@ the Upright
Title: @ the Upright
Rating: G
Pairing: Adam/Kris, Kris/Katy
Summary: Pre-Idol, Kris hears Adam for the first time at the Upright Cabaret
Disclaimer: I do not own the people involved.
Notes: A story based around Adam’s Upright Cabaret performances on Youtube. You’ve probably already seen them but I’m going to post the links to the performances as visual effects LOL
SEPTEMBER 24, 2007
“So what sounds good to you, a movie, dinner or a club?”
Kris leaned against the side of the bed watching his girlfriend Katy try on her third outfit. They had been planning this vacation for months and had really enjoyed their week in Los Angeles. They toured the movie studios, the standard tourist sites, visited the Pacific for the first time and tried to take in as many of the music hotspots as possible. They tried to get in the Viper Room but were turned away - maybe they looked too wholesome.
It was their last night before flying back to Arkansas and they didn’t want to spend it in their hotel room watching the same TV shows they could get in Conway.
“We can see a movie any old time,” Kris responded, reaching back and over his head for the paper on the bed. He flipped to the entertainment listings.
“Well, then how about dinner? We could go to a really nice restaurant and blow what’s left of our vacation money.”
Kris scanned the listings. He saw an ad for a restaurant that was within walking distance. They were featuring the Upright Cabaret’s Hollywood Nights Encore.
“Hey, how about Eat on Sunset. They’re having dinner and a show. Looks like a variety of music. You up for it?”
Katy tossed the jeans and blouse on the floor and held up her prettiest dress.
“Perfect.”
--*--
It was a warm evening and the walk to Eat on Sunset was interesting - they didn’t see characters like this walking the streets back home. Kris heard feet running up behind them and a body bumped his shoulder, knocking him into Katy. The guy who hit him kept running but turned around and waved his hand, yelling out an apology.
“Sorry, sorry, I’m running late!”
They watched him weave in and out of pedestrians before disappearing into a doorway.
“Everyone’s in such a rush around here. I don’t know if I’d want to live in Hollywood,” Katy mused, tightening her shawl.
“I think I’d like it. It would take a while to get used to but if I seriously want to pursue music, LA is the place to be - or New York or Nashville.”
“I vote for Nashville.”
They found the restaurant and waited to be seated. To their disappointment, they were told the dinner show was sold out. They turned to leave when the desk phone rang.
“Please, wait,” the host urged them.
He finished his conversation and hung up the phone.
“It’s your lucky night. We just had a cancellation. Please follow me.”
Long tables were set up outside in a courtyard with the stage at one end. Kris and Katy were led to their seats, somewhere in the middle. Katy liked to talk and soon they were both engaged in conversations with the other patrons. Some folks were from out of town like them and others were from LA. One lady had attended several of the Upright Cabaret performances and gave them the low down on many of the performers appearing that night.
There was one name on the program she didn’t recognize - Adam Lambert. He must be new. Someone farther down the table said he was in the chorus of “Wicked”.
The food was good and the singing fantastic, a mix of styles and really entertaining. It was getting late and they still had to pack for the trip home. The show was nearly over and they hoped to slip out between acts. Kris didn’t want someone to think they were being walked out on.
“And now, ladies and gentlemen, one of our latest additions to the Upright, Mr. Adam Lambert.”
Kris was already on his feet, about to pull out Katy’s chair when he looked up at the stage and saw a young man step up to the piano. It was the same guy that ran into them on the street.
Kris leaned down and whispered in Katy’s ear. “Let’s hold on a minute, I want to hear this guy sing.”
He sat back down and turned his full attention to the stage.
There was something about this guy that oozed confidence. All the other performers were casual and laid back but Lambert’s stage presence was innocently demanding. He looked harmless - Peter Pan brown hair framing his face, soft brown shirt and vest with sparkles - but when he approached the microphone and peered over the crowd, he silently commanded their attention and got it. He certainly got Kris’.
The solitary pianist started the intro and Lambert missed his cue. The intro started again and Lambert smiled impishly, the audience laughing softly at his little faux pas.
