Queer representation in the music industry was scarce in the late 2000s. After Adam Lambert was outed and faced homophobic remarks from many conservatives at the time, the "American Idol" alum persevered and is one of the greatest vocalists of his generation.
Lil Nas X spoke dearly of Lambert at the press, thanking him for the queer representation that he embodied in the early stages of his career. In a new interview, Lambert responded to the gratitude that the rapper has expressed toward him.
Adam Lambert Responds To Lil Nas X's Flowers
Speaking to Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, Adam Lambert talked about Lil Nas X's statements about him feeling represented by him as a queer in the media.
"That was very flattering that he even knows who I am," Lambert said in a statement. "I think he's such a rock star, and so bold and brave, and I love what he's doing."
For Lambert, seeing Lil Nas X to finally be confident on stage while also getting the support from the industry means a lot.
"To see him be able to get on stage and have backing from the industry, and have racy, fabulous, edgy performances and finally getting to do that without being canceled or pulled off of a network, it was like, 'OK, this is great. We've come into a new chapter," he continued to say.
Back then, when Adam Lambert performed at the 2009 American Music Awards, he kissed a male band member during the performance. Shortly after, this sparked criticisms and complaints from the Parents Television Council which resulted in his Good Morning America performance being canceled. In 2021, Lil Nas X did the same stint at the BET Awards but was left unscathed.
This was not the first time that Lambert talked about Lil Nas X. In a comment on his BET performance, Lambert also spoke dearly of the young rapper to Billboard.
"I think he is definitely like the gay pop star that is 2021 - he's bold, he's controversial, he's pushing boundaries," he went on to say. "That's what we want our pop stars to do. It's just taken this long to have it be a gay one."
READ ALSO: Lil Nas X Called Out for His 'Forced Femininity'; Rapper Speaks Out!
Lil Nas X Thanks Adam Lambert
In an interview with Heavy Magazine, Lil Nas X talked about his friendship with Lambert and what it feels like to be supported by a fellow queer in the industry.
"I know Adam, we've met a couple of times," he told the magazine at the time about the meaningful comments about him. "I did thank him in person, actually. I really appreciate all the love that he's shown me and I definitely don't take it for granted. And I appreciate all the doors that him and people like him opened."
Lambert spoke fondly of Lil Nas X in an interview with Boy George, talking about how " brilliant, funny, irreverent, confident," he was.
READ ALSO: Adam Lambert on How Fronting Queen Inspired His New Album: 'I Really Respect That!'
