed at aRoyal Albert Hall concert on June 7, 2012, benefiting the Rays Of Sunshine Children's Charity.[360] On June 30,Elton John and Queen + Adam Lambert coordinated with theOlena PinchukANTIAIDS Foundation for a concert to benefit the fight againstHIV/AIDS.[361] On September 25, 2012, Lambert headlined a fundraising benefit in Washington, D.C., on behalf of Marylanders for Marriage Equality.[362]
On January 31, 2013, he received the Unity Award, which honors artists whose music spreads "peaceful messages", from theWe Are Family Foundation at their 2012 Celebration Gala 2.0.[363] Lambert "donated" his 31st birthday to the charity, raising more than $82,000 in just over a week.[364] For his 32nd birthday, he chose the charity again, coordinating with artist Chris Saunders on the creation of limited and open edition prints and posters whose sales benefited the foundation.[365] On May 25, Lambert was a participant in the opening ceremony of 2013Life Ball in Vienna.[366] Appearing asAli Baba, he performed the gala's official song, "Love Wins Over Glamour", which he co-wrote with the Vienna-based production team Beat4Feet.[367] On June 23, he sang "The Star-Spangled Banner" to open Broadway Bares to benefitBroadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.[368] Lambert was a featured performer at the August 19 Dance Party event inRiverhead,Long Island, benefiting All for the East End (AFTEE).[109] On November 2, he was the musical entertainer for South Florida'sMake-A-Wish Foundation Ball.[369] The sold-out 2013 Ball raised a record-breaking 2 million dollars.[370]
Lambert was featured in the video launch forUNICEF's #IMAGINE campaign.[371] In collaboration with Queen, he is a participant inCoca-Cola's [RED] campaign to help end mother-to-child HIV transmission.[372] In June 2015, he performed at theRoundhouse for the "One for the Boys" Fashion Ball.[373] Earlier that month, he performed at the "Live Aid Uusi Lastensairaala" concert in Finland.[374] In July 2016, he took part in the charity single "Hands", a tribute to the victims of theOrlando nightclub shooting.[375]
In August 2017, Lambert performed a mini-set tribute toGeorge Michael atProject Angel Food's Angel Awards gala, where Michael was the recipient of theElizabeth Taylor Humanitarian Award, in recognition of his philanthropy.[376] Lambert through his "Feel Something Foundation" again worked with the charity in November 2020 to deliver medically tailored Thanksgiving meals to those most vulnerable during COVID.[377] He performed a duet in October withCynthia Erivo for the virtual 2020 Carousel of Hope Ball in support of the Children's Diabetes Foundation.[378] In July 2021, he helped raise $1.1 million in funds for Project Angel Food during theirKTLA telethon.[379]
Lambert has been a contributor tosocial justice.[380] Lambert stated, "I feel like with celebrity and visibility and fame, there's a responsibility to try to give back and try to use the visibility for the greater good. It's not all about me. It's about trying to raise awareness and getting people to take action."[381] His heavily provocative AMA performance, featuring a gay kiss on live television, served to push societal boundaries by highlighting a double standard of ethics in media regulation as well.[46][382]
Lambert received a nomination for Outstanding Music Artist at the21st GLAAD Media Awards in 2010. The same year, he lent his voice to a one-and-a-half-minute video message on YouTube for theIt Gets Better campaign – a project created by columnistDan Savage in response to school bullying and a rash ofsuicides among LGBT youth.[383]