“’I close my eyes…’” he began, his voice as smooth as his velvet shirt. Kris had heard Dust in the Wind sung many times on the radio but this guy’s take on it was a step beyond. The emotion was breath taking, accentuated when Lambert closed his eyes and lost himself in the words. He hit a high, powerful run of notes that circled the courtyard and shot into space, the crowd breaking out in applause mid song.
Katy touched Kris’ shoulder and whispered in his ear, “This guy is phenomenal - I wonder why he hasn’t hit it big yet.”
The song came to an end in the same tender manner in which Lambert started it. The audience showed their appreciation and he bowed, a humble smile on his face, and walked into the shadows.
A waiter brought Kris and Katy two beers.
“I’m sorry, we didn’t order these,” Kris explained.
“Compliments of Adam Lambert. He said he’s sorry for nearly mowing you both down and hopes you enjoyed your evening.”
DECEMBER 31, 2008
The last place Kris expected to find himself on New Year’s was back in Los Angeles. He was hoping to ring in the most exciting and nerve racking year of his life with his new wife Katy but it wasn’t to be.
Last July, Kris had gone out on a limb and promptly fell out of the tree into a rabbit hole. He was going back to college and the trip to Louisville Kentucky with his brother Daniel for the American Idol auditions was a last hurrah before giving up music as a career. He never expected to be given a golden ticket to Hollywood Week.
He wanted to go to LA before the terrifying week began to get the lay of the land before being sucked into the vortex of the show. But with the wedding and honeymoon and his inability to stop procrastinating, this was his last chance. Katy insisted he go alone; she said it would be easier for him to get in the right mindset without her tagging along.
As he made his reservations online, he typed in Upright Cabaret to see if there were any shows happening while he was in town. He had really enjoyed the last show. Kris wondered how that guy was doing. Was he still in that musical or did he move on to bigger things.
He found his answer. Adam Lambert was performing at a New Year’s Eve bash and Kris immediately emailed and managed to get a reservation. Hearing that guy sing again would be inspiring and a great way to end one year and start the other.
--*--
Mark’s Restaurant in West Hollywood was packed. Of course it was, it was New Year’s Eve, the best party night of the year. Kris’ table was to the left of the stage and he had a great view.
Adam Lambert performed many songs in his set. His vocal range was sic! Kris was really impressed. Granted, Adam had only sung one song at Eat on Sunset but it seemed to Kris he’d really grown as an entertainer. His hair had certainly grown; he had dyed it black and it flopped down over the left side of his face. He was wearing a sparkly Ziggy Stardust shirt under a black jacket - this guy liked his glitter.
Part way through Adam’s show, Kris wished the waiter had served tissues as well as drinks. Kris knew OneRepublic’s “Come Home” was a song about a wife wanting her husband home from the war but when Adam sang it, his face and voice relaying both the joy and agony of love, Kris couldn’t help but think he was singing about his own lost love. She must have really shattered Adam’s heart.
Napkins had to do later in the set when Adam did his rendition of “I Can’t Make You Love Me”. Again, he transcended the song, carrying everyone into his pain. At the end, Adam smiled at the crowd reaction as he unabashedly wiped away tears. This guy was really in touch with his feminine side - what every woman wanted. Kris wondered if Katy had any girlfriends Kris could introduce Adam too. Then he realized that was ridiculous - he didn’t know Adam at all and besides, Adam wouldn’t come to Conway just for a date.
Adam certainly knew how to work the room. He strolled through the tables, engaging the crowd in audience participation. When he sang “Crazy” by Gnarls Barkley, Adam told the audience to join in or he’d cloober them on the head with his microphone. They joined in wholeheartedly, especially when Adam assumed a bass voice to lower the key. Adam was too much. Kris thought he would make a great best friend.
At the end of his set, he wished everyone a happy 2009 but before he left the stage, the emcee joined him, placing a hand on Adam’s shoulder.
“Adam, fantastic as usual, wasn’t he?” The crowd erupted, giving him a standing ovation. “We are really going to miss you at the Upright but we know this is what you’ve worked for and dreamed of for years so all the best and come back and see us.” Everyone cheered again.
