Adam Lambert on His Grammy Nomination: 'I Earned My Success'
Filed Under (Awards,news ) by Admin on Friday, December 3, 2010
Posted at : Friday, December 03, 2010
The "American Idol" Season 8 runner-up tells THR he hopes a Grammy nod will "help fade some of the stigma that comes from rising to fame on a competition show."
If there was any question as to whether American Idol is capable of spawning credible, Grammy-worthy artists, Adam Lambert is out to prove the naysayers wrong. The Season 8 runner-up, who joins past Idol alum nominees Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Fantasia, and Jennifer Hudson, among others, is nominated for best male pop vocal performance for "Whataya Want From Me," the second single off his 2009 debut, For Your Entertainment. The song was originally intended for Pink -- and, in fact was written by her along with Max Martin and Shellback -- but like all things Lambert, he made it his own.
So how did the outspoken and always outrageous glam rocker hear the news? "I was awoken by my manager in the morning while in Paris," he tells The Hollywood Reporter. "Much more effective than my usual cup of coffee to wake me up. I was so excited! After our call, I saw that a bunch of friends and family had texted and written emails."
Indeed, the Twitterverse was a flutter with congratulations wishes -- from fellow artists to fans to casual listeners -- even as Lambert was blissfully resting from the end of a long, successful world tour. And now that he's performed "Whataya Want From Me" ad nauseum for the better part of two years, one has to wonder whether he knew the song was special when it was first offered to him.
"I recorded 'Whataya Want From Me' on a day off from the Idols Live Arena tour and I was pretty wiped out due to the show schedule," Lambert reflects, "I knew the song would be a key track on my album and it was my first time working with the incredible Max Martin and Shellback, so I was a bit apprehensive. The vocal ad libs at the end were the most challenging as they are quite high and it had been a long day. When I heard the first mix, I felt really confident the song would have success thanks to the flawless production."
"I believe 'American Idol' is a dream platform for any artist. It did not, however, teach me how to sing or perform." —Adam Lambert
As far as the big music business picture is concerned, Lambert acknowledges that the Grammy nod further legitimizes an A&R tool that many in the industry had ostensibly written off, but he emphasizes that the credibility is also his, not just the show's. "I believe American Idol is a dream platform for any artist," he explains. "It did not however, teach me how to sing or perform. I made music for years prior to the show but knew that most major labels wouldn't be interested in me as a mainstream pop artist unless I could develop a legitimate fan base and prove that I had talent. Idol gave me these opportunities. But I feel I earned my current success by preparing and executing a variety of strong performances every week on the show and being comfortable being different."
Indeed, as one of RCA's breakout acts of last year -- with more than one million units sold between his full-length, a remix album and an acoustic EP -- Lambert was able to parlay TV exposure into a real music career, no small feat in this time of talent show overload. "In addition to the writers and producers of the track, I hope that at this point, after all the hard work I've done over the past year, the nomination will give me credibility as a true vocalist in the industry," he says, "and perhaps help fade some of the stigma that comes from rising to fame on a competition show."
SOURCE
If there was any question as to whether American Idol is capable of spawning credible, Grammy-worthy artists, Adam Lambert is out to prove the naysayers wrong. The Season 8 runner-up, who joins past Idol alum nominees Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Fantasia, and Jennifer Hudson, among others, is nominated for best male pop vocal performance for "Whataya Want From Me," the second single off his 2009 debut, For Your Entertainment. The song was originally intended for Pink -- and, in fact was written by her along with Max Martin and Shellback -- but like all things Lambert, he made it his own.
So how did the outspoken and always outrageous glam rocker hear the news? "I was awoken by my manager in the morning while in Paris," he tells The Hollywood Reporter. "Much more effective than my usual cup of coffee to wake me up. I was so excited! After our call, I saw that a bunch of friends and family had texted and written emails."
Indeed, the Twitterverse was a flutter with congratulations wishes -- from fellow artists to fans to casual listeners -- even as Lambert was blissfully resting from the end of a long, successful world tour. And now that he's performed "Whataya Want From Me" ad nauseum for the better part of two years, one has to wonder whether he knew the song was special when it was first offered to him.
"I recorded 'Whataya Want From Me' on a day off from the Idols Live Arena tour and I was pretty wiped out due to the show schedule," Lambert reflects, "I knew the song would be a key track on my album and it was my first time working with the incredible Max Martin and Shellback, so I was a bit apprehensive. The vocal ad libs at the end were the most challenging as they are quite high and it had been a long day. When I heard the first mix, I felt really confident the song would have success thanks to the flawless production."
