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    Idol's Adam Lambert to sing with rock band Queen

    LONDON (AP) — Adam Lambert has nabbed his dream gig: Singing vocals for the iconic British band Queen as they headline the second day of the U.K. rock festival Sonisphere 2012.

    The former "American Idol" singer-songwriter will step into the late Freddie Mercury's shoes for the band's July 7 set at Knebworth Park in Stevenage, north of London.

    Queen's Brian May and Roger Taylor confirmed the one-time collaboration Tuesday with Lambert, 30, a runner-up in season eight of the popular American TV song competition.

    The Sonisphere show marks the third time Lambert has sung with the landmark band, following an eight-minute set at the MTV Europe Awards in November to celebrate Queen's Global Icon Award, and a 2009 performance of "We Are the Champions" on "American Idol."

    "It's great, they are the coolest guys, they are so down-to-earth," Lambert told The Associated Press in a recent interview in London.

    "They are very sweet and just to be up there doing this music is such an honor. Freddie Mercury was a hero to me and his voice, his song writing and being gay, the whole package is amazing," the American singer said.

    Mercury's final concert with Queen also took place at Knebworth in August 1986. But Lambert, who is also gay and theatrical, insisted he was not trying to take Mercury's place.

    "I in no way am trying to copy or mimic or replace Freddie or do what he did, that would be insulting to his memory and to the fans that hold him in such high regard," Lambert said. "I just am paying tribute. I am excited to sing the songs that he wrote and to try to give them some sort of flair that he would appreciate."

    A new single from Lambert's highly anticipated second album "Trespassing" — "Better Than I Know Myself" — is out now in the U.S. and being released next month in Britain.

     

