Adam Lambert, other Idols heading to Dallas

by Joshua Miller of Dallas Voice

For a while this spring, it seemed impossible to turn on a TV, open a magazine or turn around and not see or hear people talking about Adam Lambert. The L.A.-based vocalist worked the club scene tearing up the stage up with his androgynous sense of style, vocal power and range to make even Mariah Carey jealous.

Inarguably the most talked about contestant on American Idol this season, Lambert was picked as one of People magazine’s “hottest bachelors” and is currently in the studio recording his debut album while embarking on the American Idol Tour, which stops at American Airlines Center in Dallas Thursday, July 23.

We got a chance to talk to Lambert about what it was like to be on the show and his upcoming projects.

Dallas Voice: After years in Los Angeles trying to make it, you have hit the big time. You must be on a bit of an emotional rollercoaster. What is the hardest to cope with?

Lambert: The hardest part has to be maintaining my friendships. I’m so busy and I don’t want my friends to think that I’ve forgotten them. It’s also difficult because old acquaintances now want to be my new BFFs and it’s so obvious why. It’s flattering, but difficult to read peoples’ true motivation.

Dallas Voice: It seems that so many contestants on AI crumble under the pressure. How did you stay so focused?

Lambert: The pressure is definitely intense, but I’ve always enjoyed feeling busy and fired up to do projects. The extra expectation helps me deliver a stronger performance. I tried not to see the show as a competition, more as an opportunity for exposure and experience. That helped keep me less intimidated.

Dallas Voice: What can we expect differently from you on the American Idol Tour?

Lambert: Well, first off, expect sickening wardrobe and eye makeup! I’m also closing my set with an amazing David Bowie medley that gets disco/house at the end. Let’s dance!

Dallas Voice: Is there one song that you have heard that you connected with on such a level that you wish you had written it?

Lambert: “Eclipse” by Robyn — I heard it for the first time and wept. It reminds me of my ex and me. Also “Come Home” by One Republic, which made me cry as well. It was written about an army wife missing her man, but to me it meant asking for love itself to come to you.

Dallas Voice: Give us five words that would accurately describe an Adam Lambert performance.

Lambert: High. Fierce. Beat. Horny. Fun.

Dallas Voice: What was the last song that you listened to that you honestly enjoyed?

Lambert: “Lose You” by Peaches.

Dallas Voice: You have said you would love to work with artists like Lady Gaga and Madonna. If you had to pick one artist to sing with, dead or alive, who would it be?

Lambert: I would be honored and so intimidated to sing with the late Freddie Mercury.

Dallas Voice: You’re a fierce queen! Who is your favorite drag queen?

Lambert: Out of fairness I can’t pick one. I love drag queens for the bravery, expression and attitude they bring to the scene.

Dallas Voice: Describe your music-making process.

Lambert: I am a team player. I enjoy co-writing where a couple people sit around and throw ideas out and everyone picks the best lyrics for the song. I also make suggestions for the production of the track as well. As long as I am involved in the creation of the song, I am thrilled.

Dallas Voice: Any advice for struggling artists?

Lambert: Those auditioning should find a way to set themselves apart from the crowd. Think commercially, though — this is the music business. If you sing well, they are gonna be more interested in how to market you. Consider the type of artist you’d be and bring all that to the audition. Your song choice, look and presence are just as important as your abilities as a singer.