Written by Susie Salva.

San Diego resident and American Idol forerunner Adam Lambert (27) is perhaps one of the best contestants that the American Idol franchise has ever had…this guy is the consummate entertainer. He is now poised to take the crown of American Idol. Lambert possesses all the ingredients that a mega star needs to be successful in the music business…originality, purpose, craft, individuality and pure talent. His awesome genius is something that Simon Cowell and his fans would recognize as the “It” factor. Something that is undeniably unique and pure. He has left the other contestants Danny Gokey, and Kris Allen floundering in the proverbial dust as he plays to the camera with his eye lined eyes and rock‘n roll swagger. He knows exactly who he is and he comfortable in his own skin.

Lambert’s vocal acrobatics revel those of established artists such as Axl Rose, Janis Joplin, and Steven Tyler who he played tribute on last Tuesday night on Idol by singing his version of “Crying”. His experience in musical theater has served him well with his comfortable stance on the Idol stage transferring over to filling arenas and other venues. Lambert definitely lives up to the hype emotionally crooning passionate songs like U2’s “One” and singing the legendary rocker by Led Zeppelin “Whole Lotta Love” both Lambertized. From his first appearance on Idols auditions it was Lambert that stood out from the crowd but his sincerity with the judges and overwhelming response with his fans he has sealed his place within the music business community.

Adam Lambert onstage on American Idol.

Lambert humble beginnings can be traced to musical theater where he played the slave Joshua in the 2004 multi-million-dollar flop, “The Ten Commandments,” with the movie star Val Kilmer in the lead. He also was a “Wicked” cast member and this Idol standout spent many an evening crooning songs in that expressive voice of his on the Upright Cabaret stage.

Lambert’s unique style creates a new sound to a song and can be instantly recognized as distinctively his own. Much like Frank Sinatra who could take each phrase of a song and create a specific mood or feeling that would evoke passion and also use his voice as an instrument Adam evokes similar disposition. His swagger has been compared to that of Elvis and justifiably so. Great artists all have genius. The genius doesn’t always come through in everything they do, but when they are “on” you know you have heard genius and Lambert embodies genius wholeheartedly.

The Season Finale airs Tuesday & Wednesday, 8/7c on FOX.