The Voice Australia judge Adam Lambert has revealed what he really thinks about the reality show ahead of its season 13 premiere.

The Grammy-award winning singer, 42, has joined the cast of the singing show, alongside LeAnn Rimes, 41, Kate Miller Heidke, 42, and Guy Sebastian, 42.

Adam, LeAnn and Kate have replaced outgoing judges Rita Ora, Jessica Mauboy and Jason Derulo for the 2024 season.

Speaking to Perth Now, he admitted that while he sometimes gets ‘flashbacks’ to his days as a contestant on the 2009 season of American Idol, the differing formats of the two shows is what drew him Down Under

‘The format is a bit different to American Idol that I was on, but I love that we get to mentor people and put together a team,’ he told the publication.

‘I think that’s what drew me to this in the first place, the chance to get to help, give them some helpful criticism and encouragement . . . it’s an exciting creative process.’

Adam also admitted that he has been ‘blown away’ by the considerable depth of talent on display in the upcoming season.

‘It’s surpassed any expectation I had. The talent is really, really great,’ Adam said.

‘There are different styles of singers and something for everybody. I know that sounds like a generic pitch, but there really is. We have singers doing contemporary pop songs, country and soul.’

After rising to fame as the runner-up on the 2009 season of American Idol, Adam launched a successful solo career with his Billboard number three debut album For Your Entertainment.

He then took over from Freddie Mercury as the frontman for British rockers Queen in 2011.

Yahoo Lifestyle recently claimed that the reason for the change in judges for The Voice Australia 2024  was the star’s pay cheques, and a desire from producers to keep costs down.

 ‘The decision was made last year and the casting team were looking for quite some time,’ an industry insider told the publication.

The insider added that salary increases are necessary to keep returning stars on the show and the price tag for the former crop was ‘too expensive’.

‘The company line was that Jessica, Rita and Jason were all too busy, but I don’t think anyone is too busy to pick up these sorts of pay cheques.

‘It certainly did have a lot to do with keeping the costs down.’

With former configurations of coaches being praised for their on-screen chemistry and diversity, the insider added that Channel Seven executives were ‘nervous’ about the new lineup.

They claimed that the network was worried when Keith Urban departed the show in 2022, adding the success of the show proved they had found the right replacement.

‘Jason was a big risk in 2023 and Channel Seven knew that if he worked on the show his management was going to ask for a much higher figure to come back this year, which in the end was obviously too expensive,’ the source told the publication.

Adam Lambert has hit back at homophobic trolls who criticised his boyfriend’s appearance on social media over the weekend.

The ‘Holding Out For a Hero’ singer has been dating his partner Oliver Gliese for over two years.

The 40-year-old regularly posts photos of Oliver, 28, on Instagram, where Oliver’s gender-queer sense of style sometimes attracts anti-gay comments.

However, after photos of the pair on a night out in West Hollywood last Friday made it onto the internet and yet again prompted “obnoxious homophobia”, as Adam put it, the American Idol alum decided to take action.

“Grow up and challenge yourself to explore tolerance” – Adam Lambert

“Oli and I had a fun night out!” the ‘What Do You Want From Me?’ singer said in an Instagram Story. “Rare to encounter paps in WEHO – so retro. Haha. Lifts my spirits to see support in the comments.”

“Oli identifies as a he,” the former Attitude cover star went on. “He has wicked style and refuses to conform to the societal norms regarding his fashion choices.

“He is beautiful and brave and daring. He’s a leader not a follower. One of the many things i love about him!”

Adam – who released his fifth studio album High Drama earlier this year, and headlined Pride In London last month – furthermore continued: “We are very happy together and if the haters don’t like it, we don’t really give a f**k.

“Grow up and challenge yourself to explore tolerance. We are all just trying to stay happy and fulfilled with our lives.”

Gasps. Cheers. Then stunned silence. That’s what rippled through the studio of The Voice UK when Adam Lambert, 43, and Sir Tom Jones, 85, walked side by side onto the stage—two generations, two titans, one historic moment.

It was a performance no one saw coming. Dressed in a midnight velvet suit with signature rhinestone boots, Adam flashed that devilish grin. Sir Tom, ever the Welsh gentleman, wore his classic black turtleneck and a knowing twinkle in his eye. Together, they launched into a powerful duet of “Somebody to Love”—a nod to Queen, a nod to legacy, and an absolute mic drop for the season premiere.

