I don't know why today it's the big story, but suddenly everywhere I look there's another story about Adam Lambert being gay. Or maybe gay. He's never officially come out one way or the other. And it's mostly the same story being recycled on every website or news portal imaginable, but while it's asking the question "Could Adam Lambert become the first gay American Idol?" I'm asking if all these news stories could hurt his chances.It would be foolish to say that we're a nation that's completely beyond caring about sexual orientation, just look at legislation across the country. And while former contestants have come out and admitted they were gay, most notably Season 2 runner-up Clay Aiken, nobody has admitted it while competing on Idol. And yet, Lambert has been the most ambiguous about it, which is a step in the right direction. Most people are just kind of assuming he is, I guess. But there is probably just as large a group out there that has no idea. And a lot of them may see these articles.
In a week where Lambert was in the bottom two despite having the greatest vocal range of the remaining finalists, and from what I'm told right here at TV Squad, the largest fan-base, you have to wonder if whether or not he is gay will have an impact on his ultimate finishing place. If he does win, is he going to be able to come out if he is gay? Does the show really care one way or the other any more? Speculation certainly has been that they've cared in the past. "Family friendly television" apparently means no gays, just ask Miss California.
Of course now we're in a situation where if Lambert does go home next week or soon thereafter, here's the reason that his fans can claim. At the same time, it is unusual that he ranked so low considering the judges gushing over him constantly and the way the audience reacts to him when he performs in group numbers or during his regular performances. Maybe it's just the typical mid-season "shocker" that we get every year.
I'd like to think that we're better than that, but as with Miss California, I know there are just as many people out there who passionately believe against homosexuality. Whether they're also watching American Idol in enough numbers to make a difference for Adam I don't know. Certainly if they are, and people decide that this is a factor, I think future contestants will be much more adamant about their heterosexuality, regardless of their true state of being.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
5-05-2009 @ 2:23PM
Vonda said...
I think Adam is awesome and he has the most amazing and hypnotising voice that I have ever heard. I have never been into American Idol as much as I have this year. He is amazing and has me wanting to watch every week. Anytime you become famous the media is going to pull up every inch of crap they can to bring you down. Based on his voice I think he should win and I will be voting for him and I am not a teenager. I am a wife and a mother. Adam you are amazing!
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5-05-2009 @ 12:19PM
cindyde said...
I personally do not vote for Adam, but that has absolutely nothing to do with his sexual orientation. While I can appreciate that he has talent, his singing style is not at all what I find appealing. For ME his voice is unpleasant to listen to. The screech that he feels the need to throw in to every song is just ear piercing. I know of a number of people who feel the same way.
So please don't imply that the only reason people would not vote for him is due to his sexuality.
5-02-2009 @ 2:31PM
brucek said...
I've been seeing a lot of those articles too and am so surprised that in today's day and age it's a big deal. That kid is hands down the best. All those in the music industry blog and write articles about his amazing vocals skills. Yet at the same time there are a lot of narrow minded bigots saying to vote for Danny because Adam maybe gay. Danny is the type of performer American Idol typically churns out - safe - vanilla. I do believe that American Idol played foot loose and fancy free with the arrangement of bottom 3 but you know what? Adam doesn't need American Idol he already is a star and he already has proven himself.
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5-02-2009 @ 2:45PM
JennieO said...
Screw the media. Adam is a talented guy who will be "discovered", Idol or not.
I don't care what the "news" says. He's a gift. I'm thankful.
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5-02-2009 @ 2:44PM
Kirby said...
I think the media is _primarily_ concerned with selling newspapers/magazines/ad space, and moralism only comes into play when it helps accomplish that primary goal.
As for will people care - in a lot of ways, attitudes towards gays is a tribal thing now. For most people, nearly everyone they know feels the same way and it's bizarre that there are large segments that vehemently disagree. I live in a tribe where it's really not an important thing at all, everyone has gay friends and nobody cares that some guy brings his boyfriend to the neighborhood barbeque. Other places, and especially in the south, this is not true.
So, bringing this back to American Idol - yes, it could hurt him, because it's a voting based system. Losing, let's be optimistic and say 10% of the votes he would have otherwise, it doesn't matter too much in the early rounds, but given the talent pool this year and what's left, it could hit him. It's not uncommon for Idol voting to be pretty close in the late rounds.
It's a shame, and bizarre to me, but wishing it weren't so doesn't make it not so. On the other hand, don't cry too much for Mr. Lambert - he'll get a stronger record deal if he doesn't finish first. It won't mean he doesn't have a chance at a career at all - plenty of people in the modern world don't care, and if he produces the record he's capable of it'll go Platinum, no problem.
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5-03-2009 @ 9:18PM
Maggie said...
Yes, I do suspect there's some "politics" going on right now with Adam...On his last song, Idol had him with
over 4000 hits and the others not breaking 500...
Whether or not he is gay or bi, does not matter to me.
