Adam Lambert Conquers Nashville

I think Nashvillians were somewhat surprised when it was announced Adam Lambert was bringing his Glam Nation tour to the Mother Church of country music -- The Ryman Auditorium. After all, some felt Adam had butchered Johnny Cash's "Ring of Fire" during Grand Ole Opry week on Season 8 of American Idol. Simon Cowell didn't care for the version (Simon does not like country music, period). Simon told Adam, "I would never go to Nashville if I were you, Adam, because I think there are a lot of people throwing their television sets out the window at this point."

Fast forward 16 months and Adam Lambert is in Nashville for his first visit ever to Music City and is set to perform for a sold-out audience on the very stage where Johnny Cash had many times performed that song. Not only that, but "Ring of Fire" was a part of Adam's song list for the show.

Tickets for Adam's shows have sold quickly, but my wonderful husband went to the Ryman box office and was able to secure third row seats for the show. I was excited. 107.5 The River, a local Top 40 radio station that plays Adam's music several times daily, was giving away a chance to meet Adam up close and personal with his appearance at their radio station.

I called and called and called and usually got busy signals but got through several times only to be told I was not caller #7. That changed the afternoon before the concert when I was caller #7. I was going to actually get to meet Adam Lambert.

At the radio station, Adam answered questions, signed autographs, and posed for pictures with each of us. He was so personable, addressing each person with a "Hi there. What's your name?" What struck me, however, was how gorgeous he is up close and how when you are next to him, his focus is entirely on you.

Showtime ...........

Adam's show is not a just a concert. It's a magical, musical journey. It's Adam's vision for a show he has always wanted to do for his fans.

Adam makes a grand entrance at the top of stairs bathed in purple lighting, wearing a purple top hat, purple long coat, and lots of glitter opening with "Voodoo." Lasers came out when he sang "Down The Rabbit Hole" and he pranced back and forth along the stage shaking hands with the audience. Then came "Ring of Fire." The audience went crazy. There was no need to worry how the song was going to go over for Adam's fans. It was incredible.

Adam was now back at the top of the stairs, top hat gone, jacket gone, for "Fever" (my favorite song off the album). The dancers joined him and it was great to see some choreography -- Adam can dance, too (is there no end to this man's talent?). He donned a beautiful dark embroidered coat for "Sleepwalker." Song co-writer, Aimee Mayo, was in the audience and it had to be surreal hearing Adam perform her song live.

The acoustic section of the show includes the hit single "Whataya Want From Me," "Soaked" and "Aftermath." I love the song "Soaked" and his voice on the song reverberated through the old wood of the Ryman and was absolutely crystal clear.

After a costume change, Adam was back for "Sure Fire Winners," my least favorite song on the album, but it became new to me after watching him perform it live.

Adam donned another purple coat and grabbed a cane for "Strut," another highly choreographed number with his dancers. "Music Again" was next. By this time, people had moved up and were blocking the aisles and arms were being raised over their heads and it was a little hard to see and enjoy the song. Security moved them back and, by then, the start of "If I Had You" was playing and I knew it was the beginning of the end of the show.

The new single is one of my favorites off the album. The song is a great pick-me-up and you can't help but groove to the beat. Adam introduced his incredible band members, giving them a chance to shine solo, then went into the song. He then introduced his four talented dancers who each got their chance to shine, before having the audience sing along.

After what seemed like an eternity, Adam and the band were back for the encore which consisted of "Mad World" and the HOT acoustic version of "Whole Lotta Love." I don't know if Adam realized when he decided to perform this slowed-down version at Fantasy Springs back in February that the song would take on a life of its own. It has.

It takes a while after the show has ended to fully take in the experience Adam just gave you. I've never witnessed a performance like that -- one in which you are taken on a journey which has been acted out and sung on stage with background visuals which totally transport you to another place in time.

Adam Lambert is a visionary. He knew what he wanted from American Idol. He knew what he wanted for his debut album, and he knew what he wanted for this tour. What he has created for his fans is nothing short of spectacular.