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{{short description|American singer, actor, producer (born 1978)}}
{{Infobox musical artist 2
{{Use mdy dates|date=November 2024}}
|Img = Clay_Aiken.jpg
{{Infobox person
|Img_capt = Clay Aiken during the Independent Tour at Joe Lewis Arena in ], in March 2004.
| name = Clay Aiken
|Background = solo_singer
|Name = Clay Aiken | image = Clay Aiken Speaks 2016 Politicon.jpg
| caption = Aiken at ] in 2016
|Birth_name = Clayton Holmes Grissom
| birth_name = Clayton Holmes Grissom<ref name="LTSp56" >Aiken, Clay. '']''. (2004) p. 56, {{ISBN|1-4000-6392-2}}</ref>
|Born = {{birth date and age|1978|11|30}}<br>
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|mf=yes|1978|11|30}}
{{flagicon|USA}} ] ]
| birth_place = ], U.S.
|Died =
| occupation = {{hlist|Singer-songwriter|politician|actor|author}}
|Origin =
| years_active = 2003–present
|Label = ]
| module = {{Infobox musical artist|embed=yes
|Years_active = 2003&mdash;present
|Genre = ]<br>] | genre = {{hlist|]|]|]}}
| instrument = {{hlist|Vocals|guitar}}
|URL =
| label = {{hlist|]|]}}
}} }}
| website = {{URL|https://clayaiken.com/}}
'''Clay Aiken''' (born '''Clayton Holmes Grissom''' on ], ]) is an ] ] ] who rose to fame on the ] of the ] '']'' in 2003. ] offered him a recording contract and his debut album '']'' was released in October 2003. Based on album sales, he has become the most successful second-place finisher in that show's history.<ref></ref><ref></ref>
| signature = Clay Aiken signature.png
}}
==Biography==
'''Clayton Holmes Aiken''' (''né'' '''Grissom'''; born November 30, 1978) is an American singer, television personality, actor and political activist. Aiken finished second place on the ] of '']'' in 2003, and his debut album, '']'', went multi-platinum. He released four more albums on the RCA label, '']'' (2004), '']'' (2006), the Christmas EP ''All is Well'' (2006),<ref>Moss, Corey. . MTV Retrieved June 23, 2007.</ref><ref>Barnes, Ken. . ''USA Today''. November 9, 2006. Retrieved November 23, 2006.(article archived)</ref> and '']'' (2008).<ref>. Reuters. '']'' March 25, 2008.</ref> Since then he has released two more albums, both with ]: '']'' (2010) and ''Steadfast'' (2012).<ref name="RelDte"> Retrieved April 8, 2010 {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100409072928/http://www.deccarecords-us.com/clayaiken/releases/|date=April 9, 2010}}</ref><ref name="TnTN&O">Ehlers, Matt {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100317094848/http://www.newsobserver.com/2010/03/12/381153/a-classic-move.html |date=March 17, 2010 }} Newsobserver. March 12, 2010. Retrieved March 13, 2010.</ref> Aiken has also had eleven tours in support of his albums. In all, he has sold over 5 million albums, and is the fourth-highest-selling ''American Idol'' alumnus.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.facebook.com/Billboard/videos/10154046465674581/ |title =American Idols Top 10 Selling Performers of All Time |magazine= Billboard | via=Facebook}}</ref>{{Primary source inline|date=November 2024}}
===Early years===
Clay Aiken was born and raised in ]. As a young boy, Aiken sang in the ] and as a young adult with a local band, Just By Chance.<ref>
</ref>
He attended Raleigh's ] before enrolling at the ]. Although his '']'' activities temporarily delayed his academic pursuits, Aiken graduated with a bachelor's degree in ] in December of 2003. He found his interest in special education while directing ] children's camps as a teenager; at age 19 he served as a substitute teacher for a classroom of students with ] at Brentwood Elementary School. While attending college in Charlotte he took a part-time job as an assistant to a boy with autism, and it was this child's mother, Diane Bubel, who urged him to audition for ''American Idol''.


Aiken co-wrote a bestselling memoir in 2004, '']''. In 2004, he also had a televised Christmas special, ''A Clay Aiken Christmas''. During much of 2008 he appeared on ] in the musical comedy '']'', in the role of ].<ref>. CNN. Retrieved February 5, 2008 (article archived).</ref><ref name="sirobin">{{cite news|access-date=August 12, 2008|url=https://variety.com/2008/legit/news/clay-aiken-returning-to-broadway-1117990451/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130205143532/http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117990451.html?categoryid=15&cs=1=|url-status=live|archive-date=February 5, 2013|title=Clay Aiken returning to Broadway: 'American Idol' vet to reprise 'Spamalot' role|author=Cox, Gordon|work=Variety|date=August 12, 2008}}</ref> In 2010 he hosted the ] special ''Tried & True Live!'' He has also had numerous cameo and guest appearances on TV shows. In 2012 he competed in the ] of '']'', coming in second to ].
===American Idol===
Television viewers' first glimpse of Aiken came during the audition episodes at the beginning of ''American Idol's'' second season. The show's judges first saw Aiken as a ] type unlikely to be any kind of idol, but they were immediately impressed once he began singing ]'s "Always and Forever". The clip of the judges' surprise during this audition performance was replayed many times over the course of the competition.


With Diane Bubel, Aiken created the Bubel/Aiken Foundation in 2003, which was later renamed the ]. In 2004, he became a ] ambassador, a position he held until 2013 when he gave it up to run for Congress. He traveled extensively in this role. In 2006, he was appointed for a two-year term to the Presidential Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities.<ref name="nip"> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090809151623/http://www.inclusionproject.org/news.php?id=67|date=August 9, 2009}} National Inclusion Project. August 5, 2009. Retrieved August 5, 2009.</ref><ref name="unicef"> ''US Fund for UNICEF website''.</ref><ref name="pcpid">. {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060925213522/http://www.acf.hhs.gov/news/press/2006/PCPID_appointments.htm|date=September 25, 2006}} ''US Dept of Health and Human Services'' (2006). Retrieved June 22, 2007.</ref>
<!--]-->
Aiken made it to the round-of-32, but was cut from the show on his first try, a performance of ]'s "Open Arms". He finished third in his semifinal group of eight behind eventual winner ] and eventual third-place finisher ]. However, during the "wild card" round, Aiken's well-received performance of ]'s "]" propelled him into the final 12. Within the first few weeks (aided by a ] from the show's producers), Aiken and Studdard emerged as the clear favorites of both the judges and the fans. While Aiken was especially noted for his performance of ballads, such as the dramatically-lit rendition of ]'s "Solitaire", his upbeat performances, including ]' "Build Me Up Buttercup", were also met with considerable enthusiasm from the voters.


In 2014, Aiken ran for the ] in ].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://thinkprogress.org/lgbt/2014/02/05/3251621/clay-aiken-renee-ellmers/|title=Clay Aiken Already Facing Anti-Gay Rhetoric From Congressional Opponent|website=]}}</ref> Initially considered a ],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ohlheiser |first=Abby |date=May 7, 2014 |title=Tuesday's Primaries Show the GOP Establishment Can Have it All |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2014/05/tuesdays-primaries-show-the-gop-establishment-can-have-it-all/361847/ |access-date=November 15, 2024 |website=] |language=en}}</ref> Aiken won the ], but lost to Republican incumbent ] in the ].<ref>{{cite news|last=Jarvis|first=Craig|title=Aiken victory confirmed as more details on Crisco's death emerge|url=http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2014/05/13/4908053/aiken-victory-confirmed-as-more.html#.U3V_TPldXiR|access-date=May 15, 2014 |newspaper=]|date=May 13, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140517152124/http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2014/05/13/4908053/aiken-victory-confirmed-as-more.html#.U3V_TPldXiR|archive-date=May 17, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Lachman|first=Samantha|title=Clay Aiken Defeated in 2014 North Carolina Congressional Race|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/11/04/clay-aiken-midterm-election-results_n_5973622.html|access-date=November 6, 2014 |work=]|date=November 4, 2014}}</ref> In January 2022, he announced a run for the Democratic nomination in ],<ref>{{Cite web|title=Former American Idol star Clay Aiken is running for Congress again|url=https://theweek.com/news/1008819/former-american-idol-star-clay-aiken-is-running-for-congress-again|access-date=January 10, 2022|website=The Week|date=January 10, 2022 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Willman|first=Chris|date=January 10, 2022|title=Clay Aiken Running for Congress in North Carolina|url=https://variety.com/2022/music/news/clay-aiken-running-congress-north-carolina-1235150416/|access-date=January 10, 2022|website=Variety|language=en-US}}</ref> but he lost in the primary to ].
On ], ], Aiken came in a close second in the contest, with Studdard winning by a narrow margin--just over 130,000 votes out of more than 24,000,000 votes cast. The result was somewhat controversial as some hypothesized that ''Idol'''s voting system was incapable of handling the number of attempted calls, thereby possibly yielding a random result.<ref> </ref> In an interview prior to the start of ], Executive Producer ] revealed for the first time that Aiken had led the fan voting every week from the Wild Card week onward until the finale, when the possibly-random voting result gave Studdard the win.<ref> </ref> Though officially Aiken was the show's "first runner-up," he has since gone on to be the second season's best-selling star.


==Early life==
The single "]," released June 10, ], was ] certified ] on July 15, 2003. Debuting at #1 on both the ] and the Hot 100 Single Sales Chart, it was the fastest-selling single since ]'s "]" and the best-selling single of 2003. It was the first CD single to go platinum since ], when ]'s "I Hope You Dance" sold a million copies after being released for over a year. The single also topped the charts in ] where it was certified platinum, and went six times platinum in ].
Clay Aiken was born and raised in ]. As a young boy, Aiken sang in the ]; and, as a teenager, he sang in school choirs, church choir, musicals and local theatre productions.<ref name=Aiken-Pages249-251/> After high school, he sang lead with a local band, Just By Chance, co-hosting and performing with the band at "Just by Chance and Friends" shows in ].<ref>{{cite news |last=Woerner |first=Tom |url=http://www.mydailyrecord.com/main.asp?Search=1&ArticleID=45460&SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&S=1 |title=Scouts Remember Fallen Veterans |newspaper=The Dunn Daily Record|date=May 22, 2003|access-date=April 7, 2006}}{{dead link|date=July 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> He was also ] and performer at the Johnston Community College Country Showcase in ] and at the North Carolina Music Connection and Hometown Music Connection shows in ], and ]. He performed the national anthem numerous times for the ] and the ] hockey teams,<ref name=Aiken-Pages249-251>{{cite book|last=Aiken|first=Clay|title=]|year=2004|pages=249–251|publisher=Random House |isbn=1-4000-6392-2}}</ref> and performed it at the ] at the ] in Raleigh. Three demo albums of Aiken's vocals were created before ''American Idol'' with the aid of studio time given as a birthday gift by his mother: a cassette called ''Look What Love Has Done'' (by Clayton Grissom), a cassette and CD entitled ''Redefined'' (by Clayton Aiken), and a CD that combined some songs from each of the previous demos:'' "Look What Love Has Done, Vol 2"'' (by Clay Aiken).<ref>. last.fm. Retrieved June 24, 2007.</ref><ref> last.fm. Retrieved June 21, 2007.</ref> Estranged from his abusive birth father Vernon Grissom and with his mother's and grandfather Alvis Aiken's permission, at the age of 19 he legally changed his surname from Grissom to his mother Faye's maiden name, Aiken.<ref name="LTSp56"/>


Aiken attended Raleigh's ] and took courses at ] before enrolling at the ]. In 1995, Aiken started working at the ]. Still in high school, Aiken learned quickly that he could make a difference in the lives of young people.<ref name="Aiken, Clay 2004 pp. 133-134">Aiken, Clay. "]" (2004). pp. 133–134, {{ISBN|1-4000-6392-2}}.</ref> He found his interest in special education while directing ] children's camps as a teenager, and at age 19, he served as a substitute teacher for a classroom of ] students at Brentwood Elementary School in Raleigh. It was during that experience that he decided to finish college and become a special education teacher.<ref name="Aiken, Clay 2004 pp. 153-161">Aiken, Clay. "]" (2004), pp. 153–161, {{ISBN|1-4000-6392-2}}.</ref> While attending college in Charlotte, he took a part-time job as an assistant to a boy with autism, and it was this child's mother, Diane Bubel, who urged him to audition for '']''. Although his ''American Idol'' activities temporarily delayed his academic pursuits, Aiken completed his course work while on tour and graduated with a bachelor's degree in ] in December 2003.<ref>. ''USA Today''. December 24, 2003. Retrieved July 3, 2007.</ref>
===2003-2005: ''Measure of a Man''===
On October 14, 2003, Aiken released his first solo album, '']'', which debuted at #1 on the ] and was, with 613,000 copies sold in its first week, the highest-selling debut for a solo artist in 10 years, and to date the highest debut of any Idol. The album received RIAA ] certification November 17, 2003 (a Double Platinum plaque was presented to Clay by ] on October 21, 2003, during ]) and has sold more than 2,750,000 units to date. The album spawned both the hit single "Invisible" and his first hit song, "]" (both co-written by ]). Later that year, Aiken won the Fan's Choice Award at the ] ceremony, and his CD single "This Is the Night/Bridge Over Troubled Water" won the Billboard award for the Best-Selling Single of 2003. His first music video had debuted on ]'s ] in November and it was this song, "Invisible", that he performed at the Billboard awards.


==''American Idol''==
Aiken appeared in numerous television specials during the winter of 2003, including Disney's Christmas Day Parade and the ] Holiday Special, where he sang a duet with ] via special effects. The song was "]/Peace on Earth", which was originally sung by Crosby and ] on a 1977 Christmas special.
{{Main|American Idol season 2}}
Aiken had filled out an application to participate in the reality show '']'' when a friend of his insisted that he try out for ''American Idol'' instead.<ref>Bronson, Fred. ''The Billboard Book of Number 1 Hits''. Billboard Books. {{ISBN|0-8230-7677-6}}.</ref> Television viewers first glimpsed Aiken during the audition episodes at the beginning of ''American Idol's'' second season. The show's judges first saw Aiken as a ]y type unlikely to be a typical pop idol, but after hearing him sing ]'s "Always and Forever" decided to advance him to the next round. The clip of the judges' surprise during this audition performance was replayed many times over the course of the competition.


Aiken made it to the round of 32 before being cut from the show, but he was invited to return for the "Wild Card" round; his performance of ]'s "]" sent him on to the final 12 as the viewer's choice. While noted for his performance of ballads, such as ]'s "]", his upbeat performances, including ]' "]", were also appreciated. Aiken received enough votes every week to keep him out of the bottom three. Part of his appeal was his "geek to chic" transformation in appearance. "I looked like ]", Aiken said to ] regarding his appearance at his '']'' audition in 2002.<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927225934/http://www.people.com/people/clay_aiken/photos/0,,20007361_679890,00.html |date=September 27, 2007 }}. Retrieved May 24, 2007.</ref> He replaced his glasses with ] and agreed to let the show's stylists change his hair style.<ref>Cooper, Chet. . '']''. Retrieved May 24, 2007.</ref> With longer, flat ironed, spiky hair and a penchant for wearing striped shirts, Aiken had established a trademark look by the final ''American Idol'' season 2 show.
From February to April 2004, Aiken embarked on the "Independent Tour" with ], winner of the first ''American Idol'' contest. He was also scheduled for only a few summer tour dates, but high demand ultimately led to the booking of fifty dates across the United States, culminating in what many fans called the "Not-a-Tour." Disney's '']'' Special Edition 2-Disc DVD was the exclusive sponsor of Clay's Summer Concert Tour. Each concert previewed Aiken's rendition of "Proud of Your Boy", a song originally intended for the first release of the film but cut when the Aladdin storyline changed during production. A music video, featuring Aiken, is presented on the ''Aladdin'' Special Edition 2-Disc DVD. He also performed a duet on ]'s debut album released in May 2004, titled "Without You".


