Kris Allen performs Live Like You're Dying
Needless to say, a lot of users had opinions on the topic. Most, it seemed, disagreed with my perspective.
So be it.
I thought it appropriate, though, to point out the stark contrast between Lambert, accompanied by his 3-ring shock-circus and the understated music-is-the-thing performance by Kris Allen on So You Think You Can Dance on this week's results show.
Counter to Lambert's sideshow, Allen's performance of his straight-down-the-middle "Live Like We're Dying" is refreshingly simple. He's on-stage, with his band...singing, playing... It's the music, stupid!
So, before a bunch of Lambert fan(atic)s start pronouncing me some kind of lilly-pure-inbred-homeboy, let me just say that when it comes to music, I'm clearly a purist. If you're a Pussycat Doll or a Spice Girl and you can't get up in front of an audience and sing and play (unplugged, as it were), you're not - to me - a 'musician'... you're a 'performer'. All the better if you write, too, if you want cred, but at the very least be willing and able to get up without any mixing or lip-syncing and just do your song. I don't like a bunch of production and pretend.
I'm not saying Lambert can't get up and sing. Of course, he can... when he's not screeching like a murderous wraith. In fact, I'm sure a couple of the Pussycat Dolls and Spice Girls can sing, too. Lambert (as well as a couple of the aforementioned 'Dolls' and 'Girls') can probably write, as well.
But Lambert's antics and shock-tactics make him only one step removed from Milli Vanilli, in my book. Allen, on the other hand, delivers a simple, capable, John Mayer or Dave Matthews vibe that shows both talent and an appeal for a much wider audience. It would also go without saying that I think his lyrics are infinitely more tenable, not only for radio play, but also as something I won't hesitate to play through my car audio or home stereo off my iPod playlist when my kids are listening.
So... go ahead, haters. Let's hear it! But before you skewer my thoughts on the topic, at least go check out the video:
UPDATE:
A user submitted a video that shows both Kris and Adam doin' it live in Detroit on Gnarls Barkley's 'Crazy'. Good performance proving that they both got chops.
For the record, if Lambert stuck to performances like that with more innocuous lyrics, I'd buy his stuff.
So You Think You Can Dance episode 6.24, "2 of 8 Voted Off"
Comments (47)
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Wickedglitter
@justincase, All of the artists who performed that night were performing at the AMA's, not Ralph's market, duh! Boy George never came out and admitted that he was gay. There was speculation, but no confirmation on his part until long after his career had begun. Adam Lambert came out as a gay man at the very beginning of his career. Just the fact he has admitted being gay as made him the subject of ridicule by both gay, and straight people. WTF! How is the man supposed to win. He found himself in the postion of trying to please everyone. ABC pushed at him to put on an ott performance. They went on and all week how people would be shocked. They made him perform last because they were using him for ratings. Two weeks before the editor at Out magazine tried to publicly humiliate Adam, insinuating that he wasn't acting gay enough. Didn't it occur to anyone that maybe all of the stress, and exhaustion of trying to please everyone at the same time might have affected him. To blacklist him and noone else was wrong. He has been threatened, criticized, blacklisted, verbally stoned, and still he gets up every morming and faces 'it' I even had someone send me a threatening e-mail because I said something positive about one of his performances on youtube. I will have to file a complaint with the FBI if it happens again. I was very upset by that e-mail, can you imagine having that kind of hate directed personally at you all of the time ? I want people to just put this performance in perspective. It was one performance out of so many amazing performances. I respect Adam Lambert so much for forging ahead. I love his CD. I wish I could see him perform on New Years Eve with Dick Clark. He would have put on a spectacular show. I was really looking forward to it. He won't be on because he is being blacklisted. And its a bunch of bullsh*t to say he can't be trusted to put on a more toned down show. People learn from their mistakes, and it's pretty obvious that Adam has learned from that experience, so it is time to let it go. It is time to let it go, and to accept him for who he is.
