Adam Lambert Leaves RCA Records After Turning Down Covers Album

7/13/2013 by Jason Lipshutz

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"The label is 'pushing for an (80's) covers album,' and feels that this is the only kind of release they are prepared to support," Lambert writes.

Adam Lambert is leaving his longtime label, RCA Records, due to "creative differences" over his next musical project, which the singer claims that RCA wanted to be a full-length covers collection.

Reports surfaced earlier this week that the "American Idol" finalist was being asked by RCA to consider recording a covers album as the follow-up to his 2012 LP "Trespassing." In a letter to The Hollywood Reporter on Friday (July 12), Lambert revealed that the request has ultimately ended his tenure at RCA, which also released his 2009 debut "For Your Entertainment."

"I've had an amazing few years working with the team at RCA; I admire all of them a great deal, and truly appreciate the energy & enthusiasm that went into making both 'Trespassing' & 'For Your Entertainment' successes," Lambert writes. "That said, at this point, we are indeed having the oft-cited 'creative differences' as to what my next project will be... The label is 'pushing for an (80's) covers album,' and feels that this is the only kind of release they are prepared to support. While there are lots of great songs from that decade, my heart is simply not in doing a covers album."

As far as new original music, Lambert adds that he is "already deep into writing new material with some very talented colleagues for a brand new album, and I can't tell you how excited I am to share this new sound & direction. This music is where my heart is, and I believe that is what my fans want to hear. So after careful consideration, I have made the decision to respectfully part ways with RCA."

A request for comment was not immediately returned by RCA Records.

"Trespassing," Lambert's sophomore album, scored at No. 1 debut on the Billboard 200 albums chart upon its May 2012 release, opening with 77,000 copies sold, according to Nielsen SoundScan. The pop singer became the first openly gay male artist to earn a No. 1 album on the chart.

Last January, Lambert split with 19 Recordings, the recording arm of 19 Entertainment, after signing to 19 in 2009 when he advanced to the finals of "American Idol." The 31-year-old recently signed on to appear on the upcoming season of "Glee."