Adam Lambert, who’ll play his initial U.S. date with Queen later this month, has withstood his share of criticism — even before stepping into the shoes of one of rock music’s most celebrated frontmen.
And he knows exactly how to deal with it.
“Everybody has an opinion, right?” Lambert tells Phoenix Radio in this clip. “Sometimes it’s hard to hear, but I think growing up as a kid and doing theater, I got used to wanting a role and not getting it. So, I think I’ve had a long history of rejection and criticism. That’s what being a performer is all about. It’s just part of it — part of the territory.”
Lambert has performed several times with Queen since he appeared on stage amidst the season eight American Idol finale with Roger Taylor and Brian May. Their original frontman in Queen, Freddie Mercury, died in 1991 from complications relating to AIDS.
Some felt that Queen shouldn’t have gone on without Mercury. But that smattering of complainers weren’t the only stumbling blocks for the ever-upbeat Lambert along the way.
He famously finished second to Kris Allen, of course, in Idol voting, and recently split with RCA after deciding against doing a label-suggested covers album. Lambert previously issued 2009’s For Your Entertainment, 2012’s Trespassing, a set of EPs and live set for the Sony-owned group.
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I’ve not had the privilege of seeing Adam perform with Queen live,however I have seen every video of his performances with Queen and have to say they are amazing .His vocal prowess and stage presence are second to none.I can’t wait to see how they slay in Vegas !
Adam Lambert is brilliant and so underrated. He should be singing everywhere. His albums exceed expectations and yet get pushed aside for bubblegum autotuned fluff.
To have Legends like Brian May & Roger Taylor bow down to him speaks volumes about the amazing talent he is.
Adam is by far the greatest vocalist to come along this generation. How anyone could listen to him and look at him and not fall in love with him is mind blowing.
Casey that’s the point. They haven’t had much chance to listen to Adam. Radio plays are chosen by some algorithem that must include a factor like “don’t play singers w/ a 4 octave range” or don’t play singers who out & proud”. Since all the D.J.’s raved about his album Trespassing before it’s release & then u barely heard any spins of his singles. That’s alright, Adam, by word of mouth, will gradually make it in the other avenues beyond the highly conservative controlled radio stations.
I could not have said it better and I agree with all the above comments.
I have followed his career since before A.I. and I am sick and tired of that same fluff that passes for talent in our days.
Same old, same old, same faces, same tunes, same boring people that can’t sing a tune or have a decent conversation, makes me very upset because our kids are growing up thinking that talent is what we see and hear on radio, flavor of the month or the year and then forgot.
Adam is here to stay and I hope that he keeps having fun with Queen.
Waiting for his next album.
On another note, Adam has ruined many songs for me, since after hear his version I can’t stand the original.
Thanks Adam…LOL…All the best from a forever fan.
Why bring up American Idol? Everyone knows Kris Allen won because his cheerleader brother got the University of Central Arkansas to hold vote parties for Kris and got the alumni, Matt Jordan, an AT&T executive, to give out free AT&T phones and teach power texting. Why mention a loss caused by cheating? As far as Adam singing with Queen, what could be better, an iconic band and the best live entertainer of this generation. I bought my ticket and I will be there.
I’m a new fan of Adam Lambert this year. Found out about him through internet by accident. Love his voice, brought both albums and the DVD concert. Kept me entertained while driving and dealing with LA traffic. Been sick of listening to same old songs from artists who can not sing live that are continuously played on the radio. Thank god for Adam’s music. True talent!!!!
Kit, did you get his Glam Nation Tour DVD/CD? It was recorded in Indianapolis when he toured there. OMG! It’s sooooo freaking good. His live voice/vocal sounded even better than the original CDs.
I agree with the above article and remarks…just like to mention that there’s so much more to Adam then his magnifient voice. So unlike many artists today Adam can actually hold an intelligent conversation. Everyone that interviews him comes away a fan forever. He’s honest to a fault, giving, compassionate, loyal to his family, friends and his adoring fans. So many articles are writen where they don’t bother to actually talk to Adam, therefore you never get to meet the real person. If your an Adam fan you already know what I mean, if your not take the time to meet the man, then join the Club.
He is the most underrated artist of our time–out sings and out performs most of the so called “artists” in music today. Thank goodness Brian May and Roger Taylor, Nile Rodgers, Avicii, Cyndi Lauper and various other big names have recognized how talented this man is. And on top of it all, everyone who works with him raves about how nice and humble he is through their articles, interviews, twitter, etc. Looking forward to IHeart and Glee this season.
I agree with all the positive remarks. I’ve watch the Queen videos often and he is stellar. He is the most underrated artist in the world (although overseas he fairs better than mediocrity-loving America). I can’t wait for this concert, Glee and hopefully a new album and single with Avicii. Thanks for the article.
it doesn’t get any better than adam. we all know why he didn’t win idol, but that’s old news. he’s an amazing talent who is completely underappreciated. his live shows are awesome as he commands the stage. if you can see him live, go for it! rock on, you gorgeous creature!!
I agree with all the above comments wholeheartly. Adam is the most underrated artist of this decade. I’ve seen him live 3 times, just amazing and I’ve seen many concerts. Can’t wait for glee just to see Adam on T.V. He’s a rating magnet and all these reality shows should have Adam on instead of the same old same old that’s been pushed down our throats via award shows and contant radio play.
Had goosebumps when he sang on IDOL, saw him live in St. Louis (great looking guy and powerful beautiful voice) he has never been given the respect he deserves!
Anyone notice the way Brian looked at Adam around 2:00. That was definitely a look of awe.
Adam has the voice to truly honor Freddie Mercury and Queen. It is fantastic they are are doing this one concert in the U.S. but I sure wish they would tour a bit here. I would love to see a whole evening of Queen plus Adam Lambert.