“Thank you guys. I hope I can make you proud.”
Miss you? Where was he going? Curiosity drove Kris to do something he’d never done before - walk up to a strange man and strike up a conversation. He looked around and found Adam by the bar, waiting for a well earned drink.
“Excuse me?”
Adam turned to him, smiling. Is he wearing makeup? Maybe some of Daniel’s friends would be interested instead.
“Hi, can I help you?”
“Yeah, well, no, I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed your set. I saw you perform the last time I was in LA, two years ago, and you sound even better.”
“Ah, thank you, and you are…”
Kris extended his hand. “Oh sorry, I’m Kris, Kris Allen.”
Adam returned the shake, black nail polish gleaming in the candlelight.
“Nice to meet you. I gather you’re not from here.”
Kris laughed. “The accent gives me away?”
“That and the fact no one is really from LA, they just end up here like all the other dreamers.”
“Oh, you’re not from here either.”
“Nope, San Diego originally, but I’ve been living here for nearly eight years.” Adam cocked his head. “So Kris, are you a dream chaser?”
“No, well yes, sort of, I guess.”
Adam laughed. It was rich and contagious. “So which is it?”
“I was a singer and musician, about to give it up, then I took a chance and now I’m here.”
“How many drinks have you had?”
“Two. Why?”
Adam laughed again, patting him on the back. “Cause you’re making no sense.”
Kris blushed. He was making an idiot of himself. Better ask what he was itching to know and leave Adam Lambert alone.
Too late, Adam spoke up first.
“So, what’s your dream?”
“Oh, um, I auditioned for American Idol and made it to Hollywood Week.”
Adam stopped in mid sip and nearly dropped his martini. A huge, absolutely massive smile nearly split his face in half.
“Are you kidding? Me too!”
“You too what?”
“American Idol. I’m going to Hollywood too - well I live here but you know what I mean.”
Oh my Lord! This guy is my competition. I feel sick.
“Hey Kris, where’s your table?”
Kris waved his hand in the direction of the stage. “Over there.”
Leaving his drink behind, Adam took Kris by the elbow and led him back to his seat.
“Are you sure you only had two drinks? You look kind of green. Or is it nerves?”
Kris sat down hard and Adam took the seat across from him.
“It’s scary isn’t it, this Idol thing.”
Kris nodded like a bobble head. “You don’t seem scared.”
“I may not look it but I quaking in my designer shoes. It’s big. I’ve been singing since I was a kid but these past eight years, I’ve tried so, so hard to make it as a recording artist. I’ve recorded some songs, sung in bands, done underground reviews, musicals. It’s not easy being a small fish in a big pond where everyone is reaching for the same worm.”
“But your voice is phenomenal; I’m amazed you haven’t been snatched up by some record label yet.”
Adam leaned back. He gave a half smile and fiddled with a crumbled napkin on the table. “It’s not old time Hollywood anymore Kris. No one really gets discovered and labels won’t even give you a look if you don’t have a built in fan base. That’s what I want from Idol. I don’t expect to win. Look at me, I’m so out there, America won’t know what to think. I just want to make the Top Ten so I can go on tour and hopefully garner a recording contract. How about you?”
“I’ve always been into music. I learned to play a lot of instruments - taught myself the guitar - but I was always kind of shy about singing. I went to university to study business straight out of high school then dropped out to give music a shot. A bunch of friends and I self-produced an album - gave away copies to friends and family. We played at local bars but I had a wedding coming up and music wasn’t going anywhere so I was going to give it up for school when Idol came into the picture. I had to give it one more shot. I left it in God’s hands.”
“And the judges. And America’s.”
“Right, no control.”
“But still, it’s too tempting to pass up. For me, it’s probably my last shot for that show - I’ll be too old soon. It’s a sky rock to success if all goes well.” Adam looked past Kris. “Sorry, Kris, I’m being beckoned. Are you hanging around til midnight?”
“I don’t know.”
