Adam Lambert Complains About Discrimination After Censored AMA Performance

Monday, November 23, 2009, 03:28 AM | American Idol 8
Tags: Adam Lambert, Discrimination, Irony, OUT Magazine

Oh the irony!

After a few days of back and forth between OUT magazine, Adam Lambert and Adam’s uber-fans — Adam talked to Access Hollywood’s Shaun Robinson and complains about discrimination!

He said that there is a double standard in this country if he was censored during his performance at the AMA (which he was!) because he was a man doing provocative stuff female artists have been doing for years. Oy. Again, no words.

The uber-fans are going to go overtime right now. Hahaha. Good luck!

Buy multiple copies of Adam’s album so he becomes #1 this week. I already bought 2 copies. Please help support Adam’s career. It can still be saved!

Download: For Your Entertainment

Watch the video in his own words:

63 Comments for Adam Lambert Complains About Discrimination After Censored AMA Performance

1

they dont have the right to censor adam and his epicness…just cause you dont like it doesnt mean its bad. i for one loved it. sure it was OTT but adam has never played it safe!

missie on November 23, 2009 at 3:35 am
2

He played it dumb, could have showed off his awesome vocals and style but instead he chose to show something that should have been in a club or a show not national television.

JoCeeisme on November 23, 2009 at 3:41 am
3

They should not have censored him. He was horribly stupid. More of his “fans” would have seen his train wreck on tv…and LAUGHED.

YAWWWN on November 23, 2009 at 3:43 am
4

This post was a bit hateful.
Rickey, you come across as mildly bitter and immature. You might not be into it, but his album ranking on itunes jumped from 32 before his performance to 14 afterwards. Adam doesn’t need pity. His career is just fine.

curvystuff on November 23, 2009 at 3:44 am
5

good artist won’t scare of admit mistake on their career as human nature.defensive of mistake looks bit …hope off the camera he is fine as show on interview.good luck.

Tsai on November 23, 2009 at 4:05 am
6

The album’s ranking jumped because the album went from pre-order status to being officially available. Lady GaGa’s album jumped to #4 and Susan Boyle’s to #6.

PA on November 23, 2009 at 4:10 am
7

I’m not a fan or a hater, just an observer. Kris Allen’s album’s ranking also “jumped” last week when the album became officially available (after being available as a pre-order).

PA on November 23, 2009 at 4:12 am
8

ADAM IS PHENOMENAL – I have said that since day 1 of his AI Auditions and even moreso now. I am a 42 y/o father of 2 children and I LOVE THIS MAN. I love this interview too and respect him and agree with him totally. To hell with sensitive ones who are offended and like he said “then he is not for them” and he doesn’t care! I will always be a GLAMBERT because the man is SPECTACULAR…the “male madonna” – he desreves that title.

spiraljoe on November 23, 2009 at 4:13 am
9

sad day today.

i don’t know which is sadder: is it the realization that adam is not for me? or is it the fact that the adam on ai is not the same adam we’re seeing today?

i loved him on ai not only because of his vocals. i loved him because of his total persona. he seemed so humble, sensitive, down to earth, a little vulnerable at times yet strong, confident, articulate and edgy.

i couldn’t have imagined THAT ai adam to be calling gene a dick (deservedly or not), or that he peppers his sentences with the f word, or that he would suck off a man’s face on stage on national tv. i couldn’t believe he actually doesnt seem to care whether or not HIS fans get it when he is just fresh off a fan-based competition.

was that ai stint just a part of his act? an act that he manipulated to his advantage? and that the adam we’re seeing now is the REAL adam? the two adams are an anathema of each other. one of which should be fake.

either way, it’s a sad day for me, indeed…

eliza on November 23, 2009 at 4:50 am
10

Why show off his vocals when he has already done that on AI it is time for Adam to show us who he really is. The side he couldnt be on AI. Way to go Adam on the awesome performance. People listen to the song? What do u want him to do stand all primp and prissy with a mic in hand and go bet you though that i was soft and sweet. Come on get really people gosh!

Kenny on November 23, 2009 at 5:15 am
11

As much as I didn’t like the performance at all, I have to agree with much of what he’s saying here.

