Ding, ding, ding, ding! Ladies and gentlemen, let’s get ready to rummmmblllle…or at least get ready to mark Nov. 24 on our calendars with big, red ‘Xs.’ How come? Because that’s when two of this season’s most anticipated debut albums will be dropped like scalding plates coming out of the microwave.
In the Simon Fuller corner, it’s American Idol season 8 runner-up Adam Lambert, the man whose rendition of “Mad World” left approximately 20 million Americans sobbing softly on their couches. The man whose boots/jacket combo made the members of Kiss look downright demure at the Idol season finale. The man who caused my Social Security-collecting mother to lasciviously shout “Come to mama!” at the Idol concert tour stop in Albany, NY, in August. The man who managed to top Barbra Streisand and Madonna on Amazon.com’s album pre-sale charts this week — even though fans won’t be able to listen to said record for almost two months.
In the Simon Cowell corner, it’s Britain’s Got Talent runner-up Susan Boyle, the woman whose audition to “I Dreamed a Dream” has racked up more than 76 million plays on YouTube (for the official version alone), a performance I am not ashamed to admit just made me get a little lump in my throat when I watched it again a few minutes ago. (Hey, just because your emotions are being manipulated doesn’t mean they’re not genuine, right?) Susan also topped Amazon’s pre-sale chart last month thanks to rabid fans who helped her surge past the Beatles and Whitney Houston.
That said, while I’m curious to see how Sony shoehorns the talented Ms. Boyle into the pop-music marketplace, as a total Idoloonie, I’m more excited for Adam’s set. I’m sure I’m not the only one obsessed with finding out what in the universe Adam’s debut is going to sound like (best guess: probably like nothing currently in said universe), and his list of collaborators to date — including Linda Perry, Max Martin, RedOne, Ryan Tedder, and Greg Wells — indicates his label is leaving no commercially viable stone unturned. What’s more, Randy Jackson told me recently that he bumped into Adam in the hallway of an L.A. recording studio, and what he heard of the still-in-progress disc was “hot, interesting, and cool.” (Okay, that’s not a lot of detail, but at least I scored you something better than a standard-issue “molten-hot lava bomb,” yes?) What’s more, Boyle’s lead single (a cover of the Rolling Stones’ “Wild Horses”) sort of reminds me of one of the growing number of victims on The Vampire Diaries: Outwardly pretty, but drained of any blood or life or excitement. In the pantheon of “Wild Horses,” Rolling Stones > The Sundays > Susan Boyle. Which isn’t the worst thing in the world, but I have to hold out hope that whatever Adam unleashes on radio in the next week or two will, by comparison, be positively throbbing.
But maybe that’s just me. Vote in our poll below and tell us which Nov. 24 record release has you fluttering on the inside: Adam Lambert or Susan Boyle? (And to keep up on all my Idol-related articles, follow me on Twitter @EWMichaelSlezak!)
Image Credit: Lambert: Frank Micelotta/Fox; Boyle: Robert Perry/TSPL/Camera Press/Retna Ltd
I am excited for BOTH OF THEIR ALBUMS!!! I just hope Susan and Adam prove that second is the best!!!!
What I don’t understand, why couldn’t you just give ADAM a shout out by himself? Like you did Kris, who we all know you love.
Also heard part of Allison’s song and she didn’t get signed till way after Adam, so what gives? Damn it I want to hear something from ADAM. Plus I can’t believe you do not have her single already up on here like you did Kris’s. We know you love DA ROCKER.
I’m getting blue balls from not hearing Adam’s music. I’m just scared I won’t like it, that’s why I want to hear something so badly. I’m nervous…he’s so unpredicatble and can be marketed a billion diff ways. If I don’t like it, I’ll get over it and move on with my life lol but I hate anticipation. It makes me feel queazy.
Probably because Kris actually won, and Adam did not.
So who will it be in the battle of the second-place losers? Boyle or Lambert? Neither–Lil’ Wayne will sell a ton more than either CD, and will not have to rely on his fans buying multiple copies!
