It’s Wildcard time on American Idol and for those who are Clay Aiken fans it brings back many exciting memories.
Simon kept saying it was going to be the best show of all. This was a time when the “best of the rest” would be given another chance to showcase their voice and style.
Many people felt that the Wildcard show was the beginning of the real competition. This show featured some average singers, some good singers and one outstanding singer.
American Idol had been pushing for days that there was an unbelievable “twist” that would be announced on the Wildcard show. When the time came for the announcement, Ryan asked Simon to explain. The news that there would be a top 12 instead of a top 10 was not really that exciting, but it was different from Season 1. Simon went on to explain that each judge would choose one contestant to go on and the American public would choose the fourth.
Kimberly Caldwell
First up on the program was Kimberly Caldwell who sang I Feel The Earth Move. All three judges were unimpressed with the performance and Kimberly looked crushed by the judge’s comments.
Clay Aiken
Next up…. Clay Aiken. Singing Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me, Clay seemed to have effortless power and he gave the impression that he had been doing this for a long time. From the beginning, he started working the camera and because he was really into the song, his face was very expressive.
It was fun to see the judges excited about Clay’s performance. Paula gushed and Clay blushed!! Randy and Paula gave him a standing ovation and even Simon was impressed.
Singing Wind Beneath My Wings, Nasheka Siddall was very nervous and it really showed in her lackluster performance which got mixed reviews form the judges.
Carmen Rasmussen
The next young lady was a mystery. Where did she come from?? Carmen Rasmussen was an adorable young girl who had a lot of determination. Singing Don’t Blame the Moonlight, her voice had a unique quality and some were put off by her obvious vibrato. Paula was vague and suggested she work on her showmanship and Randy told her to keep trying. “We brought people back to give them a chance to shine and you didn’t,” said Simon. Most of the viewers thought Carmen didn’t have a chance.
Olivia Mojica sang Because You Loved Me. Her voice was pleasant, but because of poor breath control, it was very weak.
We Belong was the song choice by Janine Falsone. This song needed to be sung with power and passion and Janine showed neither of these in her performance.
Chip Days sang Rock With You. Randy and Paula liked it, but Simon thought it was terrible and in one of his famous rants, pointed out his dissatisfaction with the entire group.
Arms of An Angel was the song choice for Aliceyn Cooney. She has a lovely voice, but the over-used song was a bad choice.
Trenyce
The last performer of the night was Trenyce. Singing Let’s Stay Together, she did a great job. She had a great deal of style and her strong voice moved her ahead of most of the other contestants. Paula and Randy loved her performance but Simon was not blown away.
Nick and Kristy
Each performer had family and friends there to support them. Clay has his two friends, Nick and Kristy there to encourage him. It is nice to know that they are still a part of Clay’s support team.
At the end of the show, Ryan encouraged the viewing audience to vote, vote, vote. Did you follow Ryan’s advice and vote? Who knew at that time that America had found a new star and hero. Thank you, American Idol for introducing us to Clay Aiken.
Below is a video of Clay Aiken’s performance on the WildCard Night.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RqoKXci7wws
Clay sang well in his audition and the first night and I was disappointed he didn't get chosen. After hearing Clay sing for the wildcard night there was no doubt left in my mind that he was the one I wanted to win it all.
This was when I fell in love with Clay Aiken! Meanwhile, I loved your article listing all the wildcard participants! And I forgot that Nick and Kristy were there. Clay has loyal friends because they are still very much a part of his life six years later. Aw..
I really enjoyed watching that video!! Yep, Clay’s friends sure do stick around, I saw Nick in line to get into Clay’s last performance as Sir Robin in Spamalot in January. As Gladys Knight said to Clay, “There is something magical about you”.
DLTSGDOM has been a favorite of mine for a long time. Clay really did it justice that night and anytime he sings it.
Wildcard results night was the first time I saw AI. The people I worked with told me I had to watch. I was so worried that this Clay guy, whom I’d never heard sing, would not make it and I’d never get to hear him. I kept watching the clock as one judge after another announced their choice.
I had no idea there was a final “America’s choice” left. Relief swept over me when Clay was chosen but I had to wait one more week to hear him sing. Didn’t matter because I’d already fallen in love with the guy. He was so freaking cute on that Wildcard show.
There is just something magical about Clay Aiken, I never get enough of watching his videos specially the AI ones.
Enjoyed the video. Clay was so awesome singing DLTSGDOM. If you really watch him…it is so effortless too when he sings. He got some nice compliments from all the judges..even Simon.
I wasn’t watching AI at the time and missed this. I love his DLTSGDOM so much that it is in my iPod. Simon had it right that he was “so memorable,” but at the time I am sure that Simon could never have predicted just how “memorable” Clay would become.
Yep!!! Magic–that’s the only word I can think of.
I am just loving these trips down memory lane…..It’s the perfect remedy, while Clay is on a break (well…he is from us..hahaha)
I don’t care what anyone says…no one sings DLTSGDOM like Clay…He just owns that song. Amazing… I loved watching it all over again.
Hugs,
Judy
Another great article and trip down memory lane. For me Season 2 will always be the best because we found Clay. I was watching the night they showed his audition and I stopped in my tracks and said “OMG..that kid can sing!”
I have neverlooked back! Yes magical is the word for Mr. Clay Aiken!
I watch that performance constantly because it is when I too fell for the kid named Clay.
And wow, what a great man he has become. 🙂
A very special moment in AI history!
Clay blew all the other wildcard contestants away.
The best voice of all AI contestants.
I love watching Clay sing on the Wildcard night-He was just great. I am glad they are bringing that part of the show back. How different my life would be without Clay so I am thankful he made it.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen the judges react to a contestant the way they did that night. He just blew them all away. Just like he does every time he steps up to a microphone!
Clay Aiken, America’s choice on wildcard night!! He’s been my choice since.
I love the recap to bring back the memories of the way the wildcard was. No one knew who had the vote. I think that even though the judges knew he had the voice, they couldn’t get past the lack of “pop star appearance”. The public was impressed enough by his voice, that they said “pop what appearance”?? and picked up their phones and dialed.
Musicfan,
Your recap of the AI2 Wilcard Show brings back lots of special memories. Thank you for preparing such a comprehensive entry.
Many thnx for your kind comments in the Carolina blog. Glad you enjoyed the NJU story. Have a great day!
Caro