Lambert: Offering No Apologies

(CBS)  Adam Lambert says the firestorm following his sexually-charged performance on Sunday's American Music Awards show took him aback.

He told "Early Show" co-anchor Maggie Rodriguez Wednesday he had "no clue. No clue at all," his appearance would prove as controversial as it has. "I was really looking forward to it. I worked really hard with my dancers and my band for about two weeks putting that together. And, I admit I did get carried away, but I don't see anything wrong with it. I do see how people got offended, and that was not my intention. My intention was just to interpret the lyrics of my song and have a good time up there."

Photos: Adam Lambert

His performance on the AMAs of "For Your Entertainment" was an elaborate and had an S&M theme. He fondled a dancer, led another around on a leash, kissed a man, and had a dancer briefly stick his head in Lambert's crotch.

After it aired unedited on the East Coast, right-wing groups such as the Liberty Counsel filed formal complaints with the Federal Communications Commission, demanding ABC be held responsible for airing the overtly sexual performance during primetime.

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Lambert told Rodriguez he didn't plan to be so provocative, saying, "Those kind of came from more of an impromptu place. No, those were not rehearsed. So I think ABC was taken a little by surprise. That wasn't my intention. I wasn't being sneaky. It got the most of me, I guess."

He also said he's "not a babysitter, I'm a performer" when asked if he wanted to apologize to parents of any kids who might have been watching. "I think it's up to the parents to discern what their child's watching on television," Lambert said at one point. Later he observed, "I think it's up to a parent to watch the television. It was almost 11:00 at night. If they're concerned with certain material maybe Tivo it and preview it before your small child is watching it."

He added he thinks the reaction to his performance stems from a double-standard against gay males, asserting that, "If it had been a female pop performer ... I don't think there'd be nearly as much of an outrage at all."


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Lambert performing "What Do You Want From Me?" on "The Early Show"
Lambert performing "Music Again," on "The Early Show"
Lambert answering fans' questions, on "The Early Show"

Lambert's mother, Leila, stopped by the show, saying the controversy left her "a little taken aback, but I just went with the flow, and it's all good."

Adam Lambert conceded to Rodriguez, "I suppose I can understand why (parents are) upset. And, honestly, it didn't cross my mind, children. It was almost 11:00. It was a nighttime show. I was there in the audience full of mostly adults. Sometimes, I forget, 'Oh, there's a camera on.' I come from the theater. And I'm programmed to kind of look at who's in the live audience, and that's kind of where I come from. So, I was looking out in the crowd and saw some of my favorite pop stars and thought, 'I want to let loose.' And it just kind of got the best of me. And I had a great time. Unfortunately, there were people upset, but I think there are also people who really enjoyed it. So, like 'Idol,' I guess I have a tendency to divide people -- apples and oranges -- you either like it or you don't."

He concluded the interview by promising parents his performance later in the show would be "appropriate. I promise."

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A List of Winners
Photos: Red Carpet for AMA
Photos: Onstage at the AMAs
Photos: AMA Winners

[ilovecatstoo]

Thank you so very much, CBS, for having Adam Lambert on The Early Show!
I hope you'll have Adam back many times again in the future.

[afactchecker]

Shame on ABC and CBS for blurring out Adam's kiss. The Early show is just as hypocritical as it chose to show Janet's boobs and Madonna girl on girl kiss BUT no male on male kiss. Yet, all of the networks don't mind showing anything and everything during the afternoon hours on their AWFUL soap operas. I think it's time for a male on male kiss in at the Early Show every morning until they admit their hypocrisy.

[stephH04]

To me this is not a matter of Adam's civil rights or his right to artistic liscence. It is a matter of did that dancer and band member have a RIGHT to say no.

To compare this with Dancing with the Stars or Madonna/Britney kiss is apples and oranges. Even the Janet Jackson thing.

At Dancing they practice any move over & over & over if the other is uncomfortable with a move they can either get comfortable or the move can be adjusted.

Madonna/Britney and Janet Jackson the to stars either agreed or have enough star power to say take a hike. Did the dancer & band member have that chance??? or is this a case of sexual harrassment that can spread like a disease with ABC & the AMA's being named in a huge law suit.

Guys really read up on Sexual Harrassment it is not just for your workplace it is for others. Just imagine if you were that dancer you practiced walking in on a leash (bad enough) all week with Adam and think the main part of the skit is over and next thing you know you got added in as simulating oral sex? or your a hetro band member and suddenly Adam is kissing you on the AMA's.

Its about those peoples rights that people should be concerned. The problem with this preformance is that it appears by watching it to at least me that these are aggressive sex acts where the people involved could not say NO! And our children do not need to see that.

[luvyaadam]

I'd like to extend a heartfelt thank you to The Early Show staff for having Adam Lambert on your show, after that 'other show' canceled him. This young man is insanely talented and while his AMA performance will not be the highlight of his career, I feel he will go far as an entertainer. Thank you, once again, for allowing those of us who support him, to see that not everybody is willing to drop him so unceremoniously, after his provocative performance. I still don't understand why nobody seems bothered by the lyrics and sexually charged moves of the night's other performers. I'll continue to watch your program because you were willing to give Adam a forum, in spite of the lynch mob attitude of so many. Bravo!

[rsb7]

Not only am I thankful CBS had the decency to blur the scene, but I don't think they should have awarded him the chance to perform on the Early Show. It is a shame that more people have not stood up to ensure that trash like this is not aired during "family" viewing time. CBS did a great job of blocking but should not promote such people that call themselves "entertainers".

[phoenixc]

What about Miley and her ****** performance. I wish they would take that video off air. Disturbing that Liberty Counsel is OK with the minors performance, No complaints filed. Like minor girls but not gays. Where am I?

[newyorkmom]

he looks like Elvis wearing makeup in a spacesuit. i must have missed it..is this cool?

[jgg000015]

the good news is that susan boyle didn't do this

[Sascan]

Oh..I forgot to add, that for those of you who want to show your support for Adam please buy his CD, or you can download it from iTunes. He's currently in the Top 10 downloads at iTunes..meaning his album is doing very well. Buying his music is one of the best ways you can show your support for Adam.

[Brendascats]

Oh please CBS get off you high horse. After numerous beeps for inappropriate language from Emiem's song that same broadcast it is to laugh. We have Madonna kissing Brittany, Lady Gaga in almost nothing but lights and yet the spotlight is on this wonderful young, talented artist??!! Has it been that long since Freddie Mercury was chastised for similar risky moves?? I am a parent to a very well adjusted 11 year old boy and I appauld Adam for his performance and say you have nothing to apologize to me about. Thanks for a great album!!