From struggling musical theater singer to rocking 200,000 people in Ukraine with Queen, Adam Lambert has enjoyed a wild ride. The runner-up in the 2009 edition of American Idol has transcended the reality show thanks to his signature glam-rock style and powerful voice. As he returns to China for a January tour, we caught up with him in Beijing to chat about his new album, filling in for Freddie Mercury and OG Glamberts.
How do you feel about your new album, The Original High?
I’m really proud of it. I like the way it sounds, I love the messages in the songs and the response my fans are giving me on it. It’s a very cohesive album. As a singer, I discovered the possibilities of my vocals. And now I’m planning a tour! Currently, I’m putting ideas together and planning visuals. It’s really exciting.
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The album cover is probably your most serious looking one and is visually stark. Was that the idea behind the album?
There is definitely an idea of stripping back the concepts and excess that I’ve done in the past for something more revealing. I wanted it to be more grounded and classic. The first album cover was like Lisa Frank – very colorful, sort of flamboyant weird. I loved it because that was what I was experiencing at that time. But now, I’m like, “let’s go the other way” because the music is more real, more melancholy and more moody.
Lyrically, most of the songs in your new album seem more intimate.
Yes, they are. Even the volume I sang at is much lower and quiet because I want you to feel me telling you a story and that you are the only one listening.
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Why was this the right time to make this change?
It’s definitely a reflection about where I am right now. I’ve been through more relationships and career ups and downs. It got to a certain point that I feel I’m grown up and more settled with myself. Hopefully, my songs reflect that.
Has your fanbase of 'Glamberts' changed over your career?
I’m always surprised. I’ve got a group of die-hard fans, which is a very small group of women who would follow all my concerts in the US. We call them the 'OG Glamberts'. I’ve seen young girls and even dads, especially on Queen’s tour. I see gay men in their 20s, who I call sisters. That’s a nice element to see because they are my peers and where I come from. For this upcoming tour, I’ve selected a couple songs that I’ve never performed in concert before. I’m sure some of my fans will be overjoyed.
From reality show contestant to internationally renowned pop star, what have you gained and lost in this process?
There is no handbook to teach you how to deal with all the sudden notoriety. It’s a learning process, but an exciting one. I had been working as a musical theater singer and playing in a garage band in Los Angeles for 10 years and still getting nowhere. Coming from American Idol changed my career suddenly. It was a shortcut to success for me.
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What was it like touring with Queen?
They are so kind and treat me like a family member. When I got the invitation I wasn’t sure – I wasn’t going to turn down this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity but I was concerned about their fans’ reaction. I didn’t know if they would accept me singing these songs and I also hoped that I could pull this off. Now four years later, I feel like we finally did it and it’s still happening as an ongoing collaboration. It’s been amazing to tour and meet fans you might not be able to see on other occasions.
Were you worried about being compared with Freddie Mercury?
I did at the beginning. But then I put in a lot of thought and time to figure out how to perform these songs as myself and still pay tribute to Freddie. Now, I don’t think about it anymore.
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How do you view China’s music scene?
I’m impressed, actually. Obviously, there are influences of Western music here, but China also has a very strong culture. I find it very interesting to observe the cultural scene here. I still remember my collaboration with Zhang Wei on the Voice of China’s finale. He’s so talented and has such a good voice.
What’s your next project?
I don’t know. I think maintaining this career is the most challenging part, especially since pop music is so fickle. But doing TV or a film would be fun.
> Beijing: Jan 3, 8pm, RMB480-980. Beijing Exhibition Center, tickets.
> Shanghai: Jan 5, 8pm; RMB480-980. Mercedes-Benz Arena, tickets.
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