Spotlight Quotes about, by, and in support of Clay Aiken

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6/26/08 
"...though I do not know this man, I can only observe he is just human. With flaws and foibles, sure. But he is also a young man with a heart & soul like so many others. And a voice unlike so many others. But he uses these in a very distinctly different way than most. I can only surmise that he is trying his best to do what he thinks is right. I recall he said this was what he wanted to use his "celebrity" for way back before it had all but began. 

So I am going to give him props for getting off his ass and continually working to meet his original goal. And in a not so common, comfortable or risk free manner. His environment seems to be continually changing and at his own hand. He says he wants to be back home where he is comfortable. Yet he is always off somehwere else working, giving, growing, speaking for others as well as himself. He is living life and living it large."

~treenuts

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6/26/08 
"Just speaking for myself, but when I first heard the news of this trip, [Clay's UNICEF trip to Somalia] all I could think of were those horrible images of "Black Hawk Down." Today, new pictures of mothers losing children to starvation and dehydration are going into my memory bank. One set won't replace the other, but maybe I can choose to focus on the one that asks for and desperately needs help over those that rejected it ...I'm working on it."

~Imtx

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6/25/08 
"Ah... {UNICEF] Ambassador Aiken puts it all in perspective again! While fans are angsting over whom Clay REALLY loves and HOW he loves her/them and WHAT he's going to do/say or not do/say about this or that.... 

He's actually DOING and SAYING something about "this or that's" that really matter.... "

~muskifest

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6/24/08 
"If I were limited to owning only one CD for the remainder of my life, I would select Clay Aiken’s “On My Way Here”.  Within its melodies are all the elements that deal with our journey through life and how we cope with its inevitable trials and tragedies. 

There are expressions of the agony that is ours when life insists on our choosing between those things that are comfortable and the unknown. The album contains lyrical discussions of perfect love, insecure love, and love gone wrong.  Other songs center upon humanitarianism and our relationship to God and our fellow men.  Fear, worry, and disappointment are juxtaposed with joy, encouragement, and faith. 

“On My Way Here” is truly a universal, mini-commentary on human experiences as well as a revelation of the heart of its vocalist.  It is as profound as it is musically satisfying."

~Mitzi Gill

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6/18/08 
"When an entertainer has a life-long career, there will be times when it's hot, and times when it's not. What he/she will never have is non-stop success and non-stop visibility, I don't care who he/she is. I wish folks would learn to be more confident and more able to take the times when nothing is going on, and not get all in a panic or all glum about it. A fandom shouldn't be something to torture yourself with and live in misery over--it should be fun!! I think [the fan's] expectations can be unreasonable at times. As for the lack of appearances, this is exactly how he told us it would be--some promo, then a vacation, and a UNICEF trip. Hopefully there will be another round of promo down the road a bit. A tour is a good possibility. And there may be news of another sort--TV, a movie, whatever. Clay isn't a quitter or a whiner. He's a strong, vibrant, talented man. He's going to be around a long time."

~Claymaniac in PA 

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6/15/08 
"Right now, I have a CD that I absolutely LOVE...one that shows growth as an artist....by a humble man whose voice I fell in love with five years ago. THAT has not changed for me. But there are many more layers to the man that I could never have foreseen. He's always interesting and surprising, and that is what keeps me here. The new biographyreminded me that he's done more in five years with his celebrity than I could have ever dreamed. It made me proud to read it."

~clayzedover

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6/13/08 
"It is not always about performance art, but about receiving positive energy from people with positive spirits," he said. "Sometimes we can see someone's spirit, and those are the people with great energy. Those are the people that get me through the day, especially on Broadway." 

~Clay Aiken

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6/13/08 
"A little over 5 years ago Clay was a dorky guy from Raleigh , NC who set his sights on winning a singing competition. Even though he didn't win, he has parlayed his 2nd place finish into a lucrative and exciting career. Here he is, a successful entertainer, who has attracted into his life a major music producer and his not so famous sister along with his recent success on Broadway in a major production directed by the very successful Mike Nichols. <snip> 
This is the journey movies are made from and what an interesting movie it will make someday, all of it. 

There really isn't anything odd about Clay's life except for those who want to make it a strange story. I think it is a wonderful story and if the baby news is true it is about to get even more wonderful. Clay is successful and rich. He is a man who transformed his life, by hard work and some lucky breaks, from the average and ho hum into the extraordinary. Talent has been his ticket to all of it but I don't see him sitting around wishing he hadn't traveled this road. He is well loved and cared about and he looks happy. He is supported by those who matter to him. He may lose some of the fans who can't accept his non traditional life but that will make room for others who will see him as worthy of their attention. Life has a way of teaching us what we need to learn and God has a way of presenting us with who and what we need to learn those lessons."

~skybar

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6/10/08 
"Clay is one-of-a-kind.  He will always be on the side of sanity, good judgement, and morality.  As long as he chooses this road, he is going to have an uphill battle.  He has traveled this road all of his life and seems to be made of something most of us are not.  He is not fearful.  He is not discouraged.  He does not pity himself.  There in the midst of  it all, Clay can be found calm, smiling, eyes filled with joy, and his sense of humor in tact.  He simply perseveres.
He possesses a true gift that allows him to take the worst of circumstances and learn from them rather than being intimidated, joining the crowd, or lowering his standards.  He is far beyond fortitude and appears destined for something that will reward him for all of the obstacles he has faced and overcome.  I think Gladys Knight made a prophetic statement on AI2 when she told Clay he was "magical"and "pure", that she knew something extraordinary was going to happen to him in this world.  I believe he is On His Way There!"

~Mitzi Gill

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6/07/08 
“That’s what’s so great about America,” he said, laughing. “One of our valuable amendments to the Constitution — freedom of the press — is also one of the crappiest. You can write anything you want. You don’t need to have any proof or any truth to what you write.” 

~Clay Aiken in a May 29th interview

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6/06/08 
"You know what I think Clay's trouble is? 
I think he's too damned progressive. 
He has a broader view of the world. How is that possible for a lowly North Carolina guy? An ordinary guy who was going to college and decided to enter reality show/talent contest? 
But he is. Progressive. Religious, yet open to a variety of religious views. 
Very aware of current events. Opinionated, yet accepting of a variety of opinions from others. Doesn't seem to be judgmental, yet has high expectations of people. Patient with people with learning differences. Impatient with laziness and unprofessionalism and intolerance. Injustice. 
He's intelligent. He's a character. He has a wild sense of humor that sometimes doesn't translate in print. 

And - then - he sings "off the chain"! 

People are just used to celebrities who are less substance. More shallow. 
Especially as young as he is. 

It throws people. 

And some people just don't see the intelligence and the snark. Some people don't recognize sincerity. 

So - I guess they are right. He's odd. 

And some people are just greedy bastards who want to sell magazines and papers and they aren't even aware enough of the world to see consequences. Others just don't give a damn."
 

~Cotton

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6/03/08 
"I remember Clay was recently asked why people hate him so much and he gave a beautiful answer. He said he didn't know in the same way he didn't know why people love him so much. He said that he represents the guy they picked on in high school who is now successful and has women screaming for him. And they can't stand that because it will never be them." 

~Corabeth

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6/03/08 
"I can't figure out why Clay has been such a target for vitriol over the last years. I  get angry when people who have been given a lot squander their gifts and opportunities. But it is just the opposite with Clay, who has never done anything but work hard and do right. For the life of me, I can't understand it."

~rubychambers

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6/03/08 
"When a true genius appears in the world, you may know him by this sign, that the dunces are all in confederacy against him." --- Jonathan Swift 
 

"Clay will have a good life, will do good works, will sleep soundly at night, will be loved. 

The confederacy of dunces have sold their souls for a short-term gain. In the end, they will get away with nothing. 

If you had to explain to your children what you did for a living, who would you rather be?"

~berkeley

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6/02/08 
"Adversity has made him a strong man...and his shoulders are broad."

~propounder

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5/31/08
"Clay is a very unique, exceptionally talented, decent man who knows who he is and where he is going.  He will not compromise his faith, nor does his behavior bend to fit the world view or to appease his critics. Sometimes he seems to be like a ship sailing into the storm." 

~Mitzi Gill

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5/30/08
"Clay has been the celebrated catalyst to many wonderful experiences, and for that alone I will always be in his debt. But more importantly, my respect for him as he has made his very human courageous journey in the unrelenting public eye has remained intact."

"And though I wish him happiness with all my heart in all areas of his life, 
it is his happiness and has nothing to do with me."

~zena

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5/29/08
"I think that Clay is looking forward, and transitioning from The Singer to The Entertainer. His talent is broad and diverse. Singing will become part of who he is, not the sum total of his professional face. Not surprising, really, from the man who has been on the Billboard charts and the New York Times Best Sellers List, a singer who is also a member of SAG and Actors Equity. 

