9.30.15 Don't Stop Them Now Finale

I had some free time, so I exercised my brain and translated the El Mercurio article. Whew.

Adam Lambert: The idea isn't to imitate Freddie Mercury

The US singer who is on tour with Queen as their current vocalist talks about his evolution with the British band and the projects of his own career.

"A gift from God" and "a more theatrical Elvis." Those are the compliments the original members of Queen, Brian May and Roger Taylor, have used to refer to Adam Lambert, the American who since 2011 has been the vocalist for the legendary British band, in the place formerly held by Freddie Mercury.

The musicians have reason to praise Lambert, who is gifted with a voice and range that fits perfectly with Queen's style. "Adam is phenomenal. He has a technical ability better than 99.9% of singers in the world," explains May in an interview before the joint tour that takes place today in Santiago.

Queen and Lambert met on the final of the talent show American Idol in 2009, where they performed "We are the Champions" together. Lambert, who auditioned with "Bohemian Rhapsody," was a finalist on the show, and although coming in second has become one of the successes of the show. "After that we remained in contact. We all felt a connection, we talked together and realized we functioned well and we began to work together," remembers Lambert. The decision wasn't easy for him. "At first I was definitely apprehensive, because i wasn't sure if I was prepared to take on the responsibility, or if the band's fans would accept me. It has been a process. When it began, I thought that it went well, but now it has become much stronger and instinctive.

The 33-year-old singer received "El Mercurio" in a Santiago hotel dressed like a glamorous rock star. Thick makeup [really??], nails painted black, tattoos. His extravagant look, even more exacerbated on stage, fits well with that made famous by Freddie Mercury, but it is one that Lambert cultivated during the beginnings of his musical career. "I admire Freddie very much as an interpreter and composer. I think that we also have in common that we both are very free on stage, he was very impulsive and did whatever he wanted to do and that's how I like to sing," he recounts. It is clear, however, that he is his own artist. "I should be clear and honest," he explains. "I listen to the words of the songs and apply the intent to my life. It helps to have Brian and Roger to talk to and understand why they wrote those words.

Although Nay and Taylor are 68 and 66 years old, respectively, Lambert is sure he hasn't noticed the generation gap in his years with the group. "Especially when we're on stage, we are only men making music. Obviously they have lived more than I have, and i recognize that, and try to pay attention and learn. It is clear that we have a lot in common and I understand where they come from, their history and their legacy, I've studied that. Getting into this, I felt it was important to be respectful. But at the same time to bring my own experience, and I think they like that."

Lambert says that his collaboration with queen doesn't have an ending date, although he is also focused on his own career as a soloist. In April he released his third album, "The Original High" which debuted in third place on the Billboard 200. In January 2016 he'll start a promotional tour in Australia and Asia.

And with a career on the rise, the singer doesn't forget where he came from. "American Idol put me on the map, I am very grateful because I don't know if I would be here without them, this is a very complicated industry," he says. Coming from a reality show, it is clear, also has created some obstacles. "There is a little bit of stigma and rejection, because there is a perception that one has taken an easy road and that one isn't really an artist because you are from a TV show. It is a little frustrating, but it makes me work harder."

Hi Theosgama and Dancygeorgia! Don't mean to butt in on your ticket sale but I also have 3 tickets and need only one if anyone is interested.
I have 2 tickets in row P center #315 and 316.
I have 1 ticket in row E center #309.

I only need 1 ticket. I am traveling alone to Cleveland. 

I feel the same about animals killed and stuffed. Or killing animals for sport in general. But I will go with shosh saying it wasn't real.  I can't imagine Adam holding still for a real animal in the shoot and then facing Dr. Bri.. I still will not post it to my FB as I have friends at the San Diego Zoo and they still would pound me!

 graciejane