Clay Aiken

Vital Statistics:

Clay is 24 years old and is from Raleigh, NC. He was the runner-up on American Idol 2!

His American Idol performances were:

• Open Arms
• Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me (Wildcard Show)
• I Can’t Help Myself
• Somewhere Out There
• Someone Else’s Star
• Everlasting Love
• At This Moment
• Tell Her About It
• I Could Not Ask For More
• Build Me Up Buttercup
• Solitaire
• To Love Somebody
• Grease
• Vincent
• Mack The Knife
• Unchained Melody
• This Is The Night
• Here, There and Everywhere
• Bridge Over Troubled Water

‘Measure of a Man’ Down on the Charts, But Not By Much, by David Bloomberg: Measure of a Man couldn’t stay at #1 forever. In its third week, it has fallen out of that spot. But how far did it fall and how many were sold? Read on for details!

Taking On Clay’s Critics, by Candace Golden: Clay’s premiere album, Measure of a Man, has had huge sales but poor response from the critics. What is their problem? What do they want out of him? Candace takes a look.

Recording Master Class: Clay Aiken’s ‘Measure of a Man’, by Rosanne Simunovic: Voice Instructor Rosanne applies her Vocal Master Class concepts to Clay’s premiere album, Measure of a Man. How does Clay’s singing, along with the writing, music, and production, “measure” up?

Clay Retains #1 Spot on Album Chart, by David Bloomberg: Despite falling sales and competition from Rod Stewart and the Eagles, Clay Aiken’s Measure of a Man has managed to retain its Number 1 spot on the album chart. Read on for details!

Clay at #1: The Measure of an Album, by David Bloomberg: We now know that Measure of a Man debuted at #1. But how else can you measure the success of an album? Let’s take a look.

Clay Debuts at #1 Despite the Critics, by Donna Reynolds: The numbers are out and it’s official. No matter what the critics say, Clay’s album is debuting at a solid #1 on the Billboard charts.

How Do You Take the Measure of a Man? – The ‘Look What Love Has Done’ Campaign and the Bubel/Aiken Foundation, by Kerry Holjes: Many people have been talking about how to measure Clay Aiken. Kerry comes from a somewhat different perspective, as she has been a member of the Look What Love Has Done arm of the Bubel/Aiken Foundation. Find out how she measures a man and what you can do as well.

The Controversy That Is Clay, by Teresa Harris: Clay’s album has caused a lot of controversy between the critics who have slammed it and the fans who love it. One even called fans “out of it,” but who is really out of it here?

Is Clay Pushing Pop Music Over the “Edge”?, by Candace Golden: There have been a number of claims that Clay’s premiere album lacks “edge.” But what, really, is “edge”? Candace looks at this question and argues that Clay does indeed have “edge” – but it’s not quite what you might think it is.

The Boston CD Release Party – Clay Aiken in the Land of the Bean and the Cod, by Andrea Shuman: On Monday night/early Tuesday morning, Clay Aiken’s fans held CD release parties throughout the country. Andrea Shuman takes us up close and personal to the one in Boston.

‘Measure of a Man’ – A First Listen, by David Bloomberg: Clay Aiken’s ‘Measure of a Man’ is out today – which means it’s time for David to give it a listen and provide his thoughts. Let’s see what he has to say.

FOI Roundtable: Who Knows Better, Clay or Record Execs?, by Foxes On Idol Staff: The recent Time article brought us a discussion of Clay’s thoughts on what his first CD should be like as compared to what record company execs thought. Various people have come down on both sides of the debate, and now a number of Foxes On Idol writers chime in with their thoughts in this roundtable discussion.

‘Time’ Article on Clay Wastes an Opportunity, by Dev Ghosh: Time magazine’s recent article on Clay was the perfect opportunity to analyze the impact of American Idol on the music industry. But instead, Dev shows how the author simply bought into what the record executives were selling.

Memo to RCA Records: Do Not Tamper with Clay Aiken’s Star, by Rosanne Simunovic: As most Clay fans know, a recent Time magazine article chronicled how RCA battled Clay about what would appear on his first full-length album. Rosanne, a voice instructor, tells RCA to cut it out and explains why it is important that he is allowed to be himself.

The Measure of a Fan – Clay Aiken CD Release Parties, by Donna Reynolds: Clay Aiken’s first full-length CD, Measure of a Man, comes out October 14. Fans are planning a wide variety of events across the country and around the world. Read on for details!

