Virtually anointed the winner by the Idol-watching media and fans, 27-year-old Adam Lambert can trace his formative musical years back to when he grew up in San Diego, as a recent article in the San Diego Union-Tribune covered. The Mt. Carmel High School graduate grew up in Rancho Penasquitos and began performing at age 9 with Metropolitan Educational Theatre network and Broadway Bound Youth Theatre groups. In San Diego, he started in the ensemble of “You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown” and ended up playing lead roles in “Big River,” “The Secret Garden” and “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.” Lambert moved to Los Angeles in 2000 and eventually landed stints in a number of theatrical productions including the touring production of "Wicked." Which explains his theatrical bombast.
Here are more Adam Lambert facts, courtesy of the San Diego Union-Tribune:
Family: Adam Lambert's father, Eber Lambert, is director of program management for San Diego's Novatel Wireless. He lives in South Park and hosts open-mic poetry nights at Rebecca's coffeehouse. Lambert's mother, Leila, is an interior designer who lives outside San Francisco. Younger brother Neil is a graduate of University of California Santa Cruz.
Education: Lambert grew up in Rancho Peñasquitos and attended Deer Canyon Elementary School, Mesa Verde Middle School and Mt. Carmel High School.
Theater education: Productions with the Metropolitan Educational Theatre network and Broadway Bound Youth Theatre groups; theater, choir and jazz band at Mt. Carmel High.
Professional experience: National tour of “Wicked”; Pantages Theatre production of “Wicked”; musical version of “The Ten Commandments” at the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles; and “The Zodiac Show,” a cabaret review at the Avalon Hollywood.
For everything you need to know about American Idol, check out Latoya West's American Idol pages on About.com
Comments
Interesting article.
Not sure why you felt the need to include the name calling, though….
I think you forgot these names: mesmerizing, enchanting, spectacular, amazing, awesome,
fascinating, unbelievably talented, and destined for greatness.
Very appropriate to remember …. “Those who can do …. those who can’t – review.” The kid’s got amazing talent … what do you have other than a sharp tonge?
Not sure what the comments on his physical artistry have to do with his talent as a singer, which is by and far greater than your talent as a “writer”. If we are judging by looks, then all I can say is that I do not know if you are a man or a woman, in either case, jealousy only makes you more unattractive.
Wow! I typically don’t like to share in the kind of vitriol you spew but in this case I will make an exception. Based on your picture… you look like a drag-queen… and not a good one. I find it very funny that other contestants have their home town and states supporting them and organizing events for them and then there is San Diego and people like you. Are you the type of person that lives in San Diego? If I were one of your fellow residents I would be more than embarrassed by you.
Inigo Figuracion you are an idiot! What mad skills do you have in art, culture, musical appreciation? Are you even qualfied to write an entertainment piece? Do you realize how fantastic “Cher/Patti LaBelle” are and how much of rock history they solidify? To even be able to sing any of their songs and do it well shows a God Given Talent. By the way Adam Lambert took a Cher song Believe and made it his own during the top 36 and it got him in the finals! Your commentary, “throwing on an outfit from Hot Topic and glopping on some man-scara does not a rocker make.” Just slammed practically all rocker musicians/singer/performers from the 70, 80’s and early 90s! You need a history lesson on rock thru the ages and you should get it before you write another review like this. You just showed EVERYBODY what a complete bafoon you are. It is one thing to have an opinion on your personal taste it is a whole other to slam the history of rock and roll. Oh and by the way Adam Lambert is lauded by so many professionals, not just the judges on this show that you should look past your bias to see what everyone is really applauding and that is his raw talent.
Inigo? Female trapped in a man’s body? Male trapped in a female body? Sorry, but I see some deep-seeded issues that you need to address with a therapist, instead of placing your unhappiness on someone who is comfortable in their own skin, knows who he is, voice that is mad out of this planet, fantastic looking, confident, passionate performer…just what we need, especially in these times! Adam is “IT” He has it all. I’m sorry to say but you, my dear, belong in the bottom one tonight!
The people in San Diego must be so proud of Adam and so ashamed of you!
Perhaps it is time to turn your column over to someone who is not so hateful?
We are witnessing the rise of a Rock’n'Roll Superstar. A very talented, classy, humble man.
Someone who has more talent than any other performer I have seen in the past 35 years.
Perhaps you could learn some lessons from him?
We love you, Adam!!
Millions of us!!
Hmnnn, you’re sounding just a little homophobic?!? This is actually the one season I have watched in it’s entirety as finally they have a contestant that is “not like all the rest” I think Lambert is amazing and more creative than anyone I ‘ve seen thus far on the show. – I only hope that the rest of America isn’t as close minded and homophobic as you are.
Inigo- you are one screw person- I can’t even tell if you are a woman or a man from your photo. What are you? a hybrid? You are not in the league to be critical of Adam.
Who cares about your opinion. You are just a roach happened to land a spot on About.com, writing like a 3 year child. You obviously need to clean the wax out of your ears since you can’t hear the beautiful music of Adam’s.
