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A Friend Stopped By | 06/02/2009 11:00 pm

What Is It About Adam Lambert? by Allegra Huston

The author of Love Child reflects on the panty-throwing days of yesteryear … and on the latest inspiration for the flinging of undergarments from ‘American Idol.’
By Allegra Huston
© Getty Images

Editor’s Note: Allegra Huston’s new book, Love Child: A Memoir of Family Lost and Found, hit bookstores in April and has received rave reviews from Melik Kaylan at Forbes, the Daily Telegraph and wOw’s own Liz Smith, among others. Allegra is the youngest daughter of film director John Huston and sister of Oscar-winning actress Anjelica Huston. She was born in London, raised in Ireland and Los Angeles, and now lives in Taos, NM. She was a publisher in London for nine years and has been a freelance writer and editor since 1994.

In the early ’80s, I moved to London and discovered that housewives were throwing their panties at Freddie Mercury. I found it baffling. Tom Jones I could understand, though I didn’t buy into it; but Freddie Mercury was so obviously gay. These 40-something women in polyester dresses and perma-set hair were making idiots of themselves on the BBC, as if they didn’t understand what gay was.

I haven’t had a crush on a famous person since my yearning, aged 14, for John Travolta to rescue me from the mountaintop house ...

Could they really not know? I was only 16, but I knew perfectly well – maybe it was because I came from Los Angeles. I’d gone to Frederick’s of Hollywood with my stepmother to buy pink ostrich-feather mules in a size 13 for her friend Philip, to assist in his transformation into Marcia Hardridge.

And now I’m in my 40s, and, if I were the panty-throwing type, I’d want to throw mine at Adam Lambert. What has happened to me?

I’ve never liked the front-combed hair-in-the-face look. I don’t know that I’d actually vote for the black nail polish. And I’m a bit worried that he’s got some ghastly secret piercings. To be honest, I’m not really sure I want to find out. But there’s something about him that keeps me — and half the women I know — replaying old "American Idol" episodes on DVR and gazing at photographs of his blue-penciled eyes. (Let’s not forget that Brando did eyeliner too.) Bravery, maybe — he hooked me with “Ring of Fire.” The damn-the-torpedoes flamboyance, the oh-my-god-what-did-I-just-do look when he finished. The intense self-discipline obvious behind the recklessness. And the sweetness. And the smile.

Frankly, I don’t mind whether he’s kissing a guy or a girl in that photo with the overcoat and scarf and purple hair held back by sunglasses; it’s a very sexy photograph. I wouldn’t want to print it out if he was kissing a girl. I’d be jealous of her. A guy, I can’t compete with. 

I’m thinking it may be better to have a crush on a gay man. I haven’t had a crush on a famous person since my yearning, aged 14, for John Travolta to rescue me from the mountaintop house that, behind my grandmother’s back, we called Gloom Castle. I felt like an idiot then, and I’d feel like one now if I was mooning around over photos of Johnny Depp or Denzel Washington and wondering whether, if we were stuck in an elevator together, they just might be up for it. Of course, they’re more my age. I was at university listening to the original “Mad World” when Adam Lambert was born.

He’s utterly unattainable. So what am I thinking? This way, I can really laugh at myself. I’m not like those Freddie Mercury housewives; I know the score. This is not a sad obsession. I’m hoping it might be chic.

More From Allegra Huston:

"What would you do if you knew you couldn’t fail?" Seduce Adam Lambert, Obviously
 

12638 Reader Comments (so far…) Sign In or Register to comment

adams beth

Here is Kris’s single…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=leg4tcgogcU

Im still not sure about it personally… guess it will grow on me !

GBA

By adams beth on 09/22/2009 7:21 am
adams beth

I guess this tribute is to the GBA as well???

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/album.php?aid=8884&id=1789636416&ref=nf

LOL

GBA

By adams beth on 09/22/2009 7:23 am
Niamh Cat
Definitely! Those pictures emphasize the absolute necessity of careful arranging. Don’t want it to get loose and rampage about. Okay, yeah we do. ;-)
By Niamh Cat on 09/22/2009 8:14 am
EKA -
Well, I would guess that after 52 concerts wearing the same pants, leather, faux or otherwise,would stretch in certain areas when under stress from certain body parts just aching to break free, ya know what I mean ?
By EKA - on 09/22/2009 9:32 am
Priscilla Queen of the Desert

Good Morning Glambertinas:

I was just reading a new wowOwow article:

Will Hollywood Be Nice to ‘Cougar Town’? by Jane Ganahl

In the article she (Jane) refers to the movie "I Could Never Be Your Woman" (2007).  There is a part where "Mother Nature" (played by Tracy Ullman) cautions Michelle Pfeiffer about her relationship with a younger man and tells her to "act her age":

"What does that MEAN?" asks Pfeiffer sharply. "Easy listening and orthopedic shoes? I don’t want to do that. I want to stay passionate. I want to scream at rock concerts and get angry at the news. I want to wear miniskirts."