I think Clay is one of the most extraordinarily gifted singers I've heard in my lifetime. Most of all, I love it when he sings. But I was blessed to see him in Spamalot --- there's just so much that he can do, and he's clearly smart enough and hard working enough to broaden the scope of his marketability. 

That's one very good way to build a lifelong career. 

Regardless of where Clay goes, I will be there. He's always been worth it to me. "

~berkeley

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5/18/08
"Jimmy [Kimmel] gave the goodnight, and Clay launched into “Ashes.” Now that is a song and a sound that gets to me. I wish that everyone who loved “Invisible”-era Clay Aiken could see him perform this song: informed by his history and experience, he has moved far beyond that never-the-less captivating performer of five years ago. 

The energy in the room ratcheted up really high. Clay started to groove and, hitting his stride, began to wail. He closed his eyes, threw back his head, hair flying, and sang, “Try and remind me now.” That was the sound of freedom. 

Damnation, this song rocks! There were voices everywhere singing along, but rather than disliking that as I sometimes do, it was almost like a part of the performance, a chorus of approval, acceptance and affection for the man on the stage, his voice rising above all. It was one of the strongest performances I have ever seen Clay give and I grabbed every note and held on tight. 

I was so thrilled to be there to hear this. I knew that, somewhere in the first few seconds, a jackass had brayed and put an end to it for all but the few who were there. I hope I’ve captured a little bit of it for everyone. 

Heading out into the warm evening, I called in my final report and headed for the subway. I was smiling then, and I am still smiling now. 

I don’t know what Clay Aiken is doing today. I don’t know where he is. I don’t know when fans will hear from him again. I don’t know how this kickass, magnificent album of his will do over time. 

But I’m okay. My life has its challenges, but it’s pretty good. I know that Clay will be around for as long as he chooses to be and, one way or another, sometimes he will sing to me. I will always get that instant smile in response to his, I’ll laugh when I hear his goofy guffaw and I will go on delighting at how well he has grown and how content he seems. 

I will forever be in awe of his extraordinary, blue moon talent. 

Maybe one day he’ll have a worldwide #1. Maybe he’ll settle into a groove that makes him the most comfortable. Maybe he’ll excel in another area of his prodigious talent. I just know that he is not going anywhere --- except for back home for a while. 

So --- godspeed you home, Clay. Sit on your back porch, play with your dogs, drink some sweet tea, enjoy the company of your family and friends, feel the love of someone who knows the real you. Rest, relax, and come back when you’re ready. 

I’ll be here. 

Even when you are in your quiet time, you never feel far away from me. After five years of sharing your journey with me, how could you? 

You have your own world, your own dreams, your own plans… 

But you’ve left some of your music here, part of the you who is always with me. 

So thank you for letting me share a little bit of love with you. 

And --- just an aside --- thanks for wearing those trousers so well. "

~berkeley

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5/06/08
Re: 'On My Way Here'
"The sounds, the lyrics, the unique use of his exceptional voice will surprise you. This ain’t American Idol Clay Aiken, it’s the mature, successful yet seasoned Clay Aiken, with just a little bit of cyniscm thrown in. This album has funky R&B, unexpected techno in the middle of a song that starts off slow, driving pop/rock and a jazzy love song that sounds like warm maple syrup poured over cinnamon pancakes. I’ve read “professional” reviews who call this an album of ballads and wonder if they hit the wrong button on their ipod. Or if they had written the review even before they started. It’s congitive dissonance. They expected ballad boy, they didn’t get it. They might have even sorta/kinda liked it. And they didn’t know what to make of it so the reviews become more of a review of Clay’s celebrity or Clay’s fans. Anyone who writs that this is an all ballad album with trite or schmaltzy lyrics, simply.didn’t.listen."

~The ConClayve

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5/05/08
Re: Clay's final performance in Spamalot:

"I can't help but think tonight about the people of Spamalot. 

Jonathan Hadary, Tom Deckman, Rick Holmes, David Hibbard, all the knights and the dancing girls. Last fall when they heard that Clay Aiken would be taking over the role of Sir Robin, what did they think? They can be forgiven if they paused and wondered what Mike Nichols was up to. I mean, this guy was from a reality show. And Hannah Waddingham and Chris Sieber, what did they think? Hannah, already a success in London's West End, Chris returning to the role he originated so Hannah wouldn't have to come in alone. How did they feel when they heard some guy from American Idol would be joining the cast with them? 

However they felt, whatever their qualms, these were good people and fair. They welcomed Clay as they would want to be welcomed. But did they have any idea what next four months would be like? How hard he would work? How good he would be? How the fans would descend like a hoard and embrace Clay's Spamalot "family" just as they did Clay? The stage door crowds that didn't fade in a few days but continued to grow? Raising over $250,000 (the first time Spamalot had broken $100k), due in no small measure to the work of Clay and his fans? This last weekend when fans simply took over the Shubert and shook the rafters with cheers and laughter, spilling out into the alley by the hundreds when it was over, cheering as Clay greated the throngs from the roof? 

Do you think they'll take a moment to look at each other tonight as the madness dies down and say, "What just happened here?" "

~GBB

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5/02/08
Q: Why do so many people hate you? 

A: I have no idea why they hate me, and I sure don't have any idea why they love me. I'm completely clueless all the way around. In some ways, I'm sure, to a lot of people I represent that dorky kid in high school and middle school that everybody thought was a loser. And now there are plenty of people in the world who are bitter because that dorky kid became successful and they did not. It's kind of threatening when that nerdy guy you've been making fun of for all those years has somehow become famous. 

Q: You've obviously given this some thought. 

A: I've been thinking about it for a long time. 

Q: Does it make you sad? 

A: Ah, I don't care. Whatever. I've been around people who are too cool for me for almost 30 years now. I don't know. I don't think I'm very threatening, but I do threaten the notion that you must be good-looking and athletic and cool in order to be successful. I kind of screwed that up for some people who thought they were going to fly by.

~Clay Aiken in an interview

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5/02/08
"And let me just say that I absolutely flove the answers Clay gave to Aidin Vaziri, the genius who writes the Chron's Pop Quiz. (I've shared my opinion about him before. This is the guy who famously asked legendary bluesman John Lee Hooker, "So what's the best cure for the blues?") 

How much do I love that Clay has this guy's number? 

"I don't take crap as much as I used to." 

No, he doesn't. From what I've read, Jesus showed that there was a time to turn the other cheek and a time to turn over some tables. 

"And now there are plenty of people who are bitter because that dorky kid became successful and they did not." 

Yup, has to gall them that this AIloserwannabefifteenminutesuntilhe'sgone has accomplished everything that Aidin (to his credit, I'll admit) lists in the first paragraph of the article. 

"Ah, I don't care. Whatever. I've been around people who were too cool for me for almost thirty years now... I do threaten the notion that you must be good-looking and athletic and cool in order to be successful" 

Yup, except for one point. Er, um, Clay? You're quirky, you're distinctive, and you're not some cookie cutter Joe College Football Captain, but you are good-looking. But you don't have to see that. I do. 

And then the people who have the image of this guy with the big ears whop was built like a lamppost get directed to Clay's MySpace... I would love to hear the reactions of some of the people who haven't seen him in a while. 

I feel happy. 

There's no better revenge than success. 
 

RE: The Billboard Review:  No, that review isn't bad at all. Read it again without the word "housewife" (ugh --- as if there are any women who are married to a house.) Yes, there are definitely songs that could break hearts. Then eliminate that inane fan term and, while the reviewer doesn't think the CD is groundbreaking, Kerri does think it is a solid work for people who've liked Clay's music before. 

Nothing in that review that would make someone who was inclined to like Clay pass on it, and a few words of praise that might be enough for fence-sitters to listen to the snippets. 

In a world where I rarely expect Clay to get the credit that he deserves, at least it appears to me this reviewer listened to the album. After some recent exposes of other artists being "pre-reviewed," that's more than I expect from some!"

~berkeley

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5/02/08
I can imagine Clay just plugging along, year after year, getting better and better--getting some, but not necessarily loads, of widespread praise and official recognition, but putting out quality CDs and giving superior performances, time and again. Maybe he'll still get disses and jokes and crap thrown at him off and on, but he'll just stay confident, do his thing, and gradually win over more individuals and lots of knowledgable folks in the industry as he goes along. 

Then one day, years and years from now, people will realize that he has become an icon, a beloved and multitalented entertainer who has built a virtual library of beautiful music and performances. And even though he may still have detracters, most of the jokes may be told with affection, and he will finallly be seen as the treasure he is. 

It's possible. And even though I have dreams of the "magnificent, hawt, superstar who rocks the world," I don't think that's in the cards--and it's not really the best outcome for Clay, the man who likes both feet on the ground, either. The other scenario can happen though, and it would be the better one in the long run. 

