Adam Lambert Disappears from ABC... But Why?

By Scott Harris Posted Dec 4th 2009 08:00AM

Word has come down that ABC has canceled two more appearances by Adam Lambert, leading some to question whether the network has a double standard. We've done a little research into the situation and discovered that when it comes to handling gay themes, ABC's policy is like night and day -- where gay themes on soap opera are just fine, but not so much during nighttime music performances.

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Adam Lambert Pics

FILE - In this Nov. 25, 2009 file photo, singer Adam Lambert appears on CBS's' "The Early Show" in New York. (AP Photo/Charles Sykes, file)

SYKEC

Adam Lambert Snapshots

FILE - In this Nov. 25, 2009 file photo, singer Adam Lambert appears on CBS's' "The Early Show" in New York. (AP Photo/Charles Sykes, file)

NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 25: Singer Adam Lambert visits the "Early Show" taping at the CBS Studios on November 25, 2009 in New York City. (Photo by Ray Tamarra/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Adam Lambert

Getty Images

NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 25: Singer Adam Lambert signs autographs for fans outside the "Early Show" taping at the CBS Studios on November 25, 2009 in New York City. (Photo by Ray Tamarra/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Adam Lambert

Getty Images

NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 25: Singer Adam Lambert (L) has his picture taken with a fan outside the "Early Show" taping at the CBS Studios on November 25, 2009 in New York City. (Photo by Ray Tamarra/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Adam Lambert

Getty Images

Ever since the openly gay Lambert, who seized the attention of the nation with his second place finish on last season's 'American Idol,' appeared in a controversial live performance during this year's 'American Music Awards' ceremony two weeks ago, the singer has been under siege from those offended by a routine that included kissing a male dancer on stage. According to The New York Daily News, ABC, which aired the event, received over 1,500 complaints, leading the network to cancel a scheduled appearance by Lambert on 'Good Morning America.'

Now the singer has announced that ABC has also dropped two more scheduled appearances, including a live performance during their New Year's Eve special and an upcoming guest spot on Jimmy Kimmel's late night talk show. While the singer himself seems to be taking it in stride, insisting that fans shouldn't blame ABC because they are feeling "the FCC heat," it should be noted that the FCC does not regulate programming after 10 o'clock, meaning both of these latest cancellations would not have faced any scrutiny from the government regulatory office.

So why is ABC backing away from Lambert? At first glance it would appear to be a case of the network, which is owned by Disney, being uncomfortable with the overt homosexuality portrayed by the singer during his live performance. However, a deeper look at the network's programming suggests that there may be more to the situation than simple uneasiness over Lambert's gay lifestyle, as the network's own long-running daytime drama 'One Life to Live' has been at the forefront of bringing gay characters into mainstream television.

Indeed, the show has been featuring a gay love triangle around characters Kyle, Nick and Oliver for the past several months. And while there has been some backlash about the storyline (including, as TV Guide reported at the time, the departure of one cast member who apparently objected to the way it was unfolding), for the most part critics and fans have been supportive of the show -- as has ABC. Which begs the question, if the network is gay friendly during the afternoon, why is it shying away from Lambert' after hours?

From all appearances, then, the decision appears to the result of a double standard, not between gay and straight so much as between night and day. Afternoon programming, such as 'One Life to Live' and other soap operas, is low profile. Even if fans did object to the storyline, there are so few people watching, relatively speaking, that any controversy will be a small controversy, confined to the insular soap community. In prime time, though, especially on major specials such as the 'AMA''s and Dick Clark's 'New Year's Rockin' Eve,' the spotlight on both the performer and the network is so much brighter that ABC doesn't want to risk their family friendly image on anything that has the slightest hint of scandal.

Which to us sounds a little too much like the old fashioned type of double standard after all. Because as sensitively as 'One Life to Live' has portrayed their gay characters, as long as they are regulated to the afternoon -- and superstar acts like Adam Lambert are blacklisted from prime time -- daytime TV is just another kind of closet for gays to try to come out of.

Now if only the network will let them.

Tags: adam lambert, AdamLambert, American music awards, AmericanMusicAwards, one life to live, OneLifeToLive

Comments

(669)

Friday 04 December

By HappyGirl

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Perhaps it's not a double standard...perhaps the appearance on the AMA's was borderline pornographic. Not something I'd like my family to watch. And if he is so quick to change his program, then maybe it IS a good idea to not risk it. I don't condone what One Life To Live is doing with their storyline...but at least it's not like watching S & M with your family!

