Quantcast


Advertisement

Hollywood Jew

Email | Print | Text - Text +

May 18, 2009 | 3:14 pm

Can Adam Lambert win American Idol?

Posted by Danielle Berrin

Photo

Even his talent is working against him: Last Tuesday after Adam Lambert, the edgy rock singer from San Diego turned in yet another shattering performance on “American Idol,” Simon Cowell issued a caveat to the show’s 25 million viewers.

“It’s very easy to assume that you’re going to sail through to the final next week,” Cowell warned. “And I want everyone not to assume you’re going to be there, but to vote for you based on talent.”

Cowell’s comment, which sounded eerily like a premonition, followed Lambert’s rendition of Aerosmith’s “Cryin’”. Clad in his trademark cool, with a black leather jacket and a glittering ACDC shirt, Lambert unleashed his rock-opera trill upon a mystified crowd. By the judges’ accounts, the performance was almost too good: “You’re one of the best that we’ve ever had on this stage,” Randy Jackson gushed; “How do you hit those notes and still talk the next day?” asked Kara DioGuardi; a virtually speechless Paula Adbul added, “As I said from the beginning, we’ll be seeing you next week [at the finals] and many years after that.” Prompted by the other judges’ drippy fawning, Cowell felt the need to put the brakes on.

But Cowell’s warning had a complicated subtext he dare not speak. Could the snarky judge of the nation’s most watched TV show take on the political underpinnings of an American popularity contest? (For those who don’t know, “American Idol” tallies more individual votes than a U.S. Presidential election.) And anyone who follows American politics knows that there exists in this country a large and powerful conservative culture that doesn’t have a lot in common with Adam Lambert, the avant-garde Hollywood groupie who wears eyeliner and kisses men. When photos of Lambert dressed in drag and lip-locked with the same-sex surfaced on the Internet a few months ago, Lambert was unapologetic: “I have nothing to hide. I am who I am,” he said.

Though some have speculated that Lambert could become the first gay or bisexual “American Idol” (let alone the first Jewish ‘Idol’) the final contest which begins tomorrow night, comes during a week in which anti-abortion protesters attempted to disrupt President Obama’s abortion-themed commencement address at the Roman Catholic college, Notre Dame. In the current climate, it’s plausible that Lambert is at a disadvantage when facing Kris Allen, an anodyne 23-year-old from Conway, Arkansas. What’s uncomfortable about Lambert’s edge is that he can be interesting and provocative while entirely self-assured. And unlike most Hollywood types, he’s comfortable in his unusual skin. He’s comfortable—as DioGuardi put it—being “shocking.”

“My mouth drops open every time you perform,” DioGuardi told Lambert after he performed “Feelin’ Good” on Rat Pack night. “It’s like, ‘Is he really doing that?’ Shocking! You’re shocking! In a good way…confusing and shocking and sleazy and superb and way over-the-top.”

To everyone else’s shock, after that performance, when Oscar-winner/recording star Jamie Foxx told Lambert he could “sing with the best of ‘em,” Lambert was voted into the bottom three, up for possible elimination.

Even when it’s obvious that Lambert’s raw talent completely outclasses the other contestants, his winning is uncertain. And his future in Hollywood, while almost assured, has little to do with whether he wins “Idol” or not. As Richard Rushfield pointed out in the L.A. Times, “American Idol” represents a rags-to-riches dream opportunity for its contestants and its audience. And at a time when the country is in the midst of the worst economic recession since the 1930s, and in desperate need of upward-mobility promise, the question is who they’ll vote into that dream projection—the one with all the talent or the one with their same values?

Adam Lambert: the Jewish American Idol

Adam Lambert sings “The Prayer”

Adam Lambert dubbed a ‘rock god’ on Idol

27 Comments — Leave your comment

Share this post: del.icio.us Favicondel.icio.us Digg FaviconDigg Facebook FaviconFacebook Google FaviconGoogle Reddit FaviconReddit StumbleUpon FaviconStumbleUpon Technorati FaviconTechnorati YahooMyWeb FaviconYahooMyWeb

COMMENTS

We welcome your feedback. Comments may not exceed 700 characters.

Privacy Policy

Your information will not be shared or sold without your consent. Get all the details.

Terms of Service

JewishJournal.com has rules for its commenting community.Get all the details.

You, amongst most other commentators, has done a good job and tried very hard to trash Adam.  It is unfortunate you do not understand music much, but it is your loss.  And the good news is there are many people appreciate Adam’s talents. And he has won already as the IDOL for many people around the world.
I only began to watch all Adam’s performance since Friday night because of the BAD PRESS, non objective write-up I have been reading.  Actually, now I feel Adam is the truly UNDERDOG and I will vote for him for the very time.

