It's .... official? Adam Lambert: "No one should be surprised to hear I'm gay"

(Pic by Matthew Rolston)

Rolling Stone has posted a sneak peek at the American Idol favorite's upcoming cover (due out Friday) and confirms what folks have been speculating for weeks: The singer comes proudly and unmistakably out as a gay man in his first major published interview.

And okay, the cover isn't quite as iconic as the ones that we gently suggested last week, but hey ... it's pretty cool anyway. 

More details below...

The preview of the article doesn't mention Lambert's rumored boyfriend Drake LaBry or say if the singer is single or taken. Lambert does note, "I'm proud of my sexuality ... I embrace it," but downplays his role-model status, stressing that first and foremost he's a singer.

Lambert with Drake LaBry

He also mentions that he had a crush on Kris Allen (his roommate and the eventual winner) but he soon got over it when they became good friends.

Huge ups to Lambert for speaking openly and candidly and without a whiff of hesitation or shame, and for playing the game so well since day one of the competition. I think he may have won some hearts and changed some minds in the process.

RS also has exclusive behind-the-scenes video of the cover shoot and more goodies - be sure to check it out.