American Idol’s Lambert a hit with GV crowd

The last thing you might expect from this Green Valley, 40-something professional is that she’d be going to the American Idols Live Tour concert at the San Diego Sports Arena with her husband.

EDITORIAL: I don't get it: http://www.gvnews.com/articles/2009/07/21/editors_blog/62adamlambert722.txt

I am surprised myself, as the last stadium concert I attended with floor seating was David Bowie at Madison Square Garden in New York City in July 1983. During that concert they released mylar balloons from the ceiling and chaos ensued. I was thrown backward to the floor, people were walking on my arms and legs and I tried to protect my face. I swore I would never, ever return to the floor of a large concert venue again. I haven’t until now, 26 years later, for this American Idol. Why? To see Season 8 American Idol runner-up and rising star Adam Lambert perform in his hometown.

Why Adam? I, along with a lot of other people of all ages and races can’t seem to get enough of this 27-year-old versatile performer who some characterize as a glam rocker. Adam is known as much for his unique style as for his three-octave vocal range. From his first performance, we knew Adam had star quality. His fiercely loyal army of fans, called Glamberts, Google him daily, download anything Adam on iTunes and call him the next Elvis.

The Glamberts even have sub-groups, like his 30s to 60s female fans called cougars or senior cougars or Gramberts.

I don’t think people expected this openly-gay Idol to have such a large base of devoted older female fans.

“Adam is a very talented singer, is adorable, has a great personality and is going to go far,” said Mary Thompson, 69, of Green Valley. “I was very surprised he didn’t win Idol and felt he should have! He was the best!”

Adam has the uncanny ability to draw people like a magnet. He allows us into his world, and shows us who he is with no filter. This makes him very appealing and makes us feel like we really know him.

Carmen Scarlott, 63, of Green Valley likes that Adam is true to himself.

“Adam, like Elvis, has connected with people from 8 to 80,” she said. “He is a showman who plays to his audience. He is phenomenally talented.”

By all accounts Adam is a polite, humble guy. He shows us it’s O.K. to be different and promotes being positive. Adam holds nothing back in terms of his performance or his personal life.

MEDIA ATTENTION

Since finishing second to Idol winner Kris Allen in May, Adam’s life has been a whirlwind of media attention, awards and accolades. He won the Young Hollywood Artist of the Year Award, was featured in cover stories in Entertainment Weekly and Rolling Stone magazines, was named one of People Magazine’s Best Bachelors of 2009, had four songs in the Billboard Top 100 charts, landed a record deal with RCA and is writing and recording a solo album.

Not bad for just two months — and by a runner-up.

American Idol, known for launching the careers of Jennifer Hudson, Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, David Cook and Daughtry, makes dreams happen.

It’s ironic that Adam was performing in the chorus of Wicked LA and other venues scraping to make ends meet, discouraged and about to give up on his performing career when a colleague suggested he try out for Idol. The rest is history.

You could feel the excitement in the air as we approached the arena Saturday in San Diego (It comes to Glendale, Ariz., on Monday night). The American Idols live Tour encompasses 50 cities in the U.S. and Canada from July 5 through Sept. 15. Singers are paid $100,000 each for the tour. Fans wait in long lines for tickets ranging in price from $40.50 for nosebleed seats to more than $800 resale for front row center. The three-hour extravaganza showcases the top 10 Idols in solo and group numbers. Idol fans dress like their favorite Idols, and I’m not talking about just the teens. The Adam Lambert cougar fans were sporting their black, blue and silver Adam colors and were out in full force!

“I am 61 and am feeling like a teen again,” said Patricia Campana of San Diego. “I was part of the frenzy back in the Elvis days, loved the dramatics, the glitter, the over-the-top talent. Now with Adam it is the same, I am a love-sick groupie again... For me, he reminds me and re-inspires me that no matter that I am 61, that spirit is still alive in me.” Also in the floor seats were San Diego residents Annette Miller, 62, attending with her daughter Stacey and granddaughter.

They have “been talking and blogging about Rock God (Adam) and this concert forever!” she said. “What to wear, etc. I have never, ever become so infatuated, mesmerized, intoxicated with any celebrity as I have with Adam. The last time I purchased anything to listen to was 20 years ago. He is so talented, gorgeous, charismatic.”

Leather chic Toni Meurlot, 60-plus of San Diego, proclaimed, “I have loved Adam since I first saw him in the auditions. He’s hot, he’s smart and very funny. He is also very grounded. I love his sense of style... it parallels my own. I would not miss this concert for the world!”

