Back in 2009, a young singer named Adam Lambert took his first steps on the American Idol stage, forever redefining what it means to perform under pressure. With his breathtaking rendition of Queen’s legendary hit “Bohemian Rhapsody,” Lambert created a moment that left everyone, including the famously hard-to-impress Simon Cowell, utterly mesmerized.
Adam Lambert’s journey on American Idol was nothing short of spectacular, marked by his electrifying performances and a flair for the dramatic that set him apart.
Reflecting on his audition for the show, Lambert, then a 26-year-old star in the Broadway world, recalled how judges Simon Cowell and Kara DioGuardi commented on his stage presence, saying, “You’re theatrical.”
Lamberts shared, “I had a feeling it was going to go down like this. They’re going to be, ‘Oh, he’s too Broadway.’ Even though I don’t feel like I actually am when I sing. I’m theatrical, but I don’t think that it’s necessarily musical theater,” revealing his perspective as someone then performing in the cast of Wicked before his television debut.
In an interview with the LA Times that same year, Lambert recounted, “I sang ‘Rock With You’ by Michael Jackson and they wanted to hear another one so I sang ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ and that’s the one they ended up showing on TV.”
A Bold Move
The audience wasn’t quite ready for his take on “Bohemian Rhapsody,” known to be one of Cowell’s all-time favorites.
Tackling such a classic and vocally challenging song was indeed a bold move, especially in a competition where the contestants’ choices are often scrutinized for bravado.
A self-proclaimed “huge Queen fan,” Lambert expressed his eagerness to pay homage to Queen’s original lead singer, the equally theatrical Freddie Mercury, who passed away in 1991.
“Freddie’s the man. He’s the voice. Just the musicianship required to sing that kind of music is really high. It’s very melodic and rangy and dramatic and I appreciate all that,” Lambert, now 42 years old, noted about his inspirations.
From the first note, Lambert commanded the stage with a poise and confidence that immediately set him apart in the competition.
An Astounding Performance
Lambert’s performance was nothing short of a sensation. It began with a hauntingly beautiful a cappella start, capturing the audience, the judges, and millions of viewers at home as he navigated through the song’s shifting tempos with ease. His ability to infuse the song with operatic flair while imparting his unique style made for a stand-out moment in the show’s history.
Even Simon Cowell, known for his often-severe judgments, was visibly moved. His reaction—eyes wide open with a rare smile—said it all. Cowell later called the performance “theatrical, original, and brilliant,” a troika of praise not often heard from the stalwart judge.
Queen’s New Frontman
Although Lambert did not win American Idol, finishing as the runner-up to Kris Allen, his performances set the stage for his future. His unique interpretation and energy caught the eye of none other than the legendary band Queen, leading to a career-defining collaboration.
Since 2011, Lambert has toured globally as Queen’s lead vocalist, bringing his indelible style to audiences everywhere, solidifying his place in music history as more than just a talent show alumnus.
“Weird. It’s weird full circle stuff all around. It’s thrilling…What the hell’s going on? I can’t believe it,” Lambert reflected to the LA Times. “I almost feel like I’ve been preparing for this my whole life. I do feel this is what I’m supposed to be doing and I have a fatalistic view on life that things happen for a reason. I feel like everything that’s led up to this point has prepared me for this.”
Adam Lambert’s rendition of Bohemian Rhapsody on American Idol was not just any performance; it became a defining chapter in his burgeoning career. It reminded audiences worldwide of the timeless allure of Queen’s music while introducing a new star who could bring it vividly to life.
What do you think of Lambert’s audition and his remarkable rise to fame? Feel free to share your thoughts and spread the awareness of this unforgettable journey!
