On the video below Adam Lambert officially answers the question that is on everyone’s mind. The question that America has been dying to know. The question that no one else has been able to get Adam Lambert to definitively answer.

Are you ready?

Watch below to find out the answer and comment with your thoughts!

OK, so I know Season 8 really is over.  The votes have been counted, the winner announced, and the confetti swept up.  So why am I here on this site?  Why are you?  Well, I can only speak for myself.

Season 8 lives on for me because I was not just entertained, but invested.  Strangely enough, the definition of “invest” in my dictionary doesn’t describe how I feel, but I can think of no other better word.  “To commit money in order to gain interest” is what the dictionary says.  OK, I did spend money – I admit it, much more than in any previous season.  I downloaded itunes, bought a tour concert ticket, bought an AT&T phone so I could text vote (hey, they weren’t passing out free phones in my area) and purchased merchandise.  But those things were just a tiny part, and the least significant part of my “investment.”

No, the reason I am here is because a one-in-a-million contestant came along, caught my eyes and ears during his audition, and continued to awe me, amaze me, surprise me, and bring me to tears week after week.  There was the voice, of course – that otherworldly perfect voice that could go anywhere and do anything.  Investment #1 – awe at vocals so majestic mingled with dread that I will never again hear a voice like that.

Then there was “the look,” which I guess you either loved or hated.  Personally, I loved the hair, eyeliner, nail polish, and *ahem* tight pants.  But the important thing about Adam Lambert’s look is that he dared to be different.  Was he just “being himself” or was it just to be controversial?  I’m not sure.  I’ve heard Adam in interviews say both “this is me” and “I like to get people talking.”  Whatever, it took guts to take those risks, and even after the hate mail started pouring in after Ring of Fire (my personal favorite) he went back to that look again and again.  Investment #2 – admiration for Adam’s fearlessness in doing what he wanted to do regardless of the consequences.  Would I have the guts?  I don’t think so.  Most of us conform to fit into society and gain acceptance from our peers.

Then there was Adam’s humility and grace.  If he’d come off as arrogant to me, I wouldn’t have cared about him, regardless of his talent.  On stage, he commanded both it and the audience 100%.  But when the performance was over, he didn’t applaud himself, but stood quietly, only mouthing a silent “thank you” when the judges praised him.  I’ve watched lots of his interviews, and Adam has never said an unkind word, even though he, and he alone, was asked questions that are nobody’s business.  Investment #3 – Respect.

By the end of the season, I was totally invested.  I wasn’t just cheering for my favorite contestant, I was emotionally tied to a man who is rare, unique, and inspirational.  As much as you can love someone you’ve never met, that’s love.  And so the season is over, and the other guy won.

American Idol got what it wanted from me – a good chunk of my wallet.

But the rest of my investment?  That all goes to Adam.  I continue to be invested, and that means I’ll support Adam any way I can.

~~Jeanette

Kradam Finale : On the second interview Adam said that he does not get naked with Kris! They talk about the religious Christian factor, Adam having too much experience and Gokey’s votes going to Kris among tons of many other interesting subjects.

1st Interview MUST SEE! 13 minutes long:

 
2nd Interview - Post Top 2 Show - Radio PC:

At 2:00 Adam says: “We don’t get naked together”

Note the brotherhood pact that Adam and Kris made this week. On the pictures below Adam has nailpolish in every nail except his right thumb while Kris has nailpolish only on his right thumb

Don’t Miss Out and Get Your Front Row American Idols Live Tickets Now Here!

‘American Idol’ Finale: It’s Adam Lambert Vs. Kris Allen

Danny Gokey says goodbye to the ‘Idol’ stage as judge Simon Cowell congratulates him on a ‘brilliant’ performance.

It’s the screamer versus the quiet soul man. The flashy, trashy L.A. rocker against the mellow, humble small-town crooner. Call it what you like, but next week’s “American Idol” finale could be one of the most exciting in the show’s history. A “ding-dong,” if you will, to quote judge Simon Cowell.

Following a titanic 88 million votes — and with just 1 million separating the top two finalists — Danny Gokey became the odd man out on Wednesday night when he was eliminated from the show’s first-ever all-male top three.

