Three versions of Adam Lambert's "A Change is Gonna Come" -- which is your fave?
Filed Under (video ) by Admin on Thursday, December 16, 2010
Posted at : Thursday, December 16, 2010
"Six years ago a guy called Adam Lambert sang 'A Change Is Gonna Come' on this stage--and boy, did it ever!" declared Alisan Porter, frontwoman for the Canyons, the opening act for the Glamerican Idol's Wednesday gig at Hollywood's Henry Fonda Theater.
Alisan was referring to the fateful evening when she and future friend Adam performed in a revue ironically titled "Full Circle" at the Fonda, in a glam-rock collective called the Zodiac Show, on December 15, 2004. That night, a pre-"Idol" Adam memorably belted out a blistering, shimmering rendition of Sam Cooke's "A Change Is Gonna Come"--resplendently bedecked in fishnet, feathers, and leather--and it was a watershed performance that set him on the glitter-dusted path that ultimately led him back to the Fonda this week, as the headliner of his own Glam Nation Tour:
Returning to the Fonda exactly six years later to the day--flanked by longtime guitarist Monte Pittman, whom he also met via the Zodiac Show, and joined by Alisan on a duet of his original ballad "Aftermath," which Alisan co-wrote--Adam truly arrived full circle. But as he pointed out onstage Wednesday, the "circle was already completed," since he also sang "A Change Is Gonna Come" (albeit minus all the Fox-inappropriate feathers and fishnet) on the Season 8 "American Idol" finale:
So for his Wednesday night encore at the Fonda (the second-to-last date on his Glam Nation Tour), Adam revisited "A Change Is Gonna Come," performing it for the first time on his tour at Monte's suggestion. "Ladies and gentlemen, that [Zodiac] show I told you about six years ago, I sang a song....and then I was asked by the producer of 'American Idol' to sing it on the finale. The thing about this song is, it's an amazing anthem that was originally intended for civil rights--and ladies and gentlemen, if you haven't noticed, the gay and lesbian community is in a civil rights movement right now! And so this song has taken on a lot of personal meanings for me," Adam told the thrilled Fonda crowd as he introduced the signature song.
Adam explained that performing the soul classic at this point in his career resonated with him personally as well. "Being told years ago, 'You're not gonna [expletive] make it looking like that!'....Well, we just did a world tour and I got a Grammy nomination," he chuckled. "So anyone who tells you no, tell them, 'F*** you!'
Watch the circle be definitively completed at the Fonda below:
Which of Lambert's "A Change Is Gonna Come" performances resonates with you the most? Readers, make your own voices be heard on the message board below.
SOURCE
Alisan was referring to the fateful evening when she and future friend Adam performed in a revue ironically titled "Full Circle" at the Fonda, in a glam-rock collective called the Zodiac Show, on December 15, 2004. That night, a pre-"Idol" Adam memorably belted out a blistering, shimmering rendition of Sam Cooke's "A Change Is Gonna Come"--resplendently bedecked in fishnet, feathers, and leather--and it was a watershed performance that set him on the glitter-dusted path that ultimately led him back to the Fonda this week, as the headliner of his own Glam Nation Tour:
Returning to the Fonda exactly six years later to the day--flanked by longtime guitarist Monte Pittman, whom he also met via the Zodiac Show, and joined by Alisan on a duet of his original ballad "Aftermath," which Alisan co-wrote--Adam truly arrived full circle. But as he pointed out onstage Wednesday, the "circle was already completed," since he also sang "A Change Is Gonna Come" (albeit minus all the Fox-inappropriate feathers and fishnet) on the Season 8 "American Idol" finale:
So for his Wednesday night encore at the Fonda (the second-to-last date on his Glam Nation Tour), Adam revisited "A Change Is Gonna Come," performing it for the first time on his tour at Monte's suggestion. "Ladies and gentlemen, that [Zodiac] show I told you about six years ago, I sang a song....and then I was asked by the producer of 'American Idol' to sing it on the finale. The thing about this song is, it's an amazing anthem that was originally intended for civil rights--and ladies and gentlemen, if you haven't noticed, the gay and lesbian community is in a civil rights movement right now! And so this song has taken on a lot of personal meanings for me," Adam told the thrilled Fonda crowd as he introduced the signature song.
Adam explained that performing the soul classic at this point in his career resonated with him personally as well. "Being told years ago, 'You're not gonna [expletive] make it looking like that!'....Well, we just did a world tour and I got a Grammy nomination," he chuckled. "So anyone who tells you no, tell them, 'F*** you!'