On May 21, 2003, Aiken came in a close second to ], who won the contest by 134,000 votes out of more than 24,000,000 votes cast. The result was controversial, as some hypothesized that ''Idol''{{'s}} voting system was incapable of handling the number of attempted calls.<ref>Seibel, Deborah Starr. . ''Broadcasting & Cable''. May 17, 2004. Retrieved April 8, 2006.</ref> In an interview prior to the start of the ] of ''American Idol'', Executive Producer ] revealed for the first time that Aiken had led the fan voting every week from the Wild Card week to the finale, when the possibly-random voting result gave Studdard the win.<ref>Martin, Logan. . {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120217005739/http://www.realitynewsonline.com/cgi-bin/ae.pl?mode=1&article=article9455.art&page=1%2F |date=February 17, 2012 }} ''Reality News Online''. January 17, 2006. Retrieved April 8, 2006.</ref>
In November 2004, Aiken launched his third tour of the year, which revolved around a ] theme. "The Joyful Noise Tour", sponsored by Ronald McDonald House Charities, featured a conductor and a 30-piece orchestra. In some cities, Aiken was supported by the local philharmonic or symphony, such as the ] and the ]. Local choirs from high schools and elementary schools participated at each concert. "The Joyful Noise Tour" was well attended, with sellouts or near-sellouts at every venue.


'']'' featured Aiken on the cover of its July 2003 issue. In the cover article, Aiken said, "One thing I've found of people in the public eye, either you're a womanizer or you've got to be gay. Since I'm neither one of those, people are completely concerned about me."<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/clay-aiken-new-kid-on-the-block-188589/3/ |last1=Hedegaard |first1=Erik |title=Clay Aiken: New kid on the block |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=July 10, 2003 |access-date=June 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230602002902/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/clay-aiken-new-kid-on-the-block-188589/3/ |archive-date=June 2, 2023}}</ref> In subsequent interviews he expressed frustration over continued questions about his ], telling '']'' magazine in 2006, "It doesn't matter what I say. People are going to believe what they want."<ref>Tauber, Michelle. "Clay Aiken Facing the Music". ''People''. New York, October 2, 2006. Vol. 66, Iss. 14; pg. 122.</ref>
That same month, Aiken also released a holiday album entitled '']'', which set a new record for fastest-selling holiday album in the ] era (since 1991). The album debuted at #4 on the ] and tied ]'s record for the highest debut by a holiday album in the history of '']'' magazine. "Merry Christmas With Love" sold over 1,000,000 copies retail in 6 weeks and was the best-selling holiday album of 2004, receiving RIAA Platinum certification on Jan. 6, 2005. At the same time Aiken made the ], debuting at #2, with his "inspirational memoir" entitled '']'', written with Allison Glock, published by ]. In December 2004, Aiken starred in his first TV special, titled ''A Clay Aiken Christmas'', with special guests ], ], and ]. He was also Executive Producer for the Christmas special, which was released on DVD later that month.


Aiken made a surprise appearance on the final show of ], when failed auditioner Michael Sandecki returned to the show to receive a "Golden Idol" award for Best Impersonator for his Clay Aiken-like appearance. Aiken appeared without introduction in a well-tailored designer suit and longer, darker hair with bangs, looking so different that many did not recognize him until he began to sing "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.people.com/people/clay_aiken/biography/0,,20007361_10,00.html |title=Clay Aiken Biography |website=People |access-date=June 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930183608/http://www.people.com/people/clay_aiken/biography/0,,20007361_10,00.html |archive-date=September 30, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.people.com/people/clay_aiken/photos/0,,20007361_1217602,00.html |title=34 Clay Aike Photos |date=June 5, 2007 |website=People |access-date=June 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070605085821/http://www.people.com/people/clay_aiken/photos/0,,20007361_1217602,00.html |archive-date=June 5, 2007}}</ref>
In February 2005, Aiken played the role of Kenny, a cafeteria worker whose job was in jeopardy, on the sitcom '']''. In May, he helped ] fulfill the "Wildest Dreams" of Nebraska twins with learning disabilities headed for college and appeared on an episode of ] concerning bullying among teens. During the summer of 2005, Aiken, along with a seven-piece band and three back-up singers, toured part of North America with the "Jukebox Tour," performing songs of the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s, as well as a few favorites from '']''. He also performed a few new songs for the album that was in production.
The second season of the '']'' series (2007) was narrated by Aiken.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.syracuse.com/idolthoughts/2007/09/american_idol_rewind_premieres.html |title='American Idol Rewind' premieres locally |date=September 29, 2007 |website=Syracuse.com |access-date=June 1, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://movieweb.com/american-idol-rewind-returns-to-highlight-american-idol-season-two/ |title=American Idol Rewind Returns to Highlight American Idol Season Two |date=October 2, 2007 |website=Movieweb |access-date=June 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200925201633/https://movieweb.com/american-idol-rewind-returns-to-highlight-american-idol-season-two/ |archive-date=September 25, 2020}}</ref>


Aiken is reportedly one of the top 10 earners of ''Idol'', earning an estimated $1.5&nbsp;million in 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.abc2news.com/dpp/entertainment/top-earners-from-%22american-idol%22|title=Top earners from 'American Idol'|publisher=Abc2news.com|date=July 25, 2011|access-date=July 2, 2013 |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131011142037/http://www.abc2news.com/dpp/entertainment/top-earners-from-%22american-idol%22|archive-date=October 11, 2013}}</ref>
In September 2005, Aiken was a celebrity guest of designer ] during the ]. Cole provided a tuxedo and accessories for Aiken to wear during his appearance as a guest reporter for '']'' later that month at the 2005 ]. The outfit was then donated, along with a number of other items worn by celebrities at the Emmys, to the Clothes Off Our Back charity auction, where the tuxedo, cufflinks, and shoes sold for a combined total of $27,250. The Emmy appearance with ''The Insider'' was followed by several more guest reporting stints on the show.


===''American Idol'' season 2 performances and results===
In early November 2005, Aiken launched his second Christmas tour. The 2005 Joyful Noise tour featured a series of vignettes, written by Aiken, which told the story of an older woman who has lost the Christmas spirit and a young boy who helps her find it again. A cast of actors, dancers and back-up singers traveled with the tour, and members of local theater groups were added in each venue for smaller, non-speaking roles and crowd scenes. The tour opened in ], ], on ], and ended in ] on ].
{|class="wikitable"
|-
!Week
!Theme
!Song
!Artist
!Order
!Result
|-
|Audition
|Free Choice
|"Always And Forever"
|]
|N/A
|Advanced
|-
|Top 32/<br />Semi-final Group 2
|Free Choice
|"]"
|]
|1
|Top 3<br />Wild Card
|-
|Wild Card
|Free Choice
|"]"
|]
|2
|Selected<br />Public Vote
|-
|Top 12
|Motown
|"]"
|]
|7
|Safe
|-
|Top 11
|Movie Soundtracks
|"]" – '']''
|]/<br />]
|4
|Safe
|-
|Top 10
|Country Rock
|"]"
|]
|10
|Safe
|-
|Top 8{{ref|1|1}}
|Disco
|"]"
|]
|4
|Safe
|-
|Top 8
|Billboard Number 1
|"]"
|]
|1
|Safe
|-
|Top 7
|]
|"]"
|Billy Joel
|7
|Safe
|-
|Top 6
|]
|"]"
|]
|2
|Safe
|-
|Top 5
|1960s<br />]
|"]"<br />"]"
|]<br />Neil Sedaka
|5<br />10
|Safe
|-
|Top 4
|]
|"]"<br />"]"
|Bee Gees<br />]
|2<br />6
|Safe
|-
|Top 3
|Random Choice<br />Judges' Choice<br />Idol's Choice
|"]"<br />"]"<br />"]"
|]<br />]<br />]
|3<br />6<br />9
|Safe
|-
|Top 2
|Finale
|"]"<br />"]"<br />"]"
|Clay Aiken<br />]<br />]
|2<br />4<br />6
|Runner-Up
|}
* <small>{{note|1|Note 1}} Due to ]'s disqualification, the Top 9 performances became Top 8 when no one was eliminated.</small>


==Music==
===2006-Present: '' A Thousand Different Ways''===
Aiken made a surprise appearance in the star-studded Season 5 finale of ''American Idol''. Failed auditioner Michael Sandecki returned to the show to receive a "Golden Idol" award for Best Impersonator for his Clay Aiken-like appearance. During the middle of his victory serenade, Aiken walked out, debuting a new look with longer darker hair, joining him in "]". The entrance brought the crowd to their feet, and Sandecki was left speechless.<ref></ref>


===2003–2004: ''Measure of a Man''===
Aiken's third album, '']'', was released September 19, 2006.<ref></ref> He worked on the album under the guidance of Canadian producer and A&R executive Jaymes Foster.<ref></ref> The album contains ten cover songs, and four new songs, one which Aiken co-wrote.<ref></ref> Debuting at #2 on the Billboard chart, it made Aiken the 4th artist ever to have his first 3 albums debut in the Top 5 and scan over 200,000 in the first week.<ref></ref> ] is credited with the cover concept. Promotion for the album was focused on daytime and late night television appearances.
On October 14, 2003, Aiken released his first solo album, '']'', which debuted at number one on the ], with 613,000 copies sold in its first week, the highest-selling debut for a solo artist in 10 years.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wral.com/news/local/story/107508/ |title=Aiken CD Highest-Selling Debut Album Since 1993 |date=November 6, 2003 |publisher=WRAL |access-date=June 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110614060309/http://www.wral.com/news/local/story/107508/ |archive-date=June 14, 2011}}</ref> The album received ] ] certification on November 17, 2003 (a Double Platinum plaque was presented to Aiken by ] on October 22, 2003, during '']''). The album spawned both the hit single "]" and his first hit song, "]" (both co-written by British songwriter ]). Later that year, Aiken won the Fan's Choice Award at the ] ceremony, and his CD single "This Is The Night/Bridge Over Troubled Water" won the Billboard award for the Best-Selling Single of 2003.
Aiken's fourth album, '']'' (an ] of four Christmas songs), was released exclusively to ] on November 28, 2006.<ref></ref> In December 2006, Aiken mounted his third Christmas tour, comprising performances in 18 Midwest and East Coast cities. The tour opened in Waukegan, Illinois on December 1 and ended in Greensboro, North Carolina on December 23. Aiken was supported by local orchestras, which also opened the concerts with a program of seasonal music.


===2004–2006: ''Merry Christmas With Love''===
2007 started off for Aiken with a guest appearance on the ] ] special. The following week, on February 22, Aiken co-hosted ]. He was listed on list of hottest people in music. A 20 date tour is planned for the summer across the US. Aiken stated in a recent interview with ] that he is looking at making a new album soon.<ref></ref>
On November 16, 2004, Aiken released a holiday album titled '']'', which set a new record for fastest-selling holiday album in the ] era (since 1991).<ref>Rogers, Steve. realitytvworld.com. November 29, 2004. Retrieved August 8, 2009.</ref> The album debuted at number four on the ] and tied ]'s record for the highest debut by a holiday album in the history of ''Billboard'' magazine. '']'' sold over 1,000,000 copies retail in six weeks and was the best-selling holiday album of 2004, receiving RIAA Platinum certification on January 6, 2005.


===2006–2008: ''A Thousand Different Ways'' And ''All Is Well''===
==Charitable work==
Aiken's second studio album, '']'', was released September 19, 2006.<ref> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100514045923/http://www.livedaily.com/news/10719.html|date=May 14, 2010}} liveDaily.com. September 18, 2006. Retrieved July 25, 2009.</ref> He worked on the album under the guidance of Canadian producer and A&R executive Jaymes Foster.<ref>Bliss, Karen. {{usurped|1=}}. ''JAM!'' November 7, 2005. Retrieved April 8, 2006.</ref> The album contains ten cover songs and four new songs, one of which Aiken co-wrote. ] is credited with the cover concept.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.accesshollywood.com/news/ah1100.shtml |title=Clay Aiken Releases New Album |date=August 3, 2006 |website=Access Hollywood |access-date=June 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061029130655/http://www.accesshollywood.com/news/ah1100.shtml |archive-date=October 29, 2006}}</ref> with the album on ]. Debuting at number two on the Billboard chart, ''A Thousand Different Ways'' made Aiken the fourth artist ever to have his first three albums debut in the Top 5 and scan over 200,000 in the first week.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/chart-beat-163-57111/ |title=Chart Beat: Fred discusses Clay Aiken, Miki Howard and more |date=September 28, 2006 |magazine=Billboard |access-date=June 1, 2023}}</ref>
Apart from his music career, Aiken has been dedicated to advocating for education and for children's causes. His interest in ] issues led him, along with Diane Bubel (whose son Michael is autistic and was tutored by Aiken), to found the ], which supports the integration of children with disabilities into the life environment of their non-disabled peers. The BAF runs summer camps which reflect this mission, and also presents Able to Serve awards to support the volunteer efforts of children with physical and mental disabilities. The BAF was presented with a $500,000 grant from the US government to develop a curriculum for inclusion to be used in schools across the country. In addition State Farm has granted $1.5 million dollars to the Bubel/Aiken Foundation to help develop a primary education curriculum focused on teaching social and life skills through service to children of all levels of ability.<ref></ref>


Aiken's second Christmas album, ''All Is Well'' (an ] of four Christmas songs), was released exclusively to ] on November 28, 2006, and was released to ] as a digital download in December 2007.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5347146 |title=All is Well: Songs for Christmas (Wal-Mart Exclusive) |website=Wal-Mart |access-date=May 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20071213061015/http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5347146 |archive-date=December 13, 2007}}</ref>
Aiken has donated his time and his voice to multiple benefit events and concerts, including the 2004 ] Benefit, the America's Promise Benefit, and Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS (where he sang a duet with ]). He was one of the celebrity readers for the "Arthur Celebrity Audiobook (Stories for Heroes Series)," which benefits the BAF and other charities, and served as spokesperson for the series. He was also a spokesperson for the 2004 ] drive, and is an ambassador for the ] Charities. In addition, Aiken donated his clothes from his ''American Idol'' ], ] "I Can't Help Myself" performance to the North Carolina Museum of History in Raleigh.<ref></ref>


===2008–2009: ''On My Way Here''===
In 2004, he was appointed a United States Fund for ] National Ambassador, with a mission to help ensure that children everywhere are afforded a primary education.<ref></ref> Through his work with UNICEF, he participated in the ] telethon, which raised over $10 million, and recorded ]s in support of South Asian ] relief. He later recorded a video, featuring the song "Give a Little Bit", to be used as a public service announcement (PSA) to raise money for ] victims.
Aiken stated in an April 2007 interview with ''People'' that he was planning a new album, and during his May 2007 appearance on '']'', he mentioned that he was in Los Angeles interviewing producers for the new album.<ref>Richards, Constance. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070407224232/http://www.people.com/people/package/americanidol2007/article/0,,20007868_20033417,00.html |date=April 7, 2007 }}. ''People''. April 3, 2007. Retrieved April 13, 2007.</ref> Aiken found a song, "On My Way Here", written by ] frontman ], that struck a chord with him and became the inspiration for the album's theme in addition to the album title. For a cohesive sound, Aiken chose Mark ']' Eldridge to produce the entire album. '']'' was released May 6, 2008, on the ] label.<ref>Cohen, Jonathan. . ''Billboard''. March 21, 2008. Retrieved March 21, 2008.</ref>


According to an article posted on ''Billboard'', Aiken and RCA parted ways shortly after his ''On My Way Here'' album was released.
In March 2005, UNICEF sent Aiken to the tsunami-stricken ] area to raise awareness of the need to restore education quickly to the children who survived this disaster, in order to provide stability in a time of great loss. In April 2005, on behalf of UNICEF, he appeared before the ] Subcommittee on Foreign Operations, Export Financing and Related Programs of the ].<ref></ref> In May 2005, UNICEF sent Aiken on another mission, to northern ], to witness the plight of children called "night commuters", who flee the villages each night to sleep in streets and shelters in hopes of avoiding being kidnapped by the ]. UNICEF sent him to ] and ] in ] in April 2007 where he was able to spend time with children in their classrooms. Children who, after being forbidden for so many years by the ] regime to attend school, are once again allowed to receive an education.<ref></ref>
Aiken's rep confirmed to ''People'' magazine that Aiken left RCA.<ref> ''Billboard''. by Shirley Halperin. February 20, 2009. Retrieved February 20, 2009.</ref><ref> ''People''. by David Caplan. February 20, 2009. Retrieved February 20, 2009.</ref> Stated in the cited ''People'' article, "The buzz about Aiken's exit was fueled earlier this week when his picture disappeared online and Billboard, citing unnamed sources, reported Friday that Aiken, 30, had been dropped by the label. According to Billboard, Aiken's 2008 album "On My Way Here" sold just 159,000 copies in the U.S., compared to his 2003 debut album, "Measure of a Man", which sold 2.78&nbsp;million copies".


