Misplaced Pages

This is an old revision of this page, as edited by TrottieTrue (talk | contribs) at 12:08, 3 September 2024 (moving). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

Clay Aiken
Aiken at Politicon in 2016
Born	Clayton Holmes Grissom (1978-11-30) November 30, 1978 (age 46) Raleigh, North Carolina, U.S.
Occupations	Singer-songwriter politician actor author
Years active	2003–present
Musical career
Genres	Pop soft rock R&B
Instruments	Vocals guitar
Labels	RCA Decca
Musical artist
Website	www.clayaiken.com
Signature

Clayton Holmes Aiken (né Grissom; born November 30, 1978) is an American singer, television personality, actor, politician, and 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 in order 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. He 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

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

• ^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, Pennsylvania. "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.

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)

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

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

2022

Fans

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.

Discography

Studio albums

• Measure of a Man (2003)
• Merry Christmas with Love (2004)
• A Thousand Different Ways (2006)
• On My Way Here (2008)
• Tried and True (2010)
• Steadfast (2012)

EPs

• All Is Well (2006)

Compilations

• The Very Best of Clay Aiken (2009)
• A Thousand Different Ways/Measure of a Man (2010)

DVDs

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

Filmography

This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (May 2024)

Awards and nominations

Professional

American Music Awards

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

Billboard Awards

• 2003: Won – Best Selling Single of 2003 – "Bridge Over Troubled Water/This Is The Night"
• 2004: Won – Best Selling Christmas Album – Merry Christmas with Love
• 2004: Won – Best Selling Christian Album – Merry Christmas with Love
• 2005: Won – Best Selling Christian Album – Merry Christmas with Love

New Music Weekly Awards

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

American Christian Music Awards

• 2005: Won – Outstanding Yule CD – Merry Christmas with Love

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

• List of artists who reached number one on the Hot 100 (U.S.)
• List of Decca Records artists
• List of number-one hits (United States)
• List of UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors

References

1. ^ Aiken, Clay. Learning to Sing: Hearing the Music in Your Life. (2004) p. 56, ISBN 1-4000-6392-2
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. 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. 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.
15. Lachman, Samantha (November 4, 2014). "Clay Aiken Defeated in 2014 North Carolina Congressional Race". The Huffington Post. Retrieved November 6, 2014.
16. "Former American Idol star Clay Aiken is running for Congress again". The Week. January 10, 2022. Retrieved January 10, 2022.
17. Willman, Chris (January 10, 2022). "Clay Aiken Running for Congress in North Carolina". Variety. Retrieved January 10, 2022.
18. ^ Aiken, Clay (2004). Learning to Sing: Hearing the Music in Your Life. Random House. pp. 249–251. ISBN 1-4000-6392-2.
19. Woerner, Tom (May 22, 2003). "Scouts Remember Fallen Veterans". The Dunn Daily Record. Retrieved April 7, 2006.
20. "Redefined track listing". last.fm. Retrieved June 24, 2007.
21. Demo CD, "Look What Love Has Done Vol 2", track listing. last.fm. Retrieved June 21, 2007.
22. ^ Aiken, Clay. "Learning to Sing: Hearing the Music in Your Life" (2004). pp. 133–134, ISBN 1-4000-6392-2.
23. ^ Aiken, Clay. "Learning to Sing: Hearing the Music in Your Life" (2004), pp. 153–161, ISBN 1-4000-6392-2.
24. "'American Idol' star Clay Aiken graduates". USA Today. December 24, 2003. Retrieved July 3, 2007.
25. Bronson, Fred. The Billboard Book of Number 1 Hits. Billboard Books. ISBN 0-8230-7677-6.
26. "People Photo Album, Then and Now" Archived September 27, 2007, at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 24, 2007.
27. Cooper, Chet. "Interview with Clay Aiken". Ability. Retrieved May 24, 2007.
28. Seibel, Deborah Starr. "American Idol Outrage: Your Vote Doesn't Count". Broadcasting & Cable. May 17, 2004. Retrieved April 8, 2006.
29. 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.
30. Hedegaard, Erik (July 10, 2003). "Clay Aiken: New kid on the block". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on June 2, 2023. Retrieved June 1, 2023.
31. Tauber, Michelle. "Clay Aiken Facing the Music". People. New York, October 2, 2006. Vol. 66, Iss. 14; pg. 122.
32. "Clay Aiken Biography". People. Archived from the original on September 30, 2007. Retrieved June 1, 2023.
33. "34 Clay Aike Photos". People. June 5, 2007. Archived from the original on June 5, 2007. Retrieved June 1, 2023.
34. "'American Idol Rewind' premieres locally". Syracuse.com. September 29, 2007. Retrieved June 1, 2023.
35. "American Idol Rewind Returns to Highlight American Idol Season Two". Movieweb. October 2, 2007. Archived from the original on September 25, 2020. Retrieved June 1, 2023.
36. "Top earners from "American Idol"". Abc2news.com. July 25, 2011. Archived from the original on October 11, 2013. Retrieved July 2, 2013.
37. "Aiken CD Highest-Selling Debut Album Since 1993". WRAL. November 6, 2003. Archived from the original on June 14, 2011. Retrieved June 1, 2023.
38. Rogers, Steve. Clay Aiken's "Merry Christmas With Love" holiday album debuts to record sales realitytvworld.com. November 29, 2004. Retrieved August 8, 2009.
39. "New Releases, Sept. 19: Elton John, Clay Aiken, Diana Krall" Archived May 14, 2010, at the Wayback Machine liveDaily.com. September 18, 2006. Retrieved July 25, 2009.
40. Bliss, Karen. "Aiken and Canadian Producer See Eye to Eye". JAM! November 7, 2005. Retrieved April 8, 2006.
41. "Clay Aiken Releases New Album". Access Hollywood. August 3, 2006. Archived from the original on October 29, 2006. Retrieved June 1, 2023.
42. "Chart Beat: Fred discusses Clay Aiken, Miki Howard and more". Billboard. September 28, 2006. Retrieved June 1, 2023.
43. "All is Well: Songs for Christmas (Wal-Mart Exclusive)". Wal-Mart. Archived from the original on December 13, 2007. Retrieved May 31, 2023.
44. Richards, Constance. "Clay Aiken: 'Idol Is a Drug'" Archived April 7, 2007, at the Wayback Machine. People. April 3, 2007. Retrieved April 13, 2007.
45. Cohen, Jonathan. "Clay Aiken Heads 'Here' On Next Album". Billboard. March 21, 2008. Retrieved March 21, 2008.
46. Clay Aiken Parts Ways With RCA Billboard. by Shirley Halperin. February 20, 2009. Retrieved February 20, 2009.
47. Clay Aiken Leaves His Record Label People. by David Caplan. February 20, 2009. Retrieved February 20, 2009.
48. Clay Aiken's favorite songs was released through the Playlist Series ClayOnline News. February 27, 2009. Retrieved February 27, 2009.