Lambert was presented the "Equality Idol Award" bySam Sparro at theEquality California Los Angeles Equality Awards in August 2011 for being an exemplary role model for the LGBT community.[384] He was honored with his mother the following month at thePFLAG National Los Angeles event for his "authentic" voice.[385] The following March, he released a Billboard remix version of hisFor Your Entertainment song "Aftermath" with a portion of the proceeds going to supportThe Trevor Project, the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBT youth.[386] He raised an additional $43,500 for The Trevor Project after collaborating with The Pennyroyal Studio to make his own Peace pendant.[387][388] In October 2011, donations on behalf of the Adam Lambert Glambert Fan Army for the MTV Dance Party Marathon raised funds to combat bullying in honor of National Bullying Prevention Month.[389] Lambert was a participant inSpirit Day, a movement begun in 2010 to honor LGBT lives lost to suicide, "going purple" in the push to support LGBT youth in the fight against bullying.[390] In December, he performed at the "Cyndi Lauper & Friends: Home for the Holidays" benefit concert, which raised funds in support of the "True Colors Fund" and the organization's "Forty to None Project", targeting the epidemic of homelessness among LGBT youth.[391] In January 2012, in an exclusive interview with UK music news magazinePressparty, Lambert noted that despite social progress in the US, there was still a long way to go, particularly in the music industry: "I still long for the LGBT community's diversity to be more broadly represented in the entertainment industry. I think larger strides have been made in film and TV but we still are just at the beginning with mainstream music. I consider myself a post-gay man working in a pre-gay industry."[392]
Lambert was the headline performer at theMiami Beach Gay Pride Parade and Festival on April 14, 2013, and was also given the key to the city.[393] Lambert was presented with the prestigiousGLAAD Davidson/Valentini Award on May 11 in San Francisco. The honorary award is bestowed yearly to out media professionals who have made a significant difference in promoting equal rights in the LGBT community.[394] On May 30, he was honored with the "Hope of Los Angeles Award" as part of the city's 3rd Annual LGBT Heritage Month.[395] Lambert is featured in "The New F Word" campaign sponsored by the grassroots Friend Movement organization, which has launched a global effort aimed at self-empowerment and raising anti-bullying awareness through positive images in media and the arts.[396] On June 15, declared "Adam Lambert Day" by the City Council,[397] he headlinedPittsburgh's "Pride in the Street" concert.[398] In honor of Pride season, Lambert partnered withAT&T and The Trevor Project for the "Live Proud Campaign", aiming to empower and raise awareness in theLGBTQ community.[399] The $50,000 goal was met and on July 3 a check presentation was made to The Trevor Project during the private finale show given by Lambert.[400] At the October 15 Los Angeles premiere of the movieBridegroom, Lambert revealed that he donated a song to the score, and felt "humbled" to be connected to the project. The powerful documentary about the intersection of love and the politics of marriage equality won the 2013Tribeca Film Festival's Audience Award for Best Documentary.[401] Lambert was one of the featured performers at the TrevorLIVE gala on December 8 at theHollywood Palladium.[402] In February 2014, he performed for theFamily Equality Council's 10th Annual Los Angeles Award's dinner.[403] In June 2014, he teamed up with AT&T for its second annual "Live Proud" campaign, again in support of LGBT Pride Month and Pride season.[404][405]
In April 2015 he was the recipient of the "Music Icon" award at the 2015British LGBT Awards, honoring those whose actions help promote equality.[406] In October, he received the "Music Award/ International Album" at theAttitude Pride Awards in London.[407]
