Adam Lambert kicks off rehearsals for American Music Awards

Rehearsals started today for the American Music Awards and the first to test out the mammoth stage at Nokia Theatre was Adam Lambert, the ebony-haired runner-up in last season’s batch of “American Idol” contestants. With his new album, the obsequiously titled “For Your Entertainment,” out vamping the streets this week, Lambert will showcase the Dr. Luke-penned title song for his Sunday night performance at the audience-selected award show.

For about five minutes, this reporter was allowed to write notes from a cushy blue chair in the audience during Lambert’s rehearsal, watching as dancers sashayed across the floor in spangly harem pants, leotards with torn tights and in one particular eye-catching costume, leather pants topped off with a few leather suspender-straps and silvery chains on an otherwise bare-chested male dancer. A Lambert performance, we were reminded, is not a place for demure displays of postmodern dance. As for the panther himself, he took a few leisurely leaps to various levels of scaffolding, singing into a phantom mic and writhing with whatever dancer was around. On the top level of the scaffolding, a band of indeterminate numbers played keyboards, a flying V guitar and other gadgets, all of which collude to formulate the glam-rock pyramid that Lambert mightily prays to on a seemingly daily basis.

And then we were kicked out, in the oft-fickle ways of rock star management. And then we waited an hour or so, nibbling Panda Express and text messaging friends. At long last, we got a few words with Lambert himself, who has the dashing good looks of a soap opera villain. His ice-blue eyes were rimmed with kohl, his T-shirt beneath his glittery jacket emblazoned with David Bowie’s heavily made-up visage.

It turns out Lambert is feeling the pressure of, um, outing his new material (speaking of OUT...). “The expectations are high -- the audience's and my own. But I’m really excited to perform live -- it’s what I know the most. It’s what I do best.”

Many have applauded “For Your Entertainment,” while others have deemed it a series of hedged bets. What does he think of the chance-taking on his first studio album? “I think I straddled the line between commercial and esoteric. I think the album’s eclecticism is the big risk I took.”

For all his forays into gothic kingdoms and its neighboring fiefdoms of glam-rock, power balladry and rock-god bombast, Lambert has barely scratched the Champagne-fizzy R&B of some of his peers. Would he ever perform something from the pen of Ne-Yo or Justin Timberlake? “It’s not the style I’m gravitating towards now but I might down the road.”

And who’s Lambert looking forward to seeing Sunday night? His sister in outrageousness, of course: Lady Gaga.

-- Margaret Wappler

Photo of Lambert in rehearsal. Credit: Kevin Winter / Getty Images for DCP

Comments

[ianaleah]

First, Adam is a WHOLE PERSON Margaret, so your reference to 'out' in an article about an outstanding singer and performer and a music award show shows your bigotry and closed mind in my opinion. Adam's vocal range is incredible, as is his crystal clear vocal sound. He can sing 'full voice' in the high notes, not a weak falsetto. His vocals are multioctave, yet he can sing in any one register without his voice cracking(Mad World) which is very hard for a singer to do. From deep chest to piercing high head, any genre, and able to control his notes while dancing. And the guy is really gutsy,honest, personable, poised, articulate and intelligent,outgoing,friendly and true to himself-and individual worth seeing as a whole person. He helped some of his biggest competitors on the show, was always appreciative of the band, and remained grateful when praised by the judges, mentors,guest performers, fellow singers. There is no arrogant behavior, just confidence and the desire to entertain the audience, not show off. His stage charisma is amazing, one can't take one's eyes off him. Well, he is smokin hot and jaw dropping good-looking and he appeals to both sexes and all ages. So, Margaret, try looking at the whole person, it's more fun.

[ugh]

This single blows.

[tara]

Can't wait for Sunday's performance!! And also can't wait for Monday when I receive his CD in the mail!! I LOVE Adam and all of his fabulousness! He will be entertaining us all for decades to come.

