Adam Lambert 24/7 News

In his first solo concert, "American Idol'" runner-up Adam Lambert gave a high-energy performance Saturday night before a sold-out crowd at the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio.

Lambert, who is 28 and from San Diego, saw his popularity soar after he lost to Kris Allen on "American Idol".

The flamboyant performer wore what he described as "witch clothes and my peacock feathers," along with his trademark heavy eyeliner, at the hour long show at the casino's Special Events Center.

About 3,500 fans from around the world, including Thailand, Australia, Canada and Mexico, came to see the show.

A select group of 600 fans adorned with glitter, black eyeliner and Goth style outfits packed a two hour pre-concert party, which was put on by the casino when Lambert fans began talking online about meeting up before the show.

Cassandra Willis of Belmont, who wore a pendant of Lambert's face on her shirt, was part of Lambert's fan base women over 40.

Willis said to attract Lambert she would need, "A sex change and lose 40 years.''

"I'd have to be a male. I'd have to be gay,'' Willis said, admitting that she loves the performer's sensuality and stage presence.

Lambert, who announced he was gay after his run on "Idol," caused a stir at the American Music Awards in November when he kissed a male keyboardist during a sexually suggestive performance.

Willis, who frequents the "American Idol" fan page IdolForum.com, said she came to the party to meet other fans, whom she sees as family.

She's one of many Lambert fans who call themselves "Glamberts,'' a tribute to the performer's glam-gothic style.

Kolleen Marchand, 30, of Syracuse, Utah, said she was surprised by the many older women in the room, but she went to Indio because she is in love with the singer.

"He is the most beautiful man on this entire planet. I am absolutely in love with a gay man,'' Marchand said.

Marchand said being a diehard Lambert fan is her last chance to "be a maniac.''

"My husband is not threatened by him at all,'' Marchand said. "Why are we all fascinated with a gay man? I don't get it.''

Neither did her best friend, Mindi Fletcher, 30, of Clinton, Utah.

"I want it and I can't have it and it drives me insane,'' Fletcher said of Lambert.

One of the few men at the party, Kevin Greer, 25, who wore eyeliner and glitter on his face, said he was there to see Lambert perform.

"He's very talented and he's not very mainstream,'' said Greer, who hails from Salem, Ore.

Jay Kaiser, 30, of Huntington Beach, attributed Lambert's diverse fan base to his vocals.

"He's a cross between Queen and Prince with some Elvis,'' said Kaiser, who also wore eyeliner.

Among the attendees was 89-year-old Isabel Paquette of Green Bay, Wis., who calls herself Lambert's oldest fan.

In a YouTube video, she said her family loves Lambert's music, and an online campaign was initiated to get Paquette to the show.

Fantasy Springs officials heard about the campaign and offered Paquette and her daughter a free two-night stay at the resort.

"It's wonderful. It's like a dream. I said, God why me?" said Paquette, who was able to meet with Lambert before the show.

Paquette, who sat in a wheelchair, said she was going to send positive thoughts toward Lambert during the concert.

"I'm so very proud of you, Adam, and I adore you,'' she said.

Lambert chided fans playfully before belting out his last song, "Fever.''

Lambert's album, "For Your Entertainment,'' hit No. 3 on the Billboard charts and sold 200,000 copies in its first week. "Idol'' season seven winner David Cook also performed Saturday night in Riverside County, at the Morongo Casino Resort and Spa in Cabazon.

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