Before becoming a frontrunner in the eighth season of American Idol, vocalist Adam Lambert made his name in the theater world, performing alongside Val Kilmer in the debut production of TEN COMMANDMENTS: THE MUSICAL. The California native subsequently parlayed that theater background into a successful multi-month run on American Idol in 2009, where his flair for neo-goth attire, eclectic arrangements, and soaring vocals made him a critical favorite. Lambert found himself pitted against contender Kris Allen in the grand finale, which he ultimately lost by a slim margin. However, a judges' favorite with a passionate fan following, Lambert was already off to a good start to his pop star career, confirmed by the four songs that debuted on the Billboard chart the week after the final.
