Adam Lambert Brings 1930s Cabaret Atmosphere to The Tonight Show with Emotional ‘I Don’t Care Much’

Adam Lambert Steps into the Spotlight — and the Cabaret

In September 2024, Adam Lambert—Queen frontman and American Idol alum—made his highly anticipated Broadway debut as the Emcee in the latest revival of Cabaret, the iconic Kander & Ebb musical.

Then, on February 10, he brought a taste of the Kit Kat Club to late-night television. Appearing on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Lambert delivered a haunting performance of “I Don’t Care Much,” transforming the studio into a moody echo of 1930s Berlin.

Bathed in emerald light and backed by a live band, Lambert’s rich, expressive vocals gave the number a stirring intensity. His interpretation captured the emotional depth and shadowy allure of Cabaret‘s world.

Released as a single in December, “I Don’t Care Much” also received a music video filmed on the very stage of the Broadway revival — grounding the performance in the same immersive, noir atmosphere fans experienced on Fallon’s stage.

Talking with The New York Times in December, Lambert described “I Don’t Care Much” as a “real emotional moment of struggle with indifference” for his character, adding that the Cabaret team “were so kind to raise the key to make it more of a torch song for me.”

During a November appearance on TODAY, Adam Lambert sat down with Al Roker to discuss his decision to take on the legendary role of the Emcee in Cabaret. When asked what drew him to the part, the “Whataya Want From Me” singer admitted it had long been a dream.

“It’s definitely been on my shortlist of roles I’ve always wanted to play,” Lambert shared. “Mostly because he’s just so weird, wild, and wonderful.”

He went on to describe the Emcee as an abstract, unconventional character — part guide, part narrator — who draws the audience into the world of the Kit Kat Club and leads them through a story that, for many, holds unexpected emotional depth.

Lambert took over the role from Eddie Redmayne, who earned a Tony nomination for his haunting portrayal in the most recent revival.