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'American Idol': Adam Lambert hopes Grammy nom will help fade show's stigma
"American Idol" Season 8 runner-up Adam Lambert was recently nominated for a Grammy for best male pop performance for his smash hit song "Whataya Want From Me."
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Lambert discusses how he hopes the nomination will give contestants who break into the industry though a competition show more credit.
"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, and perhaps help fade some of the stigma that comes from rising to fame on a competition show," he says.
Lambert also says that while "Idol" gave him the opportunity and tools to break out, the show doesn't deserve all of the credit. "I believe 'American Idol' is a dream platform for any artist. 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," he says.
"'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."
How did Lambert find out that his song, which was originally intended for Pink, was nominated? "I was awoken by my manager in the morning while in Paris. Much more effective than my usual cup of coffee to wake me up," he says. "I was so excited! After our call, I saw that a bunch of friends and family had texted and written emails."
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Lambert discusses how he hopes the nomination will give contestants who break into the industry though a competition show more credit.
"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, and perhaps help fade some of the stigma that comes from rising to fame on a competition show," he says.
Lambert also says that while "Idol" gave him the opportunity and tools to break out, the show doesn't deserve all of the credit. "I believe 'American Idol' is a dream platform for any artist. 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," he says.
"'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."
How did Lambert find out that his song, which was originally intended for Pink, was nominated? "I was awoken by my manager in the morning while in Paris. Much more effective than my usual cup of coffee to wake me up," he says. "I was so excited! After our call, I saw that a bunch of friends and family had texted and written emails."
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He's got a fantastic voice. I wish he great success
Country music industry doesn't seem to have the "reality show' problem if you look at Carrie's career. But main stream music industry appears to shy away from Idol contestants. Daughtry did not get nom and his album is a top seller. I would be thrilled see Adam win this Grammy, but don't think he needs any other credibility except that phenomenal voice.
Granted, you're a great talent, but you wouldn't be ANYWHERE without the exposure from American Idol. Having said that, AI sucks.....but does show us gems like Adam!
I know I'll be laughing at the ridiculous outfit he'll be wearing.....
There are other routes to prove you have a fanbase. Didn't Taylor Swift do it with MySpace? Lady Gaga did it too somehow...as have many others.
I don't doubt he worked hard but in terms of success he pretty much owes it all to Idol.
just once, i wish y'all at Zap2It would re-read your posts for sense before pushing them on the world - i mean, each post is usually only a couple paragraphs long, you can't proofread your own work?
Didn't Pink write the song 'What do ya Want From Me?' It totally sounds like her.
"Current success?" WHAT?? He's released like a hundred songs and ONE has sold over 1 million copies. In fact, it sold almost the same number as copies as Kris Allen's ONE hit song did. And how self-involved that he hopes HIS nominations makes it easier for other reality-show conestants become accepted. Cuz, you know, he's obviously the first AI Grammy nominee EVER! Fantasia's had ELEVEN nominations... Is America accepting her? If you want to be "accepted", then how about you try to actually make GOOD music, and not putting out a bunch of Britney/Christina/Pink/Lady GaGa rejects, and stop "co-writing" songs with two or three other people!
Adam DID give credit to AI for a big part of his success.He always thanks Idol. He also mentioned that AI didn't teach him how to sing or perform. His talent was already in place before he hit the Idol stage.
@Larry,Adam worked very hard to get where he is today. I won't list his musical history....maybe you should do your homework before making such a silly comment. Adam appeared on Idol,talent in tact. AI just gave him the exposure he needed. And it worked,didn't it? SMART and talented...a great combo!
Kris Allen is the real talent from season 8 and he should have gotten the Grammy nomination . Kris Allen worked harder then Lamebert this year . and he has giving so much of his personal time to give back to others in need.LLWD should be on the Grammy list not WDYWFM yuc yuc yuc.