I see I am in the minority here, but I have no problem with Adam's speech about Freddie. I think he is totally right, that in every audience there are more than a few folks who are saying to one another "He's no Freddie Mercury!" That's their opinion going into the concert, and as they see Adam strut pompously across the stage and blast out vocals in the first section, they need to reinforce that opinion with others of their kind. Cannot surrender now!
Adam simply brings that sentiment out in the open, and gives them his "blessing" to feel that way. Instead of trying to take Freddie's place on stage and in their hearts, the enemy to their hero, he joins the "loyal opposition" and agrees that, "Duh, of course I am not Freddie. I am a fellow fan. Freddie was great. He was incredibly talented. He was a singular being." Adam totally disarms them by joining in the Freddie fan club. Very smart, and very effective.
Many of you think that Adam puts himself down with this speech. I respectfully disagree. He never puts down his own vocal abilities. He never says he can only hope to be as good a vocalist as Freddie. He doesn't put down his own composing abilities, either. The only Freddie trait he compares himself to sometimes, is being a fashionista; aspiring to equal Freddie there. (Which to me is different from putting down his ability or talent.) Acknowledging how great Freddie was and how beloved says absolutely nothing about Adam's own talents and abilities.
Thinking back on the many interviews Adam has given where he addresses the issue of taking on the front man role with Queen, I cannot recall him expressing a lack of confidence in his own abilities compared to Freddie. He was intimidated by the legend. He worried if the audience and the band would accept him. He wondered if he could handle the weight of such a daunting repertoire in a full two hour gig. I do not recall him ever disparaging his own abilities compared to Freddie.
When asked by interviewers if this is the gig of a lifetime or a dream come true, I have noted that Adam graciously dodges the question. It is a huge honor. It is one highlight of his career. But he doesn't say that he is undeserving, or unequal to Freddie, or is trying to be a satisfactory substitute for Freddie.
I believe Adam knows full well how extraordinary his vocal abilities are. In the theater world where he grew up and navigated, he would HAVE to know he stood out from a teenager on forward. I believe he also knows there are many talented people in the performing world, and acknowledging their talent and success in no way diminishes his own capabilities. To me, THAT is what Adam does in his speech each night.
Finally, Adam is an actor. He is performing a script. One that he has crafted, tried out, assessed audience response to, tweaked, and has down pat at this point. He recognizes the resistance, faces it head on, charms the opposition, and wins them over to the point where they can relax and enjoy the ride without having to defend Freddie. And without ever putting himself down or degrading his own abilities on that stage.
Bravo!