Adam Lambert’s already infamous new album cover — an unholy amalgam of Europe’s AquaNet-rock classic The Final Countdown, Andrew Lloyd Weber’s Starlight Express, and a serious Glamour Shots sesh at the Sherman Oaks Galleria — has some fierce competition, kids.
Rihanna’s November 23 release Rated R, top left, is giving ole Glammy-bear a run for his face-clutching money. In fact, it looks like the two just staggered away from the world’s sexiest catfight (Rihanna: “Oh sweet disturbia, my eye!” Glambert: “Bish, please. If you hadn’t voted for Kris, I wouldn’t be bleeding magenta glitter from the ear right now.”) and into Patrick Nagel’s portrait studio.
Can anyone broker a peace between these two opposing forces, Music Mixers? Or will this battle royale continue all the way to the Great MAC Counter in the Sky?
(Follow the Music Mix on Twitter: @EWMusicMix.)
More from EW’s Music Mix:
‘New Moon’ soundtrack outsells Tim McGraw on the albums chart
Adam Lambert’s outre-space ‘For Your Entertainment’ cover
Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga reissues: Super awesome bonus fun, or money-grubbing ripoffs?
Mom Jonas spills the beans on Nick’s solo album, which is so not rock’n’roll
Adam Lambert’s outre-space For Your Entertainment cover: What do you think?
Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga reissues: Super awesome bonus fun, or money-grubbing ripoffs?
Comments (1-15) of 146 Add your comment
I think Adam just lost ‘middle America’ with that cover … and Rihanna weeeelll what can you say … she was beat up.
I’m in ‘middle america’and I will always love Adam! He is just being himself, thats what I <3 about him!
if middle america is that shallow, then good riddance, aren’t they the artistcally boring cookie cutter crew that voted for the other guy?Adam has the rest of the world, it’s about music, and this cover is brilliant.
I am no longer questioning Middle America’s judgement on music…just their attitudes against different lifestyles in general.
get over it, loser
Hey StarLight, get over yourself already. Who the f**k do you think you are? Do you think the only people that voted for Kris are ‘Middle America’?, whatever that has to do with anything. You don’t know what the F**k you’re talking about. Wow!, are you still worried about the results? Move on honey, it’s been over 5 months. Hey, I voted for Kris and I live in California for your information. I have friends and family that are scattered across the U.S. from coast to coast who voted for Kris. But guess what? We happen to like Adam too, but Kris was just more our style. Another thing…Kris is about the music, Adam is about the shock factor and becoming famous. Do you not remember his comment in an interview? He said he wanted to play dress up, become famous, make lots of money and be a rock star. I like having money, it’s fun! Yeah right… it’s all about the music for him. I’ve seen your posts before. Don’t try and dictate what people like and don’t like based on your lack of knowledge. Grow the hell up!
My response is to caar in reference your statement about Adam saying he wanted to play dress. First of all, he never said it the way you said it to sound shallow and in it for nothing but fame and money. Adam has worked his butt off for almost 10 years trying to break into the industry. He didn’t have a side project such as college. He was hell bent on making a life and career and a living off of his talent, first in musical theater and then as a recording artist when he changed his path. And he often worked for peanuts by Hollywood standards occasionally having to ask his parents for help with bills but he never gave up his dream and he never lost his drive to succeed. How dare you insinuate, because he likes to use the term “play dress up” that he is somehow less passionate about the music than Kris! Middle American, Left Coast, Right Coast, it doesn’t matter anymore. What happened on Idol doesn’t matter anymore. I think the pre-sales of both of their albums and the response from the fans on the tour show a clear-cut favorite. I even met 2 ladies online who flew 24 hours from Singapore just to see Adam perform for 40 minutes. That speaks volumes about his worldwide appeal. I like Kris and I think he’s a very nice guy and he’s talented. I like the tone of his voice but from an industry perspective he is “nothing special” and is at a high risk of slipping through the cracks in the genre of Adult Contemporary music which is already saturated with guys just like him. The test will be whether or not any of his songs are good enough and different enough to set him apart and not portray him as a Jason Mraz wannabe. Kris could have a nice career making the kind of music he likes to make, but he seriously needs to develop some personality with the press. He often comes off as uninterested in his own career and downright boring! Adam’s reference to playing dress up is not meant to sound like he thinks it’s all a game it’s a reference to his desire to be a very visual, over the top pop artist in the veins of Lady Gaga, Madonna and, of course, Michael Jackson. Adam is more than a recording artist he is also a PERFORMANCE artist. He likes to provide a visual and he likes to be over the top! The media loves Adam because he IS shocking and charismatic. He’s interesting and he’s articulate and people like to hear what he has to say. His label is making all the right choices for him. He is being marketed as a world star and rightfully so. To be offered a chance to perform on the AMAs without a single even being released speaks volumes! Oprah couldn’t even wait for him to come to Chicago to be on her show so she skyped him in. Do you know how many people would kill for an opportunity to be on Oprah’s show? The biggest and best in the recording industry are falling all over themselves to work with Adam because he is a rare talent. Adam is working his butt off to create art (also a term he mentions very often) and his love and passion for his art is just as deep (if not deeper) as Kris’. If fame and fortune come along as a reward for his passion and hard work it is most definitely 100% deserved! I wish both Adam and Kris all the best in their careers, but as an Adam fan I’m thrilled to be along for the ride because he’s gonna get rough with us and WE LIKE IT!