With just minutes left in the hour, host Ryan Seacrest finally broke the tension by first announcing that Kris Allen would be in the finale, bringing a look of sheer surprise to the 23-year-old singer’s face and a standing ovation from the judging panel, including Cowell, who, up until Tuesday night, repeatedly told Allen that he would never make it to the final.

And then it was Adam Lambert’s turn, as the bombastic singer who has blazed a nearly flawless path through the finals buried his hands in his face and gave his bros a hug in celebration of making it to the finish line.

It was an excruciating wait for the trio, who spent nearly every minute of the hour wondering their fate. Early in the show, Gokey — the only contestant this season to never be in the bottom three — relived the up-and-down night he had on Tuesday, when the judges split on his scatting and dancing during his Paula Abdul-chosen take on Terence Trent D’Arby’s “Dance Little Sister,” but were unanimous in their praise for his sentimental take on Joe Cocker’s “You Are So Beautiful.” This being the penultimate “Idol” show, the Milwaukee native was waved over to the couches to make way for Allen’s flashback.

Fans predicted that Allen, who got mixed reviews for his too-close cover of OneRepublic’s “Apologize” and raves for a daring acoustic take on Kanye West’s “Heartless,” would go home on Wednesday night. But after he shocked the room with the stripped-down ‘Ye cover, even Cowell had to admit Allen deserved a shot next week. While Allen also didn’t get the good news right away, he did reveal that no matter what happened, he was already a winner, as his favorite Conway, Arkansas, restaurant, Stoby’s, offered him free cheese dip for life.

Questions arose this week over whether Cowell lobbied too hard for Adam Lambert at the end of Tuesday night’s show, when he warned fans to “take nothing for granted,” which some saw as a sign that he was advocating they vote for Lambert.

Regardless, the Los Angeles musical-theater veteran once again got almost all thumbs up for both his sensuous take on U2’s “One,” and a cat-scratch run through Aerosmith’s “Cryin’.” He was the last finalist to not get the news right away after, like the others, he watched a montage wrapping up his trip home last week, in which he met his hometown San Diego fans.

Once the verdict finally came down, Gokey, whose tragic tale of losing his young wife, Sophia, had become one of this season’s early emotional story lines, kept his composure. Looking cool and relaxed with his hand on his chin, Gokey watched his goodbye video, smiling and reprising his poignant take on “You Are So Beautiful,” bringing tears to Abdul and Kara DioGaurdi’s eyes as he milked the ballad for all its heartstring-pulling emotion. The three singers then shared a group hug center stage as, once again, the show ran over by several minutes, perhaps robbing some viewers of the final words of wisdom from Cowell.

Setting up next week’s showdown, he said, “None of us would have predicted this, guys … no disrespect because you were brilliant last night and just now … by the way, Danny, congratulations. But Kris, your second song ["Heartless"] in particular made you a contender. You’re in with a real shot. Adam, you know we’ve always liked you. This could be what we call a big ding-dong coming up next week.”

The show also featured Katy Perry performing her latest single, “Waking Up In Vegas,” as well as season-six winner Jordin Sparks debuting the strident R&B rocker “Battlefield,” the first single from her as-yet-untitled upcoming second album, with the song’s producer/co-writer, OneRepublic’s Ryan Tedder, joining her on piano.

As always, Perry brought a big show, taking the stage in a sexy Elvis Presley-style leotard/jumpsuit with Adam Lambert’s name in rhinestones on the back and toting a bedazzled microphone with glittering cherries on it. Surrounded by Vegas showgirls in towering red headdresses waving giant white feathered fans, Perry ended the energetic performance by strutting in her glittery mini-cowboy boots as a rain of confetti covered the stage.

And so, next week Lambert and Allen will face off one more time for this year’s “Idol” crown. At press time, it was not yet announced what the theme would be for the final showdown, or who the guests are on the Wednesday night finale.

By Gil Kaufman

SOURCE: MTV.COM

Adam Lambert’s Full Homecoming Coverage. Watch all the videos, interviews, plus tons of pictures during his homecoming visit to San Diego. There’s a lot to see so make sure to keep scrolling down. 

OFFICIAL HOMECOMING VIDEO:

 Friday, May 8th - BIG DAY FOR ADAM

**I’M HEADING TO SAN DIEGO, CHECK MY TWITTER BOX ON THE SIDEBAR FOR UPDATES FROM THE ROAD**

(PACIFIC STANDARD TIMES)

7 a.m. TV interview

Lambert appears on FOX 5 Morning News. 