Lol…yeah Sam, Kris “won”.
Sam, lets get this straight, it would not matter how many copies Adams fans bought, it would still take ALOT of his fans to make him number one in pre order album sales at Amazon. Don’t be sad that Kris’s Album is not selling as well, even after hearing that um cough cough single he put out. Yeah Kris “won” Idol, how is that working out for him? LOL
I totally agree. I got irritated when Allison and Kris get a main heading and this is the best he could come up with…..
This guy may be a pervert but he sure looks like a freak ; Susan and Dylan
of course .
Neither.I listen to real musicians like Renee Olstead and Nate Richert!!!!
WHO????
Who?????
? who are they
My sentiments exactly.
Jacob,
Pat on your back! You are right. Horray for both and as time as proven, second place isn’t the worst place to be is it!
Adam Lambert, definitely! I really don’t get the whole Susan Boyle thing.
I’m REALLY looking forward to Adam’s CD. I hope it showcases his awesome voice. He has awakened my love of music!
You are an idiot. Not original, not funny, not anything.
IDIOT!!!
Did I say ‘voting for him’? What I meant to say was we are pulling for him. My bad…. my hand cramped and caused a typo.
You’re still an IDIOT!!!
That is so funny – ‘the boys in the cell block are pulling for him’. LMAO
thats why you belong in a cellblock.I hope they keep you there forever.
Susan will be #1 on November 24th, 2009.
Score today
Adam Susan
7 1 US Amazon
24 3 CA Amazon
- 10 UK Amazon
Keep in mind too that Susan has rarely been over #5 since the beginning of September.
Adam has yet to be under number 6.
Hence this is a no brainer…. Bought Susan’s CD without even knowing what would be on it…. The posts I’ve read on Adam Lambert indicate much resistence to purchasing without hearing some of it first.
Go Susan Go…. and get well soon.
I almost didn’t comment but . . . honestly, Slezak? This is the most ridiculous comparison in the history of comparisons. Musically, visually, culturally – they have nothing in common.
I missed the part where Slezak was comparing them. Oh wait: you did too, because HE WASN’T.
Adam Lambert!!!
hehehe ur comment is hilarious .. srsly this comparison fail 4 me !! hands down Adam Lambert
Love Adam, but I’m rooting for Susan!
They don’t have anything in common, but they’re just fresh off of huge fan response and attention from TV talent competitions. Everybody wants to hear how they sound on their first full major-label studio albums. There’s so much high anticipation to both singers’ new albums. Adam Lambert and Susan Boyle can stand to have strong sales weeks. And just in time for Thanksgiving and the holiday season, where they can make for potential Christmas gifts to loved ones and friends!
And that icludes their fanbases … two TOTALLY different artists … REALLY SLEZAK or is that SLEAZY???
Actually, Adam Lambert and Susan Boyle have a lot in common. Both won second place in talent shows. Both of their record will be released on Nov. 24, and at one time, their pre-orders are No. 1 in Amazon.com. Both are talented singer, though in different genre like Elvis Presley vs. Barbara Streisand. Both have die-hard fans. Finally, both will be sucessful worldwide.
Are….you serious Slezak?
SB is a novelty and a by-product. Her behaviour makes me cringe too. She’s a joke here in the UK.
How do you know Adam isn’t a novelty? Only time will tell.
really? Adam a novelty? really? Brian May’s statement? a novelty? hum…..
Brian May is a SELL-OUT. He has already been on AI and pimped Constantine of all people. Is that all the Claymates 2.0 have?
SuBo is a joke that will no longer have to live in a council flat (that’s “low income housing” for us Americans).
Paris Hilton is a joke to we Americans, but its the rest of the world paying her to show up at events.
I’m pretty sure you’ll find Paris is a joke the world over.
WTF at comparing these two? Just wtf.