49. Top Internet Albums for the 4/18/2009 issue Reuters UK. April 10, 2009. Retrieved April 10, 2009.
50. We Are Excited To Announce... ClayOnline News. August 10, 2009. Retrieved August 10, 2009.
51. ^ Graff, Gary. Clay Aiken Ready For Tour, Would Return to 'Idol' As Judge Billboard. June 23, 2010. Retrieved June 23, 2010.
52. Mansfield, Brian (April 4, 2012). "McCreery's 'Clear as Day' takes the top 'Idol' album spot". USA Today. Idol Chatter. Retrieved December 15, 2013.
53. Clay Aiken at IMDb
54. q:Clay Aiken#Quotes about Clay Aiken
55. Serpe, Gina. "Ripa Rips Clay; Rosie Responds". E!. November 21, 2006. Retrieved December 17, 2006.
56. "The Z List: This Week's Biggest Losers". TMZ. November 25, 2006. Retrieved December 17, 2006.
57. "People Photo Album, Comic Relief" Archived June 5, 2007, at the Wayback Machine. People. Retrieved May 24, 2007.
58. Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? (2007) Original Air Date: November 1, 2007 (Season 2, Episode 9)
59. Vena, Jocelyn (May 15, 2009). "Mary J. Blige, Clay Aiken Loved Singing For '30 Rock'". MTV. Archived from the original on June 1, 2023. Retrieved May 31, 2023.
60. "TV highlights: Friday, Aug. 6, 2010". The Washington Post. August 6, 2010. Archived from the original on March 4, 2014. Retrieved May 31, 2023.
61. Lyons, Margaret (April 12, 2011). "Lance Bass and Clay Aiken Join Drop Dead Diva's Gay Prom Episode". New York Vulture. Archived from the original on November 14, 2013. Retrieved June 1, 2023.
62. Joyce Eng (May 21, 2012). "Who Won Celebrity Apprentice?". Yahoo!. Archived from the original on February 13, 2017. Retrieved February 12, 2017.
63. Gabrielle Bonghi (May 8, 2013). "Santigold, Clay Aiken & Aaron Rodgers to make cameos on 'The Office'". Philly.com. Retrieved July 2, 2013.
64. Anna Taberski (November 7, 2013). "Law and Order: SVU' Season 15, Episode 7 Recap: Almost Like 'American Idol,' But With Terrible Crimes". Huffpost TV.com.
65. Schneider, Michael (May 1, 2024). "'The Masked Singer' Reveals Identities of the Seal and Beets: Here Are the Celebrities Under the Costumes". Variety. Retrieved May 2, 2024.
66. "Clay Aiken joins Monty Python's Spamalot, The Funniest Show on Earth". PR Newswire Association. October 16, 2007. Archived from the original on February 5, 2008. Retrieved October 17, 2007. (article archived)
67. Blank, Matthew (December 24, 2008). "Photo Call: Clay Aiken Honored with Sardi's Caricature". Playbill.com. Archived from the original on December 27, 2008. Retrieved December 24, 2008.
68. Vincentelli, Elisabeth (December 30, 2018). "Review: 'Ruben & Clay' Reunites 'Idol' Rivals for Christmas Fun". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved March 1, 2019.
69. "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (2013)". Archived from the original on June 9, 2013. Retrieved August 18, 2013.
70. "Clay Aiken Sports Long Hair in Vibrant Technicolor Dreamcoat Photo". Peoplemag. Retrieved August 7, 2023.
71. Eberson, Sharon (June 10, 2019). "Reviews: From the chilling future of 'Marjorie Prime' to the nostalgia of 'Grease'". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Archived from the original on February 15, 2020. Retrieved May 31, 2023.
72. Cunningham, Lisa (June 10, 2019). "American Idol alum Clay Aiken dazzles in Pittsburgh CLO's Grease". Pittsburgh City Paper. Archived from the original on June 1, 2023. Retrieved May 31, 2023.
73. Rogers, Steve (January 18, 2004). "Kelly Clarkson and Clay Aiken announce thirty city concert tour". RealityTVWorld. Archived from the original on January 7, 2010. Retrieved January 1, 2023.
74. "Clay's Aiken's tour sponsored by Buena Vista". United Press International. July 10, 2004. Archived from the original on April 16, 2015. Retrieved June 1, 2023.
75. Dreaming Of A Clay Christmas Archived July 14, 2011, at the Wayback Machine 2004 McDonald's Corporation. December 17, 2004. Retrieved August 20, 2009.
76. Rogers, Steve. Clay Aiken reschedules "The Joyful Noise Tour" holiday concert tour dates realitytvworld.com. November 29, 2004. Retrieved August 20, 2009.
77. The Way We Make a Difference The JukeBox Tour – Toronto, ON. thewaywemakeadifference.org. August 25, 2005. Retrieved August 20, 2009.
78. Kragen, Pam. "Pop nerd Clay Aiken brings 'Joyful Noise' to San Diego". North County Times. November 9, 2005. Retrieved June 25, 2007 (article archived)
79. "American Idol's Biggest Winners". Forbes. January 15, 2007. Retrieved June 21, 2007.