Surprise Interview with Adam and his Mom:

8 a.m. Radio interview

Adam appears live on the Jeff and Jer Showgram, 94.1 FM.

8:45 a.m. 2nd Radio interview

Adam entering radio station:

Lambert appears live on AJ’s Playhouse, Channel 9.33 FM.

The public is invited at:
9660 Granite Ridge Drive
Suite 100
San Diego, CA 92123
(yes, it’s the same place!)

10 a.m. High school parade

Mt. Carmel High School students hold a parade in honor of Lambert, featuring the school’s cheerleaders and band. The parade takes place at Sun Devil Way, which sits above Mt. Carmel High. It is a public street and the event is open to the public.

Directions to the parade at Mount Carmel High School:

15 to Rancho Penasquitos Blvd.  GO WEST.   Rancho Penasquitos blvd BECOMES Carmel Mountain Road once you pass the Carls Jr. on the right. You will run into the high school 3 blocks after the 7-11.

10:30 a.m. Lambert arrives

Lambert will arrive in a car convoy. “He will drive down and people can wave and greet him,” said Judy Shuta, assistant to the principal at Mt. Carmel High School.

11 a.m.-ish Lambert performs

Lambert will be escorted by security to the Sun Devil stadium, where he will sing two songs, said Sharon Raffer, public relations officer of Poway United School District.

The stadium seats 4,000. Priority will be given to students and faculty of Mt. Carmel High, which has 2,300 students, and neighboring Black Mountain Middle School, which has 1,200 students.

Remaining seats will be open to the public, who will be escorted by security to the stadium. The school campus is not open to the public, but the public can attend the performance after security escort. Seating will be on a first-come, first-serve basis, said Shuta.

The event is a “special assembly” for students. But “we do have regular school,” said Shuta. “We’re gonna try!”

11:30 a.m.-ish Lambert meets students

Lambert will meet and greet students in the drama and choir groups. “He requested it,” said Shuta.

He will also meet his former choir director Nancy Gray, who is now at Poway High School, and former drama director Dough Smith, who now teaches at Westview High School.

The school’s two past principals Joan Stewart and Scott Fisher, who served while Lambert was a student, as well as the current principal Dr. Tom McCoy, will also greet him.

Lambert will also tour the school’s performing arts center, where he sang as a student. The performing arts building was renovated in 2004 and completed in 2007.

12:30 p.m. -ish Lambert leaves Mount Carmel High School

3:00 PM - San Diego Sea World
Sea World Canceled, instead he went to AT&T Store, video below:

5:00 PM or 6:00 PM Marine Corp. Air Station at Miramar visit. NOT OPEN TO PUBLIC. For Military Personnel and their families only (and local news).

WHAT A DAY!!

and… even more videos and pictures below.
__________________________________________________________________________________________

Join the forum discussion on this post - (1) Posts

HQ Video, pictures and articles plus reviews of Adam Lambert’s performance of Wanna Whole Lotta Love by Led Zeppelin during Rock week.

AMAZING comments from ALL the Judges. All the performances and comments were improvised too. Simon said the only problem is no one can top Adam’s performance now!

 Studio Version from iTunes (AMAZING, THE BEST STUDIO VERSION IN MY OPINION!!!)

 He’s Giving Us Every Inch of His Love.. And We’ll Take It All

As soon as they introduced the four contestants; Adam fans KNEW this was going to be a great night for our guy! This is the Adam we love!!!!! Just seeing him all decked out in his rock regalia was enough to get me super psyched! The spiky hair was perfect tonight. He looked like a mega rock star, and when you add the voice on top of that, and the showmanship, it is obvious that the Rock God of Idol has arrived and is here to stay!!! Look at his family and listen to that crowd!!! Listen to him!!! That was better than the original and I challenge any one of you to argue with me on that one!!!Adam’s fans were eagerly anticipating tonight, but he did even more than we all expected him to do with this theme and with a song from a legend like Zep. Adam sang first, and immediately afte rward, I was on a high that I am still on. I honestly would like to stay up here forever. The guy is a superstar, right here, right now, and is only going to get better with time. How awesome is that to look forward to????

