Thursday, January 28, 2010

Clay Aiken - Seven Years and Counting

Today marks the seven year anniversary that Clay Aiken stepped before Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson in Atlanta, Georgia. I feel pretty confident that most of America was thinking that Clay was yet another one of those people auditioning that the Judge and the rest of the world would be making fun of for months to come. Little did we know that the skinny, bespectacled red head from North Carolina had the voice of a lifetime.

But it doesn't just stop at the voice - there are many singers out there, some technically better than Clay. With Clay, it's also the man - his humor, his intelligence, his heart. The voice is what captured us from the beginning, but it is the man himself who keeps us enthralled and coming back for more.

I'm not going to say that it's all been fun - this love affair is most definitely a roller coaster ride, filled with ups and downs. One of my favorite movies is Parenthood. I was watching it just the other day and there was a line that really struck me and made me think immediately of what Clay and his fans have been through. To set the stage, Gil (played by Steve Martin) is bitterly complaining about the complications in his life. His grandmother wanders into the room and starts talking:

Grandma: You know, when I was nineteen, Grandpa took me on a roller coaster.
Gil: Oh?
Grandma: Up, down, up, down. Oh, what a ride!
Gil: What a great story.
Grandma: I always wanted to go again. You know, it was just so interesting to me that a ride could make me so frightened, so scared, so sick, so excited, and so thrilled all together! Some didn't like it. They went on the merry-go-round. That just goes around. Nothing. I like the roller coaster. You get more out of it.
You know what? I like the roller coaster too - you really do get more out of it. The coaster brings you together, you hold each other tight and then let loose with screams of joy and excitement. When it's over you can't wait to get right back on the ride and do it all over again.

So here's a toast to Clay Aiken and the Clay Nation. Here's to many more years of excitement, laughs, music and learning.



19 comments:

Truth Rules said...

For me it was the other way around. It was Wildcard results night when I first saw him and I didn't hear him sing. He was just so cute and adorable and he was the hometown guy. I was hooked and sitting on the edge of my chair praying he was chosen.

I had to wait a whole week to hear that voice - and OMG - what a voice.

For the longest time I kept trying to figure out what it was about Clay Aiken that made me turn to goo. I finally gave up trying to figure it out and just accepted the fact that he's got me always and forever.

jbc4clay said...

Yea - I love this roller coaster ride~ Great blog Sue.

chel4clay said...

Great insight into what it has been like for us over the past 7 years and oh what a ride it has been. Being a fan of Clay Aiken is being a fan of one marvelous package deal. I never want it to end.

Anonymous said...

I loved your blog Sue, and this has certainly been a roller coaster ride!!! A ride filled with high octane fun and excitement!!! Yes, things were hard at times..but that voice and the man inside that voice always filled voids and lifted spirits.

Anonymous said...

OMG, Sue you described the Clay Aiken experience to a tee. I continue to love the roller coast ride of Clay's career. Watch out 2010 Clay is coming round again!

anaturegirl

katy said...

I'm not getting off the Clay Aiken rollercoaster. It's been a wonderful ride following his career.

lulu said...

It's only been 7 years??? Just kiddin'. I love following this talented man's career. Clay Aiken, forever!!

Anonymous said...

Good stuff Sue, GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD STUFF!!!!!

Jo-Anne

musicfan said...

Sue........this is a wonderful blog. I love the roller coaster ride and plan on staying with it for a long time.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us.

Rhode Island Fan said...

Sue.... Loved your blog. I normally am not one for roller coaster rides, but in Clay Aiken's case, I have made an exception!!

I sure am not getting off--way too exciting--and I have loved every minute of it!

clayam said...

It has been quite a ride being a Clay Aiken fan, I am so grateful that Clay came into my life and I am looking forward to many many more years of enjoying that voice and the wonderful man!

Anonymous said...

It has been an entertaining 7 years following Clay Aiken and his career. Can't wait for the next chapter.

Hunter

Anonymous said...

That nerdy, skinny guy captured my heart at the word 'take' and it's been his ever since.

What an exciting adventure to see him grow into a handsome mature man, with the voice of a life time.

Can hardly wait to see what the next 7 years have in store for Clay Aiken and the fans who love him.

PaulaBear said...

Being a part of the Clay Aiken fandom and all the experiences it brings, is the best ride ever!! He had me at "take" too ... no doubt about it. Can't wait to jump on the rollercoaster again for the next ride!!

claysweetea said...

Clay had me at "take" also and this has been the only roller coaster ride I'll go on...it's called the Exciting Beautiful Clay Adventure!

LovesClaysVoice said...

I loved your blog Sue! The last 7 years has definitely been a rollercoaster! But, there have been many more ups than downs and that is because of Clay! He is one of a kind....I love him and I can't wait to see what is ahead for all of us!

Dianne Barbee said...

SueReu,

Wonderful description of the past seven years on the train with Clay Aiken! Happy Seventh Anniversary to the fans of this very special man with incredible pipes, quick humor, and golden heart!

Many thnx for your contributions and kind comments in the Carolina blog.

Have a great weekend!

Caro

ImGranny said...

Great blog! It sure has been a roller coaster ride in our Clay Aiken fandom. I am on this ride for keeps tho and can't wait for the next thrill!

Cynthia J. Coleman said...

Great blog!! It has been an interesting ride over these past 7 years. I hope he's around for many, many more years to come. Take care & God bless. Love always, Cynthia