He's here, he is what he is, get used to it.
Adam Lambert went for full-on shock effect at the American Music Awards tonight with his titillating onstage performance of the first single from his new album, For Your Entertainment (releasing tomorrow, 11/23).
The definitely non-PC, probably NSFW performance featured crotches being grabbed, faces being pushed into crotches, men on leashes (hey, didn't Madonna do all that stuff too?), pole dancing (didn't Miley Cyrus do that?), and other NC-17 rated goodies:
Adam had promised the LA Times a "sexy, kinky performance" tonight, and he delivered.
The performance got the attention of his fans, some of who are now calling themselves ex-fans. Comments on discussion boards about tonight's performance are calling Adam "disgusting and pornographic". Some people are saying they were going to buy his album, but after tonight, they've changed their minds.
Well, jolly good for them. Those flip-floppers are NOT the people who will help him succeed. Let them disappear into the white-bread Kris Allen or Danny Gokey camps. That's where they belonged in the first place. Wannabes - gotta love 'em. Or not. As Adam would say, "Whatever."
Adam's true, die-hard fans saw the performance for what it was - Adam's official post-American Idol arrival, his chance to grab America (and beyond) by the cojones on the eve of his big album debut.
One can't help but wonder, if a straight female artist like Christina Aguilera, Rihanna or Britney Spears had given the same performance, would their be all this fuss? It's doubtful. Was there perhaps some homophobia in the air tonight?
This performance was Adam's way of letting the world know he's loud and proud, he doesn't give a damn about critics, and he's going to do this thing his way, take it or leave it. That's the heart and soul of a true Rock n' Roller. No more Mr. Nice Gay.
The controversy will have his album flying off the shelves this week, and probably for a very long time afterward. This is nothing new. Every major star stirred up controversy at the beginning of their careers to sell albums and make a name for themselves. Adam's ventures into "forbidden" territory will be like catnip to the lustful masses.
Photo: Matt Sayles / AP.
Adam became an international star tonight. He did what he needed to do. He will follow in the footsteps of the greats. He deserves our respect as the unique and talented artist that he is, and one thing is for sure - he won't disappear into music oblivion.
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Comments
well said, bravo to Adam!!! he has the balls to do anything - that's why I love the man!!
Great article. It is time to shake things up and Adam Lambert is the person who can deliver.
Thanks for this vote of confidence in Adam. He is now my hero - forever!
Great article! Well said! It IS about male to female discrim. Madonna, Brit and Christina have BEEEn doing these types of things with NO complaints because they are female. Well, I am a 35 year old female and I say KUDOS to you Adam for bridging that gap tonight! LUVE YOU! MUAH!
Great commentary on an EPIC performance. People will be talking about this for years to come!
Great commentary - and Bravo to Adam for remaining true to his artistic integrity. This fan is in it for the long run. Just downloaded his album from itunes and am loving it!!! He has THE voice.
Thanks Kelvin.I've been shocked and saddened to hear a lot of the comments elsewhere following Adam's performance. What I saw was something wildly exciting, fun, fascinating and, most importantly, massively entertaining. I don't know what the prudes were watching and where they've been for the past 50 years.
So it's ok for female singers to writhe half naked like prostitutes all over a stage or into a camera lens in performances that are nothing short of soft porn, but when a male singer gives us something sexy, it’s not okay. Double standards and discrimination, as Adam says.
But if Adam had kissed a girl, that would have been ok? Oh I get it. Blatant homophobia.
Tonight at the AMAs (I attended show), for the first time I interpreted the phrase "shock and awe" in a good, sexy way...bring it on!!!
What do you find so good about Adam he is not a singer he is screamer and really disgusting his performance.
Thanks Kelvin.I've been shocked and saddened to hear a lot of the comments elsewhere following Adam's performance. What I saw was something wildly exciting, fun, fascinating and, most importantly, massively entertaining. I don't know what the prudes were watching and where they've been for the past 50 years.
So it's ok for female singers to writhe half naked like prostitutes all over a stage or into a camera lens in performances that are nothing short of soft porn, but when a male singer gives us something sexy, it’s not okay. Double standards and discrimination, as Adam says.
But if Adam had kissed a girl, that would have been ok? Oh I get it. Blatant homophobia.
Double standard,true. How many times have we watched Madonna's crotch being thrust into the face of some man or woman? Even Carrie Underwood is going 'pantless/skirtless' these days (following Beyonce,Gaga and Madonna,Iguess). Shakira's performance was filled with multiple 'booty shakes/crotch thrusts'. Michael Jackson 'grabbed' himself a lot,live and in videos. And so on and so on....It's not like Adam invented 'shock value'. Perhaps he will pave the way to eliminate the double standards! I do wish the sound was better. I think Adam sounded a bit nervous too. But at least he didn't lip-sync,a lot of the performers did! I remain and will always be an Adam fan!!
tell you what, there were not dissapointed fans tonight, the bad comments are coming from the haters from day one, the unhappy, uncomplete, and incapable of living life at his fullest people. Adam's true fans (myself included) are in awe of this awesome performer and will buy his music and go to see front row the crotch grabbing, sexy moves, amazing vocals of this true artist. I loved him before, now he is mi IDOL
So some people are 'disgusted' by his performance? The other attention seekers who were 'crotch thrusting,booty shaking,swearing (Eminem) get off without a mention. You could even see Lady Gaga's almost naked-like 'tush' reflection in the mirror! I was even distracted by ultra-safe Alicia Key's chain belt that had a dangly thingy that appeared to be strategically placed in the crotch area. Coincidence or on purpose? Come on people,lighten up!! Don't watch if it's too 'scary'. Explain sex to your kids. Enough with the double standards and the hypocrisy!
Good for you Adam!! If people are reflecting on your performance then that must mean you are 'talk' worthy and that's a good sign.
Its like this, The song for Your Entertainment is just what Adam is, I feel like this song was a great choice for his first release, if you listen to the words you will understand a little better the performance and the performer... He is telling people "Did you think that I was soft and sweet, Im about to turn up the heat.. no more mr nice guy that he had to be on American Idol heres the real Adam Lambert, isnt that what his real fans liked about him any way? The nasty, sexual, sensual Adam we seen in his eyes..the reason women were drawn to him in the first place. Hes like Prince was when he was younger very sexy and very controversial and the more he was the more we loved him as a matter of fact Price is one of Adams Idols...so those that love him love him for who he is, the others want him to be untrue to who he is. Rock on Adam Lambert we love you
It's one thing to have hints of it or one or two shock and awe things in a performance. But the ENTIRE performance and attitude of Adam was nothing short of pornographic. PLUS, he didn't sound good. That was meant for a paid arena or better yet, just his bedroom.
keving you so get what Adam Lambert is all about. His performance is something we will be talking about for years. His album is going to have that same effect. Adam is breaking new ground and is doing it with lots of style and Hoopla. I think his performance was easily the sexiest of the year. Love Love Love Adam Lambert
go Adam excellent you nailed it!!!....rocked it, worked us till we were totally blown!!!...
Are you an idiot? Adam didn't gain any new fans... he lost fans. I don't care if he's gay or not... but a muture gay man who is comfortable with himself doesn't have to flaunt it like some meaningless screaming queen. Adam will regret this performance when he grows up...
Loved it, pure Adam, pure entertainment! More of the same please (the music industry needs it!) Great article too, good to read that someone *gets* it and hasn't run off to grab their pitchfork or raise a posse with some of those other "media" types I've heard/read weighing in on the subject with their (depressingly so) narrow mindedness. Keeping doing what you're doing Adam :)
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