Idol Update: Kimberley, Clay, and More!, by David Bloomberg: Kim Locke’s single is available for preview and Clay’s album finally has a cover. Find out more about both, including a schedule for some of Clay’s promotional TV appearances – just read on.

Clay Aiken’s Stardom: The Real Way People Measure a Man!, by Barbara McLaughlin: The title of Clay’s album may have been changed from “Measure of a Man,” but Clay himself shows just how a man should really be measured, as Barbara explains.

Why Clay Didn’t Win – and Why His Fans Should Be Glad, by Cissy Hartley: Did the producers of American Idol really set out to find an idol, or to find an easy way to make money in pop music? Cissy takes a look at this question and explains how Clay fits into the picture – or didn’t. But even though he lost, she says his fans should be glad.

The Marketability of Clay and Ruben, by David Bloomberg: Clay fans are up in arms - "Clay was robbed!" Certainly there were problems with the vote, some of which we've discussed already. But then Ryan couldn't even get the numbers right! So is it a conspiracy? Was Clay robbed? Can we even know the answer?

The Cult of Clay Aiken, by Christina Olanick: Simon Cowell may have declared that America choosing Clay and Ruben as the two American Idol finalists was going for talent over image, but Christina would argue that both Clay and Ruben in fact had marketable images from day one. Just what are those images? And who seems poised to be more marketable in the long run?

Simon Says: Let’s Rip on Clay, by David Bloomberg: Simon Cowell was recently on Howard Stern’s show, where he gave his thoughts (excuses) on why Clay has outsold Ruben so far. But he doesn’t stop there – he also delves into Clay’s personal life.

Recording Masterclass for Ruben’s and Clay’s CDs, by Rosanne Simunovic: Rosanne provided us with Masterclass reviews as American Idol went along. Now it’s time to turn her attention to the CDs by Ruben and Clay. Did the qualities of their voices translate well?

Clay Aiken – On the Cover of the Rolling Stone, by Donna Reynolds: “On the cover of the Rolling Stone… We all remember the song – but now Clay Aiken gets to live it. Why did he make it and what does he have to say?

Marilyn vos Savant Tackles the AI Voting Issue, by David Bloomberg: The question of whether the final vote on American Idol was fair has been discussed by many of us, but this weekend it was tackled by Marilyn vos Savant, the woman with the highest IQ in the world. Did she think it was fair?

Clay Aiken: The First Web Idol, by Alexandra Corbin: Clay Aiken might not have won the title of “American Idol,” but that just gave his fans more to work on! The show may have introduced him to us, but it’s his web-based fans that truly have made him an idol.

Another Idol Tuesday – Clay, Ruben, and Justin on Oprah, by Donna Reynolds: It was just like old times – well, three-week-old times. It was Tuesday and Donna could watch her Idols again. This time, it was on Oprah and After Oprah, but Ruben, Clay, and Justin showed up to sing and talk. We found out how they’re doing and some other info. For example, what instrument does Ruben play?

Clay Aiken: The Star Factor, by Rosanne Simunovic: Are singers born with the elusive "star factor" or are such stars created by record companies and image-makers? Rosanne takes a look at Clay Aiken, who just a few months ago was a teacher known only to those around him, to see the "star factor" at work.

Clay and Ruben Save the Universe, by Carolyn Gray: As Carolyn watched American Idol progress, she became convinced that it is more than just a TV show about singing. Ruben and Clay provide good role models and people have come out in huge numbers to support them.

Clay Aiken – Idol to Icon, by Sherry Sochacka: Sherry Sochacka attempts to understand why Clay Aiken is receiving such continued adulation, even after the show has ended. To do this, she zones in on two situations involving Clay.

Ruben and Clay: They’re Everywhere!, by Donna Reynolds: Now that we can’t see Ruben and Clay on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, it seems we’re actually seeing more of them as they hit every talk show known to man. But in this way, people who weren’t necessarily fans of the show get to share in it.

Full Steam Ahead for the Claytrain, by Michelle Woodman: Ever since Clay Aiken has come in second place, he has shown grace and dignity – all of his fans can be thankful that his star will continue to shine for quite some time.