Matt on November 23, 2009 at 5:23 am
12

I clearly remember how ’shocked’ everyone was after Madonna’s ‘Like a Virgin’ performance at the MTV Awards. The audience was in shock. People weren’t sure whether to applaud. She may have lost best new artist to Cyndi Lauper – but it was her performance everyone was talking about – and the one everyone remembers 20 years later. Adam will be the same. He’s gonna push it as far as he can too – right up to the edge and over. Censorship’s just another item added to the list of interesting things about Adam. I wish American TV was as open as in Brittan. Censorship wouldn’t even be an issue. And I think he’s funny as hell in this interview. “Crotch? You’re talking about my crotch?” Look how she blushed! The poor girl practically had to fan herself. What a hoot! Oh – I’m SO looking forward to this mans career trajectory. Talk about being entertained!

TFLS on November 23, 2009 at 5:29 am
13

I guess Adam fails to realize the FCC has clamped down on networks because of the stuff the female artists had done in the past.

chessguy99 on November 23, 2009 at 6:19 am
14

As an artist myself (though not musically inclined), I could not agree more about the artistic/creative freedom statement. Though his performance screamed more “sex! bondage! S&M!” than artistry. I would go with someone like Lady Gaga as an example of what I would call innovative and artistic… but I suppose the greatest thing about art is that it’s subjective

CMAquarii on November 23, 2009 at 6:20 am
15

It was a bad performance, period. He was stiff and his vocals were just so-so. The song just isn’t THAT good. I had to turn it off after the blow job, and then turn it on again. He should fire his choreography.

Marie Ruffin on November 23, 2009 at 6:25 am
16

What’s the fuss? He knew what he was doing. He wanted everyone to be talking about him this morning. And guess what? Mission accomplished.

nigel on November 23, 2009 at 6:26 am
17

Oh yeah, and about the album details… I don’t know if you can count the listing on iTunes as completely accurate. Adam’s on there twice, once for his album (#14) and again for the *deluxe* edition (#17 – hell yeah, bonus tracks baby!), so I guess if you put those numbers together… the world would implode with awesome?

CMAquarii on November 23, 2009 at 6:31 am
18

I have to agree with what he saic on the interview that women artists have been doing this for years….however….it’s a disappointment that he had to throw this is everyone’s face on his debut single. Just too over the top. The song is awesome…the performanct…not so much.

Karon on November 23, 2009 at 6:39 am
19

Let’s see there were little kids who watch AI during the show and then wanted to stay up to watch Lambert.

So shut up Adam.

You aren’t an artist, you’re an idiot for doing this on tv.

Oppie on November 23, 2009 at 7:00 am
20

adam is too much for me

trishcaravana on November 23, 2009 at 7:03 am
21

adam’s career doesnt NEED saving. he’s doing pretty well on the charts right now!

regina on November 23, 2009 at 7:05 am
22

CAN SOMEONE GET ADAM AWAY FROM LADY GAGA – HE IS AMAZING BUT HER INFLUENCE IS DESTROYING HIS CREDIBILITY AS AN IMPORTANT FUTURE ARTIST. I AM YOUR BIGGEST FAN BUT PLEEEEEEEEEEEZE THAT VMA WAS BORING, UNORIGINAL AND HERE IN EUROPE VERY UNSOPHISTICATED LAUGHABLE POKERFACE HAS BEEN DONE LETS SEE ADAM LAMBERT EMERGING AS UNIQUE NOT BOY VERSION OF BRITNEY ETC YOU WILL BE 28 SOON

rene on November 23, 2009 at 7:13 am
23

I agree that the kiss should not have been censored on the central show. It is a kiss and would not have been censored had it been 2 females.Its just a kiss But… I do think the simulated bj should have been cut out. It is a network show during prime time and and should not be allowed whether it was a guy girl 2 guys 2 girls whatever. They would have censored that no matter what and contrary to his rabid fans beliefs, Adam does not get special allowances others are not given. Wish him album success but no I will not buy multiple copies of anyones cd. If he is so epic let him do sales the right way. If everyone is so convinced he is a Rock God why buy multiple copies. Kris didn’t sell quite enough to please me but I am not going to buy another copy. I will be buying Adams CD today but only 1, sorry.

kathy on November 23, 2009 at 7:41 am
24

If you can’t grab them with the music, try to grab them with a spectacle. If that fails, cry censorship and discrimination.

Yawn.

He ignores the simple fact what Madonna or Britney did was done on a cable channel, usually on MTV, not on a major free-to-air broadcast network.

He’s an asshat.

druzilla on November 23, 2009 at 7:42 am
25

Where is Kayne West when you really need him???

Jonathan67 on November 23, 2009 at 7:48 am
26

Again… Aside for the 2 face / crotch moments… This was no big deal. A theatrical burlesque show. I heard people TALKING about this performance. I expected WAY WORSE. FAMILY GUY WAS MORE SEXUAL last night!

