Ellen DeGeneres says she is proud of Adam Lambert for deciding to sashay shante on out of the closet.

The reigning American Idol runner-up put rumors about his sexuality to rest in this week’s issue of Rolling Stone Magazine. It is a decision Ellen –who was named “the most powerful gay celebrity” in the April edition of Out Magazine –has praised.

“I’m proud of him, and I’m happy for anyone who has the guts to actually tell the world who they are and not fear they are going to lose their career or alienate anybody,” the Emmy-winning daytime host told TV Guide this afternoon.

“We’ve seen recently in the press how many kids have killed themselves because of being bullied at school and teased,” she added. “Whenever there is somebody who is successful and talented and happy and openly gay, I think that sends a really positive message for all these kids out there that are struggling – and adults.”

In 1997, Ellen came out as a lesbian on the cover of TIME Magazine.