“I Didn’t Just Hear It—My Soul Felt It Burn”: Adam Lambert Ignites Broadway Backwards at the Gershwin Theatre

On a night where New York’s Broadway glimmered with anticipation, the legendary Gershwin Theatre—home to countless icons and the musical marvel Wicked—became the stage for a performance that would be etched in the memories of all who witnessed it. The annual Broadway Backwards benefit, already renowned for its celebration of LGBTQIA+ pride and musical theatre magic, was about to experience an inferno. The catalyst? None other than the electrifying Adam Lambert.

The Calm Before the Storm

The air inside the Gershwin Theatre was thick with excitement. The crimson curtains, the golden lights, and the silent hum of a thousand expectant hearts all seemed to pause in anticipation. Broadway Backwards, now in its nineteenth year, had always been a night of surprises, but as the crowd settled into their seats on March 10th, there was a palpable sense that something extraordinary was about to unfold.

The annual event was already making headlines: this year’s show had shattered records, raising an astonishing $1,111,788 for Broadway Cares and The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center in New York City—outpacing last year’s total by more than $194,000. The theatre community, long known for its generosity, had once again proven its commitment to supporting those in need, especially people living with HIV/AIDS and other critical illnesses.

But as the house lights dimmed, the focus shifted from numbers to the stage, where legends were about to be made.

The Gathering of Stars

Broadway Backwards has always been a constellation of talent, and 2025 was no exception. The playbill read like a who’s who of Broadway royalty: Bobby Conte, Lorna Courtney, Nikki Renée Daniels, Eden Espinosa, J. Harrison Ghee, Sydney James Harcourt, Dorian Harewood, Manu Narayan, Jessica Phillips, Conrad Ricamora, Ryan Vasquez, Tituss Burgess, Len Cariou, Bradley Dean, Dionne Figgins, Jordan Fisher, Lydia Gaston, Joshua Henry, Gregory Jbara, Tiffany Mann, Kelli O’Hara, Preston Perez, Kate Tsuruharatani, Remi Tuckman, Joy Woods, and more.

Yet, amid this galaxy, one name pulsed with particular energy: Adam Lambert. The Cabaret star and Queen frontman, known for his seismic vocals and magnetic stage presence, was set to deliver a rendition of “Acid Queen” from The Who’s Tommy. The crowd buzzed with anticipation—few artists could command a stage like Lambert, and fewer still could promise the kind of emotional detonation that was about to occur.

The Lights Dim—And the Inferno Begins

A hush fell over the audience. The stage was bathed in a surreal blue glow, smoke curling at the edges like the breath of a sleeping dragon. Suddenly, a single spotlight pierced the darkness, illuminating Lambert at center stage. Dressed in a shimmering ensemble that caught every glint of light, he looked every inch the rock god the world had come to adore.

The opening chords of “Acid Queen” echoed through the theatre, and Lambert’s voice—raw, powerful, and impossibly controlled—tore through the silence. It wasn’t just a performance; it was an exorcism, a liberation, a call to arms. Every note seemed to vibrate with the pain and triumph of generations, every lyric a testament to the resilience of the LGBTQIA+ community and the transformative power of music.

“I didn’t just hear it—my soul felt it burn,” one audience member would later recall, her hands trembling as she tried to capture the moment on her phone.

The Crowd, Unprepared

Broadway’s Gershwin Theatre had seen legends before. It had hosted the likes of Idina Menzel, Kristin Chenoweth, and hundreds more. But nothing—and no one—had prepared the crowd for the inferno named Adam Lambert.

With each verse, Lambert’s performance grew more intense, his voice soaring to impossible heights. He prowled the stage with the confidence of a panther, every gesture precise, every glance electric. The audience was transfixed—some on their feet, others with tears streaming down their faces. Even the most seasoned Broadway veterans found themselves swept up in the tidal wave of emotion.

And then, as the final chorus erupted, Lambert unleashed a vocal run so powerful, so pure, that it seemed to shake the very foundations of the theatre. The crowd exploded into applause, the standing ovation instantaneous and deafening. For a moment, it felt as though time itself had stopped, the world reduced to a single, shared heartbeat.

More Than a Performance: A Statement

But this was more than just a musical number. For Lambert, for the organizers, and for everyone in attendance, “Acid Queen” was a statement—a declaration of identity, pride, and resilience. Broadway Backwards has always been about turning expectations on their head, about celebrating difference, and about giving voice to those who have too often been silenced.

Lambert’s performance was the embodiment of that spirit. He didn’t just sing; he roared. He didn’t just entertain; he inspired. In that moment, he was every outsider who’d ever longed for acceptance, every dreamer who’d ever been told they were too much, every artist who’d ever dared to be themselves.

The Legacy of Broadway Backwards

What began as a small, grassroots concert at The Center in 2006 has blossomed into one of the most anticipated events on the Broadway calendar. Over its 19 editions, Broadway Backwards has raised more than $7.9 million for Broadway Cares and The Center, funding vital services for those most in need.

This year’s show, directed and choreographed by creator Robert Bartley, was a testament to the power of community. Bartley was joined by an all-star creative team: Ted Arthur and Mary-Mitchell Campbell as music supervisors, Nicholas Connors and Nick Wilders as music directors, Chris Gurr as associate music director, Amanda LaMotte as choreographer, and Adam Roberts as both choreographer and associate director. ARC’s Mark Brandon and Jarrett Reiche handled casting with impeccable taste.

The event was hosted for the fifth year by Broadway favorite and Tony nominee Jenn Colella, whose warmth and wit kept the evening flowing seamlessly.

Beyond the Stage: Real Impact

Broadway Cares is more than just a charity—it’s a lifeline. Since 1988, it has raised over $300 million for essential services for people living with HIV/AIDS and other critical illnesses across the United States. By drawing on the talents and generosity of the American theatre community, Broadway Cares has become one of the nation’s leading nonprofit AIDS fundraising and grant-making organizations.

The money raised at Broadway Backwards goes directly to supporting those who need it most—providing meals, medication, emergency financial assistance, and a sense of hope to thousands. For many, it’s the difference between despair and survival.

The Power of One Night

As the final bows were taken and the lights slowly came up, there was a sense that something extraordinary had happened. For one night, the Gershwin Theatre was more than just a stage—it was a sanctuary, a beacon, a celebration of everything that makes Broadway, and the LGBTQIA+ community, so unique.

Adam Lambert’s performance was the highlight, to be sure, but it was the collective spirit of everyone involved—the performers, the crew, the audience, and the countless donors—that made the night truly unforgettable.

A Night to Remember

In the days and weeks that followed, social media buzzed with clips and comments. “I’ve seen a lot of Broadway, but I’ve never seen anything like Adam Lambert at Broadway Backwards,” one tweet read. Another simply said, “He didn’t just perform. He set the stage on fire.”

And perhaps that’s the best way to describe it. On March 10th, 2025, Adam Lambert didn’t just sing at the Gershwin Theatre—he ignited it. He reminded everyone why music matters, why community matters, and why, even in the darkest times, there is always a reason to stand up, sing out, and be proud.

As the echoes of that final note faded into the night, one thing was certain: Broadway Backwards 2025 would be remembered not just for its record-breaking fundraising or its star-studded lineup, but for the way Adam Lambert made everyone in that theatre feel—seen, heard, and, above all, alive.