London, UK – Seventeen years after his iconic run as runner-up on American Idol, Adam Lambert has not only outlasted the show that made him a household name but has built a diverse and enduring career. Now 44, the singer-songwriter is reflecting on his journey—from fronting Queen alongside Brian May and Roger Taylor to returning to his musical theater roots—in a candid conversation with The Hollywood Reporter. With his new, independently released album Adam, Lambert is entering his most personal chapter yet, shaped by a move to New York, the end of a long-term relationship, and an industrial rock influence.
Lambert’s path to stardom was unconventional from the start. A glam-rock singer who came out as gay shortly after the Idol finale, he defied the show’s typical pop-star blueprint. “Some people in the industry saw something exciting happening—’This is something different. This is something we haven’t really seen a lot of lately,'” he recalls. The gamble paid off, leading to a record deal and collaborations with top producers like Max Martin. Yet, he acknowledges the journey has been “an interesting adventure… full of victories and joy,” but also “tricky, frustrating—an obstacle course.”
A significant turning point was joining Queen, a role that initially met with some fan resistance. “There were going to be people who were protective and territorial,” Lambert says, but he credits the support of May and Taylor, who encouraged him to “find your own way” rather than mimic Freddie Mercury. Over a decade of touring, he learned to balance honoring Mercury’s legacy with his own artistry, eventually finding confidence to trust the melodies while adding subtle personal touches. “Getting to honor Freddie Mercury—somebody I really look up to as a performer… I loved the opportunity to celebrate him,” he shares.
Lambert has also re-embraced his musical theater origins, recently starring in Cabaret and working on his own musical. He notes how the industry has evolved since his early days, with “a whole awakening on Broadway of diversity and different walks of life.” His new album, Adam, marks a return to his rock roots, drawing inspiration from Nine Inch Nails and exploring themes of heartbreak and reinvention. The song “Am I Okay” was written just a week after a five-year relationship ended, capturing the raw emotion of that moment. “It’s really about reestablishing my individuality, my identity, my wants and needs,” he explains.
As Lambert looks ahead, he remains grounded in his love for performance and connection. He is also writing a musical, a project he has been developing since the pandemic. Reflecting on his longevity, he says, “It’s kind of shocking to me that it’s still working out.” With a career that spans stadium tours, Broadway stages, and intimate solo work, Adam Lambert continues to prove that authenticity and resilience are the keys to outlasting the spotlight.
