In a case of the table calling the note flat, shady lady Adam Lambert went on a bit of a Twitter tirade over Les Misérables this week, criticizing the cast’s vocal prowess.
Beginning on December 30, Glambert put on his sequined glasses and began to read Les Mis to filth:
Les Mis: Visually impressive w great Emotional performances. But the score suffered massively with great actors PRETENDING to be singers.
…it’s an opera. Hollywoods movie musicals treat the singing as the last priority. (Dreamgirls was good)The industry will say “these actors were so brave to attempt singing this score live”but why not cast actors who could actually sound good?
He did, however, reserve especial praise for Anne Hathaway, whose performance he called “breathtaking.” Then on Wednesday, reactions to Lambert’s “harsh but true” comments caused the singer to warm up his pitching arm to throw some good ole-fashioned shade:
My movie review has gone viral. [You] can spend a whole year praising artists for inspiring work, but one critique gets all the attention. Funny.
Those raw and real moments when characters broke down or were expressing the ugliness of the human condition were superb. However
… My personal opinion: there were times when the vocals weren’t able to convey the power, beauty and grace that the score ALSO calls for.
I guess I’m a purist for the original LIVE broadway recording when the actors sang the f*ck outta those songs. JUST an opinion…
I should prob stop fanning the flames on this one..but i love a good debate- couldnt help myself.
Despite flaming all over the production, Lambert, once again, expressed his devotion to Annie, calling for an Oscar to be thrown her way. Lambert, as a self-confessed Les Mis fanatic, certainly has the right to voice his opinion, even if that voice makes getting into his glass house difficult since he can’t find the right key.
How about we take this to the next level?
Our newsletter is like a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail) of LGBTQ+ entertainment and pop culture, served up with a side of eye-candy.
And that’s how you properly throw shade, kids.
But we kid, we kid. Everyone’s entitled to their opinion. And Anne Hathaway’s entitled to that Oscar. Besides, it’s not like Russell Crowe doesn’t disagree with Adam.
capsule
Well, you are stupid for making a big deal about his movie critique.
2eo
Singing is the last priority, the writing and screenplay are ALWAYS more important creating a coherent entity.
dellisonly
Washed up never was banshee. She needs to crawl back into the cave of American Idol failures and shut her trap
capsule
@dellisonly:
You are nobody so you need to shut your trap bitch.
2eo
@capsule: Aww bless, why don’t you tell him how many records he’s sold as well.
Mr. Enemabag Jones
The industry will say “these actors were so brave to attempt singing this score live”but why not cast actors who could actually sound good?
Like it or not, that’s an excellent point.
Brucek99
To the writer of this blog and those making nasty comments about Adam Lambert. WTG with perpetuating the stereotype that gay men are nothing but a bunch of beatches who claw at each other rather than support each other. The LGBT community makes one step forward and two steps back every time you idiots write snarky blogs like this or troll articles about Adam to post hate comments. For the first time ever an openly gay pop star is going mainstream and all you can think to do is sabotage. It’s mostly older men who are doing this. They are so busy hiding as far back in that closet as they can they are afraid of someone who is not ashamed to be gay. If you don’t like him than keep it to yourself and STFU and stop doing so much damage you damned idiots.
The Real Mike in Asheville
So Queerty and Lester Brathwaite, let me see if I understand this: when a straight person rants about the faggy side of gay guys, its verbal gay-bashing homophobia; so, what is it called when a gay guy and gay website rant on about a gay guy’s opinion as being faggy? Its called hypocrisy! Fucking hypocrites.
MikeE
I agree wholeheartedly with Adam Lambert.
When I pay to see a “musical”, I expect the music to sound great.
A musical, by its very definition, is not “realistic”, and trying to make one realistic and gritty is just fighting against the source material itself.
And @ 2eo: no, in a musical film, the singing SHOULD be the number 1 priority. it is “a musical”. if you think the writing and screenplay are more important, then watch the classic non-musical version of Victor Hugo’s novel.
