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On a memorable evening in Newcastle, England, Susan Boyle received a rousing standing ovation at the premiere of a musical inspired by her incredible journey. The production told the story of the Scottish woman who shot to fame in her late 50s after a jaw-dropping performance on a radio talent show in 2009.

While Susan didn’t take on the role of herself in the show, she made a special appearance at the end, performing two songs, including her iconic hit, “I Dreamed a Dream.” Dressed elegantly in a red ensemble and sporting a polished new look, Susan captivated the audience, who responded with heartfelt cheers of, “Susan, we love you.”

 

Few songs capture Susan Boyle’s story of overcoming odds like “I Dreamed a Dream.” This powerful ballad from Les Misérables, the famous musical based on Victor Hugo’s 1862 novel, tells the tale of Fantine, a young mother facing hardship. She sings the song after losing her job, reflecting on lost dreams and the harsh realities of life.

With emotional lyrics about stolen youth and shattered hopes, the song resonates deeply. Written by Claude-Michel Schönberg, with French lyrics by Alain Boublil and an English version by Herbert Kretzmer, it begins with Fantine recalling a time when love was thrilling and life was full of promise—before everything went wrong.

The “American Idol” alum has stopped the Broadway show on multiple occasions to address audience members laughing at an antisemitic joke.

US singer Adam Lambert speaks at the Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center grand opening ceremony in New York on June 28, 2024.

Jewish singer Adam Lambert, who first rose to fame as the runner-up on “American Idol” in 2009, is in the new production of the hit 1966 musical “Cabaret,” and he’s encountering a problem he didn’t expect — one that, as a Jewish creator, he feels compelled to address: members of the audience laughing at what is meant to be a shocking antisemitic joke in the show’s second act.

For those of you who haven’t seen “Cabaret” (a travesty I recommend remedying!), the musical takes place in a Berlin cabaret venue called the Kit Kat Club during the late 1920s and early ’30s. It’s the twilight of the Jazz Age, as Nazism slowly but surely rears its head in the German capitol, seeping into even this most bohemian of spaces. Meant to serve as a distraction from that dawning darkness, the club is, at the end, not an escape or a safe space at all.

While the play, written by Jewish World War II veteran Joe Masteroff with music by Jewish songwriting duo Kander and Ebb, is, in some ways, a love story between Cliff, an American author living in Berlin (based on Christopher Isherwood) and a cabaret actress named Sally Bowles, the character at the center of the musical is the cabaret’s master of ceremonies, referred to as The Emcee. In the original Broadway show and the cult classic 1972 movie, The Emcee is played by Joel Grey, a Jewish gay man (at the time, Grey, father of “Dirty Dancing” actress Jennifer Grey, wasn’t public about his sexuality). Some might argue that it was Grey’s performance as the sinister character that helped make the play the iconic timeless hit that it is today.

Adam Lambert Is Finding the Fun, and the Fear, in 'Cabaret' - The New York  Times

One of the numbers that The Emcee performs is a song called “If You Could Only See Her,” in which he croons a love song to an actor in a gorilla suit. He is in love with said gorilla and wishes the crowd could see her through his eyes. At the end of the song, we realize the song is antisemitic in construct. “If you could see her through my eyes,” he sings, “you couldn’t even tell that she’s a Jew.”

The original “joke,” Grey recalls in a recent op-ed for the New York Times, drew such gasps and indignation from audiences that the producer decided to tamper it — the play was already considered quite salacious and shocking for its time. Instead, Grey sang, “If you could see her through my eyes / She isn’t a meeskite at all,” using the Yiddish word for ugly featured in an earlier song by a Jewish fruit merchant, Herr Schultz. The choice muddled the song’s meaning and impact, and oftentimes, Grey writes, he would conveniently forget to change the lyrics.

In the movie adaptation, which features an unforgettable Liza Minelli as Sally Bowles, the song includes its original Jewish lyric, which draws ominously jovial laughter — it’s a dark, pivotal moment in both the play and the film.

