Adam Lambert is an American singer, songwriter, and actor known for his powerful and versatile vocals. He gained fame as the runner-up on the eighth season of American Idol and has since achieved both solo success and critical acclaim as the lead vocalist for the rock band Queen, performing as Queen + Adam Lambert since 2011.
On January 29, 1982, Adam Mitchel Lambert was born. He would become known for his impressive vocal talent and theatrical performances, combining modern and classic genres.
In 2000, Adam Lambert graduated from high school and briefly attended California State University, Fullerton, where he pursued musical theater. However, his passion for performing led him to leave university after five weeks to pursue a career in entertainment in Los Angeles.
Adam Lambert delivered a memorable performance of the 2001 Michael Andrews and Gary Jules arrangement of "Mad World" during his time on American Idol. His rendition earned a standing ovation from judge Simon Cowell, a rare occurrence during Cowell's tenure on the show.
In 2004, Adam Lambert showcased his talent in theater productions, appearing in "Brigadoon" at the Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS) and "110 in the Shade" at the Pasadena Playhouse.
Adam Lambert's theatrical career continued to flourish in 2005 when he joined the first national touring production of the popular musical "Wicked." He served as the understudy for the role of Fiyero and contributed as an ensemble member.
In 2005, Adam Lambert honed his musical skills as a session musician and demo singer. These recordings would later be compiled and released in 2009 as an album titled "Take One," offering a glimpse into his early musical endeavors.
In 2007, Adam Lambert was part of the Los Angeles production of "Wicked," further solidifying his presence in the theater world.
Adam Lambert concluded his run with the musical "Wicked" in 2008.
In March 2009, photos of Adam Lambert kissing another man while dressed in drag at Burning Man surfaced online, sparking controversy and debate. Conservative commentators questioned whether these images would impact the American Idol competition, leading to Fox restricting press access to Lambert and his family. Despite the backlash, Lambert's popularity remained strong, leading outlets to speculate that his talent would outweigh any potential controversy. However, his queerness was reassessed as a factor after he finished as the runner-up, with some suggesting it might have alienated conservative viewers.
Adam Lambert's rising fame was evident in May 2009 when he was featured on the cover of Entertainment Weekly, highlighting his growing influence in the music industry.
Adam Lambert's career reached new heights in June 2009 when his cover story for Rolling Stone became the magazine's top-selling issue of the year, underscoring his substantial impact on popular culture.
Adam Lambert publicly confirmed his sexuality as gay in a June 2009 interview featured on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine. This followed speculation about his sexual orientation after his participation in American Idol.
Further solidifying his presence in the media, Adam Lambert was featured in Details magazine in November 2009, showcasing his evolving public image and artistic journey.
Adam Lambert released his debut album, "For Your Entertainment," on November 23, 2009. The album, a collaboration with renowned producers like Rob Cavallo, Dr. Luke, and Max Martin, achieved commercial success, debuting at number three on the Billboard 200 and selling 198,000 copies in its first week in the US. The album featured songwriting contributions from notable artists such as Matthew Bellamy, Ryan Tedder, Rivers Cuomo, Justin Hawkins, P!nk, Linda Perry, and Lady Gaga.
Throughout 2009, Adam Lambert competed on the eighth season of American Idol, captivating audiences with his powerful vocals and captivating performances. His renditions of songs like "Black or White," "Ring of Fire," "The Tracks of My Tears," and "Mad World" earned him critical acclaim and contributed to his rise as a prominent figure in the music industry.
Adam Lambert released his debut album, "For Your Entertainment," in 2009. The album featured successful singles like "Whataya Want from Me" and "Time for Miracles," marking a significant year in his career.
In 2009, Adam Lambert's performance at the American Music Awards sparked controversy.
In 2009, Adam Lambert gained significant recognition after securing the runner-up position on the eighth season of American Idol, a popular singing competition. This marked the beginning of his successful journey in the music industry.
In 2009, "Take One," a compilation album featuring Adam Lambert's early recordings from 2005, was released.
Following his success on American Idol, Adam Lambert embarked on the American Idols LIVE! Tour in July 2009. He also received accolades for his talent and rising stardom, winning the Young Hollywood Award for Artist of the Year and the Teen Choice Award for Male Reality/Variety Star at the 2009 Teen Choice Awards.
In lieu of birthday gifts for his 28th birthday in January 2010, Adam Lambert encouraged fans to donate to DonorsChoose.org. The response was remarkable, with 2,435 fans contributing $322,700 to support educational initiatives.
In April 2010, Adam Lambert returned to American Idol, this time as a mentor to the contestants during an Elvis Presley themed week, marking his first return to the show since his own participation.