Perhaps he can go for forty years without breaking a sweat. :)
 

~Brightstar

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5/02/08
"Aiken, who debuted on the Great White Way this year in "Spamalot," sings like a theater veteran: almost too perfect, with a self-aware showmanship. But that doesn't make pop-rock nuggets like "Ashes" any less catchy, or the ballads—on which Aiken's breathy tenor could break housewife hearts—ring any less true."

~Billbooard Magazine

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4/05/08
[The name "Clay Aiken was mentioned at a gathering in Memphis: Someone asked "Who's Clay Aiken?"]

"Before I could answer, an older gentleman sitting with us smiled at me and said "I know who he is". He then said, "Let me tell y'all a story". 

He proceeded to tell about when he was a young man and was trying to get a group to go with him to hear a young singer he was crazy about. When they wanted to know who and he told them his name...everyone's response was, "Who's Elvis Presley?" 

He patted my hand and said for me not to worry...I won't have to answer that question much longer. He said Clay Aiken has the same charisma and great talent as a young Elvis Presley. He said hold on...you're going on a great and long ride."

~DeepSouthGurrl

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4/01/08
"Clay has had to reinvent that little-known special ed teacher enjoying a rather sheltered life in Raleigh to become the magnificent entertainer that he is, all the while holding onto his beliefs and his purposes and remaining what he calls "a decent human being".  It just may be that if we read between the lines of the lyrics on OMWH, we may catch a  glimpse of his journey - both the triumphs and the trials.  The CD could be the sequel to "Learning to Sing"!"
 

~Mitzi Gill

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3/29/08
"Since I got into this business, I've learned so much about myself and about life and the world. I'm nowhere near an expert, but this album has taken on the form of addressing how far I've come in those five years and how I feel like I've found myself." 

~Clay Aiken

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3/27/08
"I honestly have heard very little of Clay- other than the tabloids..then I actually met him. 
He made a point of meetin' us all..right down to the ticket takers...he blew me away. He was nothing like what I had read.. He truly is a great guy.. and he is just an average guy that has been blessed with a great talent.. he really impressed me.. and I have already ordered on Amazon.. lol.. this guy is truly going places.. and we are all so grateful he is here at Spamalot."

~Schubert Theater Employee

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3/27/08
"One of the great things about this engagement for Clay has been his treatment by those producing the show. [Broadway's Spamalot] From the very first report of his involvement, he has been treated with respect and enthusiasm. He has been presented as the desirable star that he is. The promotion, marketing and advertising for his Spamalot gig has been first rate. He has stepped up to the plate with professional precision and is shining in this role. <snip>  Clay is shown such genuine respect and admiration for his talent and work ethic." 

~Barnett2

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3/21/08
"I definitely see in the new [picture] the very, very beginning of a smile playing on the edges of Clay's lips. He is comtemplative there, but when I look at his expression, I see a quiet satisfaction with where his road has taken him and a recognition of good things to come. And his glow. I've never know someone with such a glow. I definitely saw it at the stage door last week. 

Berk said she and her sis can picture the smile that is on the way. I can too. In fact, I picture him starting to smile as he stands up and steps into that light. It grows brighter, turns into a spotlight, and he flashes a killer smile as he grabs the mic and steps into the light to deafening cheers. "

~Brightstar

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3/18/08
"The word that comes to mind most strongly when thinking about Clay's [Spamalot] performance is "natural." He is totally natural in this role. It seems as if he's played on Broadway forever-- singing and dancing almost effortlessly (and at the same time!), delivering comedic lines with perfect timing, playing several very different roles and making each one unique and memorable, speaking with an English accent (several different ones, in fact), and fitting seamlessly into an ongoing ensemble of seasoned and skilled stage actors. What a great--and gifted-- performer! I swear the man is so brimming with talent, someone probably has to sweep up what must spill over every night.

I loved his portrayal of the suprisingly intellectual, and somewhat bored, tower guard. His wedding guard is pee-in-your-pants hilarious (how on earth does he manage to keep a straight face?), and Brother Maynard is completely unexpected and priceless. And what more can be said about Sir Robin? I've heard several people who saw him during the opening weekend say his current Robin is not as naive or innocent and that may be true, but I thought there was a lot of innocence in his portrayal, as well as sweetness, fearfulness, and an endearing hopefulness. I guess I'd say his Robin was sure of himself when doing things he already knew. But when he was faced with a new experience, depending on the nature of it, he might be at some times eager and amazed, and at other times unsure, even fearful.

I was impressed at Clay's ability to stay completely in character, attentive at all times to the words and actions of others while adding nuances to his actions while not center stage. For instance he sometimes bites his fingernails nervously when fearful and looks awestruck and gleefully amazed while watching the goings-on in Camelot. He shares a lot of remarks with other actors-- as part of his acting and reacting-- but I couldn't hear or figure out most of them. I did hear (and see) him say "Can I touch it?" when standing close to one of the Camelot girls. He just seems to live the role, and that is probably one of the best things that can be said about an actor." 

~Brightstar

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3/01/08
"As I'm signing autographs, a very petite, pretty girl walks up to me and says, "Your 'Invisible' video made such an impact on my life." I didn't want to argue with her, but I thought she must have gotten that confused with some other video I'd done. "

"I thought it couldn't have been 'Invisible.' That was just a self-congratulatory video of me singing on the stage in the middle of Hollywood Boulevard with a bunch of people cheering. There was no story line; there was nothing inspirational about it. How in the world could that video have impacted anybody?" "Are you sure you don't mean some other video?" I asked. 

""No, I'm sure it was 'Invisible," she said. I asked her to please explain, and she did. "Well, Clay, I used to weigh about 200 pounds." She paused. "You look great, but what does that have to do with 'Invisible'?" "When I saw the girl on the stage with you in that video and you put your arm around her, it made me feel so much better about myself, because you had an overweight girl in your video, and you accepted her. "

"Because of that, I was finally able to accept myself. After that, my whole life changed, and I lost 90 pounds." Then it dawned on me what she was referring to. While we were making the video, the music director had pulled someone out of the audience and put her on the stage with me. She wasn't hugely overweight; she was just a healthy-looking girl, but I guess she didn't exactly fit the image of what people usually see on music videos. " 

"She wasn't stick-thin or model-gorgeous, but I never thought anything of it. " "Thank you so much for sharing that with me," I said, but a simple thank you was hardly adequate for the gift that young lady had given me. Her words led me to the realization that you never know the one thing you do that is going to impact someone's life. I try to set the right example, but that day I realized that even things I would never think would make an impact do. "

"I never would have thought that video would have affected anybody in any kind of positive way, and lo and behold, it did. The person it affected most was me. I realized that from then on, I was going to have normal, average, everyday-looking people in all my videos. I literally had to fight with the people from my record label. They were not going to let me do it. "

"They said that the video wouldn't sell, but I wouldn't budge. When we made the video I told them I didn't want any anorexic-looking girls or model-perfect guys. If we did have beautiful people, I wanted the beautiful girl to be with the overweight guy, and the average-looking girl with the model guy. I wanted people to know it doesn't matter what you look like, that everyone is good enough. " 

"I realized that's why "Idol" has the impact it does. You never see a contestant with that music-video look. It's about real people, and I think the reason why Season Two was so exciting is because not only were Ruben, Kimberly, and I all from out in the middle of nowhere, Podunk, but we were all extremely normal, average-looking people. We would have never gotten record contracts if it weren't for that show: Ruben being such a big guy; Kimberly, who was gorgeous, but a plus-size woman; and me. I was a dork, and I still am a dork. "

"We're all just normal people from down the street and around the block. The final realization I had that day in Atlanta is that it's not just people who are in the public eye who have an impact on others. You don't have to make a music video to make a difference in someone's life. You can be a bagger at a grocery store or a teller at a bank. You never know when something you do is going to impact someone's life without you even knowing it. "

~ Clay Aiken in Chicken soup for the American Idol Soul

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2/25/08
"I'm glad that he got another great review and I think my favorite line is the "this is not a debut for cowards" because that is spot on. If he had taken a role with a big voice, big song "that goes like this" in Phantom or a similar vehicle, his reviews would have been "he sang well, as expected". This role stretches him, smashes stereotypes, opens up people's eyes to his comedic talents and establishes him as an actor and singer, not just a singer who can act a little. 

I laughed at the aging cherub line. Earth to the rest of the world, he's almost 30. If everyone would stop using pictures from 2003 where he looked younger than he was, it wouldn't be such a surprise." 

~Corabeth

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2/22/08
"I have always wondered, and been exasperated by, the fact that many never seem to see/respect/acknowledge publically (shock!) just how incredibly hard Clay has worked, how concrete his work ethic is, his commitment to, well, his commitments. Heh. All the dues paying spouting and whatnot that goes on....his dues? I think he's earned it, and not in an easy way. He might have started with a lot more exposure than some but he frickin' ran with it, didn't hesitate to put in the time, the effort, jump on the learning curve and soak it up, and he is gracious about sharing his face time with other artists. I'm so happy to see him get a bit of respect from some who it really counts coming from. I do think it's overdue, yet, all things progress in their time, as they say. It's his time." 

