Adam Lambert at PinZ

A relaxed, good-humored Adam Lambert answered questions, met some of his fans and performed two songs in an acoustic show Wednesday at including his hit "Whataya Want From Me?"

Lambert, who was the runner-up in the American Idol competition of 2009, and who many felt should have won, is promoting a new album. His appearance in Milford was arranged by the Worcester radio station WXLO, as part of its Music Loft on the Road series, said Bob Goodell, director of sales.

"It's a lot more exciting to bring out an artist like this to a small town, where it really creates a buzz."

. Most tickets were given away by the radio station to callers who phoned in at the right times. Some were distributed by PinZ. And some were given to donors of the Lupus Foundation of New England. One woman donated $1,000 to the Lupus Foundation, for the chance to see Lambert in a small venue, Goodell said.

Marilyn Saucier of Worcester was among the lucky 100. She won a pair of tickets after calling the radio station over and over again, until finally, she was the 14th caller. "I was trying for days and days," said Saucier, 52, who brought her friend Gennie along with her.

Both women became Lambert fans during American Idol, when many Americans thought he should have been named the winner. Instead, he was voted the runner-up, but went on to a more celebrated solo career than the winner.

Jane Phelan, 69, also won tickets after calling the radio station. Before Wednesday, she had seen Lambert twice before in concert. "I was trying very desperately to win," she said. "Three times a day, every time they said it."