Comment by MCH on 5/18/09 at 3:44 pm

“Even when it’s obvious that Lambert’s raw talent completely outclasses the other contestants, his winning is uncertain.”  This is what I read about Adam’s talent in the above article.  Seems Danielle does know something about music, else how would she know that Adam’s talent “outclasses the other contestants?”  One thing is sure: talent or no, Adam is a controversial contestant on a number of levels.  The question is whether that will hurt him in a competition that has proven, multiple times over the years, to advance people because they’re popular while voting off some who do have talent.

Comment by sootyft on 5/18/09 at 4:05 pm

Adam will win if the votes are based on talent and performance. I am saddened by the hate that still exist in this country that has targeted this young man. If Adam doe not win there are two injustices. Adam will have lost a title he deserved, and all that is ugly in America will have one. I for one am reminding everyone I know that this has become more then a singing contest and thoe that believe infree exprission and equality should get involved. Get out the vote for Adam!

Comment by Kerry Kolsch on 5/18/09 at 4:40 pm

On the day befor the final episode of Idol the media has exploded with speculations about Adam’s sexuality again, even Bill O’riley wants to derail Adam. Adam will win if the votes are based on talent and performance. I am saddened by the hate that still exist in this country that has targeted this young man. If Adam doe not win there are two injustices. Adam will have lost a title he deserved, and all that is ugly in America will have one. I for one am reminding everyone I know that this has become more then a singing contest and thoe that believe infree exprission and equality should get involved. Get out the vote for Adam!

Comment by Elaine McKillop on 5/18/09 at 4:49 pm

Adam deserves our vote for top idol…he is the best ever….please vote and text tomorrow night…Go Adam!

Comment by Jen on 5/18/09 at 6:03 pm

The late great Sammy Davis Jnr…whom most Idol afficianados will never have heard of, was a keen golfer. When asked what his handicap was he replied - “I’m a one-eyed Jewish negro”

There is really only one original in each generation.
There was Sammy - then Elvis - then Michael Jackson and now Adam Lambert. Doesn’t matter whether you love him or feel threatened by him. He is unique. But his handicap could be that he’s a Musical theatre Jewish homosexual ( apparently)

A true great rises above rumour, vitriol and handicaps and Adam Lambert will. It’s irrelevant whether he wins tomorrow night. In fact, his future may be more assured if he doesn’t. No-one should be threatened by the spectre of safe and wholesome Kris as the Idol for 2009. Adam Lambert will have an awesome future regardless. I see people blogging that he could be on Broadway….but the fact is that’s not where he wants to be. Not now. He wants to record, to be a rock God…..plenty of time for him to do Broadway in another 10 Years. Sinatra wooed the bobbysoxers and then went on to be an actor…and a damned good one. Our own Hugh Jackman is Wolverine one year, a Broadway star the next. Let’s salute Adam Lambert for being a spectacular talent that we are privileged to see at the dawn of an international career.

I’ve lived through Sammy, Elvis, MJ - and now - even from far away Australia - I can cry with joy at the advent of a black president and a gay superstar.

Whatever the outcome in 48 hours, we do indeed live in interesting times.

Comment by Coral on 5/18/09 at 9:04 pm

Adam’s key to success is excess within control.  You’re obviously reacting to the excess and quite frankly if Adam loses it’s because he failed to strike the balance the voting public wants.

I could care less whether Adam is gay.  I admire his professional agility, vocal range, and eclectic looks.  Although Kris is “cute” he doesn’t have the same professional skills as Adam yet and based on talent I think Adam should win.

If this is a who’s-the-best-homosexual-and-teeny-bopper-fave contest then Kris will win.

FWIW, I’m pushing 50.

Comment by lisa morgan on 5/18/09 at 9:50 pm

Are you responding to me? Because you’ve missed the point entirely. Did you actually read my post?

I couldn’t care less if he is gay and that’s what I have been saying. It’s irrelevant. However, It MAY be a handicap to the American public - some of whom seem unable to interpret even basic English - but greatness rises above perception.

As a professional and successful film and tv writer for 30 years I can tell you thet “professional skills” or craft skills as we would call them - are NOT at the core of greatness. Skills can be taught or learned. Experience is available to all.

Sheer unadulterated talent is something you are BORN with. Adam Lambert has it in spades. Kris will never have it - no matter what “skills” he acquires.

But great talent is often confronting - and Adam is that. For one thing it points out how mediocre most of the competition is. It challenges us to go to places we would not normally go - it often makes us uncomfortable.

I believe that’s the job of any artist rather than craftsman - and there are actually very few true artists. Adam is one and that brings with it a responsibility to shake us all out of our complacency.