Clay’s Chemistry in Close-Up, by Sherry Sochacka: Was the amphitheatre in L.A. conducive to Clay Aiken's particular brand of chemistry? This writer thinks not - and the lighting people should be sent back to class, too.

American Idol Vocal Masterclass: Top of the Class, by Rosanne Simunovic: Rosanne is back with her look at the final performance. Who sang better from a technical standpoint? Does she agree with the outcome? And how can both performers continue to improve their skills to make sure they have long and productive careers?

It’s Déjà Vu All Over Again, by Sharon Rose: For Sharon, this season has had a feeling of déjà vu. Justin was her idol last time and she sees many similarities with Clay. In fact, those are not the only similarities at all…

Clay Fans Still Love Him, by Peggy Keller: Peggy is slowly getting over the final results but has taken some time to look on the bright side. After all, the Clay fans still love him!

The Real American Idol Scandal: Clay Knew, by Sting7: The day after American Idol's finale, we learn more about some surprising things that happened behind the scenes, the voting scandal, the future of Simon and Randy, and... did Clay know before the results were read?

Clay’s X-Factor, by Sherry Sochacka: What is it about Clay? What is the X-factor he’s increasingly developed throughout the competition? Why have fans all over the world been going wild for him?

Why Ruben, Not Clay?, by Sting7: Ruben is the American Idol and at least half of America is glad he is. But, why Ruben and not Clay? What makes Ruben so special? We take a look at the Ruben phenomena for answers.

A Two-Hour Debacle, by Donna Reynolds: Donna is less than thrilled with the outcome of last night’s show. Actually, it’s not just the results, but the way the entire show was put together. Watch out, she’s on a roll!

Clay and Ruben: Does It Matter Who Won?, by David Bloomberg: By now we all know the results, and many feelings have already been aired on the message boards. But if we look at the big picture, does it really matter who won? The answer to that question remains up in the air.

Was Clay Robbed?, by David Bloomberg: Clay fans are up in arms - "Clay was robbed!" Certainly there were problems with the vote, some of which we've discussed already. But then Ryan couldn't even get the numbers right! So is it a conspiracy? Was Clay robbed? Can we even know the answer?

American Idol 2, May 21: This Is It!, by Sting7: Last night, Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard (right) made their final pitch to be the American Idol. Both performed spectacular numbers that promised to decrease the already narrow gap between them. America has voted and now, the results. It was really close! Who is the American Idol?

American Idol’s Final Voting Process: Fair or Flawed?, by David Bloomberg: The phone lines for both Ruben and Clay were jammed for the full three hours. What does this mean for the vote totals? Will there even be a real difference? Could Fox have done anything to fix the problem? What will the results tell us?

Mike’s Idol Thoughts, May 20: Disappointment, by Mike DeGeorge: Mike was really looking forward to the head-to-head battle, but came away from it a bit disappointed. Find out why, who he favors overall, and who he thinks will end up with the title of The American Idol.

Thoughts on Contestants and Judges, May 20: Can’t We Just Call It a Tie?, by David Bloomberg: With three performances each, Clay and Ruben had the chance to swing those final votes over to their side. A couple of the performances blew the roof off the place, but others showed that perhaps they've been working too hard. It's the final performance show, and David shares his thoughts.

American Idol 2, May 20: Decide, by Sting7: Some people wait a lifetime for a moment like this. Ruben and Clay can't believe it's happening to them. I can't believe what a dazzling night it was! Neither can Paul Anka! Read on!

The Odds on Ruben, Clay, and the Guy Suing to Stop the Show, by David Bloomberg: Fans are debating who will win – Clay or Ruben. They aren’t the only ones. Bookies are wondering as well. And then there’s the guy suing the show to get it stopped altogether. What do you suppose his odds are?

American Idol 2, May 19’s Final Two Show: Gonzo and the Turkey Sandwich, by Sting7: A special look at the remaining two contestants on American Idol, Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard. Plus, Vanessa's back! Josh is not! Who the heck is Gonzo, and why did someone get knocked out over a turkey sandwich?

Triumph of the South on American Idol 2, by James Shepherd: We started American Idol 2 with a fairly good mix of contestants from various areas. But the final three are all from the South. Is this a bit odd or is there possibly a good reason?

Vocal Masterclass 401 for ‘American Idol’ Contestants: The Triumverate, by Rosanne Simunovic: Rosanne is back with another look at how the finalists have been singing. Last week’s final three performances showed some of the best singing yet, but there are still a few problems to work out.

