History of Adam Lambert in Timeline

Share: FB Share X Share Reddit Share Reddit Share
Adam Lambert

Adam Lambert is an American singer, songwriter, and actor who gained prominence as the runner-up on American Idol in 2009. His dynamic vocal performances blend theatrical elements with various musical genres. He released his debut album, 'For Your Entertainment,' in the same year, achieving significant commercial success, debuting at number three on the U.S. Billboard 200. The album featured singles like 'Whataya Want from Me,' earning him a Grammy nomination for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance, solidifying his presence in the music industry.

January 29, 1982: Adam Lambert's Birth

On January 29, 1982, Adam Mitchel Lambert was born. He is an American singer, songwriter, and actor.

Others born on this day/year

1985: Queen's 1985 Live Aid Set Replicated

On February 16, 2020, in Sydney, Adam Lambert with Queen replicated Queen's 1985 Live Aid set in its entirety, during the Fire Fight Australia concert.

2000: Attended California State University

After graduating from high school in 2000, Adam Lambert attended California State University, Fullerton, majoring in musical theater, but withdrew after five weeks to pursue a career in the entertainment industry.

2001: Michael Andrews and Gary Jules arrangement of Mad World

In 2009, Adam Lambert sang the 2001 Michael Andrews and Gary Jules arrangement of "Mad World" on American Idol.

2004: Theatre Under the Stars production of Brigadoon

In 2004, Adam Lambert appeared in the Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS) production of Brigadoon and a Pasadena Playhouse production of 110 in the Shade, before being cast in the role of Joshua in The Ten Commandments: The Musical at the Kodak Theatre alongside Val Kilmer.

2005: Touring production of Wicked

From 2005, Adam Lambert was hired as the understudy for the role of Fiyero and an ensemble member in the first national touring production of the musical Wicked.

2005: Fronted The Citizen Vein

In 2005, Adam Lambert briefly fronted underground rock band The Citizen Vein with Steve Sidelnyk, Tommy Victor and Monte Pittman and worked as a demo singer and session musician.

2007: Los Angeles production of Wicked

From 2007, Adam Lambert was hired as the understudy for the role of Fiyero and an ensemble member in the Los Angeles production of the musical Wicked.

2008: End performances with Wicked

Adam Lambert finished performances with the musical Wicked in 2008.

March 2009: Controversy over Burning Man Photos

In March 2009, photos of Adam Lambert kissing another man while dressed in drag at Burning Man surfaced online, leading to controversy and restricted press access.

May 2009: Entertainment Weekly Cover

In May 2009, Adam Lambert appeared on the cover of Entertainment Weekly magazine.

June 2009: Rolling Stone Cover

In June 2009, Adam Lambert appeared on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine.

June 2009: Rolling Stone Interview Confirmation

In June 2009, Adam Lambert confirmed that he was gay in a Rolling Stone cover interview after being outed on the internet during his bid to win American Idol.

November 2009: Details Cover

In November 2009, Adam Lambert appeared on the cover of Details magazine.

November 23, 2009: Release of For Your Entertainment album

On November 23, 2009, Adam Lambert's first studio album, For Your Entertainment, was released, debuting at number three on the Billboard 200.

2009: American Idol Audition and Performances

In 2009, Adam Lambert auditioned for the eighth season of American Idol in San Francisco, California, advancing through Hollywood Week and performing various songs in the live shows, receiving praise from the judges.

2009: Performances and Awards

In 2009, Adam Lambert performed "Mad World" on The Early Show and Live with Regis and Kelly, began the American Idols LIVE! Tour, and received two awards: the Young Hollywood Award for Artist of the Year and the Teen Choice Award for Male Reality/Variety Star.

2009: Runner-up on American Idol

In 2009, Adam Lambert rose to fame after finishing as runner-up on the eighth season of American Idol.

2009: Release of Take One album

In 2009, a compilation of Adam Lambert's 2005 recordings was released on the album Take One.

2009: American Music Awards Performance and Controversy

On November 22, 2009, Adam Lambert performed "For Your Entertainment" at the American Music Awards, resulting in a controversial performance and subsequent backlash.

2009: Album sales

Since 2009, Adam Lambert has sold over 3 million albums and 5 million singles worldwide.