Adam extended his hand. “Well if I don’t see you, Happy New Year and til we meet again.”
Kris shook his hand and watched Adam Lambert strut away, disappearing into a crowd of people. He looked at his watch. It was quarter to midnight. He pulled out his cell and called Katy.
“Oh sweetie, I was hoping you wouldn’t forget.” She sounded festive and a little tipsy.
“Never, kitten, never. Guess who I just had an in depth conversation with?”
“Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson.”
“Close. Do you remember that guy we heard singing when we came to LA on holiday.”
“Oh, oh, don’t tell me. God, he was amazing. It was, it was….Adam, Adam…”
“Adam Lambert.”
“Right. You were talking to him?”
“Yeah, I’m at a restaurant where he just finished singing.”
“Why would he want to talk to you?”
Kris laughed. Katy backpeddled.
“Honey, honey, I didn’t mean…”
“I know. You won’t believe it but he also tried out for American Idol and he’ll be in the next round of competition too. We had a great chat. He’s the nicest guy Katy, so genuine.”
“So are you Kris. I bet you guys hit it off.”
“You know, I think we did. It’ll be nice to have someone there who isn’t a complete stranger.”
FIVE, FOUR, THREE, TWO, ONE…….HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The room exploded with cheers, clapping, popping balloons and party horns.
“Happy New Year Katy,” Kris shouted, plugging his exposed ear.
“Happy New Year Kris; I love you.”
“I love you too.”
A pair of arms wrapped around Kris, crushing him in a bear hug.
“Happy New Year Kris Allen,” Adam laughed in his ear. “2009 is going to be off the charts!”
ADAM’S UPRIGHT CABARET PERFORMANCES
“Dust in the Wind” - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xxA81F278Y&feature=channel_page
“Come Home” - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kq7OVHBc8ZA&feature=related
“I Can’t Make You Love Me” - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYKaIWWeulI&feature=related
“Crazy” - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VnWdjfJluSg&feature=PlayList&p=3F2F40E20A0448B2&index=4&playnext=2&playnext_from=PL
Rating: G
Pairing: Adam/Kris, Kris/Katy
Summary: Pre-Idol, Kris hears Adam for the first time at the Upright Cabaret
Disclaimer: I do not own the people involved.
Notes: A story based around Adam’s Upright Cabaret performances on Youtube. You’ve probably already seen them but I’m going to post the links to the performances as visual effects LOL
SEPTEMBER 24, 2007
“So what sounds good to you, a movie, dinner or a club?”
Kris leaned against the side of the bed watching his girlfriend Katy try on her third outfit. They had been planning this vacation for months and had really enjoyed their week in Los Angeles. They toured the movie studios, the standard tourist sites, visited the Pacific for the first time and tried to take in as many of the music hotspots as possible. They tried to get in the Viper Room but were turned away - maybe they looked too wholesome.
It was their last night before flying back to Arkansas and they didn’t want to spend it in their hotel room watching the same TV shows they could get in Conway.
“We can see a movie any old time,” Kris responded, reaching back and over his head for the paper on the bed. He flipped to the entertainment listings.
“Well, then how about dinner? We could go to a really nice restaurant and blow what’s left of our vacation money.”
Kris scanned the listings. He saw an ad for a restaurant that was within walking distance. They were featuring the Upright Cabaret’s Hollywood Nights Encore.
“Hey, how about Eat on Sunset. They’re having dinner and a show. Looks like a variety of music. You up for it?”
Katy tossed the jeans and blouse on the floor and held up her prettiest dress.
“Perfect.”
--*--
It was a warm evening and the walk to Eat on Sunset was interesting - they didn’t see characters like this walking the streets back home. Kris heard feet running up behind them and a body bumped his shoulder, knocking him into Katy. The guy who hit him kept running but turned around and waved his hand, yelling out an apology.
“Sorry, sorry, I’m running late!”
They watched him weave in and out of pedestrians before disappearing into a doorway.
“Everyone’s in such a rush around here. I don’t know if I’d want to live in Hollywood,” Katy mused, tightening her shawl.
