My (and the World's) Adam Lambert Obsession -- Part II

Back on March 17 I blogged about Adam Lambert's huge talent after seeing only two of his early American Idol performances. I believe I was one of the first to write about him and was afraid I would come across as too over-the-top in my praise and ultimately be exposed a pathetic loser.

Just call me Kreskin. Not only has Lambert completely dominated the competition since his first appearance, he has spawned a viral Internet industry. Countless articles have been written discussing his voice, fashion sense, performances and sexuality. Every bit of his past has been uncovered, every available YouTube video scrutinized. Ebay lists 11 pages of Adam Lambert memorabilia, such as dolls, dinner plates and an Adam Lambert Italian Charm Watch. TMZ stalks him outside of restaurants, evidently the final arbiter of mainstream success and definitely the final nail in the coffin of his privacy.

Writers have hurled superlatives as if he were the second coming of Elvis, Streisand and Al Freaking Jolson. Ann Powers of the LA Times called him "the kind of pop star who can change people's lives." Lynn Crosbie of Canada's Globe and Mail gushed, "Lambert is so gifted, he destroys the show's entire premise, which is the possibility that anyone can be an American Idol."

Lambert's fans are a cult as rabidly devoted as religious pilgrims to Bethlehem. A lovesick Newsday poster wrote, "Just when I was about to consider entering a loveless marriage, Adam came along and opened my heart to love. Something I hadn't felt since I walked out the door 8 years ago and left my husband." Someone please buy this woman a drink, for God's sake.

He's gone international. A friend who lives in Indonesia told me that Lambert is "huge" in Jakarta. Viewers from South Africa wrote, "Vote twice for us, we can't vote over here!!!" At this rate, Lambert won't even be able to vacation in Phuket without being mobbed.

Even as Ryan Seacrest attempts elimination night drama with his phony "dim the lights" shtick, the only genuine suspense of the entire season happened when Lambert inexplicably ended up in the bottom two, which spawned more hysterical "The World Shocked" articles than the swine flu epidemic.

Simon Cowell himself remarked to Ellen DeGeneres that Adam should win -If it were up to me based on originality, worldwide appeal, I would say Adam. He's got guts." Indeed, he has been the frontrunner for so long that his loss would be a disappointment not seen since E.T. lost the Best Picture Oscar to Gandhi.

Through it all, Lambert has wisely concentrated on his performances, singing Wild Cherry's "Play That Funky Music" and Led Zeppelin's "Whole Lotta Love" like he wrote the originals. His version of "Feeling Good" proved he should sing the next James Bond theme. He can probably sing anything, except perhaps opera, Navajo Indian War Chants or the Islamic Call To Prayer. The other contestants, while talented, are Six Flags Over Georgia performers next to him.

Last but not least, while nonchalantly out of the closet back home, he has inspired a huge yet infantile debate about whether or not a gay contestant can win Idol while uttering very little about it himself. Everyone from the harrumphing Bill O'Reilly to The New York Times has piled endless heaps of bullshit on this mountain out of a molehill. As Lambert himself said, "It's a singing competition, not a kissing competition," hinting very strongly that we should all collectively grow up.

Why has he created so much buzz? For one thing, Idol is the number one show on network TV in a landscape co-opted by cable and the Internet. Also, America hasn't had a "star is born" moment since Sarah Palin first appeared on the scene and could use another one, especially one with actual talent. Add to that Lambert's genuine star quality and charisma, which he probably possesses while mowing the lawn.

And why am I so taken with him? Because every comedian secretly wants to be a rock star, that's why. Ask any of them.

A lot of this is the hyperbole that happens when any exciting new talent appears. We will have to wait until he makes his own kind of music to see whether or not he's truly a great addition to the music industry. He still has that to prove, and it's a lot. But he has already proven that he's a great entertainer. Ethel Merman never wrote her own material, either.

At this writing, it's down to the bottom three contestants. Whether he wins or not ultimately doesn't matter, because he's already a star to the people who are paying attention, and his fans can't wait till he breaks free of Idol and really lets loose. I hope he maintains his nice guy aura, doesn't believe the fawning press, and hope that he will read these pieces I've written and, at the very least, have the decency to comp me into his first concert with an accompanying backstage pass. That's all I ask.

Comments

[hellameangirl]

I've never entertained the idea of getting an album by any of the previous Idols..but if Adam stays true to Glam and does a Scissor Sisters-type record, I may consider getting it!

[Sean Lytle]

Jim as always you are right on target. Your talent for "commentary" with razor sharp wit is amazing. I'm so glad to have been able to meet you back in 2006 and every time we manage to see each other you are always such a treat. It's truly my pleasure to call you "friend"
Sean

[RivJ]

All I have to say to those that don't like Adam...you­'re just not listening good enough. It may not be "your kind of music" but even my 77 year old Rat Pack lovin', big band era lovin' mom loves Adam's vocals. She is a Danny Gokey fan, but she says she's never seen someone as talented as Adam since Elvis Presley. I have to agree. But then again, that's a part of the "Adam Lambert Obsession" I guess. Adam, even if he doesn't get the "title," will be the next biggest superstar in the music industry. Mark my words!