FStratford
I agree with Adam Lambert, the movie was not the Opera it was on stage.
BUT we all knew that they were going that way when they experimented with casting that Jonas dude in the 25th Anniversary concert. (where that awful sounding girl who ended up in the movie was singing too)
Anyway, the movie is truer to the book than the broadway show – it really conveyed the miserableness of civil war – everyone is hurt. everyone suffers.
The Broadway show compromised by making THernadier and his wife “good folks” (even though they are robbers) who ended up well post-revolt. And their happy tunes at the beginning and dressy attire at the end showed that. With a happy song like that towards the end, people feel better about the play.
But the director turned that around by making Thernadier’s wife a scheming manipulative hou, and Thernadier not the power holder but a scheming follower. Their story (the life saver of the play) makes the movie sadder than it already was.
The same broad character stroke was applied to Eponine as well, which makes sense since she is Thernadier’s kid. This makes her story more tragic… unrequited love always is, but in her case an upper class idealist is just so out of reach for her… She did not have a chance. Made me cry.
I think in addition to this, the conflicts in the movie were that much more clearer (Valjean vs. Javert; the problem in the factory; Valjean’s inner troubles) precisely because the singers were no good. I have seen the play multiple times and I have been so carried by the songs and forgot that the story is about the miserable people (Les Miserables) and came out happy!
That’s why although I agree with Adam, I love the movie better – because it is truer to the book. Victor Hugo will be proud.
FStratford
@MikeE:
MikeE you’re wrong. Even in musical films, the most important is the story. People like us, who have seen the musical countless times, are NOT the intended audience of the movie. They are trying to broaden the appeal of the franchise (hence a movie) and cozying up to us does not do that.
MikeE
@FStratford: The story is already there.
If you are making a film, of a pre-existing musical, the director’s prime concern should not be altering the story.
The prime concern should be rendering ALL of its elements as well as possible, and that includes making sure the singers don’t suck.
So no, the “most important” is not the story, in this case. If you want the story, watch one of the half dozen or so non-musical adaptations of the novel that have come out over the last century.
Aaron
I’ve always been bothered by this aspect of Hollywood. It’s no different from when they cast a “blond” character with a dark haired actor and bleach his hair. Are there no blond actors in Hollywood? Basically you have two things at play – flavor of the month actors who are in everything for about two-three years, whether it’s the “right” part for them or not, and actors who have name-dropping draw so the audience will be bigger.
However, there are plenty of actors, some famous, some just starting out, who can both sing AND act, and could have done a better job in some of these roles (not all). Unfortunately, they either aren’t well known or aren’t being pimped by their agents/studios, so they didn’t get cast.
magsmagenta
I was appalled to read this, I have been following this blog for a couple of years now, I don’t comment much but I find at least a couple of interesting stories to tweet out to my followers every day, especially during the last US elections and the US fight for marriage equality, and I generally use this site to educate myself about LGBT issues which affect everyone gay or straight.
But what I learn from this is that those who run this site hold one of their greatest ambassadors and one of the best examples of why LGBT people deserve equal rights in utter contempt.
This is one of the worst examples of bitchy gay men conforming to the stereotype of bitchy gay men I’ve seen in a long time, and then you have the gall to accuse Adam of bitchiness when all he was doing was expressing an opinion that many professional film critics share. An as for accusing him of not being able to sing himself, do you really expect to be taken seriously saying that when he has many people who know a hell of a lot about singing and performing as total fans? People like Brian May, Roger Taylor and Meatloaf just to name a few.
Reading this makes me wonder if I should take anything else written on this site seriously. Maybe if Adam stripped to his undies for photos once in a while like so many of the men you seem to idolise on this blog you might have more affection for him, but it seems that talent and a sweet generous personality doesn’t count for much around here. Porn stars and straight athletes flashing their bulges is obviously so much more important.
