It is the end of an era, as tonight will wrap the two-part finale of the fifteenth and final season of American Idol.
Although my interest has waned over the last several seasons, this show will always hold a special place in my heart. For many years I was glued to my TV– phone in hand, ready to vote immediately after Ryan said, “Phone lines are open!” I’ve cheered on many contestants and purchased countless albums and singles. And as the ‘Best-Of’ compilation lists and retrospectives continue to fill my social media feeds this week with feels (and maybe a few tears!), I’ve decided to share my piece.
Ultimately, Idol introduced me to a voice that undoubtedly changed my life forever — Adam Lambert. There were truly tons of fantastic artists who’ve come off this show, no doubt. But none as remarkable to me as Adam. With a swagger invoking Elvisy undertones, a smile that can light up an entire arena and vocals that SLAY, this man was born to perform! The Season 8 runner-up easily became my favorite recording artist ever since.
Because I’m feeling all nostalgic, let’s revisit some of my favorite Adam Lambert performances on American Idol! Adam has returned the show every season in some capacity, so I’m including return performances as well!
Mad World (Year They Were Born Week)
I’m including this one because it is the obligatory song! Of course, it was absolutely gorgeous–and happens to be the only time Simon Cowell gave a standing ovation–but it’s not even my favorite, believe it or not! It is, however, the revered performance that everyone mentions when they talk about Adam on Idol.
Aftermath (2011 Visit)
In 2011, the anti-bully movement really started to ramp up. From P!nk to Katy Perry to Lady Gaga, empowerment was all over pop music. The ‘It Gets Better’ campaign championed LGBT rights and reminded kids all over the internet that they are not alone. It was the perfect moment for Adam to return to the Idol stage to perform this inspiring song off his 2009 debut album, For Your Entertainment.
If I Can’t Have You (Disco Week)
From week to week on the show, Adam would troll the competition so hard by changing arrangements and surprising the judges and audience. I admittedly hadn’t watched this one back in quite some time until now and it made me emotional all over again! FEELS! *brb, sobbing*
Satisfaction (Semifinals)
This was fairly early in the competition. And this was the clear moment when I fell in love with him, no doubt. That sexy smirk and smize at the camera? Dead. That insane note with the runs at the end? Slayed. Done. Signed, sealed, delivered–I’m yours, baby. You give me all the satisfaction!
Ring of Fire (Grand Ole Opry Week)
One of his most polarizing performances on the show. His eyes. His smile. His hair. HIS VOICE. I thought this arrangement was so unique and beautiful. This was Top 11 and I was in deep. He could’ve sung the phone book at this point and I would’ve been on board.
A Change Is Gonna Come (Finale)
This is when Paula told him, “I know with every fiber of my being, you are gonna be iconic.” And after watching that again after quite awhile, I am in tears again. His suit! The emotion! His RANGE, good lord! Where’d this boy come from!?!?
Titanium (2013 Visit)
Adam returned to the show to perform this duet with Season 12 finalist, Angie Miller. This is a stripped-down, beautiful piano version of the EDM track and they nailed it. Their voices complimented each other brilliantly.
Track of My Tears (Motown Week)
He stripped this one down too, and man–my heart. Not enough emojis in the world to sum up how this song made me feel things. Adam, keep ~stripping!
Bohemian Rhapsody ‘Re-audition’ (2015 Guest Judge)
When Keith Urban was out for a stop at Season 14 auditions, Adam stepped in alongside J.Lo and Harry Connick, Jr. as a guest judge. (Sidebar, that season’s winner, Nick Fradiani auditioned while Adam was filling in!) But at one point, Harry jokingly asked Adam to recreate his Season 8 audition and it was absolute full circle perfection realness!
Feeling Good (Rat Pack Standards)
Three things pissed me off about this performance. IT WAS ONE OF MY FAVORITES.
1.) Adam basically broke this song. No one on any singing show ever again could possibly do a rendition of that song as perfectly. And oh trust, they’ve tried. Bye, Felicia.
2.) THE STRUT DOWN THE STAIRS. Honey, don’t fall! I was so nervous! But he’s a pro, he nailed it. Oh and then everyone was all stealing this entrance idea.
3.) This performance landed him in the BOTTOM THREE that week. C’mon, what!??! I remember being very upset about that! I mean. He obviously ended up being safe, but WTAF?
Welcome To The Show (Season 15 visit)
This was his most recent and final return to the show as the series says goodbye. Adam surprised fans by randomly dropping this song and then performing it with Laleh on the show! He. Was. So. Freakin’. Excited! His pure joy was infectious.
American Idol brought this amazing artist into my life seven years ago and for that, I am truly grateful. His voice feels like a hug from a good friend; it is comfort and warmth.
–Lisa Gold, 96.5 TIC
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