Interview with Adam Lambert: 'Whatever the cost, so be it'
He's here for your entertainment
Adam Lambert on "The Early Show"
Credit: AP Photo
Before he dragged a woman across stage, kissed a boy (and liked it) and simulated certain sex acts during his performance on the American Music Awards, Adam Lambert talked to us about sudden fame, making his CD, "For Your Enteratinment, and what life is like post-“American Idol.”
Below are tidbits we saved for Hitfix. For much more with Lambert, click here to read our interview from MSN.com. He reveals the strangest rumor he’s ever heard about himself, whether he’s dating fellow singer/songwriter Ferras, working with Lady GaGa and what was going on in his mind with that wacky album cover.
Q: I was talking to a fellow journalist who met you backstage in Washington, D.C., who was impressed with how kind you were to a terminally ill child who came to see you. Did you have a model for that or where did that graciousness come from?
A: I actually think I learned that from being in the theater. I was working for a production of “Wicked” for almost four years on and off. I watched the women who were the leads in the show every night exit the stage door and there was a huge line of fans that wanted to take pictures that wanted autographs. I think that that really prepared me for the whole “Idol” experience and being on the tour this summer and meeting fans before and after the show. You really have to realize, “You know what? This is this person’s first time seeing you” or “This is their night to see you and they’re excited, it’s not about you.” it’s about them at that point.. If it weren’t for them, we wouldn’t be doing what we’re doing, so we owe them a lot of gratitude …. Theater is a great teaching tool for that because you have to give the illusion of the first time every night.
Q: You’ve been very open in your interviews, whether print or TV and usually say something that makes great copy, whether it’s coming out or talking about making out with women. Is there a point where you feel like you have to coming up with something shocking to say?
A: You know what’s really funny about that is I’m not thinking, “Oh, I have to come up with something shocking.” I really feel like I’m just standing there, being interviewed, answering a bunch of questions and I think it’s actually the journalists who can choose to sensationalize something that I say. I really feel for the most part I’m being 100% myself and just being candid and open and no secrets and it gets kind of turned around sometimes or maybe it’s blown out of proportion…Sometimes I’ll go back and read something and be like (laughs), “That’s an interesting way to interpret what I said, okay.” It’s like what I’m saying being interpreted by somebody else. It’s actually kind of funny to me; I get a kick out of it.
Q: You are very focused on what kind of image you want to present and what kind of music you record for an artist just starting out. Where does that come from?
A: I’m a little older and I’ve been in the entertainment industry for a minute and I think that I just kind of have gotten clear on what I want I’d like to go for. It’s like someone gives you an opportunity and goes, “Guess what? You just got a major record deal. Now what?” You have one of two choices: you can kind of be afraid of it and let someone else be in charge of it or you can step up to the plate and [say, “Okay, cool. Thanks a lot for the opportunity and here we go and this is what I want to do.” You can either steer or let someone else steer and I like to steer (laughs).
Q: So you’re not going to be one of those artists that comes back a year from now and says you didn’t get to make the album you wanted to make.
A: No, this is the album I wanted to make. Of course, there were some time constraints. There are some limitations considering I was on tour this summer and we only had a little while to put it out. I can guarantee you I will grow in the next couple of years and evolve, but for where I’m at right now, I’m very proud of this.
Q: Working with Lady GaGa surprised no one, but what about Weezer’s Rivers Cuomo? Huh?
A: Yeah, it was random. The producer that I worked with on that song, he had a relationship with Rivers and they had begun to write this song together. He showed it to me and I said that’s a great song, I want to do that and at least that’s my end of it. I think Rivers did an interview saying they had written it for Weezer and Weezer didn’t want it, so whatever. I don’t even know what the story is anymore.
Q: What’s your last thought before your head hits the pillow at night?
A: Oh gosh, what’s next? What’s tomorrow? Right now, I’m just focused on looking ahead and then also being in the moment itself, but at night after I go to bed after a long day, I go, “Okay, that was today, you digested it and what’s tomorrow, what’s next on the agenda.”
Q: What’s the hardest thing about someone has a schedule knowing where you’ll be for the next two years.
A: I guess the inflexibility of it all, but you now what? It’s all about how you look at it. I spent the last couple of years working on a show where it was a routine, eight shows a week and I kind of burned out on that lifestyle. I really love the adventure that I’m on now, I love that it’s all in support of my project. I feel like I finally have reached my full potential. On a personal level, I’m doing what I love and it feels good. So whatever the cost of that is, so be it.
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About This Blog
Melinda Newman is the former West Coast Bureau Chief for Billboard Magazine with more than 15 years of experience in the music industry. She covers music and entertainment for the Los Angeles Times, the Washington Post, Associated Press, MSN, AOL and other outlets. Recent interviews include Taylor Swift, Pink, Brad Paisley, Foo Fighters, Jonas Bros. and Snow Patrol.
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November 26, 2009 at 2:52AM EST Reply to CommentAdam rock on!! This whole AMA thing is not nearly as disgusting and obscene as the people who have responded by blogging hate for gays and personal attacks on Adam. Some people just don't seem to be intelligent enough to see past their own hate and realize they are holding Adam to a double standard. Let freedom of artistic expression reign!!
diane coleman
November 26, 2009 at 7:58AM EST Reply to Commentkissing the guy was not so bad,but the bj look,well that was a bit to much.people have no self respect anymore.
chickc
November 26, 2009 at 12:27PM EST Reply to CommentIt seems there are many sides to Adam and unfortunately, he's still green in the fame arena, and therefor hasn't chosen a true direction for his self marketing. I dont think he really thought about shocking people at the AMAs, as much as he was simply nervous in front of all those peers and lost his place in the prepared routine. But, just like he suggests in this article, a performance is all about the person you are performing for and whether he thought he was performing for kids or adults, he needs to know his fan base demographics before he steps on the stage and be careful about what he's projecting as an image. While he might like us to know him as a Tommy Lee bad-ass, in truth, he's not. He's just a really good singer trying to present a song like other pop (not rock) stars. Because he has such a wide spread demographic, he needs to step up to the plate and apologize to America (whether he believes he's sorry or not). Otherwise he will pigeon-hole his career to only die-hard fans, and they can't buy enough records to keep a label happy. We warned you to be humble Adam, or fame would turn on you. Before its too late, make it right with your fans first, before yourself.