Adam Lambert

Fans still feeling let down by the anemic, ho-hum ninth season of American Idol love to predict the show's demise, especially now that Simon Cowell is departing. But those people have short memories. You only have to look back to the previous season to witness one of the most bizarre and electrifying contenders the admittedly tame program has ever produced: Adam Lambert. Since being named runner-up that year, the flamboyant, glam-injected singer has made plenty of headlines — especially after his male-on-male kiss during his controversial American Music Awards performance — but Lambert's debut album, For Your Entertainment, is noteworthy on its own. Drawing from contemporary pop as well as glam legends Queen, the disc wears thin in places, but it's by far the most unique and brave album ever put out by an Idol (near-) champion. Opening this Paramount spectacle will be fellow alum from season eight Allison Iraheta, but don't expect any of Lambert's prancing, glittery thunder to be stolen.