2 years agoby @wickedglitterFlag
SnoggleBerries
If Adam Lambert had a woman crawling on her hands and knees simulating that she was giving Lambert a blow job...the same thing would have happened. He would have been in trouble. That doesn't even include when he flipped the bird at the crowd and fingering a woman.
And as for Homophobia let me explain it in two words for you people who are screaming Homophobia is the reason people are sick of Lambert.
Two words = BOY GEORGE.
Boy George wore more make-up and was more feminine and openly gay than Adam Lambert when he appeared on the scene around 25 years ago. He had the number one hit songs in the country when he broke out into the America scene. No excuses and no lies like Glamberts are making up.
2 years agoby @snoggleberriesFlag
AIFan
You Glamberts are so disgusting. Discuss this all you want. You don't listen to what people are saying over & over, so I give up even trying to get thru to you!
2 years agoby @aifanFlag
Milkofparadise
There were far worse things on the AMA's than Lambert's performance, but because Lambert's actions were gay, he's the one who must be vilified. Lambert had just as many sexual gestures with women, but no one discusses them. Women can tongue each other all day long and women can give simulated bj's on TV, but that's just OK - men like looking at that. The double standard where gay men are concerned is so patently obvious.
2 years agoby @milkofparadiseFlag
AIFan
Justincase - EXACTLY! Someone with even HALF a brain should be able to understand that! But you know what they say, "LOVE IS BLIND!" It's sad though that people like Adam have to "lose control" onstage in a fit of emotion - or so he SAYS! Personally, I think he may have planned the whole thing! He took one look at that audience and felt it was the perfect opportunity to make a big splash! Adam, try making a splash with ONLY your VOICE! We've seen the rest before - and with better bodies than yours!
2 years agoby @aifanFlag
Milkofparadise
I repeat - if Lambert's performance had been only with women, this hysteria would never have occurred. Yes, it is homophobia.
2 years agoby @milkofparadiseFlag
SnoggleBerries
Adam's "performance" on the AMAs was disgusting and had nothing to do with being gay. As a gay person I am offended that people equate what Adam did on the AMAs to gay people is sickening. What Adam did on the AMAs many people disagreed with, including many gay people, and thought it was wrong. So don't try to pull the Homophobic card.
2 years agoby @snoggleberriesFlag
SnoggleBerries
@Wickedglitter uh nice try, I AM GAY. Don't try the "homophobic" bs on a gay person....lol It doesn't work.
2 years agoby @snoggleberriesFlag
justincase
Hey, Wickedglitter...
It doesn't have to be either/or. If you read my other piece you'd have noticed that I said I don't care what side you 'play for' ... as long as you don't make a graphic public display of your sexuality...straight OR gay.
If you're gay, fine. Be gay. Be proud. Same if you're straight. Just save the gratuitous displays for private...
That's where sexuality belongs...NOT on the street.
Lambert IS talented. He CAN sing (when he's not screeching). I think I've been quite plain on that.
None of this makes me (or anyone else who feels similarly) 'puritanical' or 'fanatic'. In fact, contrary to your clearly left-of-left 'fanatic' behavior, mine is quite clearly right down the middle.
Your raving just proves my point, if nothing else. Lambert 'inflames' something in a crowd that clearly still feels repressed.
Those of you that feel that SHOCK AND AWE is the only path (like wearing ass-less leather chaps on a Sunday morning visit to the local Ralph's supermarket) are no different than the Black Panthers or other 'extremist' groups.
If you really DO all just 'want to get along' then stop being so damn bat-sh*t-crazy.
Stop praising AL for his 'gLamorizing' and start praising just for the talent.
I NEVER said he couldn't SING. I said that when he screeches, he sounds like crap (this coming from a guy that listened to that type of stuff fervently in the '80s, when you were still just a glint in yo' papa's eye). I also said that his music could be 'enjoyed' if one weren't so distracted and offended by his blatantly homoerotic displays (and SOME lyrics).
