Adam Lambert is scheduled to perform on New Years' Eve at Singapore's Countdown 2016 celebration in Marina Bay but he'll be barred from doing so if petitioners have their way.
A conservative group has petitioned the concert's organizers MediaCorp; the Government of Singapore; Minister Grace Fu and the Ministry of Community, Culture and Youth; Esplanade Theatres on the Bay; Urban Redevelopment Authority; TGIF Bazaars and everyone else involved with the concert to stop Lambert from singing.
More than 18,000 people have signed the petition as of this posting.
Why?
During the live American Music Awards 2009, Lambert engaged in sexualized acts, including kissing a male band member, on stage. Given Lambert's unpredictability, and out of concern that he would repeat his offensive acts,Good Morning America of the ABC News Network cancelled his scheduled performance. His most recent music video “Another Lonely Night” from his album The Original High features female showgirls and male strippers performing acts of indecency.
Adam Lambert is hardly the kind of performer to send off our historic Jubilee Year or to usher in the New Year. His track record displays a flagrant disregard for the sensitivities of his audience – including whether or not children are watching. Singaporeans can enjoy a good show without their consciences being affronted by lewd acts in the name of entertainment. In addition, a simple online search would reveal that he is well-known for his active promotion of a highly sexualized lifestyle and LGBT rights, both of which are contrary to mainstream Singaporean values.
Countdown 2016 is our annual iconic, public event for Singaporeans to come together to celebrate New Year's Eve, as one. Allowing Adam Lambert to perform as the star of Countdown 2016 shows disregard for the values of a majority of family-centric Singaporeans who have consistently resisted the promotion of western liberal ideas about family values and societal models.
As parents and influencers of our young, we ask that extreme caution be exercised in selecting performers for the event. Adam Lambert is an inappropriate choice and reflects a lack of judgment that could turn an otherwise dignified family-friendly event into a situation that is offensive and potentially divisive.
We urge the Organisers of Countdown 2016 to recognize and respect the values of the majority of Singapore that has voiced its desire to preserve our nation's moral fibre.
A counter-petition launched by Lambert supporters, meanwhile, has more than 23,000 signatures.
They write:
The opposing petition are anti family and anti Singaporean values because their discrimination harms family members. We support real family values and real Singaporean values by being modern and inclusive.
According to Reuters, “State TV company Mediacorp maintained Lambert would perform, and said the televised concert would be suitable for family audiences and conform with broadcast regulations.”
Check out Lambert's latest video for “Another Lonely Night”:
