Adam Lambert - Ring of Fire (Studio version)

[@BlackPlectrum]

Still can't believe Simon called it rubbish. The version is such a creative though still accurate interpretation of the original, and I thought it was brilliant of Adam to come up with it. That's what I always liked about Adam, he just focuses on the lyrics and the feeling he wants to transport, and the remaining elements of the song are his artistic playground to experiment and test the boundaries.

[@ktgbw]

The problem I had about those comments were they were all over people for not making it their own. HE DID THAT and you're still after him about it.

[@jalex3645]

I thought it was fabulous, gasped when I read that Simon said I t was rubbish. Thats my favorite by Adam.

[@Lindasuperstar]

I am OBSESSED with Adam Lambert's version of this song!! Absolutely incredible!!

[@leia80642]

Simon se comportó como un auténtico imbécil. Adam lo interpretó maravillosamente bien. Impresionante. Love Adam always 💚💚💚💚

[@selentorun9307]

I think Simon was not serious by saying rubbish, it was irony, no?

[@kittycomere]

This is the moment Adam Lambert killed American Idol, it can never be the same!

[@shan1392]

It's been 12 years and I still keep coming back to this. It's hands down the most unique version of the song.

[@pipervalentine7533]

I haven't been able to get Adam Lamberts version of this song out of my head since I first heard it on American Idol. I recall that Simon Cowell said it was "self indulgent." I couldn't disagree more. I absolutely love this beautiful & very haunting version of this song. I love, love, love it!

[@leia80642]

it was even worse. It hurt me a lot when after singing this song wonderfully, Simon called him "self-indulgent rubbish." In those moments, Simon seemed absurd and stupid.

[@DiamondsRexpensive]

​@@leia80642We have such high standards for the intelligence of the man who allowed one direction to become one direction when they're trash.

[@TrulyRatz23]

@@DiamondsRexpensiveayo chill I love One Direction 😭😭

[@matrixate]

Seriously....when I first heard this on Idol years back, I was totally blown away at the unique arrangement. This version is even better. The power in his voice is amazing. I always expected more for him. I see people have an issue with him being gay but I can't see that being any reason for not liking his great vocal talent. I absolutely think he's got one of the most amazing voices I've ever heard.

[@skyking228]

+TheChosenOne As a life long Johnny Cash fan from Texas, I concur.

[@Spooky_Psyche]

Yeah, this arrangement is fantastic. I listened to the original after listening to this and it wasn't nearly as good. This could almost stand as a separate song honestly.

[@leia80642]

Estoy completamente de acuerdo contigo 💚

[@kiddio86]

I am wildly in love with Adam's version of "Ring of Fire". He turned it into a very sexy and beautiful middle eastern sounding love song. His voice is incredible and just caresses the words, making me think impure thoughts. Dam! What a Talent he is!!

[@leia80642]

hahahahah...... ¡wonderful words!! 💚

[@acidicrainbow7754]

Ik, his talent is literally INSANE.. he exudes a sexual energy that, as an asexual, scares the shit out of me with how hypnotizing it is and how much it affects me like nothing else does?😅 Listening to this especially makes my blood feel like a raging inferno lol

[@billshenesey3312]

So much magic, mystery, and sensualness to this version.

[@Emmy6644]

I don't understand why this isn't on Spotify, I can't listen to the original. This is an incredible version. Goated 1000%❤

[@sschussman]

All these years later and it still gives me chills

[@sarahbaker9245]

Adam Lambert would make a perfect vampire. He's my dream vampire knight.

[@ktgbw]

This would be a sweet addition to some sort of Queen of the Damned reboot, but no one can touch Aaliyah's work on that original.

[@leia80642]

hahahaha...... ¡y de los míos !!

[@bobbyturner6912]

Mine too!💜💜💜

[@LilyBugz94]

I grew up with listening to Johnny Cash, and I can say that I absolutely love Adam's cover.

[@DontSigh]

I heard this version of the song when I was fourteen. I had never heard the original. Imagine my utter surprise(and hilarity) when I later did.

[@netmatrix75]

Actually the original version had me thinking it was a an accompanying track to a Disney cartoon. hahah

[@jimsselfstorage]

I hated the song until Adam turned it on its head - he's amazing - just MY opinion, not that of Jim's Self Storage. Thanks, Rosemary

[@gatorprincess8]

I love this version and cash's version. Adam can make the phone book sound good.

[@kagomeotilia]

gatorprincess8 your comment made me lmao: good point with the phone book thing xD

[@MrCliffCross]

I am a true old school fan of Johnny Cash... And this is the most beautiful remix I have ever heard.

[@carolhagerty4288]

This performance on Idol was stunning. His artistic creativity left a memorable impact on me. He was phenomenal and absolutely unforgettable. The best ever to come out of that show.

[@mrmjday]

Heard this version on an episode of 'So Help me Todd', I love Johnny Cash but this blew me away. Such an incredible version.

[@mrmjday]

Me too, that's how u found this. To me it's an incredible version, so emotive.

[@shayfarley7253]

Man he can sing!! Gives me goosebumps. Awesome composition too!!!

[@GB-zg4yu]

Absolutely amazing and unmatched. Adam’s voice is perfection.

[@carolynbrown3379]

Knowing that the song was a product of frustrated love this delivery enables you to seance that anguish.🔥

[@anastasiyatkachuk7999]

this is absolutely incredibly beautiful song, Adam's version is the best for me!

[@halag]

This is the first time I've heard this studio version. Very different to the version he sang live on the show but can't decide which I like better. I think the live version has that edgier raw sound tho and it goes so well with this arrangement - and his vocals are more intense live so I'll have to go with the live version. But I like them both. I swear Adam is about the only artist I know who sounds even better live than he does in studio versions. What a great song & fantastic original arrangement - and what a cool guy he was to acknowledge that his version was inspired by Dilana's middle-eastern sounding version.

[@carolhagerty4288]

When Adam sang this live on Idol it was absolutely spellbinding. His performance was completely mesmerizing. I thought to myself, wow! what creative artistry he had. It was one of his most memorable performances and one of my favorites that he did. What a special treasure he was on that show. No one was ever better, no one could ever match the phenomenon that was Adam Lambert on that show.

[@Cbassdaddy]

when he reaches those higher notes...... i seriously get chills. I remember the first time i heard this song and i was literally speechless. He has been and probably will always be the best vocalist American Idol has ever and will ever see. This arrangement alone trumps any other American Idol song I've heard. Idk why this songs elicits passion, sexuality, desperation, and inspiration all at once. I am not even trying to be dramatic. I can't explain it! Long story short this song is stunning!

[@martinadebendetto3950]

In my 18 years on this earth I have not yet found something sexier than this

[@pankakesnotstellar]

I don't think you ever will, but it's the guy singing and his voice, check out his song Voodoo. The same sexy, sensuous vibe...

[@leia80642]

¡ni en mis 50!! Love Adam 💚💚💚

[@stuartadamsrailfanningvideos]

Here from So Help Me Todd, Season 1 Episode 14 on CBS!

[@frankvasconcellos1783]

I know this! Johnny Cash absolutely 100% loves this version. Adam added so much emotion to this, that Johnny could not do. I still love Johnny's version. BUT,, own this version as well LOL

[@patricahester2803]

I would never have thought this would work. Adam Lambert singing Ring Of Fire? I would have said never, I would have been wrong. This is so amazing. Absolute genius, in being himself and not trying to be Johnny, he made a whole new, and beautiful, thing.

