Top 2: Adam Lambert

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Idol Thoughts on Adam Lambert

Yesterday, the Web was percolating with the news that Adam Lambert, this year's "American Idol" runner-up, is gay. To most of us who were Adams' fans, that was not "news." Knowing he was gay or not doesn't change the fact that he is a talented artist.  Throughout the competition he was gracious to the judges and kind towards his fellow contestants. Each week he spiced up the show with his edgy interpretations of different songs. 

Okay.  So he wore black nail polish and eye liner.  This is not shocking to anyone familiar with the history of rock music.  The 1970s: the Glam Rock of Ziggy Stardust (we know him as David Bowie), KISS, Alice Cooper, Elton John. The 1980s: the New Wave bands, Adam Ant, the Goth Rock of The Cure. the Big Hair Metal Bands.  Next to some of these rockers, Adam's style is rather tame.

Still, who could possibly care about his sexual orientation or the fact that he wears nail polish when you hear him sing with such gorgeous full tones, extraordinary range, and passionate storytelling?  

I can't believe I'm admitting this, but when Adam sang the Gary Jules' and Michael Andrews' version of Tears for Fears' "Mad World," I actually bawled my eyes out.  It was the most soul-wrenching aural and emotional experience I had felt in a long time, particularly since I have been dealing with an equally soul-wrenching heartbreak.  But I have to thank Adam for touching me in this way, hard as it is to admit such emotional outpourings.  He brought joy back in to my life with his music.

Namaste.