American Idol Season 8 alum Adam Lambert astounded the house with Queen at iHeartRadio’s Music Festival opening night Sept. 21st.
Their opening number included “Bohemian Rhapsody”, ”Another One Bites the Dust”, and “Crazy Lil Thing Called Love”. Lambert’s vocals soared through the lyrics of these well-known singles as they do on his own releases For Your Entertainment and Trespassing since his departure from Idol. During the performance, Fun’s Nate Ruess joined Queen for “Somebody to Love” and brought Lambert back out for “Fat Bottomed Girls”.
Lambert strut the stage in tight jeans and high-heeled boots reminiscent of Prince’s Purple Rain fame. With lead guitarist Brian May beside him, he lent his unique vocals to “We Will Rock You” and “We Are the Champions”.
On RollingStone.com Queen’s Roger Taylor and Brian May commented on Lambert’s musical style before the performance, saying, “He does bring his own approach and he has this amazing range, a [sic] beautiful tone and he really fits our material so well…..He has [sic] passion…(and) a little bit of camp.”
Born Adam Mitchel Lambert on Jan. 29, 1981, Lambert is an alumnus of the children’s theater group MET2. This may account for his onstage presence, as continuously displayed on Idol and throughout his own body of work. Lambert’s flair and unique style is well-received. His wide range and onstage poise set him apart from the other contenders. His rendition of Tears for Fears’ Mad World earned a standing ovation from Idol judge Simon Cowell, known for his scathing reviews. He later performed the song in a duet with Cyndi Lauper in a charity concert. Rumors persist that the two plan to record the duet, but have yet to come to anything.
Along with his incredible vocal range, his propensity for heavy mascara ad black nail polish put him in the same breath with glam rockers like Freddie Mercury and David Bowie, two legends who influenced Lambert’s unique approach to his performances. His openly gay lifestyle also makes him a hero to the LGBT community.
Despite his loss to fellow Idol contender and roommate Kris Allen, Lambert’s post-competition success continues to grow. For Your Entertainment (2009) debuted at No. 3 on Billboard, while Trespassing (2012) hit the chart at No. 1. His single “Whataya Want from Me” earned him a Grammy nomination (2010). He has toured with Queen to pay tribute to icon Freddie Mercury and rumor was hot that he may be invited to replace former front man Paul Rodgers.
Whatever he does next, Lambert is sure to continue to delight “Glamberts”, constantly bringing energy and excitement to any performance of any song he chooses to sing.
Written By: Brandi Tasby
Adam Lambert +Queen @ iHeartradio
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21 Responses
Queen and Adam in concert were incredible! Adam’s vocals were amazing and when he sang “Who Wants to Live Forever” it was mind blowingly beautiful!
I wish I could have been in Las Vegas last Friday night to experience Queen + Adam Lambert live. The video is incredible so I can only imagine how amazing it was to be right there in the audience. I hope the perform together again. I won’t miss the next opportunity.
Just a tip. Adam’s fashion has changed. He is more GQ than glam. I have not seen much make-up or nail polish in a while. He is a strikingly handsome man without any enhancement. His “openly gay lifestyle” whatever that means, because each gay person has their own lifestyle, just like all straight people do, makes him a hero with everyone. I may be picky, but Adam does not do a Freddie Mercury tribute, he sings Queen’s catalog his way. There is a difference. Queen has a tribute band, but with Adam, he is a front man with his own style who does not copy Freddie. The one and only time Simone gave a standing ovation on American Idol was for Adam. Nice article, diehard fans, like me, know all of the details, in fact we could write a book.
I’ve seen Adam live 7 times and he never disappoints! He gives 150% whether in front of thousands or in a small, intimate setting. I’ve never seen anyone with such powerful vocal range or stage presence . This man can sing any genre of music to perfection, unlike most artists that are confined to just one. Adam can rock out with the best of them, blow you away with a soulful ballad,or stir your soul with an operatic aria. Who Wants to Live Forever was stunning! He’s the most exciting entertainer of this generation. Queen recognized pure greatness and acted on it! My only complaint was it wasn’t long enough! Adam and Queen together is the ultimate musical experience!
The best performance of the night. Queen+Adam showed us what is a true high quality of live music. Best male vocalist for sure.
Nice article. Adam is also a cast member of the television series GLEE this year. Anyone who wants to watch him weekly be sure to tune in. Best voice around.
Don’t forget he has a great collab out with Avicii on the album True. He and Nile Rogers teamed up to create an amazing song–:Lay Me Down–best on the album. Plus we will be seeing him on GLEE this season–can’t wait. The guy is so talented, and not bad looking either (find a more current pic next time please) 🙂 Thanks for the great article
I still love adam+queen , because they had great talent in singing on concert,love adam forever 🙂
I am lucky and blessed to see Queen + Adam Lambert four times and during his appearance as Queen’s front-man at the IHeart2013Fevistal I thought, “How Can Adam Get Any Better?” The answer is simple, HE IS! Adam Lambert is taking us who are watching on a musical journey of musical perfection as he continues to amaze anyone who can appreciate an entertainer who can sing and perform live.
After Adam toured in Europe a bit last summer with Queen I decided seeing them live myself was #1 on the bucket list. I got to cross that off on Friday night in the most incredible concert experience of my life, which left me craving more. I have been so touched by the admiration that music legends, Brian May and Roger Taylor, as well as Nile Rodgers, have for Adam. Brian has said Adam can do things vocally he has never heard anyone do in his life, and that he wishes Freddie was here because he knows Freddie would be amazed too. How much higher praise can one get? Adam has everything it takes to be a superstar and someday (soon) the world will realize it.
Amazing show with Adam and Queen appropriately bringing the house down!
Best performance of the night was Adam Lambert singing Who Wants to Live Forever-absolutely phenomenal!
and top that off with Adam looked so friggin amazing…wow…he is amazing across the board
When Adam promised to entertain us in his first album, he didn’t lie. On that promise, he piled on inspire, tickle, slay, dominate, move, mesmerize, awe, and many other acts of love that no other performer does all at one breath. Thanks for honoring our most
beautiful artist.
Great article..I’m speechless..ADAM+QUEEN WERE THE SHOW..ALL OTHERS PALE IN COMPARISON.
A true showman & talent a complete world star & also a humble one NOTHING BUT LOVE for this MAN
Adam is just getting better and better. 🙂
ROCK ON ADAM! Thanks for the great review!!!
Thank you for great article. Adam is a brilliant.
Adam and Queens performance was spectacular,hope there are plans for future concerts
I love Adam’s voice and he’s so much fun to watch in concert. I was fortunate to be able to attend a concert of his.