BRINGS DOWN THE HOUSE

From the beginning of Adam’s set, the arena went crazy. Wearing a custom leather jacket resembling a futuristic ringmaster, Adam exploded onto the stage with “Whole Lotta Love.” The performance was intense and electrifying. He took control of the show and never let go.

He shifted seamlessly into “Starlight” by Muse. The arena was bathed in blue light and mirrored balls created countless stars, making it a surreal and magical experience.

That magic continued while a seated Adam reprised his hit from American Idol, the slow and haunting “Mad World.” You could hear a pin drop. Next, pal Allison Iraheta joined him for the high-energy “Slow Ride” and the crowd roared. I couldn’t believe my ears when for the finale of his incredible set, Adam was singing a Bowie medley of “Life On Mars,” “Fame” and “Let’s Dance.” He got the audience on their feet and dancing with him. When Adam finished, the applause was deafening. There was no denying who the star of this show was.

So, a change has come, and everything has come full circle. I’m back on the floor in an arena hearing Adam sing the same songs that David Bowie sang that fateful night 26 years ago. I’ve faced my fear, am proudly cheering for Adam and believing in happy endings. Things are different for Adam, too. He is rocketing into superstardom stalked by paparazzi and adored by his fans. He no longer has to worry about paying his rent, or if people will like or accept him. A change has come indeed, and Adam Lambert is living the American dream.

Julie McCoy is a Realtor in Green Valley.

READER COMMENTS:

The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of gvnews.com.

Jennifer wrote on Jul 19, 2009 4:55 PM:

" What a great article. It is so true that he has fans from 8 to 80 and everywhere in between. I don't even think the media know yet how much we are loving Adam. He is so beautiful, and has such a phenomenal voice and it is just beyond words what a great performer he is. Thank you for this terrific article. "

AdamMania wrote on Jul 19, 2009 6:06 PM:

" Great article! I'm glad you faced your fears after 26 years and went to the show, so we could read this Wounderful article about our Superstar Adam! "

Kathyo wrote on Jul 19, 2009 6:11 PM:

" THANK YOU SO MUCH for this article !!! I am A 50 something grandmother from Louisiana and I too LOVE Adam Lambert . I thought I was crazy , but it is great to see I'm not the only older fan out here , All I can say is Adam is MAGIC ! he does somehow cross all barriers and in a Good way ! Good Luck Adam and I will buy all your music ! "

Maggie Mae wrote on Jul 19, 2009 6:26 PM:

" Julie,

I couldn't have said it better myself.

He had me from the auditions, and I never looked at another contestant

to win. He is going to be international

and I am so glad I lived to see another one with the fame that Elvis had hit the stages again.....Hurrah for Adam! "

tmare wrote on Jul 19, 2009 6:32 PM:

" I could have written this article myself. I am a forty something mom who hasn't been to a concert in at least 15 years but I drug my husband to the show in LA last week. My husband didn't really mind because although he's not an AI fan, he recognized Adam's amazing talent early on in the show and made sure that he too, saw every performance. Can't wait to see what the future holds for Adam. "

sparky wrote on Jul 19, 2009 6:34 PM:

" Great review! I too have high hopes for an amazing future for Adam. He deserves it. And we deserve him. "

cheryl wrote on Jul 19, 2009 6:51 PM:

" A change has come indeed and it has come by the arrival of Adam Lambert.

I am an older fan too.. have fallen in love with this young man for many different reasons.

He is unique, special and a talent that will not be denied. His message of embracing our differences is heartfelt, his determination to be open, to be himself is refreshing and endearing.

This young man is fearless.

Adam is the next world superstar and I will be cheering him on all the way.

Great review...thank you. "

asle wrote on Jul 19, 2009 6:56 PM:

" this is the ultimate praise for adam lambert! thank you so very, very much for clarifying what so many of his female fans adore about hime.. you explained how we all feel about this icon to be.. a legend in the making.. "

Jenny wrote on Jul 19, 2009 7:02 PM:

" It is amazing you articulate exactly how I feel-along with several friends and my sisters. We have been so excited planning for the concert in Tampa. We have to have the colors, the glitter, new video cameras. We were going to wait for his solo concet but we caved in when we saw wholelottalove on you tube. Adam Rocks! "

47 Glambert wrote on Jul 19, 2009 7:15 PM:

" Thanks for the article.

I think that we 40+ women are seeing in Adam something we haven't seen in far too many years. We grew up with 'Rock Gods'...and it's been far too long since we've seen one. And a nice one at that.

