Note: Today’s blog contains references to controversial subjects.
Wasn’t planning to blog today, but got caught up in the fascination of the Lambert controversy.
I’ll admit, I’m not an American Idol fan. I didn’t even know who Adam Lambert was until recently, when someone sent me a link to the scuttlebutt over his album cover–because she thought I’d see a connection to Boy George.
I didn’t watch the American Music Awards. Thought about it, but had other things to do. But I couldn’t escape the excited chatter the next day over Adam’s sexual antics during his song, “For Your Entertainment.” Apparently, it wasn’t for some people’s entertainment at all. ABC is upset, parents are upset, fans are upset. Adam contends he did nothing more than the kinds of things female artists have been doing for years, and adds that controversy is enhanced by his being openly gay.
Because I don’t know Adam, I took a moment to look over his bio. I’d thought, from his photos, that he was much younger, but found him to be all of 27 years old (1/29/82). He’s an almost-native San Diegan. He’s got a helluva voice, lots of power. Did he push the envelope, in my opinion? Maybe, maybe not. Typical fence-sitter that I am, I take issue first with the awards programs themselves, which have become somewhat of a series of display cases for exhibitionist entertainers and shock-jock mentality. Is ABC really upset? I wonder. The Janet Jackson 2004 Super Bowl “wardrobe malfunction” case has barely cooled off, but don’t you think that the chance of seeing a big star’s bared nipple had an effect on subsequent bowl half-time ratings?
“Oh, we didn’t know that was going to happen!” cry network moguls. “Gosh, we’re sorry.” Adam, I hear, didn’t include the more “offensive” moves in his rehearsal. ABC subsequently pulled him from their Good Morning America show today (because, they said, they couldn’t trust him), but the CBS Early Show was quick to roll out the red carpet. I just watched his performance and found him better–much better–than I expected.
Back in the 80’s, when Culture Club won the Grammy for Best New Artist, George surprised not only America but his 
bandmates as well, when he looked into the camera and announced:
“Thank you America. You’ve got taste, style, and you know a good drag queen when you see one”.
Oh! The disgrace. The shock. Ended his career, in America, George later informed. Can you imagine, a pop star saying such a thing on worldwide television? Shame on you, George!
Now, 26+ years later, another gay boy–who was barely out of diapers back–then is unapologetic for his vivid “simulated” sex shenanigans on another awards program.
IMO, George was having fun. Adam, I think, was making a statement. I was mildly uncomfortable, because I knew children were watching. I was also distracted by the images, when I really wanted to hear him sing. Will it hurt his career? Probably not significantly. Controversy fuels popularity.
I also disagree with George’s take on his own perceived “career-ending” faux pas. Caveat, I wasn’t there, I couldn’t possibly know the truth, but after reading his book and understanding his life in the 80’s, I’d be willing to bet a good tofu casserole that there was a little more to it than likening himself to a drag queen, even if it’s true that America equated “drag” with “gay.” Good or bad, his focus was not on his career. Sadly, I don’t think Americans got a real chance to see how good Boy George really was.
Adam’s focus does seem to be on his career, and as such, he wants to make sure that no one misses his sexual persuasion or his right to flaunt (?) it. I also get the feeling he’s only just getting started.