Adam Lambert (born January 29, 1982) is an American singer, songwriter, and actor from San Diego, California. In May 2009, he finished as the runner-up on the eighth season of American Idol.

He is the first openly gay mainstream pop artist to launch a career on a major label in America.

Before becoming a front-runner in the eighth season of American Idol, vocalist Adam Lambert made his name in the theater world, where he performed alongside Val Kilmer in the debut production of Ten Commandments: The Musical and landed an understudy role in a touring production of Wicked. The California native subsequently parlayed that theater background into a successful multi-month run on American Idol in 2009. Lambert’s flair for neo-goth attire and eclectic arrangements made him a critical favorite, as did his dramatic tenor vocals. Following performances of Led Zeppelin’s “Whole Lotta Love,” Tears for Fears’ “Mad World,” and Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire,” Lambert found himself pitted against contender Kris Allen in the grand finale, which he ultimately lost by a slim margin. Lambert was unanimously praised by the American Idol judges, however, who all but guaranteed him a successful recording career following the show’s conclusion.

Although Lambert didn’t win the Idol competition, he received far more attention than his castmates during the subsequent months, appearing on the cover of Rolling Stone in June (“I don’t think it should be a surprise for anyone to hear that I’m gay,” he stated in the accompanying article, thus putting an end to the public’s speculation) and eliciting standing ovations during the summer-long American Idol tour.

Vocals: Adam Lambert
Guitars: Monte Pittman
Bass & Keys: Marcus Brown
Drums: Steve Sidelnyk

Produced by Malcolm Welsford
Assisted by John Armstrong

Recorded & Mixed at Paramount Studios

Mastered by Bernie Grundman Mastering, Hollywood CA