[cleveb]

I have tried and am just not an Adam fan. Really do not see what all the hype is about and certainly will never understand him being compared to Elvis. I have found myself leaving the room now when he comes on because his performances are so predictable.

I on the other hand think Kris Allen is one of the most original and musically talented I have see in a long time.

[misha11]

Wonderful, thank you for writting this.
Okay, so I am 39 and have what is verging on an obsession with this talented young man. I have been reading every little piece of imformation that is avaliable. When I ask myself why the only answer that springs to mind is; that he makes me happy.....­..what fun to have someone new that actually has talent performing for us. He is already a world wide star......­....
Did I mention that I live in Thailand..­....No quiet beach holiday for Adam in this country!!

[Bianca17]

I got so excited by you Jim that I forgot to mention my new addiction - Adam Lambert!
He is PHENOMENAL! He caught my attention the second he opened his mouth at the auditions.
He's incredible and seems like the nicest guy too! The man has obliterated my life in the pat 2 or so months. I live by an "Adam watch" , waiting for him to sing, waiting to see how he'll perform, what he'll say , what he'll wear, what he'll do etc.

Sad state for a woman in her 30's but it's so much fun:)

[Bianca17]

Jim David , you're brilliant and funny! This article is great!

And by the way Jum, when straight women say "pity he's gay" you should take it as a compliment!
How can we not be green with envy that other men get the funny, handsome, brilliant great guys and WE are left with the ballscratching, burping guys who think the greatest emotional peak available is a touchdown? It's an unfair distribution of "great":)

So yes, Jum, pity you're gay b/c I'm in love with you!

[MalaSam]

Loved your article! You have pretty much summed up everything I feel about Adam. I cannot wait to see what he is going to do in the future. I have never watched Idol before but am glad it exists (wouldn't have imagined myself saying that 3 months ago) because I was introduced to this wonderful, talented and truly humble young man.

[marjorie2009]

Been watching for several years already and he is by far - the best among the 08 contestants. He brought excitement to AI. What I love about him is that he has a clear understanding of who he is and what he wants. He is smart and knows his craft. He articulates his thoughts very well. He is humble and not selfish. When the other idol contestants asked for his help he doesn’t hesitate to help them. This proves that he is confident with his skills and is not threaten by insecurities.

I agree with your article. Thanks for posting it. Would also like to share a verbatim from the article of Mr. Josh Tygragiel on Time, entitled - The Un-Idol: “…Lambert, 27, may have the best chops of the bunch (his ability to hold high notes recalls Grace Slick in her prime), but where he really outshines them is in self-awareness. While his peers act as if being plucked from obscurity to sing in prime time is normal, he understands that he’s on televisions show, where acting would be completely abnormal… Lambert might just be too weird for a show this big. But win or lose, it won’t matter: after producing plenty of singers, American Idol has found its first star.” So Adam you will surely have a long and fruitful career.

Personally, i still want to see ADAM LAMBERT get the American Idol crown. So, NO MORE SPLIT voting, vote straight on Tuesday.

[Davita Morales]

Definitely, Adam is the most talented contestant ever!!.. I am 68 years old..and I love him!!!... HE should win this competition without any doubt. He' got the looks, the voice, the poise, the charm and we are looking for the best singer. So let's keep an eye on him... and PLEASE VOTE FOR HIM!!!!...

[KayDGee]

Great Post - Thanks. Adam is addictive! From his Brigadoon performance 5 years ago to Zepplin this week - He breathes new life into everything he sings... because he acts and sings at the same time - So everyone who listens feels the passion of the music. He never upstaged Allison when they were singing the duet (real sorry to see her go-It would have been a great finale wth her in it). Adam Lambert is a class act! Those of us who love Broadway-musical performances will be sorry to lose him to the rock world. American Idol producers should retire the show, like a baseball number, after this year.

[cly]

This was a great post and what a finish....­.backstage passes. Gosh, I hope Adam reads this and you write a follow up after his first performance. He does have something special. I never thought as a 50+ year old I would be trolling the internet looking for articles on this young man. You nailed it though, we need a new "Star is Born", BECAUSE of Palin. You just might be Kreskin.

[shela88]

Aside from being the most incredible singer ever on Idol, Adam Lambert is the nicest, most gracious young man and sets a fine example for his young fans. He is great about signing autographs, mixing and mingling with strangers no matter how busy or exhausted he is..and he actually took the time to get on the telephone and say "Happy Birthday" to a loyal fan who he has never met. I know this for a fact and first hand! Go Adam..I Love You!

[mama4obama]

I am sorry , but I am not obsessed. Adam has only sung two songs out of his bombastic style , but every other song sounds the same to me. He has that Broadway presence down pat though.

[GiannaX]

I've watched Idol on and off since Season Three. I've had my faves, but none of them rocked my world to the point I would by their CD or attend a live event. I've been to tons of concerts over the years, many comped. But, I would pay top dollar and brave the maddening crowds to see Adam Lambert. perform and I will purchase EVERY CD he releases. He is simply phenomenal!