Adam Lambert, who rose to fame on ‘American Idol’ in 2009 at the age of 26, recently opened up about his initial uncertainty regarding participating in the show after publicly coming out as gay. Lambert, now 41 years old, had come out during high school, and his experience influenced his apprehension about how his sexuality would be received on the popular singing competition.
In a video profile with Them, Lambert shared insights into his early realization of being different from his peers, which began around sixth grade. He recalled grappling with his identity and understanding that he was wired differently.
Lambert admitted that as a theater enthusiast and a gay man, he initially doubted whether ‘American Idol’ would be a suitable platform for him. He observed that previous homosexual contestants on the show had not always been taken seriously, which added to his uncertainty.
During the eighth season of ‘American Idol,’ photographs of Lambert kissing an ex-partner surfaced online, prompting him to navigate the public reaction with the support of the show’s publicist. Lambert praised the publicist for her handling of the situation and recounted his straightforward response to the media.
Reflecting on the aftermath of his public disclosure, Lambert acknowledged that he may have lost some fans but asserted that he valued authenticity over popularity. He expressed feeling initially ashamed when the photos leaked but emphasized that the experience ultimately strengthened him and influenced his artistic direction.
Lambert, known for hits like ‘Whataya Want from Me,’ continues to evolve as an artist while embracing his identity openly, demonstrating resilience and determination in both his personal journey and career trajectory.
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