But it wasn’t just the vocals that stole the show. It was the chemistry. Adam’s electrifying falsetto danced around Tom’s gravelled growl like two old souls who’d somehow rehearsed for years. The standing ovation lasted nearly two full minutes.

Backstage, the mood turned from electric to unexpectedly emotional. Cameras caught a raw, unfiltered moment: Sir Tom placing a hand on Adam’s shoulder, his voice quiet but firm.

“You’ve got the pipes, the presence,” he told him. “But if you want to be great on that red chair, you listen more than you speak. You fight for the voice behind the voice.”

Adam—usually the life of the room—was visibly moved. Sources say the glam rocker wiped a tear, then hugged Tom tightly. “I’ve admired you since I was a kid,” he whispered. “This is a full-circle moment.”

The mentorship didn’t stop there. Later in the taping, Sir Tom reportedly gave Adam his personal judging notes from over a decade on the show—scrawled on worn parchment with red ink and coffee stains. One note simply read: “Believe in the odd ones. They’re usually the fire.”

Producers were stunned by the unexpected bond. “We thought it would be oil and water,” one insider said. “Turns out, they’re more like whiskey and flame.”

Fans are already begging for a studio version of the duet—and the internet is ablaze with speculation that a special “Legends & Rebels” episode is being discussed, where Tom and Adam would mentor contestants together.

One thing’s certain: this wasn’t just a performance. It was a generational handshake. A passing of the torch with fireworks. And if tonight was any preview of what’s to come on The Voice UK 2025, the real competition might not be between the singers—but between the judges themselves.

Stay tuned. This season just found its soul.

From ArtRave pop diva to Cheek To Cheek jazz chanteuse, Lady Gaga is truly a musical chameleon. And last night, the “Born This Way” singer-songstress delighted an unsuspecting audience with yet another musical switch-up: Glam-rock goddess!

Yesterday, while down under for the Australian leg of her ArtRave, Gaga popped out on stage during the acclaimed Adam Lambert and Queen Tour in Sydney, which has electrifying audiences all over the world this summer. (It makes sense, too — Gaga is named after Queen’s “Radio Ga Ga,” after all!)

Together, the two friends gleefully tore into Queen classic “Another One Bites The Dust” together to the roaring delight of the crowd. “Tonight I felt alive in a way I have not before. I returned to the Radio GaGa mothership to pay homage to my leaders. It was emotional and wild,” Gaga wrote on Instagram. “So much fun tonight! @ladygaga” Lambert wrote on his page.

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Sometimes all you need is a song — but a little support from Oprah Winfrey and Adam Lambert doesn’t hurt, either. Cynthia Erivo opened the 2025 Tony Awards on Sunday night (June 8) with a show-stopping number featuring epic cameos from both the talk show legend and American Idol alum.

Just before taking the stage in a glittering red gown, the Wicked star — who made her hosting debut at this year’s ceremony — ran into Winfrey, who gave her some sage advice. “The only thing you need to do is just be yourself,” the mogul said before offering up her pointer finger to Erivo, who then hilariously grasped it as a tribute to her viral 2024 “holding space” meme with Ariana Grande.

Erivo then embarked on a vocally stunning musical performance of an original song to start the show, during which she shouted out many of the night’s honorees and repeated the phrase, “Sometimes all you need is a song.” Toward the end of the number, she stepped out into the audience at New York City’s Radio Music Hall and prompted some of the ceremony’s all-star guests to sing the same line. Kristin Chenoweth and Aaron Tveit both gave pitch-perfect on-the-spot deliveries as Erivo held out her microphone to them, but the most memorable was definitely Lambert, who blew the crowd away with spontaneous, dexterous riffs.

The Pinocchio actress ended the number back on stage with a full gospel choir backing her up, earning a standing ovation from the crowd. Then it was off to the races, with Erivo helming the program as Darren Criss, Nicole Scherzinger, Cole Escola, Sarah Snook and more all took home statuettes for their performances in various Broadway shows. Maybe Happy Ending won best musical, while the Scherzinger-led Sunset Blvd. won best revival of a musical and Purpose won best play.

Erivo’s hosting debut comes just one week after she appeared on the cover of Billboard, and two days after she dropped her long-awaited studio album, I Forgive You. In August, she’ll play the titular role in a three-night production of Jesus Christ Superstar at the Hollywood Bowl, appearing alongside Lambert, who will portray Judas.