In this new “Cabaret” revival, though, which premiered at the August Wilson Theater last September, that line, once a source of horror, seems to sometimes draw genuine laughter from the audience. And on multiple occasions, Lambert, who was raised Jewish in San Diego, has stopped the play to go off script, not willing to let the casual antisemitism slide. In those instance, he has asked those laughing to pay attention, sometimes repeating the line, emphasizing the point of the scene by repeating those hateful words, and telling those laughing that they’re not made for comedy.

Adam Lambert Details Why He Interrupted 'Cabaret' Performances to Scold  Audience: 'Pay Attention'

David Rigano, who was at the show earlier this month, wrote about how touched he was to see Lambert stop the play at such a moment in an open letter that has since gone viral.

“This afternoon at Cabaret, as you were finishing the song ‘If You Could See Her’ and you held the gorilla’s face in your hands to say ‘She wouldn’t look Jewish at all,’ you were cut off by people in the audience laughing at the joke,” he shared on social media. “Not nervous laughter, not shocked laughter, but people who found the surprise that it was a Jewish gorilla legitimately funny.”

Rigano went on to write he was “shaking my head that we live in a world that didn’t get the point of that joke.” He then explained how Lambert turned to them and, still in character, said, “No. This is not comedy. Pay attention.”

“Especially the week of this inauguration, I really appreciated that,” Rigano shared. “And from the applause you got for it, I feel like the rest of the audience appreciated it, as well. Thank you so so much.”

Lambert, who has toured with the band Queen and recently released a salacious album worthy of the seediest of cabarets, responded to the post with a sincere thanks, saying how the show feels especially important right now, and how he hopes audiences walk away thinking and feeling “empathy towards how marginalized groups can be scapegoated as political strategy. That’s my hope and motivation every show; to pull you into an irresistible community and then make you miss us as we are stolen from you. Maybe just maybe we can change some minds.”

Adam Lambert Is Finding the Fun, and the Fear, in 'Cabaret' - The New York  Times

It’s a laudable move from Lambert — refusing to be complicit in any kind of normalization of bigotry, even from the stage, and a signal to marginalized members of the audience which, I’m sure like any Broadway show, draws many a New York Jew and Jewish tourist. It sends a strong message that he is on their side, that he is standing up for them, that they are in a safe space at the theater, even if, just like in the scenes of “Cabaret,” the world outside is filling with a darkness that’s hard to escape.

So why are people laughing? Is it that they do foster the same antisemitic sentiments that the crowd at that imagined cabaret would have? Is it that they’re drunk and unaware because the show is set in an actual cabaret-like space that encourages drinking and immersing yourself in the experience?

Grey himself has thoughts on this question. “My initial assessment, when word first reached me about this unusual reaction,” he wrote in the New York Times piece, “was that these must be the triumphant laughs of the complicit, suddenly drunk on power and unafraid to let their bigotry be known. Now I find myself considering other hypotheses. Are these the hollow, uneasy laughs of an audience that has retreated into the comfort of irony and detachment? Are these vocalized signals of acceptance? Audible white flags of surrender to the state of things? A collective shrug of indifference?”

The stage star, who also originated the role of the wizard in “Wicked,” concluded that he doens’t know which option feels like the most ominous. He worries that just like the Jews of the ’20s and ’30s, we may feel like the state of things won’t ultimately affect us. It’s also worth noting that when “Cabaret” originally premiered, the Holocaust still felt very near. Only two decades had passed since the liberation of the camps. Maybe the laughter is a sign that we’ve forgotten the very real and harrowing consequences of that line.

“Cabaret” has been on Broadway countless times since 1966, with incredible Emcees — Eddy Redmayne, Neil Patrick Harris, Alan Cummings, Adam Pascal — yet in the over five decades since it has premiered, this is the first time that character is once again played by a queer Jewish actor. The timing feels especially prescient, with rising antisemitism and LGBTQ+ rights in peril.

