Adam Lambert is Attitude’s new cover boy: Life as a ‘post-gay’ pop star

Out pop star, American idol and sometime Queen frontman Adam Lambert is Attitude’s new cover star.

As part of a stunning 11-page spread inside, Lambert – who is currently putting the finishing touches on his third album The Original High – opens up about life, love and music.

Speaking about the rocky path many celebs have in the journey to coming out, Lambert gives a shout-out to our own Sam Smith.

“Sam Smith, hats off, he has had an amazing year, he’s a lovely guy. I’ve met him a few times. I’m so happy for him, and I’m so happy his sexuality wasn’t a big thorn in his side. It was just: ‘This is who I am, I’m cool with it and so you should be too.’ And his songs are timeless and beautiful, and everybody relates to them. He’s doing it right, for sure.”

Asked if there is feeling a fraternity among his fellow gay artists, Lambert has this to say:

“I think with me and Sam, there’s definitely an understanding there, like: ‘Hey gurl, how you doing?’ [laughs] But you know, there’s only a few of us actually, on a mainstream level. I think we’re building a little clique, I hope, but I haven’t met that many. I mean, Elton John is amazing, what a sweetheart, and Boy George is also incredible. I’ve sat down and had lunch with him before, he’s so smart and has been though A LOT, and now he’s in a really good, healthy space, and loves music and is DJing and is still really connected to pop culture. He was really interesting to talk to.”

As for music, Lambert this weekend dropped the first snippet of his new single Ghost Town – and it sounds like quite a sleek, dancey departure known for his glam-rock sound and image.

“It was a bit like, ‘Well, this is the one.’ There are four or five other really obvious singles, but when we finished that one it felt special. It felt like it had to be the one.”

Elsewhere in this month’s issue of Attitude:

• Our massive election special. We speak to every major party leader and ask the tough questions: Who’s really going to stand up and fight for LGBT rights? Plus we chat to some of the LGBT candidates seeking your vote across the country.
• We speak to ex-Westlife star Markus Feehily about his return to music as a solo artist, the pressures of life in a boy band (paging Zayn!) and his battle with depression.
• The glorious Christine Baranski is the subject of our ‘Big Gay Following’ spread – we talk to her about everything from Mamma Mia to Chicago to her upcoming London stage role in Follies.
• Former Ugly Betty actor Michael Urie is in London for the hilarious play Buyer & Cellar – he speaks to us about his time on the show and being out in Hollywood.
• And we sit down for a chat with the one and only DAVID BECKHAM. He talks fitness, style, and – yes – life with Victoria.

You can read all that plus more in the new issue of Attitude, which is available to download to your mobile, iPad or tablet device now, at Pocketmags.com/Attitude.

The issue will be out in shops next Wednesday (April 1) and you can also have it delivered directly to your door at newsstand.co.uk.