“I think I’d like it. It would take a while to get used to but if I seriously want to pursue music, LA is the place to be - or New York or Nashville.”
“I vote for Nashville.”
They found the restaurant and waited to be seated. To their disappointment, they were told the dinner show was sold out. They turned to leave when the desk phone rang.
“Please, wait,” the host urged them.
He finished his conversation and hung up the phone.
“It’s your lucky night. We just had a cancellation. Please follow me.”
Long tables were set up outside in a courtyard with the stage at one end. Kris and Katy were led to their seats, somewhere in the middle. Katy liked to talk and soon they were both engaged in conversations with the other patrons. Some folks were from out of town like them and others were from LA. One lady had attended several of the Upright Cabaret performances and gave them the low down on many of the performers appearing that night.
There was one name on the program she didn’t recognize - Adam Lambert. He must be new. Someone farther down the table said he was in the chorus of “Wicked”.
The food was good and the singing fantastic, a mix of styles and really entertaining. It was getting late and they still had to pack for the trip home. The show was nearly over and they hoped to slip out between acts. Kris didn’t want someone to think they were being walked out on.
“And now, ladies and gentlemen, one of our latest additions to the Upright, Mr. Adam Lambert.”
Kris was already on his feet, about to pull out Katy’s chair when he looked up at the stage and saw a young man step up to the piano. It was the same guy that ran into them on the street.
Kris leaned down and whispered in Katy’s ear. “Let’s hold on a minute, I want to hear this guy sing.”
He sat back down and turned his full attention to the stage.
There was something about this guy that oozed confidence. All the other performers were casual and laid back but Lambert’s stage presence was innocently demanding. He looked harmless - Peter Pan brown hair framing his face, soft brown shirt and vest with sparkles - but when he approached the microphone and peered over the crowd, he silently commanded their attention and got it. He certainly got Kris’.
The solitary pianist started the intro and Lambert missed his cue. The intro started again and Lambert smiled impishly, the audience laughing softly at his little faux pas.
“’I close my eyes…’” he began, his voice as smooth as his velvet shirt. Kris had heard Dust in the Wind sung many times on the radio but this guy’s take on it was a step beyond. The emotion was breath taking, accentuated when Lambert closed his eyes and lost himself in the words. He hit a high, powerful run of notes that circled the courtyard and shot into space, the crowd breaking out in applause mid song.
Katy touched Kris’ shoulder and whispered in his ear, “This guy is phenomenal - I wonder why he hasn’t hit it big yet.”
The song came to an end in the same tender manner in which Lambert started it. The audience showed their appreciation and he bowed, a humble smile on his face, and walked into the shadows.
A waiter brought Kris and Katy two beers.
“I’m sorry, we didn’t order these,” Kris explained.
“Compliments of Adam Lambert. He said he’s sorry for nearly mowing you both down and hopes you enjoyed your evening.”
DECEMBER 31, 2008
The last place Kris expected to find himself on New Year’s was back in Los Angeles. He was hoping to ring in the most exciting and nerve racking year of his life with his new wife Katy but it wasn’t to be.
Last July, Kris had gone out on a limb and promptly fell out of the tree into a rabbit hole. He was going back to college and the trip to Louisville Kentucky with his brother Daniel for the American Idol auditions was a last hurrah before giving up music as a career. He never expected to be given a golden ticket to Hollywood Week.
He wanted to go to LA before the terrifying week began to get the lay of the land before being sucked into the vortex of the show. But with the wedding and honeymoon and his inability to stop procrastinating, this was his last chance. Katy insisted he go alone; she said it would be easier for him to get in the right mindset without her tagging along.
As he made his reservations online, he typed in Upright Cabaret to see if there were any shows happening while he was in town. He had really enjoyed the last show. Kris wondered how that guy was doing. Was he still in that musical or did he move on to bigger things.
He found his answer. Adam Lambert was performing at a New Year’s Eve bash and Kris immediately emailed and managed to get a reservation. Hearing that guy sing again would be inspiring and a great way to end one year and start the other.