He is pure talent...I am Baptist, Southern, married and over 50....My husband and I both are just amazed with his talent..I go back to his "Brigadoon" song and "The
Prayer" just to listen to those octaves and the way
he can flawlessly hold on to those notes without one miss. Someone in the industry is waiting for him knowing
what a find they have. American Idol, you are the loser
here...just another Taylor Hicks for you with the same kind of voice in the others, other than Allison. She and Adam are the "gifted" ones this year. Adam, you have already won, no matter what happens!
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5-02-2009 @ 2:46PM
Jimmy said...
Just because our country growing more accepting of gays and lesbians (long overdue!) we shouldn't assume there isn't a large portion of the country that not as accepting. I live in the rural Midwest; a place where gay is still used in an insult. A place filled with strongly Conservative churches that preach of the evil gay lifestyle. That being said, the teens and 'tweens who do a lot of the voting on American Idol don't usually get caught in whether or not someone is gay, but that doesn't mean it won't hurt his chances. Also, being gushed over by the judges is not always a good thing. Last year, Carly Smithson went home after a similar experience.
Adam needed to experience the bottom two -- every performer should. It lets them know this is still a competition and any of them can go home, especially now. I also think Adam was getting a little complacent. He rarely gets a negative comment from the judges and even then they are often followed up with something positive because it seems like the judges just don't want to say something negative to him.
If Adam comes out and wows the audience this week (maybe less of the screaming) he'll be OK. I still think we'll have a Kris/Adam final two; although, you should never count out Danny Gokey. Those teens and 'tweens love their choir boys.
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5-03-2009 @ 12:46AM
Jessica said...
Excuse me?
Why would the judges make a negative comments to Adam?.... Adam is hands down performer not counting Incredible voice?
I think the problem is people can't stands him cuz he got the whole package.. Good Looking.. he has charisma.. audience Loves him...Adam made it easy on the stage.. his voice I never seen him struggling when he sing regardless of the type of musics....unlike Geekey..ooops Gokey.
Adam shouldn't have a negative comments cuz he is First Class entertainer. He has a Wonderful Attitude, so what if he is over the top once in a while, there is nothing wrong with that.. he just like to show his ranges.
Geekey..oops Gokey I've noticed he has something kinda attitude when he get a negative comments.
Adam NO... he will just smiles and node.
Yes he will get some deals, but to be Crown as the American Idol is a big deal. Just like winning Mr Universe with the title. Why would Adam settle for Less, we all know he deserves it and he is working very HARD, and he knows what to do to stay on the top.
Adam talks about performing .. pleasing the Audience and the judges as well, what kind of record he will be making. If you are watching the Idol.. you know he can do anything.......he is fun to watch and indeed a true Artist.
I think the Judges positive comments are just awesome, why wouldn't be positive all the time? Judges know a true Artist when they see one and Adam is one of them.
5-03-2009 @ 9:17PM
Maggie said...
Adam is already a winner...Yes, you are right about the media. He stood out immediately, and, they took out after him immediately!. He is the reason my husband and I watch AI....I am Baptist, Southern from Arkansas,
(Kris's state) and we are over 50. I picked him out in the auditions and told all my friends and family, this one is going far and his voice is going to surprise everyone!
Well, I was right. Every once in a while, I go back and listen to him singing in "Brigadoon" and "The Prayer (which is in Hebrew and English) just totally awesome those octave ranges and the way he can perfectly and
flawlessly hold those notes..Adam, you are my American Idol and you are going to have a spectacular career, long after the others have settled back in to their lifestyles before Idol...For you all the way!!!!!
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5-02-2009 @ 2:57PM
Sherry said...
I think Adam has been in the bottom 3 because he's creepy!
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5-02-2009 @ 4:23PM
kayla said...
What about Adam Lambert is creepy??!! I would really like you to explain that comment!! I find your comment very creepy and unlike you I will expostulate. I find your comment creepy because it suggests to me that you are somehow uncomfortable with Adam because of his sexual orientation or the fact that he is a little androgenous. Well I love everything about Adam, especially his talent and would be very disappointed if he wasn't in the final two. He definitely deserves it. Again, You are the creepy one!!
5-09-2009 @ 11:05AM
serenity353 said...
I have to agree that "creepy" definitely needs some explaining. He's such a talent with his immaculate voice, he's true to himself, not arrogant or mean. What you many be confused with creepy is his singing style that one does not hear from most people.
I gave up being closed minded 30 years ago when I was younger. Imagine all the wonders I've heard and seen since then after removing the labels.
Adam's talent and personality is truly unique. That's what the competition is about. Hope you can see the talent and not the creeps.
5-02-2009 @ 9:35PM
Ben said...
Sorry, I agree - Adam is creep and it has absolutely nothing to do with his sexual preference. I don't like his voice, don't like his performances, don't like him. He really should go out on Broadway. His over-the-top style would work better there. Give me Danny Gokey, please.
5-03-2009 @ 3:56AM
CM said...
Sorry Ben but by calling it "sexual preference" you're letting your bigotry show. You think he's creepy because he might be gay.
5-03-2009 @ 12:17PM
Scott said...