2 years agoby @justincaseFlag
Wickedglitter
The very fact that Adam's fans have to defend him speaks volumes of what kind of narrow-minded bigots still exsist in the 21st. century. This cruel, unyielding backlash against Adam by some puritanical fanatics is truly frightening. Why don't you just either come out an admit that you are crucifying him because he is gay, or because you want hits for your crappy site? Since both motives are abhorrent I quess you lose no matter what. Adam's life as an entertainer should not be defined by one performance. He is a many faceted indivdual who can outperform Kris Allen just by stepping on the same stage as him. When Adam is on. all eyes are on him. He has that "IT"factor thing going for him. So sit back and enjoy his extreme talent because we are all lucky to have him. Just his one song that he wrote 'BROKEN OPEN' is enough for me to know that this kind, gracious talented man is worth fighting for.
2 years agoby @wickedglitterFlag
Milkofparadise
Alfan - I have a gay child who does NOT agree with you. If Lambert had performed only with women, this hysteria would never have occurred. The double standard is alive and well.
2 years agoby @milkofparadiseFlag
AIFan
I used to want to wish them both well - but that was before the AMA's and I saw what Lambert is REALLY all about - there's no comparison, you'r right! It's "clean cut" versus "trashy" - just like his models, Gaga Lady & Madonna! And "gay" has nothing to do with it - I have gay friends and neighbors that I love dearly! And they AGREE with me!
2 years agoby @aifanFlag
Milkofparadise
Apparently no one can defend Lambert in any way without being defamed as "Claymates" or other such obloquy. When Lambert is criticized so unjustly as in this article, a reply is the right thing to do. And when the author calls him a "murderous wraith," it indicates just what type of person the author is. He is either ignorant or lying since no one in the face of Lambert's work - from Upright Cabaret to the AI songs, Tracks of My Tears, If I Can't Have You, Mad World, can agree with that. Lambert's performance of Mad World was just named one of the ten best of 2009 by Time Magazine. The author is obviously still fighting the Fan Wars - and perhaps wrote this article just to get hits. Nevertheless, it's a disgraceful article. Kris and Adam are FRIENDS - SHEESH - This is pathetic. Wish them BOTH well.
2 years agoby @milkofparadiseFlag
RarelyComment
I do think Kris is a fine musician. And by posting your opinion on this I am sure you were ready for the onslaught of Adam's fans who rise to attack for every criticism. It doesn't mean they are right, they just can't handle anyone criticizing Adam (I am told it is a similar phenomenon as Claymates for Clay Aiken, who were also over the top as fans). But back to your point, I admire Kris's musicianship and I am a sucker for a guy and his guitar.
2 years agoby @rarelycommentFlag
Jae
I am an Adam fan and if he and Kris had an accapella sing off, I don't think there is ANY doubt in my mind who would win. This is not saying Kris is a no talent. He isn't. He has talent. But if you are comparing Kris SYTYCD performance to Adam's AMA show, as Adam would say, that is apples to oranges. Better to compare Kris' performance to say Adam's WWFM from the View. That dude sang his head off. Sorry. Though you are clearly entitled to your oppinion, you are off base here. I can't wait to hear Adam blow the roof off during SYTYCD next week.