~boo7

---

 

2/21/08
"Dishing With Clay Aiken" 
In PEOPLE MAGAZINE

The Idol singer, 29, is starring on Broadway in Monty Python's Spamalot. He chatted with Scoop about: 

SPAMALOT: It's smart, intelligent and almost highbrow humor. The punch lines don't slap you in the face. But for someone who's not a dancer, it's kicking my rear end! 

HIS NEW CD: We're hoping [to release it] May 6. In the past five years, I've learned a lot about life. I would like to wrap a lot of the music around that theme.

A NEW IMAGE: Last time I came out with dark crazy hair. We don't have any plans this time. But I've got the red wig... 

AMERICAN IDOL: It's something I wouldn't be here without. But I haven't watched it in three years. I've got other things to do!"

---

 

2/19/08
One of those woolly-tighted knights is being played through May 4 by Clay Aiken, the runner-up in 2003's "American Idol," whose various parts include the neurotic and cowardly Sir Robin. Aiken has drawn his own largely female fans - the "Claymates" - who are besotted by whatever he does onstage at the Shubert. 

"It's hilarious," said Waddingham. "He's so sweet about them backstage. He says, 'Ah'm sorry, they're embarrassing me, y'all.'" She went on to add, "He's taller than I thought he was and he's also quite strapping. I expected him to be 5' 6" and quite puny." 

~Hannah Waddingham

---

 

2/15/08
"With an artist like Clay it is hard to tell whether RCA is keeping information [about the upcoming CD] tight to the vest because they may be hedging their bets on the release date, or if they are creating a sense of drama and mystery. They have to know by now that Clay has a very dedicated fan base that will sniff out every detail and morsel of information regarding an upcoming release. The only information we have about the upcoming CD has come from Clay himself. We know that he wants it released, hopefully in May, and that the material will be original songs. He has hinted that the sole executive producer is a well-known, highly regarded person, likely male, and possibly British. Clay has said he is going for personal expression over radio friendly material. Intriguing and mysterious. "

~Barnett2

---

 

2/12/08
In 'The Singer, The Albatross and the Promise of the Future [first posted in January of 2005 ], berkeley wrote: 

"I fervently hope, with all the ports you will stop in and all who you will meet along the way, that you will find the songs that speak to your soul. 

And may the day soon come when what you have created is a true reflection of the self you are trying to reveal, in sound and in message. Then you will have built the vessel of your own creation, one that will carry you safely and confidently to the destinations of your choosing. It will be a ship of surpassing beauty and elegance, with a nimble touch as it moves through the waves. It will be built with your own hand, with the willing assistance of this band of crewmates who are happy and eager to travel with you. 

And when you are ready to name it, there will be just one name that comes to mind. It will not be a compromise or a promise for the future. That name will no longer limit you, no longer be a minuscule part of who you are and what you will become. It will be, through toil and struggle and sacrifice, through vision and courage and artistry, the ship that deserves to be called, quite simply --- 

“Clay Aiken.” 

There is a lamp in my window, and I wait for your return. Enjoy your journeys, and Godspeed."

~berkeley- first posted in January of 2005

***

"Right now, I am loving what I see on the horizon."

~berkeley- posted February 12, 2008

---

 
 

2/11/08
"The truth is, Clay is a smart guy who knows what works for him, and he was shrewd enough to realize that Spamalot, in its own nutty way, would be a good match for his talents and his sunny sensibility."

~Kathy Henderson 

---

2/11/08
"Everybody knows that Clay Aiken can sing, but—surprise!—he can also hold his own on a Broadway stage. To be more precise, he can hula, ogle scantily clad girls, discuss flying coconuts in a British accent, pretend to poop in his tunic, do a Cossack-style line dance and perform a lightning-fast patter song ("You won't succeed on Broadway if you don't have any Jews") without dropping a syllable. "

~Broadway.com

---

2/11/08
If I ever hear Simon Cowell insult someone on the show by using "You belong on Broadway" as a put-down, he can kiss my butt for that!"
<snip>
"People on Broadway are, without question, the most talented people in the country because they're doing seven things at once! They're dancing and they're singing and they're acting and they're speaking in tongues and they're playing piano and tapping. I mean, if Simon uses that as an insult again, he can kiss it! If you think about the people who are most well known for being phenomenal at their craft—Glenn Close as a prime example—the reason they're so good is because they started on stage. If you can do this Broadway thing, you can do anything. I'm considering running for President! [Laughs.] "

~Clay Aiken in interview on Broadway.com

---

2/07/08
****************URGENT PRESS RELEASE*********URGENT PRESS RELEASE************* 

NEW YORK--Singer/actor/philanthropist Clay Aiken revealed last night that a red-haired woman code-named “Shannon” removes his clothes, specifically his trousers, several times a week and twice on Saturdays and Sundays. Aiken made this announcement at the Shubert Stage Door to thousands of his adoring fans (widely known as “Attractive Independent-Thinking Enthusiastic Women and Men of Above-Average Intelligence and Discerning Musical Tastes") with his arm around the shoulders of the beautiful and petite “Shannon”. Shannon The Clay Stripper had no comment, but she did have a big ol’ smile on her face. 

*****END OF URGENT PRESS RELEASE******* 

~Jemock (Who else?)

---

1/30/08
"After reading, "The Happy Hickster" I was moved to add my own comment, and I quote " this is one of the best article/interviews I have read about Clay Aiken". You can read it there if you like. And then I went on to read the other comments and could not believe the storm of controversey that had been unleashed by this article, and I mean on both sides....our own Claymates and the Clay-haters. What really impressed me about the writer's perspective was that she was bright, insightful and well-versed on the Aiken background since the AI days, and even before, and had tried to approach this unique personality with some measure of New York sass, coupled with her own sense of his enormous talent and studied self-promotion. (Now I know that description will alienate some fans, but ALL entertainers worth their salt are constantly exercising self-promotion whether consciously or unconsciously.) Ariel Levy, the writer, seemed to maintain a kind of tongue-in-cheek attitude with Clay, pointing out his foibles and then balancing that with kudos for his obvious talent. I have a feeling that Clay was aware that he was talking to a well-versed New York writer and responded to that.
I loved the challenge she presented him with open and honest questions, and Clay's quirky and sometimes hilarious responses. If she jabbed at him a bit, he seemed to take no offense, so it felt a bit like they were sparring partners, a jab here, a jab there, and then a hug. Not once did I feel this interview was a set-up, or pre-arranged, or conceivd with malice in mind. I think the genius here was that she got Clay interested in talking to her, and that is one great accomplishment. If there is anything that Clay responds to it's intelligence.

She may have probed a little more deeply than most of his fans would like, but that is always what makes a great and interesting interview.

I was more than delighted to read <snip> that quite a few fans felt as I did, and welcomed the freshness of a brilliantly written piece about Clay after all the drivel we have been forced to read, and Clay's funny, surprising, sometimes heart-breaking, and snarky, but never defensive, responses. A very well-matched team."

~icame4themusic

---

 

1/28/08
"I found the article to be hit-and-miss, positive and negative, with the typical New York tone actually dialed down a bit. I also think there were a couple of errors of fact and a couple too-convenient juxtapositions of quotes, but with a bit of grudging respect for Clay's talent. 

The second I read the line about voting for Jesse Helms, I thought that was probably impossible due to how long ago he last ran. (I see others saved me the Google, so thanks.) Some people, though, vote the way their families do, or vote for the old lions. But that might well be an error, because Levy writes that Clay is "now" a Democrat when I believe his voting records show that he has always been. He's spoken well much more recently than 1996 of Jimmy Carter and Tom Harkin, both very different politically from Helms. 

There are plenty of people who are determined to paint Clay as some dumb hick. (Raleigh is about as "country" as Seattle, in terms of population, dominant professions and people holding advanced degrees.) I like that she saw through Clay's schtick and other people's misperceptions and wrote that he is an intelligent and thoughtful person. 

There are people who think Clay is ugly (or, alternately, fat or scrawny.) I like that she wrote that he isn't, that he is instead perfectly normal looking and of average weight. 

The "quite the little activist" comment was patronizing (matronizing? *g*) and the term "special needs cases" was stunningly rude and dismissive. 

For a woman who professes to be a feminist to write glib, insulting generalizations about an entire generation of women is a disgrace. 

Everybody has an accent. Levy must not be able to hear her own accent, but I bet Clay could mimic it better than she can his. 

I think stereotyping is thoughtless and lazy --- but what do I know, I'm just a shallow, headline-seeking, soul-ignoring denizen of Los Angeles. 