Continuing his support for education, Adam Lambert partnered with DonorsChoose.org in June 2010 for the "Glam A Classroom" campaign. This initiative raised an impressive $208,590, with support from 3,020 fans.
Adam Lambert launched his debut headlining tour, Glam Nation Tour, in June 2010, performing across the US, Europe, and Asia, with nearly all 113 shows sold out, solidifying his global stardom.
In June 2010, Adam Lambert's debut album, "For Your Entertainment," was certified gold in the US, signifying a remarkable achievement in his music career.
Adam Lambert's second Signature Collection, launched in collaboration with The Pennyroyal Studio in October 2010, sold out quickly and raised $43,092 for DonorsChoose.org. The success of this venture highlighted the positive impact of Lambert's collaborations.
Adam Lambert began dating Finnish entertainment reporter and reality TV personality, Sauli Koskinen, in November 2010.
In 2010, Adam Lambert's striking appearance and charisma earned him a coveted spot on People Magazine's "Most Beautiful People" list, further solidifying his status as a pop culture icon.
In 2010, Adam Lambert was nominated for Outstanding Music Artist at the 21st GLAAD Media Awards. Demonstrating his commitment to LGBTQ+ advocacy, he also participated in the It Gets Better campaign, a project aimed at supporting and preventing bullying of LGBT youth, by contributing a video message.
Adam Lambert showed his support for homeless LGBT youth by performing at the "Cyndi Lauper & Friends: Home for the Holidays" benefit concert in 2010. This event raised funds for the True Colors Fund and their "Forty to None Project," initiatives focused on tackling youth homelessness within the LGBT community.
Showcasing his interest in fashion, Adam Lambert made several television appearances in late 2010. He discussed his passion for music and fashion with Skingraft designer Jonny Cota on MTV's "Talk@Playground." Additionally, Lambert served as a guest judge on Project Runway, where contestants designed outfits for a rock band's Rolling Stone cover shoot. He also appeared on "All on the Line with Joe Zee," critiquing modern looks created by young designers.
To mark his 29th birthday in January 2011, Adam Lambert launched a campaign to raise $29,000 for charity: water. The campaign far surpassed its goal, raising $323,803 and providing clean water to over 16,190 people.
Adam Lambert returned to the American Idol stage on March 10, 2011, delivering a moving acoustic performance of "Aftermath" from his album "For Your Entertainment." A dance remix was subsequently released, with proceeds benefiting The Trevor Project.
In March 2011, Adam Lambert returned to the American Idol stage, delivering a moving performance of his song "Aftermath" for the show's tenth season.
Adam Lambert was honored with the "Equality Idol Award" at the Equality California Los Angeles Equality Awards in August 2011, recognizing his positive influence as a role model for the LGBT community.
In August 2011, Adam Lambert made a significant career move by signing with Direct Management Group, marking a new chapter in his professional journey.
By October 2011, Adam Lambert's dedication to philanthropy resulted in over $1 million in donations to various charitable causes. This milestone underscored his commitment to using his platform for social good.
Adam Lambert's fan army raised funds for anti-bullying initiatives during National Bullying Prevention Month in October 2011. Lambert also participated in Spirit Day, a movement against bullying and support of LGBT youth.
In a defining moment for his career, Adam Lambert joined the legendary band Queen on stage at the MTV Europe Music Awards in November 2011. The band was honored with the Global Icon Award and performed a medley of their iconic hits, with Lambert's vocals seamlessly blending with the band's legacy.
Adam Lambert released "Better Than I Know Myself" on December 20, 2011, as the lead single from his highly anticipated second studio album, "Trespassing."
In 2011, Adam Lambert made a triumphant return to the American Music Awards as a presenter, receiving a warm reception from the audience and signaling a positive shift after the controversy surrounding his 2009 performance.
In 2011, Adam Lambert started his journey as the lead vocalist for Queen + Adam Lambert, a collaboration that would see him performing with the legendary rock band on numerous tours worldwide.
For his 30th birthday in January 2012, Adam Lambert once again supported charity: water. He encouraged fans to "give up" their birthdays, resulting in an ongoing drive that had raised $82,000 by May 2012. His sustained efforts demonstrated his commitment to the cause.
In a January 2012 interview, Adam Lambert expressed his desire for increased diversity and representation of the LGBT community within the music industry, highlighting the need for more progress in this area.
In a March 2012 interview, rock artist Meat Loaf praised Lambert's voice, comparing it to Whitney Houston and Aretha Franklin.
By April 2012, Adam Lambert's debut album, "For Your Entertainment," achieved a significant milestone, selling nearly 2 million copies globally.
