As the runner-up to Fox TV's second American Idol: The Search for a Superstar competition, vocalist Clay Aiken woowed television audiences in 2003 with his Southern charm, sweet demeanor and bright, glorious voice and became a pop star. Originally Clay planned to try out for the reality TV series The American Race, but went ahead and auditioned for the talent contest to please an encouraging friend. Out of 7,000 hopefuls, the Charlotte, NC native won the hearts of the judges as well as millions of fans across the globe.
Born November 30, 1978, Clay was singing at an early age. Unlike most young kids Clay was confident and ready to impress a crowd. He was already singing the classic "Islands in the Stream" at a local high school dance by age five. Two year later, he was buying albums through a mail-order catalog, eager to get his hands on any kind of music. Clay's vocal talent was blossoming and by the time he reached his teenage years, he was a regular member of the Raleigh Boys Choir. Countless roles in various musicals (The Music Man, Oklahoma) stage plays and playhouse shows allowed Clay to hone his gift. When it came time to go to college, music wasn't really his calling. He studied special education instead and had dreams of attending William & Mary for a master's degree in administration. Before he could further his education, Clay ended up wooing 21 million television viewers each week from February to May of 2003 with his sensational singing voice. His rendition of Simon & Garfunkel's "Bridge over Troubled Water" assured him a spot in America's hearts. Although he finished second, during the "American Idol Contest", he landed a record deal with RCA within two weeks of the show's finale.
Clay is still the humble young man, from before his fame. In his own words: "God has a plan. God has a direction for me. He may put me on a few detours, but the path will ultimately reveal itself. My job is to be a decent human being no matter how rocky the road gets!"
Discography:
- Thousand Different Ways (2006)
- All is Well: Songs for Christmas *WalMart Exclusive* (2006)
- Merry Christmas with Love (2004)
- A Clay Aiken Christmas (2004)
- Single: The Way/Solitaire (2004)
- Measure of a Man (2003)
- Single: Bridge Over Troubled Water/This Is The Night (2003)
- Single: Invisible/Measure of a Man (2003)
- Single: Solitaire/Invisible (2003)
Reference:
ar-303543-bio--Clay-Aiken
for inquiries e-mail Christa Jones