Let me put it more simply for you.

I am supporting him 1000% and am not REACTING to anything.

and FWIW - I’m 65

Comment by Coral on 5/18/09 at 10:06 pm

ADAM deserves an AI win!
After all he gave us, we ought to give him public praise and validation!
Embrace change & range you can believe!

Comment by josh on 5/18/09 at 10:41 pm

reading people’s comments from every part of the world gave me goose bumps !!! because of this magnificent guy who deserves everything !!! i don’t understand this americans !! they descriminate evrything !!race, sex preference,religion , dress culture dunno what to tell u americans ? are you saying that you are conservative, preservative ,culturist, reserved type ? just vote ADAM end of the story !!

Comment by li on 5/19/09 at 2:41 am

Adam should win and he seems to have a big cock

Comment by william on 5/19/09 at 3:34 am

Love him or hate him, Lambert’s the one we wait to see.  And worldwide, apparently.

Comment by Lee on 5/19/09 at 12:16 pm

It is very funny, that all you people just assume that it’s because he is gay that we don’t want him to win.
Did you ever think that his screaming is a turn off.
Everyone is entitled to their opinion!!!
As a Christian, I must stand with Israel. If you noticed it’s the conservatives who stand up for you, not the liberals.
Why must you turn this into a political discussion?!
He is a very talented young man, G-d bless him. We are talking about an American Idol… do you remember what happened to Sadom and gomorah?
This does not mean God hates the sinner he hates the sin. Read it in the Old Testament!!!

Comment by adele on 5/19/09 at 1:14 pm

OK. I thought this was a talent show. Why are people out there bringing in Christianity, Sexuality, etc? This is about the Music, the talent; the vocal quality. Adam Lambert is clearly a Star. He entertains, he mesmerizes, and his talent is clearly beyond any of the other contestants. Were there others that deserved to participate and compete to the end? Yes. But think about it. Who is the memorable one? In all fairness, just because a contestant is now labeled “an underdog” does not mean that he is the more talented. Also, I am tired of reading about Kris being a good old “church boy”, Choir and all…Please. Are we promoting a “pity vote” or are we voting for the contestant with the most talent? Our American Idol could be anything and anyone: Introvert, Extravert, humble, sexy, married, single, Christian, Jewish, Agnostic, Straight, Gay….who cares!!!! We want the most outstanding talented individual to earn the title of “American Idol” and if we are honest with ourselves then we will elect the True Talent who will represent America in his own unique style; and that is Adam Lambert.

Comment by Dory Kelley on 5/20/09 at 12:08 am

How about if Adam just looses because people think he is less talented or less of a music idol. No, if he loses, it will be because America is homophobic, right? Wrong.

Adam mesmerizes??? That’s so sad. Its incredible that people can’t see through Adam’s thin copycat performances. He is NOT an original, as everyone loves to say, nor is he a real artist. He’s just a good drag show. Not that he doesn’t deserve to win. He is a fun, likable guy and there isn’t much competition.
But if he loses, it won’t necessarily be because of his sexuality or where he stands on the so-called cultural divide.

But the homophobe police squad will certainly jump on an Adam loss as “yet another example of bigotry”...yeah, through pink glasses…everything looks pink. Don’t buy the hype. Its not all about you, gay people.

Comment by bingaling on 5/20/09 at 7:31 am

“Although Kris is “cute” he doesn’t have the same professional skills as Adam yet and based on talent I think Adam should win.”

Um, this is supposed to be an AMATEUR competition!  There is no doubt that Adam is talented and has an amazing voice, but Kris is also very talented.  They are just two very different types of performers in addition to the fact that Adam has had YEARS of professional experience, so of course he is going to have more stage presence at this point.  DUH!  For me, Kris is what this competition is all about.  A chance for an amateur singer to fulfill their dream.  Saying that, I wish them both well in thier future careers.  smile

Comment by las09 on 5/20/09 at 9:17 am

ARE SIMON AND PAULA “BREAKING UP”?
Will tonight be the last time we’ll see them together?
Let’s hope not. ..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7Opl3TCK0o
See more parodies at http://parodyandson.blogspot.com

Comment by Bruce on 5/20/09 at 9:34 am

The fact that the guy is Jewish and a homosexual is something to brag about?  This should make him a winner? This is the role model you want for your kids?  There is very little discussion here about his singing except that readers here like it.  Is there some kind of big campaign in the Christian community to get people to vote for a Christian singer that I missed?  Maybe, just maybe, people with different values like different singing styles.