January 2010: Donations to DonorsChoose.org

In January 2010, Adam Lambert asked fans to donate to DonorsChoose.org for his 28th birthday, resulting in $322,700 raised by 2,435 fans.

April 2010: Mentoring on American Idol

In April 2010, Adam Lambert returned to American Idol on season 9 as the first former contestant to mentor contestants during an Elvis Presley themed week, where he also performed.

June 2010: "Glam A Classroom" Campaign

In June 2010, Adam Lambert teamed up with DonorsChoose.org for his "Glam A Classroom" campaign, raising another $208,590, supported by 3,020 fans.

June 2010: For Your Entertainment certified gold

In June 2010, For Your Entertainment was certified gold in the US.

June 2010: Glam Nation Tour Began

In early June 2010, Adam Lambert embarked on his debut headlining Glam Nation Tour, playing in the United States, Europe and Asia for 113 shows, nearly all of them sold out.

October 2010: Second Signature Collection with The Pennyroyal Studio

In October 2010, Adam Lambert collaborated on a second Signature Collection with The Pennyroyal Studio, raising $43,092 for DonorsChoose.

November 2010: Relationship with Sauli Koskinen

In November 2010, Adam Lambert began a relationship with Finnish entertainment reporter and reality TV personality Sauli Koskinen.

2010: Fashion Related TV Appearances

In 2010, Adam Lambert appeared on MTV's "Talk@Playground" with Skingraft designer Jonny Cota, was a guest judge on Project Runway, and was the subject of "All on the Line with Joe Zee," where designers created a modern look for him.

2010: Spirit Day Participant

In 2010, Adam Lambert participated in Spirit Day to honor LGBT lives lost to suicide, "going purple" to support LGBT youth in the fight against bullying.

2010: GLAAD Media Award Nomination and It Gets Better Campaign

In 2010, Adam Lambert received a GLAAD Media Award nomination and lent his voice to the It Gets Better campaign to combat bullying.

2010: People Magazine's Most Beautiful People

In April 2010, Adam Lambert became one of People Magazine's Most Beautiful People.

January 2011: charity: water Campaign

In January 2011, Adam Lambert began a campaign to raise $29,000 for charity: water for his 29th birthday, raising $323,803, which helped 16,190 people receive clean water.

March 10, 2011: American Idol Performance and Trevor Project Donation

On March 10, 2011, Adam Lambert performed an acoustic version of "Aftermath" on American Idol, and a dance remix was sold with proceeds benefiting The Trevor Project.

March 2011: American Idol Season 10 Performance

In March 2011, Adam Lambert appeared on American Idol season 10 to perform his song "Aftermath".

August 2011: Management Change

In August 2011, Adam Lambert changed management from 19 Entertainment to Direct Management Group.

August 2011: "Equality Idol Award"

In August 2011, Adam Lambert was presented with the "Equality Idol Award" by Sam Sparro at the Equality California Los Angeles Equality Awards.

October 2011: MTV Dance Party Marathon

In October 2011, the Adam Lambert Glambert Fan Army raised funds to combat bullying in honor of National Bullying Prevention Month through the MTV Dance Party Marathon.

October 2011: Financial Donations Reach $1,000,000 Mark

As of October 2011, financial donations made by Adam Lambert to charitable causes reached the $1,000,000 mark.

November 2011: Performance with Queen at MTV Europe Music Awards

In November 2011, Adam Lambert joined Queen as the lead singer at the MTV Europe Music Awards, where the band was honored with the Global Icon Award and performed a medley of classic hits.

December 20, 2011: Release of Better Than I Know Myself

On December 20, 2011, Adam Lambert's lead single, "Better Than I Know Myself," from his second studio album, Trespassing, was released digitally.

2011: Presenter at the American Music Awards

Adam Lambert returned two years later as a presenter at the American Music Awards of 2011 and was warmly received.

2011: Brian May Praises Adam Lambert's Voice

In 2011, Queen guitarist Brian May noted that Adam Lambert's voice has "sensitivity, depth, maturity, and awesome range and power which will make jaws drop".

January 2012: "Give Up" Your Birthdays Campaign

In January 2012, Adam Lambert asked fans to "give up" their birthdays in an ongoing drive for charity: water, which raised $82,000 by May 2012.

January 2012: UK Pressparty Interview

In January 2012, Adam Lambert noted that despite social progress, the LGBT community's diversity needed broader representation in the entertainment industry, in an exclusive interview with UK music news magazine Pressparty.