Watch the circle be definitively completed at the Fonda below:
Which of Lambert's "A Change Is Gonna Come" performances resonates with you the most? Readers, make your own voices be heard on the message board below.
SOURCE
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65 comments:
Watched this a couple of times and all I can say is that Adam Lambert is fucking amazing!!! He tears your heart out with this song. What an anthem! This is a performance you cannot watch just once, trust me. What a performance. Thanks Suz526 for the excellent videos. Will watch the other later. This encore gives validation to the entire Glam Nation Tour. We were a part of this superstar nova.
I think he looks the best and sounds the best in the American idol one!!! i love him no matter what. but man does he look Hott with little make up on!!!t
All 3 versions have their merits. The original Zodiac performance is raw pathos, unrestrained emotion, sending a definite message of frustration and pain. Not my fave look for this exquisitely beautiful man, but he was proving a point and I think, still growing into the man he would become. The American Idol performance was polished, professional, showing more vocal depth and control. He had the added benefit of a vocal coach and Ricky Minor, taking off the rough edges, showcasing those glory His facial expressions conveyed the music in the best possible way. I loved each note, perfectly interpreted with authentic emotion, controlled power and breath control that I didn't think possible. His face wasn't masked, exposing the passion and beauty. Seeing this version makes the world stand still in anticipation of each breathtaking, gut wrenching note. This is my ultimate favorite, notes clear and unfettered. The last version is also great, filled with emotion and nostalgia, showing who he is today, looking fabulous and as Randy said, singing his face off. Technically and musically, nothing can beat the vocal magic of the Idol one for me. All 3 are magnificent! funbunn40
OOps, forgot the word "notes" after glory. funbunn40
Feather Adam looks cool and awesome. Idol Adam delivers best vocal. Glitter Adam is most heart felt. I love all of them, the song is special to him and to me as well.
My favorite is the American Idol one. :D
I was crying during that performance when I watched it live.
WOW‼ Gives me chills/goose bumps looking at all three performances especially hearing all 3 judges comments... ADAM you are so PHENOMENAL‼ *jaws drop, so in awe* *spandex pants* :)
Also loved the change in lyric, "glitter around my eye!" and Adam's sexy look in last version, which is excellent. Adam performed it so well, just some notes in Idol couldn't be beat towards end. funbunn40
Vocal wise all three are different but on their own magnificent. Performance wise I love his AI finale. Music arrangement is way better than the other two. @TheGrammys award for best vocal definitely should go to Adam. Nobody in the music industry can come close to his vocals.
I love all three but the Idol performance brought me to tears thinking of the pressure that he was under before being judged.
He looks sooooo beautiful and so vulnerable and although I LOVE him in makeup, I also love seeing his face. That power and vulnerablity break me open.
He looked beyond gorgeous last night and what a great celebration of this genius soul!!!!!!!!!!!
We adore you Adam and are so proud of you. Here come more tears!!!!!
love The Music Box performance! so much passion in the voice! pulled my heartstrings!!!
I loved the 2nd and third best, but for vocals AI would be hard to beat. I think AI was my first choice, and not too heavy on the eye liner. No need for a suit, just something casual. This would make a great single, it would send a great message .
Firstly. love them all. The first one as has been mentioned is raw, haunting emotion. The American Idol one very professional, vocally perfect. and very professionally put together also full of a different emotion, the last of corse is full of "F..k youdoubters" emotion. LOL lve ya Adam.
Jadam.
Forgot to choose I think for me has to be the idol performance.
Jadam.
For me the American Idol performance is the best. It is passionate and compelling. This musical performance stirs your soul and his vocal talent is better than anyone else in the industry today. Although I like seeing him with the glitz and the glitter, Adam was at his purest interpreting the emotions of this song. The message is a powerful one and it takes someone of Adam Lambert's vocal ability to convey it once again to another generation.
I dearly love all 3 for different reasons. His message in Los Angeles is so strong and heart felt. God bless Adam Lambert. He has made my life change and every day (though he does not know this) he leads me through lonliness and depression. May God bless him and reward him with all that is good.
I love all of them. Adam, the little glitter around your eyes is freedom of love. Put as much glitter as you want.
Fan from Asia.
