Adam Lambert performs a David Bowie Medley on the
American Idols Live Tour 2009
Photo Credit: Kara Stalnaker
Is Adam Lambert a musical genius? His fans, whom often compare the singer to the likes of Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson, certainly think so. Perhaps the question will be best answered this fall after the release of his debut album, but until then we can certainly deduce from the American Idols Live Tour 2009 that Lambert is a gifted musician and a brilliant performer. After sitting down and interviewing Adam Lambert I also learned that he is one clever bloke.
Dressed casually in jeans and a newly acquired t-shirt the singer, with turquoise infused raven hair and flawless guyliner, answered each question with candor and enthusiasm. Ignore the diva rumors, Lambert was just a straightforward, cheerful, down-to-earth guy. He showed the highest degree of respect for his fans.
When asked about his most memorable fan encounter, he grinned and said, "I can't pick just one, a handful were exciting, strange, amazing, touching, memorable." He later added, "I love it when older women come up to me and say 'you make me feel young again' because it shows how powerful music is."
As far as gifts go, Lambert said one stood out, "there was one time I received a 4 foot inflatable kangaroo from a fan. She came from Australia." I told him that was sweet and asked if it was from a little kid and he laughed and said, "yes but that doesn't stop others!" (NOTE: this interview took place before the Velocity Live Radio interview)
Lambert recently requested that fans donate to charity rather than buy him gifts. His campaign to support public education started only one week ago but has received over $52,000 in donations from fans.
Lambert said his fans are "not demographic specific." He has found that his "range of fans has little to do with age and geographic location." He was pleasantly surprised to find that the south, home to Kris Allen, gave him a warm welcome on the tour and that his home state of California equally embraced Kris Allen. "We receive a warm welcome from fans wherever we go, that's the beauty of the show and this tour."
Even though Adam Lambert lost to Kris Allen on this season of American Idol, he brought up Allen twice during the interview. It may be a small gesture but it showed that there is no resentment on Lambert's part. He said both he and Allen have similar deals with 19 & RCA and their albums will come out in November. "I'm excited! There's a lot to be done. I put a dent in it right before the tour and I am actually co-writing some material." He said the album will be "pop which isn't about one genre."
He admitted that he was apprehensive about the process. "I was worried that I would be locked in to a bad deal based on what I've read in the past and the stigma with 19. But my experience has been very different than what I have read. They [19] really do facilitate what we [Allen and Lambert] want to do. We have control over the material."
Before the show in DC, the Idols had a day off to explore the city. While the other Idols played tourist Lambert made a surreptitious trip to the Ritz Carlton camouflaged by a "trucker hat and dark glasses" for a facial and massage. He then ventured west on M Street in to Georgetown to buy clothes and hair products. When he mentioned taking a cab there I was a bit worried for him but he said the cab driver was great.
So what did he think of his first trip to our Federal City? "It is just beautiful here! It is the cleanest city I've been to."
His final thoughts, "get ready for November!"
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Video courtesy of www.youtube.com/thelambertluvva
Comments
I hope he gets rid off half of his fanbase by the end of tour, 50% of them are craaaaaazy. Love Adam...
thank you, great interview. Adam's joy and happiness comes through. It was nice to read his thoughts about reception in different states, and his thoughts about Kris, future album etc. Nice job!
Alli that made me laugh! I was hoping to get something juicy out of him but he was a champ and answered like a pro.
aw Alll, no need to knock the fans. they do lots of great things, there's a long and hallowed rock history of "crazy" behavior in the presence of rock idols... great interview, so glad adam's humor and authenticity came through. he's the best.
Also just saw this on twitter from the Grammys. Adam supports one of my favorite charities MusiCares follow @thegrammys for the link
Adam has done a great thing by encouraging fans to donate to www.donorschoose.org instead of spending money on gifts. Thanks to his promotion of this important charitable organization, many students will be getting desperately needed educational supplies.
