American Idol: 10 Best Adam Lambert Performances Ranked
American Idol season 8 runner-up Adam Lambert had some incredible performances on the show in 2009 that will always be remembered. Since the show ended, Adam has released five studio albums, including his debut, For Your Entertainment. The album featured the hit single “Whataya Want from Me,” for which Adam received a Grammy nomination for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance. Adam has also appeared on several television shows as an actor, including Glee, and as a reality show judge, including Clash of the Cover Bands.
One of American Idol alum Adam’s greatest achievements has been collaborating with the rock band Queen as their lead vocalist. Since 2011, Adam has performed with the legendary group as they toured the world. Adam is also the founder of the non-profit, Feel Something Foundation in order to support the LGBTQ+ community, which he is a proud member of. Adam has been entertaining audiences for 15 years now, and it is time to revisit how it all started with his 10 best American Idol performances.
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10
American Idol’s Adam Lambert Nails “Bohemian Rhapsody”
From the first note of Bohemian Rhapsody, Adam proved that he had extraordinary talent. However, because he came from the theater world having played the lead in Wicked in California, the judges debated whether he was right for the show. However, Randy Jackson, Kara DioGuardi, Paula Abdul, and Simon Cowell all said yes, and he earned his golden ticket to Hollywood. When he left the audition room, Paula gushed that Adam was the best they had seen out of every city. Not only was this the moment that ignited Adam’s super stardom, but it was a precursor to his role as the lead singer of Queen.
9
American Idol’s Adam Lambert Impresses With “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction”
Adam earned his place in the American Idol Top 13 with his rousing rendition of The Rolling Stones’ “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction.” He impressed everyone with his vocal range and his distinct scream. Dressed all in black with gold jewelry, Adam looked every bit the rocker persona that he would evolve into throughout the competition. Paula told him that she felt that she was not watching American Idol, but an Adam Lambert concert. It was obvious that he was breaking ground on the show, and was about to take viewers on a wild ride.
8
American Idol’s Adam Lambert Sings U2’s “One”
During one of Adam’s American Idol Top 3 performances, he delivered a sensitive version of “One” by U2. Simon had chosen the song for him. The beginning of the song was stripped down with just a piano accompaniment. It built to a stirring conclusion that showcased Adam’s incredible vocal range. He hit high notes in a way that had never been heard from any other contestants before he graced the stage on American Idol.
7
American Idol’s Adam Lambert Performs “A Change Is Gonna Come”
During the American Idol season 8 finale, Adam sang Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come,” which was chosen for him by the creator of the show, Simon Fuller. Adam took his time building to the chorus, telling the story of the song with his stellar vocals. When the backing music dropped out toward the middle of the song, spotlighting one of Adam’s signature high notes, the audience roared with applause. Paula cheered, and noted that it was the best that she had ever heard him sing.
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6
American Idol’s Adam Lambert Belts Out “Feeling Good”
For Adam’s American Idol performance of “Feeling Good” by Cy Grant, he commanded the stage. The singer began by strutting down a red staircase dressed in a white suit, capturing the drama of the moment. He first sang his chill-inducing high notes, and later belted the lyrics. Adam’s long note at the end of the song highlighted his vocal strength, proving that he was not just a singer, but an artist.
5
American Idol’s Adam Lambert Sang & Danced To “Black or White”
Adam’s first performance on the big American Idol stage was “Black or White” by Michael Jackson. As he worked the stage and touched hands with the audience, Adam’s smile said it all. He was completely in his element, both singing and dancing. Adam showcased his personality and power as he dominated the stage. He made Michael’s classic song his own, which was a very challenging thing to do. This performance showed the American Idol audience that they were getting something entirely new from Adam that was different from what they’ve experienced before. Simon told him that he was in a totally different league from everyone else the judges heard that night.
4
American Idol’s Adam Lambert’s Soft Version Of “The Tracks of My Tears”
Adam met with mentor Smokey Robinson before singing Smokey’s song with The Miracles, “The Tracks of My Tears.” Smokey revealed that he had never heard anyone sing the song like Adam before, keeping it tender, sweet, and soft, without the crescendos that others have included in the past. This was a departure for Adam, who had a penchant for singing over-the-top runs and screaming during his performances, which audiences loved. However, as he cultivated his falsetto during this song while simply sitting on a stool and singing, he emphasized his vocal talent without any theatrics. It was a true masterclass in singing.
3
American Idol’s Adam Lambert Goes Country With “Ring Of Fire”
When the American Idol finalists were asked to sing a song for Grand Ole Opry week, Adam was completely out of his element in the country music genre. However, he sang Dilana’s version of Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire” from Rock Star: Super Nova. This rendition was mysterious, sensual, unique, and unlike anything that had ever been heard on American Idol before. Adam’s ability to twist a song’s genre and make it his own was evident here. It was a ground-breaking moment on the show.
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2
American Idol’s Adam Lambert Rocks Out To “Whole Lotta Love”
For one of his American Idol Top 4 performances, Adam sang “Whole Lotta Love” by Led Zeppelin for Rock Night. It was highly anticipated for Adam to sing this song throughout the season, and the moment had finally arrived. He was the first American Idol contestant who was ever given permission to cover a Led Zeppelin song. Adam dressed the part, including makeup and jewelry, and confidently took the stage as the rocker that everyone knew he was. American Idol had never seen a spectacle of this caliber before. Adam brought a sexiness, element of danger, and an authenticity to the stage that transcended the competition.
1
American Idol’s Adam Lambert’s Iconic “Mad World” Performance
Adam’s performance of “Mad World” by Tears for Fears was so iconic, that it became his signature American Idol song. He even sang it again during the finale. As Adam sat on a chair under blue lights, he told the story of the song with his sensitive delivery. His perfect vocals were emotional. By the time Adam stood up halfway through the song, he had the crowd in the palm of his hand. This included Simon, who was the only judge given the chance to critique Adam, due to time constraints. He said that words were unnecessary, but instead gave Adam a standing ovation, something that he had never done before for any other contestant. Simon’s praise demonstrated just how talented Adam really was, and how big of a star he was about to become.
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American Idol airs Sundays at 8 p.m. EST on ABC.
