Adam Lambert, David Archuleta are top choices for Musikfest headliners!

Lehigh Valley Music

It seems like the music act people would most like to see at Musikfest’s new Steel Stage main venue when it opens in August is none other than the “American Idol” runner-up who sold out its former main stage last year — Adam Lambert.

And the second most popular choice was another “Idol’ second-place finisher, David Archuleta.

After Musikfest this month announced three of its 10 headliners for the 2011 festival in Bethlehem — 1970s rocker Steve Miller, a cappella sensation Straight No Chaser and R&B/pop hitmakers Maroon 5 — Lehigh Valley Music asked readers who they would like to see.

In one week, the question drew 91 posted responses who offered a dizzying 88 suggestions for Musikfest to sign — ranging from the too-big-to-be likely Dave Matthews Band to the provincial promotion of Stroudsburg-based teen band Forbidden Dream.

But the two camps for Lambert and Archuleta —well known for the enthusiastic support of their favs — made up more than half the suggestions.

Archuleta album Almost a third — more than 32 percent — chose Lambert. And more a quarter — more than 25 percent — chose Archuleta.

The only other act to draw more than three votes was electronic pop singer Owl City, who has never performed in the area but was scheduled to support Panic! at the Disco when that band broke up (ironically, a reconstituted band is touring again) and canceled its scheduled show in 2009. Owl City got five votes.

Irish pop-rockers The Script, 1980s rockers REM, 1970s rocker Bob Seeger and former Dire Straits front man Mark Knopfler all got three votes. Eleven others — including Black Keys, Cheap Trick, Chicken Foot, The Allman Brothers, Moody Blues, Band of Horses and The Decemberists — got two.

Lambert sold out Musikfest’s former 6,500-ticket RiverPlace main stage in 2010 and gave a very theatrical show, with lasers, choreography and costumes, make-up and masks and singing that was best when slow and sung well, such as an acoustic “Whattya Want From Me” or “Aftermath.”

So it would seem he has a chance at selling out the new 7,200- ticket Steel Stage.

It would also help that he plans to release “Glam Nation Live,” a CD/DVD, on March 22nd. Shot in Indianapolis on Aug. 31, it features 12 tracks plus a bonus cut. He’s showcasing clips on VEVO.

“Would LOVE to see Grammy Nominee Mr. Adam Lambert at Musikfest again,” wrote Debbie. “Saw him last year and he rocked the place !!! I was so proud of Mr. Lambert selling out the venue since I live in the Lehigh Valley.”

Archuleta hasn’t played Musikfest, but he had a near sold-out solo show at Allentown’s Crocodile Rock Café in March 2009, a sold-out Christmas show at Stroudsburg’s Sherman Theater in December 2009 and drew 3,700 to a co-headline show with Demi Lovato at Wilikes-Barre’s Mohegan Sun Arena in June 2009.

He also has a new album out – October’s “Other Side of Down,” which peaked at No. 13 on Billboard’s albums chart.

“OMGosh...David Archuleta needs to headline...his live performances are crazy FUN! LUV him!” wrote Kelly.

Lina favored both.

“David Archuleta, now his act is one to see live,” she wrote. “He is a fantastic singer and performer. He is absolutely breathtaking to listen to, and funny too! I also like Adam Lambert. Both are great. Neither one need any technical help for their vocals, like so many other performers do today.”