Clay Aiken shot to fame on the television show "American Idol". He was
actually the runner up to Ruben Studdard on the second season of the
show. But Clay would wind up being the best selling artist to come out
of his Idol season.
Right after losing out to Studdard, the producers decided to release
Clay's single on the same day as the Idol winner. So again the two would
have to compete with each other. To many people's surprise Clay won
this battle. His first single "This Is The Night" would top the
Billboard charts, while Ruben would have to settle for the second spot
with his version of Westlife's "Flying Without Wings".
Aiken from Raleigh, North Caroline was a special education teacher,
when the mother of one of his students urged him to try out for the
talent program. He was actually cut from the show, but asked to come
back for a "wild card" spot in the top ten. He won the spot due to the
American public who called in to vote for him.
Once in the top ten, he had to deal with lots of criticism from Simon
Cowell, who told him he should be doing Broadway Musicals, rather than
pop music. He also insulted him when he said he made a weird face when
he sings.
After scoring a number one song, Clay released his debut CD "Measure Of
A Man" which was a smash hit for him. Clay was becoming a major star.
His fans dubbed themselves the Clay-Mates.
In 2004, Clay tour the United States with American Idol first season
winner Kelly Clarkson.
Clay Aiken released another CD which mainly featured cover tunes. Clay also appeared on the hit TV show "Scrubs".
