Adam Lambert's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Adam Lambert. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

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.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

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.

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.

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.

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: 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.

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".

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."

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: 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.

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.

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.