March 2012: Meat Loaf Praises Adam Lambert's Voice

In a March 2012 interview, rock artist Meat Loaf rated Adam Lambert's voice in the company of only two others, Whitney Houston and Aretha Franklin, based on "that jet pack quality to their voice that just lets it take off."

April 2012: For Your Entertainment sales

As of April 2012, For Your Entertainment has sold nearly 2 million copies worldwide.

May 15, 2012: Release of Trespassing

On May 15, 2012, Adam Lambert's album, Trespassing was released to positive reviews.

May 2012: "Give Up" Your Birthdays Campaign Total

By May 2012, Adam Lambert's "Give Up" Your Birthdays campaign for charity: water raised $82,000.

June 7, 2012: Royal Albert Hall Concert

On June 7, 2012, Adam Lambert performed at a Royal Albert Hall concert benefiting the Rays Of Sunshine Children's Charity.

September 25, 2012: Fundraising Benefit in Washington, D.C.

On September 25, 2012, Adam Lambert headlined a fundraising benefit in Washington, D.C., on behalf of Marylanders for Marriage Equality.

October 2012: Lambert Insures Voice for $48 Million

In October 2012, it was reported that Adam Lambert insured his voice for $48 million.

November 2012: Billboard's Top Ten American Music Awards Moments

In November 2012, Adam Lambert's 2009 performance was included in Billboard's list of "Top Ten American Music Awards Moments" on the eve of its 40th anniversary.

December 2012: Fiasco Magazine Cover

In December 2012, Adam Lambert appeared on the cover of Fiasco magazine's "Obsession" issue, utilizing his image and style to manipulate and provoke, playing with male stereotypes and representations.

2012: We Are Family Foundation Celebration Gala 2.0

Adam Lambert received the Unity Award from the We Are Family Foundation at their 2012 Celebration Gala 2.0 on January 31, 2013.

2012: Performance with Queen

From 2012, Adam Lambert has performed with Queen in several worldwide tours.

2012: Release of Trespassing album

In 2012, Adam Lambert released his second studio album, Trespassing, which premiered at number one on the U.S. Billboard 200, making him the first openly gay artist to top the album charts.

2012: Roger Taylor Praises Adam Lambert's Vocal Range

In a 2012 BBC interview, Roger Taylor said that Adam Lambert had "the best range I've ever heard".

January 31, 2013: Unity Award from the We Are Family Foundation

On January 31, 2013, Adam Lambert received the Unity Award from the We Are Family Foundation at their 2012 Celebration Gala 2.0.

March 2013: Article for Out Magazine's Tribute to David Bowie

In March 2013, Adam Lambert wrote an article for Out magazine's tribute to David Bowie, explaining how Bowie influenced his expression of sexuality and gender in his work.

April 14, 2013: Miami Beach Gay Pride Parade and Festival

On April 14, 2013, Adam Lambert was the headline performer at the Miami Beach Gay Pride Parade and Festival and was given the key to the city.

April 2013: Split with Sauli Koskinen

In April 2013, Adam Lambert announced that he and Sauli Koskinen had split up amicably.

June 2013: charity: water Projects Completed

In June 2013, charity:water listed 55 projects completed with funds raised by Adam Lambert.

February 2014: Family Equality Council's 10th Annual Los Angeles Award's Dinner Performance

In February 2014, Adam Lambert performed for the Family Equality Council's 10th Annual Los Angeles Award's dinner.

May 27, 2014: Release of "The Very Best of Adam Lambert" Compilation Album

On May 27, 2014, Sony Legacy's Playlist series released a compilation album called "The Very Best of Adam Lambert", featuring recordings from Lambert's two studio albums, American Idol and Glee, and it debuted on the Billboard Top Internet Albums chart at number 14.

June 2014: AT&T "Live Proud" Campaign

In June 2014, Adam Lambert teamed up with AT&T for its second annual "Live Proud" campaign in support of LGBT Pride Month and Pride season.

January 15, 2015: Guest Judge on American Idol & Signing with Warner Bros. Records

On January 15, 2015, Adam Lambert became the first former contestant to appear as a guest judge on American Idol during the New York City auditions for the fourteenth season. That same day, January 15th, Lambert revealed that he signed to Warner Bros. Records after leaving RCA, with a new album scheduled for early summer.

