Adam Lambert comes out to Rolling Stone, and a change has come indeed*

The days of "don't ask, don't tell" are over for Adam Lambert. Rolling Stone magazine has posted a preview of the cover story in which Lambert unabashedly confirms his homosexuality, and the excerpts online indicate that, from this day forward, this season's groundbreaking "Idol" expects the media and his fans to accept him for who he is, with neither scandalized whispers nor rainbow flag-waving rallies of support.

By making his calm, cool and collected stand in this particular magazine, Lambert indicates where he's going next as an artist and a celebrity. Striking a hot pose in a space more accustomed to the likes of the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Kid Rock, the singer claims a spot for himself as an openly gay man within mainstream rock 'n' roll, which has always tempered gender-bending with heterosexual machismo.

Through forceful insinuation (tight pants, well-place brooches, singing "Whole Lotta Love" and "A Change Is Gonna Come") and the ongoing insistence that it didn't matter anyway, Lambert eased the pop-loving public into embracing him no matter whom he enjoyed embracing. He also played out another aspect of his ongoing revival of classic rock, whose prancing frontmen and women have always projected the kind of free-floating pheromone haze that confounds specific commitments.

Traditionally, rock deities don't commit to gender or type; their job is to open up a fantasy space in which any fan can imagine herself as both the object of desire and the star generating all that heat. Yet rock emerged before gay liberation, and though its fantasies might be pan-sexual, its stated realities are usually straight. Jagger, Joplin, Bowie, Prince, even moody Kurt Cobain: Each of these legendary names cultivated an aura of openness and fluidity that mirrors the sensual effect of their music. Lambert wants to join this group; doing so, he'd help bring its actual diversity out into the open. Now that he's signed his contract with the "Idol"-attached 19 management and RCA Records, he can start to focus on the goal.

Though it's definitely a media event, Lambert's interview with ace Rolling Stone reporter Vanessa Grigoriadis also seems like something to be gotten out of the way. Recently photographed holding hands with the fabulously named Errol Flynn look-alike Drake LaBry, Lambert has apparently returned to the West Hollywood-based life he lived before he became an Idol, just with many more paparazzi in tow.

Yet because Lambert has emerged as a star in a charged political moment -- right in the middle of the nationwide struggle over same-sex marriage -- the way he describes his own relationships has a powerful ripple effect.

Furthermore, as a public figure in a field (entertainment) whose relationship with the closet is long and fraught, Lambert has to face the fact that his every move will be held up to scrutiny.

That's why his choice of Rolling Stone as a venue for discussing his sexuality is particularly interesting. As a self-styled retro-nuevo rocker, Lambert probably just thought that that cover was a cool get. But it's also one that profoundly connects to pop's complicated sexual history.

In 1976, Elton John gave a famous interview in the magazine, in which he declared himself bisexual. Before that interview, John was a pop idol -- as Lambert is today. He was both a rock star and one of the most popular cover boys for the teen publication 16 Magazine.

Danny Fields, then an editor at 16, has often noted that John's popularity plummeted after the piece was published. First, the teen publication received a wave of letters from young women, saying, "My brother read in Rolling Stone that Elton John is bisexual. Please say it isn't so . . . . " Then, after the magazine published a commentary saying that, indeed, it was so and that fans should still support John, the letters stopped. According to Fields, John went from being "the No. 1 mail getter to none."

Much has changed since then. John and his husband, David Furnish, are a high-society couple; just this week, John was serenaded by the openly gay Hollywood heartthrob Neil Patrick Harris after winning top honors at the Tony Awards.

Yet even mainstream rock remains a mostly heterosexual preserve. Young male artists, especially, often uphold the old androgynous-but-really-into-chicks stereotype.

Think of the top younger mainstream rock acts of 2009: Nickelback, Hinder and Buckcherry all reenact the stripper-loving antics of hair metal, while "alternative" favorites Kings of Leon specialize in rootsy swagger that's more cowboyish than glam. When that band recently appeared on the cover of Rolling Stone, its members were described as "God-fearing" and "booze-swilling." That's as masculine as rock 'n' roll gets.

Rolling Stone's own history reflects the rock scene's often muddled relationship with sexual liberation. It's into this fraught arena that Adam Lambert steps. By clearing up a few things, he's making progress, not just for himself.

--Ann Powers

Related: Hollywood's least surprising revelations

*Updated: This post was updated from an earlier version to match the story running in Wednesday's Calendar section.

