Oprah paid homage this afternoon to the quirky appeal of Susan Boyle and Adam Lambert (and, thus, to the massive power of Simon Cowell-judged televised talent contests). Despite Boyle’s absurd sales figures (8 million worldwide!), though, it was clear who the Oprah demo’s favorite was: Boyle was off the stage after about 15 minutes — a performance and a quick video package/interview about how she used to be regular and frumpy and now she’s famous — to make way for Adam to chat with Oprah and repeatedly visit a Los Angeles Whole Foods in video segments. And though there were no new revelations (he’s still gay!), he did manage to entertain, as usual. Among the things we learned:
1. At his favorite L.A. rocker store, Forgotten Saints, he could actually find a vinyl jacket with furry tufts that he felt went “too far.” (Sadly, it is not available on their website.)
2. He met Madonna for “five minutes” because his guitarist is her guitar teacher, and in those five minutes he told her he was intimidated because he loves her. Her rejoinder: “So love equals intimidation to you?” Can’t you just totally hear her saying that in her faux British accent thing?
3. “Adam is like energy.” That is how 15-year-old Jessica — who shares her Lambert love with mom Sue — explained her fandom just before oh my god being totally surprised when he showed up to give them both passes to his dress rehearsal! Honestly, at this point, how are people still surprised when their dreams come true on Oprah? If I ever get a call from anyone remotely connected to this show, I expect my life to change. And I will be very angry if it doesn’t happen.
And in honor of Jessica and Sue, he sang “Whataya Want from Me” — a very mom-friendly tune, as evidenced by his understated brown jacket, modest eyeliner, and all the ladies of a certain age singing along in the audience.
Also, here’s “If I Had You”:
What about you, PopWatchers? What did you think of Adam (and Susan) on Oprah? Did that jacket really go too far? Is Adam like energy?
Comments (1-15) of 228 Add your comment
To call Adam energy is a really good way to put it. He adds electricity everywhere he goes.
Oh, no! Sparkle cows! Run! Run!
Do your friends consider you funny? For someone who hates Idol, you are remarkably obsessed. It’s odd.
Why waste time n energy on someone you don’t like-ah! jealous, resentful so click on, so you can bash him. I get it. Well, every click onto any Adam article or video raises his numbers- Adam wins, it is a number game, so randy, now ya know.
I know right? I think when women get old they should just stay at home and never have any fun or do anything. Like, hello! Shallow young dudes don’t think you’re hot anymore, so consider your life over, right? Calling them cows is totally appropriate just like how everyone always makes fun of dudes who like younger chicks and don’t find it totally normal or the Playboy mansion awesome.
Oh wait.
He is a good role model
The same old boring comment from some useless crackpot. Haunts the Adam stuff like a nasty old man with a raincoat. Pathetic twit.
You’re just jealous that the 15 year old girl, Jessica, wants Adam over you, AND with her mom’s blessing.
Randy, you can go back to your mother’s basement now. You got your sexual excitement for the day ….arent you happy? lol
What is the right amount of leather? I love this song! Adam is ENERGY! I hope this song hits the top 10! Just bought my copy on Itunes!
Richard Marx called. Adam was all like “Whataya Want From Me”? And Richard was all like “I want you to quit copying my sound from the 90’s, you lame-o.”
Hey Barf out, your comment made me barf@!!!! Adam is trying to bring back that sound, but if you would actually listen to his voice, Adam can out sing Richard, but honestly he could outsing Robert Plant too.
The interview with Adam was really interesting. Oprah did a great job and Adam is so well spoken, so honest and really just adorable (and gorgeous). The interview was well worth Oprah’s time. SB was just not open or expressive. Adam was phenomenal!! His performance was great and I rushed out and bought the CD. I hear Adam’s sales have jumped 200% from the week before. The CD is fantastic!!
I love Susan Boyle and Adam Lambert, but to be honest I find Susan boring. She needs more experience at interviewers, Adam is just a natural. No wonder Oprah had him on longer, she knows a good thing when she hears it. LOL
adam lambert is the real thing down to earth articulate funny charming and like elvis he has it i can not explain it i know for one i can not take my eyes off of him the camera loves him
I missed the show! Did he mention that he would be opening for Sam Harris in Branson this time next year?
