Adam Lambert, the singer and actor who rose to fame as runner-up on the eighth season of American Idol in 2009, has opened up about his career, including joining Queen, the backlash over a same-sex kiss at the 2009 American Music Awards, and his evolving sense of self.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born in Indianapolis in 1982, Lambert grew up in San Diego and began auditioning for acting roles at age 12. He recalls driving from San Diego to Los Angeles with his mother and brother, who was more successful in landing jobs. 'That guy in the plaid shirt never booked a single job. My brother did, though. He was a far cuter, more photogenic kid than I was,' Lambert said.
Lambert was passionate about the arts from a young age, obsessively watching MTV and drawn to edgy 90s artists like Nine Inch Nails, Daft Punk, the Chemical Brothers, and Massive Attack. 'Their visuals gave me a funny feeling that I was also fascinated by,' he noted.
Puberty and Identity Struggles
Puberty brought challenges as social expectations shifted. 'There was this sudden segregation of tribes: boys and girls stopped hanging out, and I was suddenly conscious of my identity. Was I cool or not cool? Was I a skater or a surfer? I wasn't anything,' Lambert said. He was still uncertain about his sexuality, focusing instead on blending in.
After failing to get into high-end musical theatre schools due to grades, Lambert worked in summer theatre and became a singer on a cruise ship at 19. He later joined the first national tour of Wicked in 2005 but left after six months to pursue rock stardom, eventually returning for a Los Angeles production.
American Idol and the 2009 Kiss Controversy
Lambert auditioned for American Idol in 2009, singing Bohemian Rhapsody. 'It was a huge risk, but thank God it panned out,' he said. The experience was intense, with millions watching and online commentary. 'I would turn up on stage as if I was shot out of a cannon. But afterwards I was going on message boards and comment sections. I couldn't pull myself away from it,' he recalled.
After Idol, Lambert's solo career began, but he struggled with impostor syndrome. The day before his first single's release, he performed at the American Music Awards, which included a kiss with another man. The controversy erupted, and Lambert faced backlash. 'The controversy was a total double standard, and I wanted to stick up for myself and say how stupid it was,' he said. However, his label was concerned, and many radio stations and industry figures deemed him too risky. 'A bunch of people got cold feet on me,' Lambert added.
Joining Queen
Lambert first met Queen's Brian May and Roger Taylor on American Idol, performing We Are the Champions. When an opportunity arose to perform with them at the European Music Awards, he was excited but aware of fans' protectiveness over Freddie Mercury. 'Despite my apprehensiveness, it was an opportunity I couldn't pass up,' Lambert said. He admitted to overcompensating vocally in early performances, trying to prove himself. 'Some thought what we were doing was cool and others considered it sacrilege. Even though it hurt, it kept me humble and made me want to get better so the Queen audience would accept me.'
Later Career and Personal Growth
Lambert made his Broadway debut in 2024 as the Emcee in Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club and starred as Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar at the Hollywood Bowl in 2025. His sixth solo album, Adam, is out now, and he performs at London's Roundhouse on 21 July.
Now in his 40s, Lambert feels more calm. 'For most of my career I have been so wrapped up in my own worth – my confidence depended on the reception to the work I was doing. The commercial success of a piece of music doesn't control my self-esteem as much as it used to,' he said. He added, 'I am starting to care less about what people think. In a lot of ways, this part of my life feels like I am returning back to that kid in the photo – tapping into the pure joy of creativity.'
