Adam Lambert: Making American Idol Better All the Time

Once in a blue moon, somebody comes along that makes you sit up and take notice. This person is not only unique, but sometimes evokes a wide range of reactions from people. Nowhere is this more apparent than in politics. This was very evident in the 2008 Presidential election with several of the candidates. Even the "average Joe" was raising questions that upset the apple cart.

Americans are becoming extremely divided in their beliefs, and in who they support. How much more can we, as a nation, endure? How can we unite people in these troubled times?

To this I can only reply: ROCK & ROLL. Well, not just rock & roll, although, that's always been my favorite music. What can I say? I'm from Detroit, the Rock & Roll capitol of the world. Detroit, also known for soul, blues and pop music has brought us everybody from Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross, Michael Jackson to Bob Seger, Ted Nugent, Mitch Ryder and Alice Cooper.

Americans definitely need some diversion from all these political debates. Every time you turn on the news, it seems that there is a new controversy brewing. We are losing touch with the lighter side of life. My suggestion is to forget about politics for awhile and turn our attention to another great interest in the U.S.A. I refer to American Idol, of course. I don't know about you, but I'd rather discuss music than politics

While my interest in politics began about 10 years ago, I have always loved music. It has been called the universal language since it appeals to people of all ages and backgrounds. While people who enjoy classical music probably won't be rubbing elbows with the hip hop crowd, the chances of them getting into heated debates over music is slim. With a shrug and a shake of the head, each goes their own way.

Do you remember American Bandstand? Now, that was a fun show! In some ways, it was a precursor to American Idol. Of course, the music from American Bandstand was primarily from records, with occasional musical acts. Sometimes after a song was over, Dick Clark would ask one of the teenagers to rate a record. They would invariably say, "It's got a good beat and, you can dance to it." Somehow, I can't imagine Simon Cowell saying that after a performance on American Idol. Nor, could I have pictured Dick Clark exclaiming, "That was ghastly, self-indulgent rubbish."

Times and music have changed over the years, but not audience involvement. American Idol is extremely popular because the audience and home viewers are an integral part of the program. Not only do they vote weekly for their favorite singer, but they follow the contestants' ups and downs throughout the whole program.

Over the different seasons we have seen them all or, at least we thought we had. That is until Season 8 when Adam Lambert burst onto the scene.

He is definitely unique. He's a rocker, a pop artist, a balladeer and a folk singer all rolled up into one person. His high energy singing can get the party started with funky music while his subdued, introspective lyrics paint a picture of people running in circles in a mad world. He can exemplify simplicity in "Tears of a Clown" or dramatic complexity in his version of "Ring of Fire." Lambert can take a Michael Jackson or Mick Jagger song and make them his own. Although we hear this expression repeatedly from the judges, he does indeed make each songs his own. The lyrics remain the same but, his interpretation is distinctive. His rendition of Johnny Cash's "Ring of Fire" can best be described as Middle Eastern meets Western music.

His appearance also changes dramatically from week to week. He has been compared to Elvis, Billy Idol, Jason Bateman and the Jonas Brothers. Kara DioGuardi, the newest judge on the show told Adam, "I can't wait to get to the show and see what you're going to do next."

After reading online comments about Adam's performances, I think that there are many people that feel the same way. He has a way of re-creating himself weekly. He doesn't just change his looks and his songs but he changes his whole persona and invites the audience to join him in his transformation. That is a true artist.

While there are other good singers on American Idol this season, none are as unique as Adam It really is only once in a blue moon that somebody comes along and makes you sit up and take notice.

Simon Cowell actually stood up last week to give him a standing ovation. Now, that's unusual.

American Idol has been an entertaining show for the last seven seasons with some remarkable singers. However, this season will most likely be remembered above the others. With his unique and riveting performances, Adam Lambert is making American Idol better all the time.