DJ Jayito on November 23, 2009 at 8:18 am
27

and rickey… because of this, I just purchased the iTunes version of this CD, even with my amazon.com CD coming tomorrow. GO ADAM

DJ Jayito on November 23, 2009 at 8:19 am
28

Adam is #10 on Top Albums on iTunes and #7 on Pop!!! He’s #5 on Amazon Top Albums and #1 on rock. Go Adam!!!!!

BrianK on November 23, 2009 at 8:33 am
29

Dog sex slaves, dominatrix, oral sex (simulation), digital penetration (simulation) does not belong on ABC. I would feel differently if this were on a cable network. I can only imagine it will continue today when parents that DVR’ed it and the kiddies will come home from school and watch it. They will get much more than Taylor Swift. But, DJ is right in that post–there is lots of sexual prime time content–on major networks. Liquor ads, pecker-picker upper pills. sigh

They did edit Eminem. It sounded like dot, dot, dash on my set. If they had visual editing on Adam, my TV would have looked like a strobe light.

Where was the parental warning? Adam should have concentrated on his singing a bit more than just trying to provoke reaction.

I was uncomfortable watching it and so disappointed with the singing, too. Even the face close up at the end was disarming. And, that fall and roll. LOL.

Gloria on November 23, 2009 at 8:40 am
30

What people are forgetting here is that there are different standards for cable and broadcast TV. Madonna’s shocking performances were on MTV not the local ABC affiliate.

Parents who would not allow their kids to watch the VMAs probably thought this show would be family friendly because it was on a regular broadcast network.

DonMI on November 23, 2009 at 8:42 am
31

Gay man here. After Ga Ga’s performance I thought–Artistic. After Adam’s NON GLAM performance(that was heathen S&M at best) I thought–Too much stuffed into a live performance.
The kiss didn’t bother me at all. Vividly simulating oral sex on the AMA’s did and should be worthy of a fine(for Lambert). And whenever anybody flips me the bird, that’s it. Too low for Zero.

wayno10 on November 23, 2009 at 8:49 am
32

oh jeez he knew very well his shctick was going to cause a ruckus. producers live for this kind of crap. all of you who defend him are suckers and all of you who take offense at what he did, it’s time to get out of that rock you’ve been living under.

henry on November 23, 2009 at 9:21 am
33

LOL! Go for it Adam. Make them take a look at themselves. Hypocrites.

Cremant on November 23, 2009 at 9:38 am
34

So, Adam Lambert thinks it is fun to shock people.

Now, it is the public’s turn to shock Adam back, by not buying his album.

Beth on November 23, 2009 at 10:30 am
35

Shut up already Adam… you are no unique ..your act was way too dirty for a family program .

keith on November 23, 2009 at 10:38 am
36

Adam screwed up and is trying to salvage it.
I hated the performance not for the shock value, but because it was just plain stupid, with bad singing. I don’t really care to watch oral sex simulated with guys or girls. NOT entertaining.
The song itself was horrendous.
Someone said it best when they said he turned his back on the majority of the fan base that put him where he’s at (Oh yeah, Adam said they didn’t remember, it was all him).
His standing on itunes is no surprise – his rabid hardcore preordered the album-all those chips are being cashed in now.
What he missed was a prime opp. to get new fans-can’t see too many signing up from that disaster.

Jean on November 23, 2009 at 10:42 am
37

why didnt he sing time for miracles and show off his amazing vocals?

forget about the fact that the performance was bad, the song alone is terrible

Kat on November 23, 2009 at 10:44 am
38

If you followed me during the AI season, you know that I am not the biggest Adam Lambert fan.
That said, I completely respect him as an artist, and I completely agree with the double standard that exists in Hollywood. When women do something provocative, it’s “pushing the envelope.” When a guy does it (admittedly, it did seem a little forced), it’s trashy and the sky is falling.

Not two hours beforehand, Shakira had an entire chorus line of scantily clad women in black leather bent over and smacking eachother on the asses. How is that any different/better/worse? Honestly, his dancing wasn’t anything different from what Britney would do on a typical Thursday night.

Personally, I find the image of Lady Gaga smearing blood over herself a lot more disturbing than guys on leashes. If anything, it’s an indicator of society’s values: “Violence and promiscuity is okay, as long as it’s not gay!”

Keep it up Adam. I may not like the music, but I love the spectacle!