Comment by Dorothy on 5/20/09 at 11:13 am

I decided to look around to see what else he had done and found that Adam Lambert does musical theater very professionally, particularly the excerpt from Brigadoon which he did at age 22.  Nice range on his American Idol performances, but too screamy and thin in sound for my taste.  Since he’s been performing since he was ten, he’s had plenty of training.  He’s no amateur waiting to be discovered.  He may have reached his potential already.

Comment by Dorothy on 5/20/09 at 12:20 pm

People…get a clue.  Adam is not original.  He belongs in a 80’s hair band….screeeching.  But I guess, that’s original if you have no memory or pure talent.

Comment by Mdm on 5/20/09 at 2:43 pm

Ok so here is the deal. Although I am very tempted to comment on all the crap (yes I said it..crap) that presents itself as comments, here is just one more voice to add to the noise.  Forget all that you read about their backgrounds, about their faith, about their lives and look to their performances. Stop with all the other stuff and ask yourself the following questions: Did you enjoy their performances?  Were you moved?  Would you buy their records?  For me the answers to the above are yes, yes and yes.  Adam is an amazing talent and he will go far with whatever he does. It is just obvious.  For all of you who ask do you want this guy to be a role model…wake up people. The young people of America have no such hangups, no such hate…they could care less AND thank GOD.  One more thing…Kris is amazing as well.  I think Kara put it the best when she said last night, if you don’t feel something when you hear Kris Allen perform there is something wrong with you.  Understated doesn’t mean less talent.  It just means different. Close your eyes when you listen to them sing….your ears are the judges here…or should be!!

I am not a teenage girl, I am a guy pushing 50…and when I look at my own kids and ask myself who would you want them to look up to I can answer it easily….both!!  These guys went after their dream…and if you think in anyway it was easy for them then you are living in a dream.  I admire them both, am proud of them both and just hope that those that don’t get what this is all about find some way to find happiness…....P.S.  I love the fact that the two are friends, respect each other and wish the best for each other.  So come on folks…point that out to your kids and best of luck guys.  You are both idols in our families’ eyes!!!

Comment by Josh Sanders on 5/20/09 at 8:05 pm

First I think Adam is very talented.  2nd. what does it matter if he prefers to dress the way he does and 3rd. I didn’t know he was Jewish, but I am and proud of it so that must be the third reason I like him ! LOL. 
I’m sad that he lost, but heh it’s Television and a contest and it shouldn’t be political or racist, it is about singing isn’t it?  We all know that right ? wink wink.  Voting should be one per viewer.  It’s become a joke the voting part.

Comment by Deborah on 5/21/09 at 5:13 pm

I’ve been reading several blogs and news articles and comments about Adam today (from my store!) and passing the time here….and I would much rather watch and listen to Adam Lambert any day than the fiasco of a lifestyle and mess that Britney Spears made of her life in public.  Doesn’t matter what ya do, when in the limelight of show biz, someone somewhere out there is going to criticize you.  I agree with Josh, I too am pushing 50 and the fact that both guys are talented and having a great time living out their dream, using American Idol as that catalyst - I say go for it.  I have two children as well, both play piano, drums etc. and one wants to perform and be in the limelight, the other , not so much, wants to go to college, we don’t compare or judge, we just say GO FOR IT !!!

Comment by Deborah on 5/21/09 at 5:32 pm

I think Danielle’s article was absolutely brilliant. She was right, after all. Do you think Kris won because he was better? Don’t lie to yourselves, the vote wasn’t just about the music.

Comment by Randy on 5/21/09 at 11:44 pm

Adam Lambert is a joy and a blessing to us all.  May we appreciate his humble person and his enormous talent and leave him in peace.

Comment by English Prof on 6/02/09 at 2:14 am

En iyi Lig Tv sitesi..
En yaratici Justin Tvme sitesi..
En basarili LigTv sitesi..
En mukemmel Bedava Lig Tv izleme sitesi…
En degerli Canli Lig Tv izlemek sitesi.
En yaratici Lig Tv izleme sitesi..

Thanks to admin..t

Comment by justin on 8/18/09 at 7:51 am

waw vive adam lombert jtm

Comment by soukaina on 11/07/10 at 1:18 pm

Post a Comment

Name:  
Email:  

Type the word you see below:

Comment:


About this Blog

Blog Home
About the Blogger(s)
Contact

RSS


Blog Archive






Newspaper

Serving a community of 600,000, The Jewish Journal of Greater Los Angeles is the largest Jewish weekly outside New York City. Our award-winning paper reaches over 150,000 educated, involved and affluent readers each week. Subscribe here.

© Copyright 2012 Tribe Media Corp.
All rights reserved. JewishJournal.com is hosted by Nexcess.net. Homepage design by Koret Communications.
Widgets by Mijits. Site construction by Hop Studios.

counter fake hit page