Adam's a star, both onstage and off.
i love Adam sooooo much he so nice and down to earth he is AMAZING! cant wait for november!!
As an Adam fan, I appreciate the way you made note of the fact that his 4' inflatable kangaroo comment was made prior to the silly scandal that erupted from his radio interview and that you interjected his point that he would rather fans give to charity than to HIM. Nice work, and lucky you for getting to meet him personally!
Kim, Nice write up....He is doing good work for the Charities..I believe this young man has his act together and he will go the distance...
Alli------Fans are what make or break the Artist....Try putting your words onto a contribution form...do the world some good instead of showing your ugly side...
Alli ............ I hope you're not Allison, LOL!
Go Adam! I loved the reference to pop not being about one genre - right on! I'm an old guy who grew up on the Beatles and Elton. They covered many styles and genres and paid great respect and tribute to. I bet Adam will do the same. He already has with his covers on iTunes studio versions and videos. Wow! What a talent.
I think Alli was being ironic...
WATCH OUR BOY ADAM SOAR LIKE A EAGLE,ROCK ON ADAM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
LOL...and so Alli knows Adams 50% fan base, where do you get your statistics girl, what a joke, out of the millions he has you actually are sure of this 50% have met them, interviewed them. Every artist will have a few rabid fans, it goes with the territory but come one, what a broad statement, you show you ignorance and ugly side kid.You are sounding like the very thing you claim to not stand. LMAO ...btw.....Adam rocks, a legend in the making!! and a good heart!!
I'm leaving the office now. Play nice!
Kim you did a great interview!
I seriously can't wait for November <3
Thanks for the update. Yes, Adam's fans are crazy. We are crazy about Adam. I am so looking forward to his new music and his solo tour. He is a cool, down to earth guy and he is using his fame to do good . I support him 100%.
50% alli? I'd say that's a bit of an overstatement but I would agree that I hope he gets rid of the crazy ones, especially the ones who feel a sense of entitltment to Adam the man.
Kim this was a nice interview thanks for posting it.
Nice article. Adam is not only talented, fun to watch, intriguing and yet down to earth...he is also just plain adorable. I would love to see him in a lead in a musical or in a concert of his own...which I'm sure will happen sooner than later. There would be an instant sellout of tickets!
I was at the concert at Auburn Hills last night in Michigan. Everyone did a great job, but Adam! OMG words cannot describe how talented,gracious and gorgeous he was. I waited outside for the meet and greet,and was at the end of a very long line. He came all the way across the parking lot and signed everything he possibly could. He was so sweet and adorable. He stayed outside signing for a very long time even though it was wet and cold. How someone so young could have so much class and compassion for others is amazing.
Great interview thanks for pointing out that he is a great guy. Everyone who actually meets him says so. Those who have never met him are the ones who spread the rumors. That said I think this guy is amazing!!! I too am an older fan and he makes me feel younger. That said, Adam brings back fond memories of real talent. I haven't seen honest to God real talent in decades. I've seen some artists with good vocal skills and a heck of a lot with studio adjusted vocal skills. Adam is the rarest of all birds. True God given vocal skills with true performance skills.
Alli, every pop star in the history of music has had crazy fans - have you ever seen videos of the girls literally fainting in the aisles for Elvis, The Beatles, MJ? The fact that Adam can make middle-aged women like me feel that way FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER is a precious miracle, nothing less.
SAW ADAM PERFORM LIVE FROM 6th ROW on LI. I cannot stress in any words how unbelievable seeing him perform live in front of me was. It was like the sun rising, it was like taking a drink of luscious water in a desert. It was so incredible, I’m still reeling. Seeing him on tv was great, but live was just beyond words. When I say Adam lights the stage on fire, it’s an understatement. He just has so much charisma and magnetism, I felt like those who first saw Elvis or the Beatles perform. Seeing him live 20 feet away is on my top ten life experiences ever. Unbelievable. He is really a gift, plus he happens to be a great guy.