[@kelsjargon]

good grief, his voice just pulls me in. it's so effortless and pure .... wow

[@italktothewind4769]

THE LIVE VERSION WAS EVEN BETTER I WAS BLOWN AWAY, I THOUGHT SIMON WASN´T SERIOUS IN WHAT HE SAID ABOUT THIS VERSION

[@rtml_aerial]

Had to search this song up after hearing it as a main outro on "so help me Todd" season 1 Episode 14 on cbs. 🔥

[@TrulyRatz23]

Same honestly

[@janetpierce676]

I love this Adam!!!! So dramatic and ingenious!!!!

[@mousie1382]

This is so amazing... Words completely fail to describe how amazing this is. It's like the voices of a million angels in one beautiful man. -3

[@adydelight]

i live this! his voice has an almost hypnotic effect.

[@percyblackadder420]

It's so pretty, I can't even....

[@AmeliaPond100]

"So Help Me Todd" brought me here. That kiss! Phew!

[@ChristHell91]

This is for me the only song by Adam Lambert whose studio version is better than the live one on American Idol, this is pure genius and the arrangement is stunning!

[@pankakesnotstellar]

Agreed. His live performances are rarely surpassed by the studio ones, but if there were cases where it happened, is this one and Feeling good.

[@Aelsirion]

Amazing voice. It's so rare that male singers with this kind of voice really use it to their fullest potential, but Adam certainly does that. Simply wonderful.

[@laurelinyosoup]

I love it when songs have this mid-eastern feel to them, so naturally I love Adam's version as well

[@clawmercy]

Peak of my music obsession 🥺💚

[@billfeld5883]

Loved his voice from the first time I heard, and liked him ever since, 2021

[@ldyhawkem]

I absolutely love this arrangement, and I love Adam. His voice is amazing. I could care less if he is gay or not. Many of our greatest artists have been gay. It takes nothing away from the talent and the beautiful attributes of an outstanding voice.

[@ElectricalFilth]

If this was 4 decades ago, he would be the most popular singer in the world.

[@erikagolcher1353]

Adam is the most popular singer in the world. Adam Lambert has 4 multi-platinum albums, 2 of them in first place on billboard, 3 sold out world tours, a grammy nomination, he has sung before an audience of 500 million in China, he has won 40 world awards, he is the best singer in the world, a fashion icon, a defender of human rights. With Queen he has made 6 tours with 218 shows totally sold in 42 countries before 4 million people, a # 1 album in various countries, a documentary that is the # 6 most watched movie on Netflix in the world, winner of the best band in rock in the world. So Adam Lambert is a winner .

[@mcrgerardway923]

Johnny Cash is one of the few country men who could sing, and I thank Adam for this, because it serves him well! He did this song good, not many can do Johnny Cash's style with how deep his voice is.

[@elisabetrouge]

I love this version because he stayed true to himself and his style of music. He didn't try to change himself just to fit into the category.

[@scottadams6246]

I think its just me but does anyone else get an Egyptian vibe ?

[@kevinwingler3370]

more like haight-asbury

[@jpetteys3801]

He mentions on Idol that he found a middle eastern cover with a sitar

[@taliadx]

That Egyptian vibe you're picking up is from using a Harmonic Minor scale, where the 7th note in the scale is sharp, so it's one and a half steps above the 6th, and only a half step below the 8th/root note of the scale. The intervals between 6-7 and 7-8 are what give it that Egyptian sound. I think it's a Hollywood convention?

[@binauralwalks8164]

Of course!?

[@TigerPrawn_]

Jeffery James Sitar is Indian, not middle eastern?

[@DarkblueRadiance]

This is mesmerizing!

[@miamiamia9504]

This was an awesome version and sang beautifully ..

[@louisecommander-dj2wq]

I love this version and I love him

[@TerraUmbraVampWriter]

Love this version so much more than the original.

[@MrBiggestbeatlestfan]

Yes he brought something to the table with this version and nailed it but Johnny Cash will always be my #1 with this tune.

[@BIL-T]

His voice SOARS.

[@PhillipCreeper]

MAGNIFICENT!!