Shouldn’t speak for middle America, they loved him on the AI tour. LOL!! I think the cover is hillarious. It is so over done and that is the point! He isn’t trying to be pretty, he is being ridiculous on purpose!! He can’t help it if he is pretty too. Regardless I cannot wait for Adam’s CD to come out – it is going to kick ass!!! Folks don’t take the cover seriously – it isn’t meant to be. Adam Rocks!!
as you should be!!
that was for july
I have never bought an album for the cover. If I wanted a picture I would buy a magazine instead.
Don’t judge a book by its cover. If you don’t like the cover, remember Adam’s talent and do what is more important – buy and listen to the album.
That biznitch Rihanna will never outglam the Glambert…lol.
Seriously? I like both of their covers. You can’t look at either one of them and say BORing like most of the covers out there. My eyes are drawn into Lamberts cover to the point that I have to slap myself to break away.
Shock me, Lambert. Take me back to the 1980’s glitter and glam and then show everybody how you can sing you ASS off , you glittery alien man that dropped to Earth!
Keep it up…this world is too narrow minded. We need you.
lol best comment Ive read in awhile! cheers
At least Rihanna has a decent explanation for the bizarre hand placement… Chris Brown drove her to the photo shoot.
I laughed…and then felt so wrong for doing it.
Adam’s crover cracks me up!!! I love it!!! Glamisciously over done and so freak’n awesome. I can’t wait for Adam’s CD!!!
No, SHE drove herself to the cover. That was 9 months ago, and she’s been turning the world upside down since then, shunning clothes, bras, and public decency.
Ever been beaten by your partner and had it splashed all across the public eye for months, Jessie? No? Then STFU and get off your soapbox.
Both of them look like total throwbacks to the late 70’s early 80’s glam pop scene. And Leah, I would like to thank you for your reference to Margaret Cho with the “Great MAC counter in the sky” line.
Pity the poor Wal-Mart shoppers who walk by these covers! Ah well,they’re fun. We need some fun, don’t we?
I’m wondering if Wal-Mart will actually SELL these albums (esp. the Lambert one). Considering Wal-Mart’s penchant for censorship and all….
What here is worthy of censor????
What is there to censor?
I agree with Marge. If these cds covers graced the ailses of a now defunct record store like Tower Records there would be nothing wrong with them…but to have ‘em pop up at Target or Wal mart during the holidays…they will seem a bit out of place. I’m completely cool with ‘em, but its going to be Middle America that has difficulty with them. Little known fact: Wal Mart originated & is based out of Arkansas…where I am sure Kris Allen’s cd will get alot of prominent store displays….
I would imagine in each Walmart store the employees stacking the shelves would make the decision were each cd goes. Im in Ontario Canada and I doubt that Arkansas will be influencing anyone up here.
Phil, you don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m so f**king sick of the comments about ‘Middle America’ and ‘Arkansas’. Good Lord people! A lot of people voted for Kris that aren’t from your so-called Middle America and Arkansas. Time to get over it don’t you think? You people sound like spoiled, bratty children that didn’t get their way. Why was Kris even brought up? Isn’t the article about Adams cover? You know, it’s actually possible for some people to like both Kris and Adam! Wow!, can you imagine that? I hope they both find success. Time to move on Phil. Your posts about Adam vs. Kris are getting old! Give it a rest!
See it’s the damn airbrush color treatment! Adam’s cover would have really rocked if it were in BW like Rihanna’s, maybe with just a few blue streaks in his hair… Can’t wait to hear the songs and get pass this…
That’s actually a cool idea. I don’t mind Adam’s cover the way it is but black-and-white with blue streaks would have been neat.
Nice one crispy, it’s funny because it’s true.
As an Adam fan, I don’t care for his album cover and just wonder why he has to do this “in your face” things. I like his voice, but I think now all he really wants to do is lean in as he says and make one feel uncomfortable. I accept his lifestyle, but really just keep it about the music.I’ll probably buy the album, but a lot of straight guys won’t want to be seen buyint that album-so what did you gain Adam. Loved the Details mag pictures. Those were hot.
How on earth is this album cover “in your face”? Why on earth would this make anyone feel uncomfortable? It is camp and ridiculous ON PURPOSE! Anyone dumb enough not to buy an album just because of a cover wouldn’t likely be an Adam fan anyway!