DJ Ryce on November 23, 2009 at 10:45 am
39

You know I totally missed the AMA’s last night, but when my roommate finds out his performance was censored he’ll throw a fit. XD I don’t really care. Regardless of whatever Adam does, he’s going to have an amazing and over-the-top career. Nothing could possible stand in the way of it.

bwatt27 on November 23, 2009 at 10:49 am
40

OK, my total so far this morning…

17 of 17 Adam fans won’t be buying his album after watching his horrible performance last night.

I think he lost a ton of fans with that creepy display he put on last night.

He did get people talking but not in a good way.

Jobe on November 23, 2009 at 10:51 am
41

Been an observer here for ages but this is the first time I have felt compelled to post a comment.

Did Adam go over the top last night? Of course he did. Has anyone seen the clips from the Zodiac? The spectacle last night wasn’t a surprise. He closed the show for a reason, the AMAs saw the choreography, saw the costumes, saw the rehearsals, they knew this wasn’t for the kiddies. Here it aired just before 10 in it’s uncensored glory. I loved how over the top it was. I was smiling and laughing at the stunned reaction after the performance was over. I got it. I get it. I love it.

I love the album. I still love the album. I got my copy this morning. Listening to it now.

Rumple on November 23, 2009 at 11:18 am
42

Was going to buy his CD. Won’t be in a rush to buy it now. If you have a good voice and people like you, what is the need for that type of display? He apparently is trying to appeal to a certain segment, which doesn’t include me. I’m very disappointed in Adam. Oh well…

Supershopper on November 23, 2009 at 11:39 am
43

He is a complete and utter douchebag, and so totally full of himself, and what is laughable is that he buys into this “Oh, I’m a RAWK GOD” schtick. He comes across as nothing but a desperate fame whore. Idiot. I’ve read all over the internet that people are contacting the FCC over the simulated oral sex stuff among other things. Haha, what a loser. And a pathetic loser at that.

Janine Goode on November 23, 2009 at 11:47 am
44

Nigel is right. Mission accomplished. Publicity everywhere. Everyone is talking about him.

But it was a performance for MTV, not the AMA.

Marie Ruffin on November 23, 2009 at 12:24 pm
45

OF COURSE he would pull that card. That is the only defense he could possibly come up with and it is complete BS. Just admit you were trashy Adam, for gods sake.

rachel9isfine on November 23, 2009 at 12:28 pm
46

All artists have screwed up on the stage, ALL of them, and fans still buy thier albums. If you are going to get turned off by one performance, you weren’t a fan to begin with, just someone preaching and it is annoying.
Oh and Rickey, when the gay community tells you that you have to stand out and be a freaking icon because there is no other gay celebrity bigger than Lambert right now, but at the same time, have to conform in order to sell records while still keeping an identity, then maybe you’ll understand what “tact” is. Adam Lambert did not do anything so shocking up on that stage that female performances haven’t done time and time again. I know there have been some mad Glamberts on this post, but guess fella, you’re writing about AMERICAN IDOL! These fans will come back, in some form of another singer next season. You chose to write about it, expect them to come. That is how you get hits.

PM on November 23, 2009 at 12:38 pm
47

Anyone who does not buy this incredible album
is out of their mind – using the lame excuse
that his performance was over the top. Its who he is– but give the CD a change people – you will be blown away. And if he is strutting this CD out on his world tour – its going to entirely epic.

don’t be petty idiots by not buying it.

JUDE on November 23, 2009 at 1:55 pm
48

It makes no difference that it was on ABC instead of cable. It was on after 10pm.

I can think of numerous sex scenes from network tv shows that are a lot more awkward and gross… particularly from Buffy the Vampire Slayer… 10 fucking years ago. I hope that someday a judge tells middle america to go fuck themselves and stop wasting everyone’s time.

Matt on November 23, 2009 at 1:55 pm
49

So for all you Adam haters out there. Look and compare him to what is on TV. Someone said in a comment that there was worse on Family guy. People are saying that this was ABC and he should have censored him self has anyone watched Brothers and Sisters, or Greys. We have seen all kinds of gay lip locking on those shows. You people need to get a grasp on your self. Adam is a great singer and showman. I think he did him self justice last night. I love him and always will. I would have been pissed if he would have came out there and done time for miracles i love that song but come on i wanted excitement and jaw dropping. We have seen AI performances where he gave us the tear jerking performance which i love too. But come on this was his first performance as a new artist. He did it perfectly and exceeded my expectations. You know one last comment. Sex is everywhere, straight sex is blasted all over ABC. So what if we see gay sex too.

Maureen on November 23, 2009 at 2:39 pm
50

None of the slips, trips and lip sync’ing at the AMA’s can come close to this painful to watch fall by Beyonce. Its almost unreal how she tumbled over head first down the steep steps. I love her but this fall must have hurt.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sDw_3bl4r8U

HelloKitty on November 23, 2009 at 3:06 pm
51

Forgot to add that it is discrimination against Adam to censor him.

If 2 girls can kiss on tv then 2 guys can do it.

HelloKitty on November 23, 2009 at 3:10 pm
52

hey maureen I for one wasn’t whining about the gay kiss. I do watch brothers and sisters and yes they do all the time who cares. Love is love. Personally I was complaining about the simulated bj on network tv. When they do that on B&S etc I’ll take it back. Don’t make this a gay issue. I could have cared less if had been Jlo and a guy. It wasn’t appropriate.

Kathy on November 23, 2009 at 3:44 pm
53

Yes this kind of behavior is seen on network tv …after 9pm and parents already know that the show is at that time because it may not be suitable for kids. Parents who let their kids stay up and watch their idol were really let down. They had to know kids would be watching. I am open to all sorts of things, but please, just a little warning would be nice.

nursestacye on November 23, 2009 at 4:59 pm
54

Love his interview. Stay Strong. Admire his who gives a …. attitude. Must be nice to be so strong. Appreciate strength.

David on November 23, 2009 at 6:02 pm
55

i did NOT mind the performance, i admit, i was in COMPLETE SHOCK but mostly because it was on national tv… that is a performance i’d expect from him in the VMA’s on mtv… if it would have been a show on cable then it wouldnt have been much of a shock, yes ppl would have their opinion but is CABLE… i mean, even lady gaga ‘held back’ and her performance was still Amazing! if you do something for shock value, even then you need to know when and WHERE! having said that… he accomplished what he set out to do… so yay for him lol

laura on November 23, 2009 at 6:27 pm
56

There are worse things said and done on South Park. Adam is over the top. Everyone knows this . You never know what Adam will do, and I love that. If people don’t buy his CD it will be their loss. I bought one today, and it is beautiful. Every song is a hit. “BROKEN OPEN” is so exquisite. I just drove around in my car listening to it. It will make you cry.

Wicked Glitter on November 23, 2009 at 7:09 pm
57

Love you Adam! No matter what! Screw the people who don’t understand!

MerlyHaggard on November 23, 2009 at 7:11 pm
58

it’s very hypocritical of adam to say that esp. after the whole OUT debacle. you can’t do stuff like that without intending to instigate something. i thought he’s not going to highlight his sexuality and all that, he’s just here “to make music”, but i didn’t hear any music last night. it was indeed painful to watch and hear (with the incessant wailing). he was just trying too hard to be the male madonna or lady gaga and basically to be the buzz for his album release. very cheap. i don’t get why people love him so much.

nlkt on November 23, 2009 at 9:37 pm
59

Loved him on AI, thought he should have won hands down.

After last nite’s performance I love him even more. He’s so entertaining. I mean seriously I’d actually PAY money to see him perform live before I’d ever pay to see Kris Allen perform live. I want to be entertained….so ENTERTAIN ME! Adam does just that.

I agree also, that’s it’s a double standard in the world when women have been doing it and continue to do it but you want to censor a man or you wanna b*tch about him doing it.

Keep it up Adam. You have an amazing voice and you are such an entertainer.

Carey_PA on November 23, 2009 at 10:07 pm
60

Since when are these music award shows for the whole family? The entertainers were bumping and grinding and grabbing each other all night–except for Whitney. Glad she’s back. I still support Adam. His voice is beautiful.
Kids shouldn’t be watching at eleven o’clock at night anyway.

Merle on November 23, 2009 at 10:10 pm
61

Adam gives gay people a bad name! Like he came out on Rolling Stone as gay and he gets dirty??? Yeah, not all gay people are the same Adam. Lots of gay people are not like you! and by the way Adam, Taylor Swift doesnt have to shock people and scream to sell albums and win awards.

Rosie on November 23, 2009 at 11:21 pm
62

FYI in central time zone he was on at 9:50. And again I say “network TV”. Everyone involved should be ashamed.

nursestacye on November 24, 2009 at 10:54 am
63

Why are there different standards for local networks like ABC and Cable channels? They both come into my house on the same tv. They are both available to children. What the heck is the difference????? People, listen to the music your precious little brats are listening to. Watch the video games they play. Adam was tame compared to afternoon soap operas. I’d rather see sex than the violence that’s on every channel every day. Make love not war!!!! GO ADAM!!!!

Jay on December 21, 2009 at 6:43 am