Adam Lambert countdown performance petition (2015) - Revision history

Dayana Rizal: /* Details of the incident */

2019-05-23T02:40:42Z

Details of the incident

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:40, 23 May 2019
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	==Details of the incident==		==Details of the incident==
	On 25 November ~~2018~~, an online petition titled “Petition against Adam Lambert performing in Countdown 2016” was created by user Joshua Zhou on the website ''ipetitions.''<ref>Zhou, Joshua. "Petition against Adam Lambert performing in Countdown 2016". ''ipetitions''. Accessed on 18 March 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.ipetitions.com/petition/against-adamlambert-countdown2016</ref> Although the petition has since closed, it had garnered 20,065 signatures as of 18 March 2019.		On 25 November 2015, an online petition titled “Petition against Adam Lambert performing in Countdown 2016” was created by user Joshua Zhou on the website ''ipetitions.''<ref>Zhou, Joshua. "Petition against Adam Lambert performing in Countdown 2016". ''ipetitions''. Accessed on 18 March 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.ipetitions.com/petition/against-adamlambert-countdown2016</ref> Although the petition has since closed, it had garnered 20,065 signatures as of 18 March 2019.


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	===Counter petition===		===Counter petition===
	On 26 November ~~2016~~, a counter petition titled “We want Adam Lambert performing in Countdown 2016” was created by user Martin Piper.<ref>Piper, Martin. "We want Adam Lambert performing in Countdown 2016". ''ipetitions''. Accessed on 18 March 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.ipetitions.com/petition/we-want-adam-lambert-performing-in-countdown-2016?fbclid=IwAR0WBhkgPJAghSXLuGkrt_p8YU3OVymQPkg8h1aHzZiEgk_iJMkuIEBE0DU</ref> Although the petition has since closed, it had garnered 24,742 signatures as of 18 March 2019. The petition explained that the signatories “utterly denounce and condemn" the discrimination showed by the other petition and it urged the event organisers to “demonstrate to the whole world that Singapore is a country that shuns discrimination and promotes diverse inclusive points of view” by allowing Adam Lambert to still perform.<ref>Piper, Martin. "We want Adam Lambert performing in Countdown 2016". ''ipetitions''. Accessed on 18 March 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.ipetitions.com/petition/we-want-adam-lambert-performing-in-countdown-2016?fbclid=IwAR0WBhkgPJAghSXLuGkrt_p8YU3OVymQPkg8h1aHzZiEgk_iJMkuIEBE0DU</ref>		On 26 November 2015, a counter petition titled “We want Adam Lambert performing in Countdown 2016” was created by user Martin Piper.<ref>Piper, Martin. "We want Adam Lambert performing in Countdown 2016". ''ipetitions''. Accessed on 18 March 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.ipetitions.com/petition/we-want-adam-lambert-performing-in-countdown-2016?fbclid=IwAR0WBhkgPJAghSXLuGkrt_p8YU3OVymQPkg8h1aHzZiEgk_iJMkuIEBE0DU</ref> Although the petition has since closed, it had garnered 24,742 signatures as of 18 March 2019. The petition explained that the signatories “utterly denounce and condemn" the discrimination showed by the other petition and it urged the event organisers to “demonstrate to the whole world that Singapore is a country that shuns discrimination and promotes diverse inclusive points of view” by allowing Adam Lambert to still perform.<ref>Piper, Martin. "We want Adam Lambert performing in Countdown 2016". ''ipetitions''. Accessed on 18 March 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.ipetitions.com/petition/we-want-adam-lambert-performing-in-countdown-2016?fbclid=IwAR0WBhkgPJAghSXLuGkrt_p8YU3OVymQPkg8h1aHzZiEgk_iJMkuIEBE0DU</ref>