Sealily how old are you? I’m 31, worked in an actual Record store at one point, and happen to know a thing or two about the music industry. Kids these days don’t actually get what it means to be CAMP ON PURPOSE. All they go is, OMG, “How gay is that??” (*I’m a gay guy, and have no problem with my sexuality or Adam’s, but I am speaking from the perspective of a teenager, attempting to ‘be cool’*) Now, its hard to call how this will pan out since its an Idol graduate’s cover, and he has fans regardless, but ultimately I do think that this is going to hurt his sales at some point, especially with the younger audience, and the over abundance of Idol releases between mid- November and X-mas. I say this every year, why do you think the Idol winners ALL perform at the big city Jingle Balls for KIIS in LA and Z100 in Nyc? THEY HAVE TO IN ORDER TO GET THEIR SINGLES PLAYED IN THE MAJOR MARKETS. Its payola without the actual name attached. Anyone doubting me, think about if you’ve attended any of those Jingle Balls the past couple years, either 1 Idol or the Idol AND runner up have performed, and a majority of the crowd are kids. This album cover has the potential to isolate alot of youngsters that think he looks ‘really gay’ and have no clue what a Glamour Shot is or was. In today’s society, kids don’t try to understand things they don’t get because of the immediacy they are accustomed to. I’m sure there are people that will disagree with me, and I am sure Adam thinks this cover reflects his artistry, but I seriously hope I am wrong and it doesn’t come back to bite him in the ass. At least it makes him looks slim in the face.
@Phil – I will buy his album anyway because I think his vocals kick ass no matter what…but I was planning to give a bunch of copies to friends/relatives for Christmas to show them his talents. But with this cover, I do have to consider limiting the receipients because I don’t think the CD would make it into their players. I’m not saying it’s right or fair, but the reality is that people do “judge by covers” and at least for me, I will not be buying as many copies…
EXACTLY! i don’t really care what people think when i go to buy that album. i’m a TRUE adam fan until i die! unlike miss linda here.
Are you kidding me? Do you actually think Adam wanted this to be campy and ridiculous? NO, he’s shocked that the majority of the public think that this cover is horrific so now he’s trying to defend it by saying it’s suppose to be that way. There is no way in hell he wanted his ‘first’ CD to be ridiculous. Not buying it at all! Adams attempt at ’shock value’ was a little too much!
How are you a fan, Linda? You just said that Adam makes you uncomfortable, he needs to hide his creativity and “just keep it about the music”, and you will “probably” buy the album. And yeah…straight guys that can’t see past the wrapping to the sweet center of this man even though his vocals are SLAMMIN’, well, too bad, their loss. Besides, Adam has millions of fans around the world who enjoy ALL sides and shades of him.
@Linda You seem to think that Adam is a conformist. He is not. You want him to blend in and be like the rest. That has never been his MO. Adam has somewhat of a 6th sense about what people want him to do, or pose, or what pic to take, and then he does the opposite. This is just an album cover. AN ALBUM COVER!!! PAPER!!! CARDBOARD!!!!
You make it sound like Adam’s cover is pornographic! It’s just a pretty picture for gods sake! Most people don’t get that deep about an album cover! SMH
You accept his lifestyle….my aren’t you gracious and kind
NEWSFLASH TO LINDA: ADAM LAMBERT WAS NEVER GOING TO SLEEP WITH YOU!
Hahaha, thank you for Option #3.
YUCK! Adam looks more like a woman than Rhianna! Oh, I forgot, hes a man, so he can actually fight back!
Cover one side of his face then the other. The side with the hand is effeminate, the one without is more masculine.
Neither side looks masculine.
If Adam were straight you folks would get that this is not to be taken seriously. He isn’t trying to be serious – it is glam and crazy. It is a classic 70’s thing! Think – Dimonds Dogs and Poisin. Truly I think the creative kids of today will get it totally!! The puritans never will.
Sorry, ain’t buying what you said and I’m far from a puritan.
Given that Rhianna’s looks a lot like a mug shot, I’ll take Adam’s throwback glam. It’s a close call though.
I agree the Details mag pictures were beautiful – a beautiful man! This cover is his art another part of Adam and it covers his music. Someday you guys won’t care what others think – that’s call maturity.
Those middle American straight guys can go line up to buy Kris’ safe wonder bread album. Adam’s album cover ROCKS and the music is gonna be “out of this world” as you can tell by the cover. Way to go Adam. Keep leaning, we like it!
I love wonder bread. I could eat it all day and never tire of it.
Me too kct! It goes great with PB &J ! Damn I now want a PB&J sandwich on wonder bread! Would you care to join me?
Wonder bread is my fave. Wonder bread has mulit-million dollars sales a year.
Honestly, I’m just waiting for the duet
=) I like them both!
His cover is now my wallpaper…need I say more???