80. "Popularity Contest". The Wall Street Journal. June 22, 2007. Retrieved June 22, 2007.
81. A Clay Aiken Christmas: Carols & Comedy Archived August 30, 2008, at the Wayback Machine. americanidolworship.com. December 21, 2006. Retrieved August 20, 2009.
82. "Aiken apparently questioned after airplane incident". Tulsa World. July 2007. Retrieved July 9, 2007.
83. "Clay Talks to ET About Airline Drama". Entertainment Tonight July 9, 2007. Retrieved January 12, 2008. Archived February 5, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
84. "Clay Aiken Adds Dates to Magical Holiday Tour 2007". Archived June 29, 2007, at the Wayback Machine TicketNews.com June 25, 2007. Retrieved June 25, 2007.
85. 4/01/10 "Clay and Ruben "Timeless" Tour Dates Announced" clayonline.com April 1, 2010. Retrieved April 1, 2010.
86. Franklin, Mark."Clay Aiken, Ruben Studdard announce tour dates" Archived July 18, 2011, at the Wayback Machine The York Dispatch Idol Chatter April 1, 2010. Retrieved April 11, 2010.
87. Wener, Ben.Ruben Studdard & Clay Aiken: primed for Vegas Archived August 6, 2010, at the Wayback Machine Orange County Register. August 2, 2010. Retrieved August 10, 2010.
88. 7/30/10 "Clay Aiken: Tried & True – Live!" Tour" Archived September 3, 2010, at the Wayback Machine clayaiken.com/news July 30, 2010. Retrieved August 30, 2010.
89. 8/09/10 Tried & True Dates Posted Archived August 18, 2010, at the Wayback Machine clayaiken.com/news August 9, 2010. Retrieved August 30, 2010.
90. 9/17/12 "Joyful Noise Tour 2012" Archived October 8, 2012, at the Wayback Machine clayaiken.com/news September 17, 2012. Retrieved September 30, 2012.
91. 9/17/12 Joyful Noise 2012 Dates Posted Archived September 29, 2012, at the Wayback Machine clayaiken.com/news September 17, 2012. Retrieved September 30, 2012.
92. "Heather Headley: Home". Archived April 26, 2012, at the Wayback Machine broadwayinspirationalvoices.com Retrieved August 5, 2009.
93. John's Wish Archived January 4, 2009, at the Wayback Machine Make-A-Wish Foundation of Philadelphia & Susquehanna Valley. Retrieved January 10, 2009.
94. Broadway Bears Raises $127,000 for BC/EFA; Spamalot Bear Is King Archived August 29, 2008, at the Wayback Machine Playbill, by Andrew Gans, February 19, 2008. Retrieved December 27, 2008.
95. BC/EFA's Broadway Flea Market & Grand Auction Raises $496,380 broadway world.com, by BWW News Desk, September 22, 2008. Retrieved December 27, 2008.
96. "Clay Aiken – Gay Rights Stand for American Idol Singer". National Ledger. March 1, 2010. Archived from the original on March 4, 2010. Retrieved March 3, 2010.
97. "Aiken and Cho Fight Against Harassment". The Advocate. May 21, 2010. Retrieved June 8, 2010.
98. "Clay Aiken finds comfort in old songs, new life". Fayetteville Observer (AP). June 10, 2010. Archived from the original on July 10, 2011. Retrieved September 28, 2010.
99. Clay Aiken's Foundation Becomes The National Inclusion Project newswiretoday.com. Press Release. August 20, 2009. Retrieved August 20, 2009.
100. National Inclusion Project, "Let's ALL Play". Retrieved August 6, 2009. Archived August 9, 2009, at the Wayback Machine
101. "Youth Service America, Partners & Sponsors". Retrieved June 23, 2006. Archived May 24, 2009, at the Wayback Machine
102. "Clay Aiken's Nonprofit Group Comes Under Critic Scrutiny". WRAL.com. July 18, 2005. Retrieved June 23, 2006.
103. "Showbiz Tonight transcript". Archived August 20, 2014, at the Wayback Machine CNN.com. July 25, 2005. Retrieved June 23, 2006. Archived, subscription required.
104. "America's Good Neighbor Teams up with Recording Artist Clay Aiken's Bubel/Aiken Foundation to Promote Inclusive Education". CSR Wire Press Release. November 2, 2005. Retrieved April 8, 2006. (article archived)
105. "Clay Aiken Fans Celebrate Third Year Anniversary". Cision PRWeb. February 2, 2006. Archived from the original on January 26, 2021. Retrieved June 1, 2023.
106. "Clay Aiken". UNICEF. Archived from the original on April 28, 2008. Retrieved June 1, 2023.
107. "UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Clay Aiken visits Afghanistan" Archived April 22, 2007, at the Wayback Machine. UNICEF. April 18, 2007. Retrieved April 18, 2007.
108. "Mexico flooding affects '700,000'". BBC News. November 1, 2007. Retrieved January 5, 2008.
109. "(In the Field) Christmas Greetings from Clay Aiken in Mexico". UNICEF. December 25, 2007. Retrieved January 5, 2008.