Clay As an Inspiration, by Peggy Keller: The American Idol winner has not yet been crowned, but win or lose, Clay Aiken has already done quite a bit to raise awareness of autism and act as an inspiration to many.

Clay’s Love Affair with the Camera, by Sherry Sochacka: Sure, we all know that Clay is a great singer. But what about with the sound off? Clay is having a love affair with the camera.

The Top 20 Greatest American Idol Performances Ever, by Sting7 & Mike DeGeorge: Season Two of American Idol is almost in the books. Now is a great time to look back and rank the Top 20 Greatest American Idol Performances Ever. There's no way Nikki McKibbin could make this list, could she?

Clay Fever, by Donna Reynolds: Ever since Donna wrote a few days ago about trying to decide between Clay and Ruben, she has been inundated by Clay fans. The e-mails have been polite and respectful, and have pointed out many of the reasons Clay has become so popular.

Clay and Ruben: A Success Story, by Sting7: Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard are in the pressure cooker and the temperature has never been higher. While some call them the odd couple, there are remarkable similarities between them. One more chapter to write for them on American Idol. Are they really happy with either result?

Ruben or Clay? Clay or Ruben?, by Donna Reynolds: For somebody who has not been a show-long devoted fan of either Ruben or Clay, this week's decision will be especially difficult. Both of them have their positives, and it is quite a chore to make a choice between them.

You Say Tomayto, I Say Tomahto: The Clay Conspiracy, by Andrea Shuman: A number of Clay fans think that he is getting the shaft. Early on, producers decided that Ruben would win, and now they’re making sure that happens. Read on to find out what the complaints are and whether it’s a conspiracy or… something else.

Voter Fraud, Part 2: The Pendulum Swings Back, by Gil Sery: When Gil wrote about the way "The Josh Campaign" was, well, campaigning for votes from people who didn't even watch the show, he got e-mail about some of the other contestants as well. Did any of them pan out? Is there other vote fraud going on?

Oprah Takes Us Behind the Scenes at ‘American Idol’, by David Bloomberg: Earlier this week, Oprah Winfrey dedicated her entire show to American Idol, including a behind-the-scenes look, interviews with the judges and contestants, and Kelly Clarkson singing her newest single!

American Idol 2, May 14: One for the Money, Two for the Show, by Sting7: Poor Simon. Such a talented trio to judge. He looks simply bored. No Nikkis to annihilate this year! In better news, a truly deserving two will face off to be the American Idol in just six days. Clay? Kimberley? Ruben? The answer is here!

American Idol 2, May 13: Sing a Song of Three Picks, by Sting7: For once, the three most deserving contestants remain on American Idol. If there is a darkhorse in this talented trio, it would have to be Kimberley Locke, battling extraordinarily popular opponents with very strong camps. Can she deliver the performances she's capable of to pull off a mild upset?

Thoughts on Contestants & Judges, May 14: Down to Two, by David Bloomberg: With a full hour-long results show featuring Justin Guarini and Tamyra Gray, there is plenty to provide comments on! What about Tamyra’s song choice? And who was better, Justin or Clay?

Thoughts on Contestants & Judges, May 13: Picking from the Best, by David Bloomberg: It’s the second-to-last performance and each of the final three sing three songs. All three of them deserve to be there, but what happened to Ryan? And does Randy know what “random” means? Let’s find out.

Mike’s Idol Thoughts, May 13: An Impossible Choice, by Mike DeGeorge: Picking the “worst” of the top three is like… well, you’ll have to read on to find out what Mike thinks it’s like. Once again, he brings you his thoughts on the American Idol performances!

The American Idol Experience, by Donna Reynolds: Why has American Idol pulled in so many viewers and, more importantly, fans? Donna takes a look at how the show has progressed and drawn us all in.

The American (Idol) Revolution: Gracin the Stage, by Bruce Barker: Bruce thinks that Joshua still has a career ahead of him, and he explains why. But beyond that, who will be the next American Idol? And how should that person be managed and produced? Bruce, of course, has answers.

Vocal Masterclass 301 for ‘American Idol’ Contestants: The Final Four, by Rosanne Simunovic: After the final four performances of this week, it’s time for another class in vocals and performance from our resident voice instructor. Who improved? Who didn’t? And how can they all get better?