Basically, I think Levy couldn't find her "hook" and couldn't draw it out of him. She had a couple of interesting insights, but her lack of time or ability to penetrate her subject showed in the extensive quotes from LTS. Four year old quotes in a current article should only be used as a jumping-off point, not as the gospel of Clay's thoughts and life today. 

I don't think Clay discusses details of his private life with anyone outside of his own circle, and I think he answers those questions in whatever way the mood strikes him that day. She carried in some preconceived notions she wasn't able to put down, though she did qualify them. That tells me about her world view, not his. 

I am glad that she saw that Clay fit well on Broadway rather than not being able to handle the weight of New York, even though she threw in a little aside about Broadway being a little piece of "Regular America." 

She must not be a theater fan. Anybody who thinks that modern theater is devoid of eroticism must not have seen anything more edgy than "You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown." 

I'd say that Clay is a guarded person, that self-deprecation is a shield and that he probably doesn't even hear the "us" and "we." It isn't impossible to get him to open up, though I imagine that, with all the crap flung at him before and after fame, it can be difficult. Levy failed to do it, and that tells me as much about the writer as it does the subject. 

For Elle, Alison Glock succeeded in presenting a fuller picture of who Clay Aiken is, as did Matt Ehlers in his "New Measure of A Man" N&O piece (a balanced one for that publication for a change.) Considering that New York has made a couple of snide swipes just in the last few weeks, that this article is not relentlessly negative is the best that I can expect. 

So glad to hear that Clay continues to grow in the part(s), that general audiences are enjoying his performance and that his cast mates seem to like and appreciate him."

~berkeley

---

1/28/08
"I rather enjoyed the second page of the New York article; I especially liked that Ariel Levy acknowledged that Clay is smart and well-informed. I thought the wardrobe discussion at the beginning went on too long, but the scene-setting in the studio was entertaining. The last third of the article was kind of mixed for me...I really enjoyed reading Levy's reaction to Clay in Spamalot, but egads, I find discussion of Clay's sexuality approximately as interesting as I would his opinion on rutabagas versus other turnips. Dullsville USA. 

I think Clay came off as unnecessarily high-strung, but no biggie there. For the most part, I don't think Levy was sneering at him. I also didn't get contempt, regionally based or otherwise. She came off as just wanting him to relax, which is fair enough. The "promosexual" bit made me giggle, actually. I think Levy's point might be that Clay has come to believe his own schtick about himself, so the schtick is actually genuine but, in her view, it masks that there's more to this guy and she's wondering if he'll ever relax enough to let it through. I think she has an idea of what Clay would be like if he would relax, and I'm pretty sure I wouldn't agree with her idea, but whatever. I will concede that there's no warmth to her writing, but I guess I wasn't expecting that from this particular magazine, anyway. 

I don't know...I'm not really bothered by the tone of the article. I'm not enamored of the article, but I don't think it's bad. And I'm not saying that it's not bad in an "it could have been worse" way. I really don't think it's bad. I'm not even going to try to predict the fallout, though, as I can only imagine what the comment section is going to become."

~43dudleyvillas re:  The article in the New York Magazine

---

1/28//08
"So what is the article telling this audience?: 

-That Clay is a successful artist that has sold over 6 million records 
-That his success extends beyond the recording industry and he has even had a best-selling book. 
-That he is a UNICEF ambassador. 
-That he established his own charitable foundation. 
-That he performs quite well in his Spamalot role (and if this author could have attacked his performance in any way, I've no doubt that she would have) 
-That his appearance in Spamalot is attracting a lot of his fans to the show 
-And (IMO) most importantly for this particular audience - that the "dorky" and "geeky" is just part of a self-deprecating image, but that people shouldn't buy into that description because Clay is in reality a very successful artist, is considered a sex symbol by many (including People Magazine), and is no ignorant hick but rather a rather shrewd artist who is very aware of his career and his publicity and promo. 

I agree that the article didn't present any of Clay's warmth or humor, and it's not the type of article that will cause people to go "oh, he's so funny," "he's such a nice guy," "he's so cute and lovable" or even "he's so talented." It's not the type of article that will make people fall in love with his personality or his talent, simply because the author never really presented either. However, it's the type of article that may cause those who look down on Clay as too cheesy/geeky/dorky/uncool (take your pick) to look at him with new eyes and see a very successful artist, and if there is one thing that can earn people's respect among the more snooty and snobbish crowd, it's success. The article may not earn Clay tons of friends, but it may earn him another look and some respect from those who thought of him as a hick or those who thought he had disappeared after idol and his 15 min were long over."

~kellykellyk

---

 
 

1/27/08
"His accents, his faces, his background chatter ( rhubarb,rhubarb,Hail Caesar!), his interactions with everyone and that FACE! Oy! And he said "goyim"! He IS a dancer- a natural- it just had to be brought out properly , given permission, coaxed. And can he shimmy and shake! "

"He does not disappoint. Again, he is in brilliant company who lift him higher"

~Divayenta, after seeing Clay in SPAMALOT

---

 

1/25/08
"I asked him if he's met Clay and he said he did and that Clay actually manned the ticket booth for them once and they all had a break! The ticket guy said that no one's ever done that since James Earl Jones! He also said that Clay's such a nice guy."

~zippy888

---

 

1/25/08
"Clay Aiken bristles at questions from newsmagazine reporter". 

"It's almost as if they weren't interested in his position on Kenyan political unrest." 

 "Funny thing is, he probably HAS a position on Kenyan political unrest *g* "

"And would compare and contrast it with the Darfur situation with specific references to his UNICEF trip."

~From a message board discussion

---

1/22/08
"Associate director of broadway's SPAMALOT Peter Lawrence says Aiken has been no idle diva; the singer asked to be treated like any other company member and has been surprisingly fearless." 

"Clay really surprised me. When you meet him, he's this sweet kid from North Carolina with an accent. And you think there's no way he can do Cambridge material. And then he does," says Lawrence. 

"It's been a total delight and a surprise for me and everyone in the company to work with Clay because he can do things you'd never imagine he could do."

~Associate director Peter Lawrence re: Clay Aiken and his role in Spamalot

---

1/21/08
"The Broadwayworld website itself is very useful for photos, interviews and general news. Broadway.com is advertiser driven, but it has a lot of the same features. Playbill is considered the elite among the bunch, going back more than a hundred years. It's pretty wonderful to see Clay being featured on all of them. 

These places are part of Clay's world now. It appears that he has proven himself to Mike Nichols, Eric Idle, and the "Spamalot" cast and crew, and it can be expected that they will speak well of him. Clay will, as time permits, be part of theater-related events from now on, from shows to benefits to panel discussions. I haven't seen him in "Spamalot" yet, and my mind is already drifting to when he might be asked to originate a role! 

His life will get increasingly busy, between recording, pop and Christmas tours, BAF and UNICEF activism and now acting roles. (Something in film will come up, too, I have no doubt.) I just don't have time for the buzzing of gnats, when the real buzz about Clay just gets louder and louder!"

~berkeley

---

1/20/08
"Clay appeared to me to be totally and completely committed to this production. He was an actor amongst actors; he was not Clay Aiken, American Idol runner-up playing a role. He is Clay Aiken, actor, and has assumed the role(s) of a character in a Broadway show that was certainly not created with a 'wannabe' in mind. "

~STPteach

---

 

1/19/08
Re: Clay Aiken's January 18th Broadway debut:
"The word on the street in NYC among the NJUs [People who weren't already fans of Clay Aiken] is that Clay was GREAT."

~jojoct

---

1/11/08
"I think the thing that attracted me to this show is how different it was and anti-Broadway it is. I barely sing. They've written some new parts for me to sing a little. But it gives me the opportunity to try different things. "

~Clay Aiken about SPAMALOT

---

1/11/08
" I treasure the moments that he makes people feel .... transports them, even if for moments, to somewhere beyond the hassles and obstacles often encountered in daily living."

"...the beauty of the dance of love and laughter and joy in the exaltation of life and the vibration of the music and being of a man who aids in transporting you there is a hard attraction to resist, especially when it may also be savoured in the camaraderie of other seekers journeying in to participate in moments of time suspended in joy and a mysterious love."

~DancesOfSpirit

---

 

12/27/07
"We had a nice Christmas at my sister-in-law’s house. Just the five of us listening to some CDs and talking away. Then after our dinner we all went to bed early. On the way to her house, I heard a song on the car radio that captivated me? Mary Did You Know? It was a haunting rendition of a song that has been done many times since it was written in 1984. This voice was dark and mysterious, something like Alison Moyet in her prime. I searched through different versions of the song and discovered it was actually sung by a man called Clay Aiken. What a haunting voice and a delight to listen to! He was a finalist on American Idol in 2003. As I don’t watch these TV shows, I really missed out on something there."