RooMcGoo
An Incomplete History of Les Miserables: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-vCwLY8DWg
Bilicki
@magsmagenta: Thanks for saying what so many of Adam’s fans believe. I can’t figure out why I even visit a gay site anymore…they have never really supported Adam Lambert, even though he has totally supported the LBGT community. This guy expresses his opinion (which even this whipping boy has a right to do) and it goes viral? Are you kidding me??? Psy from Gangnam Style (whatever) gets a billion hits for his stupid video and is all over TV despite trashing American soldiers and their families in a song. Everyone deserves a second chance (IMO), but not Lambert. All the world and the gay community can’t wait for him to “screw up” so we can trash him. He should be a much bigger star than Swift, Bieber, Usher, Perry, Spears, etc., etc., but he can’t even get on a playlist.
I am disgusted by the lack of support he gets from his peers. I will continue to enjoy his music and fantastic stage presence (have you seen him with Queen) and disregard the crap said about him. People say he doesn’t sell enough records, so who is he to give his opinion??? Give me a break….why is this stupid story going viral if he’s not a star or doesn’t sell records? Everyone has made a fool of themselves over this. It was a simple tweet….by the way, I agree with him. Les Mis was ruined by Russell Crowe, just like the 25th edition was ruined by Nick Jonas getting the role of Marius. I will stop ranting and go to a real website.
2eo
@Bilicki: So tell me again about how I am bound by sexuality to support an artist even when they say utterly stupid things?
Besides, who appointed you or Adam Lambert the arbiters on the push for gay rights across the globe, it isn’t up to you to decide and try and browbeat other people just because Adam Lambert is not that popular and given the quality of his musical output it isn’t difficult to draw the correct conclusion on that front.
Don’t try and guilt the way around the only issue here, bringing in ideas about lack of support and stereotypes is in and of itself an utterly useless line of discussion, although I dare say you aren’t interested in discussion as you’re clearly not bright enough to hold a conflicting idea in your head long enough to understand why others think like I do.
It isn’t a stretch after all. Don’t forget to sign up a new account to post a reply, also make sure you tell me how many records he has sold versus how many I have sold, because that is totally relevant.
Spike
This coming from a guy who’s paid his dues through the process of a mindless reality singing show and supplements his talent with image shock. His opinion is so not applicable.
magsmagenta
@2eo: The issue is that the article is a load of crap that gives a really bad impression of gay people in general.
However there are quite a few other blogs which have good articles about LGBT issues, I think maybe I’ll read those in future.
Most of them ran this story days before Queerty and in a much more professional even handed manner, I think I may go to them instead in future.
Brucek99
@Spike: “paid his dues through the process of a mindless reality singing show” Yes, just like Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson and Jennifer Hudson. Lambert paid his dues and then some but no label would sign a far to the left, flamboyant gay man. Go figure. I mean after all Lady GaGa paid her dues. She toiled away from 18 to 21 to get discovered. That’s a lot of years to get discovered.
“supplements his talent with image shock” You’re so right! I mean who does that? Certainly not Lady GaGa, Madonna and any of the straight female divas right?
Hypocrisy at it’s best.
Brian
Adam has talent in spades but the mistake made when starting his career was the assumption that male homosexuality sells. It doesn’t. Male homosexuality is something that is not tolerated within the music industry at the level of marketing. Marketing of male homosexuality is basically forbidden.
Gay men in the music scene can only be enablers. In other words, they can only be the make-up artists, the publicists, the managers and the producers. That’s the role of gay men, unfortunately.
This scenario produces the bizarre situation where female singers must do the shout-outs for gay men. Madonna, Lady Gaga…there’s been a number of female acts through the years, all enabled by gay men, who have done shout-outs for gay rights. It’s as if the gay man must never show his face and that the female act is the conduit through which he gets his message out.