There really are no words that can adequately express the impact Adam’s music has on his fans, or how his performances move us. Watching Paula’s face as Adam sings is a small indication. This week, Adam sings that he’ll give every inch of his love and I know many who are willing to take this and more! As Kara said last week, our mouths collectively drop open for Adam and stay in that position the entire time he sings because of the incredulity he induces. How can anyone do those things with their voice? How can anyone sing a Zep song and outdo Zep? How can his performances move and affect us so deeply? He has the power and talent to do that, and that is a rare gift which we are totally awed by and appreciate. Tonight, Adam set the tone for the show with unparalleled energy, sex appeal, and vocal finesse, and no one was able to match him or even get into t he same galaxy as him for the rest of the night.

by Lindak andmeljar@aol.com (Contributing Editor)

________________________________________________________________________________

Now… what did EVERYONE else thinks about today’s episode? :

________________________________________________________________________________

– Reuters UK –

Idol judges throw stones on Rock Week

http://blogs.reuters.com/fanfare/2009/05/0…s-on-rock-week/

Lambert, coming off his shocking first trip to the Bottom Three last week, sang British supergroup Led Zeppelin’s hit “Whole Lotta Love” and struck all the high notes, jerking his head to the side in rhythm with the band and glowering with an expression Elvis Presley might have worn if he was fused with John Travolta. The judges loved it.

“You are a rock god,” said judge Kara DioGuardi, who was wearing a studded leather jacket that looked a lot like Lambert’s own outfit.

Even alpha judge Simon Cowell was impressed. “No one can top that now,” Cowell told the contestant nicknamed “Glambert,” who on Tuesday night sported his usual eyeliner.

But after Lambert wowed everyone, the rest of the contestants all ran into some criticism.[...]

__________________________________________________________________________________________

– From Huffington Post –

Top 4 Slashed by Rock; only Adam escapes unscathed

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/michael-gilt…p_b_197508.html

QUOTE

ADAM LAMBERT — Sang Led Zeppelin’s “Whole Lotta Love,” the first time Led Zep had been done on Idol. Just as anyone will appear on Idol (who’s next, Johnny Rotten?), clearly any song can now be cleared for performing on Idol. Saying “no” would be like refusing to have your song performed on the Grammys. They do so many genres it would be churlish to think your song would suffer by association. My main complaint with Adam was his look: he went back to the spiky hair and a collarless leather jacket opened to the waist. It all looked like a costume to me. Vocally he wailed away with aplomb. I certainly never expected to hear “I’m gonna give you every inch of my love!” sung on Idol. All the judges raved (though Kara seemed to be raving about her own rave as much as Adam).

ADAM AND ALLISON — Duet on Foghat’s “Slow Ride.” Again, not expecting to hear “Slow down, go down” on Idol, was I? They were good and Allison was indeed much better than in her solo spot. Did she save herself, I wonder? Simon gave the credit to Adam, but wondered the same thing.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

– Seattle Times –

Top 4 wrapup: Rockin’ the house — literally!

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/conf…html?cmpid=2628

After that, it was all downhill.

Here’s a breakdown of the evening, from best to worst:

- Adam Lambert (pictured): This guy is one of a kind. Usually whoever opens the show suffers in the voting, but I can’t imagine he’ll be in danger this week.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

– Boston Globe –

Dream on

http://www.boston.com/ae/tv/blog/2009/05/39idol39_dream.html

[...]

And Adam…what can I say? As Randy said, there warn’t nothin’ Broadway about that. The man dares to do Zeppelin — a huge, frightening dare — and he pulls it off. I’m not sure he’s ever looked as comfortable onstage. This week, his fans will be supercharged, too. Can we shut this thing down already?

Join the forum discussion on this post - (1) Posts

It’s show day at American Idol. USA TODAY had the rare opportunity last week to follow executive producer Ken Warwick and chart the day for Idol’s singers and all involved in putting together the live performance show (Tuesday, Fox, 8 ET/PT).
10:55 a.m. (all times PT) The band is warming up on a stage lit in fluorescent Idol blue. After spending the previous day here fine-tuning their songs, the seven finalists are back to integrate their moves and music in front of the cameras. The 11 a.m. rehearsal start for the week’s theme, songs from the movies, is a luxury. Show-day rehearsals have started as early as 8:30.

In just over six hours, this same stage will be the scene of a live show watched by more than 20 million people. Action, however, seems more routine than frenetic, perhaps the result of eight seasons of experience. Women sing first, as is usually the case, because of longer post-rehearsal hair and makeup prep.