Watch Erivo’s opening number at the 2025 Tony Awards below.

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.”

Below is the full version of the song:

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.

Watch Queen and Adam Lambert cover opera anthem Nessun Dorma in Italy

“So proud of Adam!” gushes Brian May, as Queen’s frontman serves up a goosebump-inducing live take on Nessun Dorma

(Image credit: Aldara Zarraoa/Redferns)

Queen’s Brian May has hailed vocalist Adam Lambert for his spontaneous rendition of popular opera standard Nessun Dorma during the band’s July 10 show in Bologna, Italy.

Lambert performed an impromptu version of the song at the Unipol Arena on the first of Queen’s two nights in Bologna, much to the guitarist’s delight.

An aria from the closing act of Giacomo Puccini’s 1924 three-act opera Turandot, Nessun Dorma became engraved on global consciousness when and reached new audiences in 1990 when the legendary Italian tenor Luciana Pavarotti performed it during the 1990 FIFA World Cup finals in Italy.

“A spontaneous gift to Bologna last night!!!” May posted on Instagram. “So proud of Adam!!! I can see our dear departed friend Luciano smiling!! Let’s Rock tonight!!!”

The package containing all three of Queen’s Greatest Hits albums originally launched on CD in 2000 and was re-released in 2011 to mark the band’s 40th anniversary celebrations.

Now a new limited edition vinyl edition will arrive on June 17 spread across six 180g discs on yellow, red, pink, purple, blue and green vinyl. Each disc has been mastered at half speed at Abbey Road Studios.

The Platinum Collection will also feature a slipcase with new artwork, while each of the six sleeves will come with their own individually designed sleeve. In addition, the new release will also include a 24-page, 12-inch photo booklet.

In other Queen-related news, Brian May has teamed up with 10cc’s Graham Gouldman to record a new song to celebrate the historic first deep space images captured by NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope.

The song, Floating In Heaven, is available to stream now.

Adam Lambert, the iconic American singer, known for his powerful voice and dynamic performances, has captured the hearts of millions around the world. But behind the glitz and glamour of his career, there’s a story that speaks volumes about his character and generosity. This story, however, isn’t about his chart-topping hits or electrifying concerts. It’s about his humble roots and a diner that shaped a part of his life and how, years later, he chose to give back in a way that would touch the lives of many others.

As a young man in college, Adam faced many of the same struggles that countless others do balancing academics, work, and a deep passion for music. During this time, there was one place he often turned to for comfort and support: Elena’s diner. It wasn’t just any diner; it was a small, family-owned restaurant run by a kind Mexican woman named Elena. She had a heart of gold and treated everyone who walked through the door with kindness, regardless of their situation.

For Adam, Elena’s diner became a safe haven a place where he could enjoy a warm meal and have a break from the stresses of his daily life. During those early years, money was tight, and Adam didn’t always have enough to pay for his meals. But Elena understood and, without hesitation, allowed him to keep a tab. For two years, Adam would come in, sit at the counter, and enjoy a meal, always knowing he could pay when he had the means to do so. It was a small act of kindness, but for Adam, it meant the world.
Elena’s generosity and compassion stayed with Adam long after he left college and began pursuing his music career. As he rose to fame and became a household пате, he never forgot the woman who had offered him food without judgment or expectation. The memories of those days at Elena’s diner remained vivid in his mind, a reminder of a time when someone cared enough to help him when he was struggling.
Years passed, and Adam’s career soared. Yet, something always nagged at him the thought of Elena and the diner that had meant so much to him. One day, he decided to track down Elena, hoping to reconnect and thank her for everything she had done for him. When he finally located her, he discovered that the diner was closing its doors for good. Elena, now older and ready to retire, was shutting down the business she had poured her heart and soul into for so mаnу years.

Adam was devastated. The thought of the diner closing was heartbreaking, not just because it held so many memories for him, but because it had been a beacon of hope for so many people in the community. The diner had always been a place of refuge, where people could come together, share a meal, and experience the warmth of Elena’s hospitality.
Determined to make sure Elena’s legacy lived on, Adam did something that по опе expected he quietly bought the diner. But rather than reopening it for business as usual, Adam had a different vision in mind. He asked Elena to return and cook for him once more, but this time, the meals would be for a different purpose. Instead of serving paying customers, Adam and Elena would serve free lunch to 120 homeless people every day.
Elena, who had always been passionate about feeding those in need, was deeply moved by Adam’s request. Together, they reopened the diner, but this time, it wasn’t just about business; it was about giving back to the community that had supported them both. Every day, they served 120 free meals to homeless individuals who otherwise might have gone without. The diner, once a place of comfort for Adam, had now become a beacon of hope for those who needed it most.

