A petition has been launched in Singapore calling for Adam Lambert to be dropped for a televised New Year’s Eve concert.
Lambert is set to be the headline act a concert organised by the state owned broadcaster MediaCorp, but some Singaporeans argue that he is a performer known for risque performances.
“Adam Lambert is hardly the kind of performer to send off our historic Jubilee Year or to usher in the New Year. His track record displays a flagrant disregard for the sensitivities of his audience — including whether or not children are watching.” the organisers of the petition have stated citing Lambert’s controversial performance at the American Music Awards in 2009.
On that occasion Lambert’s performance including simulated oral sex with a male backing dancer and a make-out moment with his male keyboard player.
Commenting on the online petition, Ms Debra Soon, head of MediaCorp’s Family (English) and Premier Segments, said the concert would comply with the conservative nation’s broadcast standards.
“Celebrate 2016 will be suitable for family audiences and conform with broadcast regulations.” Ms Soon said.
While the petition to drop Lambert has gained thousands of signatures within a few days, another petition that argues that including Lambert in the show will show that Singapore is a progressive and inclusive society has attracted an equal number of supporters.
While the two petitions continue to attract supporters on both side of the debate Lambert himself has released a statement saying he’s ‘a uniter, not a divider’.
“My performance at Celebrate 2016 will not only be a spectacular one, it will celebrate the entire human family in all its diversity. I am a uniter, not a divider, and I believe in celebrating the human heart and spirit.
“I have put together an entirely new show experience for my fans that is kicking off in Singapore. The Original High tour is based primarily on new material, and it promises to be a thoughtful and sophisticated insight into the pursuit of happiness and self-worth.
“There is no better time for celebration than at the moment one year changes into another, so I hope you will join me to celebrate the future and 2016.” the singer said in a statement.
OIP Staff
