Interviewee: Adam Lambert
Interviewer: Brian Kilmeade
Date: May 21, 2009

Through his gender-bending brand of musical style and extraordinary vocal range, Adam Lambert has become one of America’s fast rising musical idols. He initially made waves as one of the semifinalists on the eighth season of Fox’s American Idol.

Adam Lambert ended up as first runner-up, but his profile arguably resonated more with the American public. Trumping fellow contestants, he was made Rolling Stone cover boy right after the show’s finale, in an issue where he memorably confirmed his homosexuality.

With a recording deal all but assured, Adam Lambert signed with RCA. The resulting album, For Your Entertainment, featured production by Rob Cavallo and compositions by the likes of Lady Gaga, P!nk, Linda Perry, OneRepublic’s Ryan Tedder, Muse’s Matthew Bellamy, The Darkness’ Justin Hawkins, and Weezer’s Rivers Cuomo. Released in November 2009, the album sold nearly 200,000 copies on its first outing. Noteworthy cuts include “Whataya Want From Me,” the title track, and the 2012 soundtrack “Time For Miracles.”

Adam Lambert auditioned for AI at the prodding of his co-workers. He eventually made it to the reality show’s Top 36 and eventually went as far as the second top spot. In the run-up to the finale, he constantly earned acclaim from judges Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul, and even AI creator Simon Fuller. With his tenor-like vocals and unorthodox stage presence, he rendered such songs as Tears for Fears’ “Mad World,” Led Zeppelin’s “Whole Lotta Love,” and Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire,” and even sung onstage with Queen and KISS. Notwithstanding these and a strong following, Adam Lambert lost to conservative singer-songwriter Kris Allen in the May 20, 2009 finale.

Born on January 29, 1982 in Indianapolis, Indiana, Adam Lambert spent his childhood in San Diego, California and began singing at age 10. Growing up, he pursued a career in musical theater, landing parts in Ten Commandments: The Musical and a Wicked touring production.