11:10 a.m. One floor above is Idol’s production office, where Warwick is having a problem with rollover minutes, and not the telephone kind. It’s the huge, eight-minute runover from the previous week that cost viewers who record Idol the chance to see Adam Lambert’s riveting closing performance. It also pushed the next show, Fringe, into the local news time slot, not a pleasing occurrence for Fox affiliates.

He knew by the third singer the previous week that the show was far behind schedule and asked the judges to condense their comments. How did that work? “They don’t respond really to telling them to shut up,” says Warwick, demonstrating that Idol has blunt-talking Englishmen behind the camera, too.

Even though Idol is down to seven, time will be an issue on this night also, because of a pre-taped package on mentor Quentin Tarantino and segments in which he advises the singers. As he leaves his office, an assistant hands him a cup. “This production runs on tea,” Warwick says.

11:25 a.m. Lil Rounds is working out floor movements for her performance of The Rose. After the morning’s run-through, there will be a dress rehearsal before the live show, both conducted before full studio audiences.

Lil starts from stage right, walking around the pianist and the Idol band, which has been moved down to the main stage for the evening’s show. Adam, Matt Giraud and Kris Allen, all finalists, watch from audience seats that just a few hours later will be filled by screaming fans.

Stage manager Debbie Williams watches on a monitor to see how it will appear to viewers. Williams senses something is amiss: “If you’re not comfortable, you tell me,” she tells Lil after.

The singer is concerned that the twisting opening walk complicates the performance. Williams agrees. Idol music director and band leader Rickey Minor joins the conversation. Just like that, the walk is gone.

11:45 a.m. On the third floor of the huge soundstage building, which also houses ABC’s Dancing With the Stars, is Idol’s garment district, a room so crammed with clothing that racks spill into the hallway. Art Conn, a wardrobe staffer, is working at one of them, steam-ironing a white shirt that Matt will wear on the show.

Inside, Danny Gokey is trying on jeans that came in that morning. The manufacturer-donated pants look similar to a faded pair that would have eaten up the singer’s $400 weekly clothing allowance. “One thing we get sent is a lot of denim,” says men’s stylist Miles Siggins, who works closely with designers. “I’m loath to spend money on it.”

What is more intriguing is what Danny won’t be wearing: his signature eyeglasses. “Tonight, I’m going to make a radical move. The contacts are going in. I’m going to let people look into my soul,” he says, laughing.

Noon. Warwick has a solution to the runover problem: If the judges won’t cut their time, he’ll cut the judges. Only two will critique each singer. He’ll tell them when they arrive later. “They should understand,” he says.

The format evolves through the day, first as Simon Cowell and a rotation of other judges, then Kara DioGuardi/Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson/Simon, and finally Randy/Kara and Paula/Simon.

In the meantime, he has another problem. The Tarantino package contains footage that would amount to free advertising that could upset paying sponsors. He heads off to a meeting with network and studio executives. (Warwick gave USA TODAY extensive access, but kept a couple of meetings off-limits. He described them after the fact.)

12:30 p.m. In another office, Warwick assesses a bulletin board with color-coded paper rectangles that lay out the remaining six weeks of episodes. He’s already plotting the finale.

A reporter takes a quick look at some of the items: “Girls and Burger King,” “Boys and Fishing.” “You’ll never know what Girls and Burger King means,” he says. “It’s in code.”

Warwick does reveal one tidbit about the finale. “We’re talking about Sacha Baron Cohen doing something,” although it’s not confirmed, he says. “The trouble is he always goes a little bit off the rails, and we’ve got to be very careful. It’s a family show.”

12:45 p.m. Back at the stage, Danny practices Endless Love. Warwick and Matt talk in the audience section. Matt has decided to play piano on Have You Ever Loved a Woman? “I just want to not be boring,” he says.

Danny has his own accompanist, a harpist. As he works through an emotional moment of song, there’s a glitch; a snippet of Idol theme is played. He doesn’t miss a beat, singing “Good God Almighty” as others laugh.

Crewmembers bring in 2-foot-tall dividers to cover up “all those legs and wires” that come with the band, along with smart-looking glass musical stands to replace “the ugliest stands I’ve ever seen,” Warwick says. “Aesthetics are really important to me.”