By May 2012, Adam Lambert's birthday campaign for charity: water had raised $82,000. This milestone highlighted the generosity of his fan base and their shared dedication to providing clean water to those in need.
Adam Lambert released his second studio album, "Trespassing," on May 15, 2012, to positive critical acclaim. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart, signifying Lambert's continued success and musical evolution.
Adam Lambert showcased his talent at a benefit concert for the Rays of Sunshine Children's Charity, held at the prestigious Royal Albert Hall on June 7, 2012. His participation demonstrated his support for worthy causes.
Demonstrating his support for LGBTQ+ rights, Adam Lambert headlined a fundraising benefit in Washington, D.C., on September 25, 2012. The event supported Marylanders for Marriage Equality, advocating for same-sex marriage rights.
In a reflection of his successful career, Adam Lambert's voice was reportedly insured for $48 million in October 2012, according to the Sunday Mirror. The tabloid cited a source emphasizing the significance of such insurance for stars in the US, stating that Lambert's voice was his livelihood.
Adam Lambert's controversial 2009 American Music Awards performance was recognized by Billboard in November 2012, securing a spot on their "Top Ten American Music Awards Moments" list in celebration of the event's 40th anniversary.
In December 2012, Adam Lambert continued to appear on magazine covers, notably Fiasco's "Obsession" issue. The photoshoot for the London-based high-style magazine reflected the themes of his album "Trespassing." Lambert used his image and style to challenge stereotypes, emphasizing that his fashion sense defies easy categorization as either gay or straight.
Adam Lambert marked his 31st birthday in 2012 by partnering with the We Are Family Foundation. He used the occasion to raise over $82,000 for the charity in just over a week.
Adam Lambert released his second studio album "Trespassing" in 2012, which achieved a groundbreaking feat by debuting at number one on the U.S. Billboard 200. This achievement made him the first openly gay artist to reach the top spot on the album charts, marking a significant milestone in music history.
Adam Lambert embarked on several world tours with Queen, showcasing their combined musical prowess to audiences around the globe starting in 2012.
Adam Lambert expanded his global reach in 2012, performing for the first time in South Africa with acclaimed arena concerts in Cape Town and Johannesburg. He continued his international appearances with a powerful performance at the 2012 Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA) in Hong Kong, solidifying his presence as a global music star.
In a career-defining collaboration, Adam Lambert joined forces with the legendary rock band Queen in 2012 for a six-concert tour. The tour, which kicked off with a stunning two-hour performance in Kyiv, Ukraine, garnered widespread acclaim for Lambert's powerful vocals and stage presence, demonstrating a remarkable synergy between the artist and the iconic band.
In a 2012 BBC interview, Queen drummer Roger Taylor commended Lambert's vocal range.
In 2012, Adam Lambert's album "Trespassing" received significant recognition, including being named best album of the year by Rolling Stone. Queen + Adam Lambert also garnered accolades, being named best live act of 2012 by Gigwise.
Adam Lambert was honored with the Unity Award by the We Are Family Foundation at their 2012 Celebration Gala 2.0 on January 31, 2013. This award recognized artists who promote peace through their music.
Adam Lambert penned a heartfelt tribute to David Bowie for Out magazine in March 2013, coinciding with the release of Bowie's new album. Lambert credited Bowie as a key inspiration in his own journey of self-expression, particularly regarding sexuality and gender identity. He praised Bowie's pioneering approach to challenging traditional norms and embracing androgyny.
Adam Lambert headlined the Miami Beach Gay Pride Parade and Festival on April 14, 2013, and received the key to the city.
In April 2013, Lambert announced that he and Koskinen had decided to end their relationship, emphasizing that the split was amicable.
In June 2013, charity: water announced that 55 projects had been completed using funds raised by Adam Lambert. This update provided tangible evidence of the impact of his philanthropic efforts.
Queen + Adam Lambert made their highly acclaimed U.S. debut performance at the 2013 iHeartRadio Music Festival, receiving rave reviews from publications like Rolling Stone and Billboard.
In February 2014, Adam Lambert showed his support for the Family Equality Council by performing at their 10th Annual Los Angeles Awards dinner.
In February 2014, Lambert returned to American Idol as a guest mentor. He was also a guest judge on RuPaul's Drag Race and appeared on an episode of Glee, showcasing his versatility.
A compilation album, "The Very Best of Adam Lambert," was released on May 27, 2014, featuring songs from his studio albums, American Idol, and Glee. It debuted on the Billboard Top Internet Albums chart at number 14.
