Adam Lambert: Sellout or Rockstar With Street Cred?

In Adam Lambert's new interview with The Los Angeles Times, he talks about his image, "the gay stuff, and his music. Adam wants to let everyone know that he's the real deal and he has looked up to people like Christina Aguilera - who can make pop songs while having the talent to truly belt it out.

On his image:

"People want to talk about whether I have rock cred, whether I'm selling out, the theatricality, the gay stuff. ... Chill out! And just enjoy yourself. It's not that deep.

Not wanting to sound fraudulent like Miley Cyrus who hasn't listened to a Jay-Z song but sings otherwise, the guyliner-loving singer corrected himself saying: "...Sometimes it is deep. Some of the songs on the album are. Sometimes it's just, 'This is hot, I feel good, this song makes me want to go get a drink and flirt with somebody and have a good time.' Good energy is just as credible as the cathartic, dark, heavy stuff. It's just as important!"

On his music and style:

"People look at me and immediately say, 'Oh, he's doing the musical-theater thing. But if you look at most female pop stars right now, how are they any less theater"

To further his point Glambert name drops Sasha Fierce: Beyoncé is doing 'Single Ladies' with two girls in character shoes and leotards, doing Fosse choreography from 'Sweet Charity' and 'West Side Story.'"

On his influences:

I was a Paula Abdul fan, a Michael Jackson fan, a Madonna fan. Christina Aguilera was a great example of someone taking the pop-dance feel but who could really sing. Pop stars have done it; it's just not a lot of guys have done it."

Well Adam's doing it and he has the talent and likability to create a lengthy career in pop/rock music.