Queen & Adam Lambert Release New Version of 'We Are the Champions' to Honor  Health Care Workers

In a 2023 interview with Ynet ahead of a Tel Aviv concert (he had previously performed with Queen in the country in 2016 and even played “Hava Nagila”), Lambert talked about the rise of antisemitism in the U.S. While he said he hadn’t experienced it personally, “I’m definitely witnessing what’s going on and it’s terrifying. I think that’s part of the issue is that there’s a lot of myths and rumors that are going around and are awful, toxic ideas and they’re not true… We as a people have had a long history of being scapegoated and I think the number one sort of way to combat that is just educating people and sharing with people and visibility is really important. Making sure that people understand that the clichés and stereotypes that some antisemites push around are not true.

“I think it’s beautiful that there are a lot of people in the entertainment industry, for example, that are Jewish and are continuing to make beautiful art and some of that art does sort of directly address that issue,” he continued, not knowing that a little over a year year later he would be working on a project that does just that — and that he would personally stand up against antisemitism in a way that resonates with so many.

Adam Lambert has graced countless stages worldwide, but his electrifying performance on America’s Got Talent remains unforgettable. Adam Lambert brought his incredible vocal talent to the finale on February 27, 2023, with an outstanding performance of Sia’s “Chandelier.”

His flawless delivery captivated the audience and judges alike, showcasing his signature range and emotional depth. The performance was made even more captivating by the incredible talent of Aidan Bryant and the Bello Sisters, who added an extra layer of energy as backup dancers.

Their flawless choreography and synchronized movements with Lambert brought a dynamic visual element to the stage, enhancing the overall impact of the performance.

“Chandelier,” known for its powerful high notes and emotional depth, gave him the perfect opportunity to showcase his vocal skills. As he effortlessly hit those soaring notes and tackled the song’s challenging melody.

The moment was so striking that even Simon Cowell, known for his tough critiques, couldn’t contain his excitement, reacting with the enthusiasm of a fan. It was a performance that reminded everyone why Adam Lambert is a true force in the music world.

What really stood out was Lambert’s ability to connect emotionally with the song, making it feel deeply personal and unique to him. A viewer praised his talent, saying, “Wow he even went beyond the original notes… He’s really impressive. And the finalists are awesome too.”

Some complemented professional backup dancers, “The wonderful performance of super amazing brilliant Adam and the Balet Dance Bella sisters group wow Bravo. Super Fantasy Flight wow wonderful, beautiful.”

 

A Yorkshire mum who survived a brain tumour and learned to speak again, was surprised on stage by singing sensation, LeAnn Rimes, on Saturday night (January 27).

Viewers were left teary-eyed after singing-loving Sarah, who thought she was going to perform at a Country Western bar, ended up on stage on Michael McIntyre’s Big Show duetting with LeAnn Rimes.

The mum-of-two was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2012 and had to undergo emergency surgery.

LeAnn Rimes surprises a fan on Michael McIntyre's Big Show

LeAnn Rimes surprises a fan on Michael McIntyre’s Big Show. Picture: BBC
LeAnn Rimes surprises a fan on Michael McIntyre's Big Show

LeAnn Rimes surprises a fan on Michael McIntyre’s Big Show. Picture: BBC
LeAnn Rimes surprises a fan on Michael McIntyre's Big Show

LeAnn Rimes surprises a fan on Michael McIntyre’s Big Show. Picture: BBC

Despite her recovery, she has grappled with ongoing seizures and faced the challenging task of relearning how to speak.

The extraordinary moment when Sarah was surprised by LeAnn Rimes, 41, prompted viewers of the BBC show to rush to social media to praise the performance.

LeAnn Rimes surprises a fan on Michael McIntyre's Big Show

LeAnn Rimes surprises a fan on Michael McIntyre’s Big Show. Picture: BBC
LeAnn Rimes surprises a fan on Michael McIntyre's Big Show

LeAnn Rimes surprises a fan on Michael McIntyre’s Big Show. Picture: BBC

One said: “Cannot lie, that duet with Sarah and @leannrimes brought a tear to my eye… some performance!”

