Adam Levine Bashes 'American Idol' for 'Masking' Contestants' Sexuality

Adam Levine, judge on "The Voice," Maroon 5 frontman and singer of the summer hit "Moves Like Jagger," took on rumors that he's gay and had quite a bit to say about "American Idol" in a recent Out Magazine interview.

"What's always pissed me off about 'American Idol' is wanting to mask that, for that to go unspoken. C'mon. You can't be publicly gay? At this point? On a singing competition? Give me a break," said Levine.

"You can't hide basic components of these people's lives. The fact that 'The Voice' didn't have any qualms about being completely open about it is a great thing."

"The Voice" had several contestants, both male and female, who were openly gay.

Levine, whose brother is actually gay, told the magazine that he's very much straight, but that he thinks it's actually a good thing for there to be rumors saying the opposite.

"There's no way to hide my straightness," Levine said, "but if people didn't think there was a small chance I was gay, then I wouldn't be doing my job very well. Look at the best ones, guys whose sexuality was always questioned. Bowie. Jagger. Freddie Mercury. I wouldn't be the front man of a band if that question hadn't come up at some point."

Watch Adam Levine's video for "Moves Like Jagger."