Adam Lambert: America couldn't support the gay speculation?

This has been cross-posted on Examiner.com by Renee Gannon

Adam Lambert, the runner-up finalist on "American Idol," poses backstage following the show's finale in Los Angeles, Wednesday, May 20, 2009. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

At 5pm PST on May 20, 2009, I sat 10 rows from the American Idol finale stage at the Nokia Theater in Downtown Los Angeles. Droves of celebrities and past Idol performers were in attendance all around me including Victoria Beckham, Blake Lewis, Heather Locklear and Joel McHale. . It was an incredible show with performances from KISS, Queen, Queen Latifah, Rod Steward, Black Eyed Peas and many more. It was a night to remember.

If there's one thing FOX and American Idol has been known for, it's the sometimes often and blatant homophobia towards contestants who are openly gay Although Adam is not out and has not confirmed his sexuality to anyone, there has been much speculation all season as to his sexual preference. When word like this spreads through the Idol fan community, one always wonders the effect it may have (both positively and negatively) on the contestant.

In his post-Idol finale interview with EW.com, Adam said in regards to "having his sexuality dangling over his head and finally putting it to rest":

It's not dangling over my head. [Laughing] It may be dangling over yours, but it's not over mine. Yeah, I think speculation keeps things really interesting.

I really wondered if Adam's chances may have been hurt by all the gay-speculation, despite his vocal prowess, amazing stage presence and overall performance all season. I hopped on Twitter and read what people were saying. Interestingly enough, I came across many comments like this one:

So my mom found out Adam lambert from american idol is rumored to be gay and says, "ugh! thats such a waste of a fine man!"

Whether these speculations hurt Adam or not, we will never know for sure. I am confident Adam is still going to have a very long and successful career but it is comments like that that proves we still have a lot of work to do when it comes to equality in America.