Go suck an eggg and choke on it.
For someone who is homophobic, you sure do look pretty gay yourself. Your pic is quite hilarious. As for Adam, he is amazing. You should be ashamed of yourself. you are an idiot. He is beautiful, talented, gifted, sexy and one of the hottest singers I have ever heard. you make me sick!
Boy, now I know never to incur the wrath or Idol-lovers. Chill out everyone, it’s just my opinion. Homophobe? Me? I think not. Most of you miss the point – I’m commenting on the affectations of Lambert, not the person. I’m sure he’s a fine man. But if you’ve followed (and written about) music for as long as I have, you wouldn’t think of him as innovative (well, maybe in Idol-dom he is). It’s all been done before. But to all of you who think he’s a breath of fresh air, good for you.
And that’s the beauty of music.
Wow! Did Adam reject you as a lover? What is wrong with you? You absolutly! should be fired as a critic! you have no idea what the heck you are talking about.
Adam like it or not, has work hard his craft! he should be applauded for his effort and talent.
You should apologize for been so hateful.
Wow, I think your most offensive comment is the “hot topic” slur. Adam is way too fashionable and stylish to resort to Hot Topic.
Adam rocks, and you don’t. That’s it, that’s all.
Inigo- you said in your reply that you area professional writer for years and you know music better because of your writing experience. Having years of experience in your field of specialty does not make you an expert. Bernie Madoff was an “expert” in his field and in his haydays. You are no better off than Bernie Madoff.
Wow, hate much? I can’t for the life of me understand why people continue to bash Adam on a personal level. And you talk about reviewing music. As I see it, you reviewed the person. Nice try.
Inigo, Indigo….look in the mirror and your name on your birth certificate before you comment on anyone else!!!
And who the hell is paying you for this blog?Seriously, have you had a sex change? If so, which way did you go?
Inigo, I am appauled. You are speaking of a clearly talented and incredibly dedicated young man. His voice has range, power and artistry like I’ve never heard. His style is refreshing and unique….not to mention consistant to his character (not a poser). His stage presence is imaginative and natural. Bottom line, Adam Lambert shares God Given performance talent with whoever he can, never pushing an agenda onto others (which it would seem that you do in a deep rooted effort to hide your own ill-accomplished insecurities). You list yourself as a “guide to San Diego,” and I certainly hope that this is not the case. We and the entire country share significant pride and addoration of Adam. And even though I could have plenty to say about you and your “skills,” resorting to name calling belongs in Junior High (as does your writing level). Please think before you post. And if you want to critique something for which evidence would show that you have NO knowledge or experience, please consult with an expert before hammering on your keyboard!
RARE!! Adam Lambert age 12! Playing a girl!
you GOTTA see this amazing performance in such a young age……
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRlvinJaWjA
i went to deer canyon & i am currently at Mesa Verde right nowwww. ! ahh (:
You know I think you have forgotten your manners. Or does wrting for a small forgetable blog entitle you to throw slurs and insults. You don’t have to like Adam but at least you should give him credit for being brave enough to put himself out there. Why are are the truly gifted people in this world shown disdain and ridicule. You might try cleaning out your ears and give all his songs another listen.
Actually Adam’s old high school community is going to have him come see the high school students tomorrow, this was initiated by the drama comittee from Mt.Carmel. We are very supportive of his endeavors.
Wow; you guys should really chill out! This is just one opinion and he is entitled. I’m sure that Adam is a wonderful guy and he is very talented! Do I see him as an American Idol? No. Do I see him on Broadway? A definite yes! He’s a little too showy for me (as an Idol) but I do appreciate his talents! Hope you all have a great day and I wish Adam all the best!!
You know just because you write about something doesn’t make you an expert. Adam is not my favorite (that would be Kris Allen) but give me a break. You should reexamine your writing skills. You come across as bitter. I think you are the real wanna be. Those who can do it. Those who can’t become bitter writers who like to personally rip people apart. Shame on you. There are classy and professional ways to be critical but you are obviously neither.
He may be entitled to his opinion, but i’m entitled to think he’s stupid.
This blogger may be entitled to his opinion, but I’m entitled to think he’s stupid. (and deaf)
What kind of jerk reporter/newswriter are you? I hope they fire you for stupity. By the wya, Adam Lambert is fantastic. Your photo looks like Spector and pretty darn gay!
Having gone to mesa verde and mt carmel with him, and having sang with him in many of those productions, I have to say that you couldn’t be more wrong. I find it unbelievably funny that you would go through all that trouble to insult adam in the manner that you do, when you turn are 1.) draggish looking yourself 2.) cheesy looking as well 3.)a WANNABE writer . You write for about.com. We stumble upon your articles because they millions of people write on on here for free… you really need to find something else to ridicule because ADAM is not only full of talent, but if you have ever met him… you would know that hes really is the biggest sweetheart. Rancho Penasquitos will make sure he wins.