A fifth album, '']'', was released at the end of March 2009 on Sony's ] Playlist Series.<ref> ClayOnline News. February 27, 2009. Retrieved February 27, 2009.</ref> This album was a compilation of songs that had been included on the previous albums released by RCA. First week sales of 3000 copies placed ''Playlist: The Very Best of Clay Aiken'' at number 173 on the ] chart and at number ten on the Top Internet Albums chart.<ref> Reuters UK. April 10, 2009. Retrieved April 10, 2009.</ref>
Aiken was the 2005 spokesperson for the Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF drive. In May 2006 he visited Middlesex Middle School in ], the number one school fundraiser in the country, accepting a check on behalf of UNICEF and to thank the students for their efforts.<ref></ref>


===2009–2011: ''Tried and True''===
In September 2006 Aiken was appointed to the Presidential Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities.<ref> </ref> The Committee acts in an advisory capacity to the President and the Secretary of the ] on matters relating to programs and services for persons with ].<ref> </ref> Appointees serve a two-year term, and Aiken was sworn in September 14, 2006 by HHS Assistant Secretary for Children and Families ], Ph.D.<ref> </ref>
On August 10, 2009, it was announced on Aiken's official website that he had signed with ] and he would have new music out by early 2010.<ref> ClayOnline News. August 10, 2009. Retrieved August 10, 2009.</ref> Performing the songs from his new album, '']'', Aiken held a one night only concert at the ] in Raleigh, North Carolina on March 12, 2010. The concert, filmed for ] broadcast, included guest appearances by ] and ].<ref name="TnTN&O"/><ref name="BB100623">Graff, Gary. ''Billboard''. June 23, 2010. Retrieved June 23, 2010.</ref> Eder joined Aiken on stage for their duet of "]", which they recorded for his album. The album was released on June 1, 2010, and features songs popular in the 1950s and 1960s, including two Aiken covered during his run on ''American Idol'', "]" and "]".<ref name="RelDte"/> In conjunction with the PBS special a companion DVD, ''Tried & True Live!'', was released on July 27, 2010. A tour to promote the album is planned for early 2014.


===2011–present: ''Steadfast''===
==Philosophy==
On December 20, 2011, Aiken released a new single, "Bring Back My Love" under the Decca Label. The single is his first original song since the release of his album '']'' in 2008. On March 27, 2012, Aiken released ''Steadfast'', a new album of previous recordings and songs only sung in concerts. The album debuted at number 120 on the Billboard 200 chart with sales of 4,000 in the first week.<ref>{{cite news|title=McCreery's 'Clear as Day' takes the top 'Idol' album spot|url=http://content.usatoday.com/communities/idolchatter/post/2012/04/mccreerys-clear-as-day-takes-the-top-idol-album-spot/1|last=Mansfield|first=Brian|series=Idol Chatter|work=USA Today|date=April 4, 2012|access-date=December 15, 2013}}</ref>
While Aiken has recorded no contemporary ] songs since ], his pre-Idol demo albums each included several ] and gospel songs. He has also sung a few CCM songs at concerts, and his Christmas tours, featuring both secular and sacred songs, have become an annual tradition. In his book he described a journey away from his ] roots in search of a religion with more liberal social policies, and a return to that church on the strength of family and social ties. He described himself as a proud Southern Baptist, although remaining at odds with the church on some issues.<ref>] - Clay Aiken, pp. 221-230</ref> Aiken was featured in ] as an "American Idol Christian"<ref></ref> and in a cover story in January/February 2005.<ref></ref> A performance of the ]' "Jesus is Love" earned Aiken and ] a standing ovation at the American Music Awards in 2003, but as a recording artist he has chosen to stay within the pop genre. His public philosophy, geared towards inclusion and service to others, is expressed in primarily secular terms.<ref> http://www.thebubelaikenfoundation.org/ </ref><ref>] - Clay Aiken, pp. 227-228</ref>


==Television==
== Controversies and media focus ==
Aiken has made many television appearances.<ref name="IMDB">{{IMDb name|id=1341750}}</ref>
* In a ] ] article in ] Aiken discussed accidentally running over his kitten, saying, "There's nothing worse to me than a house cat. When I was about sixteen, I had a kitten and ran over it. Seeing that cat die, I actually think that its spirit has haunted me. I wasn't afraid of cats before. But now they scare me to death." In November 2003 ], based on Aiken's comment, drafted an ad featuring ] promoting neutering—by way of saying that it “didn’t hurt Clay Aiken” to have his balls cut off.<ref></ref> Behind the scenes Aiken's attorneys stepped in and the ad campaign was never launched. "We're in a slight holding pattern. We're always flexible," PETA spokeswoman Ingrid Newkirk told the New York Daily News. "We got a lawyer calling and our lawyers said maybe we can work something out, make the ad evaporate, and put a leash on the insult dog."<ref></ref>


On Labor Day 2003, Aiken sang "Bridge Over Troubled Water" at the '']'' and received a standing ovation from the audience. Lewis compared Aiken with ] and marveled at the dedication of Aiken's fan base:
* In July 2005, ] reported that after acquiring tax documents, critics mounted an internet campaign questioning how Aiken's foundation, the ] used its money. WRAL news investigated the claims and provided this statement: "WRAL asked an independent accountant to break down the numbers, who pointed out that program services totaled $920,000 -- around 85 cents on every dollar donated -- which is considered a solid percentage compared to other charities".<ref></ref>
<!--Please do not change anything about the following paragraph as the specific wording and links have been agreed upon. See "talk" for discussion. Thank you!-->
* Aiken has been the subject of gay jokes by ], ], and ], among others. In an interview with '']'' in July 2003 Aiken stated that he is not gay. When he appeared as the musical guest on '']'' on ], ], he lampooned such speculation in the opening monologue, which featured him as a member of a gay men's chorus.<ref></ref>


{{blockquote|We have someone here today from the smash hit show ''American Idol''. We're thrilled to have him joining us today, because when it was made known that he would appear on this Telethon, the emails and the fan clubs that this young man has have sent us $30,000.00 just at the fact that he was here. And I can honestly say I have never, in all of my life, seen a theatrical groundswell that this kid has motivated, that it makes us all come right back to the bobby sox and Frank. And isn't it nice to live through that magnificence again? Here is Clay Aiken.<ref name="ClayMDA">]</ref>}}
:In September 2006 Aiken sat down for televised interviews with ] of ], ] of ], ] (]), and spoke to ] (October 2, 2006 issue) to discuss the rumors about his sexuality.


That same year, Aiken sang "]" on the opening night of the ] and appeared in numerous television specials during the winter of 2003, including '']'s Christmas Day Parade'' and the ''] Holiday Special'', where he sang the "]/Peace on Earth" with ] via special effects.
:When Sawyer asked if he was ready to come out he laughed and said that would not make any sense as it was preposterous for him to do that. He also told Sawyer that he was done answering questions, it was no one's business and those were the type of questions he thought were rude. When Sawyer asked him about the "prurient stuff" on the Internet purporting to be from him, he said, "Even though stuff I read about me in the magazines isn't true... it still makes me lose sleep." He said he hurts, not just for his mother, and he doesn't know why people are offensive.


Aiken starred in and executive produced his first TV special (December 2004), titled ''A Clay Aiken Christmas'', with special guests ], ], and ]; the special was released on DVD later that month. On July 4, 2004, Aiken was one of the performers in the '']'' concert in Washington, D.C., and performed in the '']'' Summer Concert Series in 2004 and 2005. He also sang "]" on the popular television show '']''.
:In his televised sit-down with Lara Spencer she asked if he was ready to set the record straight about his sexuality. Aiken replied, "I'm just not commenting anymore. There's no point, I've answered before (Rolling Stone, 2003). I feel like a kid who is in trouble in school and is called in, did you do this? Did you cheat on that test? And of course, no, but it doesn't matter what you say." Spencer asked him if reading the speculation in the tabloids upset him. Aiken replied, "At first it's a little bit painful, a little bit harmful, you know, to see that and think, 'Oh God there actually are gonna be people who see that and believe this,' which is preposterous." He went on to say it was painful for his mother to see such outrageous and fabricated stories.


Aiken was the musical guest on '']'' in 2004 and participated in several skits. He has appeared multiple times on '']'', interviewing with ] as a guest in addition to singing, and has become a regular guest on '']''. The Kimmel appearances often feature skits: in one, ]'s then girlfriend ] confessed to an affair with Aiken, and in another, Aiken expressed his distaste for Kimmel's jokes about him by beating him up. In May 2007, he spent the first half of his interview on horseback while talking about his recent ] trip to ]. A few weeks later he appeared as a spokesperson for "Guillermo's Mustache" in Kimmel's fictional DVD informercial shown on the '']'' finale. Aiken made his acting debut on '']'' in early 2004, playing himself, and in 2005, he was interviewed by ] on '']''. He played the role of cafeteria worker Kenny on the '']'' episode "]". In December 2006, he made an appearance as himself on '']''.
:Aiken told People, "It doesn't matter what I say. People are going to believe what they want. I don't like having crap spread about me to everybody. But I've kind of unfortunately come to know that it's part of what I'm doing."


After hosting and performing in the ''American Idol'' Christmas special in 2003, Aiken has had several subsequent hosting jobs. He was a special correspondent for '']'' for the 2005 ]s, and on the sets of the sitcom '']'' with ] and '']''. He co-hosted '']'' in 2006, and on November 17, 2006, filled in for ] as guest host on '']''. During an interview, Aiken covered ]'s mouth with his hand.<ref>Serpe, Gina. . ]. November 21, 2006. Retrieved December 17, 2006.</ref> The incident drew considerable media reaction after Ripa complained at length about the incident on her show the following Monday.<ref>. ]. November 25, 2006. Retrieved December 17, 2006.</ref> Aiken made fun of the controversy on the ''2006 American Music Awards'' the next night with ].<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070605084424/http://www.people.com/people/clay_aiken/photos/0,,20007361_1250125,00.html |date=June 5, 2007 }}. ''People''. Retrieved May 24, 2007.</ref> On '']'' in 2006, filmed before the Ripa incident, Aiken mentioned wanting to have his own talk show someday, and Banks switched seats with him and let him interview her for one segment of the show. Aiken was a guest judge on the April 8, 2009, segment of Banks show '']''; in what the show refers to as a teach, he worked with the remaining eight contestants on their acting skills prior to the judging.
:Discussing the tabloid stories with Larry King, Aiken said the people who know him know the stories are not true.<ref></ref>


In November 2007, Aiken was a contestant on a celebrity edition of the game show '']''.<ref>''Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?'' (2007)
* On ], ] Jeannie Holleman filed a lawsuit against Aiken, his mother and others for more than two million dollars. In her lawsuit, filed August 4, 2006 in ] Superior Court, Holleman alleges that Aiken, his mother and others defamed her and conspired to depress sales of her "]" published, "unauthorized tribute to Clay Aiken and his passionate fans": ''"Out of the Blue – 'Clay' it Forward''." In addition to seeking monetary damages, she is asking the court to order Aiken to retract his critical comments or to endorse ''Out of the Blue'' on his official Web site and write an introduction for the book and sell it at his concerts for at least five years.<ref name="Legal"> .</ref>
Original Air Date: November 1, 2007 (Season 2, Episode 9)</ref> Playing for his charity, the ], he chose to drop out after the ninth question with US$300,000, despite having a copy and a save at his disposal. If he had played the tenth question, he would have won US$500,000; Aiken and the 5th grader playing with him both had the correct answer.
* In a statement issued ], ] through his record company, RCA, Aiken said, "As a so-called 'celebrity', I have become used to scurrilous allegations and untruths being made about me and my work. I have always taken the path of not reacting to these matters and have accepted them as, somehow, coming with the 'job'. However, I cannot, and will not, stand by when these attacks are made on my family and my charity. So, I have instructed my attorneys to not only vigorously dispute the claims that have been made but to also pursue all possible remedies against those involved in the perpetration of these untruths."<ref>[http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1538062/20060808/jackson_michael.jhtml?headlines=true, MTV News, 08/07/06, retrieved August 27, 2006</ref><ref name="Legal" />
* On November 17, 2006, Aiken was a stand-in guest host on ]. During an interview Aiken covered ]'s mouth with his hand.<ref>, Gina Serpe, ], ], ], accessed ], ]</ref><ref>, "Inner Tube" column, ] Entertainment, ], ], accessed ], ]</ref> There was considerable reaction after Kelly mentioned the incident on her show 4 days later.<ref>, TMZ.com staff, TMZ.com, ], ], accessed ], ]</ref><ref>, Brian Orloff, ], ], ], accessed ], ]</ref> Aiken made fun of the controversy on the 2006 American Music Awards a few days later with Tori Spelling.<ref>, ], ], ], accessed ], ]</ref><ref></ref>


In May 2009, Aiken made a guest appearance on '']'' in the season 3 episode "]". It was revealed in this episode that he is the cousin of the show's character ].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mtv.com/news/6x6hrb/mary-j-blige-clay-aiken-loved-singing-for-30-rock |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230601010005/https://www.mtv.com/news/6x6hrb/mary-j-blige-clay-aiken-loved-singing-for-30-rock |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 1, 2023 |title=Mary J. Blige, Clay Aiken Loved Singing For '30 Rock' |last=Vena |first=Jocelyn |date=May 15, 2009 |publisher=MTV |access-date=May 31, 2023}}</ref>
==Fans==

Some of Aiken's fans have been referred to as "Claymates," a term that Aiken has trademarked.<ref>US Patent and Trademark Office </ref>
In August 2010, Aiken guest starred in an episode of '']'', called "]". Aiken sang an inspirational duet with ], to encourage those who did not believe that Phineas and Ferb could accomplish their goal of circling the globe faster than the sun, thus creating the longest summer day of all time.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/08/05/AR2010080506633.html |title=TV highlights: Friday, Aug. 6, 2010 |date=August 6, 2010|newspaper=] |access-date=May 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140304125108/https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/08/05/AR2010080506633.html |archive-date=March 4, 2014}}</ref>

On January 30, 2011, Aiken sang the United States' national anthem at the 2011 NHL All-Star game held at the ] in Raleigh, North Carolina, home of the Carolina Hurricanes.

On July 24, 2011, Aiken guest starred on the comedy drama series '']''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.vulture.com/2011/04/lance_bass_and_clay_aiken_join.html |title=Lance Bass and Clay Aiken Join Drop Dead Diva's Gay Prom Episode |last=Lyons |first=Margaret |date=April 12, 2011 |website=New York Vulture |access-date=June 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131114154953/https://www.vulture.com/2011/04/lance_bass_and_clay_aiken_join.html |archive-date=November 14, 2013}}</ref>

In 2012, Aiken was the ] on the ] of '']'', raising US$361,500 for the National Inclusion Project.<ref>{{cite web|author=Joyce Eng|url=https://www.yahoo.com/tv/won-celebrity-apprentice-132300332.html|title=Who Won Celebrity Apprentice?|publisher=]|date=May 21, 2012|access-date=February 12, 2017|archive-date=February 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170213165614/https://www.yahoo.com/tv/won-celebrity-apprentice-132300332.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Aiken appeared in one of the last episodes of '']'', titled "]". He played himself and was one of the judges for a reality show that Andy was auditioning for.<ref>{{cite web|author=Gabrielle Bonghi|url=http://www.philly.com/philly/entertainment/music/Santigold-Clay-Aiken--Aaron-Rogers-to-make-cameos-on-The-Office.html|title=Santigold, Clay Aiken & Aaron Rodgers to make cameos on 'The Office'|date=May 8, 2013 |work=Philadelphia Daily News|access-date=July 2, 2013}}</ref>

In 2013, Aiken guest starred on an episode '']'' along with ] and ], playing themselves as judges for a singing contest on the episode called "Dissonant Voices".<ref>{{cite web|author=Anna Taberski|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/anna-taberski/law-and-order-svu-season_b_4231497.html|title=Law and Order: SVU' Season 15, Episode 7 Recap: Almost Like 'American Idol,' But With Terrible Crimes|date=November 7, 2013|publisher=Huffpost TV.com}}</ref>

In 2024, Aiken paired up with Ruben Studdard when they competed in ] of '']'' as "Beets". They were eliminated during the Group B finals alongside ] as "Seal".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2024/tv/news/the-masked-singer-season-11-episode-9-recap-corey-feldman-ruben-studdard-clay-aiken-1235988896/|title='The Masked Singer' Reveals Identities of the Seal and Beets: Here Are the Celebrities Under the Costumes|website=Variety|first=Michael|last=Schneider|date=May 1, 2024|access-date=May 2, 2024}}</ref>

==Broadway==
On January 18, 2008, Aiken made his ] debut when he joined the cast of '']'s ]'' for a four-month run, ending on May 4, 2008. He played Sir Robin, in the ]-winning musical directed by ]. In addition to Sir Robin, Aiken played the 1st Guard and the Brother Maynard roles.<ref>{{cite news|access-date=October 17, 2007 |url=http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/10-16-2007/0004683237&EDATE=|title=Clay Aiken joins Monty Python's Spamalot, The Funniest Show on Earth|publisher=PR Newswire Association|date=October 16, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080205052759/http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=%2Fwww%2Fstory%2F10-16-2007%2F0004683237&EDATE=|archive-date=February 5, 2008|url-status=dead}} (article archived)</ref> On August 12, 2008, it was announced that Aiken would resume his role as Sir Robin beginning on September 19 and ending on January 4, 2009.<ref name="sirobin"/> On December 23, 2008, Aiken had his ] unveiled at world-famous ] restaurant.<ref>{{cite news|access-date=December 24, 2008 |url=http://www.playbill.com/news/article/124636.html|author=Blank, Matthew|title=Photo Call: Clay Aiken Honored with Sardi's Caricature|work=Playbill|date=December 24, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081227021012/http://www.playbill.com/news/article/124636.html|archive-date=December 27, 2008}}</ref> In December 2018, Aiken and ] starred in ''Ruben & Clay's First Annual Family Fun Pageant Spectacular Reunion Christmas Show'' on Broadway.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/12/11/theater/ruben-and-clay-review-ruben-studdard-clay-aiken-christmas.html|title=Review: 'Ruben & Clay' Reunites 'Idol' Rivals for Christmas Fun|last=Vincentelli|first=Elisabeth|date=December 30, 2018 |work=]|access-date=March 1, 2019 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>

==Other theater work==
In May 2013, Aiken starred as "Man in Chair" in North Carolina Theatre's production of '']'', along with fellow Raleigh native and Tony Award winner ], who reprised her role as "The Chaperone".