Brucek99
@Brian: Excellent points. I remember Adam Lambert saying that the fallout from his overt sexuality took him by surprise. He said he lived his life in total acceptance from his family and spent all his time surrounded by the gay community. He misjudged the reaction of America to male homosexuality. Interestingly enough other countries are embracing him. I find it odd especially when he is popular in countries that have laws against homosexuality.
The trouble is what do you do at this point? Back peddle and be someone you are not or be satisfied with a smaller market.
Your points about female singers are excellent and intuitive. There is an extreme double standard. Cee Lo Green a very heterosexual man makes Adam’s manner of dress appear tame. Yet because Cee Lo is heterosexual (and makes a point of it every chance he gets) no one thinks twice about it. Adam is tame by comparison but because his sexuality is not hetero he is labeled and mocked.
Spike
@Brucek99: I don’t see Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson and Jennifer Hudson making such ignorant judgmental statements.
Madonna and Gaga have talent to back up their image shock.
This Lambert guy’s 15 minutes of fame has been extended by 5 minutes due to his eyeliner and constantly playing the gay card, and now he’s trying to extend it another 5 minutes by commenting on a film that he would have been lucky to be an extra in and actors that run circles around him as far as taking creative chances. Funny, his opinion only makes me want to see Les Misérables even more.
Dionte
When Anne Hathaway died I was ready to leave.
Brucek99
@Spike: “I don’t see Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson and Jennifer Hudson making such ignorant judgmental statements.”
Oh really? Then you haven’t been paying attention. Both Clarkson and Hudson are very outspoken. Famous Kelly Clarkson quote: “I love Ron Paul. I liked him a lot during the last republican nomination and no one gave him a chance,” “If he wins the nomination for the Republican party in 2012 he’s got my vote. Too bad he probably won’t.” You know Ron Paul right? The guy accused of racism and homophobia. But that’s different isn’t it? After all Kelly Clarkson is a straight, strong female. So she is allowed to have opinions.
“Madonna and Gaga have talent to back up their image shock.”
Oh really….hmmmm who should I listen to….Spike the anonymous poster or many industry experts who say Adam Lambert is an amazing talent. Hmmmm….tough one. Spike or…Brian May, Roger Taylor, Meatloaf, Greg Wells, Pharrell, Rob Halford, Slash, Roland Emmerich, Rob Cavallo, I could go on but you get the point.
“This Lambert guy’s 15 minutes of fame has been extended by 5 minutes due to his eyeliner and constantly playing the gay card”
Don’t tell me you actually said gay card. Seriously? Madonna, Usher, JLO, Beyonce, Chris Brown etc play the hetero card every time they get up on stage. So by your reasoning it’s wrong for a gay man to act, well, gay? If a man is gay he should pretend he’s straight and hide his preferences? Oh Spike you are projecting your self-hatred onto everyone else. Believe it or not some of us are actually quite comfortable in our sexuality and don’t feel the need to hide or apologize. Apparently some are not.
FYI, Adam Lambert’s 15 minutes of fame have so far extended to 4 years and growing and eye-liner has nothing to do with it.
Melody
I truly don’t understand this mean and self serving article.Adam Lambert is a great singer and also a great gay rights
defender.. he has put his money where his mouth is time after time.
Your snide,nasty put downs of Adam ,the singer,Adam the man was a lesson in bullying and denigration..
I put my name here to comment on your ugly hate,not having anything to do with Adam’s quotes and everything to
do with your back stabbing of one who has brought probably thousands of straight fans of his into the
battle for gay marriage and gay rights,I being one of them.
You owe Adam an apology..
ScaryRussianHeather
26 comments debating Lambert’s right to an opinion about non singers singing a former stage production in a movie – after he started his PROFESSIONAL career over 20 YEARS ago on stage…. and not a single person points out that HIS OPINION was SHARED (and amplified x 10) by a TON of professional reviewers?
Priceless. Talk about shade.