Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Adam Lambert has a message to the fans who are still disappointed that he wasn’t named the season eight American Idol: Don’t dwell on the negative.

“I know it seems cliche, but I feel like I won by getting to the final,” the 27-year-old from San Diego said in a conference call with the media Friday afternoon. “To me it’s not about the title of American Idol, it’s about the experience.

“I made music. I got to do a different performance every week. I was able to use American Idol as a platform to get myself out there. And now I have a career. We should look forward and be excited about the album. That’s where I’m at.”

As for Kris Allen’s victory …

“I couldn’t be happier for Kris,” Adam said. “He’s a good friend of mine. I think he’s immensely talented.”

Class comments from a guy who missed out on the crown despite one of the most dominating season-long performances ever by an Idol contestant.

As for that album … anyone who watched Adam belt out “(Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” and “Whole Lotta Love;” then perform with Kiss in the season finale might expect a debut filled with rock anthems. But that might not be what fans get.

“My view of the record industry is that it’s a little too specific lately,” Adam said. “The labels tend to try to put one box around each artist and try to keep them in one genre.

“We don’t really have to go about it that way. Obviously, we want the album to have a cohesive sound, but I think it can kind of be a collection of different styles. I don’t want to do one specific genre.”

Nor is he fearful that 19 Entertainment will cramp his style when it comes to putting out the record he wants to release.

“I think there’s a little bit of a misconception about the debut CDs,” Adam said. “I think it’s a case-by-case thing. In my talks with 19, the label and the management company, we’ve discussed it, and I’ve expressed my desire to have a lot of involvement in the process.

“I’m definitely a collaborator. That’s my strength. I don’t like to be told what to do, and I don’t like to hold all the reins myself.”

His faith that his creativity won’t be stymied stems in part from the fact that Idol was supportive of whatever he wanted to do on stage during season eight, from his arrangements for the songs to what he wore.

“Never once for a second did I feel stymied in any way.”

Among the other topics Adam discussed Friday.

Does he think all the talk about his sexual orientation affected the voting?

“You know, probably,” Adam said.

How did he feel when Katy Perry wore his name on her cape for her Idol performance.

“I was shocked and completely honored.” He said Katy also gave him a valuable piece of advice: “Just make sure you stay close to the friends you had before this all started. Make sure to keep yourself surrounded by people who keep you grounded.”

How does he feel about the psychic who said he’s the reincarnation of Elvis?

“That’s such a compliment,” Adam said, laughing. “I don’t know if that’s the case, but it’s a beautiful idea.”

And was there ever a time he was frustrated by show business?

“I definitely had moments like that, and I think that’s why I decided to audition for the show. I was in the ensemble of ‘Wicked.’ It was a great job. I had lots of friends in the cast. And it was paying the bills. I just wasn’t satisfied artistically.

“About a year and a half ago, I was sitting alone in my room thinking, and I’m like, ‘Is this it? Is this my life?’ I had just turned 26 and I said, ‘There’s more that I’m supposed to be doing, I have a feeling.’ This (Idol) was the thing that presented itself to me, and I think the timing was right. Everything just lined up, and I’m really, really fortunate it worked out like it did.”

So, fans, don’t dwell on the negative. We’ll hear a lot more from Adam.