Sunday, August 24, 2008

Clay Aiken - An Amazing Five Year Journey

I began this journey when this skinny young man stepped in front of the judges on American Idol. My first thought was "no, not ANOTHER one! I don't like it when then rip people apart" and then he opened his mouth and the most glorious music came out. You could say the first lesson I learned from Clay Aiken is never judge a book by its cover (well, I knew that before Clay - he just reinforced it).

The second season of American Idol was, in my opinion, the best - ever. It was TRULY giving ordinary people a shot at stardom. It was innocent and fun. I miss the innocence. It now feels like American Idol Second Shot at Stardom. Too much glitz. Too many people with REAL experience. I'm not talking garage bands or singing on the weekends in local theaters, but people who have toured, recorded, had contracts. I have stopped watching AI and that makes me sad. American Idol gave me Clay *sigh*. Oops!!! Sorry!!! back on track.

Okay, so skinny young man makes it to Hollywood! He shines! Not just that voice (you know, the one that makes everything kind of stand still? Takes the breath right out of you?), but the heart. "It's important that I make a difference in some way.." Clay's words have followed him past American Idol and he continues to make a difference in some way. Actually, in LOTS of ways (more than this poor old blog can handle). There I go again - BACK ON TRACK!!!


So, shining Clay sings his HEART out! His voice, stage presence and personality carry him all the way to the TOP TWO!!! Ruben & Clay, Clay & Ruben (Jeff Foxworthy said he enjoyed watching the two of them on American Idol because they looked like the #10 *hee hee* - my gosh I ramble, don't I??). Clay comes in second *sob* but that's okay!! We go on to

Measure of a Man double platinum in the first week. Great album!!! Merry Christmas with Love I don't even like Christmas music, but love this CD. No one sings Christmas like Clay. A Thousand Different Ways scared me at first, since I didn't like the majority of these songs when they first came out, but oh my - when Clay sings them? WOW!!!! On My Way Here what can I say? This CD has it all - uptempo, ballads, inspirational, sad, happy (and I still haven't picked a favorite and you guys were no help at all).


So here we are, an Amazing Five Year Journey with Clay Aiken - the true Measure of a Man, who I have loved A Thousand Different Ways On My Way Here *grin*



ps I will update this montage to include REAL OMWH footage, just too lazy right now!!!




54 comments:

Anonymous said...

Nice blog post. I feel the same about Clay Aiken and I look forward to more of his performances in the future.

anaturegirl said...

What an adventure both Clay Aiken and his fans have had these past five years.

I agree AI is just not worth watching any more because the innocence has been taken out of it. Allowing those who would never had a chance in the spotlight have a way to shine for a brief moment and see how far they could advance in the music business. The cream rose to the top back then. And the cream certaintly did rise to the top with Clay! That skinny kid had developed into one amazing man. A man, with not only talent, but a true humanitarian with the kindest heart.

Anonymous said...

Great blog. I, too, believe that American Idol has lost that wonderful "innocence" from the AI2 season. It was, by far, the best season ever.

I am happy that Clay is getting this much-needed time to bond with his new son, Parker. However, I know that when he returns to Spamalot (and hopefully a summer tour in 2009), that he will give the same 110% that he always gives to every performance he does.

He will return to public life a much different man - but, in a wonderful way. Having a child in your life changes you forever. The world becomes a magical place. The sky is bluer, the grass is greener, flowers are more vivid in colour, and life is much richer. I think of the potential songs Clay may be inspired to write because of this new love in his life and how this new-found happiness and joy will resonate in all of his future performances.

I think the best is yet to come!!

~emerson

Medusa said...

It really has been an amazing and fascinating 5 years following the musical career of Clay Aiken. He is unique and one of a kind.

katy said...

This five years with Clay Aiken has been amazing. It's been an enjoyable time for us.

Anonymous said...

I was just thinking this morning, there's no one like Clay Aiken. It's so much fun following his career. He deserves every success.

Anonymous said...

I knew back in 2003 that Clay Aiken was a keeper!

Anonymous said...

Sue, not just fun following his career, but fun on the boards and at concerts, too! What a great experience this has been, and I hope it goes on for many more years. Clay Aiken is a fun habit!

Anonymous said...

I agree that Clay Aiken makes life more fun than ever before! I find new stuff to like about him every single day.

Anonymous said...

SueRue, thanks so much for your wonderful montage. This stroll down memory lane with Clay Aiken was absolutely delicious. Brought back such fun-filled memories of the JOY of the early years. We're bringing back that joy now with Chexxxy's Place Proactive Movement, which is now spreading like wildfire to the other boards.

Anonymous said...

Great blog. Haven't watched AI since 05 because of the reasons you stated and the fact that it just became so predictable. Still love Clay Aiken's voice and it is always fascinating to see what he does next. Hopefully a tour after Spamalot.

outback

Unknown said...

Fantastic blog and video! Clay Aiken has been on a fantastic journey and so have we!

Anonymous said...

Gah - I need a Clay Aiken tour, so I'll wait patiently until he does one and enjoy the fact hes chosen to do Spamalot again - fantastic to think he enjoyed it so much the first time!

Anonymous said...

Following Clay Aiken's career has been one of the most fun things I've done in my life. I LOVE the man to pieces, not only for his beautiful voice but also for his beautiful heart and soul.

He's the best, the very best. As far as I'm concerned - that old adage from AI2 - IDOL FOUND, GAME OVER.

Anonymous said...

I became a fan of Clay Aiken when I saw him on AI Christmas Special,and been a fan ever since, he is a wonderful entertainer.

Anonymous said...

Clay Aiken will always shine. His talent, personality and heart will never change, no matter what the haters say.