	===Adam Lambert===		===Adam Lambert===

Dayana Rizal: /* Counter petition */

2019-05-23T01:22:37Z

Counter petition

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:22, 23 May 2019
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	===Counter petition===		===Counter petition===
	On 26 November 2016, counter petition titled “We want Adam Lambert performing in Countdown 2016” was created by user ''Martin Piper''.<ref>Piper, Martin. "We want Adam Lambert performing in Countdown 2016". ''ipetitions''. Accessed on 18 March 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.ipetitions.com/petition/we-want-adam-lambert-performing-in-countdown-2016?fbclid=IwAR0WBhkgPJAghSXLuGkrt_p8YU3OVymQPkg8h1aHzZiEgk_iJMkuIEBE0DU</ref> Although the petition has since closed, it had garnered 24,742 signatures as of 18 March 2019. The petition explained that the signatories “utterly denounce and condemn" the discrimination showed by the other petition and it urged the event organisers to “demonstrate to the whole world that Singapore is a country that shuns discrimination and promotes diverse inclusive points of view” by allowing Adam Lambert to still perform.<ref>Piper, Martin. "We want Adam Lambert performing in Countdown 2016". ''ipetitions''. Accessed on 18 March 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.ipetitions.com/petition/we-want-adam-lambert-performing-in-countdown-2016?fbclid=IwAR0WBhkgPJAghSXLuGkrt_p8YU3OVymQPkg8h1aHzZiEgk_iJMkuIEBE0DU</ref>		On 26 November 2016, a counter petition titled “We want Adam Lambert performing in Countdown 2016” was created by user Martin Piper.<ref>Piper, Martin. "We want Adam Lambert performing in Countdown 2016". ''ipetitions''. Accessed on 18 March 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.ipetitions.com/petition/we-want-adam-lambert-performing-in-countdown-2016?fbclid=IwAR0WBhkgPJAghSXLuGkrt_p8YU3OVymQPkg8h1aHzZiEgk_iJMkuIEBE0DU</ref> Although the petition has since closed, it had garnered 24,742 signatures as of 18 March 2019. The petition explained that the signatories “utterly denounce and condemn" the discrimination showed by the other petition and it urged the event organisers to “demonstrate to the whole world that Singapore is a country that shuns discrimination and promotes diverse inclusive points of view” by allowing Adam Lambert to still perform.<ref>Piper, Martin. "We want Adam Lambert performing in Countdown 2016". ''ipetitions''. Accessed on 18 March 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.ipetitions.com/petition/we-want-adam-lambert-performing-in-countdown-2016?fbclid=IwAR0WBhkgPJAghSXLuGkrt_p8YU3OVymQPkg8h1aHzZiEgk_iJMkuIEBE0DU</ref>

	===Adam Lambert===		===Adam Lambert===
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	==Final verdict==		==Final verdict==
	Adam Lambert’s performance at Celebrate 2016 continued as scheduled and on 31 December 2015, he performed to a crowd of 10,000 people at The Float @ Marina Bay.<ref>Abdul Rahman, Noor Ashikin. “No scandal but Adam Lambert electrifies with countdown concert”. ''The New Paper.'' January 1, 2016. Accessed on 18 March 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.tnp.sg/entertainment/music/no-scandal-adam-lambert-electrifies-countdown-concert</ref> His performance was noted to be family friendly~~, with no sexual undertones present~~.		Adam Lambert’s performance at Celebrate 2016 continued as scheduled and on 31 December 2015, he performed to a crowd of 10,000 people at The Float @ Marina Bay.<ref>Abdul Rahman, Noor Ashikin. “No scandal but Adam Lambert electrifies with countdown concert”. ''The New Paper.'' January 1, 2016. Accessed on 18 March 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.tnp.sg/entertainment/music/no-scandal-adam-lambert-electrifies-countdown-concert</ref> His performance was noted to be family friendly.

	==References / Citations==		==References / Citations==
	<references />		<references />
	[[Category:Newsworthy Incidents]]		[[Category:Newsworthy Incidents]]