[@MyosotisLZ]

He totally transformed this song, I love this version soooo much! Rock on, Adam!! \m/

[@tomwiley5540]

This is my daughters absolute favorite version of this song and one of her favorites in general by Adam. Simon is crazy.

[@michelleflores2545]

The live version was way better in my opinion I'm in love

[@logansluckycluckers457]

Yeah, live version was better :P

[@mypreshis]

His live American Idol version was magnificent. I remember Simon just didn't get it. Simple fool. This one is good too but the live one was much more fierce. He got the idea from this woman named Dilana singing it with Sitars in the background. Even this version is way better than the Johnny Cash one imho. The Social Distortion one is another favorite of mine

[@TheDragontales01]

Yeah first time ive ever disagreed with Simon, when he said, "i hate it" what!!!!, Simon!!

[@Harbringer.of.Chaos.]

Im sorry, its nice but im still hold johnny cash as the better version, but it is hard to be better than cash

[@Patriot1776]

Not bad! Adam did a good job bringing this classic of Johnny Cash's into the modern era. Johnny Cash btw did not write this, June Carter, who he eventually married, was who wrote this song.

[@ihatedinonuggets]

Patriot1776 right. Her and Merle Kilgore. Her sister Anita sang it originally.

[@VidMakerB4]

awesome performance, Adam!!! and I really like the effects/transitions used on this slideshow!!! VOTE VOTE VOTE!!!

[@chunky543]

this is awesome, not only does it not sound like the original, but it is just that, ORIGINAL. and i love adam

[@gettingangry123]

Adam's voice gives me goosebumps head to toe.

[@lonnieedwards9038]

Some of us got it Simon... Ex Brian Maye of the little band known as queen... One incredible performance.. One of the examples ever of making it your own.... Love it....

[@jimobryan5]

It's amazing to hear such a different arrangement of such a familiar song. I understand this performance probably makes some people squirm, but I thought the vocals were darn near perfect. What a talent!

[@crazecrys]

Brilliant!! It's in the bag, Adam...you got this.

[@gtmobayer]

When he sang this on Idol, Simon thought he was wierd. It's a testimony to his genius, how he can take a song and totally sing it in a manner unimaginable! He took a totally boring, insignificant song and made a masterpiece of it. Uniquely, unequivocally Adam Lambert!

[@TheMeredith34]

this is undoubtedly one of my favorite covers EVER. ADORE IT!!!!!

[@tungtungmycat]

It turn to be so cool n dark, sophisticate.

[@UnfathomableThoughts]

Well this isnt a country cover, it became a whole new genre.

[@miguelgr7709]

Omg, his voice is amazing. It does't matter that it's a cover c:

[@TheNinjaMaddi]

thats right adam! own it baby!!!

[@HajisSaya]

This is absolutely amazing! Adam Lambert is a dream come true!

[@Pattipu]

O M G this boy has it ALL. Hes got the most incredible voice.......and looks to die for. I hope he looks after both. It can be very easy to to get carried away with fame . I wish him the very best , because he has been truly blessed! Go Adam!

[@pinkpink1217]

Pure perfection. I am sorry but I definitely love this version more than the original. Adam's so godly!

[@waterclover]

I didn't even like this song before Adam Lambert. Now I just can't stop listening to it. Adam is amazing.

[@FuriousStrength]

Okay, so this was an arraignment made specifically for American Idol and not done before by anyone. That's what I was wondering. That makes the song even better. Thank you! :)

[@kitgohre1558]

Johnny Cash is a legend but Adams take on this is genius

[@jordanaskolnick]

this is by far - the best song adam did - the judges are nuts!!!

[@mliiez]

you're totally right! the one from johnny cash always makes me happy and this one just depresses me..

