Adam Lambert doesn’t just cover songs—he reinvents them. With High Drama, Lambert takes classics from Bonnie Tyler, Duran Duran, Billie Eilish, and more, twisting them into bold, theatrical reimaginings that showcase his powerhouse vocals and deep love for rock and glam.
“I wanted to dive into more of a rock spirit,” Lambert says. “Having been on the road with Queen for over a decade, I really wanted to bring that classic rock energy back into my own work.” That mission is clear from the first note—whether it’s his electrifying take on Lana Del Rey’s West Coast (now a full-on Zeppelin-style rock banger) or his stunning, emotional rendition of Ordinary World that left my wife in tears.
For Lambert, the process was all about transformation. “I wanted to flip these songs on their heads,” he explains. “Some of them, like Holding Out for a Hero, already had big drama built in, so I leaned into that glam rock energy. Others, like Billie Eilish’s Getting Older, felt really personal. That one evolved into something very Queen-esque, with big layered harmonies and a classic rock feel.” It’s no surprise that fans have been speculating whether Brian May had a hand in the album’s production. “Nope, that’s my producer Tommy English,” Lambert laughs. “But I love that it has that spirit.”
Even with High Drama out in the world, Lambert isn’t slowing down. He’s making his feature film debut in Fairyland, a Sofia Coppola-produced drama set in 1970s San Francisco. “It’s a beautiful, emotional story about a single father raising his daughter during the gay liberation movement,” Lambert explains. “It’s about love, family, and resilience, and I was honored to be part of it.” His role? One of the father’s boyfriends. “I loved stepping into that world,” he says. “I’ve done theater and TV, but film is a whole new experience for me. I definitely want to do more.”
That’s not all—Lambert is also in the middle of writing his own musical. “It’s pop-rock, disco, funk—all the things I love about the ‘70s,” he teases. “It’s still in development, but I can’t wait to share more when the time is right.”
And then, of course, there’s Queen. “We’re not done,” Lambert says with a smirk. “Watch this space.” Though he’s tight-lipped on specifics, it’s clear there’s more to come with Brian May and Roger Taylor.
So what’s next? “Touring, promoting the album, some TV performances,” Lambert says. “We just announced a show in Finland, and I’ll be making stops in Europe, Australia, and the U.S. It’s going to be a busy year.”
Busy, yes—but that’s how Lambert likes it. “I just want to keep challenging myself,” he says. “New music, new experiences, new creative outlets—that’s what keeps me going.”
And judging by High Drama, he’s got no shortage of inspiration.
Watch the interview above and then check out the video below.