In American Idol/
Yup, it can't be denied. That Idol version was incredibly moving, honest and powerful. I have been thinking lately that the side of himself that he chose to show on Idol was the most relatable. And by that I don't mean non-glammy or straight-ish or mainstream, just connected. Maybe it's the difference between performing to a television camera vs from the stage and proscenium. I think that it still occasionally comes out when he performs live, but not often. Thanks for the side by side. I'd be curious to know whether Adam has a favorite.
The sound on AI is much better than on the other two of course. And that hight long gliding note is so fantastic, I might almost call it amazing. It gives me goose bumps all the way down to the tip of my toes. My first major Adam fix for sure.
Eva
Soundwise: American Idol version, emotionwise : LA 2010...
with Adam-it seems the performance/staging/arrangement has a lot to do with the connection to the audience.(He gives what he gets back) The best version for me was American Idol. When he connects with a song as he did in Brisbane w/Sleepwalker or Upright Cabaret w/ I Can't Make You Love Me/ or Purple Haze in Amsterdam/doing Metallica in New Zealand/ or If I Had You just about every time he sings it/Whole Lotta Love/Cologne and Fantasy Springs-Those Moments in concert have no equal for me and I look forward to the Magic that is Adam and band/dancers (a little nostalgic here) Oh yes and the beautiful smile after" thanks for loving me cause your doing it perfectly" in what ya wants from me. Missing the tour already(sigh)
The first one is Adam coming into his own however the vocals being good not a fan of that over the top look and in your face. The 2nd one was the Adam who wanted to winand even if he was 2nd to me he did win. The 3rd version was the Adam that has arrived and is having fun and more relaxed. All of them have brought him to this point to who he is today. The only one with good sound is the Idol version; I am sure the others were much better in person.
It's Adam with different expressions of the song.
Loved it and I don't have to choose, it was excuisite indeed...
Best vocal of the year and so on..............
Mom from Toronto, Canada
Once again I'll ask permission to @ Funbunn40, the «Voice of Wisdom» to turn into mine every single word of her comment (1:48PM) above. And that because she absolutely expressed all my feelings about the 3 performances, in a way much better than I myself could do it, due to a big lack of vocabulary, indeed!
Fan4fun
All just VERY good. But for myself I will go with #1. Reason is that one was a turning point in his life. When he threw down the mike and turned and walked away I believe it was a "paradigm shift" for Adam. It is not often that one can recognize such a moment in time. The emotion was palatable.I feel I know Adam at a deeper level after that performance.
The "Liberation of Adam F. Lambert"! You have been put on notice, the Dance has begun, watch out world!!!
I like American Idol Adam best, that's where I got to know him and love him with a passion.
American Idol was my fave as well, tho all 3 are great performances.
Sorry to be old-fashioned, but I still don't like all the F word in the speech. Adam has a good point and he has every reason to rub their noses in it, but it came across more angry teenager than classy star to me.
And btw, not everybody who "goes after their dream" obtains it like he has, in fact, most don't, no matter whether they say F you or not.
I think he could have made the same important point in a more gracious way, maybe testosterone
was climbing, as he is usually pretty humble.
I agree with you, 7:11pm on all the points you made, wish I had said it myself
Idol version was my favorite. Vocally amazing. Performed with old time soul feel. I really can not tell you how many times I have listened to it but it is one of my favorite of all Adams performances. I was in awe the first time I heard it and I am still in awe of Adam.
Six year ago very amazing, very talented boy sung the song "A Change is Gpnna Come" in Music Box. This boy gonna be a star. At 2009 this boy sung this song and he became a star. And now this absolutely superb star is gonna be a legend!Adam you will be a legend very soon. Love you.
delilah5
P.S. @ Q102 idiots. If you need to verify some info about Adam "package" try to watch this six years old video. It gonna change some crazy ideas in you stupid minds!
Sorry, "A Change is Gonna Come"! Somthing wrong with my computer, I even have chance for preview.
delilah5
for both of you @7:11 and 7:16 pm, you were not in his shoes when people ditched him just like that. As a mother Adam was just being truthful for what he experienced. At least he has the guts and control of his mental ability to fight and show the world that he can do it with hardship but paid off at the end. So please the F word will not kill you anyways.
The problem in our society is being "PARANOIA"
My fav is the one from idol,the part he reach the highest note..........OMG! 0_o
I choose LA 2010. Well, the Zodiac one is pretty out there. The AI which many like I do not because it reminds me once again - how could he have not been the winner!