~Echos Across Time

---

12/21/07
"For me this is a shining example of Clay's humor, he said it so casually. I didn't laugh until I was driving home and was remembering my M&G and I remember this: For our pictures Jamie assigns us a number and we get in line for our picture. Clay talks through all the pictures. After we were all done with our pictures Clay said "All done and all six of you smelled nice! "

~GodBlessedClay

---

 

12/13/07
"This is what I love to do, I love to sing and to be able to perform in front of an audience," he said. "It does not happen often where someone can do what they truly love for a living, so I feel fortunate to be able to have my dream of singing come true. Music is such an important part of my life. The best thing of course are the fans. Being on stage and seeing their smiles and knowing they are enjoying the music is a great feeling."

~Clay Aiken

---

12/09/07
"Perfection is for God, not for people. 
Ever look at the tags on a fine tussah silk blouse? like when it says that the imperfections are proof of its weaving authenticity? If you don't want imperfections, you should buy a synthetic blouse... but if your taste is for the genuine, and for the real-deal, expect imperfections. The lack of them is a sign of homogenized anaesthesia. 
Same goes for live concerts".

~likesclayspriorteeth

---

 

12/06/07
" Simon Cowell interviewed. Interviewer threw out names for him to comment on. Clay: " A classic example of somebody who was incredibly aware of the process; what you say, how you act. He was on the internet, I think, just about every hour, on every kind of poll available, knowing he was doing well. During the results show, they'd come to him, he'd put his hands together and look up and ask heaven, knowing full well he's going to sail through". 

~December GQ magazine (Bill Clinton on front) 

---

12/06/07
"Honestly, the man has the most dangerously subtle eyelids I have ever seen. Yes, he often employs them with frankly seductive skill...but when he caresses with them...ah...it's a mix of tender and intense. That slow blink, those drifting lashes, the sidelong glance. All seemingly gentle, soft, soothing, safe...until he drops his chin and openly looks...and the unwary are suddenly trapped by a stunning direct gaze. Inviting. Deadly. Those eyelids. Those eyes. And then...he smiles."

~00Isee

---

 

11/30/07
Review of the Waukegan Concert:
"Clay Aiken gave a grown up Christmas concert at Waukegan last night, and I was amazed at the virtuoso performance. Clay is a musical instrument in this performance as surely as the violins are. The physical positioning of Clay on the platform allows the music to rise up, to swirl around him and to join with his voice and float out to the audience and wrap it in the sound. 

I witnessed the physical beauty of Clay's hands literally move with the music. The passion flowed out of his fingers. There were times when he used these hands to pull the music up to him, and to pass it out to us. There were times when I noticed his feet move to the rhythm and literally move the music through his body.

Then there was the face. The light that comes out of that face, the joy, the pleasure was overwhelming. He lost himself in the music, but never lost control. 

There was such an artistic connection between Clay and Jesse and the music. There was non-stop music. It was holy and secular. It was majestic and fun. It was melancholy and joyous. It moved at such a rapid pace, that surrender to it is the only way to enjoy it. 

Quiana and Angela gave beautiful performances. They too, were caught in the moment. The ending of "O Holy Night," stunning, just stunning. 

If you were blind, you could hear the beauty. If you were deaf you could feel the vibrations. This concert is a physical, visceral experience. It foretells what we will see from Clay, and it reflects his immense growth as an artist in charge of his own career. God, I'm glad, I'm along for the ride."

~yaknelle

---

11/27/07
"I love that Clay is always thinking, always coming up with new and different ideas, continually showing us his heart and his artistry. I love that he knows his fans are diverse and will love/hate/like/dislike/be enraptured with/be turned off by/feel meh about/adore, adore, adore his shows. Some may feel all those ways at the same time! And that's okay with him, he seems to say. It always has been and may always be that way. 

The quirky, beautiful, mega-talented man loves us-- his sometimes quirky, almost always interesting and devoted fans. He keeps telling us that. I love that he wants to put together a special show each holiday season and entertain us --working hard on each one until he is happy with it, until he thinks it is just right. Then he presents us with his gift, every year a different one, each one uniquely his. 

He knows reactions will vary, and that's okay. He is proud and happy with his gift regardless. 

Those who aren't enraptured this year may love the show in 2008. It's bound to be different. He's told us his childhood stories. Does anyone really expect him to present the same gift to us two years in a row? *g* 

He's endlessly fascinating to me. Such a unique and talented man.

~Brightstar

---

 

11/27/07
"Someone said anyone can just stand up there and sing. I beg to differ. No one stands up there and sings like my BF. No one. Each time I think he can't possibly sing that song any better or make me feel it any more than I already do he proves me wrong. I expect that to happen this tour as well. "
~beagle3

"I was thinking something like that...That he's not "just standing there" even if he appears to be still and in one place. He is energy, he is emotion, he is blood, he is oxygen, he is light, he is sound...flowing in, and out, and through...pouring, illuminating, swirling, sparkling, tugging, persuading, convincing, touching, triumphing. It's a mysterious thing he does, really. Seeming to stand still and "just" sing...and all the while doing, and being, so much more. "

~00Isee

---

11/26/07
"Remember when you were a kid and the girl next door had a crush on Bobby Sherman or Shaun Cassidy? It's like that, only now we have credit cards."

~ Karen Bellows as quoted in an interview in the  Kalamazoo Gazette article

---

11/26/07
"When I spoke to Clay, he seemed like such a good, warm-hearted person. I really got the feeling that he did philanthropic things because he wanted to, not because someone forced him to seem passionate about a cause. It made me like him even more!"

"Clay DOES talk quickly. I do too, but most people who are being interviewed tend to speak slower because they know the reporter is jotting things down. Not Clay. Not always at least. 

I did have to leave some things out for size and relevance. At the very beginning of the conversation, I asked how he was, and he said well. And I complimented his grammar, and we talked about how he's a stickler for grammar and sometimes corrects people. We talked about the causes he is a part of, and they're all things that he personally chose. He said you can't force people to be passionate about things. So if he was working with organizations that he wasn't passionate about, you'd know. Going along with that, he said he used to work with his church, but he's able to volunteer on a greater scale now than he was then. We talked about how his job is getting easier, how after five years he's gotten used to the different aspects of his job. 

Those were the things I had to leave out. It was a really nice conversation, and he was very genuine. He didn't just spit out stock quotes like some artists can be known to do. It wasn't rehearsed, and, as a writer, I appreciate that."

~Lisa Sokolowski in reference to the article she wrote:  Christmas in the Heartland

---

11/21/07
"This will be new music, new songs that will become signature songs. They'll stand up against some of the mess in the market nowadays. "
 

~Clay Aiken about his upcoming NEW album

---

11/20/07
"You of course, have a beautful voice and I think the fact that you do so much with children and so much with various charities, I think that puts you above some of the other singers and actors and performers, because you want to spend time.. and you want to do whatever YOU can to give back to the community whether it's here in the states or in Africa or South America- that's very commendable that you spend so much time helping less fortunate."

~Maureen from WASHFM Radio to Clay in an interview

---

11/13/07
"I haven't come through the front door of a building in 5 years." 
[Words spoken by Clay at a November 12th Special Education Concerence as he was trying to tell the thousands of educators in the audiance where to find The Bubel/Aiken Booth.]

"This line goes right along with a memorable spot in the AI Rewind Hollywood segment. At the end of the show Simon [Cowel] is chastising the entire group of guys, telling them how badly they blew that day's audition. He says something like, "you are going to be in limos, you are going to be in fancy hotels, you're going to be famous" just as they show the entire group of guys just standing there on stage listening to him. 

It is amazing to watch that piece and realize that the guy on that stage for whom that all becomes a reality is that skinny dude on the end!"

~sugrbugr

***

"Not only that but it's amazing to think that those big old feet of his that haven't been able to walk in a front door for five years now have trod stages coast-to-coast during his multiple headlining tours,been in recording studios all over the world,the sets of how many television shows (including his own special),onto the ice with Olympic skaters,and will soon take him to Broadway. 

They've also taken him to how many events to help the world's children including those of his own foundation, to testify before Congress on their behalf, and to Presidential committee meetings that he has been appointed to. 

They've walked the devastated ground in Banda Ache after the tsunami, the war-torn fields of Uganda,and the dangerous mountain slopes of Afghanistan. 

They've "walked the line" for how many miles, night after night, just to touch our hands and thank us because we love him and have followed those footsteps. 

He may have stopped walking in front doors five years ago but OH, the places he has walked instead. "

~Rocky's Mom

---

 

11/11/07
Comments  about the newly- seen footage of Clay from American Idol 2 Rewind:

"Amazing how it takes only a second for Clay's voice to engage one in the most lovely, transcendant aural trance. That Superstar clip is four lines, but it is so rich with that "essence of Clay," similar to that old clip of his part in "Hello" (about the same length). It's an effort to tear oneself away even after multiple on multiple viewings. As for what he was like then, all that comes to mind between the beautiful hazel eyes, the lashes, the lanky body, the sincerity, and the unique vocal tone and timbre, is that he was a totally dreamy guy. 

