Adam Lambert & Queen Announced To Perform At 2019 Oscars

Adam Lambert (image via Flickr/Tatianka1986)

The Oscars are promising a virtual homo-goulash of LGBTQ music artists and favorites when the 91st annual Academy Awards take place on Sunday, February 24.

This morning, the Academy announced that iconic rock band Queen, fronted by out singer Adam Lambert, will stage to the stage at the 2019 Oscars.

The Academy paired the lyric, “Is this real life? Is this just fantasy?,” with video footage of Lambert and Queen performing “We Will Rock You” in a post on Twitter Monday morning.

Is this the real life?
Is this just fantasy?
We welcome @QueenWillRock and @adamlambert to this year's #Oscars!https://t.co/7uDf42FbjJ

— The Academy (@TheAcademy) February 18, 2019

Lambert first met and performed with original Queen band members Roger Taylor and Brian May while competing on the talent competition American Idol in 2009. In 2012, the band invited Lambert to tour as frontman.

The appearance will clearly be a tribute to the Freddie Mercury musical biopic, Bohemian Rhapsody, which is nominated in five categories on Sunday including Best Picture, Best Actor (front runner Rami Malek), Best Sound Editing, Best Sound Mixing and Best Film Editing.

The rockers will join previously announced performers Bette Midler, Lady Gaga, Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Hudson, Gillian Welch and David Rawlings, who will perform songs nominated for Best Original Song.

Midler , a two-time Oscar nominee (The Rose, For The Boys) tweeted her news this weekend, writing, “So, (drum roll) Ladies and Gentlemen, I will be chanteusing (that's singing) on the Oscars on Feb 24...the nominated song from ‘Mary Poppins’…’The Place Where Lost Things Go’ ...so excited!!”

So, (drum roll) Ladies and Gentlemen, I will be chanteusing (that's singing) on the Oscars on Feb 24...the nominated song from "Mary Poppins"..."The Place Where Lost Things Go" ...so excited!!

— Bette Midler (@BetteMidler) February 17, 2019

Gaga and Cooper will reprise the Grammy and Golden Globe-winning duet, “Shallow” from A Star is Born (a pretty sure bet to win the trophy); Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson (Dreamgirls) will perform “I’ll Fight” from the documentary RBG; and nominees Rawlings & Welch will sing “When a Cowboy Trades His Spurs for Wings from The Ballad of Buster Scruggs.

Tune in this Sunday at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT for the 91st Academy Awards on ABC.

(h/t Hollywood Reporter)

Go Behind-The-Scenes As Rami Malek Becomes Freddie Mercury In 'Bohemian Rhapsody'

Rami Malek as "Freddie Mercury" in Bohemian Rhapsody (screen capture)

The producers of the upcoming Freddie Mercury biopic, Bohemian Rhapsody, have shared a behind-the-scenes peek at the genesis of star Rami Malek “becoming Freddie.”

The film is a “foot-stomping celebration of Queen, their music and their extraordinary lead singer Freddie Mercury.”

Defying stereotypes and shattering convention, Mercury emerged as one of the most theatrical rock stars of the 1970s and 1980s. Following the meteoric rise of Queen through their songs and revolutionary sound, the band reaches breathtaking heights in the music industry.

Although Mercury explored a solo career, it was with Queen that he found his greatest successes. While facing an AIDS diagnosis, he would reunite with his band mates in 1985 for Live Aid, delivering what many consider one of the great performances in rock history.

He died at the age of 45 in 1991.

According to producer Graham King, he knew Malek was their guy early in the planning stages.

“He came in and I was like, whoa, he IS Freddie,” says King. “And he wasn’t just acting, it was something that came natural to him.”

Once cast, though, Malek felt the gravity of bringing the iconic rocker to life on screen.

“When you set out to play Freddie Mercury, you think ‘How am I ever going to fill those shoes?,” wonders Malek. “It’s an immense responsibility but one that I was very eager to take on.”