Comments

[LondonCalling]

I am happy for Adam Lambert. He looks real happy. I never cared about his sexuality at all really. He has this true talent vocally and oozes such appeal to such a vass majority of all types of people, young & old. I give him credit for "coming out" when the time was right for him. He is truly gifted and possesses the ability to be internationally known. He shook up American Idol in ways no other contestant has. He gave the audience a true performance each week with his style, clothes, lighting and angelic voice. We are happy to have discovered Adam Lambert, from here it is only uphill for him.

[ArvinL]

Great, another gay white singing star, who woulda thought?
Freddie Mercury Redux.

[josie]

Go Adam! Why this has become such a big deal is mysterious, but what the hell, he got his picture on the cover of the Rolling Stone to tell us all something we already knew. Damn! That photo. Could this guy be any more gorgeous? And just because we straight women are on a diet, we can sure appreciate the menu. More Music, Please...and More Self Indulgent Rubbish Too!

[Shelagh]

I love your articles on Adam Lambert. It's that simple. No other columnist has captured my interest
than yourself. You have told Adam's story in thoughts and words I was thinking myself, yet
was unable to...well because I'm not a great writer. I just wanted to say thank-you.

Signed,
A fan

[Kendal Su]

I almost cried when I saw this on tv this morning. But I have so much respect for him right now. He is amazing classy and my hero.
By the way, when does this issue hit the shelves? Cannot wait to buy it!

[PAULA]

Ann, your articll was provocative. If your implication was that this truthful path is fraught with peril, then we need to praise and Adam Lambert for that fearless and brave spirit he showed us every week on American Idol. That same spirit is so clearly demonstrated here, his candor is perhaps his most appealing quality besides his phenomenal talent. (Looking like a rock god always helps, too). I for one continue to be enchanted by him and hope that the world has moved past that place where Mr. John found himself years ago. Hopefully talent will help Adam transcend the nay sayers and the judges of the world. He truly is a talent which should be celebrated by the world instead of being stoned.

[Crystal]

You know you have made it to a Super star status when everywhere you go online, you see Adam Lambert! Okay, seriously, every website is reporting on Adam. If this is not an indication of a super star, i don't know what is.

Anyway, people shouldn't surprised that Adam's gay. He's never been in. He was always out.

[sidewalkstory]

Don't scare me, Ann. I never thought an article like this was necessary in the first place as Adam lived his life in plain sight. However, this morning I was swept into the vortex of it all. I said to myself that he's making the statement that so many would not be happy without. So we can move forward. Now, I'm not so sure again.

I will support Adam in the way he needs to be supported. I will buy his music as soon as it becomes available.

[isla]

Thanks for the article Ann Powers. I do want to make a comment about comparing Elton John's experience in "coming out of the closet" to that of Adam Lambert. Because stars are born of social climate and social change Adam Lambert is not subject to the same social and political forces that were present in Elton's day. His generation embraces the virtual and liminal. They are happy to enter the gap between what is real and what is metaphorical - defining their identies and social spaces in ways that are completely foreign to the older generation. Many of the older generation still want boxes for sexual preferences and music genres but the new generation is saying no. And those older folk in whom the fire of rebellion and protest has not yet died, are enjoying the fact that they Adam is making them feel good all over again.

Great article.

[Teri]

Ann: There are several reasons for which I owe Adam Lambert gratitude. The greatest, certainly, is the entertainment he has provided throughout the American Idol season and, with his recent contract signing, promises to offer in the future. Aside from his glam-tastic performances, I also thank Adam for inadvertantly leading me to your collection of heartfelt articles and those of at least one other wonderful reporter (namely, Michael Slezak of Entertainment Weekly--while he didn't always love Adam, I appreciated his candor in his writing and interviewing that allowed us to get to know the person behind the guyliner!). As I read many of your articles, I found myself saying, "yes, yes...," as you had put into words the thoughts and/or opinions I'd been experiencing. After today's Rolling Stones headlines broke, I immediately looked for your commentary on the subject, knowing that I would connect with your thoughts.

My only question about today's article is that I'm not sure whether you think having come out will hurt him, as it did Elton John, or will make no difference since he's already somewhat of a celebrity. I feel kinda dumb, as I've read the article a few times over, and can't quite pinpoint your take on his chances of future success having liberated himself. I, personally, think it will make no difference, as one must have had their head in a gopher hole the past few months to have avoided knowing practically everything there is to know about Adam. Despite all the "controversy" surrounding his sexuality, he still came darn close to winning. In my mind, for the record, ADAM was the actual underdog, not Kris, since all this speculation swirled around him like a whirling dervish. Having come so close--in light of the media circus-- made him the winner in my mind! Of course, I'm a little Adam-obsessed and, therefore, more than a little biased.

At any rate, thanks for your articles, and I'm happy to have a place to go when I want to read something well-written and inspirational!