Another gushed: “Anybody else watching #MichaelMcIntyresBigShow and blubbing uncontrollably at the Unexpected Star?”

A third wrote: “Oh Michael @MMBigShow #Michaelmcintyresbigshow What a wonderful ‘star of the show, show’ with beautiful Sarah and @leannrimes. I’m still balling with emotion.”

Michael McIntyre’s Unexpected star,Sarah’s amazing duet with LeAnn Rimes, is magical.

And a fourth posted: “Sarah was absolutely sensational! Best star of the show, show yet. And love Leanne Rimes! That should be released as a single with them both singing.”

Leann Rimes herself took to Instagram to reveal how the surprise came about: “Surprise!!! after hearing Sarah’s story i started plotting with the @bbc and @michaelmcintyresbigshow to create a special moment that she would never forget.

“i’m not sure who cried more… if you missed it, you can watch our duet on @bbciplayer.”

Last year, LeAnn Rimes spoke to Smooth Country’s Eamonn Kelly, where she discussed the origins of her 1997 hit, ‘How Do I Live.’

She said the song was first turned down by producers of the Con Air film before Trisha Yearwood’s version was selected instead. However, LeAnn’s version would go on to become a bigger success around the world.

LeAnn Rimes interview: ‘How Do I Live’ got turned down by Hollywood!

LeAnn said: “So Diane Warren, who wrote that song, I was actually in a restaurant, and Diane came up to me and said, ‘I have the song’. I ended up back up at her studio that night and recorded these three demos, and she was trying to pitch that song, or she had pitched it for Con Air.

“They turned it down, and then she had me record it that night and sent it to Jerry Bruckheimer with my voice on it. And then they were like, ‘we want to use the song’.

“And then, of course, my version didn’t end up in the film. No harm, no foul! It became huge. It was one of those things that just, it worked out the way it was supposed to.”

The stage wasn’t ready — but they did it anyway.

Adam Lambert and LeAnn Rimes set CMA Fest on fire with a surprise duet that instantly became the moment of the year. Forget The Voice stage — this was bigger, hotter, and historic. When the “Stage Monster” met the “Voice Angel,” the result was a performance so powerful, fans say it felt like the universe paused to listen.

The song? “Shallow.”
The impact? Unreal.

From the first haunting note, the crowd knew something massive was unfolding. LeAnn brought the aching vulnerability, her voice dripping with heartbreak and soul. Then Adam soared in with that unmistakable power — raw, explosive, impossible to ignore. The contrast was magic: her pain, his fire — and together, a perfect storm.

LeAnn Rimes looks ethereal in white gown with Diane Warren | Daily Mail Online

This wasn’t just a duet. It was a collision. Two vocal forces from different worlds, blending so seamlessly it felt otherworldly. The emotional weight of the lyrics, already iconic, now carried new meaning through their voices. Every line hit harder. Every note carried a punch.

The crowd? Screaming. Crying. Stunned.

The stage? No longer a stage — it became a battleground of emotion and vocal mastery.

The moment? Instantly legendary.Halle Berry's Speech Makes Lady Gaga Emotional at Critics Choice Awards

What started as a surprise performance ended as a cultural quake. Social media exploded, fans called it “otherworldly,” “unreal,” and “the kind of duet that only happens once in a lifetime.”

Adam Lambert and LeAnn Rimes didn’t just sing “Shallow.”
They redefined it.

Cody Gunton’s blind audition on The Voice of Australia Season 13 has already become one of the most talked-about performances of 2024. The 20-year-old singer took the stage with an electrifying rendition of Adam Lambert’s “Whataya Want From Me,” showcasing his impressive vocal range and stage presence. As soon as Cody hit the high notes, it was clear he had the crowd’s attention—and the coaches, too.