And, clearly, she wants to keep her younger man.

Says Ullman: "You’re gonna look ridiculous!"

"Yeah, well," sighs Pfeiffer, "when enough people look ridiculous it starts to look normal." 

Sound familiar?  Are we defining a new NORMAL for women our age? I certainly hope so.

I am going to watch that movie!

Love, Priscilla.

By Priscilla Queen of the Desert on 09/22/2009 8:10 am
adams beth
I’m coming with you!! I’m so impressed that you find the strength to Look at other articles. I’m tempted but don’t want to be distracted from AL GBA
By adams beth on 09/22/2009 8:22 am
Priscilla Queen of the Desert

Sometimes, looking at other articles or watching other YouTube videos seems to re-inforce my passion for Adam.  I guess it’s my new rose-coloured badass glasses!

"I Could Never Be Your Woman" is on video.  I’ll see if I can find it.

By Priscilla Queen of the Desert on 09/22/2009 9:14 am
EKA -

And if Michelle Pfeiffer, the most beautiful woman ever created says so, than I’m with her !

Glambertinae …the new normal. Works for me. 

By EKA - on 09/22/2009 9:35 am
Dorothy Gordon

Good Morning Fellow Glambertinae!

Okay, I’m as ready as I’ll ever be.  I probably still to this day haven’t quite figured the Adam Lambert Phenomenon in its entirety, but this is about as valiant an effort as I can possibly muster up.  Have fun reading; I really don’t know that I accomplished all that much, but Adam, if you’re listening - all of this came straight from my heart.  You are truly the best America has to offer, and we are really so very proud of you , for a multitude of reasons. 

 

