Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Clay Aiken Celebrates 10th Anniversary

Clay Aiken photo ClayAudition_zpsc273d340.jpg Clay Aiken photo clayaiken2_zps0f1e76a1.jpg
Left: Clay Aiken's first audition; Clay after the first makeover.

Apparently, this past Monday, January 28, 2013, marked the 10th anniversary of the broadcast of Clay Aiken's audition for the second season of American Idol. I do remember the audition, which made me sit up and take notice of that voice. You see, I was on board with Idol from the first season, when I loved Kelly Clarkson, and enjoyed Jim Verraros. This was back in the days when Idol was trying to find their feet, having been so awfully lucky with the first season, and a winner like Kelly, with a true abundance of talent. She had success with "A Moment Like This", her coronation song, and followed it up with "Miss Independent", a song co-written by a favorite of mine, Matt Morris. But we were still a year away from her great triumph, on the release of her second album, and "Since U Been Gone", off the great album "Breakaway". So hopes were high for the second season, with pressure to follow up the success of the first. When this geeky kid from Raleigh, North Carolina, made his way in the room, the show was ready to mock him, you could see it in Simon's eye. But then he sang. Watch as his voice changes minds.



It is very easy to say "the rest is history", but that would be putting a pretty bow on things. Aiken's star would shine all season long, never hitting the bottom three all season long. And while the fans might have been battling, between Clay and Ruben Studdard, both men stayed above the fighting to be friends. Ruben was named the winner, and Clay was in second place. But Clay's first album, 'Measure of a Man' was verified double Platinum, selling just shy of 3 million. When he toured, tickets were hard to come by, and he was a name on Broadway that was selling tickets. He has raised money and awareness for several charities, guest starred on shows like 'America's Next Top Model' to 'Scrubs' to '30 Rock'. He was also the runner up when he appeared on 'The Apprentice', just behind Arsenio Hall. Along the way, he also had a baby with a good friend, which Clay raises. He took time from his busy schedule to post a clip on YouTube to make the occasion.



For more about Clay Aiken, visit his official website. You can also 'follow' him on Twitter, and 'like' him on Facebook. And tonight you can watch American Idol to see how different the show is ten years later as the audition process continues on Fox at 8PM.

21 comments:

  1. Thank you Clay for 10 wonderful years of listening to that gorgeous voice as well as your wit and charm. And for all the wonderful things you do for our youth. Wishing you many more wonderful years ahead.

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  2. I've been listening to Clay for 10 years now. I'm so proud to call myself a fan--of his music and of all that he has accomplished. He's a true idol!

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  3. Liked him when he came on the scene 10 years ago...Love him now! Great singer with a huge heart!

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  4. Thank you Clay it has been quite an exciting ride the last 10 years. You are a terrific singer, entertainer and humanitarian. Looking forward to the next 10 yers.

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  5. Excellent blog, and you are so right about how American Idol has changed. It is no longer about the contestants and 100% about the judges.

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    1. I agree it is more about the judges arguing, fighting and wasting our time while they sort out the differences! The contestants just stand and watch! I'm not a fan of the show anymore but love Mariah Carey who is professional! The Voice has it all over American Idol because they start out at a higher level and just continue to be better! I'll watch maybe when they get down to final 10! The show has turned out some amazing singers and for that I guess it should continue! S.Richard Jan 30th

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  6. I have always loved Clay. He is not just a phenomenol singer, he is a very witty entertainer, a humanitarian who advocates for children around the world, and a tireless fundraiser for various charities. I think he'll be around for a long time to come because he's got what it takes. Congratulations Clay!!!

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  7. I have been a fan of Clay since he stepped on the Idol stage.
    He is a marvelous all around entertainer and humanitarian.
    I'm excited about the next ten years!! Bring it on, Clay !!

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  8. Wow! Great voice 10 yrs ago and has only improved as he's matured! Amazing heart for children and a wonderful humanitarian in general. Cannot wait to see what he brings to us in 2013~ Good luck to Clay and ... BRING IT!

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  9. Wonderful blog, thank you!! I have been around since the beginning. When Clay walked out on the AI2 stage, I thought to myself, oh boy, this ought to be good...WELL...I was totally amazed by his young man's voice, and have been a fan ever since. This has been the best 10 years. Going to concerts, travelling all over to see Clay. He is such a great entertainer. His voice is amazing, but he is so funny. Has his own charity, the National Inclusion Project and is an Ambassador for Unicef. He's a great guy!!! Can't wait for the next 10 years and beyond!!!!!

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  10. The audition as broadcast actually started with "Take time to tell me...." That's why I like to say "he had me at 'take'!" The additional pieces of Clay's audition came from various entertainment shows, and so Clay's anniversary acapella version is the first full and complete rendition we've heard yet! Soooo special. Happy 10th "Take"iversary, Clay! Love, hosaa

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  11. I liked your blog very much. I love Clay Aiken, he is multi talented and I can't wait to see what he has in store for us next. He has a heart of gold especially for the under priveleged and disabled.

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  12. Enjoyed your blog. Idol is not the same as it was when Kelly and Clay were first introduced to us. Clay touched my heart with his voice at his very first audition, and I have been his fan ever since. He is multitalented and a natural entertainer. I love Clay Aiken and I also love Kelly Clarkson. American Idol, not so much since it has changed so much, and not for the better.

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  13. Thank you very much for this nice blog.
    I love Clay Aiken, the singer and the man.

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  14. Thank you for such a great blog. Aside from being such a great singer, Clay Aiken is a fantastic entertainer and philanthropist. Been a fan for the last 10 years and will remain a fan always and forever.

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  15. Enjoyed your blog very much. And I'm still loving and enjoying that Clay Aiken fellow. Can't believe it's been 10 years! I'm looking forward to more of Clay's beautiful voice/music, his wit and wonderful humor -- and his heart for children. Thank you Clay!

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  16. What a nice blog spotlighting Clay's many accomplishments. Clay is fantastic live. I love his impromptu comedy just as much as that glorious voice that needs no auto-tuning. His charity work with his own National Inclusion Project for disabled children and UNICEF touches my heart. So proud that he has stepped up to be an activist also for the LGBT community after coming out. Not an easy task considering the background he has come from. He has grown so much in the last 10 years inside as well as out. Speaking of which he has grown from a "geeky" sweet kid into a hawt young man. You will see what I mean if you watch You Tube videos of his Christmas 2012 tour. He is so adorable on that thank you video.

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  17. Thank you all for stopping by and commenting on the post. I am glad you liked the post, for I also consider myself a fan of this talented man.

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  18. Thank you for a really nice article about an amazing entertainer. And thanks Clay for 10 great years looking forward to the next 20.

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  19. Thank you Clay for the most amazing 10 years.Your voice, your heart, your snark, your uncanny ability to always put a smile on my face and joy in my heart has made this journey one I am so glad I have been on since day 1..Love ya and here's to the next 10

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  20. Thank you so very much for the great blog. Clay Aiken is so special, love the man, love the voice, just love everything about him. He puts on the most awesome concerts and is so talented and funny. Can't wait till the next big thing from him.
    HAPPY ANNIVERSARY CLAY.

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