PS: get a life .
Inigo, I’m from Israel and people like you make me think twice of my appreciation to the Americans. I hope most of the Americans think differently and despise you ignorant opinions, cause they really should!
You should be ashamed of yourself!!
And as for ADAM, he’s not longer belong to the U.S only, he’s now embraced by the whole world, and ugly things like you said, make us, international citizens, want to interfere and stand for ADAM.
Adam, millions of people from all around the globes love you so much, you can’t imagine. The love for you as crossed oceans and every piece of land on this earth is honored by your greatness.
REMEMBER ADAM, THE WHOLE WORLD LOVES YOU !!!!
I lived in San Diego a long time ago. Is it still the same ultra-conservative redneck city?
Talk about ambigous sexuality–the writer of this article has Adam beat by a mile.
I see you had to throw your negative personal opinion out there first……I can see from your picture alone, you are a real kindred spirit……….I bet you are a real rocker, music enthusiast…………NOT……you strike me as the snide type, if I can’t control it…..destroy it……….
Inigo whoever you are – do not say he got no ARTISTRY when you do not EVEN KNOW WHAT THAT WORD MEANS.
Why he makes your American National Anthem sounds hot.
This is the worse article I ever read.
He’s a true INSPIRATION and that’s what YOUR ARTICLE lacks of. What’s wrong with you?
He completely changes and upgrades my taste in music. I used to just go for nice singers singing nice songs but along came MR. ADAM LAMBERT and swept me away. I will never be the same gal again. He teaches me many things that I’m not even aware of.
oN THE stage – HE’S BIG AND OWNS IT. Off the stage – he’s such a nice boy who carries himself well – much better that you ever would be.
YOU BETTER DO NOT DISMISS HIM WITH A CRUEL SWEEP OF YOUR PEN. I wish I was born in San Diego even. You all do not know how lucky you all are to have such a talent. WTF
Please do not call this a San Diego Blog. You should be ashamed of yourself for criticising your homegrown talent. Other hometowns are embracing their own and ADAM LAMBERT is the best of them all.
Just shut up.
Quote – I find him shrill, cheesy and campy, more drag-queen meets musical theatre than genuine artistry – Unquote
YOu better get your ears checked by an Otolaryngologist. I do not even know what those English words meant. Please write proper English and use appropriate words.
As one comment above puts it –
are more like it.
mesmerizing, enchanting, spectacular, amazing, awesome,fascinating, unbelievably talented, and destined for greatness.
Quote – I mean, come on, throwing on an outfit from Hot Topic and glopping on some man-scara does not a rocker make. Unquote
What a weird freak you are. ADAM IS A ROCK GOD. And I want him to put eyeliner for me. What crab are you uttering. Is your brain right? Are you thinking straight? Who is this person writing this article??
To Post # 27
Oh how I envy you. You’re a friend of Adam?? WOW!!! He’s such a great man.
Ask him NOT TO BE BOTHERED BY SUCH ARTICLES. It is such such a minority. WE ALL LOVE ADAM LAMBERT. He will be BIG. His family and friends are so blessed to know him.
more drag-queen meets musical theatre than genuine artistry.
MY OPINION – You look more drag-queen than him. AI is NEW to Adam – and for Adam whose only training is in Theatre to be able to come up with different interesting versions of songs to excel and better each genre – ARE YOU GOING TO DISMISS THIS TALENT? Do you think it is easy to do this? And to be able to sound and perform better than the original? I’m still listening to his songs like MADWORLD over and over and over again.
HE CAN SING SONGS OF OTHER CONTESTANTS BUT CAN THEY SING HIS?? Look at Danny’s attempt at the last note and you will laugh?
Why are you so cruel to dismiss real talent? He is AI’s real star! He do not try to just sing nice songs, he reinvents!
adam why are you bi there are plenty of girls and only girls i am your biggest my dad is dissapointed in you and he wants to erase all your videos on our dvr like ya still zoey 9 years old
I am so disappointed in america for picking kris allen for all the wrong reasons, adam clearly was the BEST singer american idol EVER had! Everytime he performed I had to watch he was that great! I have watched the show since the first season, and season 8 will be the last one for me unless they stop letting america pick the wrong idols! let the judges do their job, they are the “professionals” right!! This was my first time voting for anyone and that is because ADAM was so great! When he was done performing there really was no reason for me to continue watching thats how far ahead of all the singers he is! I Love U ADAM and will buy all of your music in the future, you have an amazing talent and I have to say you are very hot dude!
I go to MVMS. He had my teacher for science.
I agree Adam the world is here for you , you are a winner in my book
Adam you are a winner in my book
I just turned age 61 and I a a huge fan of Adam’s. He is so talented and I am glad he didn’t become the “American Idol” because then he would not have been able to do “his” own songs. There is a plus for him. He is one of the greatest talent of this time and I can’t wait to see him in concert. I love this guy and play his CD over and over.