Whataya Want from Me

"Whataya Want from Me"
Single by Adam Lambert
from the album For Your Entertainment
Released November 24, 2009
Format
Recorded September–October 2009;
Maratone Studios
(Stockholm, Sweden)
House of Blues Studios
(Los Angeles, California)
Germano Studios
(New York City)
Genre Pop rock
Length 3:47
Label
Writer(s)
Producer(s)
  • Max Martin
  • Shellback
Adam Lambert singles chronology
"For Your Entertainment"
(2009)		 "Whataya Want from Me"
(2009)		 "If I Had You"
(2010)
Music sample
"Whataya Want from Me"

"Whataya Want from Me" (abbreviation for "What Do You Want From Me") is a song by American recording artist and American Idol eighth season runner-up Adam Lambert from his debut studio album, For Your Entertainment. It was released as the second single from the album. The song peaked at number 10[1] on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming his highest charted single since his digital cover version of "Mad World". The song charted within the top 10 of the charts in thirteen countries.

The pop rock song was written by Pink, Max Martin, and Shellback and was recorded by Pink for her fifth studio album, Funhouse, but did not make it to the final cut.[2][3] Lambert's vocal performance of the song received a Grammy nomination for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance.

The song was included on the set list of Lambert's first concert tour, the 2010 Glam Nation Tour where he performed an acoustic rendition of it during the "ballad" section of the show.

Background

The track was originally recorded and co-written by Pink for the album Funhouse but did not make the final cut.[4] On November 18, 2009, Lambert announced via his official website that his second single from his debut album would be "Whataya Want from Me". The song was the second single announced before the CD was officially available to the public.[5] The song became available as a legal download in the United States on November 20, 2009, when the album was officially released.

In 2010, Pink's recording appeared exclusively on the international releases of her first greatest hits compilation album, Greatest Hits... So Far!!!.

Critical reception

"Whataya Want from Me" has received generally favorable reviews. Jonathan Keefe from Slant Magazine praised the song and called it "phenomenally well-crafted pop single(s) that give Lambert the opportunity to shine".[6] In the Houston Chronicle, Joey Guerra wrote that the song "...[is] probably the disc's most straightforward cut, with a bit of a Backstreet Boys vibe. Not bad".[7] Huffington Post noted that this song deploys "some tired pop cliches" in chorus but continued praising "one of the album's more poignant emotional statements, anticipating the heavy burden of expectations the singer is likely to carry while expressing vulnerable appreciation for the acceptance he has received."[8] Allmusic called this song "terrific pop tune" and "P!nk’s pained [song]".[9] Entertainment Weekly was also positive by calling it "hooky, heartfelt lament".[10] Detroit News wrote "Credit Team Lambert for pairing him with a host of top-notch, like-minded collaborators" including Pink.[11] LA Times praised that singing is "pleading and soulful."[12] On the other hand, Greg Kot of the Chicago Tribune disliked the song and wrote "Lambert throws his hands up in the whiny 'Whataya Want from Me', a trifle from the team of Pink and Britney Spears svengali Martin."[13][14] This song took 22nd place on "Top 100 'American Idol' Hits of All Time" by Billboard.[15]

Chart performance

"Whataya Want from Me" debuted at number 72 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 on the week of January 2, 2010.[16][17] Following his appearance as a mentor on American Idol (season 9), the song reached number ten, becoming Lambert's second Top 20 single (the first being his cover of "Mad World", which peaked at number nineteen) and first Top 10 single on the Billboard Hot 100. As of January 2014, the single had sold approximately 2,006,000 copies within the US.[18]

Promotion

To promote the album's release, several songs from the album were performed live on AOL Sessions – including "Whataya Want from Me".[19] Following Lambert's American Music Awards of 2009 performance of "For Your Entertainment", Lambert was dropped from a few upcoming performances and shows, including Good Morning America and Jimmy Kimmel Live! Lambert started a very long string of interviews and performances to address the controversy and promote his new single.

"Whataya Want from Me" made its live debut on CBS's The Early Show on November 25, 2009. He performed two songs, and did a live interview discussing his performance at the American Music Awards that caused so much controversy. In addition to "Whataya Want from Me", he performed "Music Again". His appearance on the morning show drew fans from all over the world to come watch him live.[20]

Lambert performed "Whataya Want from Me" on Late Show with David Letterman on November 25, 2009.[21]

Lambert was interviewed and performed on The Ellen DeGeneres Show on December 1, 2009.[21]

After much controversy with ABC canceling several of Lambert's performances (and due to accusations of homophobia on the behalf of the network), the network finally decided to let Lambert interview and perform on The View. As a precaution, they pre-taped the interview and performance, to prevent any mishaps or improvisation with Lambert's performance, and to avoid a repeat of his AMA performance. He performed on December 10, 2009. The night before he was on Barbara Walters 10 Most Fascinating People of 2009, also on ABC.[22]

Lambert performed on The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien on December 14, 2009.[23]

Lambert returned to his Fox roots with a live performance of his new single on the season finale of So You Think You Can Dance on December 16, 2009. He performed on the show with other performers including Jennifer Lopez, and Mary J. Blige. MTV called his performance "show-stopping".[24]

Lambert performed on The Jay Leno Show on December 21, 2009.[23] Adam also cleared up some rumors that were spread around over the past month.

Lambert performed and interviewed on The Oprah Winfrey Show on January 20, 2010.[25] It was his first performance of 2010, during which he discussed the controversy surrounding his AMA performance, his life since his rapid rise to fame, and his brief meeting with Madonna.[26]

Lambert performed it on the Australian morning program Sunrise. The interview can be viewed on the show's website.[27] The single has peaked within the top ten in Australia.

On March 2010, Lambert performed on VH1's "Unplugged", where he sang a stripped-down performance of this and other songs off his album.[28]

In April 2010, Lambert performed the song on American Idol, having acted as mentor to the Season 9 contestants during the "Elvis Theme Week".[29]

During April and May 2010, Lambert promoted the single internationally, performing on Finland's X Factor,[30][31] in Sweden,[32][33] in the Netherlands,[34] in Germany,[35][36] in the UK on the GMTV morning show,[37] and in Switzerland.[38]

Music video

The music video for "Whataya Want from Me" was directed by Diane Martel and shot on December 20, 2009.[39] It premiered on January 15, 2010, on VH1. The video features Lambert becoming frustrated with his partner, which the audience cannot see (Some of the times, the camera/screen is being the eyes of his partner). There are also performance clips throughout the video of Lambert performing with his band. One scene features Lambert making his way through a crowd of paparazzi and fans into a car. At the beginning of the song, Lambert switches the TV off, and then begins singing "slow it down, whataya want from me," leading one interpretation to be that what he was watching was actually the AMAs.

Lambert himself explains in several interviews that this song is something that everyone can relate to: going through the stresses of a changing personal environment and its effects on a relationship. It is also a reflection of both his own personal life as a rock star as well as his relationship with his audience and fans. He can be seen having an argument throughout the video with the camera, presumably representing his significant other. In one scene, he walks away saying he has had it and his significant other packs its bags and leaves a frustrated Lambert alone and miserable. At the end of the video, he is shown very happily greeting the camera after waking up, hinting at a reconciliation. He also goes to explain in an interview with Pop Couture that the feel was intended to be more "accessible," unlike his "For Your Entertainment" video. This resulted in softer textures and less architectural styling, with the use of cotton and sweaters and the like.

Track listings

  • CD single No. 1
  1. "Whataya Want from Me" (Album Version) – 3:47
  2. "Whataya Want from Me" (Jason Nevins Electrotek Extended Mix) – 6:22
  • CD single No. 2
  1. "Whataya Want from Me" (Album Version) – 3:47
  2. "Whataya Want from Me" (Fonzerelli's New Romantic Club Mix) – 5:52
  • Australian digital download
  1. "Whataya Want from Me" – 3:47
  2. "Whataya Want from Me" (Fonzerelli's Electro House Club Remix) – 5:52
  • Remixes – (Part of Remixes album)
  1. "Whataya Want from Me" (Brad Walsh's A-Vivir Mix) – 4:31
  2. "Whataya Want from Me" (Fonzerelli's Electro House Club Remix) – 5:52
  3. "Whataya Want from Me" (Jason Nevins Electrotek Extended Mix) – 6:22

Credits and personnel

Recording[40]
Personnel[40]

Charts and certifications

Weekly charts

Chart (2010) Peak
position
Australia (ARIA)[41] 4
Austria (Ö3 Austria Top 40)[42] 4
Belgium (Ultratip Flanders)[43] 2
Belgium (Ultratip Wallonia)[44] 19
Canada (Canadian Hot 100)[45] 3
Czech Republic (Rádio Top 100)[46] 3
Denmark (Tracklisten)[47] 12
Europe (European Hot 100 Singles)[48] 21
Finland (Suomen virallinen lista)[49] 2
France (SNEP)[50] 7
Germany (Official German Charts)[51] 5
Germany (Airplay Chart)[52] 1
Hungary (Rádiós Top 40)[53] 3
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)[54] 7
Netherlands (Single Top 100)[55] 23
New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)[56] 4
Norway (VG-lista)[57] 18
Poland (Polish Airplay Top 100)[58] 1
Portugal (Billboard)[59] 5
Scotland (Official Charts Company)[60] 53
Slovakia (Rádio Top 100)[61] 25
Spanish Airplay Chart[62] 20
Sweden (Sverigetopplistan)[63] 8
Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)[64] 6
UK Singles (Official Charts Company)[65] 53
US Billboard Hot 100[66] 10
US Adult Contemporary (Billboard)[67] 8
US Adult Top 40 (Billboard)[68] 2
US Mainstream Top 40 (Billboard)[69] 12

Year-end charts

Chart (2010) Position
Australian Singles Chart[70] 40
Canadian Hot 100[71] 11
Dutch Top 40[72] 30
German Singles Chart[73] 40
German Airplay Chart[74] 3
Hungarian Airplay Chart[75] 23

Certifications

Region Certification Certified units/Sales
Australia (ARIA)[76] Platinum 70,000^
Canada (Music Canada)[77] 2× Platinum 200,000^
Germany (BVMI)[78] Gold 150,000^
Denmark (IFPI Denmark)[79] Gold 7,500^
New Zealand (RMNZ)[80] Gold 7,500*

*sales figures based on certification alone
^shipments figures based on certification alone

Radio and release history

Country Date Format
United States November 24, 2009 Mainstream radio airplay
Belgium[81] March 19, 2010 Digital download
Ireland[82] April 9, 2010
Spain[83] April 12, 2010
Finland[84]
France[85]
Italy[86]
Netherlands[87]
Sweden[88]
Austria[89]
Norway[90]
Portugal[91]
Germany[92] April 23, 2010
Switzerland[93] April 30, 2010
Germany April 30, 2010 CD single
Australia May 3, 2010
United Kingdom July 18, 2010[94]

References

  1. ↑ "Peak position Billboard Hot 100".
  2. ↑ "Whataya Want from Me by Adam Lambert Songfacts". Songfacts.com. November 30, 2009. Retrieved January 1, 2010.
  3. ↑ "Adam Lambert 'For Your Entertainment,' Debut Album Released Monday, November 23, 2009". Reuters. November 4, 2009. Retrieved 2010-02-01.
  4. ↑ "Australia's Official Music Charts". ARIA Charts. Retrieved 2010-08-01.
  5. ↑ "Adam's New Single "Whataya Want from Me" | The Official Adam Lambert Site". Adamofficial.com. Retrieved 2010-02-01.
  6. ↑ Keefe, Jonatha (November 22, 2009). "Adam Lambert: For Your Entertainment". Slant Magazine. Retrieved December 24, 2009.
  7. ↑ Guerra, Joey (November 3, 2009). "Adam Lambert's 30-second tease(s)". Houston Chronicle. Retrieved December 24, 2009.
  8. ↑ Review by Huffington Post Retrieved 25 December 2014
  9. ↑ Review by Allmusic Retrieved 25 December 2014
  10. ↑ Entertainment Weekly review Retrieved 25 December 2014
  11. ↑ Detroit News Retrieved 25 December 2014
  12. ↑ Review by LA Times Retrieved 25 December 2014
  13. ↑ Kot, Greg (November 24, 2009). "'Idol' runner-up's debut sticks to the formula". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved December 24, 2009.
  14. ↑ Kot, Greg (November 24, 2009). "Album Review: 'For Your Entertainment' by Adam Lambert". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved December 26, 2013.
  15. ↑ Top 100 'American Idol' Hits of All Time by Billboard Retrieved 1 January 2015
  16. ↑ "Top 100 Music Hits, Top 100 Music Charts, Top 100 Songs & The Hot 100". Billboard. Retrieved 2010-02-01.
  17. ↑ Pietroluongo, Silvio (December 23, 2009). "Ke$ha Clocks Her First Hot 100 No. 1". Billboard. Retrieved December 27, 2009.
  18. ↑ http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/5885499/ask-billboard-disneys-biggest-billboard-hits
  19. ↑ "Adam Lambert Live Performance". aol.com. January 1, 2010.
  20. ↑ "Adam Lambert to Perform on "Early Show"". CBS Interactive. November 24, 2009. Retrieved January 3, 2010.
  21. 1 2 "Adam Lambert News – Updates, Blog, Fan Comments & More | The Official Adam Lambert Site". Adamofficial.com. Retrieved 2010-02-01.
  22. ↑ Cady, Jennifer (December 10, 2009). "ABC Still Afraid of Adam Lambert, Pretapes View Performance". E! Online. Retrieved January 3, 2010.
  23. 1 2 "Adam Lambert News – Updates, Blog, Fan Comments & More | The Official Adam Lambert Site". Adamofficial.com. January 15, 2010. Retrieved 2010-02-01.
  24. ↑ Vena, Jocelyn (December 17, 2009). "Adam Lambert Steals The Show On 'So You Think You Can Dance' Finale". MTV. Retrieved January 3, 2010.
  25. ↑ "Adam Lambert Sits Down With Oprah". Billboard. September 14, 2009. Retrieved 2010-02-01.
  26. ↑ "Adam Lambert's Rise to Fame". Oprah.com. January 19, 2010.
  27. ↑ "Sunrise Videos Channel 7 – Yahoo!7 TV – Yahoo!7 TV". Au.tv.yahoo.com. Retrieved 2010-08-01.
  28. ↑ "Adam Lambert Unplugged". neonlimelight.com. March 11, 2010.
  29. ↑ "American Idol 2010, Last Night Recap: Adam Lambert Mentors For Elvis Theme Night". timesnewsline.com. March 11, 2010.
  30. ↑ "Adam Lambert Praises Finnish Fans, Talks If I Had You". Celebrity-gossip.net. May 3, 2010. Retrieved 2010-08-01.
  31. ↑ "Adam Lambert in Finland: To Perform on X Factor Tonight". mjsbigblog. Retrieved 2010-08-01.
  32. ↑ buffy522 (March 31, 2010). "Adam Lambert in Sweden! « Randomize ME". Randomizeme.wordpress.com. Retrieved 2010-08-01.
  33. ↑ "Adam Lambert in Stockholm Sweden " VIDEO – Adam Lambert Gossip". Celebrifi.com. Retrieved 2010-08-01.
  34. ↑ "Adam Lambert in Amsterdam! « Randomize ME". Randomizeme.wordpress.com. April 28, 2010. Retrieved 2010-08-01.
  35. ↑ "Adam Lambert in Germany! « Randomize ME". Randomizeme.wordpress.com. March 30, 2010. Retrieved 2010-08-01.
  36. ↑ "Adam Lambert – Morgenmagazin, Germany – VIDEO". mjsbigblog. Retrieved 2010-08-01.
  37. ↑ "More Adam Lambert in the UK – VIDEO". mjsbigblog. Retrieved 2010-08-01.
  38. ↑ "Adam Lambert in Switzerland: Unplugged, Unterrible". The Hollywood Gossip. May 4, 2010. Retrieved 2010-08-01.
  39. ↑ "Adam Lambert Shooting 'Whataya Want from Me' Music Video". IMDB. December 21, 2009. Retrieved December 30, 2009.
  40. 1 2 For Your Entertainment (liner notes). Adam Lambert. RCA Records, Jive Records. 2009.
  41. ↑ "Australian-charts.com – Adam Lambert – Whataya Want from Me". ARIA Top 50 Singles.
  42. ↑ "Austriancharts.at – Adam Lambert – Whataya Want from Me" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40.
  43. ↑ "Ultratop.be – Adam Lambert – Whataya Want from Me" (in Dutch). Ultratip.
  44. ↑ "Ultratop.be – Adam Lambert – Whataya Want from Me" (in French). Ultratip.
  45. ↑ "Adam Lambert – Chart history" Canadian Hot 100 for Adam Lambert.
  46. ↑ "ČNS IFPI" (in Czech). Hitparáda – Radio Top 100 Oficiální. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: insert 201031 into search.
  47. ↑ "Danishcharts.com – Adam Lambert – Whataya Want from Me". Tracklisten.
  48. ↑ "Adam Lambert – Chart history" European Hot 100 for Adam Lambert.
  49. ↑ "Adam Lambert: Whataya Want from Me" (in Finnish). Musiikkituottajat – IFPI Finland.
  50. ↑ "Lescharts.com – Adam Lambert – Whataya Want from Me" (in French). Les classement single.
  51. ↑ "Musicline.de – Adam Lambert Single-Chartverfolgung" (in German). Media Control Charts. PhonoNet GmbH.
  52. ↑ "Nielsen Music Control". Archived from the original on 2010-05-28.
  53. ↑ "Archívum – Slágerlisták – MAHASZ" (in Hungarian). Rádiós Top 40 játszási lista. Magyar Hanglemezkiadók Szövetsége. Retrieved 1 August 2010.
  54. ↑ "Nederlandse Top 40 – Adam Lambert search results" (in Dutch) Dutch Top 40.
  55. ↑ "Dutchcharts.nl – Adam Lambert – Whataya Want from Me" (in Dutch). Single Top 100.
  56. ↑ "Charts.org.nz – Adam Lambert – Whataya Want from Me". Top 40 Singles.
  57. ↑ "Norwegiancharts.com – Adam Lambert – Whataya Want from Me". VG-lista.
  58. ↑ "Listy bestsellerów, wyróżnienia :: Związek Producentów Audio-Video". Polish Airplay Top 100.
  59. ↑ "Portugal Digital Songs - Peak". Billboard. Retrieved 19 May 2013.
  60. ↑ "Archive Chart: 2010-07-25". Scottish Singles Top 40.
  61. ↑ "SNS IFPI" (in Slovak). Hitparáda – Radio Top 100 Oficiálna. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: insert 201025 into search.
  62. ↑ "Promusicae (Week: January 1, 2010)" (PDF). Retrieved July 13, 2010.
  63. ↑ "Swedishcharts.com – Adam Lambert – Whataya Want from Me". Singles Top 100.
  64. ↑ "Swisscharts.com – Adam Lambert – Whataya Want from Me". Swiss Singles Chart.
  65. ↑ "Archive Chart: 2010-07-25" UK Singles Chart.
  66. ↑ "Adam Lambert – Chart history" Billboard Hot 100 for Adam Lambert.
  67. ↑ "Adam Lambert – Chart history" Billboard Adult Contemporary for Adam Lambert.
  68. ↑ "Adam Lambert – Chart history" Billboard Adult Pop Songs for Adam Lambert.
  69. ↑ "Adam Lambert – Chart history" Billboard Pop Songs for Adam Lambert.
  70. ↑ "ARIA Charts – End Of Year Charts – Top 100 Singles 2010". Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved 2011-01-08.
  71. ↑ "Charts Year End: Canadian Hot 100". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. Retrieved 2010-05-02.
  72. ↑ "Dutch Top 40". Retrieved January 1, 2016.
  73. ↑ Archived January 10, 2011, at the Wayback Machine.
  74. ↑ German Airplay Chart, Retrieved on 2011-06-03
  75. ↑ "MAHASZ Rádiós TOP 100 2010". Mahasz (in Hungarian). Retrieved March 10, 2011.
  76. ↑ "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2010 Singles". Australian Recording Industry Association.
  77. ↑ "Canadian single certifications – Adam Lambert – Whataya Want from Me". Music Canada.
  78. ↑ "Gold-/Platin-Datenbank (Adam Lambert; 'Whataya Want from Me')" (in German). Bundesverband Musikindustrie.
  79. ↑ "Danish single certifications – Adam Lambert – Whataya Want from Me". IFPI Denmark. Click on næste to go to page 28 if certification from official website
  80. ↑ "New Zealand single certifications – Adam Lambert – Whataya Want from Me". Recorded Music NZ.
  81. ↑ Whataya Want From Me (2010) | Adam Lambert | MP3 downloads 7digital België. Nl-be.7digital.com (March 19, 2010).
  82. ↑ Whataya Want From Me (2010) | Adam Lambert | MP3 downloads 7digital Ireland. Ie.7digital.com (April 9, 2010).
  83. ↑ Whataya Want From Me (2010) | Adam Lambert | MP3 downloads 7digital Spain. Es.7digital.com (April 12, 2010).
  84. ↑ Whataya Want From Me (2010) | Adam Lambert | MP3 downloads 7digital Finland. Fi.7digital.com (April 12, 2010).
  85. ↑ Whataya Want From Me (2010) | Adam Lambert | MP3 downloads 7digital France. Fr.7digital.com (April 12, 2010).
  86. ↑ Whataya Want From Me (2010) | Adam Lambert | MP3 downloads 7digital Italy. It.7digital.com (April 12, 2010).
  87. ↑ Whataya Want From Me (2010) | Adam Lambert | MP3 downloads 7digital Netherlands. nl.7digital.com (April 12, 2010).
  88. ↑ Whataya Want From Me (2010) | Adam Lambert | MP3 downloads 7digital Sweden. Se.7digital.com (April 12, 2010).
  89. ↑ Whataya Want From Me (2010) | Adam Lambert | MP3 downloads 7digital Austria. At.7digital.com (April 12, 2010).
  90. ↑ Whataya Want From Me (2010) | Adam Lambert | MP3 downloads 7digital Norway. No.7digital.com (April 12, 2010).
  91. ↑ Whataya Want From Me (2010) | Adam Lambert | MP3 downloads 7digital Portugal. Pt.7digital.com (April 12, 2010).
  92. ↑ Whataya Want From Me (2010) | Adam Lambert | MP3 downloads 7digital Germany. De.7digital.com (April 23, 2010).
  93. ↑ Whataya Want From Me (2010) | Adam Lambert | MP3 downloads 7digital Switzerland. de-ch.7digital.com (April 30, 2010).
  94. ↑ "Sony Music UK | Adam Lambert – Whataya Want from Me". Sonymusic.co.uk. Retrieved 2010-08-01.
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