For those of you who think we are over-reacting...look up his pre-Idol videos on YouTube. He's Frank Sinatra, Elvis, The Beatles, Jim Morrison, and David Bowie combined into one jaw-droppingly self-confident package.

Far be it from being turned off that he's gay...he's got many of us wishing we were half our age and male!

I just hope he's ready for the ride... "

cles2900 wrote on Jul 19, 2009 7:27 PM:

" That's a very nice and true review on Adam. He worked hard for where he is now. I am so happy for him, to achieve his American dream! It's useless to say now, I wanted him to win the AI bec. he really worked hard on his songs to entertain and bring out his best. "

Jades wrote on Jul 19, 2009 7:41 PM:

" I think you have summed it up about us older fans. I was 12 when my mother and aunts took me to my first rock and roll concert. Elvis on his first tour. I have seen them all and many several times. Only a couple have made the hair stand up on the back of my neck and Adam is the first one in a very long time. Steve Tyler, Bowie, Mick, George Michels I think. Pretty short list when you understand that I have seen hundreds of concerts in my 62 years. This kid is going to be huge and if he stays as grounded as he seems he will last the course. I love watching the new kid in town...................Best of luck to him...KT "

paperrosie wrote on Jul 19, 2009 7:51 PM:

" What a wonderful review.I know exactly how you feel about adam.I' am 55 years old, and he makes me feel young and alive again.I think its his amazing voice and his cmmanding presense on stage,you cant take your eyes off him. Adam will be a worldwide superstar "

Judy wrote on Jul 19, 2009 7:52 PM:

" Great review.I wouldn't miss this concert because of Adam either.I haven't been to one in years.,but am so looking forward to this one ! He's so insanely talented and mesmerizing ! "

Lissa wrote on Jul 19, 2009 7:55 PM:

" I am slightly younger than the women in this article - I'm 20 - but I can relate to everything said here. You ladies may have gone thru Bowie and Elvis - for my generation Adam is our Rock/Sex God and we're enjoying the experience just as much as you are. Isn't it great that Adam can unite the generations with his incredible music and his exceptional personality "

Lindajean139 wrote on Jul 19, 2009 8:00 PM:

" What a wonderful article. I enjoyed reading it from beginning to end. I too am going to the show and the only reason I am going is to see Adam Lambert. I paid $200 for my seat so I could sit up close to not miss anything and I'm sure every penny will be worth it. So basically I paid $200 for 15 minutes and you know what I would have paid double. I have never been to an AI concert because I thought it would be a silly show. I mostly attend classic rock concerts like Aerosmith etc. This guy has got me excited and I can't wait to see what else he does. "

Darcey wrote on Jul 19, 2009 8:09 PM:

" Adam was the star. He had to bail out the no talent Kris when he sang "Hey Jude". There is no doubt who the real winner is. Kris could not sing "No Boundaries"when Adam's version is beautiful. What happened at Idol this year? If Adam did not win I do not want to watch it anymore. "

bea wrote on Jul 19, 2009 8:09 PM:

" Thank you for feeding out Adam hunger for more about him, and for expressing the things we feel and can barely say ourselves because we are so emotional in our adoration of him. "

Finnistar wrote on Jul 19, 2009 8:22 PM:

" Great article! "

susan wrote on Jul 19, 2009 8:23 PM:

" Julie....Kudos to you, wonderful review!

"Futuristic Ringmaster" indeed, what a perfect way to describe Adam's command of the stage...brilliant!

I saw Elvis in concert when I was thirteen, and no one till Adam could compare...sorry Elvis you have to move over now. "

nagelchick wrote on Jul 19, 2009 8:32 PM:

" What a beautiful article--you have described my experience of adam exactly--I had no idea the first time I saw Adam perform that he would change my life--but he has in so many wonderful ways--I have caught a virus and I am not looking for a cure--I also believe he is the next music icon and I am just so happy to have witnessed the birth--thanks for a wonderful and very moving article--I hope his mom sees this one,, "

peaches wrote on Jul 19, 2009 8:40 PM:

" Great recap! A talent like Adam only comes around every 2 or 3 decades. I'm a 47-year-old married lady that admires Adam like no other star I've seen or heard. He's got "It"! It's obvious he can outsing the best, but he's got the moves and sexiness of a SEXGOD. He has too many attributes to mention! He'll excel, because he is artistic, intelligent, and likable. "

Barbara wrote on Jul 19, 2009 8:40 PM:

" I'm a 50-something Mom of two teenagers who would love to meet Adam's Mom and tell her what a good job I think she's done with her son. I can really appreciate what a difficult job it is raising children in today's challenging world, and I don't think she could have done it any better.

