Inside Music with Melinda Newman

Adam Lambert speaks: Our initial impressions from our interview

His thoughts on the eve of 'For Your Entertainment'

By Melinda Newman Tuesday, Nov 10, 2009 6:15 PM

Adam Lambert

Seldom have we talked to an artist at this early a stage in his career who is as surefooted as Adam Lambert. We interviewed him today for MSN.com. We’ll link to that interview when it goes live—and add more content to it—but our initial impression was this is an artist whose whole life had been leading to this moment. And he knows it.

He’s sure to have some meltdown moments along the way, when the sleep deprivation and jet lag kick in, but he is smart enough to know that this is what he’s been working for. You don’t bitch about the long hours when they are all in service of selling Brand Lambert.

Lambert is both confident and humbled by his major label debut, “For Your Entertainment,” out Nov. 23. He knows there are a lot of expectations riding on him, and he hopes he can live up to them. He feels he’s made the record that he wanted to make—given some tight time constraints. I asked if he was one of those artists that we’d hear disavow the album a year from now and he assured me that would not be the case. One of his few regrets is that he ultimately did not, as had been reported early on, get to work with producer RedOne on “For Your Entertainment.”

There are some artists who wear their fame well. And our premature guess is that Lambert will be one of them. A journalist friend of ours told us about meeting Lambert backstage during the “American Idol” tour stop in Washington, D.C. As gracious and kind as he was to her and her daughters, he was even more so in the generous amount of time he spent with a sick child who had been brought backstage to meet him. I asked him about that night and he said that performing in “Wicked” had taught him a lot about dealing with people and how the night a particular fan sees you is the only night that matters to him or her. The fact that you’re done the same thing hundreds of nights before does not matter at all.It's about being in the moment.

We hadn’t loved the two songs we’d heard from Lambert so far: “ Time for Miracles” from “2012” and first single “For Your Entertainment,” but we’ve now gotten to hear the album and it holds together well. He can really sing, as anyone who has watched him on “Idol” knows, and his fans from that show aren’t going to be disappointed by the sides of himself on display on “FYE.” To his credit, he seems very serious about staying true to himself. He knows he may not go over well in some red states, but it’s much more important to him that he can sleep at night with the choices he’s made.

More in coming days as the album’s release gets closer. Plus what he really thinks about his kitschy album cover, Lady GaGa and his “Idol” colleagues.

Related Searches: Adam Lambert, American Idol, Lady GaGa, RedOne

Next 35 Comments

Lucy

Who is we in regards to not liking TfM and FYE? Are you a multiple personality? So what... you don't like his album at all? Are you a Kris fan.. is that why? Dumb article.
November 10, 2009 at 7:07PM EST Reply to Comment
- Finnistar Lucy - get a grip.
  Can't wait for future articles from this writer.
  November 10, 2009 at 11:13PM EST
Leigh

Not sure how this critic actually feels personally about the album, but I can guarantee that it'll be one she'll go back to often. There's simply no one out there like Adam Lambert, and his voice is a wonder.
November 10, 2009 at 7:13PM EST Reply to Comment
sue

Lucy, are you a fake Adam Lambert Fan? Posing? Adam's fans do not attack writers who graciously interview Adam Lambert. So nice try because we are on to you.
November 10, 2009 at 7:19PM EST Reply to Comment
Sydney

Please. Just because she didn't like 2 songs, doesn't make her a Kris fan and if she is so what. Calm yourself, not everyone is going to like Adam Lambert. Good article. Looking forward to the next.
November 10, 2009 at 7:25PM EST Reply to Comment
islasands

Thanks for the article. I agree that Lambert is an artist with that rare mix of having his feet on the ground at the same time as his head is in the clouds of creative vision. I like his pragmatism, honesty and gracious demeanour as a person, but the real attraction for me is his stellar singing. It's a bonus that he also writes and has co-written on this album.

