Adam Lambert Lights Up Broadway and Late-Night TV
Adam Lambert—best known to many as the powerhouse vocalist who rose to fame on American Idol and later fronted Queen—has taken on the iconic role of the Emcee in the Broadway revival of Cabaret. Since September 2024, he’s been commanding the stage at the Kit Kat Club, and on February 10, he even transformed The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon into his own smoky stage, delivering a poignant performance of “I Don’t Care Much.”
Bringing “I Don’t Care Much” to Life
Under green-hued lights and backed by a live band, Lambert poured his heart into “I Don’t Care Much,” his velvet voice drifting through the studio and transporting viewers straight to 1930s Berlin. The song, released as a single last December, finds new depth in his rendition—a torch song reshaped by the generosity of the Cabaret creative team, who adjusted the key to suit his unique style. The official music video, filmed on the very stage where he performs nightly, adds another layer of authenticity to his Broadway debut.
Finding the Emcee Within
In a December interview with The New York Times, Lambert reflected on the Emcee’s emotional complexity, calling “I Don’t Care Much” a moment of “struggle with indifference.” He praised the production team for their willingness to adapt the arrangement, making it a vehicle for his own interpretive flair.
When he stopped by TODAY in November, co-anchor Al Roker asked what drew him to this enigmatic role. Lambert confessed that playing the Emcee was “always on my shortlist”—not only because of the character’s wild charm but also for the mysterious narrator’s power to guide audiences through a story that often surprises them.
Passing the Torch
Lambert succeeded Tony-nominated actor Eddie Redmayne, stepping into shoes already warmed by critical acclaim. His run as the Emcee will conclude on Saturday, March 29, marking the end of a thrilling chapter for both the actor and his fans.
What’s Next at the Kit Kat Club?
On Monday, March 31, masked country star Orville Peck will assume the role of the Emcee, joined by Hadestown leading lady Eva Noblezada as Sally Bowles. Their limited 16-week engagement promises to bring fresh interpretations to this classic show.