On the American Idol stage, Adam Lambert proved that he's calm and cool in the face of pressure.
The singer was forced to demonstrate those same traits this week, after he was called out by Aaron Hicklin, the editor of Out magazine.
We recommend reading Hicklin's full statement, but in a nutshell: he takes issue with Lambert for trying to control the interview the singer conducted with Out this month.
Hicklin criticizes Lambert for only agreeing to a cover shot if straight people were included on it; for having his publicist dictate terms of the interview; and, generally, for not being gay enough so that "others can follow" Lambert's example.
These are galling critiques for numerous reasons: all celebrities hire publicists to sit with magazines and set an agenda; Out was clearly satisfied with the feature, as it ran the interview; and, as Lambert tells Entertainment Weekly, "not every gay man is the same gay man."
We'll let Adam take it from here. In a well-spoken, articulate discussion with EW, he responded to Hicklin's unfair charges...
On his image: What people don’t realize is, I am managing my image, more than maybe the editor of OUT magazine likes to give anybody credit for. My team is a team... I really mean it. I’m not being puppeted around. I didn’t want to jump onto a gay magazine as my first thing, because I feel like that’s putting myself in a box and limiting myself.
On his message: I’m an entertainer... I can talk about relationships and personal experiences because as an artist those things involve writing lyrics and that part of my process. But I didn’t feel comfortable talking about the March on Washington. I didn’t feel comfortable, so I asked my publicist to ask the interviewer to stay away from the political questions. I take full responsibility for that.
I think that the editor has his agenda and has his opinions, which I respect, but they’re not necessarily my opinions. And I wish there was a little respect for that. Not every gay man is the same gay man... We’re all very very different, just like all straight people are different.
On gay rights: In order for us to progress, we need to stop segregating ourselves. And the letter that Aaron wrote is holding us back. Because it’s recognizing the big difference as opposed to letting us all ignore preference and just be people... in attempt to champion a cause he’s actually taking a big step backwards.
We couldn't have said it better ourselves. We don't think anyone on the planet could have said it better themselves. Rock on, Adam!
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19 Comments
November 20th, 2009 8:58 AM
Adam is amazingly articulate and expresses his views positively and with effect.
He is an intriguing personality. Can't wait to get my hands on his album - Monday cannot come soon enough in Singapore!
November 20th, 2009 9:12 AM
Good article. You are correct. Adam is a wonderfully articulate and intelligent young men. He handles these disputes with such civility and grace. That in itself is setting a good example for everyone. Rock on Adam. We love you.
November 20th, 2009 9:23 AM
Sometimes I think Adam is just so over the top, but then I read an article like this and I have to commend him. He has always been articulate although not always saying things I care to hear. I think his comments in this interview are to be respected and maybe will do some good in drawing people together.
November 20th, 2009 10:54 AM
With all the pressures Adam must be feeling this week, with his AMA performance coming up and rehearsals, and his CD coming out on Monday, and
November 20th, 2009 11:00 AM
oops lol
and getting ready for all the promotions and traveling - the LAST thing Adam needed right now was all this controversy - which I'm SURE has been upsetting for him! Upsetting, yes, but "Outraged"?? Annoying. Definitely. But Adam takes life in stride. How on earth can you title his ironic bemusement as Outrage?? You are NOT helping!
November 20th, 2009 11:46 AM
to be honest i'm not a fan of his music, it's pretty average and he seems like little more than a gimmick, but then again who's not to some degree in music these days.
it's ridiculous that his use of a publicist is being criticized ... again who doesn't have a PR person. As for not "being gay enough" that's just discrimination, he's a human being, an individual who happens to be gay. that's like saying i'm not straight enough or i'm too straight ... you wouldnever hear that said of a heterosexual man
November 20th, 2009 11:56 AM
Aaron Hicklin is a rude, whiny bitch. And not too bright either, since it's not smart to insult the people helping to sell your rag (by agreeing to do covers). Aaron's not much better than the moron who calls himself Perez Hilton.
November 20th, 2009 12:32 PM
Sick of Hicklin, enough already. I agree w/ Sara, rude and whiny. Adam shines on once again.
November 20th, 2009 2:38 PM
" it’s recognizing the big difference as opposed to letting us all ignore preference and just be people... in attempt to champion a cause he’s actually taking a big step backwards.
This is what I have been saying for ages. People like that douche perez hilton, and this editor guy, are a major part of the problem for the gay community. This kind of attitude is a problem for any community that is seeking equality and acceptance from others. As long as you are constantly pointing out differences, that is all people will focus on. Ellen has done a fantastic job of showing that her sexuality is not what defines her, and the public has really responded to her well because of that. She is insanely funny and talented, and a good human being.
Pam anderson is famous for defining herself by her sexuality, and i don't think she's famous in a good way....she's more of a joke.
It works for any sexual orientation...if you flaunt it in people's faces, it is all they will focus on and judge you by. You don't need to hide it, but you don't need to shove peoples faces in it either. Really it's no one's business what you like to do and with whom, and no one should give a rat's behind. We all need to get over this and move onto more pressing issues like WAR and death all around us.
Can't we stop talking about who someone has sex with and just focus on the other aspects of what makes them a human being worth talking to?
It's fine to be proud of your sexuality, but it's a shame to let that define your whole existence and personality. gay or straight. There is much more to a life and a person than just sex.
November 20th, 2009 3:36 PM
I LOVE ADAM!!