Adam Lambert reflects on coming out, Queen and his unapologetic new album ADAM (EXCLUSIVE)

When Attitude caught up with Adam Lambert for our July/August 2026 issue, he was on the cusp of releasing his sixth studio album, ADAM. With the record now out and Lambert playing London’s Roundhouse tonight (21 July), we’re bringing the full interview online, in which he opens up about his bold new musical direction, performing with Queen, and the evolution of queer visibility.

Your new album, ADAM, is coming out in July. What’s one thing fans are absolutely not expecting from this record?

I feel like they’re probably not expecting the heaviness of the album. Sonically, I’ve done a lot more. A lot of my pop music in the past was maybe a bit more camp or a bit more playful, and I think the majority of this album has got a lot more heaviness to it and drama.

If this album had a dress code, what would it be?

Black. Black, black, black. Black on black. Ripped-up black. Black tailoring. Dark colours.

What is your most irrational fear?

I’m plagued with being too rational in my life. So, I guess my most irrational fear would be to be irrational.

You can relive one performance – which one do you choose?

Performing at the Oscars with Queen in 2019 when we opened the ceremony. I’m such a big fan of actors and cinema, and I chose not to really look at the audience until the very end because I wanted to focus. If I got to relive it, I would make eye contact with everybody.

Name a song that instantly transports you somewhere.

I’m a big fan of Goldfrapp. The Supernature album was the soundtrack to my first relationship. If I hear ‘Ooh La La’, it takes me back. That’s sexy to me.

Tell us your worst habit.

Overthinking is probably my worst habit. Also, I can’t seem to put myself to sleep at a reasonable hour. I have no discipline when it comes to sleep. I stay up all night.

Where is the happiest place on Earth for you?

I moved to New York recently and set up a really lovely home for myself. It is where I want to be right now. It’s very comfortable and very visually pleasing. So, home feels good.

The wildest thing you did as a teenager?

I was a really well-behaved teenager. I became much more wild and rebellious in my twenties, when I lived on my own. I don’t know how to narrow it down, but I was pretty adventurous. Actually, I could say I went to Burning Man, and the things that I did at Burning Man, there were plenty – and they were pretty wild.

What has touring with Queen taught you about longevity?

I think the key in music, or in the arts in general, to a long, prosperous career is making sure you love what you’re doing. It all has to come back to that joy and enjoyment. If you get too caught up in the work part or the business side of it, it takes the fuel out of the tank. It needs to come from a place of love and joy.

Is there something about queer culture today that would have blown your mind in 2009?

Just the fact that kids are coming out at the age when straight kids are coming of age. It’s not as stunted as it was when I was younger. I didn’t come out until after high school because I didn’t want to deal with it and didn’t want to be open about it with my teenage peers. Now, because of the visibility and connectivity in the world, young people can start to identify at a more natural age. It’s really nice to see that balancing out a bit.

What do you hope LGBTQ+ people feel when they look at you?

I hope they see some of themselves reflected, because I’m just like everybody else; I just happened to stumble into a really great opportunity when I was 27. I’ve always felt very lucky to have an amplified voice and an identifiable platform to help humanise us and be part of a big wave of evolution and growth within the community. I came along at a time when things were changing really rapidly, so I like to be counted as one of the people who were part of that wave. I’m really proud of it.

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ADAM is available to buy and stream now. Buy final tickets for Adam Lambert at Roundhouse here.