Before I’ll read a new wave of today’s comments about Adam Lambert’s performance on AMAs yesterday and before I will hear him commenting it further, I would like to sum up my personal impressions from this show that finished exactly 14 hours ago.
It is actually my first time where I really express my own opinion on my All-Adam-links-collection blog which I started in May 2009, pushed by the impulse to follow his rich, talented and complex personality.
But I feel that it’s about high time to do so….
One of the Adam’s qualities I have been extremely impressed about from the very beginning was his intelligence and ability to find himself and be true to himself even in the most awkward situations: the so-called grace under fire, as often described. His high level of self expression had for me personally an extremely strong spirit-cleaning effect.
That is why I strongly believe that he deeply analyzed every step of his AMA performance before he decided how it should look like.
And also that he had a clear message to give the audience by choosing to perform in the way he did.
So for me, it is clear that his step to show off the perverse sexuality at stage, sealing it with a guy-guy kiss and finally finishing off with the fuck off finger, had also a deeper meaning.
Allowing myself for my own interpretation, I can almost hear him saying: ‘Wait! my album is being released tomorrow, so please be prepared to really get to know who I am as THAT is what I am really about! And I am going to perhaps shock you again. So it is now or never: take me or leave me!’
By kissing a guy yesterday at the Nokia Theater stage, he made it official and legal – and for sure in those 3 seconds of prime time he made a history of gay movement in USA, a big step forward – so much forward that probably even Aaron Hicklin, the infamous Editor In Chief of ‘Out’ Magazine might have never expected.
And the the fuck off finger was most probably also directed at the very same Aaron Hicklin, who earlier this week tried to cause some negative buzz around Adam Lambert’s feature in the OUT magazine, revealing the behind-the-scenes details of Adam’s feature, and by this betraying his own ‘brother in arms’.
And another person the finger might have been pointed at might have been Bill O’Reilly from fox tv who tried to humiliate Adam in his beginnings at the American Idol stage by showing the (censored) photos of him kissing his boyfriend in the prime time of national tv. This finger was for you, Bill, not censored this time in any way!
There is no doubt that I am a diehard fan of Adam but at the same time I consider myself a CONSCIOUS one. That is why I keep Adam as my own Idol, and I never tried to infect with my passion any of my my pre-teenage daughters, as I very quickly realized that it is not the type of Idol I would like to present to them as a role model. Not at this stage in their lives.
Adam’s performances are and always have been directed to the mature audience and they are provoking, intriguing and sexually stimulating.
And this all being said, I must openly admit that personally I didn’t like his AMAs performance firstly because of the fact that S/M elements are not really my cup of tea, not because I am prudent, but simply because they don’t fire me up nor have any esthetic value in my eyes. And secondly because Adam’s voice was far below the level of his usual fabulousness – as we know today – caused most probably by the technical sound issues in the Nokia Theater that day.
And of course, I can understand him saying that the women artists used to press the button for long time now – but one argument I would like to point out here is that there usually need to be A REASON to do that, am I wrong??
I guess Madonna started many of the limit-searching experiments in the pop art. One of the most recent is starting the panties-style among the pop divas, which resulted today in the phenomenon of all female performers wearing obligatory panties- only, now slowly being limited to stripes-only, the rest of the body being ostentatiously nude.
I neither regard this trend as stimulating for my daughters. And I observe that – and as a whole - the trend in the music videos and live performances is going steadily in a direction to show the sexual undertones in every single track. Fine, but excuse me for asking: for what reason exactly?
And the problem with the stations streaming the videos is that they cannot be rated in the same way as e.g. the movies are – they are widely available to everyone including children and teenagers. Please don’t say I am preaching here, but it is my own private and pure common sense to assume that the images shown in videos of giant stars’ at the pop sky at the moment, such as Lady Gaga or Beyonce should not be targeted any younger audience, as they are provoking some extremely strong visual and psychological impressions and require a mature receiver to be interpreted in a correct way.
And in case Adam’s music videos will represent this trend, so I very consciously skip them as not necessary for me to fully enjoy his music which will be for sure following me and my pre-teenage daughters in our car and in our free time from now on.
And I am quite sure about that Adam after turbulent, extremely busy and hectic start of his career; will find the best way to expose his wonderful voice we all know that he possess.
So, my little, after-AMAs advice to Adam, if I can allow myself to give one is: please remember that less is more. This is exactly what you have proven under you epic Idol ride and this is what your exceptional voice seems to like the most.
We- your diehard fans do not necessarily need this kind of Entertainment which ruins your vocal abilities turning them into some pitch problems. The crowd of half-naked dancers on stage neither does the magic if we are not able to find you among them.
Glitter is the new material our hearts are made of, so please, don’t be afraid, we will still get you, Bitch!
I am CONTINOUSLY listening to still fresh and new ‘For Your Entertainment’ album popping up with the potential killer-hits and possessing the richdom of musical impressions which is seldom to encounter especially as far as debut albums are concerned.
