Adam Lambert on Chinese Idol: To be an idol you have to be yourself

Translated from ChinaDaily interview http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/micro-reading/dzh/2013-04-24/content_8852631.html by @hcluless

2013-04-24

[Highlight] Adam Lambert: I was a faithful fan of American Idol. I liked it and watched it for years.
Adam Lambert: I think you should know exactly who you are and what set you apart from everybody else. That’s one of the things that make you and Idol.
Adam Lambert: Song choice is very important. You should pick songs that the audience is familiar with, but also favorites of yours.

[imgage] Adam Lambert and Ent.163.com mascot http://ent.southcn.com/8/images/attachement/jpg/site4/20130424/35/9696986532269674875.jpg
[imgage] Adam Lambert and Ent.163.com mascot http://ent.southcn.com/8/images/attachement/jpg/site4/20130424/59/3351311376014638023.jpg
[image] Adam Lambert and Ent.163.com mascot http://ent.southcn.com/8/images/attachement/jpg/site4/20130424/78/11544248402845712234.jpg
[imgage] Adam Lambert http://ent.southcn.com/8/images/attachement/jpg/site4/20130424/40/3782267255271485264.jpg
[imgage] Adam Lambert http://ent.southcn.com/8/images/attachement/jpg/site4/20130424/74/3974846354101097634.jpg
[imgage] Adam Lambert http://ent.southcn.com/8/images/attachement/jpg/site4/20130424/67/13658526134960195543.jpg
[imgage] Adam Lambert http://ent.southcn.com/8/images/attachement/jpg/site4/20130424/52/16984122102428053428.jpg
[imgae] Adam Lambert http://ent.southcn.com/8/images/attachement/jpg/site4/20130424/79/2472626818602903207.jpg
[image] Adam Lambert http://ent.southcn.com/8/images/attachement/jpg/site4/20130424/21/6784487374242328873.jpg

Special report by 网易娱乐 on 4/24/2013 by 三生凉茶 JJ of our Shanghai Team

Season 8 of American Idol led the global audience to the discovery the musical genius Adam Lambert. He attracted a global audience of TV viewers and media with his splendid and limitless vocal and ever changing stage performance. Today, Adam Lambert joins Chinese Idol as an ambassador of Talent Recruit. On April 23rd, Adam Lambert sat down for an interview with us; using his own experience to encourage the contestants who will be appearing on Chinese Idol. He confessed that through the platform of American Idol, his life underwent dramatic transformation. He also said that only those who stay true to themselves in front of the camera might have chances of becoming bona fide idols on stage.


“The judges’ criticism can make you a better artist”


Entertainment 163: Why did you audition for American Idol? Did the show have a big impact on you?
Adam Lambert: I was a faithful American Idol watcher. I’ve always liked the show. I didn’t audition until season 8 because I was not ready for it. Before that I didn’t know what I want or what I should be doing. When season 8 came up, I had this strong urge to audition. American Idol changed my life. Before that I was performing in LA musical theatres and I auditioned for American Idol because it was the best and fastest way to get myself known to a huge audience. Because of this show, I have a big fan base that adores me; and it enabled me to have a singing career.

Entertainment 163: Was there any difficult time during your American Idol run?
Adam Lambert: It’s a competition, so there certainly were times of anxiety and frustration. I always had to pick through song lists to find the songs that suited me. I had to figure out how to struck a chord with the audience singing these songs. It was very stressful; also you had to be prepared to face some doubts others might have about you.

Entertainment 163: During the competition, it’s a given that some judges will like you and some don’t. How did you deal with the critiques?
Adam Lambert: Reality show judges are obligated to point out the good part and the bad part of a performance. Even if they point out something they don’t like, it’s for the contestants’ own improvement. It’s not easy to be a performer and they have to help you set a balance between what you want to do and what you have to do. The evaluation the judges give you can help you become more popular with the audience. We all received a variety of critiques, and there were no right or wrong opinions. I usually said ‘Thank you’ when critiques were given on stage. When I got back to my room I thought carefully about these suggestions. Some I agreed with, and those that I don’t I’d just put them aside. If you want to be a good artist, it’s very important to listen to your heart.

Entertainment 163: You sang Mad World more than once during American Idol. You sang it again for the debut of Chinese Idol. Can you tell us what this song means to you?
Adam Lambert: Yes, this song is very meaningful to me. Its lyrics have impacts too. Although many songs I sang during American Idol were special to me; this song was a favorite with the audience. For my participation with Chinese Idol, I wanted to sing a song that both the audience and I will enjoy; so I chose Mad World.


"Only those who stay true to themselves can be true Idols"


Entertainment 163: Right now Chinese Idol is in audition frenzy. Will you give the contestants some advice?
Adam Lambert: I think first of all you have know what’s your niche. What sets you apart from the others. This is one of the idol elements. You need to choose songs that suit your style and vocal ability, and stay true to yourself in front of the cameras. People like a singer who is real and sincere, so know who you are and stay true to yourself is very important.

Entertainment 163: The songs you pick during the competition won accolades. Can you tell us your tips for song choice?
Adam Lambert: Choosing the right song is very important. Pick songs you like and the audience is familiar with. But I also think you should stick to your own style and define your own brand. Because the audience needs to know what kind of singer you will be.

Entertainment 163: You always have unique styling that stood out. What’s your idea in fashion?
Adam Lambert: I think hair, makeup and clothes are your personal symbol. I want to look different everyday. Maybe today I dress in Rock and Roll style and tomorrow I’m laid back. It all depends on my mood.

Entertainment 163: Will you change your music style because of the audience’s preference?
Adam Lambert: If I overstressed on people’s opinions, I won’t be able to have a singing career. You need to make choices all the time and develop your own style through this process. As a pop singer I certainly hope more people would like my music. But first you need to know what you want, then consider how to meet the audience’s expectation.

Entertainment 163: Do you have plans to enter the Chinese entertainment market?
Adam Lambert: Oh, I thought I’m already in the Chinese market. I have many fans here and my singles and albums were launched here already. The Chinese edition of my album is the same as my American one. If my fans want me to come perform here more often, I will.

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