How Adam Lambert Amassed His $45 Million Net Worth Since American Idol

From his early days as a performer to his big breakthrough on American Idol and subsequent rise to global stardom, Adam Lambert's financial success can be summed up as incredible talent, hard work, and smart career choices.

That's right! Adam has amassed a $45 million net worth, and it is not based solely on becoming famous on Idol. Adam's income has come from a combination of his own music sales, concert tours, television appearances, endorsements, and songwriting.

Updated September 2024: This article has been updated to reflect the most recent information regarding Adam Lambert's net worth, which has remained the same since 2023.

9 How Did Adam Lambert Get Started In Music?

Adam Lambert got started in local theater in San Diego, California

Adam Lambert's love of music and his desire to perform shaped his early years. As a child growing up in San Diego, California, Adam started singing by taking part in school plays and local theater shows. When Adam went to college at California State University, Fullerton, he could tell it wasn't the right place for him.

In an interview on The Jay Leno Show, Adam explained why college was not for him.

"I tried... I was studying musical theater. I don't know... I thought to myself, I don't want to learn this in a classroom."

So after five weeks, with the support of his parents, he dropped out. This decision to follow his passion was a turning point that would help him become the star he is today.

8 Adam Lambert's Big Break With American Idol

Adam Lambert came in second place on American Idol

In 2009, Adam was a contestant on the eighth season of the popular reality TV show American Idol. His amazing performances, vocal range, and unique style set him apart from the competition.

It was near the end of the season that Adam was outed when photos were leaked of him kissing his ex-boyfriend.

Adam thinks the real reason he didn't win that season (he was the runner-up to Kris Allen) was his nail in the coffin. Those who watched the show back then may remember how Simon Cowell was known to treat any LBGTQ+ performers. However, his time on American Idol was the starting point for his rapid rise to stardom. Adam left with experience and a huge fan base, too.

7 What Did Adam Lambert Do After American Idol?

After American Idol, Adam Lambert put out an album and went on tour

Adam didn't waste any time making the most of his newfound fame after American Idol. He quickly signed a recording deal with RCA Records, which was the start of his career in music. "For Your Entertainment," Adam's first album, came out in 2009 and went straight to number three on the Billboard 200 chart.

Hit songs like "Whataya Want from Me," which got Adam his first Grammy nomination, helped the album do well. As his music career took off, the money started coming in. Album sales, concert tours, and merchandise all contributed to his net worth.

6 Adam Lambert Earned A Lot Of Money Through Concert Tours And Live Performances

Adam Lambert toured as a solo act, with other performers, and with Queen to earn his massive net worth

Live performances and concert tours are one of the main ways that musicians make money, and Adam is no different. Adam was a popular act for live shows because of how intriguing he was on stage. To this day, he is a top-of-the-line showman through and through.

Adam has been compared to Freddy Mercury and Elton John by some critics. Adam went on several concert tours, both by himself and with other artists.

Notably, he became the lead singer for the well-known rock band Queen. The Queen and Adam Lambert project has been a huge success, with stadium tours all over the world that have sold out. Not only have these tours shown off Adam's amazing talent, but they have also helped him add to his net worth.

5 Adam Lambert Has Added To His Net Worth Through Acting

Adam Lambert has been in numerous TV series and films that showcase his acting and voice acting talents

Adam makes money from more than just music. Because of his star power, he is often asked to be a guest on talk shows; however, one time in particular, that did not work out so well for him. Fans were not happy with CBS when they bumped Adam to their Early Show vs. Good Morning America due to the fact that he kissed a boy in his performance the night before.

Adam also tried his hand at acting, making his first appearance on the hit TV show Glee in 2013. His part as Elliott "Starchild" Gilbert only increased his fan base.

Other notable projects that Adam has worked on recently, according to IMDb, include:

Additionally, Adam has been a judge on Clash of the Cover Bands, and has put out countless music videos.

4 Adam Lambert Has Lucrative Endorsements That Add To His Net Worth

Adam Lambert has collaborations with MAC Cosmetics, H&M, Delta Airlines, and more

Adam has had quite a few brand collaborations over the years. One of the most notable of those include when M.A.C. Cosmetics launched a limited-edition makeup collection in 2019 that Adam was part of. The line promoted the use of color and looking at makeup as not just for girls and women but for everyone.

Adam also teamed up with H&M in a similar venture, only for fashion, called Pride Out Loud. This collaboration aimed to raise awareness and celebrate diversity.

Adam has also appeared in AT&T commercials and Delta Air Lines ads and endorsed the Fiat 500 family of vehicles.

3 Adam Lambert's Music Is Where The Bulk Of His Net Worth Comes From

Adam Lambert has sold three million albums, five million singles, and makes $4 million annually from his music

While his debut album, For Your Entertainment, was a commercial success, Adam continued to release new music throughout his career. His subsequent albums, including Trespassing and The Original High, were also met with approval.

According to TMCASSAM, Adam earns an estimated $4 million annually because of his successful singing career. He has sold three million albums and over five million singles. These music releases generate ongoing income for artists through streaming royalties and sales. Adam's music has consistently garnered attention and remained popular among fans, contributing to his financial stability.

2 Adam Lambert Is A Songwriter

Adam Lambert earns royalties for his songwriting abilities

Adam has also tried writing songs, which is another way for people to make money in the music business. He has written songs for other artists and for his own albums. Adam gets paid royalties when his songs are played on the radio, streamed online, or used in TV shows or movies.

These royalties are a steady source of income, and since Adam is a successful songwriter, he benefits from the fact that his songs are still popular.

1 Adam Lambert's Charitable Work

Adam Lambert's main charitable donations go to LGBTQ+ foundations

Adam makes most of his money from his entertainment career, but he has also shown that he is dedicated to philanthropy and charitable work. He has used his fame and money to help a wide range of causes and organizations.

Primarily, Adam has been a supporter of LGBTQ+ rights and has worked with groups like The Trevor Project, which helps LGBTQ+ youth in crisis.

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  Birthname

  Adam Mitchel Lambert

  Birthdate

  January 29, 1982

  Birthplace

  Indianapolis, Indiana, USA

  Height

  6′ 1″

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  @adamlambert

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  American Idol

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  Release Date

  June 11, 2002

  Network

  ABC

  Showrunner

  Nigel Lythgoe

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  Ken Warwick

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  American Idol

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    Ryan Seacrest
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