28/05/2024
Australian gay magazine DNA reports that gay hero Adam Lambert, who has secured international fame as the singer with the members of legendary rock group Queen, has discussed his time on the US based television programme American Idol. Adam said that he was sceptical about joining the hit TV show in 2009 due to the dismissive treatment of many LGBTQIA+ contestants in the past. However, he quickly became a popular contestant on the show as he revealed his spectacular voice and stage presence. DNA Magazine notes "He quickly became a frontrunner, but his path took a turn when a photo of him kissing a former boyfriend at Burning Man surfaced. The image was heavily publicized by right-wing outlets". However, they go on to say that "When confronted about the photo, Lambert, the first openly gay male artist to top the Billboard album charts, remained unapologetic about his identity. While other LGBTQIA+ recording artists, including Elton John and George Michael, have had number one albums, these were prior to coming out publicly. “I just said to a reporter, ‘Yeah. That’s me,'” he recounted. “That’s all I said.” Adam eventually came second place in American Idol, an incredible achievement in itself in a country riven by right wing culture wars. But, the winner Kris Allen gave him a boost when he won the contest, saying "Adam deserved this". Adam has been touring with the rock band Queen since 2011, and although the band he can never be a replacement for the legendary bisexual hero Freddie Mercury, he nevertheless gives a new and exciting interpretation to the group's classic hits and rock standards.