2 years agoby @jaeFlag
Hopediamond
Alright, well first off let me say I completely disagree with this "article" (I use the term loosely-it seems more like the writings of a silly homophobic child stuck in May, still trying to pin these two artists against each other). Kris and Adam are very different and thus very difficult to compare musically. But talent wise, Adam is so obviously better than Kris. Just listen to that video you posted of them singing Crazy. Kris Allen has a decent voice, but it certainly isn't anything special. It's the kind of stuff you hear on the radio and go "Oh, that's nice". But Adam, Adam electrifies music. Adam has an incredible and unique voice, that makes him one of the most interesting and talented musical artists in years. "When he's not screeching like a murderous wraith", this is where you completely lost my respect for you and your article. I'm tired of people saying "Adam is a screamer/screecher". You want to hear screeching, listen to Danny Gokey's "Dream On" (sorry, Gokey fans!). I personally think it sheds a lot of light on what it means to be able to sing with a powerful high range, and not make it sound like your limbs are being ripped off by farm equipment. I would've completely respected your opinion if you had just said that you weren't into Adam's style. That's fine. But to attack him like that is really unnecessary. And as for the whole AMA performance, GET OVER IT ALREADY! I will admit, it was not my favorite performance of Adam's (although I had no issue with the "shock antics" I just didn't like the way his voice sounded that night). But really, did you even watch his numerous other performances post-AMAs where he has completely made it all about the music. As he's said repeatedly, it was one performance, one song, and he has admitted to going a little too far. But I suppose since he hasn't gotten down on his knees and begged you for forgiveness, you will continue to bash him. I'm sorry that you and your puritanical mindset can't handle a man who is comfortable being himself and performing with a kind of sexuality that women have been doing for ages. But you obviously are only interested in that one performance and you will let that be implanted in your brain every time you hear Adam's name. Well, I guess that just shows how bigoted you really are. But back to the whole "Kris vs. Adam" thing, look at the numbers. Adam has sold a butt-load more than Kris. Believe it or not, money talks very loudly in the music biz, which is why Adam is the star now, and Kris is just "that guy who won American Idol this year". Obviously not everyone is going to love Adam, just like not everyone (like me) is going to love Kris. So go ahead, call me a "hater" and then feel free to look into the closest mirror and realize that you are a hater too. Sorry.
2 years agoby @hopediamondFlag
AIFan
Jurnee, sorry, I and many others would TOTALLY disagree with you. It's a matter of taste - everyone is not like you!
2 years agoby @aifanFlag
AIFan
Adam can sing all his notes as "perfect" as he may, I will never support him or attend his concerts or buy his music. I'm just not into all his DISGUSTING fanfare. And even if he just stands there and sings, I still think his SCREECHING is disgusting too! Nope! I guess I'm a purist too, when it comes to music - I want it to be simple and beautiful - and I want it to "connect" with the audience, which Adam is incapable of doing! I am a red-blooded woman, and if I want SEX, I certainly won't go chasing Adam - and I certainly won't try to find it on stage! Adam needs to keep his SEX in the bedroom like everybody else! And that includes any others who do what he does, like Madonna and Lady Gaga! I won't be watching the AMA's anymore, that's for sure.
Thanks for this GREAT ARTICLE! I agree WHOLEHEARTEDLY
2 years agoby @aifanFlag
Milkofparadise
The author of this article at the outset declares that those who disagree are "haters." That pretty much says it all about the impartiality of the author whose goal appears to praise one singer at the expense of the other. I believe the word "haters" can go both ways in this situation. And, once again, why ignite the Fan Wars? It's time for all of us to get over them. Adam and Kris certainly have. Time to wish these very different singers success in their careers - one doesn't take away from the other. Let's hear good things about both young men.
2 years agoby @milkofparadiseFlag
Snappy
Wow, the Glamberts show up everywhere don't they? If Adam is so talented, then there isn't any need to defend him. His talent will win out. However, he messed up with his AMA performance, and unfortunately, this will leave an impression that few will forgive or forget. Sure, Adam may have sold more albums out of the gate than Kris, but, he isn't getting any radio play or winning new fans. Whereas, it's just the opposite with Kris - sort of like the little engine who could. Success isn't measured by a few short weeks of cd sales = it's a marathon, and I predict Adam will come up short in the long run.
2 years agoby @snappyFlag
Jurnee
BTW, just watched the video link you posted and it proves my point about a direct singing comparison more eloquently than words ever can. Kris - strained and pitchy; Adam - effortless, at ease with the audience and note perfect.