Ignorant, closed-minded, uneducated people think things they don't understand, can't appreciate, or maybe things that make them "feel" things they're not altogether comfortable feeling are creepy. You should have been around in the 80s, where every man with an ounce of style would have killed for Adam Lambert's flair and moxie. Except for Melinda Doolittle and Jennifer Hudson, Adam Lambert is far and away the most exciting Idol contestant in 3 seasons of the show. He will win.
5-06-2009 @ 4:15AM
andi said...
Is creepy a new word for describing a hunk with a very out of this world talent? It must be because Adam is a very very very talented guy and he is soooooo handsome to boot.
Watch out Sherry, Adam is coming to get you......LOL
5-02-2009 @ 3:14PM
cathy said...
I dont care what sex adam prefers as long as they are adults. But i am also angry that so many people were nasty to Miss CA. Just because she doesnt share Mr Hiltons view she is racist or whatever. If i had to vote on same sex marrige I would vote yes, but if others didn't share my view I would NOT brow beat them. It's an opinion guys, and thats all. I admire her for not caving into the POLITICALLY correct view. Politically correct is not right or wrong. 30 years ago people who came out for gays or lesbians were bashed and silenced and now they want to bash and silence those opposed to it. Please, EVERYONE is allowed an opinion, and just because it differs from yours does NOT make it right or wrong.
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5-02-2009 @ 7:39PM
cindap said...
It is NOT a matter of being politically correct. It IS a matter of equal and human rights. I do not believe that anyone has the right to have an opinion on who anyone else sleeps with or chooses as a partner. The state of CA was absolutely wrong to put a constitutional issue like prop 8 on the ballot. The sad fact is that there are probably states that would not grant people of color equal rights if given the chance to vote on it. If you argue that color isn't a choice, but sexuality is, then you're quite uninformed.
5-02-2009 @ 8:17PM
J. D. said...
Actually I'm replying to cindap who replied to cathy.... To me this is absolutely not a matter of equal and human rights. Are you telling me that everything people want to have should be given to them? Everything is a human right? If someone doesn't have something I have then they aren't equal? This has nothing to do with my beliefs or a gay person's beliefs, and I really don't think it has anything to do with politics or religion. But it has all to do with God's creation of marriage as between male and female. It is a slap in the face of God and quite presumptious and arrogant for anyone to think that they can change what God, from the beginning, made as a relationship between a man and a woman. Equal rights, indeed. If people don't believe in God, then obviously they aren't going to agree with me. But as a believer and follower of God and that His divine will trumps mine and anyone else's, I must stand for what I understand marriage to be. If people don't like it, there's nothing I can do about that. I'm not crazy about what is trying to be done to marriage either. Give gays equal rights to medical decisions, health insurance, etc., but leave marriage alone.
5-03-2009 @ 12:47AM
Jessica said...
Okay I am replying to JD's comments. I agree with you about gays... they can have equal rights for what ever.. Let's just leave the Marriage alone. Why do they want to get married for? Hey I am with you on that I am also a Christian but I am not a hypocrite one.
Jesus made us all equal, and yes it stated on the Bible that marriage should be join to only for man or woman.
However, Adam Lambert did not say He wants to marry a GUY for goodness sake.
All Adam is doing is to win a singing contest. So why are we throwing a marriage here?
Adam maybe a flamboyant but that doesn't make him a gay or bi or whatever you called that. Let's not judge him with his Style... lets judge him with his voice .. grace his characters.
So far all the Media wanna talk about or concerns is his Sexual Orientations. Scaring those hypocrite so called Christian half to death cuz of his gender.
There is not proof of that, the pictures that all over the internet are taken from the show he has performs, so again so what if he poses for that. Let's not forget he is an Actor.... Hello??? Adam loves the attentions, so we are giving the attentions to him by talkin' about his sexual orientations which is again not relevant to the contest.
On the side note, I do have a flamboyant friends and they are NOT again GAY... okay.
I have lots of male friend that are married and guess what peeps... when we go out they are losen it up.. they are all posing as like a gay men.. we take pictures and posted to our blogs. and oh yeah.. if you don't know them you will think ummmm his gay .. they are gay... but the truth is they are not gay men.. lots of man they pretend and act deep inside they are not. NObody is bonr gay or lez... it's all in their thoughts, they just want to experience what is like to be different. In my opinion..so WHAT... why do we care so much and dig in to their private lives, it's NObody's business not me.. nor yours or anyone in the Whole Wide World.
Let's move on and VOTE to the BEST Singer in American Idol Next Tuesday.
If you are not a fan of Adam "Boy" Lambert... it's about time to take a good look at his performance.
To all Adam Luver Boy fans..... Let's Vote... let the finger... text do the dialing.
Peace everyone!!! luv ya all.. except the Axis of Evil.
You are not Jesus..... let's not Judge Anyone... Judgement day is coming..... Life is too Short ..Let's enjoy what is left here on Earth. Be happy!! Enjoy Life.. Love One Another that is God's command to all of us.. AMEN!