Adam Lambert

With judges calling his voice one of the best in contention, Adam Lambert – one of the Top 36 semifinalists on season eight of “American Idol” (Fox, 2002- ) – grew up in San Diego, CA but took off for the bright lights of Hollywood to follow his performance dreams. He began singing at age 10, and was involved with musical theater for the past eight years. When his name was not called during the 2009 "Idol" finale, many viewers were shocked that the powerhouse singer – who more than held his own onstage with such veteran rockers as Queen and KISS – lost to the more low-key singer-songwriter, Kris Allen. Suggestions that his rumored sexual orientation may have lost him the vote in the American heartland were dismissed by the gracious runner-up. It was not long after taking second place that Lambert revealed in a Rolling Stone cover story that he was, indeed, a gay man, but had hopes that this would not quell the love "Idol" fans had for his talent.