Adam Lambert's AMA Performance: Raunch Factor Not the Worst Part

Adam Lambert Creates Controversy with Lewd American Music Awards Performance

Hartley Engel, Yahoo! Contributor Network
Nov 23, 2009 "Share your voice on Yahoo! websites. Start Here."

Adam Lambert performed "For Your Entertainment," his debut single, at the American Music Awards Sunday night and it is the talk of the Internet. Indeed, Adam Lambert's performance at the American Music Awards will go done in history as one of the most controversial live television performances in history. Among other things, it featured simulated oral sex, crotch grabbing and a makeout session with a male (I think) keyboard player. As well, Adam took a tumble and nearly caromed off the stage. Was it raunchy? Sure. Inappropriate for a family audience? Oh, most definitely. Will Adam Lambert end up on Sarah Palin's sh*t list? You betcha. Was the raunch factor the worst part of the performance? Absolutely not.

The main problem with Adam Lambert's AMA performance was his singing. He was expending so much energy prancing around the stage feeling up dancers that, quite frankly, his singing sucked. What is the point in Adam Lambert getting down and dirty (and risk hurting himself) if his singing is going to suffer - and boy did Adam Lambert's singing suffer on the AMAs. And what a travesty that is, for Adam Lambert is one of the finest singers to come along in ages (he is arguably one of the best singers of all time). He demonstrated this repeatedly on American Idol - and it is primarily his singing that touched people at the heart level (Yes, his good looks and sex appeal are a big part of his appeal - but the overarching element in the mix is the singing - it's the singing, stupid!)

Now, one could argue that Adam Lambert's insanely controversial live performance at the American Music Awards was a brilliant PR move. After all, everyone and their brother is talking about the Adam Lambert AMA controversy and, to be sure, it will be a major topic of discussion on the Web and around water coolers for days to come. What better way to promote an album (Adam Lambert's album drops today)?

If Adam Lambert wants to enjoy longevity as a performer, though, he's got to make sure that he focuses more on the music (I pray that his major label debut album has at least one incredible song on it - the title track certainly does not rise to that level) and less on theatrics - or he's got to learn how to jump around the stage and sing well at the same time. It's not the X-rated nature of his performance on the AMA show that was so offensive, it was the fact that he was willing to lower his standards as a singer to make a splash. Is that not selling out?

Come on Adam, you're better than that.

Source:

Adam Lambert's AMA Performance

Published by Hartley Engel

I was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada but raised in Los Angeles, California. I have a BA and MsEd degree from USC. View profile