April 2015: "Music Icon" Award

In April 2015, Adam Lambert received the "Music Icon" award at the 2015 British LGBT Awards.

April 21, 2015: Release of "Ghost Town"

On April 21, 2015, Adam Lambert released "Ghost Town" as the lead single from "The Original High", initiating promotion for the album.

June 2015: Roundhouse Performance

In June 2015, Adam Lambert performed at the Roundhouse for the "One for the Boys" Fashion Ball.

August 2015: Billboard's "Music's Men of Style" Cover

In August 2015, Adam Lambert appeared on the cover of Billboard's "Music's Men of Style" issue, discussing his shift towards a cleaner look and the intersection of music and fashion.

December 2015: "Ghost Town" reaches 100 million streams on Spotify

In early December 2015, Adam Lambert's single "Ghost Town" hit 100 million streams on Spotify.

2015: Release of The Original High album

In 2015, Adam Lambert released his third album The Original High, which debuted at number three on the U.S. Billboard 200 and produced the single "Ghost Town."

January 15, 2016: "Ghost Town" Certified Gold in the US

In January 15, 2016, "Ghost Town" was certified gold in the US after reaching 100 million Spotify streams in early December 2015.

January 2016: The Original High Tour Commences in Australia and New Zealand

In January 2016, The Original High Tour started with six dates in Australia and New Zealand, before moving to Japan for seven more dates.

July 2016: Charity Single "Hands"

In July 2016, Adam Lambert took part in the charity single "Hands," a tribute to the victims of the Orlando nightclub shooting.

July 2016: Signed with MiLK Management

As of July 2016, Adam Lambert is represented by London-based MiLK Management modeling agency.

June 2017: Los Angeles Pride March Speaker

In June 2017, Adam Lambert was a speaker at the Los Angeles Pride march, delivering a message against hate.

August 2017: Project Angel Food's Angel Awards Gala Performance

In August 2017, Adam Lambert performed a tribute to George Michael at Project Angel Food's Angel Awards gala, where Michael received the Elizabeth Taylor Humanitarian Award.

October 2017: Point Foundation Honors Gala Performance

In October 2017, Adam Lambert performed for Point Foundation Honors Gala in recognition of those who had made a significant impact on the LGBTQ community.

May 2018: 29th GLAAD Media Awards Performance

In May 2018, Adam Lambert, along with Melissa Etheridge, performed to open the 29th GLAAD Media Awards in New York City.

January 20, 2019: Appearance on The Late Late Show with James Corden

On January 20, 2019, Adam Lambert appeared with James Corden on The Late Late Show for an NFL themed episode, singing a parody of "Don't Stop Me Now".

February 24, 2019: Queen and Adam Lambert open the Academy Awards

On February 24, 2019, Queen and Adam Lambert opened the 91st Academy Awards with a performance honoring the film Bohemian Rhapsody, receiving a standing ovation.

April 2019: American Idol Guest Mentor

In April 2019, Lambert mentored American Idol's top 8 finalists on a Queen-themed night, praised for providing advice that improved their performances.

May 15, 2019: Release of "New Eyes"

On May 15, 2019, Adam Lambert released "New Eyes", the lead single from his fourth studio album Velvet.

August 23, 2019: The Rhapsody Tour Concludes

On August 23, 2019, The Rhapsody Tour, featuring Queen and Adam Lambert, concluded after 25 dates across North America.

November 2019: End of Relationship with Javi Costa Polo

In November 2019, Adam Lambert's relationship with model Javi Costa Polo ended.

2019: James Michael praises Adam Lambert's vocal technique

In 2019, James Michael, lead vocalist for the band Sixx:A.M., praised Adam Lambert's vocal technique, power and the facility of his vocal control.

2019: Feel Something Foundation Founded

In late 2019, Adam Lambert founded the non-profit Feel Something Foundation, focusing on LGBTQ+ and human rights activism.

January 2020: Feel Something Foundation Launch

In January 2020, Adam Lambert launched the Feel Something Foundation, an LGBTQ+ non-profit advocacy group, to support LGBTQ+ organizations and abolish the use of 'coming out' as a defining term.

January 2020: GLAAD Media Award Nomination

In January 2020, Adam Lambert was nominated for a GLAAD Media Award in the Outstanding Music Artist category for Velvet: Side A.

January 2020: The Rhapsody Tour expands to Japan and South Korea

In January 2020, The Rhapsody Tour with Queen + Adam Lambert expanded to include dates in Japan and South Korea.

February 4, 2020: Release of "Roses" featuring Nile Rodgers

On February 4, 2020, Adam Lambert released the track "Roses" featuring Nile Rodgers.

February 2020: The Rhapsody Tour expands to Australia and New Zealand

In February 2020, The Rhapsody Tour with Queen + Adam Lambert expanded to include stadium dates in Australia and New Zealand.

April 2020: GLAAD's Together in Pride Livestream

In April 2020, Adam Lambert participated in GLAAD's Together in Pride: You Are Not Alone livestream event, raising funds for LGBTQ community centers providing critical services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

October 2, 2020: Release of "Live Around the World"

On October 2, 2020, Queen with Adam Lambert released their first album, Live Around the World.

October 2020: Release of Live Around the World album with Queen

In October 2020, Adam Lambert and Queen released their first album, Live Around the World, which debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart.

November 2020: Thanksgiving Meals with Project Angel Food

In November 2020, Adam Lambert, through his "Feel Something Foundation," worked with Project Angel Food to deliver medically tailored Thanksgiving meals to those most vulnerable during COVID.

2020: North American Summer Tour with Christina Aguilera Cancelled

In 2020, Adam Lambert's North American summer tour with Christina Aguilera was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

January 29, 2021: Concert Film "Live Around the World" released

On January 29, 2021, Queen + Adam Lambert released a concert film of the same name as the album "Live Around the World".

March 2021: Adam Lambert writing a Broadway-style Rock and Roll Stage Musical

In March 2021, Adam Lambert revealed that he was writing a Broadway-style rock and roll stage musical in collaboration with other songwriters.

July 2021: Project Angel Food KTLA Telethon

In July 2021, Adam Lambert helped raise $1.1 million in funds for Project Angel Food during their KTLA telethon.

August 14, 2021: Los Angeles LGBT Center's Love in Action Telethon Appearance

On August 14, 2021, Adam Lambert appeared on the Los Angeles LGBT Center's Love in Action telethon.

2021: Various performances and appearances

Throughout 2021, Adam Lambert voiced The Devil on A Tale Dark & Grimm, returned to Las Vegas for solo shows, performed on The Queen Family Singalong, collaborated with Darren Criss, performed at the ITV Palooza event, and judged on Starstruck.

2022: Queen + Adam Lambert tour postponed

In 2020, Queen + Adam Lambert announced that their United Kingdom and European tour would be postponed a second time to 2022 with multiple shows subsequently added.

2022: Various performances and appearances

Throughout 2022, Adam Lambert debuted "Ordinary World" and performed on The Voice, judged Britain Get Singing, released "Holding Out for a Hero", performed on The National Lottery's Big Bash, appeared on The Jonathan Ross Show, and performed "Chandelier" on America's Got Talent: All-Stars.

January 2023: Fairyland Premiere at Sundance Film Festival

In January 2023, Adam Lambert appeared in the film Fairyland, which debuted at the Sundance Film Festival.

October 2023: Artists4Ceasefire Open Letter

In October 2023, Adam Lambert signed the Artists4Ceasefire open letter to Joe Biden, calling for a ceasefire of the Israeli bombardment of Gaza.

November 2023: Opening of The Wild Bar

In November 2023, Adam Lambert, in collaboration with others, opened The Wild bar in West Hollywood, California.

February 2024: Adam Lambert to Judge The Voice Australia

In February 2024, Adam Lambert was announced as a judge on the thirteenth season of The Voice Australia.

February 2024: Queen + Adam Lambert announce mega dome concerts in Japan

Queen + Adam Lambert announced they will perform five mega dome concerts in Japan in February 2024.

May 2024: Adam Lambert Participates in Singer 2024

In May 2024, Adam Lambert participated in the Chinese reality show Singer 2024, a singing competition for professional singers.

July 2024: Adam Lambert to play Emcee in Cabaret

In July 2024, it was announced that Adam Lambert will take over the role of Emcee in the Broadway production of Cabaret, beginning September 16.

2024: Broadway Debut

In 2024, Adam Lambert made his Broadway debut, replacing Eddie Redmayne as the Emcee in the revival of Cabaret on September 16.