Clay Aiken’s Stardom: The Real Way People Measure a Man!

The incredible rise to fame of AI contestant Clay Aiken has not only been a heartwarming viewing experience for millions of people at a time when we needed something positive to cheer for, but a fascinating and important statement about what people really admire in a man in today’s society. Clay’s fans have clearly shown in massive numbers that a commercially crafted concept of what constitutes an idol may easily be dismissed when there is a more novel way to champion a new talent – to love him for the real person he already is.

Clay’s stardom is not something he is going to have to live up to. His star is in being himself. We love the fact that he is blessed with the gift of a beautiful voice, which has only become more amazing with the coaching he has received, the hard work he has done as a student of the AI process, and the vast experience he has gained in performing during the past few months. What makes him just as intriguing, though, is Clay’s ability to take some of the most important human qualities that are available to all of us – an approachable personality; a visible emotional side; a genuine caring for humanity; a wish to serve a purpose during life; an open devotion and show of affection for family and friends; an ability to state likes, dislikes, and fears without concern for criticism; a sense to always keep the inner child and some innocence alive; an ability to handle challenges with integrity; and a solid moral stance – to own these qualities, and most importantly, to make these qualities available to others.

Clay’s fans are young girls who have dreams of marrying him – they adore everything about him. Clay’s fans are women who love Clay as a role model for with children. Clay’s fans are middle aged and older women who have spent devoted years hoping to instill these qualities in their own sons, women who know that when all is said and done, the qualities that Clay offers to others are the qualities women often have to work hard to find in men who hide behind age-old concepts of what a man is.

Clay’s fans are young men who identify with and cheer the fact that it’s okay to be a man who is simply himself. Clay’s fans are singles and husbands and dads who identify with the importance of making their humanness available to others. Clay’s fans are those who appreciate incredible talent and look beyond image makers’ concepts of what an idol is. Clay’s fans are those who appreciate the fact that he’s still just a regular guy with a great voice.

Does it really matter whether a man is a teacher or a recording artist? Whether he is famous or not? Whether he makes a modest living or millions? Whether he wears a Prada sweater or a “lumberjack” shirt? Whether he’s a slender young man or a buff hunk? Whether he fits a predetermined image or not? NO!! A man is measured by the beauty that flows from within him and his ability to allow that beauty to be seen.

Clay allowed us to see that beauty, so we supported him through his incredible journey on AI. By being himself, he inspired us to help him get to this point of amazing opportunities. As we followed his story, we knew deep down inside that Clay’s success, as well at that of the other top contestants, wasn’t going to be determined by a title. It was going to be determined by his talent, his appeal, and opportunity. We have witnessed the evolution of Clay’s star, and he has allowed us to share in his journey. We now look forward to enjoying the beauty of his music and the man that he is for years to come.

Barbara is I a designer of personal writing accessories and conducts writing workshops to encourage people to document important keepsake messages for family and friends. She can be reached at barbara@styledesines.com.

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