    91 comments

    • Jerry B  •  2 mths ago
      Oh, I thought Lambert was a she...Oops..Well maybe someday.
    • BillE  •  Modesto, California  •  3 mths ago
      I think he will be awesome with Queen.
      • Jerry 3 mths ago
        They DEFINETLY have 1 thing in common if ya know what I mean?
    • Lorie Heller  •  Bremerton, Washington  •  3 mths ago
      Iam a long time fan of Queen and Freddy Mercury. Freddy was one of the greatest frontmen and a rock icon. But, Adam Lambert is also a great singer. Meatloaf stated Adam is the first singer he has been in awe of. Roger Taylor stated today that Adam has the greatest range he has ever heard. Slash mentored on American Idol to meet Adam and commented on Adam's range and how easy it is for Adam to use it. Adam has been compared to Freddy, Steven Tyler, and Robert Plant. I went back and listened to Freddy and Queen and Freddy has a definite sound that is unique, but I think Adam is the better singer. I know I'll get flack for that but so be it. As far as his sexuality, what are you afraid of? Music performers have made sexual gestures forever. Look at the Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Elvis, Madonna, and GaGa. Just because Adam is Gay he isn't allowed. Maybe I'm sick of scantly dressed female singers flaunting their bodies to sell music. Love Adam and he'll be great.
      • darice 3 mths ago
        ditto! Adam is fascinating. I am an older straight woman (divorced) but that kind of magnetism cannot be faked. Oh....and why does everybody care anyway? Confusing, huh.
    • hootie33  •  Los Angeles, California  •  3 mths ago
      Going to be a great show! Freddie would be proud...
    • Captain Rand  •  Birmingham, Alabama  •  3 mths ago
      Freddie Mercury was the greatest singer ever, end of discussion
      • ANN 3 mths ago
        I have to agree...his timing was impeccable. His range was also pretty good.
      • Jerry 3 mths ago
        Loved QUEEN for 40 years u r 200% right!!!
      • Rocket J. Squirrel 3 mths ago
        Freddie knew HOW to sing. Watch the DVDs. He sings from his diaphragm. He had depth, power and range. Adam Lambert sings from his throat. He may have some range, but he has no depth or power. He'll ruin his chops in ten years, or so.
    • The Truth  •  Erie, Pennsylvania  •  3 mths ago
      I love the ones that say Freddie would be turning over in his grave and they don't even know how to spell his name right, lol.Or that Queen has had a multitude of singers pay tribute to Freddie ( George Michael, Annie Lennox, David Bowie, Gerard Way, etc.) Yeah- big fans, haha.Marc Martel fans? Even better because they don't know the difference between mimicing and putting a spin on a song. That's why he won The Queen Extravaganza- because he is an impersonato. To all you losers- sit home and play your old albums, live in the past, and keep wishing for Freddie's return from the grave. The rest of us that live in the real world have already bought airline and concert tickets, discussed how to stream this event, and have booked hotels. We appreciate having this legendary band being exposed to a whole new generation of younger fans.
      • Sam 3 mths ago
        All your commentary (like to hear yourself talk don't you?) says to me is that you accept mediocrity. And btw, you forgot the person that's stood in as lead singer the most, Paul Rodgers. But yea, you know what you're talking about. lol
      • Lori 3 mths ago
        Paul Rodgers from Bad Company and Free fit the bill although his voice was not like Freddies, he still did justice to all of the Queen songs while on tour with the band. I thought it was weird he was left out of posts also.
      • Sally 3 mths ago
        Sam, Brian May himself said, "I'm sure Adam would meet with Freddie's approval". I tend to think Brian knew Freddie a little better than you. Brian and Roger invited Adam to do this. Consequently, I think "The Truth" has a much better grasp on reality than you.
    • Buckley's angel  •  3 mths ago
      This could work out well. Be a nice change from all of the crap that passes for music today.
    • marie  •  Baltimore, Maryland  •  3 mths ago
      What are these haters afraid of. Adam is not trying to replace Freddie, he's been dead. Are you guys afraid that some people will like Adam Lambert better?
      • Rocket J. Squirrel 3 mths ago
        Adam Lambert is annoying, and has not paid his dues.
      • Sally 3 mths ago
        He has been performing since he was like 10. What the hell do you now? Nothing!
    • Deborah  •  Baltimore, Maryland  •  3 mths ago
      NO ONE can replace Freddie.
    • phildabasket  •  Newark, New Jersey  •  3 mths ago
      rock on Queen!!!
    • Carol  •  North Bergen, New Jersey  •  3 mths ago
      Adam sees your negitiviy .He tweeted about it. He wants to honnor Freddie's memory and sing with his idols.
    • Ashley Ohliger  •  Coram, New York  •  3 mths ago
      I love how everyones saying that "no one can replace Freddie", however, if you read the freakin article Lambert clearly states that in no way is he trying to be like him or replace him, so stop freakin out
    • alioops  •  Ocala, Florida  •  3 mths ago
      Sure would love to e at THAT concert!
    • Wendy  •  Miami, Florida  •  3 mths ago
      oops Freddie however you spell it
    • Jill  •  Irvine, California  •  3 mths ago
      He may be good with Queen, but no one, and I mean, NO ONE could ever replace Freddie Mercury. He made Queen what it is!
    • Ron  •  Santa Barbara, California  •  3 mths ago
      Loved Adam during AI, bought two of his albums but I would like to see him lean more towards Rock than mainstream, even one of his song writers, Ryan Tedder, has tried to urge Adam to sing more Rock but he keeps fighting it. This one concert with Queen is, in my opinion, a perfect fit for Adam and a direction I'd like to see him go.
    • darice  •  Dallas, Texas  •  3 mths ago
      "QUEEN" has been my all time favorite 'symphonic rock orchestra' since I first heard "BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY" and my dance troup wore out three 45s learning and performing "ANOTHER ONE BITES THE DUST" for show nights as gansters. No marching....just follow the sounds and unbelievable mixes of sounds and the harmonies that celebrated Freddie Mercury and the band extroidinaire. Campy, volcanic, and able to make a hit out of a off the wall "BICYCLE", and no one even came close to understanding 'why'.......not even Pee Wee Herman. Don't hold Adam's sexual preference up to critiisism of his amazing voice that will, hopefully bring "QUEEN" back to the forefront where it belongs,,,,,, "crown" them "KINGS" of artistic sound beyond "SLIGHTLY MAD" to the volcalizations of no mercy in "FAT BOTTOM GIRLS". The band with Adam fronting for Freddie is a force I can hardly wait to face.
    • Rio  •  Baltimore, Maryland  •  3 mths ago
      I wish I could go see that. I think he'd do justice to Queen's music. I didn't like it when Paul Rodgers was with them. After Freddie died, I refused to buy any Queen albums that he wasn't on. However if Adam ever decided to do an album with them, I would gladly buy it.
    • Sleepwalker  •  3 mths ago
      Like someone else said here, my only problem with Adam is his need to focus so much attention on being gay. That's what has hurt him--the attention. Fans accepted him long ago; others would too if he stops waving the "G" flag all the time.
    • A Yahoo! User  •  West Fork, Arkansas  •  3 mths ago
      I like Adam Lambert. I like his voice. But why does he insist on everything being about being gay. He is an awesome singer and a perfect fit for Queens' style......but his over the top performance at that awards show set him back. We all know your gay Adam, but just be a singer. You want equality? Stop trying to show how different you are and do what you do best. I think it will hold you back in the mainstream. Sing, don't preach.
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