In June 2017,Pride month, Lambert was a speaker at the Los AngelesPride march, delivering a message against hate in all its human rights presentations.[180][408] A few weeks earlier, he co-hostedBuzzFeed's first "Queer Prom" for LGBTQ high school seniors from across the US.[409] He was featured inBillboard's tribute to Pride month, naming the LGBTQ community his "true inspiration" and "life lines".[410] Released during Pride week, Lambert's newest single, "Two Fux", is a Pride anthem.[411] Lambert performed forPoint Foundation Honors Gala in October 2017 in recognition of those who had made a significant impact on the LGBTQ community. Point Foundation is the largest scholarship-granting organization for LGBTQ students of merit in the country.[412] Later in the month, he performed on behalf ofGLAAD's kickoff to its annualSpirit Day at the 'Believer' Spirit Day concert event.[413] In May 2018, along withMelissa Etheridge, he performed to open the29th GLAAD Media Awards in New York City;[184] and later in the month hosted a talk for teenagers at the Mosaic LGBT Youth Centre in London. Mosaic is an organization that seeks to support, educate and inspire by offering a safe space and variety of programs for LGBTQ+ youth.[414]
In January 2020, Lambert launched an LGBTQ+ non-profit advocacy group called the Feel Something Foundation, a name it shares with his first single release from the albumVelvet. Its mission is to support "LGBTQ+ organizations that are moving the needle for communities of all ages and backgrounds," and impacting important areas of LGBTQ life. Another specific goal is to "abolish 'coming out' as a term used to define someone simply being themselves."[415] During theCOVID-19 pandemic lockdown, the Foundation in partnership witheBay launched two charity auctions of Lambert's stage-wear, with funds raised directed to GLAAD for LGBTQ people in need. The auction in June kicked off a series of events for Pride 2020 in support of GLAAD's youth engagement programs, including a panel with their Campus Ambassadors from around the US.[416] In April 2020, Lambert had participated in GLAAD'sTogether in Pride: You Are Not Alone livestream event, raising funds for LGBTQ community centers providing critical services during COVID.[417] In early June, he announced a sizable donation from the Foundation to the LGBTQ Freedom Fund, to assist with bail for community members that were arrested during peaceful protests ofBlack Lives Matter.[418] On June 28, the Pride Music Business Creatives Roundtable was hosted by the Foundation, with Lambert and special guest artists discussing discrimination in the industry, their own coming out stories, and steps forward toward LGBTQ equalty.[419] Other notable Pride performances included "Can't Cancel Pride" to support multiple LGBTQ+ organizations;[420] andGlobal Pride, a 24-hour live-stream event, at which he also spoke on behalf of Black Lives Matter and people of color in the community.[421] Lambert featured in a speaking segment onConde Nast's LGBTQ brand them.'s "Out Now Live", a virtual pride celebration to educate, entertain and raise money for theAli Forney Center targeting LGBTQ youth homelessness.[422] In December he again performed for Cyndi Lauper's annual "Home for the Holidays" benefit concert for True Colors United, which works to combat homelessness in LGBTQ+ youth.[423] He hosted the first of two Stonewall Day Unplugged sessions on February 18 as part of the lead up to the June Stonewall Day celebration that Lambert, through his Feel Something Foundation, headlined and curated withPride Live.[13]
The resulting OUTLOUD: Raising Voices event in 2021 featured a "queer for queer" lineup of LGBTQ artists.[424] On March 4, he participated in a celebratory event in support of the Center for Gender-Affirming Care at San Diego'sRady Children's Hospital.[425] Lambert, through his Feel Something Foundation, teamed up with Soundwaves Art Foundation in late March to create art prints, 100% of whose sale's profits would benefit The Trevor Project.[426][non-primary source needed] He appeared on theLos Angeles LGBT Center's Love in Action telethon on August 14, 2021.[427] In collaboration with his Feel Something Foundation, he directed his 2023 and 2024 birthday donations to the non-profit "Stand with Trans", whose support for queer mental health and wellness aligns with his foundation's.[428][non-primary source needed]
In October 2023, Lambert signed theArtists4Ceasefire open letter toJoe Biden, President of the United States, calling for a ceasefire of theIsraeli bombardment of Gaza.[429]