--*--
Mark’s Restaurant in West Hollywood was packed. Of course it was, it was New Year’s Eve, the best party night of the year. Kris’ table was to the left of the stage and he had a great view.
Adam Lambert performed many songs in his set. His vocal range was sic! Kris was really impressed. Granted, Adam had only sung one song at Eat on Sunset but it seemed to Kris he’d really grown as an entertainer. His hair had certainly grown; he had dyed it black and it flopped down over the left side of his face. He was wearing a sparkly Ziggy Stardust shirt under a black jacket - this guy liked his glitter.
Part way through Adam’s show, Kris wished the waiter had served tissues as well as drinks. Kris knew OneRepublic’s “Come Home” was a song about a wife wanting her husband home from the war but when Adam sang it, his face and voice relaying both the joy and agony of love, Kris couldn’t help but think he was singing about his own lost love. She must have really shattered Adam’s heart.
Napkins had to do later in the set when Adam did his rendition of “I Can’t Make You Love Me”. Again, he transcended the song, carrying everyone into his pain. At the end, Adam smiled at the crowd reaction as he unabashedly wiped away tears. This guy was really in touch with his feminine side - what every woman wanted. Kris wondered if Katy had any girlfriends Kris could introduce Adam too. Then he realized that was ridiculous - he didn’t know Adam at all and besides, Adam wouldn’t come to Conway just for a date.
Adam certainly knew how to work the room. He strolled through the tables, engaging the crowd in audience participation. When he sang “Crazy” by Gnarls Barkley, Adam told the audience to join in or he’d cloober them on the head with his microphone. They joined in wholeheartedly, especially when Adam assumed a bass voice to lower the key. Adam was too much. Kris thought he would make a great best friend.
At the end of his set, he wished everyone a happy 2009 but before he left the stage, the emcee joined him, placing a hand on Adam’s shoulder.
“Adam, fantastic as usual, wasn’t he?” The crowd erupted, giving him a standing ovation. “We are really going to miss you at the Upright but we know this is what you’ve worked for and dreamed of for years so all the best and come back and see us.” Everyone cheered again.
“Thank you guys. I hope I can make you proud.”
Miss you? Where was he going? Curiosity drove Kris to do something he’d never done before - walk up to a strange man and strike up a conversation. He looked around and found Adam by the bar, waiting for a well earned drink.
“Excuse me?”
Adam turned to him, smiling. Is he wearing makeup? Maybe some of Daniel’s friends would be interested instead.
“Hi, can I help you?”
“Yeah, well, no, I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed your set. I saw you perform the last time I was in LA, two years ago, and you sound even better.”
“Ah, thank you, and you are…”
Kris extended his hand. “Oh sorry, I’m Kris, Kris Allen.”
Adam returned the shake, black nail polish gleaming in the candlelight.
“Nice to meet you. I gather you’re not from here.”
Kris laughed. “The accent gives me away?”
“That and the fact no one is really from LA, they just end up here like all the other dreamers.”
“Oh, you’re not from here either.”
“Nope, San Diego originally, but I’ve been living here for nearly eight years.” Adam cocked his head. “So Kris, are you a dream chaser?”
“No, well yes, sort of, I guess.”
Adam laughed. It was rich and contagious. “So which is it?”
“I was a singer and musician, about to give it up, then I took a chance and now I’m here.”
“How many drinks have you had?”
“Two. Why?”
Adam laughed again, patting him on the back. “Cause you’re making no sense.”
Kris blushed. He was making an idiot of himself. Better ask what he was itching to know and leave Adam Lambert alone.
Too late, Adam spoke up first.
“So, what’s your dream?”
“Oh, um, I auditioned for American Idol and made it to Hollywood Week.”
Adam stopped in mid sip and nearly dropped his martini. A huge, absolutely massive smile nearly split his face in half.
“Are you kidding? Me too!”
“You too what?”
“American Idol. I’m going to Hollywood too - well I live here but you know what I mean.”
Oh my Lord! This guy is my competition. I feel sick.
