Adam Lambert Ignites Broadway Backwards 2025: “Acid Queen” and a Night of Daring, Defiance, and Pride

On the night of March 10, 2025, the Gershwin Theatre was transformed from a historic Broadway venue into the epicenter of a cultural storm. The occasion was the 19th annual Broadway Backwards, but this was no ordinary benefit concert. This was a night when boundaries dissolved, expectations were shattered, and the very soul of Broadway was laid bare—thanks, in no small part, to Adam Lambert’s electrifying, gender-bending performance of “Acid Queen.”

A Night Like No Other

From the moment the house lights dimmed, the energy was electric. Broadway Backwards, once a niche event, had grown into one of Broadway’s most vital and anticipated cultural gatherings. This year’s event wasn’t just about music or spectacle; it was a mission of purpose and pride, raising a record-shattering $1,111,788 for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center.

The audience was a vibrant tapestry of ages, backgrounds, and identities—united by a love of theater and a shared belief in the power of art to change lives. As the night unfolded, it became clear that this was more than a show. It was a revolution, disguised in rhinestones and harmonies.

Adam Lambert’s “Acid Queen”: A Performance for the Ages

The anticipation was palpable as Adam Lambert took the stage. Known worldwide as the flamboyant frontman of Queen and a cabaret icon, Lambert has never shied away from pushing boundaries. But on this night, he didn’t just push them—he obliterated them.

Drenched in lights, leather, and charisma, Lambert launched into “Acid Queen” from The Who’s Tommy. His take on the classic was nothing short of theatrical alchemy. With searing vocals, a fierce glam-rock attitude, and unapologetic queerness, Lambert delivered a rendition that left the audience breathless. Every note, every gesture, was a defiant celebration of individuality and freedom.

The performance was more than just a tribute to a legendary song. It was a detonation—a wild, electric storm that felt equal parts rock concert, political statement, and fever dream. The audience leapt to their feet, roaring their approval, swept up in the spectacle and the message.

Fearless, Boundary-Pushing, and Unapologetically Queer

Lambert’s “Acid Queen” encapsulated the spirit of Broadway Backwards: fearless, boundary-pushing, and celebratory of the LGBTQIA+ community. In a world that too often demands conformity, Lambert’s performance was a bold reminder that Broadway—and the world itself—belongs to those brave enough to be different.

His fearless blend of Broadway drama and rock spectacle reminded everyone that musical theater has always been a space for the bold, the brave, and the beautifully different. For every queer performer who’s ever dared to take up space on a stage, Lambert’s performance was a tribute, a rallying cry, and a promise.

A Star-Studded Night With a Purpose

While Lambert’s showstopping number stole the spotlight, the entire evening was a testament to the transformative power of theater. Hosted by Tony Award nominee Jenn Colella, the lineup sparkled with Broadway royalty like Kelli O’Hara (Days of Wine and Roses), J. Harrison Ghee (Some Like It Hot), Jordan Fisher (Urinetown), and Nikki Renée Daniels (Once Upon a Mattress). Each artist brought their own magic, flipping songs, bending genders, and redefining what a show tune could be.

But it was the sense of community, defiance, and creativity that united the performers and the audience. Broadway Backwards has always been about more than just entertainment—it’s about stretching the concept of what’s possible, about rewriting the rules and daring to imagine a world where everyone belongs.

A Legacy of Change and Compassion

Directed and choreographed by longtime event creator Robert Bartley, the night flowed with precision and passion. Bartley’s vision proved once again that Broadway Backwards is far more than a concert. It’s an act of revolution, a beacon of hope, and a lifeline for those in need.

With every dollar raised, the event provides vital health care, housing support, counseling, and life-saving services to the LGBTQIA+ community and others in need. Since its inception, Broadway Backwards has raised over $7.9 million, deepening its legacy as a beacon of inclusivity and artistic freedom.

In a world still rife with discrimination and division, events like this prove that the arts remain a powerful tool for connection and change. Broadway Backwards stands as a testament to the enduring power of theater to heal, inspire, and unite.

Breaking Records, Breaking Barriers

This year’s Broadway Backwards didn’t just break fundraising records. It broke barriers. The event’s success was a powerful reminder that Broadway is for everyone, and that its future belongs to those unafraid to push the boundaries of what it means to tell a story.

Lambert’s “Acid Queen” was the anthem of the night—loud, proud, and gloriously unconventional. As the curtain fell and the echoes of applause filled the theater, it was clear that something profound had happened. In the heart of Times Square, a rockstar had reminded Broadway—and the world—of the power of turning things backwards to move the world forward.

The Heart of Broadway, Beating Strong

As the audience spilled out onto the streets, the energy lingered. Conversations buzzed with excitement and hope. Social media lit up with clips and tributes, fans and newcomers alike celebrating the night’s triumphs.

For many, the memory of Lambert’s performance will linger long after the final note. It was more than entertainment—it was a mission statement, a declaration that Broadway’s heart beats strongest when it embraces those who dare to be different.

Broadway Backwards 2025 was a night of music, glamour, and generosity. But above all, it was a night of purpose—a testament to the enduring power of theater to uplift, connect, and transform. In the hands of artists like Adam Lambert, the stage becomes more than a platform. It becomes a pulpit, a battlefield, and a home.

And as the world continues to change, one thing remains certain: Broadway will always have room for the rebels, the dreamers, and the queens who dare to light it on fire.