His phone rings. Still no decision on the disputed Tarantino package. “Make two versions,” Warwick says.

1:02 p.m. Warwick, watching Danny’s performance on a monitor, notices the camera stays in tight on the singer as the surrounding band begins playing. He walks outside the set and goes into the nearby control booth to talk to director Bruce Gowers. “Bruce, when the band comes in … ,” he says, as the director gives a nod indicating he is addressing the problem.

1:47 p.m. After the run-through and lunch, the finalists get a few minutes of down time in a large third-floor room that serves as a haven from the Idol tempest. It’s brightly colored and decorated with balloons, flowers, stacks of letters and even photo albums, all sent by fans. One photo album is dedicated to Anoop Desai’s beloved University of North Carolina Tar Heels.

Anoop relaxes on a couch in one corner, doing a crossword puzzle. Allison Iraheta, Adam and Danny are in makeup chairs in the opposite corner. Stylists are doing Allison’s hair, while a makeup artist gives touch-ups to Adam and Danny. “You want to start working on his eyes?” jokes Adam, no stranger to eyeliner.

Minor stops by to offer the singers some pre-show support. “It’s so stressful. The last thing I remind them is to breathe. That’s one thing they forget to do.”

2:05 p.m. Warwick is in an editing room back in the production office watching the packages of Tarantino with each singer. There’s still no final decision on the other Tarantino package that had caused a stir with Fox (a shorter version eventually runs). Now, there’s another issue, but it’s easily resolved: When Idol mentions Tarantino’s upcoming war film, it won’t specify the title: Inglourious Basterds. “Family show,” Warwick says.

2:17 p.m. The finalists gather in the tiny greenroom behind the stage, their last stop before dress rehearsal in front of an audience of 600. A technician attaches Kris’ microphone. It’s a loose bunch, as Adam, Matt and Danny joke about a YouTube video of a reported leprechaun sighting in Alabama. “That video just makes me happy,” Matt says.

It’s a tight bunch, too. As they pose for a group photo, Anoop jokes, “Can I sit on Adam’s lap?”

2:22 p.m. Twenty people crowd the small, dark control booth, with director Gowers and two others at the front, just a few feet from a wall of TV screens. Warwick sits in the back, a final check on the show. On stage, the singers are walking toward the camera, lit in silhouette as they work out the details of the next night’s “cold open,” the first scene before the Idol theme and credits.

After they get the walk down, each Idol is filmed in close-up, trying — mostly unsuccessfully — to keep a serious look. Allison giggles. Kris is next. “He’ll start laughing,” someone in the booth says. Kris does. “I told you.”

Then Danny. “He’s lost his glasses,” Warwick notes.

Finally, Adam. The always-camera-ready showman has the look nailed. “He doesn’t know how to pose, does he?” another control room voice says.

2:53 p.m. Williams is filling in for host Ryan Seacrest, who has just returned from France, as the dress rehearsal starts 20 minutes late. No panic, however.

“Ryan looks funny,” jokes Mike Darnell, the Fox network executive with responsibility for Idol. Warwick taps on the control room desk as the theme begins.

As Allison performs, Gowers literally moves to the music, rolling back and forth in his chair, tapping his foot and waving his hand as he calls out camera shots.

Warwick can’t hear her singing. “Guys, the band is completely overwhelming Allison.”

After she finishes, today’s experiment — the two-judge commentary — starts, although the real judges, who will appear later, are not doing it. It’s the stand-ins, four extras who try to imitate the catchphrases and attitudes of Randy, Kara, Paula and Simon.

As the dress rehearsal proceeds through the performers, a man approaches Warwick, advising him about “a meltdown.” Warwick leaves the room, excusing himself from the reporter.

3:25 p.m. Most of the Idols are gathered in a corner behind the stage. Adam, Allison and Anoop are watching Danny on a TV, while Lil and Matt are talking at a makeup table where Kris is getting some last-minute attention.

A crewmember then leads Kris to where he will be positioned before the next commercial break. “You’re going to go to the spiral stairs to the second step. I’ll show you.”

3:35 p.m. It was substantially less than “a meltdown,” says Warwick, back in the control booth. “All the judges weren’t madly happy” and the real Paula was thinking that would be the judging format going forward.

“I went and explained it,” Warwick says. “She’s OK now.”