Adam Lambert – “The One and Only True American Original Why There Will Never Be Anyone Like Adam Lambert – EVER American Idol has long reached its conclusion and the American Idol tour has just ended.  My feelings  haven’t changed one iota for Adam Lambert –in fact, they’ve deepened considerably as the months have moved on.  The question I have asked myself and now pose to all of you is – why in heavens name do we have these deeply intense, erotic feelings for this new – age man and what exactly makes him so special that his popularity has gone from 0 to 60 in such a short span of time.  With lightning speed, Adam has become the most sought after performer in America.  What makes Adam Lambert run and why is he the object of our desires?  Now –since I am accepting this mission – let me attempt (hopefully not feebly) to make sense of the phenomenon called “Adamania”, as we know it.(1) HIS PHYSICALITYWe can think of past and present movie stars that were considered heartthrobs -    Clark Gable, Errol Flynn, Cary Grant, Elvis Presley, Brad Pitt, Hugh Jackman, and George Clooney.  By no means are any of these gentlemen slouches in any way, shape or manner; however, to me, THESE GUYS AIN’T GOT NOTHINON ADAM LAMBERT!  Dissect Adam physically and there isn’t one thing about that foxy man that isn’t perfect.   His face – flawless and utterly perfect beyond comprehension.  I’ve never seen anyone with eyes like his –  aquamarine like the Caribbean seas – the kind of eyes that have the ability to look right through your soul and carry you to places unknown (Take me anywhere - I’m yours!); a mass of thick, black, magnificent hair that any woman would love to run her hands through; a perfectly constructed nose for that face; lips that look soft, luscious, warm and inviting (either I’m experiencing  hot flashes, or its getting mighty warm in here as I’m writing)!  That smile - his smile can warm the cockles of your heart and other body parts as well.  Adam has to possess the most illuminating, enticing, sexiest smile in the universe.  His smile also conveys his personality and soul as being warm, caring, kind and a humble human being.  His body - and does he ever have a body to kill!  All 6’ 1” of him is downright pornographic to watch in action.  Huge, manly broad shoulders, an expansive chest (without looking like a mannequin on steroids), beautifully toned arms, rugged powerful legs, and a “package” that somehow manages to squeeze into those skin – tight jeans of his (how I’ll never understand )! Let your imagination run wild while you’re salivating watching him thrust, strut, gyrate and dance while on stage.  Think of all the esoteric, sensual and wild things you would like to do with him.  Myself, all I want to do is jump his bones – he would never be vertical again and would probably scream rape.  Once you see Adam Lambert, you can’t take your eyes off of him, and if you dare, Adam places a stranglehold so strong over you, there is no looking away from him, and who on earth would want to. Your eyes are transfixed on him and you can’t get him out of your mind – you are his slave for life!  Not one personality has ever exhibited this degree of handsomeness, sensuality, eroticism and raw animal magnetism. You have accomplished the impossible by making straight American women totally confused, American husbands extremely happy to be on the receiving end of their wives’ lust, gay women wishing they were gay men, and gay men deliriously happy to be just the way they are. Adam, you have created a “constant state of confusion”.   In this regard, Adam Lambert is “the one and only true American original”.(2) TALENT – This is not exactly a revelation – Adam Lambert has no equal where talent is concerned – past, present, and probably in the future as well.  While singing, your eyes are glued to him, and like Aladdin, he takes you on a magic carpet ride and releases you when he is completely through.  He is singing, performing, and making love to you all at the same time.  We all can’t wait for October and November to arrive when the theme from “2012” comes out and ultimately, his CD, which will probably be the fastest selling CD in ages, and most likely be so incredible that it will “kick major ass”.   From Sex – God singing Whole Lotta Love to chanteur – crooner singing “Starlight” and “Mad World”, not one singer can hold an audience so spellbound and captive.  Like Gilligan, would I ever love to be stranded on a desert island with him singing to me!! (Calgon – please take me away)!!  He is the only performer to really possess that “je ne sais quoi’ – therefore, Adam is “our one true American original” in this regard as well.(3) EMOTIONAL & SPIRITUAL CONNECTION - A portion of us have been fortunate enough to have attended the AI concerts and see Adam perform live.  Even while on television, I felt that he always gave 200% of himself to his fans; to think about the entire presentation process – put in so much thought from the costumes to the choice of songs to the theatricality of how to perform his songs – this man gives you more of himself than anyone I have ever seen.  Due to his giving so freely of himself to his fans, he forms an emotional and spiritual bond with his audience that is unbreakable.  Whether singing on American Idol or on tour, you are able to feel all sorts of emotions – sheer lust when he sings Whole Lotta Love, past unfulfilled loves singing Tracks of My Tears and If I Can’t Have You, and personal pain and suffering singing Mad World.  For an audience to place themselves both heart and soul so completely into a singer’s hands is the mark of an extremely uber – talented and intelligent singer.  In conjunction with all of this is the fact that Adam arrived at our doorsteps just in the nick of time.  We have waited patiently - forever it seems, for a performer of Adam’s caliber to come along to wake and shake up America with his talent, showmanship and his messages of hope, love, and enjoyment and fulfillment of life.  What a refreshing change from a long list of past performers who just performed their duty on stage, finished and vanished with no connection whatsoever with their audience – a sort of “slam, bam, thank you ma’am” attitude.  Adam Lambert wants to get America dancing again; to have a reason to get dressed, glammed - up and made - up again; for America to have fun and scream at his concerts and return to the  frenzy that we once enjoyed. (4) INTELLIGENCE – Why do so many performers and celebrities speak as though they came from another planet?  Some of them mumble incessantly, others speak so unclearly and incoherently that nobody can comprehend one word of what they are saying.  Listening to some of these interviews is like having a root canal performed - extremely painful and you just want the ordeal to end.  In every interview that I have seen Adam grant, he is extremely intelligent, articulate, enunciates and speaks clearly, doesn’t ever mumble and has command of the proper usage of the English language, along with quite an extensive vocabulary.  Adam, please give a course to other celebrities as how to speak properly when spoken to.  I know that I can’t speak for the rest of the American population, but if others could speak as eloquently, perhaps what they had to say would be worth listening to.  