2 years agoby @jurneeFlag
Jurnee
Adam has stood on stage MANY times with only a small band or singing solo - no dancing, no theater. There are videos all over YouTube with him doing just that including a hauntingly beautiful performance with Noa Dori singing SHIR LASHALOM http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNb2Qsh0F_Q . Chris is good and I won't take anything away from him but if you stand him and Adam on stage doing the same thing, Adam is the more mesmerizing , exciting performer and can sing circles around Chris. When he adds the theatrical part it's just icing on the already delicious package that is Adam.
2 years agoby @jurneeFlag
Milkofparadise
Dear Justin Case - Again - Lambert sang "Whataya Want from Me" and "Music Again." Would appreciate your letting me know what the third song was. I watched the entire show and never saw a third. You said you heard over-the-top lyrics that pointed to only one thing. What was that thing, please? His performance is on the web - if there's a third you should be able to track it down.
2 years agoby @milkofparadiseFlag
justincase
@Milk - I can't recall exactly. It was the CBS Early Show that picked up after he got dumped from the GMA after the AMAs.
I distinctly remember he did one song and then did 2 more. Whataya Want from Me was one of the songs in that 2nd set - separated by a commercial. Not sure what your point was, but after stumbling on it that morning, I did have to see what the scoop was. I don't really think those lyrics are all that objectionable... You've got a point.
2 years agoby @justincaseFlag
Milkofparadise
Justin Case - what three songs did Lambert sing on The Early Show on CBS? I only heard two - Whataya Want from Me and Music Again. Neither of these have objectionable lyrics. Did you actually watch the show as you said you did? Hmmmmmm
2 years agoby @milkofparadiseFlag
LeahB
I could not stand Lambert from the time I first heard his screech. His over-the-top fans (Glamberts/Sparkle Cows, whatever) are similar, to the Claymates of old, but with a much darker side. I suspect there were not as many individuals that disagreed with you since these Lambert freaks are known to spam articles like this and use different names. As is evident by may of the comments here, Lambert freaks live in their own little world of unnatural obsession) Lambert and the Glamberts/Sparkle Cows need to fade into the woodwork, just like Aiken and his Claymates have. Tomorrow won't be soon enough.
2 years agoby @leahbFlag
Milkofparadise
Thanks for igniting the Great Fan War again - Dope
2 years agoby @milkofparadiseFlag
Steve243
Musicians in the professional opera community published an article in which they evaluated Adam's talent. They used superlatives. While Kris does have some talent constantly comparing him with Adam is not kind.
2 years agoby @steve243Flag
Eva
I missed Kris on the SYTYCD. To quote my mom: The American Idol winner just sang on TV. He's out of breathe." Oh, well that says it all especially coming from an unbias, casual viewer.
Adam did no betray the "American Idol" and his FANS. He's always true to himself. He's a versatile singer/performer, which others misunderstood as him being a poseur. Adam is very sexual..if you look closely into his performances (mostly shot above the waist ) during the show, he's already pushing buttons. And if you're a FAN and not just a casual viewer of the American Idol who watched him live on tour or his hot, sexy youtube feeds of the tour, you shouldn't be surprised with the songs on his album and the AMA's. Adam was the draw during the idol tour (his fans drove miles just to watch him over and over again). Despite having the lowest viewership in the history of AI, coupled with bad economy, the tour generated the same amount of sale as last year's with BIG "Davids" on it.
And in terms of "my idol is better than yours" it's all in taste and preference and I won't comment on that. However, it's nice to see which music, singing, or performance style are preferred by the majority. This I can say, it's the one who sold 3 times more album than the other in a short period of time.
2 years agoby @evaFlag
Ooi
Whatever... Adam Lambert & Kris Allen are both singing in different genres and targeting different markets and listeners. Why compare?
All I can say is that the INTERNATIONAL market is waiting for Adam! Europe and Asia are waiting for you!
As for Kris, hey he can play in every state and town in America for all I care! Good luck to him!
- Ooi from Singapore
2 years agoby @ooiFlag