Adam Lambert, left, kisses one of the dancers as he performs during the closing act of the 37th Annual American Music Awards on Sunday, November 22, 2009, in Los Angeles. Photo by AP.
Slideshow: Action at American Music Awards
The network characterised the response as "moderate."
Before his performance, Lambert said that he wanted to break down a double standard that existed where female performers are often sexually provocative while men don't do it that often.
There were also hostile comments online about the American Idol glam rocker who sang his new song For Your Entertainment on Sunday's show with an elaborate, S&M-themed production.
Lambert fondled a dancer, led another around on a leash, had a dancer briefly stick his head in Lambert's crotch and kissed a man.
