When Adam Lambert auditioned for American Idol in 2009, few expected the black eyeliner, glam-rock energy, and powerhouse vocals to redefine what a reality show contestant could be. Fifteen years later, with over 5 million solo albums sold and a decade spent touring the world as the lead singer of Queen, Lambert says his success came down to one simple decision — refusing to change who he was.
“They tried to change me,” Lambert revealed in a recent interview. “One of the producers told me, ‘If you want to win this show, you’ve got to tone it down — the eyeliner, the high notes, the glam rock thing. America won’t get it.’”
For a brief moment, he admits, he considered the advice.
“Part of me thought maybe they were right,” he said. “I was this guy from musical theater, wearing nail polish and platform boots. It wasn’t what people saw on TV every night. But then I thought — if I win by being someone else, what’s the point?”
The Risk That Defined a Career
Lambert ignored the advice and doubled down on authenticity. His performances of “Mad World,” “Ring of Fire,” and “Whole Lotta Love” stunned judges and divided audiences — but they also made him unforgettable.
“I wanted people to either love me or hate me,” he said with a laugh. “At least then, they’d feel something real.”
Though he finished as the runner-up to Kris Allen, Lambert’s unique artistry quickly outgrew the confines of American Idol. His debut album, For Your Entertainment, went on to sell more than 2 million copies worldwide, powered by the Grammy-nominated single “Whataya Want from Me.”
“Losing Idol turned out to be the best thing that could’ve happened to me,” Lambert said. “It meant I got to do it my way.”
From Idol Stage to World Stadiums
The same individuality that once made Lambert a TV wildcard later became his greatest strength — especially when Queen came calling. Since 2011, Lambert has performed alongside Brian May and Roger Taylor, bringing a new chapter of life to the legendary band’s music.
“When I first met the guys from Queen, they said, ‘We want you — not someone trying to be Freddie,’” Lambert recalled. “That hit me hard. It reminded me that authenticity is always the answer.”
Together, Queen + Adam Lambert have filled arenas across the globe, earning acclaim for balancing nostalgia with originality.
“Those shows aren’t about imitation,” Lambert said. “They’re about celebrating what Freddie built — and being myself while doing it.”
The Lesson That Changed Everything
Beyond the music, Lambert’s refusal to conform has made him a powerful voice for self-expression and inclusivity in the entertainment industry.
“If I had toned myself down back then, I don’t think I’d be here now,” he said. “Every part of my career — the albums, the tours, the fans — came from being exactly who I was, even when it scared people.”
That defiance, he believes, is what has allowed his artistry to evolve — from his early glam-rock beginnings to his more soulful and introspective solo work today.
“That one piece of advice — ‘be less you’ — was the best advice I ever ignored,” Lambert said, smiling. “Because being more me turned out to be the key to everything.”
“The World Catches Up Eventually”
Fifteen years after American Idol, Lambert continues to release solo albums, collaborate with Queen, and inspire fans around the world to embrace their individuality.
He paused thoughtfully when asked what he’s learned most along the way.
“If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this,” he said. “Don’t let anyone dim your light just because it shines differently. The world catches up eventually.”
For Adam Lambert, that light — once told to tone itself down — has only grown brighter with time.