Whose Song Is It You Want to Hear?, by L. Dougherty: As we approach the end of American Idol, voters need to ask themselves whose songs they want to hear again and again. After all, this is a talent contest and the winner gets an album contract. So who has the ability to do the most with such an opportunity?

American Idol 2, May 7: Stayin’ Alive?, by David Bloomberg: Last season at this time, we had The Big Shocker of Nikki beating Tamyra. This week, will Josh once again pull through? Or is it finally his time to say goodbye?

Attack of the Killer Males, by Gil Sery: In their final four performance, Gil thinks the men all stepped it up. Will Kimberley make it another week?

Mike’s Idol Thoughts, May 6: Ruben Scores with BeeGees Hits, by Mike DeGeorge: Mike takes a look at the final four performances, answers some questions, and hopes the local Fox affiliate doesn't interrupt the show for weather bulletins! Let's follow along with his thoughts.

American Idol 2, May 6: Pulling Out All the Stops!, by David Bloomberg: The final four know they need to bring it tonight or they may not have another chance. Clay has some fun with one song while Josh countrifies a couple of BeeGee hits. Who will stay and who will go?

Vocal Masterclass 201 for ‘American Idol’ Contestants, by Rosanne Simunovic: Rosanne, a voice instructor, is back again to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of our final five last week. Some have improved greatly, some seriously need a voice coach if they are to overcome their problems.

And the Winner Is…, by Andrea Shuman: Andrea knows who the winner will be. No, not by inside information - simply by looking at the fan devotion. So who will win it all?

American Idol 2, April 30: Love Won’t Keep Us Together, by David Bloomberg: It's the biggest American Idol shocker since Nikki beat out Tamyra. In fact, we even visit some with Tamyra before the results. And Justin Guarini. And Burt Bacharach. And… phew! Eventually we get to those shocking results, though. Not only will you be unable to believe who stays, but you won't believe who is in the bottom two either!

Mike’s Idol Thoughts, April 29: Some Move Up, Others Go Down, by Mike DeGeorge: Clay’s fans may be a bit overzealous, but Clay himself came out and kicked serious butt. Mike provides his thoughts on the performances of the final five. Some have been crowing about Trenyce – what does Mike have to say?

American Idol 2, April 29: Two-for-Tuesday with Neil Sedaka, by David Bloomberg: We're down to the final five and that means time for two performances by each contestant. And one of them is by guest judge Neil Sedaka! One slip-up can knock the performers out of the game. Can Joshua Gracin pull himself up to the level of the other singers, or are we going to tell him goodbye?

First Impressions of the AI2 Love Songs CD, by David Bloomberg: The American Idol Season 2 All-Time Classic American Love Songs CD came out today, so it’s time for a first impressions review. Do Ruben, Clay, and Kimberley live up to their hype? Do the others rise to the challenge? Let’s find out.

The Voters Get It Right – Finally, by Donna Reynolds: Finally, the voters got rid of the person who least deserved to be on American Idol. There are still two more before we get to Donna's dream team, so we'll see if voters continue to go according to talent. How can each of that dream team polish themselves and best prepare to be the American Idol?

Vocal Masterclass 101 for ‘American Idol’ Contestants, by Rosanne Simunovic: Rosanne is a voice teacher who has been watching the contestants American Idol 2. Here we have her Master Class in voice and state technique that looks at the strengths and weaknesses of each of the remaining five plus the two most recently voted off.

The American (Idol) Revolution: Uncomfortably Numb, by Bruce Barker: Bruce thought the war was won, but then a new battle emerged when the Unholy One paid a visit to American Idol. Who lost their fights and who came out not only unscathed, but perhaps even better than before?

Simon Says… I’ve Got to Market One of These Singers, by L. Dougherty: Did you notice how Simon has changed his comments lately, especially with this week’s performances? Have we perhaps gotten to the point where Simon is realizing that he has to market at least one of these singers and so it’s time to start molding them?

American Idol 2, April 23: Love Didn’t Lead Them Back, by David Bloomberg: It's time for the results! David was absolutely certain that Trenyce would be heading home. The judges are certain that Carmen should be the one to go. So who is right? There is a new record number of votes and even a brand new Diane Warren song written just for the contestants. All in all, a lot of TV fit into a single half-hour show.