I think that it is wrong to compare Adam to MJ or Elvis, both of whom set the tone for their particular decades. What is fair would be to stress his strengths. Adam is very comfortable with the press, able to be himself in public, has an amazing voice and is an outstanding and versatile performer. Maybe that is enough to be honest about Adam. Anything else is just the public wanting to imitate someone they admire.
Adam is just phenomenal!! What an amazing performer.
He does seem quite clever. Quite the verbal aptitude I would say.
I think he is smarter than I am, which I find quite annoying. Doesn't seem fair to be that talented and smart to boot.
In his song Want he sings
"November, not much to remember"
Well... Dearest Adam.... This November we will have much to remember
Love you Baby
Adam is going to be one of the most popular stars in the world. He has "IT". I do not know what "IT" is but I think it can be defined like the Supreme Court defines pornography, "you know it when you see it". I saw "IT" I know "IT". Adam is my most favorite singer ever. I can not get enough of hearing his voice.
I've been following everything Adam. It seems that the naysayers have disappeared even before his first album comes out. Can't wait.
I'm one of thoes older women, and yes, Adam, your voice is one that will never be forgotten. I am a fitness trainer and I can not wait for your album to come out so I can spice up the routines with your electronic vibes!!!!! I know it will be great music to workout to. I love the song POP GOES THE CAMERA!!! If anyone has not seen this google it!
I saw Adam in Tacoma and wow what an experience. I am one of those "older women". Adam sings like an angel and I am so excited for his CD and also his song in the upcoming movie "2012". Thank you for a nice interview!
WOW!!!
THAT'S ADAM OUR SUPERSTAR.
I know you like Lambert's version but if you haven't seen Gary Jules video for Mad World (his cover of the song) you should check it out in my recent article.
www.examiner.com/x-11673-DC-Concerts-Examiner~y2009m8d26-The-first-annual-HFTwestival-will-benefit-Music-4-More
What do you think this cmment, People?
Michael Johns : Despite the outcry that this season’s runner-up Adam Lambert was perhaps cheated out of the "American Idol" title, Johns believes America voted correctly.
"Kris Allen was definitely the rightful winner," he added. "Both he and Adam Lambert will have good careers but I think Allison (Iraheta) will actually have the biggest career of all of them."
I say - who is Michael Johns?
Great interview, thanks so much to voice what we, his loyal fans, know: Adam is no diva, he is a beautiful human being, kind and generous. His talent is unbelievable, I saw him live in LI, it was a blast! I also saw him live in GMA concert in Central Park, his unplugged version of starlight was breathtaking! Keep rocking Adam, your fans love you whether they are in their teens(my daughter and her friends), thirties (me!)and older fans I see posting everywhere! Cannot wait for your album, it will be great, I am sure! And if Adam is ever on the Brodway stage, that would be a dream come through, impossible to get tickets for, but I will try my damnest!
I didn't get a chance to see the AI tour which I regret big time. No doubt his solo tour will sell out in mere minutes. I doubt anyone will be able to get tickets in the lst 15 rows they always go to scalpers or resellers for thousands.
I have been at the ready on the Ticketmaster site the minute the tickets go on for sale and can never get anything lower than row 25! Then hours later all the best seats pop-up on resellers but for $1,000 to even $5,000 for acts like Paul McCartney.
The bigger he gets the more the tickets will be worth. And it is amazing how many people will pay the resellers for those tickets.
Sounds to me like Michael Johns is jealous of Adam.
Nothing to write except YAY ADAM!!!!!!
Oh, and thank you for the wonderful article!!!
It's fair to say the name of Adam in the same breath as Elvis and Michael. With Michael gone, it's only Adam who can fill that one glove of his. Elvis died in 1977 and Michael came out as a very successful solo artist with his Off The Wall album in 1979. It's as if Michael's passing away is paving the way for Adam emergence as the next superstar of the world's stage. There is no doubt in my mind he will be a legend in his own time. All the success, Adam!