3:43 p.m. Dress rehearsal ends. One audience is led out. Soon, another will be brought in.

3:50 p.m. “And the top seven finalists were interested in working with one of the top names in movies.” It’s Seacrest, in. That familiar voice is back, as he records voice-overs for the Tarantino package in the production office.

4:06 p.m. In a nearby room, Warwick watches the taped snippets of the singers that will run at the end of the show with the telephone numbers for voters to call. Due to time constraints, Idol records the dress rehearsal performances for that final segment.

4:25 p.m. Celebrities arrive. This evening’s audience, which has mostly filed in, includes CBS News anchor Katie Couric, Samantha Who?’s Christina Applegate and actor/musician Steven Van Zandt.

4:45 p.m. Cory Almeida, the energetic warm-up guy, revs the crowd with clapping and Idol chants and invites audience members on stage to dance. He assesses fans’ posters from the stage: “We Love Allison,” “Adam’s Awesome,” “We Agree With Simon.” “I’m going to ignore that sign,” he says.

4:56 p.m. “Four minutes, we’re live,” Williams announces.

4:57 p.m. As the finalists arrive onstage, Cory introduces the judges. “Let’s hear it for Randy Jackson!” They talk to people as they move through the crowd. Kara hugs Simon, then Paula.

4:59 p.m. “40 seconds …”

5 p.m. It’s 8 p.m. on the East Coast. Showtime.

By Bill Keveney, USA TODAY

Weekly Adam Lambert interviews with other American Idol contestants will be posted here. Besides the main posts the featured gallery will have all the posts that are regularly updated such as Adam’s weekly confessionals so bookmark this page (CTRL + D) and keep checking back for updates:

FOX NEWS ON TOP 5

FOX NEWS ON TOP 7 (II) DISCO THEME WEEK

ADAM LAMBERT GETS OFFICIAL FRONT-RUNNER POSITION
… AND PROPS FROM EVERYONE

TOP 9 CONTESTANTS INTERVIEW:

Charley puts idols to the test

WHY ARE YOU HERE?

Adam Lambert introduction “Good Day Tampa Bay!” is awesome.

FOX WNYW from New York - Rituals before performing:

FOX WOFL from Orlando - Daytona (TOP 11 Week)

The Finalist get a nice allowance to go shopping at a Bloomingdales at the Beverly center with a stylist. I’m sure Adam loves it:

Join the forum discussion on this post - (1) Posts

Ring of Fire High Quality Video and MP3 (below). Adam is on FIRE, another HOT performance tonight, true to who he is as an artist and not afraid to take risks. A very creative, current, unique, revolutionary and sexy version of ‘Ring of Fire’ using a middle eastern scale. Ring of Fire is a country music song popularized by Johnny Cash and co-written with his wife June Carter. This was personally my FAVORITE Adam Lambert’s performance vs. Black or White and Satisfaction. To me this is one of those catchy songs that you just can’t get out of your head once you hear it a couple of times.

Watch the video and let us know what do you think about this performance? You can comment below, follow the forum thread or join our live chat discussion.

Here’s the FULL video with the introduction and judges comments:

Another version, shorter, smaller but with slightly higher quality:

Screenshots from this episode:

Pictures:

The other contestants performed:

Matt Giraud - So Small (played piano)
Scott MacIntyre - I recognized his song, but for the life of me I can’t
remember the name of it. (played piano)
Michael Sarver - Ain’t Goin’ Down Till the Sun Comes Up
Allison Iraheta - Blame It on Your Heart
Kris Allen - To Make You Feel My Love (sat on a stool)
Lil Rounds - Independence Day
Danny Gokey - Jesus, Take the Wheel (partial standing O)
Alexis Grace - Jolene
Anoop - You Were Always on My Mind

FINALLY… my personal comments:

First off, I’m a studio musician and I’ve been a musician for 13 years. Like a lot of people would objectively agree, the music industry in general has been at its lowest since 2004. With ‘lowest’ I (we) mean poor melodic composition and songwriting, no uniqueness/originality, technique, lack of connection and less passion in delivery.

As a musician I feel this is driven mainly the struggles a musician must endure to make a living, the mainstream media and how many ’sell out’ artists make it in the business. Musicians making music to make sure it sells, instead of to make sure is a phenomenal melodic composition that connects with people. There are other factors but that’s beyond the scope of this forum.