During the summer of 2013, Aiken performed the role of Joseph in the musical '']'' at the Ogunquit Playhouse in Ogunquit, Maine.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ogunquitplayhouse.org/2013season/joseph|title=Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (2013)|access-date=August 18, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130609033959/http://www.ogunquitplayhouse.org/2013season/joseph|archive-date=June 9, 2013}}</ref> Aiken enjoyed the role because he did not have to dance.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Clay Aiken Sports Long Hair in Vibrant Technicolor Dreamcoat Photo |url=https://people.com/celebrity/clay-aiken-sports-long-hair-in-vibrant-technicolor-dreamcoat-photo/ |access-date=August 7, 2023 |website=Peoplemag |language=en}}</ref>
Canadian fans sometimes call themselves "Claynadians".<ref>,
Jennifer Zurowski, Dose Magazine, accessed November 5, 2006</ref>


In June 2019, Aiken starred as Teen Angel in '']'' at the Benedum Center in ]. "The energy level is high, but there's no question it steps up a notch when Clay Aiken struts out in the second act and gives Pittsburgh a taste of why his Claymates are hopelessly devoted to the former American Idol."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.post-gazette.com/ae/theater-dance/2019/06/10/Reviews-Pittsburgh-Public-Theater-CLO-Marjorie-Prime-future-play-Grease-musical/stories/201906100075 |title=Reviews: From the chilling future of 'Marjorie Prime' to the nostalgia of 'Grease' |last=Eberson |first=Sharon |date=June 10, 2019 |website=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette |access-date=May 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200215083853/https://www.post-gazette.com/ae/theater-dance/2019/06/10/Reviews-Pittsburgh-Public-Theater-CLO-Marjorie-Prime-future-play-Grease-musical/stories/201906100075 |archive-date=February 15, 2020}}</ref> "As 'Teen Angel' in the Pittsburgh CLO's production of ''Grease'', Aiken is only on stage for about five minutes. Those five minutes, however, are fab-u-lous."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pghcitypaper.com/arts-entertainment/american-idol-alum-clay-aiken-dazzles-in-pittsburgh-clos-grease-15169940 |title=American Idol alum Clay Aiken dazzles in Pittsburgh CLO's Grease |last=Cunningham |first=Lisa |date=June 10, 2019 |website=Pittsburgh City Paper |access-date=May 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230601005815/https://www.pghcitypaper.com/arts-entertainment/american-idol-alum-clay-aiken-dazzles-in-pittsburgh-clos-grease-15169940 |archive-date=June 1, 2023}}</ref>
Some portion of the group has been criticized at times as being obsessive, both in the media and by Aiken himself.<ref> ''realityblurred.com'', 11/15/2004, retrieved April 5, 2006</ref> On the September 27, 2006 '']'' talk show, ] said to Aiken that his fans were "crazy". Aiken corrected him saying they were "enthusiastic". Later, during a November appearance on the '']'', Aiken told Mullally his fans were wonderful.
Aiken was voted the Favorite Reality Star of 2003 by '']'' readers, and “the most-loved reality star of all time” in a '']'' poll conducted in the summer of ].<ref>, Ali Kazan, ], August 8, 2005, retrieved April 5, 2006</ref> <p>
In February 2006, in a '']'' magazine poll readers voted Aiken their "Favorite American Idol".<ref>, Steve Ryfle, Netscape Celebrity, retrieved November 23, 2006</ref>


==Tours== ==Tours==
From February through April 2004, Aiken and ] embarked on the ] as co-headliners.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.realitytvworld.com/news/kelly-clarkson-and-clay-aiken-announce-thirty-city-concert-tour-2173.php |title=Kelly Clarkson and Clay Aiken announce thirty city concert tour |last=Rogers |first=Steve |date=January 18, 2004 |website=RealityTVWorld |access-date=January 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100107014303/http://www.realitytvworld.com/news/kelly-clarkson-and-clay-aiken-announce-thirty-city-concert-tour-2173.php |archive-date=January 7, 2010}}</ref> Following this tour, he was scheduled for a few summer solo tour dates, but demand ultimately led to the booking of 50 dates across the United States, resulting in what many fans called the "Not-A-Tour". ] (Buena Vista) was the exclusive sponsor of this unnamed summer tour, promoting their '']'' Special Edition 2-Disc DVD with a preview of Aiken's rendition of "]", a song originally intended for the first release of the film but cut when the Aladdin storyline changed during production. A music video featuring Aiken is on the ''Aladdin'' Special Edition DVD.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.upi.com/Entertainment_News/2004/07/10/Clays-Aikens-tour-sponsored-by-Buena-Vista/80021089507921/ |title=Clay's Aiken's tour sponsored by Buena Vista |website=United Press International |date=July 10, 2004 |access-date=June 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150416044926/https://www.upi.com/Entertainment_News/2004/07/10/Clays-Aikens-tour-sponsored-by-Buena-Vista/80021089507921/ |archive-date=April 16, 2015}}</ref> On this tour, he also performed a duet, "Without You", which was released on ]'s 2004 debut album ].
'''2003: The ''American Idols Live!'' Tour'''
* 40-City U.S. Tour (July - August 2003)
* Two-month arena tour starring ''American Idol 2'' finalists.


In November 2004, Aiken launched his third tour of the year, which revolved around a Christmas theme. "The Joyful Noise Tour", sponsored by ], featured a conductor and a 30-piece orchestra.<ref> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714055949/http://mcdepk.com/thanksforgiving/downloads/lead_release.pdf |date=July 14, 2011 }} 2004 McDonald's Corporation. December 17, 2004. Retrieved August 20, 2009.</ref> In some cities, Aiken was supported by the local philharmonic or symphony, such as the ] and the ]. Local choirs from high schools and elementary schools also participated at each concert.<ref>Rogers, Steve. realitytvworld.com. November 29, 2004. Retrieved August 20, 2009.</ref>
'''2004: The ''Independent Tour'', co-headlining with ]'''
* 40-City U.S. Tour (February - April 2004)
* Kelly and Clay opened and closed the concert on alternate dates. Each concert ended with a duet of Journey's ''"Open Arms".''
* The opening act was ].


]]] During the summer of 2005, Aiken, with a seven-piece band and three back-up singers, toured with the "Jukebox Tour", performing songs of the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, as well as a few favorites from '']''. He also performed a few new songs being considered for his next album.<ref>. thewaywemakeadifference.org. August 25, 2005. Retrieved August 20, 2009.</ref>
'''2004: The ''Not a Tour'' 2004 Summer Solo Tour'''
* 50-City 2 hour U.S. Tour (July - September 2005)
* The "2004 Summer Tour"'s official sponsor was Disney, marking their first sponsorship of a concert tour.
* At each concert a video was shown that previewed Clay's performance of "Proud of Your Boy", which was included in Disney's DVD re-release of "Aladdin"; the video also featured the work of the DisneyHand and Bubel-Aiken Foundation charities.
* Opening acts were ] for the first half of the tour and ] for the second half.


In early November 2005, Aiken launched his second Christmas tour. The 2005 Joyful Noise tour featured a series of vignettes, written by Aiken,<ref>Kragen, Pam. . '']''. November 9, 2005. Retrieved June 25, 2007 (article archived)</ref> which told the story of an older woman who had lost the Christmas spirit and a young boy who helps her find it again. A cast of actors, dancers and back-up singers traveled with the tour, and members of local theater groups were added in each venue for smaller, non-speaking roles and crowd scenes. The tour opened in ], British Columbia, on November 2, and ended in ] on December 30. According to ], Aiken's first five tours grossed $28&nbsp;million.<ref>. ''Forbes''. January 15, 2007. Retrieved June 21, 2007.</ref><ref>. ''The Wall Street Journal''. June 22, 2007. Retrieved June 22, 2007.</ref>
'''2004: The ''Joyful Noise Tour'' '''
* 28-City Holiday concert 2 hour concert (November - December 2004)
* Featured 30 piece orchestras as well as both adult and children's choirs invited from each host city
* The Joyful Noise Tour's official sponsor was Ronald McDonald House Charities.


In December 2006, Aiken began his third Christmas tour, comprising performances in 18 ] and ] cities. Aiken was supported by local orchestras, which also opened the concerts with a program of seasonal music.<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080830044823/http://www.americanidolworship.com/2006/12/a-clay-aiken-christmas-carols-comedy/ |date=August 30, 2008 }}. americanidolworship.com. December 21, 2006. Retrieved August 20, 2009.</ref>
'''2005: The ''Jukebox Tour'' '''
* 26-City tour of cities mostly in the eastern U.S. and Toronto (July - September 2005)
* 2 1/2 hour show including music from each decade from the 50's to the 2000s, including some current and future releases planned by Aiken.
* Over 70 songs were included in this concert, some incorporated as medleys from each decade.
* There was no opening act; however, each of the 3 backup singers contributed a solo and some spotlight segments to the concert.


A 23-date tour in support of his third album, '']'', began on July 4, 2007, and ended in ], on August 19. On this tour Aiken hired local symphonies to back him, along with tour regulars Jesse Vargas, pianist, conductor and arranger; Sean McDaniel, drummer; and Quiana Parler and Angela Fisher, backup singers. Stops included the ], ] in New York, and the ] in Philadelphia. Three days into the tour, Aiken and a woman were involved in an in-flight altercation in which she allegedly shoved him. As a result of the scuffle, Aiken and the woman were later questioned by the ].<ref name="Tulsa World">. '']''. July 2007. Retrieved July 9, 2007.</ref> Aiken told ''Entertainment Tonight'' that he had been sleeping when the incident occurred.<ref>. ''Entertainment Tonight'' July 9, 2007. Retrieved January 12, 2008. {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080205061508/http://www.etonline.com/celebrities/news/2007/07/48910/|date=February 5, 2008}}</ref>
'''2005: The ''Joyful Noise 2005 Tour'' '''
* 36-City, 40-Concert U.S. and Canada tour (November - December 2005)
* The concert featured a traveling cast of actors, singers, and dancers, as well as a supporting cast recruited from each host city, to provide the theatrical component that threaded together the musical performances.
* The opening act and contributing musician was pop-classical pianist ].


His fourth annual Christmas tour, "Christmas in the Heartland", began on November 26, 2007, in ].<ref>. {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070629231315/http://www.ticketnews.com/Clay-Aiken-Adds-Dates-to-Magical-Holiday-Tour2725 |date=June 29, 2007 }} ''TicketNews.com'' June 25, 2007. Retrieved June 25, 2007.</ref> That 21-date tour ended on December 22, 2007, in Merrillville, Indiana.
'''2006: ''Holiday Tour'''

* 18-city tour of cities mostly in the eastern U.S. (December 2006)
He has ended all of his Christmas tours with his signature Christmas song, "]".
* Performed with local orchestras, which also opened the concerts with a program of seasonal music.

Aiken and ] brought their "Timeless" tour to cities in the US and Canada beginning in ], on July 23, 2010, and ending in ], on August 14.<ref name="BB100623"/><ref> ''clayonline.com'' April 1, 2010. Retrieved April 1, 2010.</ref><ref>Franklin, Mark. {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110718140321/http://ydblogz.com/chatter/?p=8711 |date=July 18, 2011 }} ''The York Dispatch Idol Chatter'' April 1, 2010. Retrieved April 11, 2010.</ref> Instead of a concert focusing on each singers recordings, Aiken and Studdard opted for a variety show format covering medleys of songs from the 1960s to the 1990s with a few solos and interspersed with comedy bits.<ref>Wener, Ben. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100806121930/http://soundcheck.ocregister.com/2010/08/02/ruben-studdard-clay-aiken-primed-for-vegas/31969/ |date=August 6, 2010 }} '']''. August 2, 2010. Retrieved August 10, 2010.</ref>

Aiken announced on July 30, 2010, that he will be touring in February and March 2011 in conjunction with ] to support his album '']'' and accompanying live DVD ''Clay Aiken: Tried and True – Live''.<ref> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100903121613/http://clayaiken.com/news/12258|date=September 3, 2010}} ''clayaiken.com/news'' July 30, 2010. Retrieved August 30, 2010.</ref><ref> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100818032511/http://clayaiken.com/news/12290|date=August 18, 2010}} ''clayaiken.com/news'' August 9, 2010. Retrieved August 30, 2010.</ref>

Aiken began his fifth Christmas tour "Joyful Noise 2012" in Florida in November 2012.<ref> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121008232833/http://clayaiken.com/news/97791|date=October 8, 2012}} ''clayaiken.com/news'' September 17, 2012. Retrieved September 30, 2012.</ref><ref> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120929021731/http://clayaiken.com/events|date=September 29, 2012}} ''clayaiken.com/news'' September 17, 2012. Retrieved September 30, 2012.</ref>

==Activism==
In 1995, Aiken started working at the ].<ref name="Aiken, Clay 2004 pp. 133-134"/>

At 19, Aiken taught at ] in a class of kids with autism. It was during that experience that he decided to finish college and become a special education teacher.<ref name="Aiken, Clay 2004 pp. 153-161"/>

Aiken has participated in multiple benefit events and concerts, including the 2004 ] Benefit, the America's Promise Benefit, and ]'s ] benefit, "Home", where he sang a duet with Headley.<ref>. {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426012601/http://broadwayinspirationalvoices.com/supportHtml/SupHH.html|date=April 26, 2012}} broadwayinspirationalvoices.com Retrieved August 5, 2009.</ref> He was one of the celebrity readers for the ''Arthur Celebrity Audiobook (Stories for Heroes Series)'', which benefits the ] (now the ]) and other charities, and served as spokesperson for the series. He was also a spokesperson for the 2004 ] drive, and acted as an ambassador for the ] Charities. Aiken worked with the ] to make one little boy's dream of singing on stage with Clay Aiken come true.<ref> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090104090823/http://www.philadelphia.wish.org/john.htm|date=January 4, 2009}} Make-A-Wish Foundation of Philadelphia & Susquehanna Valley. Retrieved January 10, 2009.</ref>

In September 2006, Aiken was appointed to the Presidential Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities by President ]. Appointees serve a two-year term; Aiken was sworn on September 14, 2006, by HHS Assistant Secretary for Children and Families ], PhD<ref name="pcpid"/>

While appearing in Spamalot, Aiken used his free time and celebrity to help raise funds for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS (BC/EFA) during their fund drives and auctions.<ref> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080829194515/http://www.playbill.com/news/article/115206.html|date=August 29, 2008}} Playbill, by Andrew Gans, February 19, 2008. Retrieved December 27, 2008.</ref><ref> broadway world.com, by BWW News Desk, September 22, 2008. Retrieved December 27, 2008.</ref> In 2010, Aiken spoke out for gay rights at the ] dinner in North Carolina.<ref>{{cite web
|url = http://www.nationalledger.com/artman/publish/article_272630625.shtml
|title = Clay Aiken – Gay Rights Stand for American Idol Singer
|work = National Ledger
|date = March 1, 2010
|access-date = March 3, 2010
|url-status = dead
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100304135508/http://www.nationalledger.com/artman/publish/article_272630625.shtml
|archive-date = March 4, 2010
}}</ref> He also joined other celebrities in filming an educational video for ]'s web based Give a Damn campaign, a project of her True Colors Fund. In addition to UNICEF and his National Inclusion Project he is promoting GLSEN, the ] as one of his causes on his official website.<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2010/05/21/Aiken_and_Cho_Fight_Against_Harassment/
|title=Aiken and Cho Fight Against Harassment
|work=The Advocate
|date=May 21, 2010
|access-date=June 8, 2010
}}</ref><ref>{{cite web
|url=http://fayobserver.com/articles/2010/06/10/1004773?sac=Life
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110710231446/http://fayobserver.com/articles/2010/06/10/1004773?sac=Life
|url-status=dead
|archive-date=July 10, 2011
|title=Clay Aiken finds comfort in old songs, new life
|work=Fayetteville Observer (AP)
|date=June 10, 2010
|access-date=September 28, 2010
}}</ref>

===National Inclusion Project (formerly BAF)===
{{Main|National Inclusion Project}}
Aiken's interest in ] issues led him, along with Diane Bubel (whose son Michael is diagnosed with autism and was tutored by Aiken), to found the ] (formerly the Bubel/Aiken Foundation), which supports the integration of children with disabilities into the life environment of their non-disabled peers.<ref> newswiretoday.com. Press Release. August 20, 2009. Retrieved August 20, 2009.</ref> The foundation runs summer camps which reflect its mission, and also presents Able to Serve awards to support the volunteer efforts of children with physical and mental disabilities.<ref>. Retrieved August 6, 2009. {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090809151723/http://www.inclusionproject.org/level_2.php?id=3|date=August 9, 2009}}</ref><ref>. Retrieved June 23, 2006. {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090524042551/http://ysa.org/PartnersSponsors/tabid/61/Default.aspx#thebubel/aikenfoundation/|date=May 24, 2009}}</ref> In July 2005, Raleigh's ] reported on an internet campaign mounted by critics questioning how Aiken's foundation used its money. WRAL news hired an independent accountant who reported that program services totaled $920,000 in 2004—around 85 cents on every dollar donated—which is considered a solid percentage compared to other charities.<ref>. WRAL.com. July 18, 2005. Retrieved June 23, 2006.</ref> ] picked up the story, and Aiken appeared on '']'' to provide details about the foundation's programs.<ref>. {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140820074718/http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0507/25/sbt.01.html/|date=August 20, 2014}} CNN. July 25, 2005. Retrieved June 23, 2006. Archived, subscription required.</ref> In late 2004, the foundation was awarded a $500,000 grant by the US government to develop a K–12 model for inclusion in community service projects to be used in schools across the country. In addition, ] granted $1.5&nbsp;million to the foundation to help develop a primary education curriculum focused on teaching social and life skills through service to children of all levels of ability.<ref>. CSR Wire Press Release. November 2, 2005. Retrieved April 8, 2006. (article archived)</ref>

On August 5, 2009, in an open letter from the founders, Clay Aiken and Diane Bubel announced that they would rename the organization as the "National Inclusion Project".<ref name="nip"/>

===UNICEF===
In November 2004, Aiken was appointed a ] National Ambassador, with a mission to help ensure that children everywhere are afforded a primary education.<ref name="unicef"/> After the ] at the end of 2004, he participated in the ] telethon, which raised over $10&nbsp;million, and recorded ]s in support of South Asian tsunami relief. He later recorded a video, featuring the song "]", to be used as a ] to raise money for tsunami victims. He was the 2005 spokesperson for the Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF drive.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.prweb.com/releases/2006/02/prweb340479.htm |title=Clay Aiken Fans Celebrate Third Year Anniversary |date=February 2, 2006 |website=Cision PRWeb |access-date=June 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126024724/https://www.prweb.com/releases/2006/02/prweb340479.htm |archive-date=January 26, 2021}}</ref>

In March 2005, UNICEF sent Aiken to the tsunami-stricken ] area to raise awareness of the need to restore education quickly to the children who survived this disaster.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.unicefusa.org/partners/ambassadors/clay-aiken.html |title=Clay Aiken |website=UNICEF |access-date=June 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080428214712/http://www.unicefusa.org/partners/ambassadors/clay-aiken.html |archive-date=April 28, 2008}}</ref> UNICEF sent Aiken on another mission in May 2005, to northern ], to witness the plight of children called "night commuters", who flee the villages each night to sleep in streets and shelters in hopes of avoiding being kidnapped by the ]. He was sent to ] and ], in ] in April 2007, where he was able to spend time with children in their classrooms; he also visited a health center for women and children where he administered oral ] to babies. He observed that ] children, after being forbidden for so many years by the ] regime to attend school, are eager to return to school now that they are once again allowed to receive an education.<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070422025428/http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/afghanistan_39401.html |date=April 22, 2007 }}. UNICEF. April 18, 2007. Retrieved April 18, 2007.</ref> Aiken spent his 2007 Christmas in Mexico with the children affected by the floods in the states of Chiapas and Tabasco.<ref>. BBC News. November 1, 2007. Retrieved January 5, 2008.</ref><ref>. UNICEF. December 25, 2007. Retrieved January 5, 2008.</ref> In late June and early July 2008, UNICEF sent Aiken to ] and ].<ref>Mohamed, Guled. . {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081221011849/http://africa.reuters.com/wire/news/usnL25715768.html|date=December 21, 2008}} ''Reuters South Africa''. June 25, 2008. Retrieved June 29, 2008.</ref><ref>. ''UNICEF Field Notes''. July 22, 2008. Retrieved July 22, 2008.</ref>

==Politics==
===2014 Congressional election===
]
In the ], Aiken was the ]'s nominee for ]. He won the Democratic primary, held on May 6, 2014, by fewer than 400 votes. His main opponent, ], died days after the primary vote but before the votes could be certified.<ref>. Associated Press (via ''New York Post''). May 7, 2014. Retrieved November 15, 2017.</ref><ref>. Associated Press (via ''New York Post''). May 12, 2014. Retrieved September 8, 2017.</ref> In the general election, held on November 4, 2014, Aiken was defeated by incumbent Republican Congresswoman ], 59 to 41 percent.<ref>Bonner, Lynn. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141110172326/http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2014/11/04/5291087/us-congress-rouzer-leads-ncs-7th.html |date=November 10, 2014 }}, Charlotte Observer, November 4, 2014.</ref> North Carolina's 2nd district is considered a safe Republican seat. Aiken's campaign was captured by a filmmaking team and shown in the 2015 documentary miniseries ''The Runner-Up'', which aired on the ].<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Clay Aiken Promises New Esquire Docu-Series 'Isn't Scripted' Like 'American Idol' |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6524285/clay-aiken-docu-series-to-premiere-on-esquire |date=April 7, 2015 |first=Michele Amabile |last=Angermiller |magazine=Billboard}}</ref>

Since coming out as gay in 2008, Aiken has been more politically outspoken, particularly on gay rights and ].<ref name="amendone">. ''HuffPost''. May 14, 2012. Retrieved September 9, 2017.</ref><ref name="ssm">. ''HuffPost''. May 1, 2014. Retrieved September 9, 2017.</ref> He spoke out against ], adopted in 2012, which banned gay marriage and ]s ].<ref name="amendone" /> When he ran for Congress, however, he said he did not want to be perceived as a ] and said gay marriage was "not the issue" he was campaigning on.<ref name="ssm" /> He said he wanted to focus on issues that were more important to people in his district.<ref name="ssm" /><ref name="maher">. '']''. January 15, 2015. Retrieved September 9, 2017.</ref> His assertion earned him a number of critics among supporters of same-sex marriage, including ].<ref name="maher" />

Citing his appearance on ''The Apprentice'', Aiken defended ] against ] during the ].<ref name="billboard">. ''Billboard''. August 16, 2017. Retrieved August 20, 2021.</ref> However, following the ] in ], Aiken tweeted an apology for denying Trump was racist, going so far to say, "I'm a fucking dumbass."<ref name="billboard" /> Aiken reiterated that he was a Democrat and did not vote for Trump.

===2022 Congressional election===
In January 2022, Aiken released a video titled "Warming Up", in which he announced that he would run for the Democratic nomination in ].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://twitter.com/clayaiken/status/1480563216405127170 |title=Can you believe it's been almost 20 years since I first got to share my voice with you?... |last=Aiken |first=clay |date=January 10, 2022 |via=Twitter |language=en |access-date=May 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220110153544/https://twitter.com/clayaiken/status/1480563216405127170 |archive-date=January 10, 2022}}</ref>{{Primary source inline|date=November 2024}}<ref>{{Cite web|title=Clay Aiken for Congress|url=https://www.clayaiken.com/|access-date=January 10, 2022|website=clayaiken.com|archive-date=January 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220110190311/https://www.clayaiken.com/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Former 'American Idol' star Clay Aiken announces second run for Congress|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/clay-aiken-congress-run-north-carolina-6th-district-democrat/|access-date=January 10, 2022|publisher=CBS News|date=January 10, 2022 |language=en-US}}</ref> In this video, Aiken is quoted as saying, "If the loudest and most hateful voices think they are going to speak for us, just tell them I'm warming up the old vocal chords."<ref>{{Cite web|last=Mizelle|first=Shawana|date=January 10, 2022|title=Ex-'American Idol' star Clay Aiken announces bid for Congress|url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/01/10/politics/clay-aiken-congress-north-carolina/index.html|url-status=live|publisher=CNN|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220110225615/https://www.cnn.com/2022/01/10/politics/clay-aiken-congress-north-carolina/index.html |archive-date=January 10, 2022 }}</ref>

Sara Pequeño, a member of the ]-based '']'' editorial board, criticized Aiken for jumping into the race when other Democratic candidates had more political experience and questioned "what has he done to serve North Carolina?"<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newsobserver.com/opinion/article257195877.html|title=Clay Aiken - another celebrity candidate who hasn't done the work
|date=January 11, 2022|access-date=January 20, 2022|last=Pacqueño|first=Sara|website=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://nsjonline.com/article/2022/01/clay-aiken-finds-rough-reception-compared-to-14-campaign/|title=Clay Aiken finds rough reception compared to '14 campaign|date=January 19, 2022|access-date=January 20, 2022|last=Mercer|first=Matt|website=]}}</ref>

In the Democratic primary, Aiken was overshadowed by two other Democratic candidates, ] ] and ] ] ] and he finished third place in the eight candidate primary.

===Electoral history===

====2014====

{{Election box begin no change|title=Democratic primary election results}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change
|party=Democratic Party (United States)
|candidate=Clay Aiken
|votes=11,634
|percentage=40.83
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
|party=Democratic Party (United States)
|candidate=]
|votes=11,265
|percentage=39.54
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
|party=Democratic Party (United States)
|candidate=Toni Morris
|votes=5,593
|percentage=19.63
}}
{{Election box turnout no change
|votes=28,492
|percentage=
}}
{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin no change|title=North Carolina's 2nd Congressional District, 2014<ref name=Generalelection>{{cite web|url=http://enr.ncsbe.gov/ElectionResults/?election_dt=11/04/2014|title=North Carolina Official General Election Results|publisher=North Carolina State Board of Elections|date=November 4, 2014|access-date=January 23, 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150127130653/http://enr.ncsbe.gov/ElectionResults/?election_dt=11%2F04%2F2014|archive-date=January 27, 2015}}</ref>}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change
|party=Republican Party (United States)
|candidate=Renee Ellmers (Incumbent)
|votes=122,128
|percentage=58.83
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
|party=Democratic Party (United States)
|candidate=Clay Aiken
|votes=85,479
|percentage=41.17
}}
{{Election box total no change
|votes=207,607
|percentage=100
}}

{{Election box end}}

====2022====

{{Election box begin no change|title=2022 North Carolina's 4th congressional district Democratic primary<ref>{{cite web|url=https://er.ncsbe.gov/?election_dt=05/17/2022&county_id=0&office=FED&contest=2099|title=05/17/2022 UNOFFICIAL LOCAL ELECTION RESULTS - STATEWIDE|date=May 18, 2022|access-date=May 19, 2022|website=]}}</ref>}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change|candidate=]|party=Democratic Party (United States)|votes=40,531|percentage=46.15}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change|candidate=]|party=Democratic Party (United States)|votes=32,424|percentage=36.92}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change|candidate=Clay Aiken|party=Democratic Party (United States)|votes=6,469|percentage=7.37}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change|party=Democratic Party (US)|candidate=Ashley Ward|votes=4,730|percentage=5.39}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change|party=Democratic Party (US)|candidate=Richard Watkins III|votes=1,132|percentage=1.29}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change|candidate=Crystal Cavalier|party=Democratic Party (United States)|votes=1,104|percentage=1.26}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change|candidate=Stephen Valentine|party=Democratic Party (United States)|votes=1,004|percentage=1.14}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change|candidate=Matt Grooms|party=Democratic Party (United States)|votes=433|percentage=0.49}}
{{Election box total no change|votes=87,827|percentage=100.0}}
{{Election box end}}

==Fans==
] Aiken was voted the Favorite Reality Star of 2003 by '']'' readers and "the most-loved reality star of all time" in a '']'' poll conducted in the summer of 2005.<ref>Kazan, Ali. . ''TV Guide''. August 8, 2005. Retrieved April 5, 2006. (article archived)</ref> In February 2006, ''People'' magazine readers voted Aiken their "Favorite American Idol".<ref>Ryfle, Steve. . {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070526063126/http://webcenters.netscape.compuserve.com/celebrity/becksmith.jsp?p=bsf_afteridol|date=May 26, 2007}} ''Netscape Celebrity''. Retrieved September 15, 2007.</ref>

While the origin of the term "Claymates" is unknown, Aiken trademarked the term.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://tess2.uspto.gov/bin/gate.exe?f=tess&state=4003:2knsbv.1.1 |title=US Patent and Trademark Office search (TESS) |access-date=August 5, 2009 |archive-date=October 11, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131011121856/http://tess2.uspto.gov/bin/gate.exe?f=tess&state=4003:2knsbv.1.1 |url-status=dead }}</ref> While in Los Angeles in September 2006 for a CD signing and appearance on '']'', Aiken talked with ] of '']'' about the names various sub-groups have given themselves: "Claysians" (Asian fans), "Claynadians" (Canadian fans), "Clayropeans" (European fans) and "Claydawgs" (male fans). She then teased him about having his own "Clay Nation".<ref><!--{{cite web|url=http://www.etonline.com/music/spotlight/37262/index.html#|title=Archived copy|accessdate=June 23, 2007 |url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20061130074258/http://www.etonline.com/music/spotlight/37262/index.html|archivedate=November 30, 2006}}--> "Clay Aiken: A Day In The Life!" '']'' video interview with Jann Carl. Air date: September 28, 2006. Retrieved June 6, 2007.</ref> At the CD signing, two young fans asked Aiken to autograph their shoulderblades and then went to the local tattoo parlor to make them permanent; later that day on ''Jimmy Kimmel Live!'' they were brought on stage to show the tattoos. Although some of his fans have been criticized at times by the media as being obsessive,<ref>. realityblurred.com. November 15, 2004. Retrieved April 5, 2006.</ref> he defends the group as a whole. When Kimmel said to Aiken that his fans were "crazy", Aiken stated that they were merely "enthusiastic". In 2003, in anticipation of the release of '']'', fans all over the country decided to get together and hold parties to celebrate the release of the CD and purchase copies at midnight. In 2006, for the release of '']'', release parties were held in more than 80 cities in the United States, Canada, and Singapore.<ref>Lazzaro, Stephanie. . {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080221232044/http://media.www.nineronline.com/media/storage/paper971/news/2003/10/23/Entertainment/Fans-Most.Anticipated.Album.Worth.All.Nighter-2006335.shtml?sourcedomain=www.nineronline.com&MIIHost=media.collegepublisher.com|date=February 21, 2008}} nineronline.com. October 23, 2003. Retrieved June 21, 2007.</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://top40-charts.com/news.php?nid=27138 |title=Clay Aiken Album 'A Thousand Different Ways' Debuts at Number 2 on Billboard Album Chart With Sales Over 205,000 |website=top40-charts |date=September 28, 2006 |access-date=June 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110524175627/http://top40-charts.com/news.php?nid=27138 |archive-date=May 24, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://archives.starbulletin.com/2003/10/10/features/story6.html |title=Idol's hold grows into his own 'Clay Day' |last=Kam |first=Nadine |date=October 10, 2003 |website=Star Bulletin |access-date=June 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100809071338/http://archives.starbulletin.com/2003/10/10/features/story6.html |archive-date=August 9, 2010}}</ref>

==Personal life==
On August 8, 2008, Aiken announced, on his personal blog, the birth of his son in North Carolina: "My dear friend, Jaymes, and I are so excited to announce the birth of Parker Foster Aiken."<ref>Aiken, Clay. {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100103091443/http://www.clayonline.com/clay/member/clayaiken|date=January 3, 2010}} ''Blog'' (Clay Aiken's Official Fanclub). August 8, 2008. Retrieved August 8, 2008</ref> The child's mother, Jaymes Foster, is the sister of record producer ], executive producer of Aiken's last three albums on the ] label. "The little man is healthy, happy, and as loud as his daddy", Aiken wrote. "Mama Jaymes is doing quite well also."<ref>Associated Press. {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110311033059/http://www.theinsider.com/news/1118209__American_Idol_crooner_Clay_Aiken_now_a_father|date=March 11, 2011}} ''News'' (theInsider.com). August 8, 2008. Retrieved July 25, 2009.</ref> In his book, '']'', Aiken said, "It's a Southern tradition to be given your first name from your grandmama's maiden name."<ref>Aiken, Clay. '']'' (2004), pp. 34, {{ISBN|1-4000-6392-2}}</ref> Aiken's middle name came from his paternal grandmother's maiden name; he and Foster used the married surnames of their mothers to name their son.

