Adam & Queen at the EMASIt is an indisputable fact that Adam Lambert's Season 8 finale collaboration with Queen stands as one of THE best "American Idol" moments ever. (Seriously. Do not argue with me about this.) Even the members of Queen themselves were so impressed at the time by Adam's now-legendary performance, they reportedly invited him to join their band permanently. According to "Idol" lore, Adam politely declined their flattering offer--and it sure was a flattering one, considering that he was, for all intents and purposes, supposedly being asked to fill Freddie Mercury's mighty big platform boots--and he later said this was all a rumor. But it was easy to see how such a rumor had gotten started, since Queen and Adam seemed like a perfect fit. Anyway, Queen subsequently held an online talent search for a new singer for the official Queen cover band, and Adam went on to become a solo superstar...but there was always the possibility that the two would someday join forces again. And this weekend, that possibility was thrillingly realized, as Adam stunningly sang with Queen's Brian May and Roger Taylor at the MTV Europe Music Awards.
Adam Lambert & QueenThis show-closing performance was supposed to be a surprise...but when Dan Kanter, guitarist for fellow EMAs performer Justin Bieber, tweeted Saturday from the EMAs rehearsals in Belfast, "Yo @adamlambert! Good to see you dude, can't wait to see you kill it w/ #Queen"...well, the combined mass Twitter population of Glamberts and Beliebers spread the word fast. (Dan later deleted his telltale tweet, but on the Interweb, nothing is ever really permanently deleted.) So, by the time the EMAs aired the following day, excitement among Adam fans--all waiting and yearning for another watershed moment as fabulous as Adam and Queen's 2009 "Idol" spectacle--was at a feverish high.
Adam Lambert & Brian MayAnd it was worth the wait, as this was one of the best vocals I have ever seen Adam deliver (and that's really saying something). Ending the EMAs with a salute to Freddie Mercury, who was being posthumously and rightfully honored with the Global Icon Award, Adam and Queen blasted through a medley of "The Show Must Go On," "We Will Rock You," and "We Are The Champions"...and it was a performance of champions, indeed. My only very minor complaints: There should have been maybe 17 more Queen songs, as this performance was way too brief, and Adam was never announced by name (damn you, Selena Gomez!).
Adam Lambert & Brian MayBut otherwise, this was just about perfect. THIS was an example of an awards show done right, people. The MTV VMAs may drum up headlines for Kanye West/Taylor Swift feuds and meatdresses, but this year, the VMAs' European equivalent just let real talent and great music leave the biggest impression and have the final word.
"What an enormous honor to sing w QUEEN! I could feel the spirit of Mercury alive on stage tonight! Thank u Brian and Roger and crew. LOVE," Adam tweeted after the show. It was fantastic and nostalgic to see Adam back with his old "Idol" finale partners, and while I am obviously glad he forged his own musical path instead of joining Queen on a permanent basis, I do hope this isn't the last time we'll see them share a stage. Considering how well they work together, I have a feeling that they will, they will rock us again, one day.