AceShowbiz -

Beaten but no forgotten, "American Idol" runner-up Adam Lambert was invited for a little talk on "Live with Regis and Kelly" Wednesday, May 27. Both Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa traced back Adam's journey before the "Idol" fame, going as far as his childhood when he started playing in theaters.

Revealing "Your a Good Man, Charlie Brown" as his first gig, Adam said that the stint was not professional but he "wanted it bad" and that it became an "obsession". But he was not too keen on the term 'Broadway Guy' that was labeled to him. "I think that's kind of small minded," he said. "I think that a lot of Broadway performers that are here in New York and all over the country have other types of music they can do too and create all types of art."

Regis also laid out the fact that Paula Abdul was present in one of Adam's first concerts as a kid, not knowing that she would someday judge him on the "Idol" stage. "It was like a full circle moment," Adam said with a smile. "I mean I had a cassette tape (of her) that was worn out. ... She's a great entertainer as well, and I think she inspires me in a different perspective, 'cos outside theater I didn't know what else there was."

Also brought up as a subject of conversation was his favorite performers. Adam told the hosts that he favored Michael Jackson and Madonna when he grew up and discovered later rock 'n' roll in Queen and Led Zeppelin.

Kelly then threw in the "style question", asking about the influence in his fashion. Adam, who likes to wear nail polish and eyeliner, answered, "I like high fashion stuff (like) Alexander McQueen and I just like looking at nice clothes," adding that his style icon is David Bowie.