After several years of public speculation, Aiken came out as gay in a September 2008 interview with '']'' magazine.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20230468,00.html|title=Clay Aiken No More Secrets|author=Caplan, David|access-date=December 24, 2008|magazine=]|date=September 24, 2008|archive-date=June 27, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120627081956/http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20230468,00.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> In April 2009, Aiken was honored by the ] advocacy group at its annual benefit dinner in New York City.<ref name="equality">{{cite web |url=https://www.familyequality.org/2009/04/22/video-terry-boggis-clay-aiken-honored-at-family-equality-councils-nyc-event/ |title=VIDEO: Terry Boggis, Clay Aiken Honored at Family Equality Council's NYC Event |date=April 22, 2009 |website=Family Equality |access-date=May 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200926182638/https://www.familyequality.org/2009/04/22/video-terry-boggis-clay-aiken-honored-at-family-equality-councils-nyc-event/ |archive-date=September 26, 2020}}</ref>

On November 18, 2010, Aiken went to Washington, D.C., on behalf of ] (GLSEN) at a Capitol Hill briefing talking about anti-gay bullying.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thegavoice.com/index.php/news/national-news-menu/1576-clay-aiken-to-congress-stop-anti-gay-bullying|title=Clay Aiken to Congress: Stop anti-gay bullying|publisher=Thegavoice.com|date=November 24, 2010|access-date=July 2, 2013 |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131030150210/http://www.thegavoice.com/index.php/news/national-news-menu/1576-clay-aiken-to-congress-stop-anti-gay-bullying|archive-date=October 30, 2013}}</ref>

===Faith and philosophy===
Aiken was born into a Baptist family. As a toddler, in 1980, he attended Leesville Baptist Church every week. According to his book, '']'',<ref>Aiken, Clay. ''Learning to Sing: Hearing the Music in Your Life'' (2004)</ref> he was involved in Bible school, choir, and the youth group. The book made ] in 2004, debuting at number two. It was written with ] and published by ]. Barely mentioning ''American Idol'', Aiken instead turned his focus to the people who had the most influence in his life—his mother, grandparents, siblings, teachers, and friends—and to the importance of religion in his life. He describes himself as a proud ] who journeyed away from those roots in his late teens in search of a religion with more liberal social policies. He then returned to that church because of family and social ties, although he remains at odds with the church on some issues.

When asked in a '']'' interview to name his idols, he responded, "When people ask me what three people I'd like to have dinner with, living or dead, I say Jesus Christ, ], and ]."<ref name="pbskids"></ref>

While not self-identified as a ] artist, Aiken was featured in '']'' as an "American Idol Christian" in 2004, and in a cover story, "Clay Aiken's Balancing Act", in the January/February 2005 issue.<ref name="xmp2004">{{cite web
|url=http://www.christianmusicplanet.com/magazine/viewarticle.asp?id=356
|title=American Idol Christians
|date=January 2005
|department=2004 in Review
|work=]
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070308045614/http://www.christianmusicplanet.com/magazine/viewarticle.asp?id=356
|archive-date=March 8, 2007
}}</ref><ref>Argyakis, Andy. . ''Christian Music Planet''. January/February 2005. Archived, subscription required.</ref> His pre-''Idol'' demo albums included several selections of ] (or CCM) and ] songs. A performance of the ]' "Jesus is Love" at the American Music Awards in 2003 earned Aiken and ] a standing ovation. Aiken has sung a few CCM songs at his pop concerts and has made Christmas albums, Christmas television specials and performances, and Christmas tours essential elements of his career.

Aiken makes it clear that he is aware not everyone shares his religious beliefs and it is not his intention to press these beliefs on others. When he worked as a camp counselor at the ], he challenged other camp faculty by insisting that singing "overtly Christian songs" was inappropriate, as some of the kids were Jewish. "I stood firm&nbsp;... no child is going to have a spiritual crisis on my watch."<ref>Aiken, Clay. '']'' (2004), pp. 228, {{ISBN|1-4000-6392-2}}.</ref> His public philosophy, geared towards inclusion and service to others, reflects his stance that decisions about religion should be made at home.<ref>.</ref><ref>Aiken, Clay. '']'' (2004), pp. 227–229, {{ISBN|1-4000-6392-2}}.</ref>

==Discography==
{{main|Clay Aiken discography}}

===Studio albums===
* '']'' (2003)
* '']'' (2004)
* '']'' (2006)
* '']'' (2008)
* '']'' (2010)
* ''Steadfast'' (2012)
* ''Christmas Bells Are Ringing'' (2024)

===EPs===
* ''All Is Well'' (2006)

===Compilations===
* '']'' (2009)
* ''A Thousand Different Ways/Measure of a Man'' (2010)

===DVDs===
* ''A Clay Aiken Christmas'' (2004)
* ''Tried and True Live'' (2010)

==Filmography==
* Clay Aiken: Invisible (2003)
* ] (2003)
* ] (2005)
* ] (2005)
* ] (2009)
* Hoarders: Untold Stories Tori (2011)
* ] (2011)
* ] (2013)
* ] (2013)
* The Runner-Up (2015)
* ] (2017)
* ] (2017)
* New Dogs, Old Tricks (2018)
* Chad Goes Deep (2019)


==Awards and nominations== ==Awards and nominations==

===Professional=== ===Professional===
''']''' ''']'''
* 2003: '''Won''' - Fan's Choice Award * 2003: '''Won''' Fan's Choice Award
* 2003: Nominated - Favorite Male Artist - Pop or Rock * 2003: Nominated Favorite Male Artist Pop or Rock


''']''' ''']'''
* 2003: '''Won''' – Best Selling Single of 2003 – ''"]"''
Aiken performed his single "Invisible" live at the 2003 Billboard awards, at which he won for the Best Selling single of 2003.
* 2003: '''Won''' - Best Selling Single of 2003 - ''"]"'' * 2004: '''Won''' Best Selling Christmas Album '']''
* 2004: '''Won''' - Best Selling Christmas Album - '']'' * 2004: '''Won''' Best Selling Christian Album '']''
* 2005: '''Won''' - Best Selling Christian Album - '']'' * 2005: '''Won''' Best Selling Christian Album '']''


'''New Music Weekly Awards''' '''New Music Weekly Awards'''
* 2004: '''Won''' - Top 40 Male Artist of the Year * 2004: '''Won''' Top 40 Male Artist of the Year


'''American Christian Music Awards''' '''American Christian Music Awards'''
* 2005: '''Won''' - Outstanding Yule CD - '']'' * 2005: '''Won''' Outstanding Yule CD '']''


===Achievement=== ===Achievement===
* 2005 Robert M. Barg Memorial Achievement Award<ref>, Caregiver.com (Caregiver Media Group), ], ], retrieved ], ]</ref> * 2005 Robert M. Barg Memorial Achievement Award<ref>. {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061101001427/http://www.caregiver.com/caregiver_newsletter/2005/weekly_newsletter042105.htm |date=November 1, 2006 }}, Caregiver.com April 21, 2005. Retrieved November 25, 2006.</ref>
* 2006 UNC Charlotte Alumni Association Outstanding Young Alumnus Award<ref>, UNC Charlotte Alumni Association, ], ], retrieved ], ]</ref> * 2006 UNC Charlotte Alumni Association Outstanding Young Alumnus Award<ref>. UNC Charlotte Alumni Association. November 11, 2006. Retrieved November 19, 2006. (article archived)</ref>
* 2007 NCLD Children's Advocacy Award <ref> National Center for Learning Disabilities, Press release, April 2007, retrieved April 27, 2007</ref> * 2007 National Center for Learning Disabilities' Children's Advocacy Award<ref> NCLD, Press release (April 2007). Retrieved April 27, 2007. (article archived)</ref>
* 2009 The Family Circle Award from the Family Equality Council<ref name="equality" />

==Discography==
{{main|Clay Aiken discography}}


==See also== ==See also==
*] * ]
*] * ]
*] * ]
* ]


==References== ==References==
{{reflist|3}} {{Reflist|30em}}


==External links== ==External links==
{{Commons category}}
{{wikiquote}} {{wikiquote}}
* {{YouTube|u=clayaiken}}
===Official websites===
* {{IMDb name}}
*
* {{IBDB name}}
*
* {{AllMusic}}
* on ]
<!--Please do not add additional fan sites to this page. The number and specific sites listed have been agreed upon. See "talk" for discussion. Thank you!-->
*{{imdb name|id=1341750|name=Clay Aiken}}
*{{people.com}}
*

===Fansites===
<!--Please do not add additional fan sites to this page. The number and specific sites listed have been agreed upon. See "talk" for discussion. Thank you!-->
*
*


{{Clay Aiken}}
{{American Idol 2}} {{American Idol 2}}
{{American Idol}} {{American Idol}}


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Latest revision as of 06:04, 23 December 2024

American singer, actor, producer (born 1978)

Clay Aiken
Aiken at Politicon in 2016
BornClayton Holmes Grissom
(1978-11-30) November 30, 1978 (age 46)
Raleigh, North Carolina, U.S.
Occupations
  • Singer-songwriter
  • politician
  • actor
  • author
Years active2003–present
Musical career
Genres
Instruments
  • Vocals
  • guitar
Labels
Musical artist
Websiteclayaiken.com
Signature

Clayton Holmes Aiken ( Grissom; born November 30, 1978) is an American singer, television personality, actor and political activist. Aiken finished second place on the second season of American Idol in 2003, and his debut album, Measure of a Man, went multi-platinum. He released four more albums on the RCA label, Merry Christmas with Love (2004), A Thousand Different Ways (2006), the Christmas EP All is Well (2006), and On My Way Here (2008). Since then he has released two more albums, both with Decca Records: Tried and True (2010) and Steadfast (2012). Aiken has also had eleven tours in support of his albums. In all, he has sold over 5 million albums, and is the fourth-highest-selling American Idol alumnus.

Aiken co-wrote a bestselling memoir in 2004, Learning to Sing. In 2004, he also had a televised Christmas special, A Clay Aiken Christmas. During much of 2008 he appeared on Broadway in the musical comedy Spamalot, in the role of Sir Robin. In 2010 he hosted the PBS special Tried & True Live! He has also had numerous cameo and guest appearances on TV shows. In 2012 he competed in the fifth season of The Celebrity Apprentice, coming in second to Arsenio Hall.

With Diane Bubel, Aiken created the Bubel/Aiken Foundation in 2003, which was later renamed the National Inclusion Project. In 2004, he became a UNICEF ambassador, a position he held until 2013 when he gave it up to run for Congress. He traveled extensively in this role. In 2006, he was appointed for a two-year term to the Presidential Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities.

In 2014, Aiken ran for the United States House of Representatives in North Carolina's 2nd congressional district. Initially considered a novelty candidate, Aiken won the Democratic primary, but lost to Republican incumbent Renee Ellmers in the general election. In January 2022, he announced a run for the Democratic nomination in North Carolina's 4th congressional district, but he lost in the primary to Valerie Foushee.

Early life

Clay Aiken was born and raised in Raleigh, North Carolina. As a young boy, Aiken sang in the Raleigh Boychoir; and, as a teenager, he sang in school choirs, church choir, musicals and local theatre productions. After high school, he sang lead with a local band, Just By Chance, co-hosting and performing with the band at "Just by Chance and Friends" shows in Dunn, North Carolina. He was also MC and performer at the Johnston Community College Country Showcase in Smithfield and at the North Carolina Music Connection and Hometown Music Connection shows in Garner, and Benson. He performed the national anthem numerous times for the Raleigh IceCaps and the Carolina Hurricanes hockey teams, and performed it at the 2011 NHL All-Star Game at the RBC Center in Raleigh. Three demo albums of Aiken's vocals were created before American Idol with the aid of studio time given as a birthday gift by his mother: a cassette called Look What Love Has Done (by Clayton Grissom), a cassette and CD entitled Redefined (by Clayton Aiken), and a CD that combined some songs from each of the previous demos: "Look What Love Has Done, Vol 2" (by Clay Aiken). Estranged from his abusive birth father Vernon Grissom and with his mother's and grandfather Alvis Aiken's permission, at the age of 19 he legally changed his surname from Grissom to his mother Faye's maiden name, Aiken.

Aiken attended Raleigh's Leesville Road High School and took courses at Campbell University before enrolling at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. In 1995, Aiken started working at the YMCA. Still in high school, Aiken learned quickly that he could make a difference in the lives of young people. He found his interest in special education while directing YMCA children's camps as a teenager, and at age 19, he served as a substitute teacher for a classroom of autistic students at Brentwood Elementary School in Raleigh. It was during that experience that he decided to finish college and become a special education teacher. While attending college in Charlotte, he took a part-time job as an assistant to a boy with autism, and it was this child's mother, Diane Bubel, who urged him to audition for American Idol. Although his American Idol activities temporarily delayed his academic pursuits, Aiken completed his course work while on tour and graduated with a bachelor's degree in special education in December 2003.

American Idol

Main article: American Idol season 2

Aiken had filled out an application to participate in the reality show The Amazing Race when a friend of his insisted that he try out for American Idol instead. Television viewers first glimpsed Aiken during the audition episodes at the beginning of American Idol's second season. The show's judges first saw Aiken as a nerdy type unlikely to be a typical pop idol, but after hearing him sing Heatwave's "Always and Forever" decided to advance him to the next round. The clip of the judges' surprise during this audition performance was replayed many times over the course of the competition.

Aiken made it to the round of 32 before being cut from the show, but he was invited to return for the "Wild Card" round; his performance of Elton John's "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me" sent him on to the final 12 as the viewer's choice. While noted for his performance of ballads, such as Neil Sedaka's "Solitaire", his upbeat performances, including the Foundations' "Build Me Up Buttercup", were also appreciated. Aiken received enough votes every week to keep him out of the bottom three. Part of his appeal was his "geek to chic" transformation in appearance. "I looked like Opie", Aiken said to People magazine regarding his appearance at his American Idol audition in 2002. He replaced his glasses with contact lenses and agreed to let the show's stylists change his hair style. With longer, flat ironed, spiky hair and a penchant for wearing striped shirts, Aiken had established a trademark look by the final American Idol season 2 show.

On May 21, 2003, Aiken came in a close second to Ruben Studdard, who won the contest by 134,000 votes out of more than 24,000,000 votes cast. The result was controversial, as some hypothesized that Idol's voting system was incapable of handling the number of attempted calls. In an interview prior to the start of the fifth season of American Idol, Executive Producer Nigel Lythgoe revealed for the first time that Aiken had led the fan voting every week from the Wild Card week to the finale, when the possibly-random voting result gave Studdard the win.

Rolling Stone featured Aiken on the cover of its July 2003 issue. In the cover article, Aiken said, "One thing I've found of people in the public eye, either you're a womanizer or you've got to be gay. Since I'm neither one of those, people are completely concerned about me." In subsequent interviews he expressed frustration over continued questions about his sexual orientation, telling People magazine in 2006, "It doesn't matter what I say. People are going to believe what they want."

