Adam Lambert, an American singer, songwriter, and actor, rose to fame after his memorable performances on the eighth season of American Idol. Since then, Lambert has established himself as a successful solo artist and has become the frontman for the legendary rock band Queen. In this article, we will explore Lambert’s life, career, and his impact as an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. We will provide relevant external links for further information throughout the article.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born on January 29, 1982, in Indianapolis, Indiana, Adam Lambert grew up in San Diego, California. Lambert developed an interest in music and theater at a young age, participating in various school productions and choirs. He later pursued a career in musical theater, performing in several professional stage productions, including Wicked and The Ten Commandments: The Musical.
American Idol and the Rise to Fame
In 2009, Lambert auditioned for the eighth season of American Idol, where he quickly gained recognition for his powerful voice and unique style. He captivated audiences with his renditions of classic songs, such as “Mad World” by Tears for Fears and “A Change Is Gonna Come” by Sam Cooke. Lambert ultimately finished as the runner-up, but his time on the show launched his career and earned him a loyal fanbase.
Solo Career and Musical Success
Following his success on American Idol, Lambert released his debut album, For Your Entertainment, in 2009. The album, featuring hit singles like “Whataya Want from Me” and “If I Had You,” achieved commercial success and garnered critical acclaim.
Over the years, Lambert has released several more albums, including Trespassing (2012), which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart, and The Original High (2015), featuring the hit single “Ghost Town.” Lambert’s latest album, Velvet, was released in 2020 and showcased his diverse musical influences, such as funk, soul, and rock.
Joining Queen and Touring the World
In 2011, Lambert began collaborating with Queen, stepping in as the lead vocalist for the iconic rock band. This partnership proved to be a perfect match, as Lambert’s powerful vocals and charismatic stage presence paid homage to the band’s late frontman, Freddie Mercury, while bringing a fresh energy to their live performances.
Since then, Lambert has toured extensively with Queen + Adam Lambert, playing sold-out shows around the world and introducing Queen’s music to a new generation of fans. The collaboration has also produced a live album, Live Around the World, which was released in 2020.
LGBTQ+ Advocacy and Philanth
Throughout his career, Adam Lambert has been an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and has used his platform to raise awareness of issues affecting the community. Lambert came out as gay in a 2009 issue of Rolling Stone magazine, becoming one of the few openly gay mainstream pop stars at the time.
Lambert has since become a prominent figure in the LGBTQ+ community, using his music and platform to promote equality and acceptance. In 2013, he founded the Feel Something Foundation, a non-profit organization that supports LGBTQ+ organizations and charities, provides education and resources to youth, and advocates for legislative change.
Acting and Other Endeavors
In addition to his music career and advocacy work, Adam Lambert has also pursued acting and other creative endeavors. He made his acting debut in 2013, guest-starring on the hit television show Glee. He has also appeared in several Broadway productions, including The Rocky Horror Show and Wicked.
Lambert has also collaborated with several notable artists throughout his career, including Lady Gaga and Avicii, and has performed at several major events, such as the 2019 Oscars.
Adam Lambert’s journey through fame, music, and LGBTQ+ advocacy has been marked by success, creativity, and a commitment to making a positive impact. From his early beginnings in musical theater to his rise to fame on American Idol and his current role as the lead vocalist for Queen, Lambert has demonstrated his talent and versatility as an artist. Moreover, his dedication to promoting LGBTQ+ rights and giving back to the community through the Feel Something Foundation has made him a beloved figure in the music industry and beyond.