09/07/2026
**Adam Lambert says he finally figured out why dating in Los Angeles left him drained â and it wasnât just the city. đ**
Ahead of his sixth album, *ADAM*, Lambert opened up to *Xtra* about his dating experiences and the major difference he noticed after moving from Los Angeles to New York.
After becoming single following his longtime relationship, Lambert said the dating scene in New York felt noticeably different. He joked that he was meeting more gay men with âreal jobs,â while in LA, he felt like many of the men he encountered were focused on âOFâ or trying to become the next reality-TV star.
The move came during a major period of change for the singer. In 2024, Lambert made his Broadway debut as the Emcee in *Cabaret*, left the city he had called home for most of his adult life, and entered the studio with a renewed sense of inspiration.
He also appeared ready to embrace his accomplishments more openly, saying: **âIâm still here, give me my flowers. Put respect on my name. I feel like Iâve earned it.â** đš
And thereâs plenty behind that confidence. Lambert became a major *American Idol* favorite in 2009, though he ultimately finished as runner-up to Kris Allen. His sexuality was also a major topic of discussion surrounding the competition at the time.
Then, in 2012, *Trespassing* debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 â making Lambert the first openly gay male artist to achieve that milestone. đ
After all these years, Adam Lambert clearly feels heâs earned his flowers.