Entertainment Weekly's Gay Idol Cover: Where's the Controversy?
Entertainment Weekly's latest issue features a full-cover on American Idol contestant Adam Lambert.
At CoverAwards, we examine covers on a daily basis and this one caught our attention.
The cover line reads "Loving Adam Lambert - The Most Exciting 'American Idol' Contestant in Years." Next to the line is a pink asterisk that leads you to the cover line on the bottom right of the cover - "And Not Just Because He Might Be Gay."
So what's missing?
The controversy!
In years past, this cover would have stirred up quite a bit of controversy. Can you imagine if Entertainment Weekly did the same type of cover featuring Clay Aiken, who came out of the closet years later?
But, in 2009, a cover featuring a celebrity who is apparently gay doesn't seem to raise an eyebrow.
Perhaps, it's because many already believe that Adam is gay. Or, maybe it's something even bigger.
It's no longer an issue?
I spoke to Entertainment Weekly's managing editor Jess Cagle, who noted that Adam's sexuality has been a big topic discussed by his readers.
Cagle says, "It was hard to ignore. The whole thing about his sexuality has been a huge part of the conversation."
EW took an inventive step in noting Adam's sexuality by making it a "footnote. "
This move is quite symbolic. Being gay is only a part of Adam and not how he should be totally defined. Rather, we should focus on his talent, which far exceeds many previous Idol winners.
Cagle agrees, "I hope it doesn't escape people that the main point of the cover is how people love him and how he is the most exciting contestant in years."
With Adam's record on Idol to date, it looks like the country agrees and is focused on Adam's talent.
Bottom Line: That's progress!
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Being gay is simply irrelevant today. I hope he wins as he has the most talent! That's what Idol is about. Talent.
Might be?
His being gay IS noteworthy, assuming it to be true. American Idol reaches a huge audience of young people - many of which are gay and in search of positive role models, role models as diverse as possible. Gay teens are at risk and every last one of them needs that subtle message sent to them over and over that it's OK, no matter how they might be treated at home or at school they will grow up and will take the reigns of their own lives.
Moreover, many kids that are would-be bullies or worse of gay kids need to be reminded that gay young people have nothing to be ashamed of.
Finally, the calls for a world where sexuality is not even mentioned are a little far-fetched. The romantic lives of performers and other public figures are a mainstay of the press. Would we make this argument about the latest celebrity divorce? Do discussions about Danny Gokey and Kris Allen's wives and families have no place either?
Your thoughtful comment is well stated and comes at a time when we need it the most. The two suicides by pre-teens who were driven to the depths of despair by relentless homophobic attacks by their peers were the final wake up call. Diversity and respect for all persuasions, creeds and races needs to be reflected in all media and discussed openly. American Idol along with Ellen, Rachel Maddow and the many shows that feature healthy fictional Gay Characters represent the breakthrough this culture is well over due in having.
I just want to say that I'm disappointed that Adam didn't win but I think he's much better off being a runner-up. Other than that I think that America should really get a grip and loosen up a bit. I came to this country about 15 yrs ago and I thought I would come to the "Land of Free". In many cases..yes but why are people here so homophobic? I'm straight woman "of certain age" and I love Adam and I don't give a damn about what he does in his private life. Plus..to all girls out there the best BFF is a gay man! Trust me on that one! I think Adam is kind of revolutionary sight in the music industry because he seamlessly gender-bends and I got a feeling that all his female fans ( I believe he is adored by thousands of them) do not mind him being gay. In Europe, we don't make a big issue of anyone's sexuality. I look at it this way: If I fall in love with somebody, it's because I like and love that "somebody" for what kind of human beings they are, not for what they have between their legs. Adam is exciting, talented, very easy on the eye, has wonderful manners and humility but I also think he's smart as a whip! And his attitude is, like: "Look, this is who I'm. If you have a problem with it, it's your problem, not mine".
Entertainment magazine has sunk to a new low, boosting sales by treating such a non-issue as a shocking revelation. Why is Lambert's sexuality noteworthy in an article, much less on the cover? Did they ever "asterisk" Elton John?
Can we all just GET in the 21st Century. It feels like we're living in the time of the Crusades. This young man has talent. Why can't we leave it at that? Judge not lest ye be judged or whatever. Get out of the cave and come into the light.
I guess he has talent, if you like screamers, that is. I hope the guy gets the boot this week, although he's getting so much publicity he'll probably win.
Wow. That is SHOCKING. I didn't know Entertainment Weekly was still around.
Who the hell cares? Michelangelo was homosexual. That didn't prevent him from being talented enough to be hired by the friggin' POPE to paint his Vatican. Adam is the bomb, that's all that matters. This from a straight middle-aged guy.
Bill O'Reilly be damned , Adam is the most talented contestant ever on American Idol and he will win!!
I can't imagine there will not be controversy there always is. I do think extreme Christians will look at it as a bit of jab, Adam on the cover right next to a headline for the movie "Angles & Demons" kinda funny really:=)
The is pretty bizzaro now that you mention it.
I am not concerned with anybody's sexuality. I enjoy Adam Lambest because he is so incredibly talented, well-grounded and intelligent. He is doing what he loves to do, entertain.
Perhaps because even in my wildest Beatle Fan Days, I never deluded myself into thinking they were singing directly to me, I do not care about an entertainer's personal life. Adam Lambert's personal life is just that: PERSONAL. He owes me no explanations one way or the other. I wonder when we will all get to the point of not involving ourselves in who is gay or not. You love who you love and if you don't understand who others love, take up a new hobby or something.
The "Gaydar" reference goes back to "The Office". It was the episodes when Michael forced Oscar out of the closet. Jim tricked Dwight into thinking one of those hand held vacuums was actually a Gaydar detector.
Actually I remember a "Gaydar" reference before that, on Futurama.
Actually, I remember "gaydar" from my brother and his gay friends at least 12 years ago.
CEDobson
Go back and finish thread....
When even the most macho man's gaydar can pick up on his gayness...
I will be happier yet when being gay no longer is a footnote on a cover of a magazine.
AGREED! Why does it even have to be there?? I don't care if that seems like progress..
It shouldn't but it does. We are in a another huge social transition where Gays are identifying themselves the way Straights have always done with their mates (or intended mates). Being Gay will have to be a footnote until it no longer has to be. It's all up to everyone, to work through their individual insecurities and fears and phobias. Then one day it will be just as natural as it is meant to be.
Adam Lambert is so talented. Good for him. He will have a great career whether he sleeps with men or women. LOL
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