"I believe 'American Idol' is a dream platform for any artist. It did not, however, teach me how to sing or perform." —Adam Lambert
As far as the big music business picture is concerned, Lambert acknowledges that the Grammy nod further legitimizes an A&R tool that many in the industry had ostensibly written off, but he emphasizes that the credibility is also his, not just the show's. "I believe American Idol is a dream platform for any artist," he explains. "It did not however, teach me how to sing or perform. I made music for years prior to the show but knew that most major labels wouldn't be interested in me as a mainstream pop artist unless I could develop a legitimate fan base and prove that I had talent. Idol gave me these opportunities. But I feel I earned my current success by preparing and executing a variety of strong performances every week on the show and being comfortable being different."
Indeed, as one of RCA's breakout acts of last year -- with more than one million units sold between his full-length, a remix album and an acoustic EP -- Lambert was able to parlay TV exposure into a real music career, no small feat in this time of talent show overload. "In addition to the writers and producers of the track, I hope that at this point, after all the hard work I've done over the past year, the nomination will give me credibility as a true vocalist in the industry," he says, "and perhaps help fade some of the stigma that comes from rising to fame on a competition show."
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23 comments:
My favourite version of WWFM is the Fonzerelli Electro Club House Mix from the Remix EP. Beats the acoustic version for sure.
Go Adam, All your fans are behind you and love you.We are so proud of you. Right from little Paisley to Was it Eileen in the wheelchair ages ago? And all us in between your pretty boys, your teenyboppers, your straight men, and all your ladies, as I heard you say a day or so ago, I wouldnt be here without my Ladies.Love Ya!
So right about his ladies!!! I know he prefers pretty things--mostly boys, but he likes the young pretty girls too. Let's face it, we middle and older aged ladies voted our fingers off and spent our money on his concerts and his CDs. Glad he's not forgetting us. We're still here, but now a few others are joining.
Remember that Adams motto is entitlement isn't sexy. He doesn't need to thank his fans.
http://www.afterelton.com/poll/2010/visibility-awards-voting?page=0,6
vote people for Adam
amelie
CONGRATULATIONS!!! YOU EARNED IT!!!
Surprised Daugherty not nominated in some type of Rock group. His numbers are good. Hooray Adam!
Adam keeps raising the bar high for the up and coming singers. I just think he is force to be recokened with. Attitude and confidence is what makes his performances unforgettable. He has made WLL all his own and SOAKED is breathtaking. I think if he steps on the Grammy stage, the ratings will be the highest in years. He's earned his place among the greats.
keep voting for Adam
http://www.afterelton.com/poll/2010/visibility-awards-voting?page=0,6
Yes Adam we believe that you've earned it.
As far as i'm concerned if not for AIS8 i will never ever know that there is this musical genius out there with such vocal prowess who needed to be discovered. I stopped watching AI because of a personal observation that those who have more talent are the ones being eliminated and it truly hurts. But since hubby enjoys the auditions i got a glimpse of Adam and got hooked on him the day he covered his mom's favorite Rolling Stones song where he performed it like no other. But it is also ironic that i'm thankful that he didn't win the title because i was afraid that his artistic freedom would ultimately suffer. IMHO Adam Mitchel Lambert is the best that AI has ever discovered and i can never thank them enough for giving Adam the platform which was crucial in showcasing his versatility as a vocalist.
To be nominated by his fellow artists in the music industry is by far the most important recognition that Adam could ever get at this point in his career. These people are not only credible but they have the moral authority to be a better judge of genuine talent. Adam is smart enough to know this that's why he was humbled by the nomination from a prestigious award giving body.
Congratulations again Adam and we all know that you also deserve to win ;-)
Thanks for this article 24/7.
Bing
Well spoken Adam..Yes you have Earned your Success...you have worked NON STOP since A1... International Visits...Concerts..Interviews..Live Music promoting your FYE Album...then GLAMNATION TOUR all over America...then Worldwide finishing in LONDON....you DESERVE ALL THE CREDIT..For your AMAZING TALENT...AND SHEER HARDWORK..
Love you so Much...we all really want you to WIN a GRAMMY...thankyou ADAM for EVERYTHING XX
Glambrit IOW UK
Our sweet Adam, if not taken out of context, sounds a little pissed to me.