Dayana Rizal at 09:23, 22 May 2019

2019-05-22T09:23:25Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:23, 22 May 2019
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	American singer Adam Lambert was scheduled to perform for Mediacorp’s Celebrate 2016 countdown show on 31 December 2015. However, a petition was launched on 25 November 2015 to remove him from the performance line-up.<ref>“Petition to get Adam Lambert out of countdown”. ''Today Online.'' November 27, 2015. Accessed on 18 March 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/petition-launched-remove-adam-lambert-countdown-show-line</ref> According to the organisers of the petition, the petition had been launched due to Adam Lambert’s “active promotion of a highly sexualised lifestyle and LGBT rights" which are presumably in opposition to "mainstream Singaporean values”.<ref>“Petition to get Adam Lambert out of countdown”. ''Today Online.'' November 27, 2015. Accessed on 18 March 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/petition-launched-remove-adam-lambert-countdown-show-line</ref> This incident sparked heated online debate with regards to whether Adam Lambert should be allowed to perform at the event.		American singer Adam Lambert was scheduled to perform for Mediacorp’s Celebrate 2016 countdown show on 31 December 2015. However, a petition was launched on 25 November 2015 to remove him from the performance line-up.<ref>“Petition to get Adam Lambert out of countdown”. ''Today Online.'' November 27, 2015. Accessed on 18 March 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/petition-launched-remove-adam-lambert-countdown-show-line</ref> According to the organisers of the petition, the petition had been launched due to Adam Lambert’s “active promotion of a highly sexualised lifestyle and LGBT rights" which are presumably in opposition to "mainstream Singaporean values”.<ref>“Petition to get Adam Lambert out of countdown”. ''Today Online.'' November 27, 2015. Accessed on 18 March 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/petition-launched-remove-adam-lambert-countdown-show-line</ref> This incident sparked heated online debate with regards to whether Adam Lambert should be allowed to perform at the event.

	== Background ==		==Background==
	Adam Lambert is an openly gay American singer who has engaged in provocative and homosexual activities onstage in the past. In 2009, the singer kissed his male keyboard player during his performance at the American Music Awards.<ref>Ungku, Fathin. “Is singer Adam Lambert just too sexy for strait-laced Singapore?”. ''Reuters.'' November 27, 2015. Accessed on 18 March 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-people-lambert-singapore/is-singer-adam-lambert-just-too-sexy-for-strait-laced-singapore-idUSKBN0TG0EH20151127</ref> Prior to the 2015 show, Adam Lambert had performed in Singapore on multiple occasions. In 2010, he performed for the Singapore Formula 1 Grand Prix.<ref>Oon, Jeff. “Adam Lambert to rock Singapore on 8 March”. ''Yahoo News.'' January 19, 2013. Accessed on 18 March 2019. Retrieved from: https://sg.style.yahoo.com/blogs/singapore-showbiz/adam-lambert-rock-singapore-8-march-172046235.html</ref>		Adam Lambert is an openly gay American singer who has engaged in provocative and homosexual activities onstage in the past. In 2009, the singer kissed his male keyboard player during his performance at the American Music Awards.<ref>Ungku, Fathin. “Is singer Adam Lambert just too sexy for strait-laced Singapore?”. ''Reuters.'' November 27, 2015. Accessed on 18 March 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-people-lambert-singapore/is-singer-adam-lambert-just-too-sexy-for-strait-laced-singapore-idUSKBN0TG0EH20151127</ref> Prior to the 2015 show, Adam Lambert had performed in Singapore on multiple occasions. In 2010, he performed for the Singapore Formula 1 Grand Prix.<ref>Oon, Jeff. “Adam Lambert to rock Singapore on 8 March”. ''Yahoo News.'' January 19, 2013. Accessed on 18 March 2019. Retrieved from: https://sg.style.yahoo.com/blogs/singapore-showbiz/adam-lambert-rock-singapore-8-march-172046235.html</ref>

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	In 2013, Adam Lambert held his solo concert at The Star Performing Arts Centre, a building owned by New Creation Church. The National Council of Churches of Singapore (NCCS) received a complaint leading up to the concert, which voiced concerns over the negative consequences of the concert on the Church since the venue was church-owned. It was stated that it may seem like the church was promoting the "gay lifestyle".<ref>Sim, Walter. “Adam Lambert's concert gets MDA's Advisory 16 rating”. ''The Straits Times.'' March 7, 2013. Accessed on 18 March 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/adam-lamberts-concert-gets-mdas-advisory-16-rating</ref>		In 2013, Adam Lambert held his solo concert at The Star Performing Arts Centre, a building owned by New Creation Church. The National Council of Churches of Singapore (NCCS) received a complaint leading up to the concert, which voiced concerns over the negative consequences of the concert on the Church since the venue was church-owned. It was stated that it may seem like the church was promoting the "gay lifestyle".<ref>Sim, Walter. “Adam Lambert's concert gets MDA's Advisory 16 rating”. ''The Straits Times.'' March 7, 2013. Accessed on 18 March 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/adam-lamberts-concert-gets-mdas-advisory-16-rating</ref>