I think a big part of why Adam is becoming so popular right now has a lot to do with the way his parents raised him. He is kind, polite and appreciative of the gifts and talents he has been blessed with. I don't have a son, but if I did, I would feel blessed to have one like Adam.

Saw the concert, am in awe of the talent and look forward to the future success! "

Gabrielle Glambert 1970 wrote on Jul 19, 2009 8:45 PM:

" Thank you so much for writing this review, Julie! It is so refreshing and quite hilarious to see how the comments made by Gramberts practically mirror my person opinion - and I'm fourteen, mind you. :) "

ANG wrote on Jul 19, 2009 8:56 PM:

" THANKS I LOVE ADAM "

cheri wrote on Jul 19, 2009 9:30 PM:

" Well stated.

At 61 I, too, young again when I listen to Adam.

Join us on the Adam official site for cougars and grandmas.

adamofficial.com/content/cougars-and-grandmas-adam "

WindyAdamLambert wrote on Jul 19, 2009 10:00 PM:

" Thanks for the beautiful think said Mme Patricia.

I appreciat his commentary and I have 54 years old and Adam make me feel good to. His the next Elvis Presley all age fan's he got's same Elvis got when he be coming the King , so thanks for all beautiful article here.

BTW, im from Montr/al Quebec in Canada a french city, sorry for my bad english and I pray to see Adam in his first solo concert here in Montr/al. "

MM wrote on Jul 19, 2009 10:27 PM:

" Glad to hear of his success. Loved him on AI "

austinmidwife wrote on Jul 19, 2009 10:57 PM:

" I'm so thrilled that Adam is receiving such overwhelming support from so many fans. I love him too and can't wait for the Dallas show. I'm only going because of Adam, but I'm sure I will enjoy the rest because I love live music and I love a good concert. And we have floor seats! "

lsklsk wrote on Jul 20, 2009 12:03 AM:

" Yes! Adam has worldwide appeal. I agree with the writer. I am from Malaysia and is 52yrs old.

Adam has brought back music to my life.

I am a huge fan and enjoy all his songs. I was not computer savvy but Adam change all that.

Await his coming Album. "

Eowyn Rohan wrote on Jul 20, 2009 12:39 AM:

" Thanks for the wonderful article and review Julie. Makes me proud to be a Glambert! "

LYNN wrote on Jul 20, 2009 12:47 AM:

" ADAM YOU ARE JUST WONDERFUL! KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK. I'VE BEEN A FAN FROM THE BEGINNING. I WISH YOU MUCH SUCCESS. DO THE DAMB THING. "

LA-fan wrote on Jul 20, 2009 3:00 AM:

" Wow, nice article. I like the beautiful ending "He no longer has to worry about paying his rent, or if people will like or accept him. A change has come indeed, and Adam Lambert is living the American dream." "

Frankie wrote on Jul 20, 2009 3:12 AM:

" What a lovely review, Julie.

I'm so glad you faced your fears and enjoyed "The Adam Lambert Show". I wish I was able to do so myself but, unfortunately, I am on the wrong side of the Atlantic! I suppose that like many others of Adam's already-acquired fans around the world, I will have to wait patiently. "

ljsmack wrote on Jul 20, 2009 10:34 AM:

" Loved your imagery of the jacket as befitting a futuristic ringmaster. I'm 61 and never did the Elvis, Beatles, or any other phase. I am enraptured with Adam--people underestimate how smart and well-spoken he is. His CD cannot come out soon enough. I lurk on MJ's Big blog to get the latest tidbit. Never been a cyberstalker EVER before this. "

Rock Fan wrote on Jul 20, 2009 3:04 PM:

" Julie, loved your review! I almost felt like I was there.

I too, am an older person who had attended all the glam rock concerts in the 1970's and haven't enjoyed music since then. Adam has brought that all back for me!

Thank you for your honest opinion.

Adam Lambert is an International Superstar and it will be amazing to watch as his career skyrockets.

Just for your info... the link to this article has unfortunately been posted on some sites that are not exactly "pro-Adam", so be prepared for some disrespectful comments that may arrive soon.