Their albums come out the same day. They were both reality show sensations. Clearly he’s just trying to get a feel from his readers about whose album they are most likely to buy.
True.
Adam
Silly poll. Adam will easily win this vote, at least in the USA…
From the numbers, seemingly not all that easily, which surprises and disappoints me greatly.
I’m really looking forward to Adam’s CD. I am so curious to see the direction he takes his music, and just how eclectic an album he can manage to get away with while in 19′s cookie cutter clutches. From his evident happiness with its progress in virtually every interview, I’m encouraged — but you never know what production bullshit they may layer over the top before it’s all said and done. RCA & 19, if you’re listening, PLEASE leave that amazing voice alone!
As for Susan, I fully admit that a handful of those millions of utube views were mine — WHAT? It was a tear jerkingly awesome moment! Don’t judge me. But for me Wild Horses was just meh, and the novelty has faded. However that’s just me, I suspect there are TONS of people who are looking forward to playing a little part in this rags to riches story with an album purchase, so I suspect she may hit #1 that week and beyond like a tidal wave of sentimental tears.
But it’s Adam’s music that I will be handing my cash over for.
OMG !! Of course Adam Lambert !! no disrespect but i am not gonna hear Susan Boyle single even if it online !!
Adam. Duh.
Adam, of course! He is the most exciting and stunning singer/performer/artist in decades. And to top it off, he is gorgeous, personable and marketable. Susan Boyle, to me, does not possess the it factor needed to become an icon. But Adam certainly does, and his voice, stage presence and charisma are irresistable. I’m totally awestruck by him, audially and visually!!! Goooooo Adam!!!!
Interesting, I feel just the opposite.
This comparison is ridec but thanks for the Randy Jackson scoop.
“(Hey, just because your emotions are being manipulated doesn’t mean they’re not genuine, right?)”
Lol, love ya Slezak.
RE: Adam’s album – hoping for the best, expecting the worst.
Since it’s humanly impossible to match the hyperbole.
The pressure would kill me if I were him. Having insane talent + versatilty and working with known names, doesn’t mean your music will be good y’now. Yeah I’m a Debbie Downer but just trying to keep it real seeing we haven’t heard a single note. Plus almost everytime I get excited about something, I’m let down lol. Hype is dangerous.
Was there this type of buzz with previous Idols? Like Kelly? I didn’t watch Kelly’s Season. Did they predict she’d be “huge” or anything?
If Kelly Clarkson could survive the “From Justin To Kelly” movie debacle and still become the huge recording artist she is now, I’m positive Adam Lambert can survive any temporary disappointments that may come in the future. I’m confident that, as freaky as the hyperbole is surrounding him and his debut album, he’s probably keeping it real and concentrating on getting the damned thing done. We’ll all decide how great the first album is when it finally arrives. I, for one, fully expect to be blown away! Even on so-so songs he’s had to sing [No Boundaries, Studio Version, anyone?], he’s been nothing short of fantastic. Adam’s got this!
Susan Boyle, however? Is in her own category. She has a beautiful voice and a huge talent. She’s going to go far as she learns her way. Attempting to compare the two performers is, to put it bluntly, stupid.
*Y’KNOW
Yes, but he made NB classic-rock sounding but his album is going to be electro dance popish.
What scares me is that he said, from all the studio recordings he did for Idol, his album will sound closest to BTBW. THAT, was his worst studio recording!!!!!! I can’t even listen to it, it’s that bad. NB was GOLDEN in comparison, ALL his other studios are. BTBW is the only one I legit can not listen to
I bet they’re overproduced his vocals to death. And, I know that he’s polarizing (that’s part of his package) but what if he’s decided to market himself in a REALLY polarizing way. I just want his music and music videos to be universal enough for the public and well received by critics. I really want him to do well, he’s too adorable and talented to fade into obscurity or make music that’s hated.