	== Details of the incident ==		==Details of the incident==
	On 25 November 2018, an online petition titled “Petition against Adam Lambert performing in Countdown 2016” was created by user Joshua Zhou on the website ''ipetitions.''<ref>Zhou, Joshua. "Petition against Adam Lambert performing in Countdown 2016". ''ipetitions''. Accessed on 18 March 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.ipetitions.com/petition/against-adamlambert-countdown2016</ref> Although the petition has since closed, it had garnered 20,065 signatures as of 18 March 2019.		On 25 November 2018, an online petition titled “Petition against Adam Lambert performing in Countdown 2016” was created by user Joshua Zhou on the website ''ipetitions.''<ref>Zhou, Joshua. "Petition against Adam Lambert performing in Countdown 2016". ''ipetitions''. Accessed on 18 March 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.ipetitions.com/petition/against-adamlambert-countdown2016</ref> Although the petition has since closed, it had garnered 20,065 signatures as of 18 March 2019.

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	The petition hoped to convince Countdown 2016's organisers to reconsider Adam Lambert as a guest artist on the basis of "inclusion of the young and the often cited silent majority in Singapore who continue to uphold values that appear contrary to the liberal west”.<ref>Zhou, Joshua. "Petition against Adam Lambert performing in Countdown 2016". ''ipetitions''. Accessed on 18 March 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.ipetitions.com/petition/against-adamlambert-countdown2016</ref>		The petition hoped to convince Countdown 2016's organisers to reconsider Adam Lambert as a guest artist on the basis of "inclusion of the young and the often cited silent majority in Singapore who continue to uphold values that appear contrary to the liberal west”.<ref>Zhou, Joshua. "Petition against Adam Lambert performing in Countdown 2016". ''ipetitions''. Accessed on 18 March 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.ipetitions.com/petition/against-adamlambert-countdown2016</ref>

	== Responses ==		==Responses==

	=== Counter petition ===		===Counter petition===
	On 26 November 2016, counter petition titled “We want Adam Lambert performing in Countdown 2016” was created by user ''Martin Piper''.<ref>Piper, Martin. "We want Adam Lambert performing in Countdown 2016". ''ipetitions''. Accessed on 18 March 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.ipetitions.com/petition/we-want-adam-lambert-performing-in-countdown-2016?fbclid=IwAR0WBhkgPJAghSXLuGkrt_p8YU3OVymQPkg8h1aHzZiEgk_iJMkuIEBE0DU</ref> Although the petition has since closed, it had garnered 24,742 signatures as of 18 March 2019. The petition explained that the signatories “utterly denounce and condemn" the discrimination showed by the other petition and it urged the event organisers to “demonstrate to the whole world that Singapore is a country that shuns discrimination and promotes diverse inclusive points of view” by allowing Adam Lambert to still perform.<ref>Piper, Martin. "We want Adam Lambert performing in Countdown 2016". ''ipetitions''. Accessed on 18 March 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.ipetitions.com/petition/we-want-adam-lambert-performing-in-countdown-2016?fbclid=IwAR0WBhkgPJAghSXLuGkrt_p8YU3OVymQPkg8h1aHzZiEgk_iJMkuIEBE0DU</ref>		On 26 November 2016, counter petition titled “We want Adam Lambert performing in Countdown 2016” was created by user ''Martin Piper''.<ref>Piper, Martin. "We want Adam Lambert performing in Countdown 2016". ''ipetitions''. Accessed on 18 March 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.ipetitions.com/petition/we-want-adam-lambert-performing-in-countdown-2016?fbclid=IwAR0WBhkgPJAghSXLuGkrt_p8YU3OVymQPkg8h1aHzZiEgk_iJMkuIEBE0DU</ref> Although the petition has since closed, it had garnered 24,742 signatures as of 18 March 2019. The petition explained that the signatories “utterly denounce and condemn" the discrimination showed by the other petition and it urged the event organisers to “demonstrate to the whole world that Singapore is a country that shuns discrimination and promotes diverse inclusive points of view” by allowing Adam Lambert to still perform.<ref>Piper, Martin. "We want Adam Lambert performing in Countdown 2016". ''ipetitions''. Accessed on 18 March 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.ipetitions.com/petition/we-want-adam-lambert-performing-in-countdown-2016?fbclid=IwAR0WBhkgPJAghSXLuGkrt_p8YU3OVymQPkg8h1aHzZiEgk_iJMkuIEBE0DU</ref>