Mike’s Idol Thoughts, April 22: Top 3/Bottom 3, by Mike DeGeorge: After watching this week's performances, it's easy for Mike to pick a top three for the night and a bottom three. Within that top group, though, it's not so easy to place 'em. Who does Mike think did well and who will be going home? Let's take a look.

American Idol: The Mind of the Voter, by David Bloomberg: While those of us who write about American Idol have a very good idea of how we think people should vote, they often surprise us. Other viewers have their own ideas about how they should make up their minds. Some make sense, others not so much, but in the end will it come down to a rightful winner?

American Idol 2, April 22: Big Hits and Bigger Misses, by David Bloomberg: Diane Warren has written some huge hits. But sometimes when you swing for the fence, you end up striking out instead. Which was the case for Josh Gracin? He changed style again, but is that a good thing or a bad thing?

American Idol 2, April 21: The ‘Halfway Home’ Special, by David Bloomberg: Sometimes, two nights a week of American Idol just isn't enough - at least as far as Fox is concerned. So we get a full hour special on Monday night to look at the six remaining finalists and hear them each perform a song of their choosing. No judges, no results, just chatting with Ryan and singing.

An American Idol Passover, by Andrea Shuman: When Andrea’s Passover seder turned into an opportunity to watch the American Idol results show with younger family members, she got some insight into the viewing – and voting – habits of the younger crowd.

American Idol 2, April 16: Wake Up, Virginia…, by Sting7: Despite the protestations of his fans, Clay Aiken has slid to number two in this race. Last night, Clay showed he's savvy enough to make fun of his own ballad-rich reputation, and talented enough to pull off an up-tempo number. Or did he? Can America embrace this new incarnation of Clay?

Thoughts on Contestants & Judges, April 15: Sing Us a Song…, by David Bloomberg: It was time for the contestants to tackle the Piano Man himself, Billy Joel. Some did a great job with the material while others just didn’t seem to know what to do with it at all. Which category was Carmen in? Read on for David’s thoughts – and you can also play along in a hidden song game.

Mike’s Idol Thoughts, April 15: Streetlife Serenaders, by Mike DeGeorge: Mike's a big Billy Joel fan, but did the contestants live up to his expectations? Did Ruben continue to impress him? Did Clay's attempt to break out of his mold make him want to tell you about it?

American Idol 2, April 15: You Have to Be a Big Shot, Don’t You?, by Sting7: Meet Ruben Studdard, by all accounts the heir-apparent to the American Idol crown. But, the race is not over; in fact, the game has definitely changed! Tonight marked the occasion of his first negative critique, and another contestant has made their presence known! Is Ruben in jeopardy?

American Idol 2: Mid-Season Report Card, by Sting7: When you are Number One, there's nowhere else to go. No problems to solve. It ain't broke; don't fix it. Right? Not so fast. Time for midterms for everyone involved in American Idol, in front of and behind the cameras. An exhaustive look at where they are, and what may be in store for them.

American Idol 2, April 9 – Corey Clark: The Aftermath, by Sting7: What has Kimberley Locke ever done to you? She's nailed her performances for the last three weeks. She hasn't broken any laws. Yet she was in the bottom three on last week's results show. It counts this week too! Randy Jackson cried foul, but does America say her "heart will go on"?

Thoughts on Contestants & Judges, April 8: They Can’t All Be #1, by David Bloomberg: All of the songs performed this week may have been #1 on the charts, but most of the singers definitely did not perform up to #1 standards. A few had to have the performances of their lives… and didn't. Those who were almost certainly safe were the ones who just added another new layer. Can Carmen make it through this week?

Mike’s Idol Thoughts, April 8: Too Much Celine, But…, by Mike DeGeorge: Out of all the #1 singles released, the eight finalists had to choose two Celine Dion songs? But still, one of the singers made it sound good to Mike. Was it Kimberley Locke or Trenyce? You'll just have to read on to find out.

American Idol 2, April 8: No, Really, What Did You Think?, by Sting7: Poor Trenyce. This beautiful and gifted entertainer has found herself in the wake of Corey Clark's spiral! She was actually in the bottom two of last week's results show, though few think she deserved to be there. Now, she has a chance to get out of the basement. Will 'the power of love' move her up?

The American (Idol) Revolution: The Torture Chamber, by Bruce Barker: After being tortured for an hour by disco music, at least we could look forward to the Results Show, right? Well, no, not really. Bruce is one unhappy camper after that waste of time – and here is why.