What made this audition even more remarkable was the added pressure of performing a song made famous by one of the coaches, Adam Lambert himself. However, Cody owned every note, drawing praise from Adam, who was visibly impressed. It wasn’t just about hitting the right pitch—Cody’s interpretation of the song captured the emotion and power that Adam Lambert is known for, making it clear that this was no ordinary audition.

Adam Lambert wasn’t the only one intrigued by Cody’s performance. The other coaches couldn’t help but turn their chairs, recognizing the young talent in front of them. With his dynamic voice and natural charisma, Cody instantly made his mark on the competition. As the audition came to a close, it was evident that this blind audition would be one of the season’s standout moments.

Now, with Adam as his coach, Cody has the potential to go far in the competition. The combination of his raw talent and Adam’s guidance promises an exciting journey ahead. Fans are already eagerly awaiting to see how this fresh talent evolves under the spotlight of The Voice of Australia season 13.

Adam Lambert, known for his flamboyant fashion sense and powerful vocals, once again left audiences in awe with a completely new look. In his performance of the classic hit “Holding Out for a Hero”, instead of his usual bold and extravagant outfits, Adam opted for a sophisticated gentlemanly style, exuding elegance while maintaining his signature charisma.

Watch: Adam Lambert unveils powerful video for 'Holding Out For a Hero' -  Entertainment Focus

This performance quickly became a sensation, garnering tens of millions of views across online platforms in a short time. Adam’s powerhouse vocals, combined with a dynamic arrangement, breathed new life into Bonnie Tyler’s legendary song. Originally released in 1984, “Holding Out for a Hero” is a rock classic that has been featured in iconic films such as Footloose and Shrek 2.

Beyond the musical impact, this transformation marks a significant step in Adam Lambert’s career. He continues to prove that he is not only a gifted singer but also a master at shaping his public image. From his commanding stage presence to his refined performance style, Adam captivated fans with his versatility and confidence.

Adam Lambert Opens Up About Facing Homophobia, Mental Health Struggles

If you haven’t seen this performance yet, get ready to be amazed! Adam Lambert has truly delivered a “heroic performance” that you won’t want to miss!

In the world of American Idol, certain performances stand out as defining moments in an artist’s career. For Adam Lambert, one such moment came during the finale of Season 8, when he delivered a powerhouse rendition of Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come.” This performance, often regarded as a turning point, not only solidified his place in music history but also changed the course of his life forever.

Adam Lambert 24/7 News: FLASHBACK: Adam Lambert, "A Change Is Gonna Come," American Idol Finale 2009

The night of the finale, Adam took the stage with a raw, emotional energy that captivated both the judges and the millions of viewers watching at home. Known for his remarkable vocal range and theatrical presence, Adam’s interpretation of this iconic song was nothing short of extraordinary. As he belted out the soulful lyrics, he infused the performance with a depth of emotion that left the audience in awe. His vocal control, power, and ability to connect with the song elevated it to a level that few artists could achieve.

Adam Lambert's Best 'American Idol' Performances: Watch | Billboard

“A Change Is Gonna Come” is a song with deep emotional resonance, and Adam’s performance brought new life to its meaning. The combination of his soaring voice and the song’s themes of hope and change created a memorable, almost transcendent moment on stage. It was a performance that showcased Adam’s undeniable talent, and it became a defining moment in his musical career.

Adam Lambert - Wikipedia

Adam Lambert now

This performance is widely regarded as one of the best in American Idol history, and it marked the beginning of Adam Lambert’s rise to stardom. Just as he said, “after that night, my life changed completely.” The finale performance remains a milestone in his journey, and a moment that fans continue to celebrate today.

Sky-High And Over The Top: Adam Lambert Reveals He Successfully Proposed To His Boyfriend, Teasing A Dream Wedding In The Very Near Future!!!