Adam Lambert partnered with AT&T for their second annual "Live Proud" campaign in June 2014, continuing his support for LGBT Pride Month and raising awareness for LGBTQ+ issues.
On January 15, 2015, Lambert served as a guest judge on American Idol and announced his signing with Warner Bros. Records, signaling a new chapter in his career.
Adam Lambert released "Ghost Town" as the lead single from his album "The Original High" on April 21, 2015. The single received positive reviews and charted well, building anticipation for the album.
Adam Lambert's philanthropic endeavors continued in June 2015. He performed at London's Roundhouse for the "One for the Boys" Fashion Ball and participated in the "Live Aid Uusi Lastensairaala" concert in Finland, supporting children's healthcare.
Adam Lambert was featured on one of four covers for Billboard's "Music's Men of Style" issue in August 2015. In the issue, he discussed his evolving style, characterized by a cleaner and more classic aesthetic. He also highlighted his fascination with the intersection of music and fashion and the ever-changing nature of trends in the music industry.
By December 2015, "Ghost Town" had reached 100 million streams on Spotify.
Rolling Stone readers voted "The Original High" as one of the top ten albums of 2015, praising Lambert's vocals and performances.
In 2015, the Queen + Adam Lambert tour continued with dates in Europe and the UK. They received the Band of the Year award at the Classic Rock Roll of Honour Awards and were featured on the cover of Classic Rock magazine.
In 2015, Adam Lambert released his third album, "The Original High," which debuted at number three on the U.S. Billboard 200. The album featured the single "Ghost Town."
Adam Lambert's successful year continued with him receiving the Best Foreign Artist award at the Eska Music Awards and making his first UK festival appearance at Fusion Festival.
Adam Lambert headlined the No. Celebrate2016 event in Singapore on December 31, 2015, despite facing controversy and calls for his removal due to his past performances and advocacy.
Adam Lambert received several year-end accolades, including topping Forbes' list of highest-earning American Idol contestants. He also expanded his tour and partnered with Oreo for a diversity-focused ad campaign.
Adam Lambert's The Original High Tour kicked off in January 2016 with dates in Australia, New Zealand, and Japan.
On January 15, 2016, "Ghost Town" was certified gold in the US.
Adam Lambert became the face of Macy's lifestyle brand, I.N.C. International Concepts, participating in their "American Icons" summer campaign.
In June 2016, Adam Lambert joined the judging panel of the eighth season of The X Factor Australia. Also that month, Queen + Adam Lambert headlined Rock in Rio Lisbon, Sweden Rock Festival, Isle of Wight Festival and more as part of their summer festival tour.
In July 2016, Adam Lambert joined a collective of artists for the charity single "Hands." This moving tribute honored the victims of the Orlando nightclub shooting, demonstrating the power of music in times of tragedy.
Expanding his horizons in the fashion world, Adam Lambert signed with MiLK Management, a London-based modeling agency, in July 2016. This move signaled his growing presence in the fashion industry.
Throughout 2016, Adam Lambert made notable appearances on shows like Today, The Voice of Poland, and Strictly Come Dancing. He also participated in a Billboard conference in Beijing and performed at Alibaba's Singles' Day event.
In 2016, Adam Lambert co-starred in "The Rocky Horror Picture Show: Let's Do the Time Warp Again" and finished his second season as a judge on The X Factor Australia.
Adam Lambert actively participated in Pride month in June 2017 by speaking at the Los Angeles Pride march, advocating against hate and promoting human rights. He also co-hosted BuzzFeed's first "Queer Prom" for LGBTQ+ high school seniors.
Adam Lambert is featured on the soundtrack album of DreamWorks Animation's "Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie" with a cover of Aretha Franklin's "Think", released in June 2017.
Queen + Adam Lambert kicked off their worldwide arena tour on June 23, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona.
Adam Lambert paid a touching tribute to George Michael at Project Angel Food's Angel Awards gala in August 2017. Michael was posthumously honored with the Elizabeth Taylor Humanitarian Award for his philanthropy.
Adam Lambert lent his support to the LGBTQ+ community in October 2017 by performing at the Point Foundation Honors Gala, celebrating individuals who significantly impacted the community, and at GLAAD's Spirit Day concert, an event raising awareness about bullying and supporting LGBTQ+ youth.
In May 2018, Adam Lambert performed at the opening of the 29th GLAAD Media Awards, further solidifying his commitment to LGBTQ+ advocacy. He also hosted a talk for teenagers at the Mosaic LGBT Youth Centre in London, demonstrating his dedication to supporting and inspiring LGBTQ+ youth.
