6.14.12 Adam News and Info

The whole GAY GAY GAY emphasis over the music emphasis is getting old. Unfortunately, that was the initial media sensation around Adam after coming off conservative American Idol, and so the gay is part of the initial way Adam was discussed in the press, and that has stuck.

It doesn't help that sometimes lazy media seems to just repeat what has been said before.

I have often noted that Adam uses the word "notorious" to discuss his fame in interviews rather than the word famous.

He really is stuck between a rock and a hard place as he has often mentioned. All the PR issues he deals with are so complex.

Take winning the billboard sexiest male pop star vote. For most guys, end of story. For Adam, the story broadens to the story of "openly gay male" winning sexiest male pop star. That subtext pulls in a bigger reaction for subsequent articles and mentions, on line audience or not.

It puts an openly gay man out there as a sex symbol, which is good for America culturally; on the other hand, Adam gets some push back by those who are still uncomfortable with this idea, and who may not be open to his music because of it.

I know this poll does not affect much of anything, but it is a microcosm of the kind of
problem Adam faces in making pop music. It should be all about the music, but it often isn't. There are so many other factors.

For example, it is often about sex appeal, and Adam has that in spades. When Adam performs, it is sexy. Period. Some (yes, me) love that energy; others are still afraid of and/or threatened by that.

It makes for tricky marketing. And so, today, I am patient. Adam is still trespassing. He knows it and so do I. I want that to change for him individually as an artist, and for our greater society as human beings, and it is in the process of changing, so I continue to do all I can to support his talent. Adam has opened doors and will open more. His talent is out there and it is huge and undeniable; successes and opportunities will come.

He may be trespassing now, but my ass, he is coming in and sitting down at America's table, so get ready.

Ultimately, Adam, and those that follow him, will be invited guests.


I, Too

I, too, sing America.

I am the darker brother.
They send me to eat in the kitchen
When company comes,
But I laugh,
And eat well,
And grow strong.

Tomorrow,
I'll be at the table
When company comes.
Nobody'll dare
Say to me,
"Eat in the kitchen,"
Then.

Besides,
They'll see how beautiful I am
And be ashamed--

I, too, am America.


Langston Hughes