In his approach to the role, Malek shares that he didn’t set out to “mimic” Freddie but knew movement would be an intrinsic part of his performance.

“I had some top choreographers come in and realized a choreographer isn’t going to help me,” says Malek. “I need a movement coach.”

Polly Bennett was brought in to help Malek focus on specific ‘mannerism tricks’ that included “every eye lift, every turn, every flick of the microphone.”

And then there’s the all-important style of dress that made Freddie so much who he was.

Malek shares there were over 50 hours of costume fittings which included four-inch high platform shoes, tight-fitting satin pants, and an entire outfit made out of lycra.

“When you dress as Freddie does, it makes every day feel like it’s going to be a good time,” says Malek with a smile.

Watch the teaser below and look for Bohemian Rhapsody in theaters November 2, 2018.

First Look At Upcoming Queen Biopic "Bohemian Rhapsody"

Rami Malek as "Freddie Mercury" in Bohemian Rhapsody

In the upcoming Queen biopic Bohemian Rhapsody, Rami Malek (Mr. Robot) has transformed himself into iconic rocker Freddie Mercury.

Here's the official synopsis:

“Bohemian Rhapsody is a foot-stomping celebration of Queen, their music and their extraordinary lead singer Freddie Mercury, who defied stereotypes and shattered convention to become one of the most beloved entertainers on the planet.

The film traces the meteoric rise of the band through their iconic songs and revolutionary sound, their near-implosion as Mercury’s lifestyle spirals out of control, and their triumphant reunion on the eve of Live Aid, where Mercury, facing a life-threatening illness, leads the band in one of the greatest performances in the history of rock music. In the process, cementing the legacy of a band that were always more like a family, and who continue to inspire outsiders, dreamers and music lovers to this day.”

It's been a bumpy road from page to screen for Bohemian Rhapsody.

First, for years Sacha Baron Cohen was set to play Mercury but eventually departed the project over creative differences.

Shortly after production was halted due to director Bryan Singer’s “unexpected unavailability,” the Singer was fired. Within days, English actor and director Dexter Fletcher (Eddie the Eagle) was tapped as the replacement.

Singer says he was removed from the film last December after the studio refused to allow him to deal with the illness of one of his parents. But, there were also reports that Singer showing up late to set, or not showing up at all for shooting on several occasions, all of which lead to tensions with Malek.

In any case, watch the teaser below. Malek is strutting out some seriously awesome "Freddie."

In theaters November 2, 2018.

Las Vegas: Queen + Adam Lambert Announce Royal Residency "The Crown Jewels"

(image via Instagram)

Iconic British rockers Queen and out frontman Adam Lambert have announced the band’s first Sin City residency, titled The Crown Jewels, at Park Theater at Park MGM, in September 2018.

The band first shared the news with the Twitterverse Monday morning on social media:

.@QueenWillRock + @adamlambert Announce Las Vegas Run this September! Full details @ https://t.co/bgPT1Yueqh pic.twitter.com/maU41Cjpd3

— Queen (@QueenWillRock) May 7, 2018

The royal rockers will hold court in the City of Entertainment for 10 performances from September 1 - 22 (September 1, 2, 5, 7, 8, 14, 15, 19, 21 and 22 at 8PM).

Members of both Queen and Adam Lambert's Fan Clubs will be able to purchase tickets before the general public beginning Tuesday, May 8 at 10AM PT. QueenOnline.com subscribers will be sent pre-sale links and passwords.

Tickets on sale to the public Friday, May 11 at 10AM PT at www.ticketmaster.com (link not live until Friday).

You can be sure to expect thunderbolts and lightning, disco balls and all the massive Queen hits including "Another One Bites The Dust," "Fat Bottomed Girls," "Crazy Little Thing Called Love," "Somebody To Love," "Radio Ga Ga" and "Bohemian Rhapsody."