Maybe I’m being a bit picayune, being a former English major, but Adam’s intelligence is certainly refreshing and commendable.  It is refreshing to know that “our one true American original” possesses a high degree of acumen - how unfortunate a vast portion of other entertainers don’t have half the modicum of “brain matter” that Adam does – no wonder everyone wants to interview Adam.( 5) HIS PERSONALITY – (or Mr. Congeniality”, as he should be called) – Whether Adam is strutting up to one of the back – up singers to say happy birthday in the middle of his set, asking his fans to make enough room for him in order to speak to a handicapped fan who couldn’t walk, asking his fans not to waste money on gifts for him, but to donate to the charity of his choice, or arranging  Twitter parties to make up  for not attending several meet and greets, Adam’s personality shines through in everything that he endeavors.  What a great deal of humbleness he possesses; he still has difficulty grasping and understanding the great amount of adoration lavished upon him, doesn’t think he is “hot”, had the longest “thank you” speech out of all the others on the AI tour for his fans in the audiences, and doesn’t feel the need to upstage anyone, which he could very easily do. Instead of hurling accusations at Adam for not attending several of the meet and greets, did anyone bother to think about the distinct possibility that he in fact didn’t attend them so as to give the other members of the group equal attention by the fans, so that they wouldn’t only hear Adam’s name being screamed by most of the fans.  Michael Sarver credits Adam for opening his eyes to people’s differences and enlightening him to being more tolerant of these differences.    The ease and confidence with which he handles himself in differing situations and with people in general is a shining example to everyone as how to conduct yourself accordingly.  Polite to a fault, warm, honest, humble, caring and loving, I don’t think I’ve heard one person say that they didn’t like or love Adam (oh yes, Clay Aiken, but he doesn’t really count)!  Almost every interviewer has commented on how talkative, likable and polite he is.  Adam has the uncanny ability to make everyone he encounters and speaks to feel unique – the direct eye contact he shows to everyone makes all people feel that they are truly exclusive and special to him.  This definitely plays a great role as to his enormous popularity with his fans, other celebrities, and most likely in his personal life.    Adam is the personification of class, decency, grace, and candor, unlike any other entertainer that we have feasted our eyes upon ever.  We can be extremely proud and honored to say that Adam is the “one and only true American original” in terms of his astonishing dignified personality and the respect that he has for both himself and for his fellow man.IN CONCLUSION – Adam, my darling, as the song goes, you’re “simply irresistible”.  You make us drool when we look at you, fantasize about you virtually 24/7, scream when we see you perform, and drive us mad with your gyrations and that sexy, delicious body of yours.  “You make us crazy” and we all wouldn’t have it any other way.  No other performer has ever enthralled, excited and brought us to life that way you have.  Sex God + Rock God + Music God = Adam Lambert!!  You are without a doubt “Our True American Original”; no one else now or ever will, come close to making us feel as complete as we do when we see you performing, interviewing.  But more importantly, the following needs to be stated about you, Your Majesty!As well as taking America by storm with your awesome talent and heartthrob ravishing looks, you have totally and unequivocally captivated America with your effervescent and warm personality, honesty, and wisdom.  Whether you are aware of this or not, yours pearls of wisdom have paved the way for Americans to take stock of themselves, review our narrow-minded points of view regarding people that deviate from what we deem as normal and to re-examine and re – evaluate our outlooks of ourselves as individuals.  Adam, you are blessed with an intelligence, wisdom and astuteness way beyond your years; how sad for middle – aged America that we needed “the push” that you have given us to listen to your visions of love, hope, kindness and respect to others, regardless of race, color gender or creed.  You have gotten people to broaden their horizons, think outside of their comfort zones, and partake in activities we never dreamed of.  Your fearless attitude towards life in general, your ongoing optimism of viewing the glass half full, and your belief that there is nothing you can’t strive for or accomplish in life if you have the perseverance and drive, is downright contagious, and speaks such volumes of you, your insight, hard work and drive that has made you a household name to the people of America.Adam , thank you for initially trying out for American Idol and giving us all  the opportunity to get to know and fall madly in love with you and for giving us the pleasure of hearing a caliber of talent that we haven’t witnessed in an extremely long period of time. You have lifted us from the doldrums and propelled us straight into the stratosphere with your exquisite voice and your exceptional persona.    Thank you as well for allowing us to forget about our private travails  as well as those of America’s,  and making us take full view of ourselves and forcing us to make the necessary changes so that we  can now enjoy our lives to the fullest extent possible.  Adam, you are the wake – up call this country has needed for a very long time, for shaking us up and being the injection we all needed to once again feel good about ourselves and get rockin’ and rollin’ again – you are truly an inspiration to us all, and again, “Our one, True American Original”.  You have absolutely no semblance of an idea as to how proud we are of you as the most remarkable and phenomenal performer we have had the sheer pleasure of seeing in our lifetime; as an individual that we can truly look up to and take a serious example of what a decent and loving member of society should be; you are a role model for telling the younger people in this country who view themselves as not fitting in properly that they can aspire to be anything they want to be, and to embrace themselves for their individuality rather than  conform to beliefs that are not truly their own. Our chests swell with pride that you have become our greatest performer and have resuscitated America from the depths of musical boredom, and shown us “the error of our ways”, so to speak, as well. American and all of its inhabitants have fallen in love with your looks, your style, your sheer animalistic attraction and sensuality, and the manner in which you carry yourself, as well as the positive effect you have had on all of us to “make a change” in ourselves for the betterYOU ARE OUR DREAM COME TRUE, AS A PERFORMER AND AS AN ASTOUNDING INDIVIDUAL.   WE ALL LOVE YOU, ADAM LAMBERTYOU ARE OUR ONE AND ONLY TRUE AMERICAN ORIGINAL!!  THANK YOU FOR LETTING US INTO YOUR LIFEWE ARE ALL THAT MUCH RICHER AND WISER FOR KNOWING YOU 

 

By Dorothy Gordon on 09/22/2009 9:33 am
EKA -

To quote My Fair Lady - by golly, I think she has it ! 

Dorothy, you have cracked the nut, you have found the answer. We all knew it, we felt it in our bones ( and other areas that will go unmentioned ) we saw it from the beginning, we heard it in our ears, the only thing we couldn’t do was reach out and touch it … well, a very few were lucky enough to actually "touch". You have put our emotion to words, beautifully, eloquently and perfectly. I - WE all thank you !!

 YOU ARE OUR DREAM COME TRUEAS A PERFORMER AND AS AN ASTOUNDING INDIVIDUAL.   WEALL LOVE YOUADAM LAMBERT – YOU ARE OUR ONE AND ONLY TRUE AMERICAN ORIGINAL!!  THANK YOU FOR LETTING USINTO YOUR LIFE – WE ARE ALL THAT MUCH RICHER AND WISER FOR KNOWING YOU

Says it all !!!! 

By EKA - on 09/22/2009 9:49 am
Priscilla Queen of the Desert

Glinda the Good: Well, Dorothy, you were wise and good enough to help your friends to come here and find what was inside them all the time. That’s true for you, also.

Dorothy, thank you!

Love, Priscilla.

By Priscilla Queen of the Desert on 09/22/2009 10:29 am
Isabel R.

Dorothy,

Bravo! Well said.That was worth waiting for. You are spot-on about the effect he has on people, and your comment about how it is sad that middle-aged people neeed that kind of push is correct, too. We are being changed by him.

I’m glad he doesn’t seem to have a clear idea of the effect he has on others. It’s not good for him to know. 

All I know is that I want him to go on living his life, performing and seeing loved ones, and I want to follow his journey. I just want to bask in the knowledge that someone like him exists in the world. He makes it an infinately better place.

Love, and Thanks,

Isabel

By Isabel R. on 09/22/2009 10:42 am
Niamh Cat

That was just wonderful, and every word so true. He’s the real thing, the whole package. Not just another singer.

When I look at the city crowds and wonder how many of them know who Adam is, and then think that, the universe willing, in a couple of years many of them will know who he is and be singing his music, it almost makes me giddy. We are so privileged to be here right now, to see the beginning of his career.

And I’m blessed to have all of you to share this amazing journey with.

Thank you so much, Dorothy, for putting so eloquently what I hold so dear to my heart.

  ((((((((((((((Glambertinae))))))))))))))

By Niamh Cat on 09/22/2009 2:55 pm
xena princess warrior

Dearest Dorothy, how wonderful you have found the words and imagery to express your feelings about our Prince of Passion and Musical Muse. Doesn’t it feel great to articulate your feelings? Your pride in Adam and his accomplishments bursts forth from the page to present a beautiful picture to me.  Brava!!

Love

Xena

By xena princess warrior on 09/22/2009 4:32 pm
adams beth

Hi Dorothy.

Bravo, Maestro!! You have orchestrated a beautiful rendition of "Adam Lambert…The One and Only."

Im speechless and breathless and confused and happy.  I loved every bit of you explanation. Thank you so much for putting it to the paper .

XOXO

Gloria Beth

By adams beth on 09/22/2009 4:49 pm