No but maybe YOU could ow wow, you forget a w? Idiot@
I agree, it seemed to the the Adam Lambert show. He didn’t sell 8 million records and bring the world together. I have nothing against Lambert, but there was so much more to say about Susan Boyle.
Yeah, people act like Adam is a revelation. I did used to like him when he was Idol though.
He was better when he called himself Richard Marx back in the late 80’s/early 90’s.
Adam also didn’t sing covers, and since Susan appeals to a more elderly crowd who buy CD and not downloads, or use iPods, I don’t think it fair to compare, people should look at the big picture here. Adam has alot going against him as well, but he has overcome so many things as well and he is breaking new ground, not using a tried and true and while Susan does sing it well I think it sad people place such importance on her looks and think she is so great because she can sing, that kind of sensationalism just shows what a sad state the world is in, and how superficial.
Susan says she has some kind of learning disability and had trouble socializing as a child. I imagine that interviews are difficult for her. (She has trouble keeping eye contact.) Perhaps that’s why it was kept short. While Adam is a seasoned performer and always does well with interviews.
I agree with Cassie. Susan Boyle may have wanted a short interview. She sings beautiful though. Adam was wonder as always and Oprah did a great interview. I’m glad I tuned in.
Random thoughts: I keep reading that Adam’s singles sales haven’t been great compared to some “others.” Some speculate that it’s because his whole CD is so great that people prefer to buy the whole CD. Others say that he’s only sold as many CDs as he has because the older women who love him can afford to buy multiple CDs. There’s all kinds of speculation about why his CD sales don’t even come close to Susan Boyle’s sales. People just don’t seem to GET that they appeal to a very different market. Maybe after Adam has 2 or 3 CDs out he’ll do a full CD of covers (like Clay Aikens did.) It would sell well. But I can’t help but wonder how Susan Boyle’s SINGLES are selling. I’m betting they’re about as flat as her radio play.
I LOVE how Adam plays TO the audience he’s playing FOR. He was perfect on Oprah! But I SO want to see him really let loose!! BE ADAM! Like on Zodiac! I guess we’ll have to wait for his tour for that – TV couldn’t handle it! Too bad!
TJ…I think Susan really had more to overcome in her life than Adam…he became famous for singing cover songs…Susan sand a song was not a cover of a hit..and you find it sad that people like her because she is a great singer? Half of Adams appeal is his look do you find that sad also? How is he breaking new ground, his music is not groundbreaking and you find the sensationalism surrounding SUSAN!!!?!?! shows the sad state the world is in…are you confusing her with Adam?
Bring the world together? ROFL Listen, I’ve got nothing against Susan Boyle, but she has not brought about world peace. She’s sold a bunch of records. Period.
Adam could have sung all the same songs Susan sang and took the easy way out as well. All his songs are original songs and he is selling by itunes downloads etc.and Susan has outsold EVERYBODY that includes long time famous singers, not just newbie Adam-she outsold even Eminem, so keep it in perspective. Adam is outstanding and facts are that he is acknowledged that way with his crystal clear multi-octave voice. And -go out and pretend you are gay and see live that way for a week- Adam is fearlessly honest and true to himself, articulate, intelligent, kind, friendly, courageous,loyal,self motivated, dosent make excuses, dosen’t blame, and has much inner strength and grace. I respect him as do many others, but you can think whatever you like.
Adam has been entertaining a whole lot longer.
Did he write all of his songs?
Susan sure didn’t take the easy way out. The woman has some brain damage and has led a painful life, but she had the courage to keep going. You can’t compare that with being gay.
Yeah right, when did Susan Boyle bring the world together? I’d rather have more Adam Lambert thank you. He was very entertaining I love his interviews. Oprah knows talent and who will be a future success in more ways than one.
Adam Lambert has taken hits from all sides all year while he has kept his self motivation, inner strength, grace under pressure and totally courageous truthful open book life.He is an outstanding artist and person-he never complains, never makes excuses, never blames, never whines, is courageously honestly a reamakable individual and magnificent singer.
