Adam Lambert Strips Down ‘Aftermath’ for AI Performance

Sometimes, the message of the song is more important than how it’s performed, but, in Adam Lambert’s case, whichever way he chooses to perform it, he still kills it. The singer did an acoustic version of “Aftermath” on last night’s American Idol results show.

As we also reported over the weekend, Lambert was scheduled to perform on AI a brand new version of “Aftermath,” which was included on his debut album, the critically acclaimed “For Your Entertainment.”

Basically, Adam went acoustic for it and it actually made the message of the song all the more powerful, if such a thing is even possible.

Dressed in black leather and sporting his Elvis ‘do, but looking as fabulous as ever, Adam really poured his heart out into the song – which is just one of the many things for which his fans hold him in such high esteem.

Audiences certainly loved it, as also did the judges, who couldn’t stop applauding at the end.

After the performance, Adam, who has remained the same lovable and affable guy as he was back when he was still a contestant on Idol, exchanged a few words with Ryan Seacrest, as the video below will confirm.

After the traditional polite exchanges of “it’s good to have you back” / “it’s good to be back,” Adam told fans that, right before the AI performance, he’d debuted his Billboard remix of “Aftermath” on Ryan Seacrest.

The proceeds of the remix, which has been made available for purchase on Adam’s official page, go straight to charity.

“[‘Aftermath’]… was written about finding the courage to be honest with yourself and the people who love you,” Adam says of the song in a statement accompanying the release.

“It’s about facing adversity and taking risks in the name of personal liberation. The song takes on different meanings to different listeners,” he adds.

The remix is the club-ready version. “I hope this song inspires people to be who they truly want to be… And dance!” Adam adds.

Below is Adam Lambert’s acoustic performance on American Idol and the Billboard remix of “Aftermath.” Enjoy.