He's taking some serious risks with his refusal to be genre packaged on his album, which further attests to his artistic integity. TFM and FYE are smart choices to introduce his artistic eclecticism to the world stage. While they may not appeal to listeners who want the harder glam rock to surface, they will definitely give Lambert a broader spectrum of listeners... then his album can work its magic.

Look forward to your follow up articles.
November 10, 2009 at 7:33PM EST Reply to Comment
LolaforAdam

Thanks for the initial comments about Adam Lambert. I can't wait to read the full interview. OH, and please ignore those few CRAZY Adam fans that go overboard if the article isn't 100% gushing over Adam. You can write 200 words praising him and one sentence saying you did not care too much for the first singles, and they will go after you as if you had slaughtered his CD. MOST of his fans will appreciate your honest opinion. THANKS!
November 10, 2009 at 7:35PM EST Reply to Comment
Chaser

I've got a cold heart and Lambert just melted it. In the past I've moved between being kind of ambivalent about him to being annoyed at the media attention he's been given. So color me surprised that your story was the first on Lambert that intrigued me. To make a long story short and stop boring everybody I checked out the online snippets and pre-ordered the darn album.
November 10, 2009 at 7:37PM EST Reply to Comment
kneipho

Nice article from a non superfan. Fair, complimentary in reasonable moments with out all the ugly snark or hidden agenda.I'm looking forward to more articles from this author, and Lambert's album even more, after reading this piece. :)
November 10, 2009 at 7:40PM EST Reply to Comment
Jess

I dont know which I love more--his music or his person. Both are just amazing.
November 10, 2009 at 7:53PM EST Reply to Comment
Andrea

Thank you so much for your intelligent and thoughtful review of Adam Lambert's work. One of the things I find so endearing about Adam is his humility and graciousness in juxtaposition to his enormous talent. He is highly intelligent and very shrewd as to how to succeed in the music industry, and I believe we are only scratching the surface as to this m2an's talent. What will set him apart from others, to my way of thinking, is his COURAGE to be himself and follow his artistic vision. As another poster said, he is taking a huge risk. He is eclectic and trying to define him won't be easy. He is easily the best talent to come out of the AI machine, ever. He has the goods to be a major player/mover/shaker on the music scene...for a long time. Looking forward to the second part of your interview!!!!
November 10, 2009 at 7:59PM EST Reply to Comment
Lisa

I am one of those CRAZY fans but I really appreciate all that you have said in this article. I want to hear from the other side, those that have not been so totally swept away in the Glambert wave. It is important to Adam's career that he gets to present himself and his music to the critics. I have had no personal contact with Adam, did not get to see him perform live during the AI tour but I truly believe he is the kind of person that given 5 minutes, can melt the coldest heart.
November 10, 2009 at 8:05PM EST Reply to Comment
cherie

This is the definition of a reporter. Have missed out so much with the media (entertainment or otherwise) where they read other write ups and take pieces to copy or they come in biased to begin with.
You are a breath of fresh air. Not liking all the songs on his album being very honest. Open minded to everything else. Reporting YOUR opinion you are a class act in todays media biz.
Thank you
I will read anything you write about anyone.
November 10, 2009 at 8:11PM EST Reply to Comment
Macy

Why didn't Adam get to work with RedOne?
November 10, 2009 at 9:28PM EST Reply to Comment
Eileen

What interview? Where are the quotes? I was a reporter for years and that's a must!!! I love Adam fiercely, but this seems to be an article put together from others. Also, it's more of an opinion column.
November 10, 2009 at 9:37PM EST Reply to Comment
MusicLover

Thank you for the article. From the snippets of Adam's album that I've heard, I love what he is putting out. Some ballads, pop, rock, something for everyone as you mentioned. I am really looking forward to Nov 23 to hear the rest of the album. I will check in to read more.
November 10, 2009 at 10:14PM EST Reply to Comment
Pinasluvsadam

November 11, 2009 at 12:10AM EST Reply to Comment
marjorie2009

I just love this guy. So talented, so grounded and so true to himself. Kudos to you Adam!