Beyond Adam Lambert being good looking and his image (well, I’m a straight male), I’m really a fan of Adam Lambert’s art. I TRULY believe in him as an artist. For me, tonight with ‘Ring of Fire,’ he showed how willing he is to take risks, stay true to himself despite all the pressure and to even push his own boundaries. I thought his performance was very catchy and simply BRILLIANT.

While I found myself today watching ‘Black’ for the 100th time in a Pearl Jam concert (where the singer tries hard not to cry because he is so connected to the lyrics of his song), or listening to the Beatles, Led Zeppellin, Pink Floyd, and many of the bands that American Idol praises, I actually think that the music industry is just starting to make a huge come back and people like Adam Lambert are leading the way.

Yes, it is rebellious and it feels like another music revolution.

Cheers to the future of classic: ADAM LAMBERT.

Thanks for hearing me out

As described on his older MySpace profile (which is currently in hiatus), his father, a former DJ, exposed Adam to the best music of the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. With over 15 years experience and training in professional musical theatre, he consistently delivers commanding, high-energy live performances. His creative turning point was being cast in a six-month European tour of the ”Musical Hair ”. Adam dove into hippie era history and paralleled with his very own summer of love which completed him with a major spiritual expansion. Adam returned to Hollywood inspired to make his mark as a contemporary musical artist. He began to make appearances as a glam rock soul alter ego in The Zodiac Show at The Henry Fonda Music Box and Club Makeup at the Key Club. He has even performed for audiences at the Burning Man art festival the past two years. After gaining credibility on the club circuit, he landed his breakout theatre role. Opposite Val Kilmer’s Moses, he was cast as Joshua in
The Ten Commandments at the Kodak Theatre in 2004. His tour de force performance became a press and crowd favorite with the New York Times calling him the most consistent crowd-wowering and the LA Times stating that his personal sound and style (was) the best. After ‘The Ten Commandments,’ Adam was cast to understudy in the 1st National Broadway Tour of Wicked. While on tour for six months, he began collaborating with Composer/Guitarist Monte Pittman (Madonna, Prong). Today they have written over 20 songs as the alt/pop/rock band THE CITIZEN VEIN. They are currently working with Producer Malcolm Welsford and A&R Worldwide recording a series of songs. Right before American Idol, Adam was appearing at the Pantages Theatre in the LA Company of Wicked, and working with his unsigned band. In possession of a high tenor power voice, Adam possibilities are endless. A musical chameleon, he seamlessly maneuvers in and out of pop, rock, R&B, soul, electronic, and adult contemporary genres. Influences include, Freddy Mercury, Robert Plant, Donny Hathaway, Steve Perry. Moreover, Adam has also SELF-produced a growing number of original electro-pop tracks. Lambert looks forward to collaborations leading to a unique new fusion of his personal style and impressive talent.

Now, Adam Lambert is on his way to become the NEXT American Idol!!

Below is Adam Lambert’s Demo Reel:

Also, below is a full version of his audition in San Francisco. The same day I saw this, I decided to building his fansite:

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So why do we believe that Adam Lambert will be the next American Idol?

- Experience: Adam Lambert is THE MOST experienced contestant of Season 8 of 2009 American Idol. He’s been in the stage with broadway stars, he’s done over the top performances, he’s tour across the nation, he’s been acclaimed by top sources, he knows the L.A. and Hollywood arena and he is mentally prepared for this challenge.

- Looks: He’s got the looks and the style of a superstar.

- Personality:   Adam has a charming and charismatic personality, humble yet confident at the same time. Paula Abdul and Kara DioGuardi LOVED HIM from the beginning.

- Vocals: Adam has  THE HIGHEST vocal pitch of any male contestant in american idol. Check out his videos from ‘Upright Cabaret’ performances, he’s got beautiful lower tones.

- Versatile and Unique: Adam Lambert can be the bad boy rocker that appeal to a lot of guys or the dreamy cute pop star that appeal to a lot of girls.

Now, ok, yes, there has been some discussion on Adam’s song choices and him holding back his lower tones. I agree 100% but I believe he’ll come through. Keep in mind, he is ALSO an actor, he can dance, he can talk, HE CAN PERFORM. All in all, he brings to the table talents and skills beyond his competition.

What do you think? Comment below

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Adam comes in a 1:30, great performance: