After parting ways with RCA in 2013, Lambert spent time in the studio working with acclaimed Swedish hitmaker Max Martin and collaborator Shellback. The creative reunion helped set the stage for the new partnership with Warner Brothers. Sources indicate that Martin and Shellback will serve as executive producers on Lambert’s next studio album, shaping the project from songwriting through production.

The new album is slated for release in early summer, with the first single expected to be released in April. This timeline signals a deliberate rollout, giving fans a preview ahead of the full record and building momentum through the spring into the summer.

Lambert’s team at Direct Management rekindled the relationship with Max Martin and Shellback, who previously worked on his post-Idol debut For Your Entertainment, producing the singles “Whataya Want From Me” and “If I Had You.” That successful collaboration made the return to those producers a natural choice as Lambert sought a refreshed artistic direction.

“The next day, Warner Bros. contacted us, which I thought was pretty amazing and it was a kind of relief,” Lambert said in an interview about the label interest that followed his RCA departure. Making a public announcement about changing labels was a significant moment for the artist, and the Warner Brothers deal provided a stable platform for his next body of work.

Lambert explained that he wanted the new material to feel more internal and grounded, moving away from the more theatrical and camp elements that have frequently defined parts of his previous work. Much of this shift is informed by his recent experience touring and performing with the legendary rock band Queen. Spending time on the road with them and rehearsing in London, as well as doing TV appearances with the band, influenced his musical approach and the sonic direction of the upcoming album.

Lambert described conversations with Max Martin and Shellback as broad and open, touching on life, politics, fashion and creative vision. The producers noted that Lambert’s voice and talent are rare, and that the chance to work on a full album offered an opportunity to define his sound in a deeper, more sustained way.

In a statement about the partnership, Max Martin reflected on the history of working with Lambert and the excitement of developing a cohesive album together under Warner Brothers. The production team emphasized their enthusiasm for the material and their belief that the record would introduce a dynamic and refined side of Lambert’s artistry.

Warner Brothers’ leadership echoed that sentiment. The label’s executives highlighted Lambert’s global fan base, his distinctive vocal ability, and the growth they see in him both personally and artistically. The company expressed confidence in his potential to reach a wider international audience under the new deal.

For fans, the announcement offers a clear timeline: expect the lead single in April, followed by the full album in early summer. The collaboration with Max Martin and Shellback, combined with Lambert’s recent experiences performing with Queen, suggest a record that aims to balance powerful vocals with a more grounded, mature aesthetic.

This new chapter with Warner Brothers marks a strategic step for Adam Lambert as he continues to evolve as an artist, build on his touring momentum, and introduce material that reflects his current artistic priorities.

I think the potential is worldwide superstar. He has fans all over the world. He’s got one of the great voices and he’s coming into his own as a person and as a man. He’s more comfortable with himself and his artistic vision of himself and I think there’s a confidence and a freedom that comes with having made more than one record.