By RoeC

It has less to do with his sexual orientation and more to do with the fact that it was so unneccesarily over the top. There is no reason for what he did during his performance. The make out session with the guy was the tamest part of it. Plus he did not do most of it during rehearsals. So maybe ABC feels they can not trust or respect him. I don't blame them. Talented people do not need to resort to shock tactics. They just need to sing.

Saturday 05 December

By Fran Milone

I watched American Idol this past season and I
absolutley loved Adam. I could see such potential
in him and thought he would win. There was NO
reason for him to have taken that direction on
ABC. He could have blown us away in all kinds of
different ways. He was so diverse on AM.
I was actually mad at him for his performance because I will NOT buy his CD now.
I am not a prude by no means and this has nothing
to do with his sexuality but Adam was much too
vulgur for me as are some of the other acts
that were mentioned previously.

By LISALIVALONE

Lowest Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

HE IS AN IDIOT STRUTTING HIS SISSY WAYS ON TV PRIME TIME WHAT A DRAG QUEEN

By Caring Kate

ABC is aware that there is a difference between being bold and being kinky. Adam's routine was kinky and there is an audience for that. If his act had been less kinky, the kiss would have been ignored as was Madonna's. Adam's attitude of, "I'm not a baby sitter" says it all. He wants to continue to appeal to the same small audience he's always had. It takes no genius to know that the majority of viewers for awards shows are adults and children who hold values and morals that are not his. He should simply walk away, go back to the audiences he had before and everyone will be happy. This is NOT a gay issue. There are millions and millions of gay and lesbian
people, throughout our planet, who also were or would have been offended by Adam. Gay and lesbian does not mean kinky. It does not mean poor
morals or anything way out. To lump gay and lesbian people with Adam is an insult. The vast majority of gay/lesbian people are respectable, ethical, moral, and well adjusted, and to insinuate
anything else is wrong.

By GRANNY

THANK YOU FO THIS LETTER !!! WELL SAID

By Terri

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I think this sums it up very well, Caring Kate. Overt sex simulation is just not classy when kids are watching. Those kids who voted for Adam en masse were up late because their Idol was performing. Teens that I know were very grossed out and were not expecting what they saw. The kiss was mild. The crotch/face part of it was not. Adam has a beautiful voice which I sought out on utube and listened to on "repeat." He's talented, and doesn't need to shock to get attention with a voice like his. It has nothing to do with being gay -- just making a very bad choice IMHO.

By Jasper

they cancelled him because he's a flaming fag. Most of America finds his in your face gayness offensive. If he copied elton john he'd be barely tolerable. As it is, his militant homosexuality is grossly offensive. But so is LIndsay Lohan, Christina Aguilera, Katy Perry, etc.

By ray

This is a real joke--now the networks don't want anything to do with this flaming homo??? Hey, your the ones who supported this queer from the get go.

By A**holes

Low Ranked Vote down Vote up Report this

anyone who brings RELIGION into anything has no right to quote God if you are judging other people. PLEASE GET OVER THE RELIGION THING! It doesn't work anymore!

Sunday 06 December

By angelondty

Try it. You might like it. You are judging Christians now. shame shame

By Judy

It's that double standard issue again.

By Dennis Wheelersr

Gays Homos Perverts Lesbian all fit in the same group As the vatican says the Baptist but mainly God says they will pay the price with enternal torment and burning in Hell.

By Chris W

Screw God.

By mphill2487

High Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

Oh yeah and the catholic church is so holy. It probably sponsored more pedofiles than any one. It is better than hurting young boys.

By ironygrl

Dennis,

Forgive me, but I'm confused. My Bible says nothing of the sort. Your interpretation is your interpretation. Those actual words DO NOT appear in the Bible- don't put words in God's mouth, please. We will all be judged for our sins. I suggest we worry about our own souls and leave the judging to God.

By Mover

OKAY PEOPLE DID YOU KNOW MICK JAGGER IS BI SEXUAL LMAO AND ELTON JOHN WAS A HUGE INTO DRESSING FLAMBOANT AS WAS DAVID BOWIE ALL HAD GREAT CAREERS AND AWESOME MUSIC.

By Jean

What he done was over the top.
I love Adam Lambert, the guy can sing weather he is gay or straight he just has to tone it down a bit.
The part with the head in the cruch was just to much and just a little to much kissing but there is nothing wrong with showing affection in a decent way.