After being outed on the internet during his bid to winAmerican Idol, Adam Lambert confirmed that he was gay in aRolling Stone cover interview that was published in June 2009.[430] He was in a relationship with Finnish entertainment reporter and reality TV personalitySauli Koskinen from November 2010 until April 2013, when Lambert announced that the couple had split up amicably.[431] From March to November 2019, Lambert was in a relationship with model Javi Costa Polo.[432]
Lambert got his first tattoo at 27, just before the start ofAmerican Idol. That tattoo, anEye of Horus, was placed on his wrist. Since then, he has covered his arms and torso[433] with work by notable tattoo artistsMaxime Plescia-Büchi,[434] Daniel Meyer,[435] and Roxx.[436]
In November 2023, Lambert, in collaboration withRoger Taylor, Sarina Taylor, Bryan Patrick Franklin, and Michael Solis, opened The Wild bar inWest Hollywood, California.[437]
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | The Ten Commandments: The Musical | Joshua | |
| 2014 | Lennon or McCartney | Himself | Documentary short[439] |
| 2018 | Bohemian Rhapsody | Truck Driver | Uncredited |
| 2019 | Playmobil: The Movie | Emperor Maximus | Voice |
| 2021 | Ratatouille: The Tiktok Musical | Emile | |
| 2023 | Fairyland | Charlie | |
| 2024 | Megamind vs. the Doom Syndicate | Machiavillain | Voice |
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | American Idol | Himself (contestant) | Season 8, 2nd place |
| 2010 | American Idol | Himself (mentor) | Season 9, Episode: "Top 9 – Elvis Presley" |
| 2011 | Project Runway | Himself (guest judge) | Season 9, Episode: "Image is Everything" |
| Majors & Minors | Himself (mentor) | 2 episodes | |
| 2012 | Pretty Little Liars | Himself | Episode: "This Is a Dark Ride" |
| VH1 Divas 2012 | Himself (host) | Television special | |
| 2013–2014 | Glee | Elliot "Starchild" Gilbert | 5 episodes |
| 2014 | American Idol | Himself (mentor) | Season 13, Episode: "Boot Camp" |
| RuPaul's Drag Race | Himself (guest judge) | Season 6, Episode: "RuPaul's Big Opening (Part 1)" | |
| 2015 | American Idol | Season 14, Episode: "Long Island Auditions" | |
| 2016 | The Rocky Horror Picture Show: Let's Do the Time Warp Again | Eddie | Television movie[440] |
| The X Factor | Himself (judge) | Season 8 | |
| 2018 | RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars | Himself (guest judge) | Season 3, Episode: "Handmaids to Kitty Girls" |
| The Voice | Himself (advisor) | Season 7, Episode: "Knockouts 1" | |
| 2019 | American Idol | Himself (mentor) | Season 17, Episode: "Top 8 – Queen Night" |
| The Show Must Go On: The Queen + Adam Lambert Story | Himself | Television documentary | |
| 2020 | One World: Together at Home | Television special | |
| Together in Pride: You Are Not Alone | |||
| Moonbase 8 | Billy | Episode: "Visitors" | |
| 2021 | Legendary | Himself (guest judge) | Season 2, Episode: "Ovah!" |
| We The People | Himself | Voice, Episode: "The Bill of Rights" | |
| A Tale Dark & Grimm | The Devil | 6 episodes | |
| Clash of the Cover Bands | Himself (judge) | 10 episodes | |
| 2022–2023 | Starstruck | 15 episodes | |
| Britain Get Singing | Television specials, Seasons 1 and 2 | ||
| 2023 | American Idol | Himself (mentor) | Season 21, Episode: "Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Night" |
| RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under | Himself (guest judge) | Season 3, Episode: "Fake Housewives of Down Under" | |
| 2024 | Megamind Rules! | Machiavillain (voice) | Voice, 4 episodes |
| Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock | The Great Glitterini (voice) | Voice, Season 2, Episode: "I'm Pogey" | |
| The Voice Australia | Himself (coach) | Season 13 |
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 110 in the Shade | Phil Mackey | Pasadena Playhouse |
| The Ten Commandments: The Musical | Joshua | Kodak Theatre | |
| 2005–2007 | Wicked | Ensemble u/sFiyero | US Tour |
| 2007–2008 | Hollywood Pantages Theatre | ||
| 2024–2025 | Cabaret | The Emcee | August Wilson Theatre,Broadway |
| 2025 | Jesus Christ Superstar | Judas Iscariot | Hollywood Bowl[441] |
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