	=== Adam Lambert ===		===Adam Lambert===
	In a Facebook post by Warner Music Singapore dated 27 November 2015, Adam Lambert personally addressed the situation with the following message:<ref>“Adam Lambert responds to Singapore petition: I'm a uniter, not a divider”. ''AsiaOne.'' November 27, 2015. Accessed on 18 March 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.asiaone.com/showbiz/adam-lambert-responds-singapore-petition-im-uniter-not-divider</ref> “My performance at Celebrate 2016 will not only be a spectacular one, it will celebrate the entire human family in all its diversity. I am a uniter, not a divider, and I believe in celebrating the human heart and spirit. I have put together an entirely new show experience for my fans that is kicking off in Singapore. The Original High tour is based primarily on new material, and it promises to be a thoughtful and sophisticated insight into the pursuit of happiness and self-worth. There is no better time for celebration than at the moment one year changes into another, so I hope you will join me to celebrate the future and 2016”.		In a Facebook post by Warner Music Singapore dated 27 November 2015, Adam Lambert personally addressed the situation with the following message:<ref>“Adam Lambert responds to Singapore petition: I'm a uniter, not a divider”. ''AsiaOne.'' November 27, 2015. Accessed on 18 March 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.asiaone.com/showbiz/adam-lambert-responds-singapore-petition-im-uniter-not-divider</ref> “My performance at Celebrate 2016 will not only be a spectacular one, it will celebrate the entire human family in all its diversity. I am a uniter, not a divider, and I believe in celebrating the human heart and spirit. I have put together an entirely new show experience for my fans that is kicking off in Singapore. The Original High tour is based primarily on new material, and it promises to be a thoughtful and sophisticated insight into the pursuit of happiness and self-worth. There is no better time for celebration than at the moment one year changes into another, so I hope you will join me to celebrate the future and 2016”.

	The post ended with Warner Music Singapore urging netizens to pledge their support with regards to Adam Lambert performing at Celebrate 2016 by signing the counter petition.<ref>''Facebook''. Accessed on 18 March 2019. Retrieved from:https://www.facebook.com/warnermusicsg/posts/10153196198272967:0</ref> As of 22 May 2019, the Facebook post is no longer publicly visible.		The post ended with Warner Music Singapore urging netizens to pledge their support with regards to Adam Lambert performing at Celebrate 2016 by signing the counter petition.<ref>''Facebook''. Accessed on 18 March 2019. Retrieved from:https://www.facebook.com/warnermusicsg/posts/10153196198272967:0</ref> As of 22 May 2019, the Facebook post is no longer publicly visible.

