Adam Lambert, known for his time on “American Idol,” has spoken openly about the artists who have influenced him. One of those artists is George Michael, whose impact goes beyond just music. Even years after his passing, Michael’s legacy continues to resonate with many in the music industry, including Lambert.
On September 27, 2026, Lambert had the opportunity to pay tribute to Michael during a performance at the MTV Video Music Awards in Los Angeles. Leading up to the tribute, Lambert reflected on how Michael has shaped his own life. He mentioned that while growing up, Michael and Michael Jackson were his two favorite male artists, highlighting the significant role they played in his development as a musician.
Lambert admired Michael not only for his vocal talent and songwriting but also for how he handled coming out. After his arrest in 1998 for a lewd act in a park, Michael felt compelled to disclose his sexuality in an interview with CNN. Lambert remarked that Michael handled this difficult situation with poise and confidence, standing up for himself against the media. Lambert expressed his pride in how Michael addressed his identity and the importance of that moment for the LGBTQ+ community.
George Michael had a long relationship with Kenny Goss that ended in 2011, but he did not plan on revealing his sexuality in the way that he did. He later shared that coming out did not make his life easier; in fact, it made things more complicated. In a 2014 interview with the BBC, he noted that the media took pleasure in the idea that he had once appealed to a straight audience and worked to undermine that image. He mentioned that some people still held on to the belief that he would eventually find the right woman, a misconception he found frustrating.
Earlier, in a 2007 interview with The Independent, Michael discussed how hiding his sexuality affected him deeply, stating that he initially kept it private to protect his mother. He explained that he loved his family and was concerned about how they would react, especially given the stigma around being gay during the 1980s and 1990s. Michael wished he had come out earlier, admitting that it may have changed his career path but would have made him happier.
What are your thoughts on George Michael’s influence on artists like Adam Lambert?
Sources:
Source: Amo Media