Having just finished watching the show, OBVIOUSLY Oprah divided the time properly. Susan, while I’m sure a very nice person, gave very short answers and didn’t, or couldn’t elaborate on anything. It was an awkward interview at best, and not particularly engaging television. Certainly not Susan’s fault. It’s clear she’s not yet completely comfortable in these situations. Adam, on the other hand, as always, was lively, talkative, articulate and a far more entertaining and upbeat interview.
I agree. I have read stories from people that attended the show, and they said that while she was an incredible performer she was really uncomfortable in the interview. I think it was just the right amount of time for her.
Marilyn, so much more to say, are you kidding me. I couldn’t understand a word she said to start with..she has a sad story…end of story..
Susan is interesting to hear about, but not interesting to listen to. She is not very well spoken or open. Adam is something of a phenomenon. He is different, not one will out sell SB, but Adam has amazing vocal talent and is by far more vocally skilled than SB. He is also beyond charismatic – he just has an it factor that few ever can aspire to.
Adam is the whole package!
He is exciting, charming intelligent and even Oprah commented on what a delight he was.
To top that his performance and vocals were amazing!!!
Adam is Light! He has such a beautiful energy about him, and I agree Susan, he definitely has that IT factor. I loved seeing him Mom in the audience, she so loves and supports her son, you can see where he gets his loving spirit.
SuBo has hardly brought the world together. More like gsve folks a safe gift to exchange over the holidays. I wonder how many of those CD’s have gone unopened or only listened to once? Given that SuBo has sold so many CD’s I agree that she should have been the bigger star on the show, but after reading the tweets from the folks in the audience about how fragile she seemed at the taping, I am not surprised it was all about entertaining, witty, beautiful and (in Oprah’s words) delightful Adam.
I saw that too, that she is extremely uncomfortable with interviews so that is why it was shorter. I thought she was lovely, and that’s coming from a hardcore Adam fan.
I TOTALLY ENJOYED ADAM’S INTERVIEW TODAY. HE IS ARTICULATE, EASY TO LISTEN TOO AND VERY LIKEABLE! SEEMS LIKE A TRULY NICE GUY. LOVED THE PERFORMANCE!!! THE MAN HAS A TRULY AMAZING VOICE. I HOPE HE CONTINUES WITH HIS SUCCESS AND STAYS HUMBLE. I LOVE HIM!!!!
So what is the “certain age” of the ladies in the crowd?
Apparently old enough to be a subject of mockery by EW columnists who will obviously never be that old and therefore uncool.
Thank you SO much, Marly – indeed!
The writer’s attempt to put Adam down without being obvious, but she clearly is not as intelligent as the readers-who are only hear because of Adam and not her.Dosen’t fool anyone. Adam fans are obsessed with him, Adam foes are obsessed with him-no one ignores Adam. Adam wins with every click onto any article or video or comment-it is a numbers game.
52. Okay?
i think you would find that the answer to everything is 42.
Maybe every age and both sexes would pretty much cover it
acurately. Yup
Jake! Yes! How many people would possibly make a Douglas Adams reference in a forum about Adam Lambert and Oprah? Will you marry me?
They have compiled data of all those who are memebers of Adam’s official website (over 350,000 – Here are the stats:
13-17 age group 9%
18-34 age group 32%
35-49 age group 39%
50+ age group 18%
If Aiken ever comes back into the world, you better believe I will be there slamming every article written..just to make my point as to how ridiculous and juvenile you are…
LOL don’t hold your breath – he’s old news and always will be. That’s why his 8 remaining fans troll other people’s articles…
Which will happen to Adam Lambert when his 15 minutes are up. I read plenty of articles where my favorites are bashed, and guess what I don’t take it personally because it’s really not that big of a deal. The funny thing is all the OTT by some (not all!) Adam fans is exactly like the Claymates and look what happened to his career! Irony?
Well, good move! I actually think there is a lot of overlap between the SuBo audience and Lambert audience. So great coup for Adam! That is definitely the crowd he should aim for.
@Keith..we know you come from Clays site, so get lost dude…you are so annoying on all of Adams articles..you are the joke of a few fan sites…
Unless he’s thinking of converting to an Adam fan.
Don’t think he really cares so just ignore idiots like him. They are after attention only, I doubt they have a single thought in their head about any certain artist.
