Who will be Queen's new lead singer: Adam Lambert, Jeff Scott Soto ... or George Michael?
Rumors continue to swirl around the Web that American Idol runner-up Adam Lambert could be Queen's top pick as their next lead singer.
"[Drummer Roger Taylor] and I are definitely hoping to have a meaningful conversation with him at some point," Queen guitarist Brian May told Rolling Stone late last week amid rumors that Lambert had already been offered the job. "It’s not like we, as Queen, would rush into coalescing with another singer just like that. It isn’t that easy. But I’d certainly like to work with Adam. That is one amazing instrument he has there."
The band just jettisoned Paul Rodgers (amicably, both sides insist) on May 12, and Lambert's performance with Queen during Idol's Season 8 finale could have been a "tryout" of sorts. And, of course, by mysteriously losing to Ned Flanders-esque Kris Allen, Lambert is free to pursue his own career now.
On the positive side, May and Taylor would inherit a young singer who could give the band a much-needed dose of energy. And Lambert would bring a whole new generation of fans with him. Very appealing indeed. On the down side, trying to replace Freddie Mercury seems like a bad way to start a promising career. Still, would Lambert be able to say no if he's asked?
If Lambert does turn down a presumed offer, the smart money is that Queen will take a long, serious look at Jeff Scott Soto, the former Journey singer who was dumped by the band before they hired Arnel Pineda. Soto doesn't have the same type of vocal chops as Lambert or Mercury, but he has thrilled Queen fans with his regular performances at Queen conventions around the world. Click here to see one of his Queen performances on YouTube.
Want one more dark horse? George Michael would be an inspired pick. Michael channeled Mercury while playing with Queen during 1992's A Concert for Life tribute show in London. Click here to see his performance of Somebody To Love.
[Fox photo]
Relive the music, movies and culture of the greatest decade ever with Times online editor Steve Spears. A teen during the decade, Steve is obsessed with everything from Duran Duran to Journey, John Hughes to John Cusack, and parachute pants to Reaganomics.
E-mail Steve Spears:
Mercury is impossible to replace.
Posted by: mike | July 20, 2009 at 02:04 AM
great album
Posted by: litleigh | June 04, 2009 at 07:15 PM
Queen should put out an album with several guest singers. Much like the Concert for Life, each one sings one song.
Posted by: DerekT | May 26, 2009 at 06:29 AM
Remember "Pressure"? David Bowie it the answer!
Posted by: JH | May 26, 2009 at 12:36 AM
I personally don't care for Lambert's voice...respect his vocal range, but think his delivery is a bit screechy. Just doesn't agree with my ears. I would much prefer George Michael, who's a very melodic singer like the incredible Mercury was. I only hope that George could keep it together with his issues of late...
Posted by: mcswa | May 25, 2009 at 10:45 PM
What's wrong with this picture? Freddie has been dead since 11/24/91 and it's such a big deal now why? Once Freddie died that was it. I guess if someone has to make a choice it would definitely be another old man...Michaels, baby. Lambert needs to go to whichever Cabaret show suits him best. What do little girls know about music?
Posted by: Joey | May 25, 2009 at 10:44 PM
I've come around in acknowledging George Micheal as a talented performer...but he comes with way too much baggage.
Posted by: Clark | May 25, 2009 at 09:03 PM
My vote goes to Robert Plant
Posted by: CTJ | May 25, 2009 at 03:39 PM
Jeff Scott Soto would be the only right choice! Take a look at his 'Who Wants To Live Forever/Somebody 2 Love' performance ...breathtaking!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-FLQvA5-Tk&fmt=18
Posted by: Tyra | May 25, 2009 at 01:39 PM
A young, fresh singer picked up from a TV game show (oops, sorry! I mean "reality show") to replace a deceased band member? Sounds familiar. How did that work out for INXS?
Posted by: Mark in East Texas | May 25, 2009 at 12:55 PM
I did not go to see Queen + Paul Rogers when they did a show in Toronto. I would only go to a Queen + Adam Lambert show in order to protest outside the arena.
I would definitely go to see Queen + George Michael. Please choose George!
Posted by: Freddieluvr | May 25, 2009 at 11:08 AM
I will give them a chance, just without Lambert.
Posted by: John | May 25, 2009 at 10:58 AM
I think i threw up in my mouth.
Posted by: Crockett | May 25, 2009 at 10:42 AM
Adam would breath new life into Queen. There may be no perfect replacement for Mercury, but his (Lambert's)voice and youth may keep them around an popular a LOT longer.
Posted by: nittfan | May 25, 2009 at 09:50 AM
Can someone tell me what Jeff Scott Soto has done after filling in for Journey for 1/2 a tour before being jettisoned for Arnel
Posted by: sparky | May 24, 2009 at 10:37 PM
I think Queen has one or two great albums in them still. Give them a chance.
Posted by: Spears | May 24, 2009 at 08:58 PM
at this point, does anyone really care. the last cd they did, didn't sell much. george michael is a mess these days. back in the day, maybe so, but now, they should just call it a day.
Posted by: CHAD | May 24, 2009 at 08:48 PM
I am with most of you in liking George Michael. Freddie left some very large shoes to fill. George seems to still have the energy to give Queen's songs the thrill they deserve.
Posted by: Ian (in CT) | May 24, 2009 at 07:58 PM
But to he honest, it would never be Queen without Freddie. In a recent Classic Rock magazine poll, Freddie was voted the best vocalist in Rock history. Freddie was one of a kind.
Posted by: DerekT | May 24, 2009 at 03:54 PM
Another performer who had performed with Queen a few years ago was Robbie Williams
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIMtzkQap1I
He would be another good choice to be the lead singer of Queen. Especially since he is a superstar in Europe.
Otherwise, George Michaels would be a good choice.
Posted by: DerekT | May 24, 2009 at 03:51 PM
I think George Michael is perfect and can't believe they chose Paul Rodgers over him in the first place. No offense to Paul who has an absolutely beautiful voice as well...Just doesn't jive with Queen. George did a Smokin job with Somebody To Love. Plus, he's not three generations younger.
Posted by: Mark | May 24, 2009 at 02:37 PM
couldn't agree more.....George Michael is the perfect fit for this classic band....would hate to see them go trendy with such a young guy. why hire a prince when you could have a Queen?!? (and that is meant as a compliment)
Posted by: belle boyd | May 24, 2009 at 02:21 PM
How can anyone replace Freddie Mercury. He had one of the best rock voices ever. His range was off the charts. I really hope Queen does not replace him with a second rater from a crappy TV show. George Michael might be a better pick.
Posted by: John | May 24, 2009 at 01:45 PM
Please Queen do not choose Adam.
George Micheal is a better performer and doesnt go off in adlib tangents when he sings let him go solo.
He cant come close to Freddie, George can.
Posted by: John | May 24, 2009 at 12:29 PM
The younger Paul Young wasn't such a bad fit. Now, he just doesn't have that energy to match what Freddie had.
Posted by: Michelle | May 24, 2009 at 12:26 PM
It should have been George Michael right from the start.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=of-7jmD7OxE
Posted by: Michelle | May 24, 2009 at 12:05 PM
Somebody to Love is one of my favorite George Michael performances.
Posted by: 80sfan | May 24, 2009 at 12:03 PM