	=== Local entertainers ===		===Local entertainers===
	[[File:Adam Lambert 2015 performance.jpg\|thumb\|''Adam Lambert (centre) during his performance for Celebrate 2016. Photo from The Straits Times.'']]		[[File:Adam Lambert 2015 performance.jpg\|thumb\|''Adam Lambert (centre) during his performance for Celebrate 2016. Photo from The Straits Times.'']]
	In a Facebook post dated 29 November 2015, hosts of local radio show 'Muttons in the Morning' Justin Ang and Vernon A. threw their support behind allowing Adam Lambert to perform. They attached a picture of Laksa accompanied by an analogy that they felt was representative of the whole “Adam Lambert situation”.<ref>Muttons In The Morning''. Facebook''. November 29, 2015. Accessed on 18 March 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.facebook.com/muttonsinthemorning/posts/1007028726009725:0</ref>		In a Facebook post dated 29 November 2015, hosts of local radio show 'Muttons in the Morning' Justin Ang and Vernon A. threw their support behind allowing Adam Lambert to perform. They attached a picture of Laksa accompanied by an analogy that they felt was representative of the whole “Adam Lambert situation”.<ref>Muttons In The Morning''. Facebook''. November 29, 2015. Accessed on 18 March 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.facebook.com/muttonsinthemorning/posts/1007028726009725:0</ref>
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	Local host and stand up comedian Hossan Leong also Tweeted the link to the petition titled “We want Adam Lambert performing in Countdown 2016”.<ref>Leong, Hossan''. Twitter''. November 27, 2015. Accessed on 18 March 2019. Retrieved from: https://twitter.com/HossanLeong/status/670013043376451584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E670013043376451584&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnbc.com%2F2015%2F11%2F26%2Fsingapore-petition-to-stop-singer-adam-lambert-from-headlining-new-years-eve-concert.html</ref>		Local host and stand up comedian Hossan Leong also Tweeted the link to the petition titled “We want Adam Lambert performing in Countdown 2016”.<ref>Leong, Hossan''. Twitter''. November 27, 2015. Accessed on 18 March 2019. Retrieved from: https://twitter.com/HossanLeong/status/670013043376451584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E670013043376451584&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnbc.com%2F2015%2F11%2F26%2Fsingapore-petition-to-stop-singer-adam-lambert-from-headlining-new-years-eve-concert.html</ref>

	=== Mediacorp ===		===Mediacorp===
	Head of Mediacorp's Family (English) and Premier Segments Debra Soon gave the following statement to local news outlet TODAY with regards to the online petition against allowing Adam Lambert to perform. She explained that “Celebrate 2016 will be suitable for family audiences and conform with broadcast regulations”.<ref>“Petition to get Adam Lambert out of countdown”. ''Today Online.'' November 27, 2015. Accessed on 18 March 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/petition-launched-remove-adam-lambert-countdown-show-line</ref>		Head of Mediacorp's Family (English) and Premier Segments Debra Soon gave the following statement to local news outlet TODAY with regards to the online petition against allowing Adam Lambert to perform. She explained that “Celebrate 2016 will be suitable for family audiences and conform with broadcast regulations”.<ref>“Petition to get Adam Lambert out of countdown”. ''Today Online.'' November 27, 2015. Accessed on 18 March 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/petition-launched-remove-adam-lambert-countdown-show-line</ref>

	== Final verdict ==		==Final verdict==
	Adam Lambert’s performance at Celebrate 2016 continued as scheduled and on 31 December 2015, he performed to a crowd of 10,000 people at The Float @ Marina Bay.<ref>Abdul Rahman, Noor Ashikin. “No scandal but Adam Lambert electrifies with countdown concert”. ''The New Paper.'' January 1, 2016. Accessed on 18 March 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.tnp.sg/entertainment/music/no-scandal-adam-lambert-electrifies-countdown-concert</ref> His performance was noted to be family friendly, with no sexual undertones present.		Adam Lambert’s performance at Celebrate 2016 continued as scheduled and on 31 December 2015, he performed to a crowd of 10,000 people at The Float @ Marina Bay.<ref>Abdul Rahman, Noor Ashikin. “No scandal but Adam Lambert electrifies with countdown concert”. ''The New Paper.'' January 1, 2016. Accessed on 18 March 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.tnp.sg/entertainment/music/no-scandal-adam-lambert-electrifies-countdown-concert</ref> His performance was noted to be family friendly, with no sexual undertones present.

	== References / Citations ==		==References / Citations==
			<references />
			[[Category:Newsworthy Incidents]]

Dayana Rizal: Created page with "''The promotional poster for Adam Lambert 2013 concert in Singapore. Photo from Hype Records.'' American singer Adam Lambert was..."

2019-05-22T09:22:55Z

Created page with "thumb|''The promotional poster for Adam Lambert 2013 concert in Singapore. Photo from Hype Records.'' American singer Adam Lambert was..."