Meet Adam Lambert's boyfriend Oliver Gliese: all you need to know about the fashion industry insider who worked for Ganni and is the inspiration behind the American Idol star's new EP, Afters |

In a dazzling revelation that sent fans and the media into a frenzy, international pop sensation and Queen frontman Adam Lambert has reportedly proposed to his longtime boyfriend — and received a resounding “yes”! According to circulating online rumors, the proposal took place during a private getaway in the Italian countryside, where Adam is said to have popped the question under the stars in front of close friends and family.

Who is Adam Lambert's boyfriend Oliver Gliese? Meet American Idol star's partner who became subject to homophobic attacks on social media | Daily Mail Online

Photos that have yet to be verified show Adam and his partner celebrating with champagne, both wearing sleek designer outfits and matching rings — sparking speculation that the wedding might be closer than anyone imagined. The couple, who have kept much of their relationship out of the public eye, are now rumored to be planning an elegant but intimate ceremony sometime this summer, possibly in Europe.

Adam Lambert condemns homophobic comments aimed at boyfriend Oliver Gliese

The news has drawn massive attention from fans and celebrities alike, many taking to social media to congratulate the couple on their next chapter. The hashtag #AdamsDreamWedding quickly began trending on X (formerly Twitter), with fans sharing art, imagined wedding playlists, and even sketches of potential suits the couple might wear on the big day.

What truly has people talking, however, is the way Adam and his partner are said to have responded to the overwhelming public support — reportedly thanking fans privately and expressing how deeply moved they were by the outpouring of love. If the rumors are true, this might not just be a wedding, but one of the most stylish and emotional celebrity unions in recent memory.

Until Adam confirms the news himself, fans will just have to stay tuned — and hopeful.

 

When Adam Lambert took on the iconic role of the Emcee in Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club, he knew it would be a milestone moment in his career. But what he didn’t anticipate was the sheer physical and emotional toll of performing eight shows a week in a deeply complex, demanding production. Over the course of its run from September 16, 2024, to March 29, 2025, at the August Wilson Theatre, Lambert faced and overcame challenges that pushed him to new limits.

Adam Lambert reprimands audience member for laughing at antisemitic line in 'Cabaret'

In interviews, the Grammy-nominated singer and American Idol alum detailed the rigorous preparation that went into maintaining his stamina. Lambert returned to a disciplined routine of gym workouts, Pilates, vocal warm-ups, and even pre-show massages to ensure he was physically ready for each performance. He described the routine as “a lot on the bones,” noting that it was his first extended theatrical run in years. The immersive, in-the-round staging further increased the physical demands, with Lambert constantly moving, singing, and engaging the audience at every angle.

The role also presented significant artistic challenges. Cabaret shifts dramatically in tone from a seductive, freewheeling first act to a sobering second act, where the rise of fascism and its brutal consequences take center stage. Lambert worked tirelessly to guide audiences through these shifts, particularly when some viewers initially resisted leaving the escapist, club-like atmosphere of the early scenes. This required a careful recalibration of his performance, ensuring the audience could emotionally connect with the heavier, more poignant moments.

Adam Lambert Talks About How Much He Has Learned Since "American Idol" - YouTube

Lambert’s Jewish heritage and personal connection to the show’s themes added an additional layer of responsibility. He immersed himself in Holocaust history and the vibrant yet tragic queer community of pre-war Berlin to fully grasp the weight of his character’s journey. This, coupled with contemporary societal parallels, gave his performance a raw emotional edge that both challenged and inspired him.

Perhaps most striking was Lambert’s ability to adapt in real time. When audience members misunderstood the satirical nature of a song dealing with antisemitism, he adjusted his delivery to ensure the message was clear. Over time, he refined his approach, blending his artistic instincts with his personal convictions to create a performance that felt both authentic and impactful.

Reflecting on his run, Lambert acknowledged that the grueling schedule nearly broke him at times. But he emerged with a profound sense of achievement. Cabaret not only marked his successful Broadway debut but also proved his ability to navigate the extraordinary demands of live theater. For Lambert, this chapter was more than a role—it was a personal and professional transformation.