Adam Lambert has never been one to hold back when it comes to live performances—whether fronting Queen on the world’s biggest stages or captivating fans with his own chart-topping tracks. But one performance, filmed on the streets of Melbourne, Australia, stands out for its raw emotional power and stripped-down intimacy.
In this unique version of his 2009 hit “Whataya Want from Me,” Lambert stepped away from the bombastic production and presented the song as a gentle piano ballad. Accompanied by just a single pianist, Lambert transformed the track into something deeply personal—proving once again that it’s his voice and emotion that truly drive the music. The video, uploaded by YouTuber Rainscapes in August 2012, was part of Channel V’s Guerilla Gig series, capturing surprise pop-up performances in public spaces.
Originally released as a single on November 20, 2009, “Whataya Want from Me” became a major hit for Lambert, especially in Australia, where it climbed to number four on the charts. Considering its popularity down under, it made perfect sense for him to include the song in his Melbourne set.
While the polished studio version is known for its rock edge, hearing the song in this raw, acoustic form is almost like hearing it for the first time. The emotional weight of the lyrics is amplified, and Lambert’s powerhouse vocals—full of both vulnerability and strength—shine in a whole new light.
Fans might also remember another remarkable rendition of the song: his Live from YouTube Space performance in New York City. Backed by a tight three-piece band, Lambert delivered a more energetic yet equally captivating version that had fans praising his consistency and vocal power. “He sounds just as incredible live as he does on the album,” one fan wrote. Another simply called him “a vocal beast.”
Few may know that the song actually has roots in another pop star’s work. “Whataya Want from Me” was penned by Max Martin, Pink, and Karl Schuster. Pink had originally recorded it for her 2008 album Funhouse, but it didn’t make the final cut. Fortunately, Lambert made it his own—and it went on to become the defining single from his debut album For Your Entertainment.
Since then, Lambert has performed the song in countless ways: fully produced, acoustic, solo, and with a band. According to Setlist.fm, it’s his most frequently performed solo track, having graced the stage nearly 300 times—a testament to its enduring resonance with fans and with Lambert himself.
At its core, “Whataya Want from Me” continues to be a powerful reminder of Adam Lambert’s artistry, and this Melbourne street version shows that sometimes, all you need is a voice, a piano, and a bit of heart to make magic happen.
