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,
Began performing with the Children's Theatre Network at the age of nine (currently known as the Metropolitan Educational Theatre network)
First stage role at age 10, playing Linus in a San Diego production of "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown"
2003
Performed in a European tour of "Hair"
2004
Appeared alongside Val Kilmer in "The Ten Commandments: The Musical" at the Kodak Theatre
2004
Regularly performed as a glam rock soul alter ego in "The Zodiac Show" at The Henry Fonda Music Box; show was co-created by Carmit Bachar of the Pussycat Dolls