BTW, i love the entire album of FYE.
November 11, 2009 at 12:12AM EST Reply to Comment
maryann

That's our Adam!! So gracious, kind, intelligent, eloguent, kindhearted, talented, grounded....i hope he does a lot of concerts..that's what we are all waiting for!
November 11, 2009 at 1:29AM EST Reply to Comment
Angel

I love reading articles about knowing ADAM as a person. I got teary eyed with the incident you mentioned. It's not only on his interaction but more of a confirmation of how genuine, decent, humble, authentic and compassionate a person ADAM is. Truly ADAM is admired for his phenomenal singing skills but I believe he is much more loved for his integrity and inner qualities. ADAM is a giving sharing person, an enlightened spiritual being. ADAM is a blessing.
November 11, 2009 at 1:58AM EST Reply to Comment
Jane

Funny because Adam's detractors do not really know much about him because every time someone gets close, they realize what a decent, talented, geniunely great guy he is. I really think this album will be great and I think it is the tip of the iceberg of what is still to come from Adam. I am going to sit back and enjoying the ride.
November 11, 2009 at 3:05AM EST Reply to Comment
SeenZ

I love this article. I love Adam. He's such a NICE person, as every single person who's interviewed him says. Anyone gets close enough and they realize how down-to-earth he is. From all the links I've read through The Glambert Rock (they have a huge collection - pretty much everything) not one person has said he's got any diva attitude. He treats everyone with respect. What a gem this man is!
November 11, 2009 at 9:00AM EST Reply to Comment
Clarice

Adam is why over-hyped in the news and his song FOR YOUR ENTERTAINMENT is God Awful. He voice is no where near Clays.
November 11, 2009 at 12:36PM EST Reply to Comment
- Idolfan I actually find it quite funny that you think Adam is fake, yet you're a Clay fan. He is by far the fakiest of the fake.
  November 11, 2009 at 1:34PM EST
Clarice

Adam is not real. He is a big fake. He is only saying this stuff so dopes will buy his terrible single and cd. And his fans are the most gullible out there.
November 11, 2009 at 12:37PM EST Reply to Comment
- Idolfan Wow, you think Adam is fake? I can't think of a more genunine person to ever grace the stage of Idol. Where is the fakeness? Exactly what is he fake about?
  November 11, 2009 at 1:31PM EST
RoRo

Nice article, I love anything and everything Lambert! I am looking forward to receiving my CD, seeing Adam Lambert in a solo concert, and on the big screen as well. The sky is the limit with this artist. Sorry for those that did not get to see him in one of the Idols Live concert - he's awesome, gorgeous and highly entertaining!
November 11, 2009 at 12:59PM EST Reply to Comment
Lala

Clarice or should I say Claymate? Adam is first and foremost a singer/entertainer and he is very true to who he is. Offstage Adam is a sweet, normal, humble and yes proudly gay man. Onstage Adam is the singer/entertainer and he embodies it very well.

We Adam fans are not gullible unlike Clay fans who thought Clay was straight.

As for Adam's voice being not as good as Clay.. you are wrong... Adam's voice is better than Clay's. Adam sings all genres of music with a 3 octave range. I would laugh hysterically if Clay ever sang For Your Entertainment. Clay is like Barry Manilow and can only do that style of music. So you fail at your remarks.
November 11, 2009 at 1:04PM EST Reply to Comment
Josh

I enjoyed the article, but can we please give the whole "red state" thing a rest? It's completely played out and was never true to begin with. Lots of gay people live in Georgia and there are plenty of homophobes in California. Please don't group entire states together as one overreaching demographic.
November 11, 2009 at 1:19PM EST Reply to Comment
ianaleah