The musical alchemy between Lambert and Queen has been a magical ride since first sharing a stage for the American Idol finale in May 2009. Years later now, with 150 shows in their pocket, the potent power players are filling stadiums and festivals with an awe-inspiring show drawing across-the-board rave reviews.

When Queen and Lambert debuted the show last year, Billboard Magazine raved called the production, "a seamlessly executed Vegas assault -- a just-right balance of kitsch, classic rock and ‘70s excess. It's all there; the bombast, melodrama, the drum solos, the glitter, the great songs, a crazy light show, big power chords."

More from the press:

“A master class in design, lighting and supreme musicianship. Long may Lambert and the Queen of now reign.” - News Corp Australia Network

"With fantastic players, a dazzling stage design, an almost unparalleled catalogue of classic songs, and an outstanding frontman, Queen still offer one of the most entertaining nights of rock and roll to be seen and heard anywhere.” - Daily Telegraph

Announcing this specially-crafted “The Crown Jewels” show, Queen’s Brian May said: “We’re ready to take on the ultimate challenge … to dazzle Vegas!!”

Band mate Roger Taylor concurred saying, “Looking forward to rocking the Strip,” singing the praises of “the audaciously and phenomenally talented Adam Lambert.”

Lambert gushed back: “I’m so excited to help share ‘The Crown Jewels’ with the Strip. You’ll be humming them all night!”

Check out Queen + Adam Lambert below rocking "Somebody To Love" during an appearance on X-Factor in 2014.

Lambert recently teamed up with out rocker Melissa Etheridge on her hit power-ballad, "I'm the Only One," at this year's GLAAD Media Awards:

@melissa_etheridge @glaad media awards

A post shared by ADAMLAMBERT (@adamlambert) on May 6, 2018 at 12:10pm PDT

Here's some snaps of Lambert on tour with the legends themselves, Queen:

Cloak designed by @Jeffreywork Thank you Glasgow! @officialqueenmusic #qal

A post shared by ADAMLAMBERT (@adamlambert) on Dec 4, 2017 at 5:28am PST

Thank you Australia ! this @officialqueenmusic tour was pure joy!!!

A post shared by ADAMLAMBERT (@adamlambert) on Mar 6, 2018 at 11:49pm PST

A post shared by ADAMLAMBERT (@adamlambert) on Dec 16, 2017 at 3:07am PST

Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" Turned Into Dark Movie Scene

Love this video from Corridor Digital that turns the iconic "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen into a dark movie scene.

Any way the wind blows...

Queen & David Bowie "Under Pressure" A Cappella

Very cool. The Queen/David Bowie hit a cappella. When there was no auto-tune and singers could really sing.

According to Mark Blake, author of a biography of Freddie Mercury, in 1981 they began a 24 hour marathon of wine and cocaine that ended up with this musical gem.

Queen + Adam Lambert on tour: "Somebody To Love"

Rock icons Brian May and Roger Taylor have again joined American Idol star Adam Lambert for a 24 date concert tour of North America with the massive anthems and beloved ballads from Queen's extensive catalogue.

This past weekend, the tour stopped in my home city of Las Vegas at the Hard Rock Hotel's concert venue The Joint. And "hard rock" they did.

Brian May had this to say about the tour:

"Let's ROCK those beautiful arenas JUST ONE MORE TIME!"

"Of course, we're taking (late singer) Freddie (Mercury's) material, and it's alive, it's kicking, it's not a fossil, and all the stuff we worked on together, it is still organically growing, and so I think to take Freddie's material out on tour as well as our own is a great opportunity."

"You know that Adam has a great respect for Freddie and I know if Freddie saw Adam perform he'd have a great respect for Adam too 'cause Adam has a matchless instrument and he's a great performer so Freddie would absolutely be into it, I have no doubt."