Uh, not likely. A fan of Clay’s? I’ve never even been to Clay’s site in my life. I was being serious. SuBo is selling a buttload of records. What’s the big deal? You guys need to lighten up.
Once again we get to witness what Adam is all about and hear his outstanding vocals on his songs. He is truly a gift to mankind and one hell of an entertainer.
Amen!
I was at the taping guys. SuBo could not have done more than she did. She is fragile; Adam is not. He’s filled with extraordinary energy. It would not surprise me in the least to find out that SuBo’s people limited her appearance to the time that was shown because they did not want to cause undue strain for her. She did a beautiful job singing, but she is not a professional who can handle this sort of thing very easily.
It would be a shame to add to much stress to Susan Boyle and cause her harm. Stress can do a number on the body guys. And remember she has all ready had one really bad break down from the stress. I think it was very admirable that she came on and performed so well for Oprah and the audience. Let’s leave it to that. Susan doesn’t owe us anything more. My sis bought me her CD for Christmas.
Yes, so do I. She’s a female angel and Adam’s the male angel. An earthquake in Heaven must have caused 2 of their angelic choir members to fall to Earth.
Huh? Are you retarded Staciegirlie? They are two PEOPLE who can sing – nothing more, nothing less.
Peg lighten up, I think Staciegirl was making fun of the whole SB and Adam Lambert thing. Atleast that is the way I took it.
I’ve been looking forward to Adam’s interview on Oprah for months and i wasn’t disappointed!!! Actually i was….i wish i had been picked to be in the audience!!! He came across incredibly well and i hope that he gets a ton of new fans!
How can you not like him? He’s funny, bright, articulate and has a fantastic outlook on life!!!
And he’s GORGEOUS too!!!!!
Did you see him singing “If I Had You’ which I hope is his next single after ‘What Do You Want From Me.” Maginficent singer, personable, fearlessly honest guy and a fantastic performer.
My mom thought he was saying if I Had Jew. I laughed at her and had to print out the lyrics for her. I love his songs, mom’s hard of hearing. This should be his next new single and I can’t wait for this to be a music video! Did you see what they did to WWFM? That music video is hot! It is so emotional. Now FYE is a sexy, hot clubbing vibe and WWFM is the bring it home, angst vibe. Two really great videos. Man Adam is really climbing these days!
One more thing–that comment about all the ladies of a certain age in the audience. Uh, what did the author expect? You must be 18 to attend the taping, and the taping was done in the middle of the school day.
When the producers asked the audience which song we wanted to hear everyone yelled FEVER, and they played it for us. I think these ladies of a certain age also like his crazier music too. For sure!! And for what it’s worth, my row included a nice group of five good looking young men who appeared to be gay. There was SOME variety in the audience.
Oprah advertized on her website for Adam fans to be in her audience, and Adam’s fans aren’t 19 year old guys. They are “ladies of a certain age.” We all know that. Why take offense at the truth? That’s his fanbase. They’re the ones who vote him to the top of every online poll.
and you know the identities of every lambert fan in this world because…?
and who in the world is ‘we’?
Adam has a manbert fan base..for those that do not follow him, and know nothing…so do your homework before reporting non-facts..and by the way, I am one of many who belong to it….
And how would you know who votes for him in polls? What are you, some kind of obsessed loser stalker person?
Was the 15 year old girl a “lady of a certain age”? I know of a lot of tweens and teens that are crazy about Adam.
I’m a 21 year old, straight male, and I’m a huge fan of Adam Lambert. He doesn’t just appeal to older, middle-aged woman. Anyone who appreciates amazing talent and good music should like Adam.
This song is great-catchy fun tune and everyone sings along-I hope it’s his next single.
MY GRANDAUGHER (19) AND MYSELF (67)
CAN NOT GET ENOUGH OF THIS INCREDIBLE ENTERTAINER.WHEN ADAM GOES ON TOUR WE WILL TRY TO GO TO A FEW OF THE CITIES HE IS IN. SUCH A GREAT INTERVIEW WITH OPRAH.
SHE HAD A TWINKLE IN HER EYE FOR HIM. LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE ADAM!
They do say this kind of thing skips a generation.