[JLM]

Can't wait till the AMA's and to own the music instead of find where it is streaming. I love the album and I think the fusion works because it is all tied together with Adam's magnificent voice. The video looks crazy hot as well.

[B]

Adam, you rock baby... cannot wait to see you live...
oh by the way... Oprah is retiring in 2011, you are perfect to replace her
Good Luck on Sunday night
Kiss, Kiss
B

[Angela]

Being here in Hong Kong, hoping to be able to watch Adam's performance soon enough on TV. Very excited to watch it streaming on line the same night. Go, Adam!

[Marilyn]

Thanks for the exciting article, I felt like I was right there with you, or at least I wished I was. I can't tell you how much I am looking forward to this performance on Sunday, the time can't come soon enough. I rather like your name for Adam, 'Panther'. He does remind me of a panther. Dark, dangerous, playful. I hope you will write another great article after the AMA's.

[chickc]

With what little you were able to see, did you think it was gonna be a cool show for Lambert? Will us existing fans be proud or do you think his performance might scare the sh*t out of women and children alike?

[Kristina]

I'm so excited to see Adam perform! People's panties are going to be in a big-time wad!

[Paula C]

Um!!! Sorry don't you get paid to write for the blog. It sounds like this is a litany to how inconvenienced you were doing what is supposed to be your job. A few more descriptive facts and actual information about Adam Lambert and the upcoming performance would have been a much better take for this article. You know I like the LA Times and usual feel there is some insightful writing to be found there. But this is you whining about your day over coffee with the girls. Spare us please!!!

[Lindajean]

I'm looking forward to both Adam Lambert's performance on Sunday as well as the release of his new CD on Monday. He is such an exciting performer and that range of his is amazing.

[Denise]

I can't wait to see his performance! My DVR is set and I and friends will be watching! We love you Adam!

[gela]

ADAM

[Megan]

OMG I LOOOOOVE this picture!!! i am the biggest adam lambert fan in america! i love your songs you are amazing!

[Shelton]

I am still angry with American Idol for letting this filth on the show! Unbelievable! He's got nerve messing up a family show, and they must not care about fans, other than Glamberts who obviously have their minds in the same gutter as Lambert!

[tammy]

God, please drag me around like that!

[marlock276]

I cannot wait until Sunday night! Adam is the most talented entertainer to come along in a long while. . . and he's beautiful inside and out! He's the total package!

[Tiffany]

ianaleah-- Thank you for saying what ALL ADAMS FANS FEEL!!! RIGHT ON!! WHOOOOO!! UNBELIEVABLE MIND BLOWING TALENT AND OOZING SEX OUT EVERY PORE AND MOST HANDSOME MAN ALIVE!! AND A SALACIOUS EROTIC, STRIPPER!!! HELP US ALL!!
I just got my CD in Mail-- can't pic a fav because they all speak to a different EMOTION- just like ADAM does! WOW!! I have NEVER BEEN SO EXCITED ABOUT AN ARTIST LIKE THIS IN MY LIFE!! What kinda SPELL has he put on us all!! I know Adam will be ICONIC and change the world as we know it. Look how he has brought so many otherwise different people TOGETHER!!

His voice and choice of lyrics will REACH YOUR SOUL and mesmerize you and his LIVE performance will SOAK YOU UP-- HE WILL OWN YOU THEN!

Margaret-- you really are a FOOL- to bring up OUT, and show how CLASSLESS YOU ARE!! Adam said "SHUT THE F___K UP ALREADY-IT DOES NOT MATTER- It's OUTDATED". When you mention this in a sliver of an article on Adam, about the BIGGEST NIGHT OF HIS LIFE, when Adam has shown his contempt for this situation, you are REDICULOUS and unkind!! You reporters have the power to help and RESPECT Adam by NOT giving any time to this publication and how THEY DISRESPECT ADAM!! THINK MARGARET!!

[matrimony]

to each to his or her own thats all i can say.

[sunil]

i am looking for seo related blogs, you can also visit my pavitravivah | matrimony | anandmaratha | free matrimony