Remaining concert dates (all July 2014):
9 - Toyota Center, Houston
10 - American Airlines Center, Dallas
12 - The Palace at Auburn Hills, Detroit
13 - Air Canada Centre, Toronto
14 - Bell Centre, Montreal
16 - Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia
17 - Madison Square Garden, New York
19 - Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville, Conn.
20 - Merriweather Post Pavilion, Washington, D.C.
22 - TD Garden, Boston, Mass.
23 - Izod Center, East Rutherford, N.J.
25 - Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville, Conn.
26 - Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, N.J.
28 - Air Canada Centre, Toronto, Ont.

Adam Lambert joins QUEEN as lead singer for 19 city tour

Adam Lambert, American Idol runner-up, will join the legendary rock band QUEEN for a 19 concert tour this summer.

This is not the first time Lambert will perform with the band, but it is the first official tour together.

From Rolling Stone:

“It’s such a treat to get onstage, pay my respects and sing some of the greatest songs ever written,” Lambert told reporters, adding that the task would be “daunting.”

“Adam is the most incredible frontman,” said Queen drummer Roger Taylor. “He’s a great diva, and I mean that in the best possible way. We need that theatrically.” Lead guitarist Brian May also told Rolling Stone at last year’s iHeartRadio festival that “he has all the elements – he has the passion, he has the humor, a little bit of camp. And when the shots are down, he has the power. It’s incredible.”

“I'm completely in awe of the Queen phenomenon,” Lambert said in a statement. “The thought of sharing the stage for a full set in North America is so beautifully surreal. I'm honored to be able to pay my respects to Freddie's memory; he's a personal hero of mine, and I am deeply grateful for the chance to sing such powerful music for fans of this legendary band. I know this tour will be a huge milestone for me, and with the support of Brian, Roger and the rest of the band, I feel like magic will be on display.”

In 2009, Lambert's debut album For Your Entertainment earned his a Grammy Award nomination.

Tickets available starting March 14th via LiveNation.

Queen + Adam Lambert Tour Dates

6/19 Chicago - United Center
6/21 Winnipeg - MTS Centre
6/23 Saskatoon - Credit Union Centre
6/24 Edmonton - Rexall Place
6/26 Calgary - Scotiabank Saddledome
6/28 Vancouver - Pepsi Live at Rogers Arena
7/1 San Jose - SAP Center
7/3 Los Angeles - The Forum
7/5 Las Vegas - The Joint
7/6 Las Vegas - The Joint
7/9 Houston - Toyota Center
7/10 Dallas - American Airlines Center
7/12 Detroit - The Palace of Auburn Hills
7/13 Toronto - Air Canada Centre
7/14 Montreal - Bell Centre
7/16 Philadelphia - Wells Fargo Center
7/17 New York - Madison Square Garden
7/19 Uncasville, CT - Mohegan Sun Arena
7/20 Washington, DC - Merriweather Post Pavilion

(via Rolling Stone)

Freddie Mercury, lead singer of Queen, would have been 66 today

Thanks to JoeMyGod for reminding us that the incredible Freddie Mercury, lead singer of Queen, would have been 66 today.

Undeniable talent and charisma, and gone far too soon.

Watch the above clip as Freddie plays with the audience before launching into "Pressure" - which still sounds fresh today.

Adam Lambert to become lead singer for QUEEN

Adam Lambert says he's been chosen to replace Freddie Mercury as the new lead singer of the legendary rock band Queen! I completely see this as a great spot for Lambert to be. The style, the voice, the passion he brings to a concert stage really seems to fit the mold of QUEEN.

"The intention is to pay tribute to Freddie and the band by singing some f---ing great songs. It's to keep the music alive for the fans and give it an energy that Freddie would have been proud of," Adam shared. Lambert has praised his fellow gay entertainer Mercury as a great inspiration on his own music and career.

However, the humble performer insisted he in no way wants to suggest that he could ever fill Mercury's stylish shoes, admitting, "There's no intention in my mind of replacing Freddie. That's impossible. The way I'm choosing to view it is that it's a great honor and one I'm in no way going to shirk"

In the finale of American Idol 2009, he rocked with Queen (and eventual winner Kris Allen). Check out the video above.

Do you think Adam can handle the job?