Adam Lambert has just released his first album in five years, Velvet. That's a long time in the music industry, but then again, he has been busy. You know, touring the world with legendary rock band Queen. That kind of busy.
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Lambert's story is a remarkable one. Not because he lacks talent - far from it - but because he first found fame on a reality TV show. In the music industry, that can prove to be a poisoned chalice. Lambert lost to Kris Allen in the grand final of American Idol in 2009 and fans to this day argue he should have won.
It's probably a good thing he didn't. Lambert had years of performing experience under his belt before he ever auditioned for Idol and was able to use the attention and run with it, rather than being restricted by contractual obligations. As for Allen, he has since dropped out of the public eye.
Lambert sang Bohemian Rhapsody at his American Idol audition. Queen's Brian May and Roger Taylor happened to see it and, intrigued, accepted an offer to perform at the finale with Lambert and Allen. The rest is history.
Lambert went on to release his debut album For Your Entertainment which included the hit Whatya Want From Me and earned him a Grammy Award nomination. His second album Trespassing became the first album by an openly gay artist to top the US and Canadian charts and his third album The Original High included the smash hit Ghost Town.
As for his other gig, after playing a handful of shows in 2012 and 2013 as Adam Lambert + Queen, in 2014 the band offered Lambert a permanent lead vocalist role. Sell-out world tours followed.
With Velvet, Lambert's fourth studio album, he decided to "ignore whatever was trendy right now and go with something timeless".
"This album is me, absolutely. I needed to do something for me, first and foremost. It's really easy to get sucked into the game of it all," he said.
"I trusted my gut, you know? I've always loved '70s and early '80s music, there were such magical records coming out and I still listen to them today. And that's how a lot of my fans got to know me. On American Idol I was doing a lot of covers from that era and in that style."
Lambert says he likes being able to "go back and forth" touring with Queen and being a solo artist. He's not trying to be Freddie Mercury while fronting Queen - he's honouring an incredible talent and keeping the music alive for millions of fans worldwide.
"It's like a treat and it keeps me really balanced," he explained.
"With Queen I get to sing these iconic, giant hits to really big crowds and they all know the words and are singing along and it is such an honour. I love getting to do my part to help that legacy stay in the live space.
"With my solo stuff I get to switch gears a little bit and sing stuff that I have created. It's my chance to be a songwriter; it's my chance to be a creator."
Spending so much time on the road with original Queen members Brian May and Roger Taylor has been an educational and inspirational experience for Lambert. He still has "pinch me" moments.
"Brian and Roger are both incredibly intelligent - I learn a lot just sitting with them and talking about the world," he said. "They make a great team as well. When we're on stage we are always trying to be better. All three of us have this slight perfectionist-type energy."
Lambert is looking forward to performing Velvet live but has had to cancel the first leg of his US tour and is self-isolating in his Los Angeles home.
"Strange times, huh? We're going to have to wait this one out - and I'm not the most patient of people," he said, laughing.
"The thing about Velvet is that the timing of its release is a little strange, obviously, right in the middle of all this, but hopefully it can provide people with an hour of escape, you know? Even the songs that are a bit melancholy still make you want to move.
"My heart goes out to the people whose jobs are on the line or have lost jobs and who are struggling to make ends meet because of this whole scenario. I really feel for them.
"I'm trying to be positive by being productive. I have some projects to do around the house and, as a creative, it's good to be able to hibernate for a bit. It gives you the opportunity to stop for a minute and reassess and regroup. I hope to put good energy into letting this be a time of creative inspiration."