Controversial American Idol star Adam Lambert is set to perform in New Zealand for the first time.

The singer, who was runner-up in the reality show’s eighth season, will perform at Trusts Stadium in Auckland on October 17.

He promises to bring his full audio-visual show, with a spectacal that combines 60s psycadelia, 70s disco and 80s glam-goth.

Lambert caused controversy at the American Music Awards last year with a sexually charged performance that included a kiss with his male keyboard player. Networks were flooded with complaints, but Lambert defended the show.

“I admit I did get carried away, but I don’t see anything wrong with it. I do see how people got offended, and that was not my intention,” he said.

“If it had been a female pop performer doing the moves that were on the stage, I don’t think there’d be nearly as much of an outrage at all,” Lambert added. “I think it’s because I’m a gay male.”

Tickets go on sale on September 13.

Adam Lambert
October 17: Trusts Stadium, Auckland

Until next time keep rockin’
The 0800 Jukebox