Comments on: Clay Aiken – Do You Have Time?

By: didi

didi — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 03:20:53 +0000

Clay has accomplished a lot since AI. I’ve never read this Time article. I was not into AI then and never will be. I happen to see Clay Aiken singing while surfing the channels and I must admit I liked what I heard. I bought his first CD, then the next and the next and the next and will continue to do so. I am a supporter of this amazing man’s music and causes. Whatever the future holds for this man, I’m there! As long as he continues to produce music, I’ll buy. The TIME article? Who cares what these execs think about Clay’s music? Who cares about them? I don’t! Where are most of them now? Who cares?????????

By: MAE

MAE — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 04:11:10 +0000

Thanks for this article! Never read it before today, but have read other things that caused me to know Clay stood up for who he was to the industry. I listen to the public everyday and they say that there's just nothing to listen to on the radio, unlike just a few years ago. I've talked to people just this year in their 20's, 40's, and 50's that love Clay and wishes there were more artist like him out there. Most of these I talk to listen to songs from yesterday and purchase songs and download music, just to have something to listen to. Four friends of mine listened to Clay do the Peter Cetera Medley and America's Song at DFF and they were wowed and just loved him! So looking forward to his future with Decca and new music. Know he will even exceed our expectations!! We love him and KNOW the man can SANG!!

By: Ashes

Ashes — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 02:23:23 +0000

“let Clay be Clay.”.. that's what we want. Clay Aiken stuck his ground all the way through his contract, and he came out the winner in spite of the opposition he received from day 1.
I love a man who stands up for himself!
Thank you for this article, it was great to read it again and amazing how relevant it still is six years later.

By: nebclayfan

nebclayfan — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 00:55:04 +0000

I still have this magazine, but had not read the article in a long time. It is amazing how spot on Clay was in his remarks. I am very proud to be a fan of his. He has not compromised his values to get radio play. The music industry is in big trouble in regards to sales and I think the music bigwigs are the cause of this. It was good to see an article on this. Thanks!

By: Kiki

Kiki — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 23:03:41 +0000

Another great look back in the history of my favorite singer.

How in the world does the music industry get such odd people at the top of their companies. In what other industry would it be acceptable to ridicule the people who are making money for you?? It is unbelievable!!!

Clay Aiken is a remarkable man. I do not know anyone who is as strong. It is amazing that he survived.

CANN…………another homerun!! Thank you for reminding us of this important article!!

By: Janie

Janie — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 22:57:11 +0000

Thank you for posting this article. I had read it before, but it has been a long time. Knowing everything we know now, one reads it with different eyes.

I am amazed at how strong Clay was at the beginning of his career. He did not compromise his beliefs and that takes a strong person to do that.

I am also amazed at how "out of it" many of the music execs. were. How can they justify allowing their employees to laugh at one of their artists?

I am so glad that I am a fan of Clay Aiken!!

By: Kelsey Thacker

Kelsey Thacker — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 19:04:54 +0000

In the entertainment industry, if you aren't an expert, you're considered a nobody. That's the impression I get the most from this article. You like Clay Aiken? Well, obviously, you have no taste. You're not listening to what the mythical "we" decides is good music. You're listening to a geek who sings pop.

But so what? Clay Aiken is a great singer with a great voice and who simply wanted to sing nice songs he knew his audience would like. He shouldn't have been disparaged for that.

By: lovinclay

lovinclay — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 18:32:04 +0000

I've really never read this whole article before…but, now that I have, it is quite evident that they were trying to make Clay into something he isn't. For the employee's of RCA to laugh about if they would listen to MOAM willingly, is hard to believe. I can see the prejudice they had about Clay from the very beginning.

But, I am so glad that he stuck to his guns and wouldn't change. It's quite evident that RCA and the whole music industry wants the same cookie-cutter songs out there. One of the reasons I can't stand to listen to the radio anymore. After just a few songs, I am so bored, I turn the station off. Rather listen to older songs.

So glad that he is rid of RCA and the whole l9 mess. Am waiting with anticipation for Clay's new music and how he is promoted by Decca.

By: Anna

Anna — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 17:03:49 +0000

I really like the title building a better pop star. And I agree with many of Clay’s statement, 6 years after he said it, it still rings true for me.

“Well, there are certain words and emotions I don’t want kids hearing, and I’m not changing because they think it’s going to sell better. This is going to sound horrible, but I got 12 million votes doing what I did.”

“I don’t know why people relate to me,” says Aiken, “but my guess is that they’re tired of beautiful, cookie-cutter pop stars. They don’t believe them, and they don’t trust them.”

I also agree AI is tapping into a different market – TV and there are those who are willing to buy their Idol’s albums because they’ve seen their talent and been on a journey with them making them more real and relatable.

Looks like Josh nailed the issues right from the start. Great writeup. I would love to discuss this in length…there’s so much more to talk about.

By: CAGIRL

CAGIRL — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 16:20:19 +0000

I am so glad to read this again. It certainly does not put the music industry in a good light!!

I am amazed at how Clay has been able to stand up for what he believes in. He should be commended for this, not ridiculed. RCA really missed out by not supporting Clay. If they had put some thought behind his popularity, he would have been the biggest star around.

It is sad that the music executives don't respect my musical tastes. Because of their thinking, they are losing the radio public and they still don't understand.

Many thanks for posting this article and for your comments in the article. You are right……..it makes us think and makes a good discussion!!