Once again, thanks for this insightful review! "

mad4adam wrote on Jul 20, 2009 6:34 PM:

" Loved reading this! My life is on hold until I see Adam perform in Newark, NJ in August. Sick, isn't it, for a 58 year old woman! Thanks for interviewing some of the older gals who are his fans - you know you have an IDOL when people of ALL ages are captured and magnitized by the talent in front of them. "

CMS Grambertfan wrote on Jul 20, 2009 10:03 PM:

" I agree with these comments! I was a teen in the 70s attending Stones, Kiss, Bowie, Who, Queen and Zep concerts. The music today is NOT THE SAME...that is until now. When Adam broke out with Kiss on Idol I nearly passed out! His is the one to watch forsure. Exciting, fresh, unbelievable vocals and a fantastic funny guy. Adam did and still does get my vote AND my money when he cuts a record!!!! GO ADAM!!!!! "

Stacey wrote on Jul 20, 2009 11:00 PM:

" WOW, I made it in the newspaper, and my mom annette and my daughter alicia!! whoooooo!!! thank you julie, yes we are Adam fans and love him to pieces! I waited over 2 hours after the show saw him come out but he left was at the other side of the line:( Love the show adam is just phenomenal. I have already made over 3000 posts!! and have tons of pics we took also, I took a pic with Matt gerard, what a doll he is!!

Love ya Adam!!!

Love Stacey "

Stacey Annette Alicia wrote on Jul 20, 2009 11:02 PM:

" THANK YOU JULIE,

Thank you for mentioning us in the Article!!

Love Stacey, Annette & Alicia!!!!!

San Diego

Love you Adam xoxoxoxoxoxo "

Angel wrote on Jul 21, 2009 12:43 AM:

" ADAm had me at hello, his audition!

I'm in my 50's and my friends here in Hong Kong and the Philippines all ADAM fanatics.

Our generation shrieked for Elvis and the Beatles. I remember even for the animal appeal and sexiness of Tom Jones. We like the over the top ultimate performers. ADAM is a gift from GOD in this generation who GOD showered with the whole package. I thank GOD from the bottom of my heart for the gift of ADAM. And that I'm here to witness and enjoy. Love you, ADAM. "

Sylvia wrote on Jul 21, 2009 7:05 AM:

" I'm also a 40+ fan of Adam. I knew from day one he would be the winner. I too believe he should have won #1. I am a devout Christian, yet his sexual orientation meant nothing since his talent was being displayed - not his sexual orientation. The competition wasn't about who was the better Chrstian Adam or Chris. Chris showed himself to be a good singer, but Adam was phenomenal. The country should have concentrated on the "TALENT" of the person. American Idol is a talent show - not a sexual orientation show. "

Mauna loa wrote on Jul 21, 2009 10:41 AM:

" The opiate for the masses. Get a life people. How in the *Hail do people pay hundreds a dollars to listen to some crap, when you can hear it for free on the radio only means one thing, Sylvia is lying.

“Music is essentially useless, as is life.”

“When people hear good music, it makes them homesick for something they never had, and never will have.” "

Susan wrote on Jul 21, 2009 1:38 PM:

" Great article! I saw the show in L.A. and in S.D. and really felt the energy in San Diego. I had floor seats too, but farther back in the first section. I'm over-50 and took my almost-50 best friend with me. We were glammed and glittered like teens and had a blast. My friend is a concert vet having seen practically every big name in the industry, multiple times, and Adam's performance left her nearly speechless - she said she couldn't remember ever seeing anyone quite like him before! He definitely has something special and I cannot wait for a solo tour where he can be ever more provocative and amazing! "

Kathleen wrote on Jul 21, 2009 1:43 PM:

" Adam captivated me during his audition. It has been a delightful experience to watch him on American Idol each week with his awesome vocals and sense of unbelievable visual performances. He has become a super star and I am loving it/him. He has made music exciting again. "

Carrie wrote on Jul 21, 2009 3:56 PM:

" GREAT article! I am a HUGE Lambert fan and can't get enough of his musical and performing talents!!! He IS a ROCK GOD!!! "

Susan wrote on Jul 21, 2009 5:33 PM:

" Julie, great article! I had no idea there were so many other 40+ women who were blown away by this huge talent! So glad you shared your experience! "

Undeniable wrote on Jul 21, 2009 5:55 PM:

" Never fear front row mosh pit, or going to a rock concert no matter what your age. If Adam is what it takes to kick start some of you to decide it's ok to listen to new music, take in concerts again, and feel the inner fan girl.. then Adam Lambert the middle age woman's won't let me name the woman's form of male enhancement (little blue pill) on here lolz... and there ain't nothing wrong with that. Now... to shop for a sports car lol "