Paula and Randy are rocking back and forth to the rhythm of the music, entranced by Clay's voice; Simon is rocking a bit faster, with an edge of agitation seemingly. I think not only is he thinking how the hell can it still be any kind of a competition with this voice in the mix, but Clay's just so incredibly good and so polished already vocally that a part of Simon must have sensed that his own dominance on the show was challenged. Clay had the ability to do nothing but be polite, thoughtful and sing, and in the process naturally soak up every drop of attention in the room. Simon was confronted with someone that maybe he sensed was intrinsically more than him, more conscious, more intelligent, more passionate, more compassionate, and way more talented. And Clay's standing there, probably only part of him really knowing how much talent he already had. What an interesting dynamic and drama between the two of them that had begun. And it will end with Simon's near-irrelevance, just another man with a lot of money, while Clay still has all the real goods that make for a fascinating person with a multitude of ways to entertain, thrill, soothe, and influence people."

~waterbaby

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11/10/07
"I love watching these old clips. [video from American Ido 2] Not really old, just 5 years, but it seems longer. I fell in love with that skinny, geeky-looking kid on the American Idol stage with this huge, unique voice who sang with so much love and passion that you forgot anything else. Now the voice and the body match. The contrast is so great watching America Idol Rewind that I am blown away. It is like the Sandecki [American Idol 5] Finale night being replayed over and over. What a transformation, but my love for that skinny kid is still there too. I do miss the confident, yet innocent expression of sparkly anticipation that used to be in Clay's eyes, which has been replaced by a more knowing and experienced wariness. He is one truly amazing man, as fascinating and mysterious as ever."

~Barnett2

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"One part that I love is about 30 seconds into [the] Superstar [video] when they had just finished singing. For just a second, he looked unsure. It was a rare hole in his confidence and I wanted to hug him and tell him five years later it was going to be OK. That he would be a millionaire with a devoted fanbase and tremendous opportunities on the horizon. That he would have the opportunity to tour the world and feed both his creative soul and his devotion to children."

~Corabeth

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11/03/07
"...this week, I am exceptionally proud of my association with Clay. I am particularly honored by the way he chooses to put his strong convictions in the forefront of his life."

~makenaiken1

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11/02/07
"You are a quality human being and a man of character."

~Jeff Foxworthy to Clay Aiken as they shook hands after Clay won 300,000 dollars for his
Buble/Aiken Foundation on 'Are You Smarter Than a Fifth grader'

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10/29/07
Unsent letter to critic who wrote an  ill-informed and erroneous report about Clay's appearance  at The Neil Sedaka Tribute -neglecting to even mention Clay's spectacular performance:
 

[Webmaster note: Chances are good that the critic wrote it to intentionally incite angry responses from Clay's fans.  The writer of the letter below didn't send it because she believed that the critic did not derserve that satisfaction.]

"Yes, <snip> (or insert a variety of names here), it's true. Clay is taller than you. And much more good looking. And so much smarter. And mega talented. Did I mention well known? He turns heads. Oh, yes, and much more successful. And respected-- by those who matter. He has a much nicer physique too. Trim in the right spots and large where it counts. Yes, he has a huge heart. And huge other wonderful things. Heh. I suspect that he's also much, much, much richer than you are. And loved. Oh boy, is he loved! Ticks you off, doesn't it? 

How much money did you raise the last time you signed and sold one of your shirts? No? Why not? I see, no takers. Well the last time Clay did that, he made thousands and thousands of dollars. Not for himself, mind you (did I say he was rich?), but for his charity. What’s the name of your foundation? Oh, you don’t have one. Too bad. Giving, helping others, encouraging, praising, and celebrating accomplishments can be so rewarding. You should try it sometime. 

Well, I could say more, but I must go buy some tickets to Clay's skating show. And his Christmas concerts. And of course Spamalot. Can't wait to buy his new CD! Of course he's still selling his first three. And his book. And the audiobook. I hear he has a speaking engagement soon, sharing what he's learned about Afghanistan--you should check it out. Maybe he'll share a bit about his travels to Uganda and Indonesia, etc. too. Don't be surprised if he's hard to reach for comment, though. He may be busy on the phone with someone from UNICEF. Or his Presidential committee. Or Tyra Banks. :) Maybe he'll give you a wave. Nah, I doubt it. He's learned to ignore a-holes. 

Must suck to be you."

~Brightstar

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10/28/07
"Looking at pictures of David Foster with his arm around Clay reminds me of the story about the Rockefeller: When someone asked to borrow $30K from him, he said, "I'll do better than lending you $30K. I'll walk for 15 minutes on the floor of the stock exchange with my arm around you. Then you can borrow any amount of money from anybody." With association with and respect from the likes of Foster and Sedaka, all the gnats are not even worth noticing."

~propounder

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10/27/07
"I hear nothing tentative about the beginning; I hear Clay taking the excited energy in the room and softly and tenderly calming the audience down and drawing them into the beautiful poignancy of the song. The tone on the first high "Solitaire" note - gah! And the purity of the high notes mixed with the deep, full richness of the low notes, with Clay moving so fluidly in between the two; Clay has the consciousness of everyone listening suspended in time with him as he moves them along on the song's journey. His eyes and lips give even more depth and color to the tenderness in his tone, then his hands begin to also reflect the anguish in the message of the song. I wonder if he could sense all the hearts pounding with him on the climax glory note and final notes. 

I think Clay celebrated before the high five with David, as he broke character and did the fist pump and cute bounce on the final note. He knew he'd done an amazing job, and I loved watching him celebrate it. 

So we have a version of Solitaire now that is an exquisite work of art, both vocally and visually. What is more amazing is that we have the equivalent work of art for many other songs as well that Clay has blown out of the park over the years.

~waterbaby

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10/27/07
"Clay was born to perform. Period. He was born to be where he is now. He has the talent, of course, but he also has the intellect, the character, the heart, the passion, the perspective, and the wisdom to do this. No matter what opposition he faces, no matter how loud the haters and the clueless can be, he is destined for greatness, I believe. Maybe not as a pop star, but greatness none the less. And I don't think he has even begun to plumb the depths of his abilities. It's almost scary how talented he is. 

I just feel so lucky to be here now, following and appreciating him. I hope I'm "frightened" and enthralled for decades to come. He's no angel, thank goodness, yet he's a delicious bit of heaven on earth."

~Brightstar

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10/26/07
"Being a Clay fan is just the most fun in the world! --listening to a muffled CV cellstream and sharing gahs and giggles and sighs and sobs with fans literally across the world, brought together by love and appreciation for an amazing man with an indescribably beautiful voice.

Thank God for modern technology. Yes, it provides a place for gnats and crazies to spout their garbage, but it can also allow a huge group of really good people to come together, take a cyber trip to NY, and hear (in real time or just a bit later) a really good man, standing in the midst of established celebrities and superstars, blow the roof off the place.

There are so many troubles in the world these days, far away and close to home, but tonight I'm just all smiles and gahs and goosebumps and giddiness. "

~Brightstar

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10/26/07
"Clay Aiken is amazing beyond that glorious voice. Turns out he is an excellent comic actor and a master of character. People will be surprised by his wide ranging talent, since the first impression is of great country charm and a singer to remember. This guy is not only a star, he is a lot more. We are lucky to get him for SPAMALOT." 

~Director Mike Nichols

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10/13/07
(In reference to 10/13/03):
"Four years ago I took my first trip to NYC, and I went alone. Clay empowers, y'all. 

I slept with my first Clay fan (woohoo). I saw my first nekkid singing cowboy. I stood in line at 3 a.m. for a wave and a "hey guys!" from the most beautiful creature I had ever laid eyes on. I ran all the way back from Virgin Records to the hotel, trailing the pull-out poster of Clay like a banner, to watch the most incredible performance of Invisible I've ever seen. 

Gosh, that was a really great night. So full of hope and promise, and bittersweet vindication and fulfillment."

~Jemock

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10/10/07
"[Clay] is a grown man. 

I respect him enough to stand back while he handles his own professional life, private life and especially his security. 

I'll use my voice to natter on about how much fun this choice or that one would be, and I'll ignore the issues that affect his life -- as per his specific request. 

I'll deal with the larger issues of racism, sexism, homophobia and religious intolerance as I see fit, but I won't use him as a poster boy for anything. "

~berkeley

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10/01/07
Re: Clay's Narration of American Idol Rewind: Season 2
"I've written narration for documentaries, commercials and lifestyle projects, editing and rearranging the words to better support the pictures. The narrator can be directed to say the words in a certain rhythm to coordinate with the action on the screen or with the cuts (edits), use tone of voice to help create a mood, foreshadow upcoming action, summarize the theme of the piece and sometimes suppy in words what is missing in pictures. Because the narrator is (or can be) an additional "character" in a production, it is essential that the narrator vary his delivery, from rhythm to pitch to speed to intensity, and suggest a mood as well. He should be clear without overenunciating, which is at least as distracting as the viewer having to ask, "What did he say?" 

