Adam Lambert On His AMAs Censored Performance: 'That's Discrimination'

Access Hollywood - November 24, 2009 8:31 PM PST
Story photo: Adam Lambert On His AMAs Censored Performance: 'That's Discrimination'Adam Lambert performs onstage at the 2009 American Music Awards at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on November 22, 2009 in Los Angeles, CaliforniaGetty PremiumAccess Hollywood

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Even before Adam Lambert's show-stopping performance at the 2009 American Music Awards was edited for the west coast feed of the awards show, the singer told Access Hollywood's Shaun Robinson that he felt censoring his performance would be wrong.

"You know honestly, if I offended some people... it's apples and oranges. I'm not an artist that does things for every single person," Adam told Access' Shaun backstage following his racy performance of "For Your Entertainment," where he simulated fellatio with a male dancer and kissed male keyboardist Tommy Ratliff, who is straight.

VIEW THE PHOTOS: 2009 American Music Awards

"I believe in artistic freedom and expression, I believe in honoring the lyrics of a song, and those lyrics aren't really for everybody either," he continued.

And before his performance was edited, he told Access the thought of changing what happened on stage for the other half of the country would be a double standard.

VIEW THE PHOTOS: Gay & Lesbian Hollywood

"If it's edited, that's discrimination," Adam said. "I will be a little disappointed because there is a little bit of discrimination going in this country. There's a big double standard, female pop artists have been doing things provocative like that for years, and the fact that I'm a male, and I'll be edited and discriminated against could be a problem."

The singer did admit that an edited down performance would not shock him.

"I'm not going to be surprised that they edit it," he continued. "People are scared and it's really sad, I just wish people could open their minds up and enjoy things, it's all for a laugh, it's really not that big of a deal."

VIEW THE PHOTOS: From 'Wicked' To 'Idol': Hot Shots Of Adam Lambert

Adam said he's only trying to add a little shock to his show - something many before him have done.

"Shock is fun, shock rock is like something that existed, for example, like in the 70's, Alice Cooper...David Bowie, you had artists that liked to push the envelope and that's what made them so fresh," he explained. "Prince for example, wore a**less chaps one year...I think that surprise is part of entertainment. I think that it keeps people watching its fun, it makes you laugh and it should be that way. And if it made you uncomfortable, maybe I'm not for you."

Early Monday morning the singer thanked his fans on Twitter for their support, writing, "All hail freedom of expression and artistic integrity...fans: I adore u."

To see Shaun Robinson's entire interview with Adam Lambert following his racy AMA performance, CLICK HERE!

Related Content from AccessHollywood.com:
PLAY IT NOW: 2009 American Music Awards: Adam Lambert Backstage - 'Shock Is Fun'
PLAY IT NOW: Access Extended: On The Set Of Adam Lambert's 'For Your Entertainment'

MORE ACCESS ON THESE TOPICS: Adam Lambert - American Music Awards - Shaun Robinson - Rock - Twitter

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comments 1-10 of 6360  |< newest · < newer · older > · oldest >|  hide comments · post a comment
  • Jane
    Adam is a very talented young man. Those of us who claim to be 'Christ'-ians should stop being haters and follow in the steps of our Master. He came to save the world not to condemn it. Let's show love and be a light to our confused generation.
    report abuseposted February 8, 2010 6:25 PM PST
  • Louis M
    Please people I don't give f...@ what adam lambert sexual deviations are as long he keep it in his damn bedroom .....I don't need my family been force to waht such as sodomy act on tv. at least we should be aware of that crap.....shame on all those producers and all that nasty people who have to do with this......we demand a decent clean white show we deserve some kind considera
    report abuseposted January 17, 2010 11:07 PM PST
  • Bev
    i agree that gays and lesbos should be left alone. That way don't won't pretend to be straight and pass on their homesex genes to the next generation. I'll make the sacrifice for my kids
    report abuseposted January 13, 2010 1:03 AM PST
  • Shai``
    I wholeheartedly agree with Jen D. First of all Being Gay isnt no big deal, Secondly if people didnt want to see his performance, all they had to do was either turn there channel or get up and go to another room while he was performing, Madonna has done far worse more times than Adam did, and Last but not Least, We that Are gay And or Lesbian or Bi Are Not Going Anywhere. Nuff Said.
    report abuseposted January 10, 2010 10:06 PM PST
  • Brendasue
    IT WAS DISGUSTING FOR ADAM TO PUT ON SUCH AN ACT, NO MATTER WHERE IT WAS BEING FILMED. PEOPLE SHOULD BE GIVEN THE CHOICE TO WATCH SUCH A PERFORMANCE. NOT BE FORCED INTO SEEING IT. MOST WERE CAUGHT OFF GUARD. IT WAS NOT EXPECTED BUT I SERIOUSLY DOUBT ADAM LOST CONTROL AS HE CLAIMS. ALSO DOUBT THAT HIS FINGER WAS ON AUTOPILOT AND UNCONTROLABLE EITHER.IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH BEING GAY.
    report abuseposted December 31, 2009 3:35 AM PST
  • Lisa
    Who the hell cares, what he did. I wouldn't call it shock rock, I wouldn't even call it shocking at all. For the record, David Bowie was not a shock rocker.
    report abuseposted December 31, 2009 3:06 AM PST
  • Logan
    umm ew.
    report abuseposted December 25, 2009 1:57 AM PST
  • Logan
    umm ew.
    report abuseposted December 25, 2009 1:56 AM PST
  • Ramia
    I mean it was wrong but, worst things has happend on tv.
    report abuseposted December 23, 2009 4:42 AM PST
  • Ramia
    I mean it was wrong but, worst things has happend on tv.
    report abuseposted December 23, 2009 4:42 AM PST
comments 1-10 of 6360  |< newest · < newer · older > · oldest >| 

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