What Happened to Adam Lambert?
Adam Lambert rose to international fame as the runner-up on American Idol in 2009, quickly establishing a successful solo career with hit albums like "For Your Entertainment" and the chart-topping "Trespassing." Beyond his solo work, he has become renowned as the lead vocalist for Queen + Adam Lambert, touring globally and honoring Freddie Mercury's legacy. In 2026, Lambert is releasing his sixth studio album, "ADAM," alongside a series of solo shows, while continuing his advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights through his Feel Something Foundation.
Quick Answer
Adam Lambert remains a prominent figure in music, actively releasing new solo material and performing. In 2026, he is set to release his sixth studio album, "ADAM," on July 10, preceded by singles "Eat U Alive" and "Under The Rhythm." He is also performing a series of solo album-release shows in July 2026 across the UK, Europe, and the US. While Queen + Adam Lambert are currently on a break with no immediate tour plans, Lambert has expressed openness to future collaborations. He also made his Broadway debut in "Cabaret" in 2024 and starred in "Jesus Christ Superstar" in 2025.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline15 events
Born in Indianapolis, Indiana
Adam Mitchel Lambert was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, and later moved to San Diego, California, where he began performing in local theater at age nine.
American Idol Runner-Up
Lambert rose to national prominence as the runner-up on the eighth season of the popular reality singing competition, American Idol.
Debut Album 'For Your Entertainment' Released
His debut studio album, 'For Your Entertainment,' was released, featuring the hit single 'Whataya Want from Me,' which earned him a Grammy nomination.
Begins Touring with Queen
Adam Lambert began performing as the lead vocalist for the legendary rock band Queen, forming the successful collaboration known as Queen + Adam Lambert.
Second Album 'Trespassing' Released
His second album, 'Trespassing,' debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, making him the first openly gay artist to top the album charts.
Third Album 'The Original High' Released
Lambert released 'The Original High,' his first album with Warner Bros. Records, which included the successful single 'Ghost Town' and debuted at number three on the Billboard 200.
Founds Feel Something Foundation
Lambert established the Feel Something Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ and human rights.
Fourth Album 'Velvet' Released
His fourth studio album, 'Velvet,' was released, showcasing a blend of glam, funk, and pop influences.
Queen + Adam Lambert 'Live Around the World' Album Released
Queen + Adam Lambert released their first live album, 'Live Around the World,' which debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart.
Broadway Debut in 'Cabaret'
Lambert made his Broadway debut, taking on the role of the Emcee in the revival of 'Cabaret,' a role he performed until March 2025.
Stars in 'Jesus Christ Superstar' at Hollywood Bowl
He starred as Judas in a critically acclaimed production of 'Jesus Christ Superstar' at the Hollywood Bowl alongside Cynthia Erivo.
Split from Boyfriend Oliver Gliese
TMZ reported that Lambert and his boyfriend of over four years, Oliver Gliese, amicably ended their relationship.
Releases Single 'Eat U Alive'
Lambert released 'Eat U Alive,' the lead single from his upcoming sixth studio album, 'ADAM.'
Releases Single 'Under The Rhythm'
He released 'Under The Rhythm,' the second single from his forthcoming album 'ADAM,' accompanied by a music video.
Sixth Studio Album 'ADAM' to be Released
Adam Lambert is set to release his sixth full-length studio album, 'ADAM,' which he describes as drawing heavily from 1990s alternative music and electronica.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Adam Lambert first captivated audiences as the runner-up on the eighth season of American Idol in 2009, where his powerful vocals and theatrical stage presence quickly made him a fan favorite. His debut album, For Your Entertainment (2009), spawned the Grammy-nominated hit "Whataya Want from Me" and debuted at number three on the Billboard 200. He made history with his second studio album, Trespassing (2012), which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, making him the first openly gay artist to achieve this milestone.
Beyond his solo success, Lambert's career took a significant turn when he began performing as the lead vocalist for Queen + Adam Lambert in 2012, a collaboration that has seen him tour extensively worldwide, honoring the legacy of Freddie Mercury. This partnership has been highly successful, including the release of the live album Live Around the World in 2020, which topped the UK Albums Chart. In 2015, he released his third solo album, The Original High, which featured the hit single "Ghost Town" and debuted at number three on the Billboard 200.
Lambert continued to explore his artistic range with his fourth studio album, Velvet (2020), which delved into '70s and '80s glam and funk influences. In late 2019, he founded the non-profit Feel Something Foundation, dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ and human rights initiatives, focusing on education, mental health, suicide prevention, and homelessness. His acting career also expanded, with roles in television series like Glee, a cameo in the Oscar-winning film Bohemian Rhapsody, and a starring role in the Sofia Coppola-produced film Fairyland (2023).
In 2024, Lambert made his Broadway debut, replacing Eddie Redmayne as the Emcee in the revival of Cabaret, a role he held until March 2025. Following this, he starred as Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar at the Hollywood Bowl in 2025, receiving rave reviews. As of 2026, Adam Lambert is in a new solo era, with Queen + Adam Lambert currently on a break, though Lambert remains open to future performances with the band. He released the singles "Eat U Alive" in May 2026 and "Under The Rhythm" in June 2026, both from his highly anticipated sixth studio album, "ADAM," which is scheduled for release on July 10, 2026. He is also embarking on a series of intimate album-release shows in July 2026 across the US, UK, and Germany. In June 2026, Lambert spoke about the significant progress in LGBTQ+ rights during Pride Month, reflecting on the changes since he began his career.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Adam Lambert made different choices?