Adam Lambert didn’t think he needed to redeem himself on CBS’ “The Early Show” on Wednesday. But he did try to show there’s more to him than his sexualized appearance at Sunday’s American Music Awards, which generated viewer complaints and caused ABC’s “Good Morning America” to cancel its own interview and concert with him.

Looking relaxed, the “American Idol” runner-up said that performing in front of many of his favorite pop artists on Sunday night “got the best of me” and that he had not rehearsed the controversial parts of his performance of his single “For Your Entertainment” — including the kissing of a man on stage and simulating oral sex with another. He added that his having a background in theater doesn’t make him think automatically of audiences at home.

“Honestly, it didn’t even cross my mind — children,” he said. “It was almost 11 o’clock. I was there in the audience full of mostly adults. Sometimes I forget, oh, there’s a camera on. I come from the theater and I’m programmed to look at who’s in the live audience. …

“Unfortunately, there are people that are really upset, but there are also people that enjoyed it. So, like ‘Idol,’ I guess I have a tendency to divide people.”

His only regret, Lambert said, was that “I would sing it a little bit better.” And he said, “I think in the future I will probably make a little bit more of an effort to stay consistent with what I do during rehearsal.”

Still, Lambert pointed out that he was not the only artist to display racy behavior on stage Sunday, and he believes his sexual orientation is behind the criticism.

“Just to play devil’s advocate with you: Lady Gaga smashing whiskey bottles; Janet Jackson grabbed a male dancer’s crotch; Eminem talked about how Slim Shady had 17 rapes under his belt,” Lambert said. “There was a lot of very adult material on the AMAs this year. I am not using that as an excuse, and I didn’t take any offense with those performers’ choices. I’m just saying I think it’s up to a parent to watch the television.”

Lambert, who sang his songs “Whataya Want From Me” and “Music Again” on “The Early Show,” said he hoped viewers would keep in mind that his music is broad.

“I hope people don’t put me into a box and say, ‘Oh, he’s nasty. And he’s going to be that way all the time.'”