Michael Johns is the Australian rocker on AI7 who was voted off early. He's very good. His Bohemian Rhapsody version is one of the best I've heard and impressed the judges on Hollywood week . . . But what he said lacks the graciousness that is innate in Adam. That's what I admire in David Cook as well who only have nice things to say.
I don't know whether Adam is a musical genius or not but if you call having an out of this world singing voice, gorgeous looks and mesmerizing stage presence genius then I guess he is. That is why I can't wait for the 2012 song and his cd to come out so we can hear what the post idol Adam will be like. I predict amazing things from Adam Lambert in the years to come.
oh, i bet we'll be seeing a whole lot of him before Nov. just think of all the talk shows that have already got him booked...just waiting for the tour to be over. i can't wait to see him on Oprah. She's a fabulous interviewer. great job, too, kim.
talentoso, humilde, preocupado por los demas, inteligente, dulce, bellisimo...y mas ,mas ,mas, ahh, cuándo llega noviembre?? ,quiero que "rockee" el mundo!!!!!!!
De Argentina.
That was my first international comment that I know of! Amazing!
This Adam is not only talented, charismatic, and humble, but ONE smart cookie! His intelligence is evident with every interview I see and read. His taste is impeccable, and I am hoping that it will translate into a great new record for him. His energy as he is releasing his vocals on you is mind blowing...goes right into the heart chakra for me. He has the IT factor, for sure. It doesn't matter what Michael Johns or anyone else thinks.....Adam is going to be HUGE.
Greetings y'all, I have spent this entire day watching videos of the American Idol Tour for Season 8 and WHAM, BHAM, HAWT DOG is it ever a slammin' show, for it just blows me away and I get all trembly and shaky inside - it must feel like a hot flash does - whew, bring the ice cubes and deodorant too, please !!! (Ha-ha !)
I can imagine Adam's electricity and the magicial hipnotic trance you might fall into seeing him - also, the pure super nice. When Adam performs he becomes more manly than ever --- whether he likes it or not !!! As for me I LOVE all of Adam. I can't even find the words .. he is a one of a kind pure vision of what an individual performer should be. I can't wait to see him in Indianapolis. BRING it Adam and do your THING !!!!! Warm hugs ! Oh, why not develope your own cologne and name it "Adam's Breath" - I bet it would be quite sucessful.
Merci beaucoup for thes lovli article.A grand fan from commence of AIseason 8,from his audition agree thout he had beaulooks of Elvis with his own distinctive voix,gentle inflection in ballads,vast vocal range in pop/rock ones,an abilitie to make old songs his own as Tracks of MyTears,If I Cant Have You,Ring of Fire exotique/egyptian very sensual,an favorite "MadWorld" haunting ethereal an gentle tones.Look forward to seein Adam solotour,his cd of many musique genres.Given his many yers in musique theatre from Wicked"Brigadoon,Hair,an film 10 Commandments dislpays his aiblities to singe any style..Bless thes estraordinaire artiste an humanitarian with a face,hearte an soul tresbeau.He's been m'angel of musique given I av ill health..an loss parents to cancer..I'll always adore an support him! J'etaime ,et blessings always Lisette(in Nevada)
ADAM simply seduces. ADAM simply mesmerizes. Never anyone like him out there with his explosion of talents, drop dead gorgeous looks and avalanche of sex appeal and magnetism aside from being phenomenal!!
The last time I look it was ELVIS. He has long been gone. And Michael is also gone paving the way for ADAM to take the throne.
I thank GOD for this generation fortunate to witness ADAM’s star shining.
All the success and happiness, ADAM baby.
feeling good here==listening to Adam sing on Utube===yep he make me feel younger---loving me some Adam Lamb!
I love Pop goes the camera too! Plus Crawl thru fire and Gigilo. A lot of his pre-idol music is fantastic. I love Nocturnal Moon too, have you ever listened to the words in that one?
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