You’d think someone as wired into mainstream music as me would actually watch more American Idol but I can’t stand the show. Early in my career in music I gave up judging talent shows because I had to sit there with a fake grin on my face while I winced through some pretty horrific performances. That pain carried into the first American Idol season and turned me off for good.

Well, almost. Nine seasons later I am still utterly disinterested except…there was this kid named Adam Lambert.

The winner of the year, Kris Allen, strikes me as the straight love child of Elton John and James Taylor. He’s an amazing talent, a trained musician with a wonderful, resonant, soulful voice. But he doesn’t strike me as a star. That’s Adam’s territory, with his edgy new look and amazing vocal range, and his ability to be gay/bi/whatever and stand on that stage and rock my world. I didn’t quite get the KISS outfit, either, but when he tackled Freddie Mercury with Queen as his band (ohmygod I love Queen, have I mentioned that?) it gave me goosebumps. Goosebumps! Lyric set 2…Adam nailed it. Nailed it in a way that would’ve made Freddie smile and nod.

You could see it in Brian May‘s grin. Yeah, the kid’s got (freakin’ spooky) Freddieness goin’ on.

If you missed it at all, here it is in all its glory. And the rumor of him fronting Queen? It’s one of those rumors I really hope turns into truth. That boy would do me proud on Bohemian Rhapsody.