Adam deserves the recognition... He has worked hard for years,honing his magnificent voice and performance skills. AI gave him the platform and his fans and for that he's great full,but all else is from his own innate talent,charisma and work ethic.. Yes he can sang and he can sang just about better than anyone else. Finally Adam ,after all the sweat and tears the music industry is saying take a bow.. IMO No one deserves the Grammy more than you. As Paula said,"Take it all in"
Adam, this is your moment. You deserve all the praise and adulation a gifted performer, such as yourself, has earned. You did it the hard way; one performance at a time, one show at a time, and you never gave up and never gave us less. You are the ultimate performer and voice of the century. A gift from God, the universe, or whatever, but you used it well and honed your magnificent skills into the most fabulous performer and artist on the planet. I'm thrilled to be a witness to your success. Bravo Adam - this is just the beginning!
nancdruuu2
Adam is right. AI had NOTHING to do with his talent, only a certain amount of recognition. He was singing pretty much the same many years before AI. His stage performances are much more polished now, since the tour, but you can see the "new" Adam in all the old footage. He was just not recognized but nevertheless, the talent has been there all along. I hope that AI doesn't try to take credit for any of it other than as a platform. I think that is what Adam meant.
@redhairedwitch
YES! Adam definitely earned the Grammy nomination on his own. American Idol only gave him that exposure to the media/public, otherwise everything else that comes with all of his success are all his. It CAN'T be bought or taught. You can learn it does not mean you are good or a success at it. You have to have the *IT* factor‼ :) So there! It's all ADAM's & everything else are just icing on his talent‼ ☺
To 10:27 - love that phrase "It can't be bought or taught" So true
To 3:35 totally agree that if Adam performed, the ratings would go way up
Adam earned his success indeed! He is an extraordinarily diligent person whose work ethic is perhaps no common among his own generation but maybe an earlier one (baby boomers). Maybe this is also what attracts baby boomers (the female kind) to Adam. In him, they see a piece of themselves - hardworking, goal oriented, and independent.
P.S. I am not trying to disparage the other generations, each generation has their own positive qualities for sure. However, the baby boomers (those born in the years from 1950 to 1965 thereabouts) have been described as such by many writers.
Adam has an incredible work ethic. The energy he brought to that tour every single night is remarkable. I saw him on different occasions through out the tour and each and every time, he was amazing.
While I am hoping he wins this award, I won't be disappointed if he doesn't. He will have other chances and he will have a long career ahead of him. It's a marathon not a sprint!
Adam - yes, you have earned this success with your innate talent, self-discipliine, diligent work ethic, honesty, loyalty to your family, friends -- all of your glamily, understanding your fans' passion and dedication to you and your music, your drive to give your fans the best show possible and your ability to structure your show for individual audiences/cultures - this not only displays your talent to "know" your audience/culture, but your respect for them as well. Adam, you are a man of character who embraces your differences and shows other people that it is OK to be different. There are many phonies in the music industry today, but with you, what we see is what we get and we, your fans, thank you for that. This Grammy nod is acknowledgment/validation from your music industry peers of your true talent and of their acceptance of you for who you are. They are not trying to change you - thank goodness. Congratulations Adam on your success with your albums, your tour (thank goodness you insisted on a headlining tour), and on your Grammy nomination!!!! Yes Adam, as Paula would say, "Take it all in" - you are well on your way to becoming an international superstar. Just stay true to who you are and "Keep it Real." We love you and will be rooting for you at the Grammy awards. KLM
I don't think Adam sounds pissed. I think that everything he said was right on point... He did NOT just show up and get his fame on one performance. He has had 10 years and more of hard work. I feel he has done a lot of preparation work to get where he is today... And yes AI gave him exposure, but not his AMAZING voice!! If anyone thinks he is a Johnny Come Lately, they are very much mistaken. Adam has earned his career the old fashioned way-- he WORKED for it! I couldn't be happier for him that his peers are recognizing him, very well deserved. Whatever happens, I couldn't be more proud of him, we all know how good he really is!
Adam,
You have earned your stripes. You did the work and have earned the respect of people all over the world. You are brave, you are a breath of fresh air. You are our hero for so many reasons. The song Aftermath tells your story and the story of so many out there in the universe. Your fans come from all walks of life and you have empowered us more than you will ever know. Your rewards are more than just a Grammy nod; you reconize the connection with your fans. You appreciate us, you appreciate where you come from and how you got there to now! This jouney for your fans has been a short time, however for you it has been a long time coming. I wish you love,a life of success. I anticipate your music,your smile and joy you so generously give to others.
Tear them up in LA but most of all have fun! Never change just grow and we will follow and enjoy!
@KLM and @Anon Dec.4 at 9:13PM - i just love reading your posts so i keep coming back to this thread. Thanks to both of you ;-)
Bing
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