@ fFan4fun Your vocabulary is more than fine! I wish I had your hilarious way with words and bilingual abilities! Our Diamond Boy is a rare gem, indeed. Can't believe this is the last GNT! I know there are great things to come, but this very first one is so special and intimate. As his success grows, so will the venues, demands on him, and we won't have the close access that we were privileged to have with this very special time. He now is a superstar. Life will never be the same...funbunn40
My faverite is one on american idol,last night he sang his face of as always but one on AI was polished and vocally perfect and those high notes and the emotional connection and impecable suit and makeup. I like them all but to this day AI performance was the best, pure perfection..........indigo
I think... I just think... Adam is everything. I adore him and his entertainment.
MGF
ps. @Dinah-mite December 16 6:16 - interesting
Funbunn40---
Choking back tears... You ripped my heart out...and said so beautifully what I think I would try to say if I could.
What a powerful, gripping emotional ride hearing Adam Sing this song in 3 incredible renditions, all amazing and sensational.
Funbunn said it all perfectly.
The first is probably the most poignant and personal for Adam, the last is probably the most truly HIM and he looked positively GORGEOUS...
But I'd have to say MY personal fave to watch over and over would be the Idol performance... so pure, heartfelt and I do love seeing his face not quite so made up once in a while.
This one just holds such a special place for me as I watched it the first time when it was live on Idol ~TRANSFIXED~ and noted right then... he said "MY" change... not A change. It was so riveting and powerful and I sat in my living room holding my breath with tears in my eyes...
and said right then... THIS -- THIS is something BEYOND special... This boy is UNF BELIEVABLE!!.. and choked back tears THEN when Paula spoke. When I just saw her again here and realized this was her now famous "Adam--You will be ICONIC", I actually burst out a sob.
This boy is now a man... The most amazing and beautiful, incredibly talented, charismatic, powerful, sweet and humble man with the glorious voice of an angel... What has he done to us??? We'll never be the same as we were... what a joy!
Cindy
@7:11pm and 7:16pm. How old are you ladies? Or are you from the different planet?:) Like I remember from my youth they use F ot FUCK! word on the stage forever. Probably you are from the beginning of the 20th century. So, mainly, your comment was about F:) word and just a few words about Adam, am I right? Please, don't be annoying, go the Justin B or somebody else blog. They don't use such a bad word in these blogs:)
delilah5
I agree what the Fuck. Get a grip I am 57 and I love what he said. Love to hear someone make it and enjoy the rise. Nice to speak your mind and as a fan forever I love the honesty and sharing in the words of choice. So fckh8 Just enjoy and express and LOvE the way you want to show your feeling. Yes lady let your hair down and enjoy letting the work Fuck roll off your lips. Dont be sure stuck up fuck faces.
Well now Delilah5!!
VERY well said at 7:32 above,'legend" AWESOME!
On a fummy note, I had quite a lot of chuckles reading about Q102... they were bombarded with visual evidence so to speak, and yyeaahh.. the 6 yr old video could have been included too... =)
and just above, @ 8:12 lol..that's TWICE you cracked me up girl!
Cindy
@ Cindy
I've been «jump-jumping» of joy for sort of two years now!!!
Yeahhh... thanks God, I mean, thanks SWEET ROCK GOD, I'll never be the same!..
Fan4fun
LMAO.. I meant fuNNy... sorry!
Cindy
I love all of them, but each is appropriate for the place and time! However, Adam's beautiful face is so clear that helps to increase the vulnerability of the song! Let's make it a single....
@Cindy 8:29 pm. Thank you, for your note, darling:) I had too much fun today. I started to listen "A Change Gonna Come" at work, but forgot to plug in my headphones. It was fun! Thanks lord my boss was out od office! But everybody else enjoyed Adam's voice! I just didn't ask which version they liked more:)
delilah5
Hey peeps, Adam was just honing his acting skills during his AI year. He made the break at AMA and went back to being himself.
"Acoustic Live!" Back in stock again! Just got e-mail from Adam official store. So, you can order red label "Acoustic Live!" CD now. Hurry, gurls!
delilah5
@ 7:44 you made a great point about how Adam or anyone that could ever sing like he did on the idol performance didn't win is just too hard to understand. But, for me that's my favorite performance and even bought that one on I-tunes and listen all the time. Also love LA one because it shows just how far Adam has come since idol days.
brownie
Well, vocals and music are definitely the best at the Idol performance.
Regarding the Grammy nomination: I would say all the vocal nominees could sing this song then it would easier to check who's best.;-)))
I also have thought that Adam was acting at the Idols. He'd deserve an Oscar for that.