110. Mohamed, Guled. "U.S. pop star appeals for world attention on Somalia". Archived December 21, 2008, at the Wayback Machine Reuters South Africa. June 25, 2008. Retrieved June 29, 2008.
111. "Clay Aiken calls for Kenya's kids to return to school". UNICEF Field Notes. July 22, 2008. Retrieved July 22, 2008.
112. "North Carolina primary with Clay Aiken too close to call". Associated Press (via New York Post). May 7, 2014. Retrieved November 15, 2017.
113. "Clay Aiken's Democratic primary opponent is dead". Associated Press (via New York Post). May 12, 2014. Retrieved September 8, 2017.
114. Bonner, Lynn. US Congress: Ellmers takes big win over Aiken; GOP's Rouzer, Walker also win Archived November 10, 2014, at the Wayback Machine, Charlotte Observer, November 4, 2014.
115. Angermiller, Michele Amabile (April 7, 2015). "Clay Aiken Promises New Esquire Docu-Series 'Isn't Scripted' Like 'American Idol'". Billboard.
116. ^ "Clay Aiken Talks Gay Marriage, Amendment One On CBS's 'Face The Nation'". Huffington Post. May 14, 2012. Retrieved September 9, 2017.
117. ^ "Clay Aiken Talks Gay Marriage Views And Coming Out". Huffington Post. May 1, 2014. Retrieved September 9, 2017.
118. ^ "Clay Aiken Responds to Bill Maher's Gay Marriage Criticism". TheWrap. January 15, 2015. Retrieved September 9, 2017.
119. ^ "Clay Aiken Apologizes for Defending 'Actually Racist' Donald Trump". Billboard. August 16, 2017. Retrieved August 20, 2021.
120. Aiken, clay (January 10, 2022). "Can you believe it's been almost 20 years since I first got to share my voice with you?..." Twitter. Archived from the original on January 10, 2022. Retrieved May 31, 2023.
121. "Clay Aiken for Congress". www.clayaiken.com. Archived from the original on January 10, 2022. Retrieved January 10, 2022.
122. "Former "American Idol" star Clay Aiken announces second run for Congress". www.cbsnews.com. January 10, 2022. Retrieved January 10, 2022.
123. Mizelle, Shawana (January 10, 2022). "Ex-'American Idol' star Clay Aiken announces bid for Congress". CNN. Archived from the original on January 10, 2022.
124. Pacqueño, Sara (January 11, 2022). "Clay Aiken - another celebrity candidate who hasn't done the work". The News & Observer. Retrieved January 20, 2022.
125. Mercer, Matt (January 19, 2022). "Clay Aiken finds rough reception compared to '14 campaign". North State Journal. Retrieved January 20, 2022.
126. "North Carolina Official General Election Results". North Carolina State Board of Elections. November 4, 2014. Archived from the original on January 27, 2015. Retrieved January 23, 2015.
127. "05/17/2022 UNOFFICIAL LOCAL ELECTION RESULTS - STATEWIDE". North Carolina State Board of Elections. May 18, 2022. Retrieved May 19, 2022.
128. Kazan, Ali. "The Best and Worst of Reality TV". TV Guide. August 8, 2005. Retrieved April 5, 2006. (article archived)
129. Ryfle, Steve. "Is There Life After 'American Idol'?". Archived May 26, 2007, at the Wayback Machine Netscape Celebrity. Retrieved September 15, 2007.
130. "US Patent and Trademark Office search (TESS)". Archived from the original on October 11, 2013. Retrieved August 5, 2009.
131. "Clay Aiken: A Day In The Life!" Entertainment Tonight video interview with Jann Carl. Air date: September 28, 2006. Retrieved June 6, 2007.
132. "obsessive fans make Clay want to quit". realityblurred.com. November 15, 2004. Retrieved April 5, 2006.
133. Lazzaro, Stephanie. "Fans' most anticipated album worth all nighter". Archived February 21, 2008, at the Wayback Machine nineronline.com. October 23, 2003. Retrieved June 21, 2007.
134. "Clay Aiken Album 'A Thousand Different Ways' Debuts at Number 2 on Billboard Album Chart With Sales Over 205,000". top40-charts. September 28, 2006. Archived from the original on May 24, 2011. Retrieved June 1, 2023.
135. Kam, Nadine (October 10, 2003). "Idol's hold grows into his own 'Clay Day'". Star Bulletin. Archived from the original on August 9, 2010. Retrieved June 1, 2023.
136. "Caregiver Newsletter Issue #220". Archived November 1, 2006, at the Wayback Machine, Caregiver.com April 21, 2005. Retrieved November 25, 2006.
137. 2006 "Alumni Award Recipients". UNC Charlotte Alumni Association. November 11, 2006. Retrieved November 19, 2006. (article archived)
138. "National Center for Learning Disabilities Celebrates its 30th Anniversary" NCLD, Press release (April 2007). Retrieved April 27, 2007. (article archived)
139. Cite error: The named reference equality was invoked but never defined (see the help page).

