Clay Aiken-
His "IT" Factorby Jan Casey Dillberg
In the past three years since a young man by the name of Clay Aiken surprised his way into the hearts of hundreds of thousands of people around the nation and the world, there have been many articles written about him and his mystique. So many newspaper and internet stories, fan websites and posts on the numerous message boards dedicated to him- and the question frequently asked is this: "What IS it about Clay Aiken?"
Here is an attempt to answer that question about this young man who has referred to himself a "nerd". What makes people of all ages, races and walks of life clamor for tickets to his concerts and flood online message boards with ravings about him?
"IT" is in the way that he he has said time and again that what he really wants out of life and even from his fame is to "make a difference". ***
"IT" is in the way that he brings a tiny special needs child on stage with him to join him in singing his own signature song in front of a packed audience.
"IT" is in the way that he always kneels when speaking to a child- whether on stage or off- so that he can communicate with them at eye level.
"IT" is in the way that he brings a small girl on stage who has asked to sing with him- and when he senses she is frightened, he holds her hand tightly and, with his earnest and caring eye-contact, guides her through her song.
"IT" is in the way that he brings a 16 year old girl onto the stage who has held up a sign that reads "Clay- Give me my first kiss!". He takes her hand in his and sings a few lines from his song 'Invisible" to her while holding her hand against his chest, and then kisses her cheek tenderly before sending her to float off the stage with her hand covering that cheek.
"IT" is in the way that he brings people of all ages, shapes and sizes- and of both genders -on stage from the audience to sing a duet with him, and treats each as if she or he were the only person in the room and the most talented person in the world.
"IT" is in the way that he invites audience members on stage to dance- knowing that there is no way of controlling what unexpected things they might do. He then proceeds to efficiently maneuver the situation with humor and kindness... making sure that each will take home a happy memory that will last forever.
"IT" is in the way that he walks up to the ardent throngs of fans gathered outside of the venue after each 2 hour concert, and with a look of sheer joy and appreciation on his face, touches as many of their outstretched hands as he is able to before boarding his tour bus.
"IT" is in the way that he moves to the front of the bus with the interior light on and smiles and waves at his admirers as the bus drives away.
"IT" is in the way that he defends his fans in interviews when put on the spot by the interviewer (as to whether the fans annoy him or he gets tired of them) and says that he is grateful to them and knows that he wouldn't be where he is today without their "amazing support". IT" is in the way that he tells his fans at a Kansas concert that he would "fight anyone" if they ever doubted he has the best fans in the world!
"IT" is in the way that he seems to seek out public figures who have made fun of him- and with good humor and grace, forces them to take it upon themselves to apologize for their previous comments and to actually admit that they like and respect him.
"IT" is in that glorious voice that is simultaneously "angelic and seductive."
"IT" is in the way that (people say) his voice touches a chord deep within the listener which releases feelings of pleasure and excitement.
"IT" is in the way he lives his faith.
"IT" is in the way that young girls feel he is their knight in shining armor; a man of a kind that they can dream of belonging with in their future.
"IT" is in the way that the mothers of those young girls feel they can trust him to not betray the innocence of their daughters the way so many popular heartthrobs might.
"IT" is in the way that young, single women can dream that there is actually a chance for them to become "The One" in his life. After all, he was once just an ordinary guy... and they feel "it could happen"!
"IT" is in the way that women who have been mistreated or abused in a relationship see him as a man who would never mistreat or abuse them, but would treat them with tenderness and respect.
"IT" is in the way that a married woman's long- dormant passions are awakened by his voice and manner- and allowed to be unleashed upon unsuspecting and grateful husbands.
"IT" is in the way that vast numbers of older women say that he makes them feel young again- to feel excitement and a thrill they haven't felt in many years.
"IT" is in the way that women of any age know that if they were to walk with him, he would act as a protector, open doors for them and place his hand gently on their back as he guided them into a room, or take their arm as they crossed a street.
"IT" is in (let's be honest here) the way that he stands with his feet planted apart, his hips tilted forward, his shoulders back, chest out and arms thrown wide as he sings the powerful, "glory notes" of his passionate songs. "IT" is in the way that he caresses the microphone with elegant, graceful hands as if it were a lover to be cherished.
"IT" is in the way that his head leans back and his eyes close as he sings, and in the way he opens his sultry, heavy- lidded eyes slowly, and looks at female viewers (they say) as if he wants to make love to them.
"IT" is in the way that he knows what his fans want him to do-- how they want him to sing, how they want him to stand, and how they want him to use his hands- and he gives that to them as a lover would, because he knows it will please them.
"IT" is in the way that he maintains the aura of innocence and vulnerability- in spite of the showmanship that shouts the opposite. "IT" is in the way that innocence makes some women want to give him his vitamin, a glass of milk and some cookies and tuck him into bed.
"IT" is in the way that his demeanor causes many women to want to be The One who will make him want to lose that perceived innocence.
And, finally, "IT" is in the way that so many women can't decide which they want to do most-- take care of him or make love to him- and that causes them to feel a little guilty and confused, while at the same time feeling passionate, tender, joyful, and ultimately and always breathless!
Many would proclaim that these things are what "IT" IS.... and that Clay Aiken has "IT".
Jan is a website designer and former sign language interpreter living in central California. Her Clay Aiken website is called 'Clay Aiken- The Ideal Idol' and may be visited at http://clayaikentheidealidol.com
She may be contactedat webmaster@clayaikentheidealidol.com
Thank you to the photographers who shared these beautiful photos on the internet. Where the photographer is known, credit has been given by way of the photo name.
*This article will print successfully if you set your printer to 'landscape' setting.
©Jan Casey Dillberg 2004