And I do it truly FOR MY OWN ENTERTAINMENT!
by MsAlex
P.S. please forgive me the typo errors and poor grammar, English is not my mother tongue and L.A. is too far away…..
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#1 by Alexandra Jones - November 23rd, 2009 at 15:20
There’s no need to be forgiven for having and expressing your own experience and opinion, nor to ask for it to be forgiven.
I love Adam dearly, but he has far more to offer than he demonstrated at the AMAs, and new viewers may not give him another chance to show his many sides. Maybe they’ll just flip him off right back. You can’t say the guy won’t take a risk though. Good luck and love to you, Adam.
my take on it: http://blogcritics.org/music/article/adam-lambert-can-do-no-wrong/
#2 by Rikki - November 23rd, 2009 at 15:33
MsAlex
I am so validated reading your feelings. I love the website you have devoted to Adam. I have been a follower of you on twitter for quite some time. you expressed yourself very well here and I agree completely. I adore Adam, will continue to enjoy his music. Last night disappointed me as well, too much over the line and vocals that didn’t pull it off for whatever reason. But sometimes when a risk taker takes a risk, it misses the mark. it is still good to take risks. and Although I did not care for the performance, I still care deeply for Adam. thanks for expressing it all so well.
#3 by jpturn - November 23rd, 2009 at 16:36
Ms.Alex:
Thank you for your website dedicated to Adam! I love it, please don’t apoligize for your feelings. I love Adam, I also had mixed feelings. I feel terrible that this was done on night where he should have made a positive singing statement and worked his way up to the greats like Micahel Jackson, and Elvis.which we know he has the ability. I truly sat and cried last night, because it didn’t match up to Adam from idol.. I think maybe he was in the moment But, I really hope he wasn’t making a statement for the Gay community. because his fans do stick by him even last week with OUT. mag. and then pulls a 360 last night. I personally think he’s use to performing like this from his past. in Zodiac show, Etc.. Adam’s voice is the most Beautiful I ever heard.I know that he says if people don’t like it they don’t have to listen. That kinda bothers me. Because lots of his real fans last night were disappointed. I felt that was a slap.I think most expected that gorgeous voice, some Sexy dancing, and a Stellar performance, didn’t quite reach that. I really wish Adam would re-evaluate his performance and see those few parts really didn’t need to be there at all. TFM is gorgeous and his music video is gorgeous, That I’m sorry is Adam..He would reach superstardom instantly with his singing like that. I don’t mind costumes and sexy, but all in all Adam don’t need that crap to Make him huge. Also I think Adam should start to keep his personal life out of the media, and magazines.. he’s to precious to us! and we want him around for years… I hope he can understand that I’m not trying to be rude or mean.. I love Adam always will, best idol ever..and I will be seeing him in NY Wednesday.. I wish he could feel what we are feeling today just to understand we love him, don’t wanna hurt him… He Rocks!! Thanks
#4 by jpturn - November 23rd, 2009 at 16:38
Oh God Please forgive my spelling, think I’m shook up… lol
#5 by kaska - November 23rd, 2009 at 17:30
Just wanted to say THANK you for your wonderful blog, I visit it every few hours, you are the best in following Adam
loved your last post as well, well said
#6 by ALJBJ - November 23rd, 2009 at 17:41
I totally agree with you, totally!! I’m too, a mother of pre teenagers and I feel exctly the same way. I hope Adam realizes that all this over sexed performances aren’t necessary if you have his enormous talent, and while he seems so centered in his interviews, his performance felt desperate to me. I am still a huge fan, no matter what, but I hope he tones it down a nodge, so next time I can watch with my kids who enjoy his music and voice so much. And if he doesn’t want to be judged by his sexual orientation or defined by it he should defently not shove it up our faces.
#7 by Cindy - November 23rd, 2009 at 18:06
I agree with your assessment. I will never understand Adam feeling the need to be this outragious in order to register on everyone’s radar screen, when his voice alone can accomplish this. (something say Madonna couldn’t count on).
And I agree with jpturn. I feel like Adam slapped me hard last night. I can overlook how he expressed himself on stage, but when he turns the tables and accuses me that because I’m not a fan of “this”, I’m not a true fan, really hurts. It’s like he’s calling me the stupid one here for not getting it. Huh? I get it just fine. But whatever, if you say it, it must be so. Bye Adam.
#8 by elizabeth - November 23rd, 2009 at 22:45
In Adam , I see 27 year old man who has everyone coming at him from all directions. NEVER have I seen an individual so polarizing and so widely criticized. Dealing with the insta-fame of the last 6 months since idol ended must be gruelling enough, but there has been one issue after another where the blogs are just unrelenting, the album cover, just one example.,and lets not forget the pompous ass Hicklin, who inflicted so many under-handed accusations during rehearsals for his video and the AMAs. He always seems so confident, so positive, but I think he is hurt and bewildered by a lot of this shit. How could he not be. I beieve all pressures culminated in some unfortunate performing decisions. Finally,the night of the show,hearing a huge build up to his performance repeated over and over again. So much at stake, he was simply nervous, and it showed.
