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Clay Aiken: The Star Factorby Rosanne Simunovic -- 06/09/2003
View Printable version of this article During the course of my career as a voice coach and conductor, I have encountered exceptional young vocal talent. Many have the essential attributes that would plausibly contribute to their success in the arts. However, for some intangible reason, that elusive"star factor" - the quality that sets the most exceptional and unique artists apart from the rest of their peers - is not readily apparent in many of these singers. Yes, they perform well - oftentimes with stellar vocal quality and stage presence - yet, it just isn't quite enough to "put them over the top." Are certain performers born with this mysterious star quality or can it be manufactured or acquired through proper training and guidance? In other words, is genetic destiny a key factor here? For example, one of my most gifted students, Patricia O'Callaghan - a star waiting to be discovered when she walked into my studio at the age of 16 years - has received international acclaim over the past three years and has been singled out by Billboard Magazine as "the foremost cabaret star of her generation." The star factor was always there - it was the discovery on a global level that took time, patience, and perseverance. One would argue, then, that Patricia's determination and resolve played an important part in her success. Likewise, by the time the general public became aware of Celine Dion or Billy Joel or Barbra Streisand, they were bona fide superstars and had struggled for years and years before their names became household words. So, of course, one could assume that their hard work, talent, and charisma, nurtured over time, would result in their success in the entertainment world. Stars are created, not born, correct? The answer can be found in two words - Clay Aiken. Just six months ago, Clay Aiken was carrying on his admirable work teaching autistic children in Raleigh, North Carolina. He scarcely looked beyond his chosen career as a Special Education teacher. Yes, he had gained excellent musical experience through his participation in his high school choir, but, according to all news sources, this was the extent of his musical training. Then, a mother of one of his students encouraged him to audition for American Idol Season 2. He was hesitant at first, but through this parent's encouragement, he agreed to give it a try. After being rejected at the Regional competition, Clay tenaciously journeyed to Atlanta and tried again. After completing the preliminary rounds, he confidently performed for Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson, who, thankfully, saw that something special, that spark, that star quality - despite the fact that his "image" was not correct according to today's standards. Of course, the rest is history. Within six months, Clay was a superstar. Yet, in order to achieve this status, this young man had to perform live and flawlessly each week before millions of viewers. The transformation of Clay Aiken, teacher, to Clay Aiken, superstar, is, in my opinion, nothing short of spectacular. Yes, American Idol spiffed him up and transformed him - but the other contestants - including our AI 2 winner Ruben Studdard, who I absolutely adore - were treated in the same manner and yet, Clay, almost instantaneously, emerged as a superstar. It really is a phenomenal music success story that confirms the basic fact that true stars are born, not manufactured. His talent, his persona, his charisma were not created from technologically-enhanced music videos, glitzy sound recordings, or management hype, but from a more reality based platform that American Idol and its parent Pop Idol have formulated. Superior talent, spark, and that elusive star quality all played a part of Clay Aiken's destiny 24 years ago and today it has come to fruition. How else can you explain the fact that, as of this writing, Clay's new CD has been sitting at #1 on Amazon.com for over three weeks - outselling every major artist. Yesterday, he was a talented, nurturing Special Education teacher, unaware of the depth of his outstanding vocal abilities and charisma. Today he joins the ranks of our true stars - like Barbra Streisand, Billy Joel, Elton John, Barry Manilow, Celine Dion, and so many others - who embrace excellence first and everything else second and set the standard for future performers to follow. Let's hope that 19 Management, RCA, and all the "powers that be" that are now involved with Clay's career really take advantage and market this young man judiciously and astutely. Also, let us hope that the American Idol team and the producers of the highly anticipated Canadian Idol show never lose sight of their mission to celebrate and value excellence and unique star potential in our future Idol finalists. Rosanne Simunovic is the Voice Instructor and Conductor for the Timmins Youth Singers. If you have any further questions our comments, please at e-mail her. If you want to hear how she applies her technical methods to a variety of musical styles music, have a listen to one of her double disc CDs, Scenes from a Dream, a live compilation featuring outstanding performances between 1984-2000 with the Timmins Youth Singers and renowned classical, Broadway, and pop artists. Hope you enjoy it! Be sure to sign up for the RealityNewsOnline/FoxesOnIdol e-mail update so you can stay informed about new articles on both sites! For all of the RealityNewsOnline articles about this show, check out the American Idol page. For more news about reality TV, be sure to check SirLinksALot! View Printable version of this article
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