Aiken made a surprise appearance on the final show of the fifth season of American Idol, when failed auditioner Michael Sandecki returned to the show to receive a "Golden Idol" award for Best Impersonator for his Clay Aiken-like appearance. Aiken appeared without introduction in a well-tailored designer suit and longer, darker hair with bangs, looking so different that many did not recognize him until he began to sing "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me". The second season of the American Idol Rewind series (2007) was narrated by Aiken.

Aiken is reportedly one of the top 10 earners of Idol, earning an estimated $1.5 million in 2010.

American Idol season 2 performances and results

Week Theme Song Artist Order Result
Audition Free Choice "Always And Forever" Heatwave N/A Advanced
Top 32/
Semi-final Group 2
Free Choice "Open Arms" Journey 1 Top 3
Wild Card
Wild Card Free Choice "Don't Let The Sun Go Down on Me" Elton John 2 Selected
Public Vote
Top 12 Motown "I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)" Four Tops 7 Safe
Top 11 Movie Soundtracks "Somewhere Out There" – An American Tail Linda Ronstadt/
James Ingram
4 Safe
Top 10 Country Rock "Someone Else's Star" Bryan White 10 Safe
Top 8 Disco "Everlasting Love" Carl Carlton 4 Safe
Top 8 Billboard Number 1 "At This Moment" Billy Vera 1 Safe
Top 7 Billy Joel "Tell Her About It" Billy Joel 7 Safe
Top 6 Diane Warren "I Could Not Ask For More" Edwin McCain 2 Safe
Top 5 1960s
Neil Sedaka
"Build Me Up Buttercup"
"Solitaire"
The Foundations
Neil Sedaka
5
10
Safe
Top 4 Bee Gees "To Love Somebody"
"Grease"
Bee Gees
Frankie Valli
2
6
Safe
Top 3 Random Choice
Judges' Choice
Idol's Choice
"Vincent"
"Mack The Knife"
"Unchained Melody"
Don McLean
Bobby Darin
The Righteous Brothers
3
6
9
Safe
Top 2 Finale "This Is the Night"
"Here, There And Everywhere"
"Bridge Over Troubled Water"
Clay Aiken
The Beatles
Simon & Garfunkel
2
4
6
Runner-Up
  • ^Note 1 Due to Corey Clark's disqualification, the Top 9 performances became Top 8 when no one was eliminated.

Music

2003–2004: Measure of a Man

On October 14, 2003, Aiken released his first solo album, Measure of a Man, which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, with 613,000 copies sold in its first week, the highest-selling debut for a solo artist in 10 years. The album received RIAA Double Platinum certification on November 17, 2003 (a Double Platinum plaque was presented to Aiken by Clive Davis on October 22, 2003, during Good Morning America). The album spawned both the hit single "Invisible" and his first hit song, "This Is the Night" (both co-written by British songwriter Chris Braide). Later that year, Aiken won the Fan's Choice Award at the American Music Awards ceremony, and his CD single "This Is The Night/Bridge Over Troubled Water" won the Billboard award for the Best-Selling Single of 2003.

2004–2006: Merry Christmas With Love

On November 16, 2004, Aiken released a holiday album titled Merry Christmas with Love, which set a new record for fastest-selling holiday album in the Soundscan era (since 1991). The album debuted at number four on the Billboard 200 and tied Céline Dion's record for the highest debut by a holiday album in the history of Billboard magazine. Merry Christmas with Love sold over 1,000,000 copies retail in six weeks and was the best-selling holiday album of 2004, receiving RIAA Platinum certification on January 6, 2005.

2006–2008: A Thousand Different Ways And All Is Well

Aiken's second studio album, A Thousand Different Ways, was released September 19, 2006. He worked on the album under the guidance of Canadian producer and A&R executive Jaymes Foster. The album contains ten cover songs and four new songs, one of which Aiken co-wrote. Clive Davis is credited with the cover concept. with the album on iTunes. Debuting at number two on the Billboard chart, A Thousand Different Ways made Aiken the fourth artist ever to have his first three albums debut in the Top 5 and scan over 200,000 in the first week.

Aiken's second Christmas album, All Is Well (an EP of four Christmas songs), was released exclusively to Walmart on November 28, 2006, and was released to iTunes as a digital download in December 2007.

2008–2009: On My Way Here

Aiken stated in an April 2007 interview with People that he was planning a new album, and during his May 2007 appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, he mentioned that he was in Los Angeles interviewing producers for the new album. Aiken found a song, "On My Way Here", written by OneRepublic frontman Ryan Tedder, that struck a chord with him and became the inspiration for the album's theme in addition to the album title. For a cohesive sound, Aiken chose Mark 'Kipper' Eldridge to produce the entire album. On My Way Here was released May 6, 2008, on the RCA label.

According to an article posted on Billboard, Aiken and RCA parted ways shortly after his On My Way Here album was released. Aiken's rep confirmed to People magazine that Aiken left RCA. Stated in the cited People article, "The buzz about Aiken's exit was fueled earlier this week when his picture disappeared online and Billboard, citing unnamed sources, reported Friday that Aiken, 30, had been dropped by the label. According to Billboard, Aiken's 2008 album "On My Way Here" sold just 159,000 copies in the U.S., compared to his 2003 debut album, "Measure of a Man", which sold 2.78 million copies".

A fifth album, The Very Best of Clay Aiken, was released at the end of March 2009 on Sony's Legacy Recordings Playlist Series. This album was a compilation of songs that had been included on the previous albums released by RCA. First week sales of 3000 copies placed Playlist: The Very Best of Clay Aiken at number 173 on the Billboard 200 chart and at number ten on the Top Internet Albums chart.

2009–2011: Tried and True

On August 10, 2009, it was announced on Aiken's official website that he had signed with Decca Records and he would have new music out by early 2010. Performing the songs from his new album, Tried and True, Aiken held a one night only concert at the Raleigh Memorial Auditorium in Raleigh, North Carolina on March 12, 2010. The concert, filmed for PBS broadcast, included guest appearances by Ruben Studdard and Linda Eder. Eder joined Aiken on stage for their duet of "Crying", which they recorded for his album. The album was released on June 1, 2010, and features songs popular in the 1950s and 1960s, including two Aiken covered during his run on American Idol, "Mack the Knife" and "Unchained Melody". In conjunction with the PBS special a companion DVD, Tried & True Live!, was released on July 27, 2010. A tour to promote the album is planned for early 2014.

2011–present: Steadfast

On December 20, 2011, Aiken released a new single, "Bring Back My Love" under the Decca Label. The single is his first original song since the release of his album On My Way Here in 2008. On March 27, 2012, Aiken released Steadfast, a new album of previous recordings and songs only sung in concerts. The album debuted at number 120 on the Billboard 200 chart with sales of 4,000 in the first week.

Television

Aiken has made many television appearances.

On Labor Day 2003, Aiken sang "Bridge Over Troubled Water" at the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon and received a standing ovation from the audience. Lewis compared Aiken with Frank Sinatra and marveled at the dedication of Aiken's fan base:

We have someone here today from the smash hit show American Idol. We're thrilled to have him joining us today, because when it was made known that he would appear on this Telethon, the emails and the fan clubs that this young man has have sent us $30,000.00 just at the fact that he was here. And I can honestly say I have never, in all of my life, seen a theatrical groundswell that this kid has motivated, that it makes us all come right back to the bobby sox and Frank. And isn't it nice to live through that magnificence again? Here is Clay Aiken.

That same year, Aiken sang "The Star-Spangled Banner" on the opening night of the 2003 World Series and appeared in numerous television specials during the winter of 2003, including Disney's Christmas Day Parade and the Nick at Nite Holiday Special, where he sang the "Little Drummer Boy/Peace on Earth" with Bing Crosby via special effects.

Aiken starred in and executive produced his first TV special (December 2004), titled A Clay Aiken Christmas, with special guests Barry Manilow, Yolanda Adams, and Megan Mullally; the special was released on DVD later that month. On July 4, 2004, Aiken was one of the performers in the A Capitol Fourth concert in Washington, D.C., and performed in the Good Morning America Summer Concert Series in 2004 and 2005. He also sang "Isn't She Lovely" on the popular television show Scrubs.

Aiken was the musical guest on Saturday Night Live in 2004 and participated in several skits. He has appeared multiple times on The Tonight Show, interviewing with Jay Leno as a guest in addition to singing, and has become a regular guest on Jimmy Kimmel Live!. The Kimmel appearances often feature skits: in one, Jimmy Kimmel's then girlfriend Sarah Silverman confessed to an affair with Aiken, and in another, Aiken expressed his distaste for Kimmel's jokes about him by beating him up. In May 2007, he spent the first half of his interview on horseback while talking about his recent UNICEF trip to Afghanistan. A few weeks later he appeared as a spokesperson for "Guillermo's Mustache" in Kimmel's fictional DVD informercial shown on the Dancing With the Stars finale. Aiken made his acting debut on Ed in early 2004, playing himself, and in 2005, he was interviewed by Erica Kane on All My Children. He played the role of cafeteria worker Kenny on the Scrubs episode "My Life in Four Cameras". In December 2006, he made an appearance as himself on Days of Our Lives.

After hosting and performing in the American Idol Christmas special in 2003, Aiken has had several subsequent hosting jobs. He was a special correspondent for The Insider for the 2005 Emmy Awards, and on the sets of the sitcom Reba with Reba McEntire and Dancing With the Stars. He co-hosted The Morning Show with Mike and Juliet in 2006, and on November 17, 2006, filled in for Regis Philbin as guest host on Live with Regis and Kelly. During an interview, Aiken covered Kelly Ripa's mouth with his hand. The incident drew considerable media reaction after Ripa complained at length about the incident on her show the following Monday. Aiken made fun of the controversy on the 2006 American Music Awards the next night with Tori Spelling. On The Tyra Banks Show in 2006, filmed before the Ripa incident, Aiken mentioned wanting to have his own talk show someday, and Banks switched seats with him and let him interview her for one segment of the show. Aiken was a guest judge on the April 8, 2009, segment of Banks show America's Next Top Model; in what the show refers to as a teach, he worked with the remaining eight contestants on their acting skills prior to the judging.

In November 2007, Aiken was a contestant on a celebrity edition of the game show Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?. Playing for his charity, the National Inclusion Project, he chose to drop out after the ninth question with US$300,000, despite having a copy and a save at his disposal. If he had played the tenth question, he would have won US$500,000; Aiken and the 5th grader playing with him both had the correct answer.

In May 2009, Aiken made a guest appearance on 30 Rock in the season 3 episode "Kidney Now!". It was revealed in this episode that he is the cousin of the show's character Kenneth.

In August 2010, Aiken guest starred in an episode of Phineas and Ferb, called "Phineas and Ferb: Summer Belongs To You!". Aiken sang an inspirational duet with Chaka Khan, to encourage those who did not believe that Phineas and Ferb could accomplish their goal of circling the globe faster than the sun, thus creating the longest summer day of all time.

On January 30, 2011, Aiken sang the United States' national anthem at the 2011 NHL All-Star game held at the RBC Center in Raleigh, North Carolina, home of the Carolina Hurricanes.

On July 24, 2011, Aiken guest starred on the comedy drama series Drop Dead Diva.

In 2012, Aiken was the runner-up on the fifth season of The Celebrity Apprentice, raising US$361,500 for the National Inclusion Project.

Aiken appeared in one of the last episodes of The Office, titled "A.A.R.M.". He played himself and was one of the judges for a reality show that Andy was auditioning for.

In 2013, Aiken guest starred on an episode Law & Order: Special Victims Unit along with Taylor Hicks and Ashanti, playing themselves as judges for a singing contest on the episode called "Dissonant Voices".

In 2024, Aiken paired up with Ruben Studdard when they competed in season eleven of The Masked Singer as "Beets". They were eliminated during the Group B finals alongside Corey Feldman as "Seal".

Broadway

On January 18, 2008, Aiken made his Broadway debut when he joined the cast of Monty Python's Spamalot for a four-month run, ending on May 4, 2008. He played Sir Robin, in the Tony Award-winning musical directed by Mike Nichols. In addition to Sir Robin, Aiken played the 1st Guard and the Brother Maynard roles. On August 12, 2008, it was announced that Aiken would resume his role as Sir Robin beginning on September 19 and ending on January 4, 2009. On December 23, 2008, Aiken had his caricature unveiled at world-famous Sardi's restaurant. In December 2018, Aiken and Ruben Studdard starred in Ruben & Clay's First Annual Family Fun Pageant Spectacular Reunion Christmas Show on Broadway.

Other theater work

In May 2013, Aiken starred as "Man in Chair" in North Carolina Theatre's production of The Drowsy Chaperone, along with fellow Raleigh native and Tony Award winner Beth Leavel, who reprised her role as "The Chaperone".

During the summer of 2013, Aiken performed the role of Joseph in the musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the Ogunquit Playhouse in Ogunquit, Maine. Aiken enjoyed the role because he did not have to dance.

In June 2019, Aiken starred as Teen Angel in Grease at the Benedum Center in Pittsburgh. "The energy level is high, but there's no question it steps up a notch when Clay Aiken struts out in the second act and gives Pittsburgh a taste of why his Claymates are hopelessly devoted to the former American Idol." "As 'Teen Angel' in the Pittsburgh CLO's production of Grease, Aiken is only on stage for about five minutes. Those five minutes, however, are fab-u-lous."

Tours

From February through April 2004, Aiken and Kelly Clarkson embarked on the Independent Tour as co-headliners. Following this tour, he was scheduled for a few summer solo tour dates, but demand ultimately led to the booking of 50 dates across the United States, resulting in what many fans called the "Not-A-Tour". Disney (Buena Vista) was the exclusive sponsor of this unnamed summer tour, promoting their Aladdin Special Edition 2-Disc DVD with a preview of Aiken's rendition of "Proud of Your Boy", a song originally intended for the first release of the film but cut when the Aladdin storyline changed during production. A music video featuring Aiken is on the Aladdin Special Edition DVD. On this tour, he also performed a duet, "Without You", which was released on Kimberley Locke's 2004 debut album One Love.

In November 2004, Aiken launched his third tour of the year, which revolved around a Christmas theme. "The Joyful Noise Tour", sponsored by Ronald McDonald House Charities, featured a conductor and a 30-piece orchestra. In some cities, Aiken was supported by the local philharmonic or symphony, such as the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. Local choirs from high schools and elementary schools also participated at each concert.

Aiken at a 2006 Christmas tour appearance in Waukegan, Illinois

During the summer of 2005, Aiken, with a seven-piece band and three back-up singers, toured with the "Jukebox Tour", performing songs of the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, as well as a few favorites from Measure of a Man. He also performed a few new songs being considered for his next album.

In early November 2005, Aiken launched his second Christmas tour. The 2005 Joyful Noise tour featured a series of vignettes, written by Aiken, which told the story of an older woman who had lost the Christmas spirit and a young boy who helps her find it again. A cast of actors, dancers and back-up singers traveled with the tour, and members of local theater groups were added in each venue for smaller, non-speaking roles and crowd scenes. The tour opened in Vancouver, British Columbia, on November 2, and ended in Clearwater, Florida on December 30. According to Pollstar, Aiken's first five tours grossed $28 million.

In December 2006, Aiken began his third Christmas tour, comprising performances in 18 Midwest and East Coast cities. Aiken was supported by local orchestras, which also opened the concerts with a program of seasonal music.

A 23-date tour in support of his third album, A Thousand Different Ways, began on July 4, 2007, and ended in Orlando, Florida, on August 19. On this tour Aiken hired local symphonies to back him, along with tour regulars Jesse Vargas, pianist, conductor and arranger; Sean McDaniel, drummer; and Quiana Parler and Angela Fisher, backup singers. Stops included the Greek Theatre (Los Angeles), Chautauqua Institution in New York, and the Mann Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia. Three days into the tour, Aiken and a woman were involved in an in-flight altercation in which she allegedly shoved him. As a result of the scuffle, Aiken and the woman were later questioned by the FBI. Aiken told Entertainment Tonight that he had been sleeping when the incident occurred.

His fourth annual Christmas tour, "Christmas in the Heartland", began on November 26, 2007, in Wichita, Kansas. That 21-date tour ended on December 22, 2007, in Merrillville, Indiana.

He has ended all of his Christmas tours with his signature Christmas song, "Don't Save It All For Christmas Day".

Aiken and Ruben Studdard brought their "Timeless" tour to cities in the US and Canada beginning in Asheville, North Carolina, on July 23, 2010, and ending in Biloxi, Mississippi, on August 14. Instead of a concert focusing on each singers recordings, Aiken and Studdard opted for a variety show format covering medleys of songs from the 1960s to the 1990s with a few solos and interspersed with comedy bits.

