Adam Lambert on “Entertainment Weekly” Cover
May 8, 2009 by Jeanne
American Idol finalist, Adam Lambert, is featured on the cover of Entertainment Weekly and I’m not surprised at all. It seems like everyone is talking about his sexual orientation and I’m not sure whether it’s a good or a bad thing.
My first instinct is to say “who cares if he’s gay or straight as long as he sings well?” but then I realize that, for a lot of people, accepting someone who is not heterosexual is a big deal and it certainly is a sign of the times that the kid is still on the show.
The 27-year-old from San Diego, has amazed audiences (and the judges) with his versatility and, in the beginning, I have to admit that I found him to be a bit over the top. Then again, I think that Adam is smart enough, as an artist, to have reviewed those early performances himself and then I think he actually worked on toning it down and focusing his talent while maintaining his intensity. That’s maturity, in my eyes.
EW has explored the gay angle and when addressing the scrutiny, Adam said: “I know who I am. I’m an honest guy, and I’m just going to keep singing.”
Good answer, Adam! You don’t need to answer those types of personal queries if you don’t want to. My only hesitation involves the fans. As was the case with Clay Aiken, many suspected that Clay was gay. I remember making a comment about it in a post a couple years back and getting so verbally attacked by some Claymates that I had to delete the post. I couldn’t understand why the possibility of Clay being gay was so offensive to them and I worry that the same will happen with Adam.
They keep referring to Adam as “openly gay” but I’m not sure I agree that he’s at that point yet. What if he’s not gay? What if he’s bisexual? Of course, it’s nice to think that he could win and be “openly gay” because it shows that we’ve become more accepting of the contestants on the show.
What do you think? Does Adam’s sexual orientation matter?
image used with permission
America, r u kidding me? Its 2009 and there’s still a society that is so prejudiced as to warrant this question? Seriously? How primitive! Honestly, in other parts of the world the topic of Adam’s sexual orientation having a negative effect on his chances to win would have been just too ridiculous. Its a singing contest, silly… He wont exactly be the first gay musician in history… So why the fuss since this is not the 1800’s?
I think its unfair for Adam to get the cover alone when danny and kris are still alive on ai.
Two words Freddie Mercury
I don’t think it should matter and anyways, who cares if he’s gay? That’s his personal business, for me with the whole Clay thing, I kinda figured he was, but it’s not a big deal. It doesn’t take away from the incredible talent he has. Idol is about finding that one person who has it all and immediately grabs your attention from the very beginning of a song. Someone that leaves you wanting to hear more from them and Adam has that. He is a very entertaining artist and such a incredible voice. Not only that but he knows who he is as a artist, knows what works for him and what doesn’t. In my opinion he makes each performance look effortless and all that combined is what being an Idol is all about. I totally agree, I think he is one of the most entertaining that they have had on there since Kelly. Adam is amazing, I don’t get why anything else is such an issue.
ughhh i hate adam so much
Well, for those who hate Adam, so what. Here are a few of the mega-stars that people hated, too: Freddy Mercury, Elvis, Madonna, David Bowie, Jim Morrison, Marvin Gaye… and there are MANY, MANY more… any original artist, who dares to stretch the limits and be original, is hated by some. Another non-musical person scourged by many? Barak Obama. Usually geniuses are hated by small-minded people. Read a history book, those of you who hate Adam. Whatever. You’ll be looked back on by those in the future like the neanderthals you are. If you don’t like his music, that’s one thing. But to attack him as a person has nothing to do with musical taste – it has to do with your own fear and inadequacy; in short: ignorance. I am a 50 year old mother of three, and there are many of us faith-filled, hardworking Americans who find Adam a remarkable talent and an amazing human being. He appeals to all of us, regardless of generation, belief, or creed – because of his artistic and musical genius.
Well Patrice, sorry to disappoint, but I am not an Adam fan. I’ve liked Danny since auditions; same with Megan Joy & Allison. And since hollywood, I’ve loves Kris’s voice and charm. It DOES NOT make a difference whether Adam is gay, straight, bisexual… I don’t care. That’s up to him, and it’s his business. It doesn’t take away from his talent in my mind. He had a good range, I’m just not a fan of the freaky over-the-top stuff. I don’t hear that sorta stuff on the radio, so we’ll see where he fits in…
And, Allison it going to be huge. I’m so excited for her. Definately another Daughtry-like 4th place finish. She’s amazing. Reminds me of Kelly Clarkson/P!nk. Can’t wait!
And “df”, I completely agree. With so many rules and regulations to keep things fair on Idol, I don’t see how it’s fair for Adam to get coverage over Danny and Kris. This shouldn’t be allowed.
Oh, for crying out loud – they used recycled photos and made up their own story to go along with it – what’s the big deal…if Danny and Kris were as newsworthy, they’d be there too.
xomegg- I don’t care if you or anyone else doesn’t like Adam’s music or him – it’s personal taste and freedom as to what people’s preferences are. What I don’t like is when people attack him personally. I also love Allison and love Kris’s charm, but it is my personal preference for Adam’s talent and music. As for Entertainment Weekly’s coverage, Adam is a star, and if the media chooses to cover him more, well – that’s freedom of the press. I agree with HP above – if Danny or Kris were having the impact Adam is on the world, they would get the same coverage; fact is, they are not.
GAY issue ?
Won’t affect me..after all, it’s his personal choice. And these days, remember that all of us has our own personal choice. If we can’t accept others..I guess we have to rethink about our self even more.
I’m baffled that Adam’s sexuality is so focused on in the media. The sexual orientation of any contestant on Idol is none of my business & it isn’t something that they should have to make public.
I think Adam is being wonderfully cunning in his media responses to the ‘gay’ question. It seems pretty obvious that he’s either gay or bi from his responses (& perhaps the way he dresses) but Adam always leaves a bit of room for doubt with what he says. If he came completely ‘out’ he could lose some fans. In the end Adam’s sexuality is his own business and he shouldn’t gain or lose fans because of it. That is why I am glad that he is not openly talking about being gay. Put simply, it is nobody’s business, and Idol is about singing.
On the other hand, Idol contestants are role models for teenagers/children (particularly so if the succeed on Idol, or win). If the types of songs that contestants wrote & sang pre-Idol had values that I didn’t agree that would be a problem. Eg. promiscuity-is-okay-message in Adam’s “kiss and tell” pre-Idol song. That is something that could genuinely affect people’s votes (in my opinion). However, “Kiss & Tell” aside, I know that Adam is a genuine & humble person who I think in most ways is a good role model.