American Idol 2, April 2: Too Much Time on My Hands, by Sting7: Disco Week left Simon eager for the last dance, and willing to give a scathing critique to can't-go-wrong Clay Aiken, and a good review to his own Wildcard pick Carmen Rasmusen. Hmmm. Does America also think she is "the most commercial?" Prepare to be shocked!

Thoughts on Contestants & Judges, April 1: Let Disco Die, by David Bloomberg: It’s back to the days of Disco – why can’t we just let them die away?! Anyway, we have a lousy explanation from Fox on Corey’s expulsion, a lousy explanation from Corey on what happened, and a really lousy job of singing by one of the contestants. Nobody was as good as usual, which is another reason to let Disco die. But let’s see what the contestants and judges did and said.

American Idol 2, April 1: Fool Me Once…, by Sting7: This time, American Idol couldn't brush the expulsion under the rug. Corey Clark speaks in his own defense. It's also Disco Week: Simon warned Joshua Gracin that this could be trouble for him if he intends to stay country. Is it "taps" for the popular Marine?

The American (Idol) Revolution: Death Before Disco, by Bruce Barker: It's another missive from the ultra-secret revolutionary headquarters. We've managed to sneak some more rock into American Idol, but more importantly we have potential idols who go completely against the grain. Let's take a look at how everybody did.

Thoughts and Impressions on ‘American Idol’: March 25, by Mike DeGeorge: How did the top 10 perform in the genre of country-rock (or at least songs that at one time were recorded as country)? What singled out a great performance from a bad one when both were singing songs Mike doesn’t like? And how did “country” contestants Joshua and Carmen do?

American Idol 2, March 26: Third Time’s the Charm, by David Bloomberg: Tuesday night gave us an interesting mix, which made it difficult to predict just who would end up leaving. I had predicted Julia, Corey, and Trenyce. Was I even close? And what did the judges think of the three America picked?

American Idol 2, March 25: Country? Rock? Or Just More Ballads?, by David Bloomberg: The theme for this week is supposed to be "country-rock." But you wouldn't know it from listening to a number of the contestants, who just took the opportunity to bring us more ballads. Did Ruben fall into this trap or did he jump into the new genre?

Versatility Will Narrow the Field, by Carl Esperance: As we move through the weeks of American Idol, the singers are being asked to perform for different genres. What will this mean for somebody like Joshua, who is now saying he’s sticking to country, as opposed to Clay, who has tackled a variety of different types of songs? Who can we expect to face the challenge and succeed?

Most Contestants Raising Their Game, by L. Dougherty: Whether it was the presence of Gladys Knight or last year’s winner Kelly Clarkson, something raised the game of a number of our contestants. Unfortunately, not everybody was included in that group. Charles wasn’t one of them, but did he deserve to go or should it have been somebody else?

American Idol 2, March 19: You Can’t Win, by David Bloomberg: American Idol had a full hour to fill with its results show. Two group songs showed off the vocal talents of our performers, but it wasn't until near the end that we found out our bottom three. Could Julia survive another week?

Thoughts and Impressions on ‘American Idol’: March 18, by Sting7: Kimberley seeks redemption, Josh seeks a genre, Julia seeks to endear herself to America again, Clay seeks to show his range (there's more?), Kimberly Caldwell seeks her big, convincing performance, and Charles seeks to survive another week. My thoughts on a very satisfying week of performances.

From the Studio to the Live Stage: How to Get Out of the Shadows of Ruben and Clay, by Carl Esperance: The winner of the second American Idol will not come merely from having the best vocal ability, but also from being able to interact well with the audience and the viewers at home. Ruben and Clay have a head start because they definitely have the voices. Here is some advice for the others.

American Idol 2, March 18: Grooving to the Movies, by David Bloomberg: It's time for movie songs as Gladys Knight joins the judges and Kelly Clarkson sings a song from her own upcoming film. But what about the contestants? There are a few snags and a few greats. Where does Joshua Gracin fit in with his country version of an Aerosmith tune?

The American (Idol) Revolution: The X Factor, by Bruce Barker: Even though Vanessa has been executed, the revolution continues – and Simon can’t stop it now. There are so many contestants left who don’t fit neatly into some pop category that we are taking back our freedom of music. See what Bruce has to say about the remaining 11 and how they stack up – and why does he say that Joshua Gracin is this year’s Tamyra?