Aiken announced on July 30, 2010, that he will be touring in February and March 2011 in conjunction with PBS to support his album Tried and True and accompanying live DVD Clay Aiken: Tried and True – Live.

Aiken began his fifth Christmas tour "Joyful Noise 2012" in Florida in November 2012.

Activism

In 1995, Aiken started working at the YMCA.

At 19, Aiken taught at Brentwood Elementary School in a class of kids with autism. It was during that experience that he decided to finish college and become a special education teacher.

Aiken has participated in multiple benefit events and concerts, including the 2004 Rosalynn Carter Benefit, the America's Promise Benefit, and Heather Headley's Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS benefit, "Home", where he sang a duet with Headley. He was one of the celebrity readers for the Arthur Celebrity Audiobook (Stories for Heroes Series), which benefits the Bubel/Aiken Foundation (now the National Inclusion Project) and other charities, and served as spokesperson for the series. He was also a spokesperson for the 2004 Toys For Tots drive, and acted as an ambassador for the Ronald McDonald House Charities. Aiken worked with the Make A Wish Foundation to make one little boy's dream of singing on stage with Clay Aiken come true.

In September 2006, Aiken was appointed to the Presidential Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities by President George W. Bush. Appointees serve a two-year term; Aiken was sworn on September 14, 2006, by HHS Assistant Secretary for Children and Families Wade F. Horn, PhD

While appearing in Spamalot, Aiken used his free time and celebrity to help raise funds for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS (BC/EFA) during their fund drives and auctions. In 2010, Aiken spoke out for gay rights at the Human Rights Campaign dinner in North Carolina. He also joined other celebrities in filming an educational video for Cyndi Lauper's web based Give a Damn campaign, a project of her True Colors Fund. In addition to UNICEF and his National Inclusion Project he is promoting GLSEN, the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network as one of his causes on his official website.

National Inclusion Project (formerly BAF)

Main article: National Inclusion Project

Aiken's interest in autism issues led him, along with Diane Bubel (whose son Michael is diagnosed with autism and was tutored by Aiken), to found the National Inclusion Project (formerly the Bubel/Aiken Foundation), which supports the integration of children with disabilities into the life environment of their non-disabled peers. The foundation runs summer camps which reflect its mission, and also presents Able to Serve awards to support the volunteer efforts of children with physical and mental disabilities. In July 2005, Raleigh's WRAL-TV reported on an internet campaign mounted by critics questioning how Aiken's foundation used its money. WRAL news hired an independent accountant who reported that program services totaled $920,000 in 2004—around 85 cents on every dollar donated—which is considered a solid percentage compared to other charities. CNN picked up the story, and Aiken appeared on Showbiz Tonight to provide details about the foundation's programs. In late 2004, the foundation was awarded a $500,000 grant by the US government to develop a K–12 model for inclusion in community service projects to be used in schools across the country. In addition, State Farm granted $1.5 million to the foundation to help develop a primary education curriculum focused on teaching social and life skills through service to children of all levels of ability.

On August 5, 2009, in an open letter from the founders, Clay Aiken and Diane Bubel announced that they would rename the organization as the "National Inclusion Project".

UNICEF

In November 2004, Aiken was appointed a U.S. Fund for UNICEF National Ambassador, with a mission to help ensure that children everywhere are afforded a primary education. After the tsunami at the end of 2004, he participated in the NBC4 telethon, which raised over $10 million, and recorded public service announcements in support of South Asian tsunami relief. He later recorded a video, featuring the song "Give A Little Bit", to be used as a public service announcement to raise money for tsunami victims. He was the 2005 spokesperson for the Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF drive.

In March 2005, UNICEF sent Aiken to the tsunami-stricken Banda Aceh area to raise awareness of the need to restore education quickly to the children who survived this disaster. UNICEF sent Aiken on another mission in May 2005, to northern Uganda, to witness the plight of children called "night commuters", who flee the villages each night to sleep in streets and shelters in hopes of avoiding being kidnapped by the Lord's Resistance Army. He was sent to Kabul and Bamyan, in Afghanistan in April 2007, where he was able to spend time with children in their classrooms; he also visited a health center for women and children where he administered oral polio vaccinations to babies. He observed that Afghani children, after being forbidden for so many years by the Taliban regime to attend school, are eager to return to school now that they are once again allowed to receive an education. Aiken spent his 2007 Christmas in Mexico with the children affected by the floods in the states of Chiapas and Tabasco. In late June and early July 2008, UNICEF sent Aiken to Somalia and Kenya.

Politics

2014 Congressional election

Clay Aiken speaking at Politicon in June 2016.

In the 2014 midterm elections, Aiken was the Democratic Party's nominee for North Carolina's 2nd congressional district. He won the Democratic primary, held on May 6, 2014, by fewer than 400 votes. His main opponent, Keith Crisco, died days after the primary vote but before the votes could be certified. In the general election, held on November 4, 2014, Aiken was defeated by incumbent Republican Congresswoman Renee Ellmers, 59 to 41 percent. North Carolina's 2nd district is considered a safe Republican seat. Aiken's campaign was captured by a filmmaking team and shown in the 2015 documentary miniseries The Runner-Up, which aired on the Esquire Network.

Since coming out as gay in 2008, Aiken has been more politically outspoken, particularly on gay rights and same-sex marriage. He spoke out against North Carolina Amendment 1, adopted in 2012, which banned gay marriage and civil unions in the state. When he ran for Congress, however, he said he did not want to be perceived as a single-issue candidate and said gay marriage was "not the issue" he was campaigning on. He said he wanted to focus on issues that were more important to people in his district. His assertion earned him a number of critics among supporters of same-sex marriage, including Bill Maher.

Citing his appearance on The Apprentice, Aiken defended Donald Trump against accusations of racism during the 2016 presidential race. However, following the August 2017 Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, Aiken tweeted an apology for denying Trump was racist, going so far to say, "I'm a fucking dumbass." Aiken reiterated that he was a Democrat and did not vote for Trump.

2022 Congressional election

In January 2022, Aiken released a video titled "Warming Up", in which he announced that he would run for the Democratic nomination in North Carolina's 4th congressional district. In this video, Aiken is quoted as saying, "If the loudest and most hateful voices think they are going to speak for us, just tell them I'm warming up the old vocal chords."

Sara Pequeño, a member of the Raleigh-based The News & Observer editorial board, criticized Aiken for jumping into the race when other Democratic candidates had more political experience and questioned "what has he done to serve North Carolina?"

In the Democratic primary, Aiken was overshadowed by two other Democratic candidates, state Senator Valerie Foushee and Durham County Commissioner Nida Allam and he finished third place in the eight candidate primary.

Electoral history

2014

Democratic primary election results
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Clay Aiken 11,634 40.83
Democratic Keith Crisco 11,265 39.54
Democratic Toni Morris 5,593 19.63
Turnout 28,492
North Carolina's 2nd Congressional District, 2014
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Renee Ellmers (Incumbent) 122,128 58.83
Democratic Clay Aiken 85,479 41.17
Total votes 207,607 100

2022

2022 North Carolina's 4th congressional district Democratic primary
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Valerie Foushee 40,531 46.15
Democratic Nida Allam 32,424 36.92
Democratic Clay Aiken 6,469 7.37
Democratic Ashley Ward 4,730 5.39
Democratic Richard Watkins III 1,132 1.29
Democratic Crystal Cavalier 1,104 1.26
Democratic Stephen Valentine 1,004 1.14
Democratic Matt Grooms 433 0.49
Total votes 87,827 100.0

Fans

Aiken at a 2006 Christmas tour appearance in Merrillville, Indiana

Aiken was voted the Favorite Reality Star of 2003 by TV Guide readers and "the most-loved reality star of all time" in a TV Guide poll conducted in the summer of 2005. In February 2006, People magazine readers voted Aiken their "Favorite American Idol".

While the origin of the term "Claymates" is unknown, Aiken trademarked the term. While in Los Angeles in September 2006 for a CD signing and appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Aiken talked with Jann Carl of Entertainment Tonight about the names various sub-groups have given themselves: "Claysians" (Asian fans), "Claynadians" (Canadian fans), "Clayropeans" (European fans) and "Claydawgs" (male fans). She then teased him about having his own "Clay Nation". At the CD signing, two young fans asked Aiken to autograph their shoulderblades and then went to the local tattoo parlor to make them permanent; later that day on Jimmy Kimmel Live! they were brought on stage to show the tattoos. Although some of his fans have been criticized at times by the media as being obsessive, he defends the group as a whole. When Kimmel said to Aiken that his fans were "crazy", Aiken stated that they were merely "enthusiastic". In 2003, in anticipation of the release of Measure of a Man, fans all over the country decided to get together and hold parties to celebrate the release of the CD and purchase copies at midnight. In 2006, for the release of A Thousand Different Ways, release parties were held in more than 80 cities in the United States, Canada, and Singapore.

Personal life

On August 8, 2008, Aiken announced, on his personal blog, the birth of his son in North Carolina: "My dear friend, Jaymes, and I are so excited to announce the birth of Parker Foster Aiken." The child's mother, Jaymes Foster, is the sister of record producer David Foster, executive producer of Aiken's last three albums on the RCA label. "The little man is healthy, happy, and as loud as his daddy", Aiken wrote. "Mama Jaymes is doing quite well also." In his book, Learning to Sing: Hearing the Music in Your Life, Aiken said, "It's a Southern tradition to be given your first name from your grandmama's maiden name." Aiken's middle name came from his paternal grandmother's maiden name; he and Foster used the married surnames of their mothers to name their son.

After several years of public speculation, Aiken came out as gay in a September 2008 interview with People magazine. In April 2009, Aiken was honored by the Family Equality Council advocacy group at its annual benefit dinner in New York City.

On November 18, 2010, Aiken went to Washington, D.C., on behalf of Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) at a Capitol Hill briefing talking about anti-gay bullying.

Faith and philosophy

Aiken was born into a Baptist family. As a toddler, in 1980, he attended Leesville Baptist Church every week. According to his book, Learning to Sing: Hearing the Music in Your Life, he was involved in Bible school, choir, and the youth group. The book made The New York Times Best Seller list in 2004, debuting at number two. It was written with Allison Glock and published by Random House. Barely mentioning American Idol, Aiken instead turned his focus to the people who had the most influence in his life—his mother, grandparents, siblings, teachers, and friends—and to the importance of religion in his life. He describes himself as a proud Southern Baptist who journeyed away from those roots in his late teens in search of a religion with more liberal social policies. He then returned to that church because of family and social ties, although he remains at odds with the church on some issues.

When asked in a PBS Kids interview to name his idols, he responded, "When people ask me what three people I'd like to have dinner with, living or dead, I say Jesus Christ, Mr. Rogers, and Jimmy Carter."

While not self-identified as a Christian music artist, Aiken was featured in Christian Music Planet as an "American Idol Christian" in 2004, and in a cover story, "Clay Aiken's Balancing Act", in the January/February 2005 issue. His pre-Idol demo albums included several selections of Contemporary Christian Music (or CCM) and gospel songs. A performance of the Commodores' "Jesus is Love" at the American Music Awards in 2003 earned Aiken and Ruben Studdard a standing ovation. Aiken has sung a few CCM songs at his pop concerts and has made Christmas albums, Christmas television specials and performances, and Christmas tours essential elements of his career.

Aiken makes it clear that he is aware not everyone shares his religious beliefs and it is not his intention to press these beliefs on others. When he worked as a camp counselor at the YMCA, he challenged other camp faculty by insisting that singing "overtly Christian songs" was inappropriate, as some of the kids were Jewish. "I stood firm ... no child is going to have a spiritual crisis on my watch." His public philosophy, geared towards inclusion and service to others, reflects his stance that decisions about religion should be made at home.

Discography

Main article: Clay Aiken discography

Studio albums

EPs

  • All Is Well (2006)

Compilations

DVDs

  • A Clay Aiken Christmas (2004)
  • Tried and True Live (2010)

Filmography

Awards and nominations

Professional

American Music Awards

  • 2003: Won – Fan's Choice Award
  • 2003: Nominated – Favorite Male Artist – Pop or Rock

Billboard Awards

New Music Weekly Awards

  • 2004: Won – Top 40 Male Artist of the Year

American Christian Music Awards

Achievement

  • 2005 Robert M. Barg Memorial Achievement Award
  • 2006 UNC Charlotte Alumni Association Outstanding Young Alumnus Award
  • 2007 National Center for Learning Disabilities' Children's Advocacy Award
  • 2009 The Family Circle Award from the Family Equality Council

See also

References

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  2. Moss, Corey. "No Love for 'Idol' Losers". MTV Retrieved June 23, 2007.
  3. Barnes, Ken. "Idol sales standings: A fairly exhaustive list". USA Today. November 9, 2006. Retrieved November 23, 2006.(article archived)
  4. "Clay Aiken heads 'Here' on next album". Reuters. Billboard March 25, 2008.
  5. ^ Decca Records – Clay Aiken Retrieved April 8, 2010 Archived April 9, 2010, at the Wayback Machine
  6. ^ Ehlers, Matt A classic move Archived March 17, 2010, at the Wayback Machine Newsobserver. March 12, 2010. Retrieved March 13, 2010.
  7. "American Idols Top 10 Selling Performers of All Time". Billboard – via Facebook.
  8. "Clay Aiken meets Monty Python". CNN. Retrieved February 5, 2008 (article archived).
  9. ^ Cox, Gordon (August 12, 2008). "Clay Aiken returning to Broadway: 'American Idol' vet to reprise 'Spamalot' role". Variety. Archived from the original on February 5, 2013. Retrieved August 12, 2008.
  10. ^ An open letter from co-founders Clay Aiken and Diane Bubel: Archived August 9, 2009, at the Wayback Machine National Inclusion Project. August 5, 2009. Retrieved August 5, 2009.
  11. ^ "Celebrity Ambassadors: Clay Aiken" US Fund for UNICEF website.
  12. ^ ACF Press Office – PCPID Appointments". Archived September 25, 2006, at the Wayback Machine US Dept of Health and Human Services (2006). Retrieved June 22, 2007.
  13. "Clay Aiken Already Facing Anti-Gay Rhetoric From Congressional Opponent". ThinkProgress.
  14. Ohlheiser, Abby (May 7, 2014). "Tuesday's Primaries Show the GOP Establishment Can Have it All". The Atlantic. Retrieved November 15, 2024.
  15. Jarvis, Craig (May 13, 2014). "Aiken victory confirmed as more details on Crisco's death emerge". The Charlotte Observer. Archived from the original on May 17, 2014. Retrieved May 15, 2014.
  16. Lachman, Samantha (November 4, 2014). "Clay Aiken Defeated in 2014 North Carolina Congressional Race". HuffPost. Retrieved November 6, 2014.
  17. "Former American Idol star Clay Aiken is running for Congress again". The Week. January 10, 2022. Retrieved January 10, 2022.
  18. Willman, Chris (January 10, 2022). "Clay Aiken Running for Congress in North Carolina". Variety. Retrieved January 10, 2022.
  19. ^ Aiken, Clay (2004). Learning to Sing: Hearing the Music in Your Life. Random House. pp. 249–251. ISBN 1-4000-6392-2.
  20. Woerner, Tom (May 22, 2003). "Scouts Remember Fallen Veterans". The Dunn Daily Record. Retrieved April 7, 2006.
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  22. Demo CD, "Look What Love Has Done Vol 2", track listing. last.fm. Retrieved June 21, 2007.
  23. ^ Aiken, Clay. "Learning to Sing: Hearing the Music in Your Life" (2004). pp. 133–134, ISBN 1-4000-6392-2.
  24. ^ Aiken, Clay. "Learning to Sing: Hearing the Music in Your Life" (2004), pp. 153–161, ISBN 1-4000-6392-2.
  25. "'American Idol' star Clay Aiken graduates". USA Today. December 24, 2003. Retrieved July 3, 2007.
  26. Bronson, Fred. The Billboard Book of Number 1 Hits. Billboard Books. ISBN 0-8230-7677-6.
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  29. Seibel, Deborah Starr. "American Idol Outrage: Your Vote Doesn't Count". Broadcasting & Cable. May 17, 2004. Retrieved April 8, 2006.
  30. Martin, Logan. "It's Going to be a Very Strong Season, I Think: An Interview with American Idol Producer Nigel Lythgoe". Archived February 17, 2012, at the Wayback Machine Reality News Online. January 17, 2006. Retrieved April 8, 2006.
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