#15: Adam Lambert

Year They Came Out of the Closet: 2000

Adam Mitchel Lambert, an American singer and songwriter, has captivated global audiences, selling over 3 million albums and 5 million singles since 2009. Known for his powerful, theatrical vocal performances blending contemporary and classic sounds, Lambert became the runner-up on American Idol‘s eighth season.

His debut album, For Your Entertainment, soared onto the Billboard Hot 100. His daring AMA performance, featuring a live same-sex kiss, challenged cultural norms and exposed media double standards. 2011 Sam Sparro honored him with the “Equality Idol Award” for impacting the LGBT community.