I try to be objective about Clay's professional accomplishments --- there's no point in me thinking that everything he does is perfect, because he's human and it just isn't always so. As a narrator, though, I would rate him at least a strong A-. He really did a superb job with all of the above factors."

~berkeley

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10/01/07
"The way for Clay to genuinely make an impact with new music does -not- begin with radio penetration. It will begin with songs like [Measure of a Man] and "Lover All Alone" that people genuinely believe reflect his persona and personality. Those songs will show up on his myspace page, on AOL Music, YouTube, etc., maybe on a TV show, and Clay will perform at least one of those songs on a TV show or three. If his music is connecting, we'll start to see positive word of mouth, and a measurable impact via consistent digital downloads performance (leading up to or accompanying decent album sales). I'm not talking about flashy initial or weekly numbers, but steady and growing numbers on a week to week basis. If that keeps up, radio may very well follow. The way that pop radio is these days, I don't think it's the logical starting point, whether you're the artist, record label or management. The management in particular would, I would hope, be looking for creative ways to generate positive word of mouth."

~43dudleyvillas

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9/28/07
" My husband and I agree that there is the special something about Clay- his voice and his persona- that just makes people happy.  I feel a sadness for those who "don't get it" because they are missing out on this wonderful feeling of - as a4a beautifully described it-- "the link to hope".  In other cases it is like a re-awakening that just makes people happier, and in turn their happiness spills over to the people around them.  Sometimes, all it takes is that voice to touch something inside us which blooms and brings a smile to our faces or a thrill that is indefinable.  Many people will never get it.  But those of us who do are the lucky ones."

~Janwhatever
(posted after several e-mailed requests)

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9/26/07
"Yep, he's just a singer. And just a humanitarian. And just a comedian, just a witty, snarky, bawdy man, just an entertainer. Just a teacher, a writer, a presidential committee member. Oh, and just a dorkie/hawt/humble/deliciously sexy guy. 
That's all. 
No biggie."

~Brightstar

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9/26/07
" As the House Manager of the Community Arts Center, I am so pleased to welcome Clay Aiken and his fans back to our beautiful venue. The entire staff of the CAC had such a wonderful experience with not only Mr. Aiken, but with his wonderful Claymates and Claymaniacs last year. I believe that myself and the rest of the staff were moved not only by his talent, but his kind and loving nature. Not only is he an very talented artist, but a gentleman as well!"

~Lara Collins Breon
Williamsport Community Arts Center 

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"Count me in as one who thinks Clay wouldn't flaunt his success among his high school friends. He was a popular, well-liked student, and wouldn't have anything to prove by showing off how much money he has, or by name-dropping or by thumbing his nose at anybody. I think he, probably more than most people, knows that there are things much more valuable than riches.

But I do hope he looked hawt."

~Jemock

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"Clay's first blog yesterday about Fantasia while everyone was expecting a comment about the tour rumor was the cyber-equivalent of leaving the toilet seat up in the middle of the night."

~Rocky's Mom

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9/11/07
"Clay has a terrific voice and he uses it well. But he's always been an entertainer. Take another look at the much maligned Hometown Connection stuff. Singing is just one part of who he is as a performer. What he does requires a complicated skill set and singing is just one tool in his arsenal, albeit a powerful one. He's also a storyteller, and a comedian, and a teacher, and a commentator, and a promoter, and a producer. Lots of characters up there on that stage every time he picks up a mic. "

~idlefan4ca

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8/30/07
"He came across not just as smart. He was not the memorized facts and figures and book smart stuff. Yes, he was smart and confident. But more than that, he clearly was well informed and very knowledgeable. He came across as experienced, even worldly. It was obvious he was well rounded and grounded and very much a man worthy of respect. He was the kind of man you’d solicit and value his opinion if you were looking for someone who really “gets it,” someone to believe and trust and put your faith in. He came across as the kind of many that you’d sit up and notice. His responses were reasoned, well thought out and were based on what he knows; not guesses. No ego; he was focused, fully responsible and there to do a good job for his children. And that he did! 

He was real, totally authentic and congruent and very much in the moment. I was talking to xxx4clay afterward in the car on the way home. She said she would love the world to see Clay as he really is, the way we see him. I think yesterday was all that and a bag of chips! This is the closest he’s ever come to that, certainly on television. You get to see ALL sides! ALL! Really, really, “REAL and CLASSIC” Clay in the best possible way.

This appearance will serve Clay extremely well. The people who already loved him going in will be absolutely thrilled and love him more. The people who liked him will really have their eyes opened and find a new level of respect and admiration. The people who don’t “know” him will be really impressed. They will see a multi-faced, multi-dimensional MAN. And the people who are neutral will be nudged into really thinking he is pretty damn OK--a grown man who handled himself very, very well. Some will quite frankly be shocked—certainly out of their preconceived notions about that Clay Aiken guy. The people who didn’t like him going in will be quite surprised and the LEAST they could walk away with is, he’s really, really smart. "

~gareem- (after watching the ARE YOU SMARTER THAN A FIFTH GRADER taping)

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8/29//07
"Four years later, this fan has borne witness to the evolution of a man…a man in possession of a voice unique, unmatched by any of his generation. However, this man is so much more than a participant within the musical landscape of today. No, he has emerged from his boyhood into a man of complexity, inner depth, and contradictory traits awash in unabashed courage. At once, seemingly naïve and yet knowingly sexy, sensitive and impatient, funny and wise, Clay’s persona is revealed. From an unsubstantial youthful build, he has grown into broad shouldered, narrow hipped young man ideally suited for designer attire and fashion forward hair cuts…handsome and desirable. Initially tentative, he confidently commands the stage, poised to banter with any and all who evoke his mirth."

~Clayharmony

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8/20/07
"I love dangerous comedy that really kind of skewers people and situations, and what's amazed me this tour (and last Christmas tour) is that Clay really has that same ability that Jimmy Kimmel has, to be able to sluice people with rapier sharp wit, but due to their overall demeanors being so warm and affable, it doesn't come across as at all mean, even when it's quite a cutting observation. For instance, picture someone like Dennis Miller saying one of my favorite Clay lines from last night: "They may not know how to punch a hanging chad, but they can sing a TV theme song." Out of Miller's mouth, it's funny in a confrontational way that attacks the intelligence of Floridians; but with Clay it's even funnier because it retains all of its connotations, but with him delivering the line with that sunny smile and modest demeanor, it becomes more of a gentle observation of human nature that even Floridians can laugh at, with layers beneath that available if you wish to enjoy them."

~waterbaby

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8/20/07
"The fifty2thirty family has finished another successful journey down this street. And I thank you for Philadelphia, Meadowbrook, Newark and most especially, Asheville. Memories of the faux catwalk, the jumbotrons, cussin Clay, incredible M&G reports, the duet with the cello in "Lover All Alone", bats and bugs and rolling laughter. And voices in song....Oh, such voices. No one compares. No.One.

Rest well, Clay. Hug your two sisters tight, they have reached new heights in their showmanship. Stop teasing Jesse for a day. He is a master for someone so young. Give Jerome a slap on the back. So tough when he needs to be and then 10 minutes later leads a kindergarten line of adults in a circle. Never leave him, Jerome. 

Search far and wide, Jaymes. This man deserves the best that is out there. Well, he wrote the best that is out there. Please honor it and find more."

~Corabeth

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8/19/07
 Clay Aiken is a funny guy. Whether leading the crowd through a medley of television theme songs, including Diff'rent Strokes and Growing Pains, or mocking his uncoolness with OPP or SexyBack (yeah, you read that right), the boy's got a comedian's timing and deft touch with a zinger. 

~Leslie Gray Streeter

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"Hi friends...I just came back from watching my first "Clay Aiken" concert here in West Palm Beach...The boy can sing...And he has a sense of humor...He should advertise his concert as more of a "variety" show...I truly think the guy can sing, dance, tell jokes, rap, and actually act cool...I went to the concert expecting to leave bored; however, I was highly impressed...I give it 4 out of 5 stars..."

~From a blog by a 38 year old man

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8/18/07
"And in the past, he [Clay} had indicated that he wanted a talk show, not a variety show, not anything else. But I see now that he’s open to other types of shows… I think he wants the opportunity to be on TV because he’s an entertainer, period. A talk/variety show that is a hybrid, that would allow him to sing, to entertain, as well as have conversations with people of interest to him (I don’t think he’s interested in talking with too many “useless celebrities”) would be what he wants, I imagine. I can’t help but think that Team Clay must put together its own audition tape from our clack [fan videos taken at his concerts] … there are so many wonderful moments that the clack-gatherer