External links

• Clay Aiken's channel on YouTube
• Clay Aiken at IMDb 
• Clay Aiken at the Internet Broadway Database
• Clay Aiken at AllMusic

• 1978 births
• Living people
• 21st-century American male actors
• 21st-century American male writers
• 21st-century American politicians
• 21st-century American male singers
• 21st-century American singers
• Activists from North Carolina
• American Idol participants
• American male non-fiction writers
• American male pop singers
• 21st-century American memoirists
• Autism activists
• Baptists from North Carolina
• Campbell University alumni
• Candidates in the 2014 United States elections
• Decca Records artists
• American gay actors
• American gay musicians
• American gay politicians
• Gay singers
• American gay writers
• Leesville Road High School alumni
• LGBT Baptists
• Gay memoirists
• LGBT people from North Carolina
• American LGBT rights activists
• American LGBT singers
• American LGBT songwriters
• Gay songwriters
• Male actors from North Carolina
• Musicians from Raleigh, North Carolina
• Politicians from Raleigh, North Carolina
• North Carolina Democrats
• Philanthropists from North Carolina
• RCA Records artists
• 19 Recordings artists
• Southern Baptists
• The Apprentice contestants
• UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors
• University of North Carolina at Charlotte alumni
• Writers from North Carolina
• Singers from North Carolina
• 21st-century American LGBT people
• Candidates in the 2022 United States House of Representatives elections