When "Melinda" talks about red state, we learn all about'Melinda'. Projecting? And, discussing Adam's songs- they are high on the charts- as is his album- and all by word of mouth since 19Entertainment put all their ad money on Kris Allen's album. However,'Melinda' though you might like Adam sing 'Over the Rainbow' - music lovers who vote with their wallets like For Your Entertainment and Time For Miracles. But, wow, I think the album cover is a disaster, All Adam's sex appeal was taken out for a neutered flat 'art piece'.Got.To.Be.Kiddin. The real deal gives me butterflies in my tummy, the cover art gives me nausea in my tummy. Good thing the guy can sing.
November 11, 2009 at 3:57PM EST Reply to Comment
O2N

If you're going to an Adam concert, bring your earplugs - the guy can really SCREECH! Sorry, he's not my kinda guy, and not my kind of music.
November 11, 2009 at 9:50PM EST Reply to Comment
- Melodie O2N, your advice to bring earplugs to an Adam Lambert concert should be taken seriously, not as protection from the masterfully delivered notes that very few singers living or departed have/had the ability to reach, but from the roar and screams eminating from his audience.
  November 12, 2009 at 4:00AM EST
marlock276

Adam is one of the most talented singers to come along in my lifetime. . . he is just incredible. I can't believe some people don't "get" how good he really is. . . that "screeching" they often bring up--a better term would be "rock scream"--is what hooked me from the beginning. He reminded me of Ted Neeley from Jesus Christ Superstar, one of my very favorite singers. And on top of his otherworldly talent, from EVERY article I've read and EVERY video I've seen, he's one of the most gracious, humble, kind, intelligent, genuine human beings out there. Adam ROCKS!
November 12, 2009 at 11:40PM EST Reply to Comment
STILL waiting for the interview to go LIVE as you stated. And the rest of everything else you said to look for. Was that just a way to get us to KEEP coming back here every day, or is there really a video??

Great interview, and I keep hoping for the interview and the MORE you spoke about.
November 18, 2009 at 10:46PM EST Reply to Comment

Next 35 Comments

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Inside Music with Melinda Newman

Adam Lambert speaks: Our initial impressions from our interview

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Comments

Option 1

Option 2

Option 3

Lucy Who is we in regards to not liking TfM and FYE? Are you a multiple personality? So what... you don't like his album at all? Are you a Kris fan.. is that why? Dumb article.

Finnistar Lucy - get a grip.Can't wait for future articles from this writer.

Leigh Not sure how this critic actually feels personally about the album, but I can guarantee that it'll be one she'll go back to often. There's simply no one out there like Adam Lambert, and his voice is a wonder.

sue Lucy, are you a fake Adam Lambert Fan? Posing? Adam's fans do not attack writers who graciously interview Adam Lambert. So nice try because we are on to you.

Sydney Please. Just because she didn't like 2 songs, doesn't make her a Kris fan and if she is so what. Calm yourself, not everyone is going to like Adam Lambert. Good article. Looking forward to the next.

kneipho Nice article from a non superfan. Fair, complimentary in reasonable moments with out all the ugly snark or hidden agenda.I'm looking forward to more articles from this author, and Lambert's album even more, after reading this piece. :)

Jess I dont know which I love more--his music or his person. Both are just amazing.

Macy Why didn't Adam get to work with RedOne?

Eileen What interview? Where are the quotes? I was a reporter for years and that's a must!!! I love Adam fiercely, but this seems to be an article put together from others. Also, it's more of an opinion column.

MusicLover Thank you for the article. From the snippets of Adam's album that I've heard, I love what he is putting out. Some ballads, pop, rock, something for everyone as you mentioned. I am really looking forward to Nov 23 to hear the rest of the album. I will check in to read more.

Pinasluvsadam

marjorie2009 I just love this guy. So talented, so grounded and so true to himself. Kudos to you Adam! BTW, i love the entire album of FYE.

maryann That's our Adam!! So gracious, kind, intelligent, eloguent, kindhearted, talented, grounded....i hope he does a lot of concerts..that's what we are all waiting for!