“Hey Kris, where’s your table?”
Kris waved his hand in the direction of the stage. “Over there.”
Leaving his drink behind, Adam took Kris by the elbow and led him back to his seat.
“Are you sure you only had two drinks? You look kind of green. Or is it nerves?”
Kris sat down hard and Adam took the seat across from him.
“It’s scary isn’t it, this Idol thing.”
Kris nodded like a bobble head. “You don’t seem scared.”
“I may not look it but I quaking in my designer shoes. It’s big. I’ve been singing since I was a kid but these past eight years, I’ve tried so, so hard to make it as a recording artist. I’ve recorded some songs, sung in bands, done underground reviews, musicals. It’s not easy being a small fish in a big pond where everyone is reaching for the same worm.”
“But your voice is phenomenal; I’m amazed you haven’t been snatched up by some record label yet.”
Adam leaned back. He gave a half smile and fiddled with a crumbled napkin on the table. “It’s not old time Hollywood anymore Kris. No one really gets discovered and labels won’t even give you a look if you don’t have a built in fan base. That’s what I want from Idol. I don’t expect to win. Look at me, I’m so out there, America won’t know what to think. I just want to make the Top Ten so I can go on tour and hopefully garner a recording contract. How about you?”
“I’ve always been into music. I learned to play a lot of instruments - taught myself the guitar - but I was always kind of shy about singing. I went to university to study business straight out of high school then dropped out to give music a shot. A bunch of friends and I self-produced an album - gave away copies to friends and family. We played at local bars but I had a wedding coming up and music wasn’t going anywhere so I was going to give it up for school when Idol came into the picture. I had to give it one more shot. I left it in God’s hands.”
“And the judges. And America’s.”
“Right, no control.”
“But still, it’s too tempting to pass up. For me, it’s probably my last shot for that show - I’ll be too old soon. It’s a sky rock to success if all goes well.” Adam looked past Kris. “Sorry, Kris, I’m being beckoned. Are you hanging around til midnight?”
“I don’t know.”
Adam extended his hand. “Well if I don’t see you, Happy New Year and til we meet again.”
Kris shook his hand and watched Adam Lambert strut away, disappearing into a crowd of people. He looked at his watch. It was quarter to midnight. He pulled out his cell and called Katy.
“Oh sweetie, I was hoping you wouldn’t forget.” She sounded festive and a little tipsy.
“Never, kitten, never. Guess who I just had an in depth conversation with?”
“Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson.”
“Close. Do you remember that guy we heard singing when we came to LA on holiday.”
“Oh, oh, don’t tell me. God, he was amazing. It was, it was….Adam, Adam…”
“Adam Lambert.”
“Right. You were talking to him?”
“Yeah, I’m at a restaurant where he just finished singing.”
“Why would he want to talk to you?”
Kris laughed. Katy backpeddled.
“Honey, honey, I didn’t mean…”
“I know. You won’t believe it but he also tried out for American Idol and he’ll be in the next round of competition too. We had a great chat. He’s the nicest guy Katy, so genuine.”
“So are you Kris. I bet you guys hit it off.”
“You know, I think we did. It’ll be nice to have someone there who isn’t a complete stranger.”
FIVE, FOUR, THREE, TWO, ONE…….HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The room exploded with cheers, clapping, popping balloons and party horns.
“Happy New Year Katy,” Kris shouted, plugging his exposed ear.
“Happy New Year Kris; I love you.”
“I love you too.”
A pair of arms wrapped around Kris, crushing him in a bear hug.
“Happy New Year Kris Allen,” Adam laughed in his ear. “2009 is going to be off the charts!”
ADAM’S UPRIGHT CABARET PERFORMANCES
“Dust in the Wind” - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xxA81F278Y&feature=channel_page
“Come Home” - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kq7OVHBc8ZA&feature=related
“I Can’t Make You Love Me” - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYKaIWWeulI&feature=related
“Crazy” - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VnWdjfJluSg&feature=PlayList&p=3F2F40E20A0448B2&index=4&playnext=2&playnext_from=PL