For Adam, the act of buying the diner and repurposing it for such a noble cause wasn’t just a gesture of gratitude; it was a way of giving back to the world that had given him so much. He had the means to make a real difference, and he chose to use his success not for personal gain, but to help those who were less fortunate. Through this act of kindness, Adam showed the world that true generosity isn’t about fame or wealth – it’s about using your resources to lift others up.
The diner quickly became a symbol of compassion, where people didn’t just come to eat; they came to experience the kindness that had defined Adam and Elena’s relationship all those years ago. It wasn’t just about food; it was about restoring dignity and offering hope to those who felt forgotten.
In the end, the diner served as a powerful reminder that small acts of kindness can have a ripple effect, reaching far beyond the people directly involved. Adam’s decision to give back, to help those in need, and to honor Elena’s legacy, touched countless lives and reminded us all of the power of compassion. The love and generosity that had been shown to Adam when he was just starting out had come full circle, and now, he was passing it on a beautiful testament to the fact that no good deed, no matter how small, ever goes υππoticed.

In and around Meridian, we are basking in the giant achievement of singer and educator – Jamal Roberts in claiming the American Idol title, after a long and trying journey. As local signs attest, he is indeed a hometown hero.   The wonderful recent parade through downtown streets and the crowd of 20,000 covering the lawn in front of City Hall generated goodwill and national TV images that will serve as a fresh high point in marketing our city.

The historic Threefoot Hotel and music-loving area residents are suddenly gaining more national attention. Newsletter sign up WIDGET Email newsletter signup Sign up for our daily email newsletter   “To be a role model for my girls, my city, and anybody out there chasing something bigger, this means everything,” Roberts, 27, an elementary physical education teacher, proclaimed in a social media post soon after his victory on Sunday.

One of my Meridian friends, enjoying the moment, texted: “Guessing we will be getting another mural downtown.”   Visit Meridian already had a “follow the music to Meridian” campaign in play, and the organization’s executive director, Laura Carmichael, this week said that work is underway to link Roberts to past legendary music figures from the city. “We’re working on the creative and the message,” she said. It’s a unique opportunity.   But the American Idol status for our church-bred, P.E. teacher and father of three young girls, one of them a newborn, also leaves me a bit queasy. I wonder what personal sacrifices Jamal and his family will have to make as he chases his professional singing and recording dreams.

What will he have to agree to? How much will he travel? Will his service in public education end? Will he leave Meridian?   Will he find, as they say, that all things that glitter aren’t gold?   Now that Jamal has reached stardom, I find myself wondering whom he will listen to and trust, who will be his gatekeeper, what entertainment deals he may agree to, and how quickly. Will he partner with those who have his best iinterestsin focus, or those who simply want to profit from his brilliant voice, sincerity, and engaging stage presence?   We can only hope for the best. That’s what he deserves.   I’m not alone in my concern about what the entertainment business may bring for this talented young man. Meridian show producer and radio personality Ken Rainey, who has worked with aspiring performers for more than six decades, said his first suggestion to an emerging star would be to find a reputable music industry attorney who can review and insist on changes to any deal offered, be it from a recording studio, potential agent or performance venue.   “I just hate to see people get burned,” he said.

The problem with driven young performers, Rainey said, is that in their eagerness to succeed, they sometimes quickly sign on to agreements they don’t fully understand, documents that don’t protect their interests. Recalling past country artists he has advised, Rainey said, “When I sent them to Nashville, I got them an attorney-a – music attorney–first.”   A longtime associate of Meridian’s Temple Theatre, Rainey longs to see Jamal Roberts play in this traditional venue, to take advantage of its fine acoustics before a local crowd. But even before that happens, the financial arrangements should face scrutiny, he said.   I, for one, hope that Jamal can hit the pause button, recover from the exhausting recent months, and consult with those he can trust. The road ahead is exciting, but risky too.

Read more at: https://meridianstar.com/2025/05/24/jamals-big-win-opens-a-new-testing-period/