Is It Better to Be Bad than Mediocre?, by Brent Wolgamott: We’ve seen a number of theories about why Vanessa lost, but Brent thinks he’s hit on the main one: She wasn’t bad, but she wasn’t great. Read on for his explanation and his predictions of how others, including Carmen and Charles will do.

What Do People See in Clay?, by Cyndie Bohannan: What do people see in Clay? Cyndie's husband asks that every week, so she thought she'd take a shot at giving him (and everybody else) an answer.

Why Clay Aiken Should NOT Win ‘American Idol’, by Peggy Keller: The first to go has been decided. In the early stages of the competition like this, anything can happen, and the most innocent things can be devastating. Charles Grigsby (right), we learned, sings as he stocks shelves at his local grocery store. Will America send him back to that store and the real world?

American Idol 2, March 12: Blame the Producers, by Sting7: The first to go has been decided. In the early stages of the competition like this, anything can happen, and the most innocent things can be devastating. Charles Grigsby (right), we learned, sings as he stocks shelves at his local grocery store. Will America send him back to that store and the real world?

Thoughts on Contestants & Judges – The Top 12 Show Why They’re There, by David Bloomberg: If the talent shown Tuesday night is any indication, we are in for a great ride this season. Nobody blew it big-time, at least in the singing. And several really showed their stuff. But will backlash against Carmen or the egotistical display of Julia cost them this week?

American Idol 2, March 11: Make Me Motown, by Sting7: The first night in front of a live audience, the first theme is Motown. The first time we see some separate from the pack, others start to show cracks, and one individual should have their bags packed. Is America preparing to dismiss its favorite Marine, Joshua Gracin?

American Idol 2, March 5: Justify My Love, by Sting7: The judges' decisions are final, as usual. America's decision is… delayed? There are surprises and complete shocks!

Thoughts on Contestants & Judges – The Wildcard: Original Semi-Finalists Show Their Stuff, by David Bloomberg: A strange Wildcard show brought back several contestants who had been cut in early rounds. Would they make the best of their chance or would they instead show why they had been cut to begin with?

American Idol 2, March 4: Pretenders and Contenders, by Sting7: The judges have determined who was worthy of a second chance at becoming the new American Idol. The biggest surprise of the season was that Clay Aiken hasn't advanced already. What does he do with his new opportunity?

Handicapping the Wildcard, by Sting7: So, what do you when you don't make the top ten? Sure, Seacrest says "you could be a wildcard," but what are your chances? Some clouds have more of a silver lining than others!

American Idol 2, February 12: This Year’s Model, by Sting7: Two more seats will be filled in the Top Ten this week. We already know that you just never know how America will vote! It appears that Ruben Studdard is the unanimous choice of the judges, while Rebecca Bond was "all wrong." What will America say?

Thoughts on Contestants & Judges – The Second Group: Singers & Fighters, by David Bloomberg: At first, it looked like another night of some good singers but nothing great. Then came Ruben and Kimberley. But how will all the fighting with Simon affect the outcome for everybody? Let's take a look at some thoughts and impressions about the contestants and judges.

American Idol 2, February 11: Jive Talkin’, by Sting7: The second group of eight did a lot of back-talking, but some of them did their talking with their performances! Kimberley Locke earned Simon's respect with spunk, but what about her performance?

American Idol 2, January 29: Four Days to 32, by Sting7: How do you narrow 234 to 32? Four days of intense auditioning. There was good performances, bad decisions, dog bonding, cat fighting, crying Paula, furious Simon, all leading to the top 32. I pegged Kimberly Caldwell as an early favorite. Will she make it?

American Idol 2, January 28: The Good, the Bad, and the WORST, by Sting7: Two cities to go! Atlanta and Nashville get their turn at producing the next American Idol. However, one particular contestant was anointed with a title all their own: The Worst Singer In the World!

You can find reviews and thoughts about all of Clay’s performances – along with the other contestants and judges – at The RealityNewsOnline American Idol 2 Page:
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To see articles about the other American Idol contestants or the judges, click on one of the following links:
The Girls | The Guys | The Judges

For more links to reality TV articles, check out SirLinksAlot and RealityTVLinks and Celebrity Spider.