Ironically, the interview with OUT magazine is the best one that Adam has ever done, he really bared his soul. The heart-breaking line to me, to paraphrase, was “It’s all just a lot right now. I’m effing doing the best I can, and I hope people will be compassionate.” I just love the guy, and I hope he has really good people around him to help steer him through all this. This was just ONE performance, we have so much more to come from Adam, and he will learn as mistakes are made, and adjust things accordingly, I am sure.
#9 by Yves - November 23rd, 2009 at 22:53
Well friends, I hear your pain. I do not however feel the same. I think you need to take it in context. The song is about bondage, so the imagery and attire fit. This is a very “Adam” performance. The Zodiac show etc was where he learned to stretch his wings. Idol had to be mainstreamed. He was smart to tone it down some for that. It is ultimately a game of finding your way, doing what you love and look for a balance. Adam will do his thing, his way. His courage is one of the things I admire about him the most. I do think he can be a role model for younger people. He is sure of himself, confident. He grew from his teen insecurities and built himself up till we now have this amazing young man to wow us. He is open about the things he has done, let’s face it, if more people did that with kids we could avoid a lot of drama and pain. I take that tact with my child, open discussion. The do as I say not as I did approach. I am bisexual and I find it infuriating when people want to put me in a box, to fit their comfort level. Adam is just Adam, no more no less. I applaud him for his courage last night. So, maybe it was a bit pitchy. The sound on his mic was way low and there may have been issues with his headset volume. But to me, the man is amazing, the ninja roll, no prob drop save when he tripped was epic! How many people could have managed that?
As for kissing Tommy, Madonna kissed Britney, so what?
I do think he is right about the double standards between male & female performers. Perhaps women have been objectified for so long we just expect it. Sad in a whole different way.
Yes video clips can be too much. Every Rap, hip hop or R&B video has almost naked women grinding on some guy like a dog in heat. It really irks me.
The truth is though, as we know- sex sell. In advertising, movies, music, everywhere. It is part of our culture.
Now, friends, I am not reading this back. I hope that I have not offended you with my opinion.
Ultimately we are all Adam fans.
I happen to like the bondage theme, you don’t.
But let’s agree that he is courageous and support him.
#10 by Alexandra Jones - November 24th, 2009 at 00:19
LOVE THIS!!
http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/b155156_its_sexy_job_adam_lamberts_gotta_do_it.html?utm_source=eonline&utm_medium=rssfeeds&utm_campaign=rss_topstories
#11 by Jabberwocky - November 24th, 2009 at 01:23
To Those of You Upset By Adam’s Performance at the AMA’s:
Imagine Adam at the Zodiac Show or perhaps as a new singer for Queen. I’m sure you would expect the same “in your face” attitude which is befitting a rock star. We truly loyal fans witnessed it during the AI tours, so most of us were prepared for and eagerly awaiting the sexual energy that he exudes. I’m sure you’ve heard about the lingerie and assorted sex toys being thrown on the stage when he performed.
Adam has that “I want to do it my way” attitude, a sure sign of a great artist. Obviously many Americans weren’t quite ready for him to fly his freak flag quite so high. I think the shock was that he’s a gay man doing similar things that many female artists have done in the past, and in fact were doing at these very AMA’s. A change definitely needs to come.
I do think there could have been perhaps more warnings and ratings right before his performance at the AMA’s. But at that time of night, I guess it was assumed that children were in bed. I truly do not believe he was trying to be offensive. He cares about children, as evidenced by his contest among his fans with Donors.Choose.org in which over $220,000 was raised for schools. He’s a nice guy who was a little too rambunctious for his first show.
Please don’t let one performance persuade you to ignore listening to his music. He is an extraordinarily talented singer, and such a kind-hearted, intelligent, and articulate soul. If you are offended in any way by this performance, please open your heart, give him another chance and listen to the music. You won’t be sorry. There were so many talented songwriters who worked with him, and he’s worked so very hard to entertain us.
We love you, Adam!
#12 by Cindy - November 24th, 2009 at 02:54
To Jabberwocky – I was a truly loyal fan (what does that mean anyway) and did attend an AI concert…was in the front row actually and met Adam after the show. I WAS prepared for a sexually charged AMA performance, however, because I wasn’t at the Zodiac show Sunday night, what I wasn’t prepared for a violent display of a bj and a couple other things. The kiss didn’t bother me at all…and by the way, for anyone mentioning Madonna and Britney that was the MTV awards on CABLE. And I’ve never seen any other artists on network television shove someone’s face into their crotch like he did. Have I missed something?
Other than that I liked the rest of your post. And aside from Adam making me feel like a bad fan for not liking this performance after I’ve supported him from the beginning…. a day later I feel I’m getting over his remarks. I just hope Adam does his talent right on the Letterman show. All I’ve ever wanted is for him to succeed.