The zodiac show version is off the charts better than anything I have ever heard. It comes straight from the guts--unbelievable!
American Idol hands down
Definitely the American Idol version! It was a fantastic interpretion!
Thank goodness Adam had the excellent business sense to not wear the feathers and heavy makeup to the American Idol auditions otherwise he wouldn't gotten as far. People would have dismissed and judged him solely on his appearance despite his stellar voice. Smart boy - I thank the universe for him every day for making my life so much better in every way imaginable.
I have a fondness for the American Idol performance and was just stunned after he sang that song! He is just amazing all around but that one holds a special place in my heart.
To 2 08 AM - totally agree! You have a good point about the Grammny nominees!
Hope Jay Leno has Adam back on the show and he and Ricky get together for something wonderful like my favorite...Can't Let you GO! They worked well together...I love the Idol version...
Re - the F word discussion
I don't mind the F word, I guess I have been desensitized to it, but even if Adam had said "you jerks" or "you a**holes", the meaning would have been the same. It was more that attitude of "rub your nose in it bitches!" presented on the stage in a performance that lowered the vibe a notch. It wasn't necessary as everyone there LOVES him.
Lots of people go through trials and setbacks in their life and I agree it is important to stay true to yourself. Battles are rarely won by "fighting", crowd frenzy or name calling, more by core strength which is the real power.
Not a criticism of anyone, but the word fuck is very much a part of the English language today and it is not going away. It is also used mostly as an adjective these days in describing something. Todays generation use this word in every day speaking as a normal thing. And yes, it is a part of young people vocabulary. If you are not hearing it often it is because those around you don't use the word in your presence. That doesn't mean they don't use it.
I. Just. Love. Him.
Thats all.
I like the Zodiak version the most. Because it's the most out there, has the most (at least that's how I feel) raw emotion. Although the vocals in AI are great, the rendition bores a bit in comparison with the other two. I like it when he's dramatic (like during "soaked" on tour - jaw dropping). I prefer to get feelings than to hear perfect notes.And his crazy clothes made it all the more interesting - to me he's not just a singer- he's an artist.
Poland Loves Adam
That Zodiak performance just gives me goose-bumps everwhere!
PLA
@Urethra_Franklin, Dec17, 8:23 PM
Exactly my sentiments, too.
GGD Gal
I just came back here to find the performances that I saw and loved so much while at the two shows in LA for the "Final Two" shows...No one will probably ever read this, but since I'm here, I want to say a couple of things..Even tho its a month later, almost to the day since Adam sang this version of "A Change is Gonna Come", I am so both amazed and grateful to have been there in person to see and hear him sing this anthem, which clearly has great meaning to him...I have to say, that because I was there in person, that this is my favorite..for obvious reasons..His voice was wonderful, and the sound superb in the theater. I was also sitting directly behind many of his friends and family, and in particular his mom Leila. I could have reached out and touched her...but did not of course..because we were all there for the same reason..to celebrate her lovely son Adam.. To see her watching Adam sing that song was more than an honor and a privilege..And Eber as well..
Now........ about comments regarding his use of the "F" word..( I am rolling my eyes here..) I feel that resulted from so much pent up emotion, both from this unbelievable night of love for Adam, his triumphant return to his roots in LA, and his years of being told "no, you can't, if you don't change who you are" . That is what this was about. I have nothing but the greatest admiration for Adam and his persistence, determination, and bravery in the face of some daunting odds, and a few bumps along the way. He was surrounded by his close friends, family, and loving fans and I am sure he felt free to speak from his heart and quite frankly the "strong" language was completely appropriate in my opinion. I'm sure Adam could tell us stories that would be far more shocking than his use of the F word, about some of the things he has heard said to or about him.. No one can or should even dare try take away that opportunity to share his feelings with those who he knew would understand the raw emotion in his words. It is only because of the internet that they went any further than the walls of the theater, a place he undoubtedly felt very safe that night. He is generally very polite and respectful in his speech, but he has every right to say what is in his heart, to those who love him for who he is... And for anyone to think that his "F*** You" comment (which was of course directed to those in the past who doubted him and/or tried to change him in some way) in any way diminished the power of his performance of the song and the message, I can perhaps just shake my head..because I am too polite to say anything else. Adam is a rare talent and I am so glad he is here with us. Thank you Adam, for allowing us in to your "inner circle" and perhaps your "inner being", as well, for just one night.
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