[@_moonfall_]

I think with covers people always relate back to the original, so radical re-interpretations are really disorienting and people don't like it. In my opinion all covers should be judged on their own merits regardless of comparison to the original (either by imagining you've never heard the original, or that the cover isn't a cover at all, but its own new song), and by that measure I think this version was outstanding, even though I love Cash's. I mean the bridge at 1:30 is just immaculate!

[@Youkesama]

I don't listen to country music, but I can listen to adam do it ..

[@musiclvr1able]

OMG! I absolutely loved the way he sang this song! I about fell over from the sheer pleasure of his voice. He's so sensual. Love ya Adam!

[@olivernelson5527]

How many years later im still obsessed with

[@ehawolczecki8759]

This is so beautiful. What a fabulous voice .

[@MountainLionGirls]

johnny cash fans, adam changed the song so he could sing it, adam doesn't like country hats understandable but since he had to sing a country song i'm not surprised he changed it. He did what he needed to do so get over it, adam has the best voice i've ever heard and i am a fan. i since an early age was forced to listen to johnny cash so i liked the original song. Adam does things his way he won't tone it down to make other people happy. if you don't like it buy another persons album

[@michaelshelley1289]

i think this is HOT!!!! no pun intended....but i have to say i like the idol version better....always liked him!! he SHOULD have won!!

[@brofranomo]

This young man was meant for fame because of his unbieveable voice. This young man, in my opinion is the best of the best.

[@oddcrafter1270]

This is spectacular :D

[@GaryLuKOTH]

This rendition of ROF gives me goosebumps. What a voice!

[@acumulusstratus8879]

I don't know if its just me who thinks this but i think most songs sung by gay singers have some strange mystery/beauty to them, some differentness that other songs dont make you feel, they take you out of this world and make everything around you feel so beautiful, just like this song. Simply beautiful.

[@Cbassdaddy]

Adam Lambert could spew hate speech from his mouth and make fun of my mom and it'll sound beautiful and i probably wouldn't mind it.

[@leannajackson2721]

Lol, yess.

[@MegaGood5]

Lmaooo yesss

[@thelucypark]

Sebastian Correa OMG YAAAAAS

[@quaff7291]

omg I love this version more than the original

[@alanafrazer]

I can't stop listening this song. OMG XD

[@mattymoo1017]

Quite the contrary, sweetheart! He actually wants someone to dig him out of his grave and see a live performance of this! He was an incredible musician and so is ADAM! This is a GREAT version, and Mr. Cash would be proud! Cash was a rebel! He'd love it!

[@thedenards]

Adam's version of this is incredible. I'm still in awe!

[@beccaboo1289]

i love love love love this performance i had this song stuck in my head for weeks after this =]

[@PhillipCreeper]

Great job by Adam! Thanks for sharing.

[@loribragg2947]

I just heard this for the first time on the tv series ‘For The Love of Todd’ and was struck by its uniqueness. I thought maybe it was Muse or Panic At the Disco, so was very surprised to see it was Adam Lambert. I’d never seen him on American Idol. It’s a remarkably creative interpretation and very well done!

[@bastetowl3258]

sorry but brendon urie does not have the vocal chops to pull this off. he's hit or miss live

[@ZachLighton]

how can anyone not like this! it's like ravi shankar mixed with johnny cash mixed with adam lambert!

[@randyblythefangirl]

strange and beautiful. i like it

[@heatherpage3118]

I watched the video on here of his idol performance of this song. I'm from the UK so never saw it back in 2009. I have to say, the undertones of prejudice just smacked me in the face watching it. I'm guessing that's why the old frosty faced dude didn't like him. Hello, men were wearing nail polish in the 1980's, get your butt out of the 1960's!

[@valmacclinchy]

Believe it or not, this sounds (somehow?!!) even better in person. Mind-blowing. Otherworldly vocalist. He's doing some shows in Vegas and CA around Halloween. The Witch Hunt Tour. Likely he'll sing this one, because it's dark..💖

[@jasamfanforever]

Love this version... He sounds GREAT!!!