[Dr. Peter Evans]

A truly well written, thought provoking article by Ms. Ann Powers. Thank you. It's to bad that the last sentence in her wonderful piece--is the final statement--instead of being the first sentence! Thoughtful, unfortunately, not well placed.

Respectfully

Dr. Peter

[Tony]

Shoulda known it was Ann Powers writing this post. The way it becomes her fascination with using every word she knows and still ignoring the story she chooses to write about shoulda been a major tip-off. *yawn*

[Steve]

Gay? Nooooooooooo!

Earth to Adam: Nobody cares.

[Harold A. Maio]

If one "admits" to being gay, does one "admit" to being straight? I am straight. Is that an "admission?"

[RH]

Lambert has yet to offer anything to judge his status as your new god of rock, nor has he done anything to be held up as the new flag bearer for sexual freedom and equality. Is it possible that Ann Powers is on the American Idol payroll?

[Slash]

You sorta glossed over the biggest reveals in Rolling Stone. His drug use and drunken make out sessions in Bars, but then anything by Ann Powers is PR placed and a tongue bath is guaranteed. No substance here, just treacle.

[carlyNYC]

have mixed feelings about adam's being pushed, i think, to out himself in an official fashion (after all, he has been more authentic in presenting himself as a performer than anyone i can think of). in fact, he very clearly -- though not in so many words perhaps -- has made an effort not to mislead -- his whole gestalt, his neutering the words to songs etc. nevertheless i believe, as this article states, that as a performer/entertainer/celebrity it is in his interest to leave some things to the imagination, even if it's only ever so slightly. millions of girls/women find him incredibly hot and some (but by no means all, myself included!) will feel uncomfortable with this blatant admission. by nature, based on what he's presented so far in his off the cuff remarks, he seems not to view his sexual orientation as a political issue (almost as no issue, he seems so comfortable with it). it's his music he wants to wow us with; i wish we could have left him alone and focused on just that.

[ravengirl]

I love you, Ann, for always being able to find the right words to express what my mind is thinking. I also love Adam Lambert, possibly more today with the tidbits of the TS interview and that sex-oozing cover than before.

[Tony in LA]

Great article, great writing. Thanks.

It amazes me, as someone who's been out of the closet since I was 19 (I'm almost 41), and who has lived a totally out-to-family and out-at work sort of life in big cities that Adam Lambert's sexuality raises eyebrows (still!). I know this shouldn't amaze me considering that even half the population of California doesn't see me as equal. But my point is the other half does. A lot of us, gay and straight, are so far ahead of this "coming out" conversation that it strikes us as silly, as if we were discussing women having careers or something. Sex has always been a part of rock and roll. It's about time straight people appreciate that it's not just their sexual desire that inspires great music.

[nan]

Good article, Most of us already deep in our minds knew he was gay, no shock to a lot...with Elton John it was somewhat of a shock...I just never understood how being Gay or Bi, makes you any less of a singer or performer....What does it have to do with anything, if you are a fan of their music, style, performances......then you will remain a fan... I realize his personal life becomes public in the entertainment industry, and he gave the media what they wanted....so lets move on to the important stuff, like Music, Talent, and one heck of a entertainer.....LET'S MAKE SOME MUSIC.

[Who Cares]

Who Cares

[Diane]

Adam, from a straight couple that adores you - thank you for giving us something delicious to look forward to. We feel sorry for those people that are so biased they will never embrace a talent like you. Our lives were turned upside down when my husband was diagnosed with Stage IV lung cancer. We don't know how long he will be with us but Adam you need to know that watching you on Idol brightened our lives so much and gave us something to look forward to every week. Now we are looking forward to your albums and appearances and pray we both will be able to see you live together. Thank you for giving us this gift.

[Stephen]

I guess if you had nothing and suddenly you have the opportunity to make music and sign a record deal then it doesn't matter about your sexuality, but I think it will matter to his record company as well as whoever is representing him because his audience just got significantly smaller.

[Marcy]

Yeah, I guess Adam does define the free-floating alphaero pheromone haze for a generation of rockers that are the grandchildren of Jagger, Bowie and Mercury. No matter what the guy does, he should be what he is, and he should be accepted for it. So, who care?

[Christopher Lawson]

Good for Adam. That's all cool, but is it really news? I'm happy for him, but there's something sort of passe about "coming out." And do we really need to use the expression "admits" being gay? Is there something wrong with being homosexual? The only thing that I got a laugh out of was that he had a crush on Kris Allen. I don't blame him, Kris is cute, but all of this still reduces to two words... "so what?" Just live your life and be happy. Adam's a good entertainer, and I wish him well. Thanks.