Spamalot, we're on our way!

Ashes said...

Today's blog is my sentiments exactly. To me the only AI year was season 2. Any following that were memorable when Clay Aiken graced the stage as the guest star.
Thank you Sue.

Anonymous said...

It has been an amazing journey for Clay Aiken and for his fans.

Anonymous said...

I gave up on AI a long time ago. It was so boring the last couple of years I watched, I didn't even watch the last few episodes or the finale those years. Now, I don't think that I have watched for last 3 years. The season with Clay Aiken was the best.

Anonymous said...

Nice look-back over time since Clay Aiken first captured my interest, thanks! I felt just as you did when that skinny dorky guy came out - but was intrigued when he spoke, even before he sang. The quiet confidence with which he said 'you had some good talent...but I think I could have been up there" made me REALLY hope he could actually sing. And the rest is history, as they say.

Anonymous said...

Clay Aiken has made the last few years so wonderful. His talent and personality are at the top of my list!!

Anonymous said...

Clay Aiken ... what a fascinating journey.

Anonymous said...

Wow, Memories! I agree that was the best season of American Idol! I'm still watching Idol rewind and am amazed at how talented they ALL were! But That skinny kid from North Carolina, Clay Aiken will forever be my favorite!

Dianne Barbee said...

Sue,

What a wonderfu blog about the amazing journey of the past five years! Your montage brings back so many memories.

I am so proud to be a fan of Clay Aiken!

Caro

BichonLover said...

Clay Aiken does sing his heart out, and I am so glad I saw him on American Idol over five years ago because he has enriched my life in so many ways!

katy said...

An amazing journey, an amazing man, Clay Aiken.

Anonymous said...

It certainly has been quite a journey... and it has only just begun. Lovely montage!

Anonymous said...

That is so funny about Clay and Ruben together looking like the #10. lolololol.

PaulaBear said...

I can't believe it's been 5 years since we discovered Clay Aiken!! Well, AI discovered him, but that was the last great thing they ever did!

gerra said...

It has been an amazing 5 years. The last 5 years of my life as a fan of Clay Aiken have been like no others. Thank you Clay, for this amazing journey. I am so looking forward to the next 5.

Anonymous said...

I remember first seeing Clay Aiken on that audition tape too. Who knew what we'd all learn about and see in the next 5 years - both the wonderful and the not-so-wonderful? The not-so-wonderful I don't understand and could do without, but even those things prove there's just something about the man. We certainly did pick a winner in the guy, even if the show itself turned out to be so boring and predictable...

kilo said...

Clay Aiken has done so much in the last five years! I can't wait to see what the next five years will hold.

LovesClaysVoice said...

Sue, I love your montage! What a great trip down memory lane! It has been a fantastic 5 yrs. and I can't wait to see what happens next! I love Clay and I'm very proud to be his fan!!!!

Anonymous said...

lovesclaysvoice said:

Sue, I love your montage! What a great trip down memory lane! It has been a fantastic 5 yrs. and I can't wait to see what happens next! I love Clay and I'm very proud to be his fan!!!!

I agree! Clay Aiken needed the summer off to reat and enjoy his new family, but I can't wait until he's back in action!

Anonymous said...

Clay grabbed me from his first audition. I loved his smile and he seemed so funny and nice. I miss him and can't wait to see what's in store for us.

Anonymous said...

5 years?? I look forward to the next 5 years. Clay Aiken is the real deal!!

Anonymous said...

Clay Aiken is the true Measure of A Man!! I can't wait to see what happens next.

Anonymous said...

Loved to read about how Clay Aiken first started singing on Idol. Good memories, thanks.

Unknown said...

There will never be another season of American Idol like season two with Clay Aiken dominating it.

katy said...

He has grown, but began as an amazing talent. Clay Aiken journey has been a great experience.

Anonymous said...

I feel the same way about Clay Aiken. He is truly a great singer, entertainer, and man.

Clay Aiken - The Truth Be Told said...

It has been an amazing journey and I've enjoyed every moment of it.

BichonLover said...

Clay Aiken is and always will be my favorite entertainer, bar none.

Anonymous said...

The trip through the last 5 years has been so exciting. I love seeing a talented young person succeed, especially when they are wonderful people Clay Aiken.......thank you for the trip!!

Anonymous said...

I have enjoyed watching Clay Aiken travel an exciting trail through his new life. It sure has been fun!!

Anonymous said...

I've been a fan of Clay Aiken since I saw his Atlanta audtion for AI2 - it has been a wonderful ride following his career.

And I'm here for the long haul. Being a fan of this incredible man sure is a lot of fun!

Anonymous said...

I've been a fan from the beginning and will be till the end!!!

~Shycon

Anonymous said...

Wouldn't trade this Clay Aken experience for anything!!!

Anonymous said...

AI wil never recreate the excitment that happened during AI2. They will try, of course. That's business. But Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken were the Dynamic Duo of reality TV, and no one will ever do it better.

Anonymous said...

AI wil never recreate the excitment that happened during AI2. They will try, of course. That's business. But Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken were the Dynamic Duo of reality TV, and no one will ever do it better.

Anonymous said...

I love re-watching season 2 because that's when I first found Clay Aiken. He is so grown up now. His voice is more mature and keeps getting better. I love the songs on his last album because of the lyrics, the variety and the different singing styles that he uses.

outback

katy said...

I'm only grateful to AI for bringing me Clay Aiken and he's a treasure.

Anonymous said...

Clay Aiken Rocks!

Anonymous said...

I have many friends who have stopped watching american idol. They say that they are tired of Simon repeating that same old phrase "this is the best ever".