Clarice Adam is why over-hyped in the news and his song FOR YOUR ENTERTAINMENT is God Awful. He voice is no where near Clays.

Idolfan I actually find it quite funny that you think Adam is fake, yet you're a Clay fan. He is by far the fakiest of the fake.

Clarice Adam is not real. He is a big fake. He is only saying this stuff so dopes will buy his terrible single and cd. And his fans are the most gullible out there.

Idolfan Wow, you think Adam is fake? I can't think of a more genunine person to ever grace the stage of Idol. Where is the fakeness? Exactly what is he fake about?

O2N If you're going to an Adam concert, bring your earplugs - the guy can really SCREECH! Sorry, he's not my kinda guy, and not my kind of music.

Melodie O2N, your advice to bring earplugs to an Adam Lambert concert should be taken seriously, not as protection from the masterfully delivered notes that very few singers living or departed have/had the ability to reach, but from the roar and screams eminating from his audience.

STILL waiting for the interview to go LIVE as you stated. And the rest of everything else you said to look for. Was that just a way to get us to KEEP coming back here every day, or is there really a video?? Great interview, and I keep hoping for the interview and the MORE you spoke about.

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Lucy

Who is we in regards to not liking TfM and FYE? Are you a multiple personality? So what... you don't like his album at all? Are you a Kris fan.. is that why? Dumb article.

Finnistar Lucy - get a grip.
Can't wait for future articles from this writer.

Leigh

Not sure how this critic actually feels personally about the album, but I can guarantee that it'll be one she'll go back to often. There's simply no one out there like Adam Lambert, and his voice is a wonder.

sue

Lucy, are you a fake Adam Lambert Fan? Posing? Adam's fans do not attack writers who graciously interview Adam Lambert. So nice try because we are on to you.

Sydney

Please. Just because she didn't like 2 songs, doesn't make her a Kris fan and if she is so what. Calm yourself, not everyone is going to like Adam Lambert. Good article. Looking forward to the next.

kneipho

Nice article from a non superfan. Fair, complimentary in reasonable moments with out all the ugly snark or hidden agenda.I'm looking forward to more articles from this author, and Lambert's album even more, after reading this piece. :)

Jess

I dont know which I love more--his music or his person. Both are just amazing.

Macy

Why didn't Adam get to work with RedOne?

Eileen

What interview? Where are the quotes? I was a reporter for years and that's a must!!! I love Adam fiercely, but this seems to be an article put together from others. Also, it's more of an opinion column.

MusicLover

Thank you for the article. From the snippets of Adam's album that I've heard, I love what he is putting out. Some ballads, pop, rock, something for everyone as you mentioned. I am really looking forward to Nov 23 to hear the rest of the album. I will check in to read more.

marjorie2009

I just love this guy. So talented, so grounded and so true to himself. Kudos to you Adam!

BTW, i love the entire album of FYE.

maryann

That's our Adam!! So gracious, kind, intelligent, eloguent, kindhearted, talented, grounded....i hope he does a lot of concerts..that's what we are all waiting for!

Clarice

Adam is why over-hyped in the news and his song FOR YOUR ENTERTAINMENT is God Awful. He voice is no where near Clays.

Clarice

Adam is not real. He is a big fake. He is only saying this stuff so dopes will buy his terrible single and cd. And his fans are the most gullible out there.

O2N

If you're going to an Adam concert, bring your earplugs - the guy can really SCREECH! Sorry, he's not my kinda guy, and not my kind of music.

STILL waiting for the interview to go LIVE as you stated. And the rest of everything else you said to look for. Was that just a way to get us to KEEP coming back here every day, or is there really a video??

Great interview, and I keep hoping for the interview and the MORE you spoke about.

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Music News is updated