New page

[[File:Adam Lambert concert poster.jpg|thumb|''The promotional poster for Adam Lambert 2013 concert in Singapore. Photo from Hype Records.'']]
American singer Adam Lambert was scheduled to perform for Mediacorp’s Celebrate 2016 countdown show on 31 December 2015. However, a petition was launched on 25 November 2015 to remove him from the performance line-up.<ref>“Petition to get Adam Lambert out of countdown”. ''Today Online.'' November 27, 2015. Accessed on 18 March 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/petition-launched-remove-adam-lambert-countdown-show-line</ref> According to the organisers of the petition, the petition had been launched due to Adam Lambert’s “active promotion of a highly sexualised lifestyle and LGBT rights" which are presumably in opposition to "mainstream Singaporean values”.<ref>“Petition to get Adam Lambert out of countdown”. ''Today Online.'' November 27, 2015. Accessed on 18 March 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/petition-launched-remove-adam-lambert-countdown-show-line</ref> This incident sparked heated online debate with regards to whether Adam Lambert should be allowed to perform at the event.

== Background ==
Adam Lambert is an openly gay American singer who has engaged in provocative and homosexual activities onstage in the past. In 2009, the singer kissed his male keyboard player during his performance at the American Music Awards.<ref>Ungku, Fathin. “Is singer Adam Lambert just too sexy for strait-laced Singapore?”. ''Reuters.'' November 27, 2015. Accessed on 18 March 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-people-lambert-singapore/is-singer-adam-lambert-just-too-sexy-for-strait-laced-singapore-idUSKBN0TG0EH20151127</ref> Prior to the 2015 show, Adam Lambert had performed in Singapore on multiple occasions. In 2010, he performed for the Singapore Formula 1 Grand Prix.<ref>Oon, Jeff. “Adam Lambert to rock Singapore on 8 March”. ''Yahoo News.'' January 19, 2013. Accessed on 18 March 2019. Retrieved from: https://sg.style.yahoo.com/blogs/singapore-showbiz/adam-lambert-rock-singapore-8-march-172046235.html</ref>

In 2013, Adam Lambert held his solo concert at The Star Performing Arts Centre, a building owned by New Creation Church. The National Council of Churches of Singapore (NCCS) received a complaint leading up to the concert, which voiced concerns over the negative consequences of the concert on the Church since the venue was church-owned. It was stated that it may seem like the church was promoting the "gay lifestyle".<ref>Sim, Walter. “Adam Lambert's concert gets MDA's Advisory 16 rating”. ''The Straits Times.'' March 7, 2013. Accessed on 18 March 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/adam-lamberts-concert-gets-mdas-advisory-16-rating</ref>

== Details of the incident ==
On 25 November 2018, an online petition titled “Petition against Adam Lambert performing in Countdown 2016” was created by user Joshua Zhou on the website ''ipetitions.''<ref>Zhou, Joshua. "Petition against Adam Lambert performing in Countdown 2016". ''ipetitions''. Accessed on 18 March 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.ipetitions.com/petition/against-adamlambert-countdown2016</ref> Although the petition has since closed, it had garnered 20,065 signatures as of 18 March 2019.

The petition hoped to convince Countdown 2016's organisers to reconsider Adam Lambert as a guest artist on the basis of "inclusion of the young and the often cited silent majority in Singapore who continue to uphold values that appear contrary to the liberal west”.<ref>Zhou, Joshua. "Petition against Adam Lambert performing in Countdown 2016". ''ipetitions''. Accessed on 18 March 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.ipetitions.com/petition/against-adamlambert-countdown2016</ref>

== Responses ==

=== Counter petition ===
On 26 November 2016, counter petition titled “We want Adam Lambert performing in Countdown 2016” was created by user ''Martin Piper''.<ref>Piper, Martin. "We want Adam Lambert performing in Countdown 2016". ''ipetitions''. Accessed on 18 March 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.ipetitions.com/petition/we-want-adam-lambert-performing-in-countdown-2016?fbclid=IwAR0WBhkgPJAghSXLuGkrt_p8YU3OVymQPkg8h1aHzZiEgk_iJMkuIEBE0DU</ref> Although the petition has since closed, it had garnered 24,742 signatures as of 18 March 2019. The petition explained that the signatories “utterly denounce and condemn" the discrimination showed by the other petition and it urged the event organisers to “demonstrate to the whole world that Singapore is a country that shuns discrimination and promotes diverse inclusive points of view” by allowing Adam Lambert to still perform.<ref>Piper, Martin. "We want Adam Lambert performing in Countdown 2016". ''ipetitions''. Accessed on 18 March 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.ipetitions.com/petition/we-want-adam-lambert-performing-in-countdown-2016?fbclid=IwAR0WBhkgPJAghSXLuGkrt_p8YU3OVymQPkg8h1aHzZiEgk_iJMkuIEBE0DU</ref>