In September of 2018, Adam Lambert and Queen began a 10-date Las Vegas residency titled "The Crown Jewels" at the Park Theater at Park MGM.
In 2018, Adam Lambert performed a cover of Cher's "Believe" at the Kennedy Center Honors. He later released a studio version in December 2019.
Adam Lambert appeared on The Late Late Show with James Corden on January 20, 2019 for an NFL themed episode, singing a parody of "Don't Stop Me Now".
On February 24, 2019, Adam Lambert and Queen opened the 91st Academy Awards, becoming the first rock band to do so, with a performance of two classic Queen songs.
The documentary "The Show Must Go On: The Queen + Adam Lambert Story" aired on ABC in April 2019, offering an inside look into their collaboration.
Adam Lambert released "New Eyes," the lead single from his fourth studio album "Velvet," on May 15, 2019.
Queen + Adam Lambert wrapped their 25-date Rhapsody Tour on August 23, 2019. The tour spanned across North America, with additional dates added in New York City and Los Angeles.
Adam Lambert released "Velvet: Side A" in September 2019.
Lambert's relationship with model Javi Costa Polo, which began in March 2019, concluded in November of the same year.
In late 2019, driven by his dedication to philanthropy and activism, Adam Lambert founded the non-profit Feel Something Foundation. The foundation focuses on supporting organizations and projects that directly benefit the LGBTQ+ community, addressing crucial areas like education, arts, mental health, suicide prevention, and homelessness.
In 2019, James Michael, the lead vocalist of Sixx:A.M., lauded Adam Lambert as one of the world's best vocalists. Michael commended Lambert's vocal technique, power, and control in a testament to Lambert's exceptional talent.
Adam Lambert performed with Queen at the 2019 Global Citizen Festival in New York City's Central Park.
Adam Lambert launched the Feel Something Foundation, an LGBTQ+ non-profit advocacy group, in January 2020. The foundation aims to support LGBTQ+ organizations and challenge the concept of "coming out."
Adam Lambert received a GLAAD Media Award nomination for Outstanding Music Artist for "Velvet: Side A" in January 2020.
The Rhapsody Tour included performances in Japan and South Korea in January 2020.
Adam Lambert released the track "Roses," featuring Nile Rodgers, on February 4, 2020.
The Rhapsody Tour expanded to include seven stadium dates in Australia and three in New Zealand, running through February 2020.
Adam Lambert participated in GLAAD's Together in Pride: You Are Not Alone livestream event in April 2020, contributing to fundraising efforts for LGBTQ+ community centers providing essential services during the COVID-19 pandemic.
On October 2, 2020, Queen with Lambert released their first album, "Live Around the World," which debuted at number one on the UK's Official Albums Chart.
In October 2020, Queen + Adam Lambert released their first album together titled "Live Around the World." The album was a hit, debuting at number one on the UK Albums Chart, a testament to the successful collaboration between Lambert and the iconic band.
Through his "Feel Something Foundation," Adam Lambert partnered with Project Angel Food in November 2020, providing meals to vulnerable individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic. This act of kindness highlighted his commitment to supporting communities in need.
In March 2021, Lambert revealed he was writing a Broadway-style rock and roll stage musical set in the 1970s, representing his intent to expand into acting and producing.
On August 14, 2021, Adam Lambert made an appearance on the Los Angeles LGBT Center's "Love in Action" telethon.
In 2022, the concept recording of Cinderella, for which Lambert sang, garnered a Grammy nomination for Best Musical Theater Album at the 64th Annual Grammy Awards.
In February 2022, Lambert released his fifth studio album, "High Drama," a collection of cover songs that marked his first solo entry in the UK Official Charts top ten.
Lambert appeared in the film "Fairyland," which debuted at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival in January 2023.
In October 2023, Adam Lambert added his name to the Artists4Ceasefire open letter addressed to President Joe Biden, urging for a ceasefire to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Adam Lambert, alongside Roger Taylor, Sarina Taylor, Bryan Patrick Franklin, and Michael Solis, celebrated the opening of their new venture, The Wild bar, located in West Hollywood, California, in November 2023.
In 2023, Adam Lambert, through his Feel Something Foundation, decided to direct his birthday donations to "Stand with Trans," a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the mental health and wellness of transgender individuals.
In February 2024, Queen + Adam Lambert will perform five mega dome concerts in Japan.
In February 2024, it was announced that Lambert would be a judge on the thirteenth season of The Voice Australia.
In May 2024, Lambert participated in the Chinese reality show "Singer 2024," a singing competition for professional singers.
Adam Lambert continued his support for "Stand with Trans" in 2024, again directing his birthday donations to the organization.