UHHHH… BTBW is one of my favorite studio recordings. :/
Electronic production sounds really cool, but I’m thinking it’ll be more of a fusion type. So it’ll be some electronic production and pop-rock sounds, like Adam said. Which is good, coz my biggets problem is boring albums where each song sounds like the others. I’m getting his album regardless though. Coz I like the artist. :p
You liked BTBW? That’s a really bad recording lol….
Electronic production IS really cool and sof-electropop is the catchiest genre ever even if you’re not a fan of that artist (eg. Britney’s 3 or Taoi Cruz’s entire album or Mariah’s latest Obsession single) but by fusing you also run the risk of having an entire album that sounds the same. Adam said his album is going to sound a bit like a remix so I hope they haven’t produced the songs too much and given them all the same production.
I agree the pressure on Adam is insane, but I really think he can rise to it. I adore Adam and his voice, I’m just hoping his voice wont be lost in too many electronics. I predict that a certain amount of Adam’s fans will NOT be happy because they love the Adam from AI, more of a traditional singer. And of course the haters will not like whatever he does (or a least will SAY they don’t like it, while secretly loving it) tee hee.
Ellisa, that is very rational!
OOOPS. DIDN’T MEAN TO REPLY TO YOU LOL.
lol of course Adam it’s like comparing (I love Susan she made me cry…sorry)tuna to caviar or the “Adam” bomb to a wonderful and beautiful sounding fire cracker.
Randy must of heard that song real good-he’s just being cool about it “Bumped” into Adam-he was probably there the whole time-everybody loves and helps Adam. Randy’s real smart. He doesn’t want the heat of knowing.
Adam Lambert! I can’t wait for anything that Adam does. What I don’t understand is why his “people” aren’t marketing him better. Adam has millions of fans from all over the world. We want posters, cards, magazines, TV appearances ect. ect. I want THE ADAM STORM to start now!
Ditto! We need new Adam’s music and new appearances pronto!!!! (Pretty please?)
ADAM!!!! This is a no brainer!!!!
Adam is the most overrated, overly hyped contestant in Idol’s history.
Tell that to Slash and Smokey Robinson!
To men, with very diverse backgrounds, who beg to differ!
Everybody’s bashing Susan Boyle now! hahahhaa.. Lambert fans Scary Scary lul
Kay.
Tell that to May, Zeppelin, Tim Burton and a ton of other legends as well.
His talent is insane (who goes from Brigadoon to Life On Mars to Slowride to IJLY like that?!) but yeah, the hype IS ridiculous. But that’s not his fault AT ALL.
People get excited and sites want hits. I hope the buzz doesn’t backfire on him because he’s just a really nice, charismatic, talented, hardworking dude.
“Susan Boyle is the most overrated, overly hyped contestant in reality TV history.”
Fixed it for you.
I agree. My grandmother has better taste. Seriously. Since when was Susan Boyle relevant? :/
I agree with this 100%
Diversity totally deserved to win.
DIVERSITY are absolutely epic. So hardworking, endearing and creative. Love them to pieces.
“Since when was Susan Boyle relevant”..Since April 11th 2009..Clear enough?
To…… who can’t even put a name to the nonsense, Stick with what you know, obviously you don’t know a talented artist when you hear one.
Why do people spread hate? I don’t understand it. Why can’t people just comment positive things about people. Didn’t your mothers teach you that if you can’t say anything nice then don’t say anything at all? I may dislike many people( Danny Gokey for various reasons, Barrack Obama and Rush Limba for being so retardedly stubborn and refusing to listen to anything anyone has to say ever, Bill O’Rielly for being an idiot, etc.)but I rarely post these things.
No you come on here and post about what we are writing. But you did get your opinion about others out, just wrong board to do it on. Um and you sure didn’t say anything nice. Example or not.
WRONG!!!
… This comment was directed at the “nameless” post.
we’ll see what you think when his album goes triple platinum (: I don’t think you would be qualified to judge Adam since you’re probably not in the music business and you don’t know him. As compared to people like Brian May, who has been in the business for AT LEAST 20 years…