=== Adam Lambert ===
In a Facebook post by Warner Music Singapore dated 27 November 2015, Adam Lambert personally addressed the situation with the following message:<ref>“Adam Lambert responds to Singapore petition: I'm a uniter, not a divider”. ''AsiaOne.'' November 27, 2015. Accessed on 18 March 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.asiaone.com/showbiz/adam-lambert-responds-singapore-petition-im-uniter-not-divider</ref> “My performance at Celebrate 2016 will not only be a spectacular one, it will celebrate the entire human family in all its diversity. I am a uniter, not a divider, and I believe in celebrating the human heart and spirit. I have put together an entirely new show experience for my fans that is kicking off in Singapore. The Original High tour is based primarily on new material, and it promises to be a thoughtful and sophisticated insight into the pursuit of happiness and self-worth. There is no better time for celebration than at the moment one year changes into another, so I hope you will join me to celebrate the future and 2016”.

The post ended with Warner Music Singapore urging netizens to pledge their support with regards to Adam Lambert performing at Celebrate 2016 by signing the counter petition.<ref>''Facebook''. Accessed on 18 March 2019. Retrieved from:https://www.facebook.com/warnermusicsg/posts/10153196198272967:0</ref> As of 22 May 2019, the Facebook post is no longer publicly visible.

=== Local entertainers ===
[[File:Adam Lambert 2015 performance.jpg|thumb|''Adam Lambert (centre) during his performance for Celebrate 2016. Photo from The Straits Times.'']]
In a Facebook post dated 29 November 2015, hosts of local radio show 'Muttons in the Morning' Justin Ang and Vernon A. threw their support behind allowing Adam Lambert to perform. They attached a picture of Laksa accompanied by an analogy that they felt was representative of the whole “Adam Lambert situation”.<ref>Muttons In The Morning''. Facebook''. November 29, 2015. Accessed on 18 March 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.facebook.com/muttonsinthemorning/posts/1007028726009725:0</ref>

Local host and stand up comedian Hossan Leong also Tweeted the link to the petition titled “We want Adam Lambert performing in Countdown 2016”.<ref>Leong, Hossan''. Twitter''. November 27, 2015. Accessed on 18 March 2019. Retrieved from: https://twitter.com/HossanLeong/status/670013043376451584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E670013043376451584&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnbc.com%2F2015%2F11%2F26%2Fsingapore-petition-to-stop-singer-adam-lambert-from-headlining-new-years-eve-concert.html</ref>

=== Mediacorp ===
Head of Mediacorp's Family (English) and Premier Segments Debra Soon gave the following statement to local news outlet TODAY with regards to the online petition against allowing Adam Lambert to perform. She explained that “Celebrate 2016 will be suitable for family audiences and conform with broadcast regulations”.<ref>“Petition to get Adam Lambert out of countdown”. ''Today Online.'' November 27, 2015. Accessed on 18 March 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/petition-launched-remove-adam-lambert-countdown-show-line</ref>

== Final verdict ==
Adam Lambert’s performance at Celebrate 2016 continued as scheduled and on 31 December 2015, he performed to a crowd of 10,000 people at The Float @ Marina Bay.<ref>Abdul Rahman, Noor Ashikin. “No scandal but Adam Lambert electrifies with countdown concert”. ''The New Paper.'' January 1, 2016. Accessed on 18 March 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.tnp.sg/entertainment/music/no-scandal-adam-lambert-electrifies-countdown-concert</ref> His performance was noted to be family friendly, with no sexual undertones present.

== References / Citations ==