Adam Lambert 24/7 News

Lambert's new music has developed tremendously from 2015's The Original High, both sonically and lyrically, abandoning the narrative of wanting more and honing the realization that he's enough as is. On the album's dramatic opener, he repeats the grim line, "My heart is a ghost town," above Max Martin's euro-pop production—a far cry from today's empowered "Two Fux," drenched in '70s glam production. "No one gets me like myself," he says now with aplomb. Currently on an international tour with Queen, Lambert's gone from American Idol to queer rock icon, filling frontman Freddy Mercury's shoes each night with his own powerhouse vocals and newly magnetic fire-orange hair. Flanked by drummer Roger Taylor and guitarist Brian May, he wails classic hits—"We Will Rock You" and "Another One Bites the Dust"—slipping in his own original material, as well, including "Two Fux," which nearly sounds like a lost Queen song. OUT caught up with Lambert this week to discuss creating his new single, defying the status quo and revisiting his glam-rock roots.

OUT: Why is “Two Fux” a strong introduction to the larger project you’re working on? ADAM LAMBERT: It’s basically a mission statement. That chorus, saying, if you think what I do and how I live is too much, I don’t really give two fucks. You know, the world we’re living in right now is a little scary. There’s a lot of hatred out there and a lot of negativity. Our country’s politically and socially divided. And to be able to put out a song that addresses everything, saying, “Look, you may not like me, but I’m not going to let that take me down. I’m not going to let that ruin my day. I’m going to do me.” I think people want some of those self-strengths. It makes me feel good to listen to it, and hopefully it makes others feel good. It’s not taking itself too serious—the lyrics are ridiculous and silly, and I think it’ll give people a reason to smile.