In the last eight years, Clay Aiken has been interviewed hundreds of times. He has been interviewed for magazines, been questioned by radio DJ’s and chatted with television hosts at all times of the day.
One of the most unique interviews that Clay participated in was the day he was questioned by a “Hot Dog.” It was October 17, 2003 and it was really Meredith Vieira who hosted The View and for some reason, was dressed as a Hot Dog.
Clay was on the promotional tour for Measure of A Man and he was hitting all the major talk shows on TV. He stopped by The View after performing on The Early Show at CBS.
Before a performance of Invisible, Clay talked with a couple of the ladies on the show. Meredith led an interesting interview. Clay looked relaxed until Meredith read a letter from a fan who wanted to know how Clay smelled. WHAT?? Yes, that’s what she wanted to know.
So, as Clay looked uncomfortable, Meredith obliged the fan and smelled Clay! Then, to make Clay feel even more embarrassed, a professional perfumer was called down to give a sniff too. Both reported that Clay smelled fresh and had a hint of a perfume smell which was good.
Why do TV panelists feel the need to do such silly things? I wonder how they would feel if it happened to them.
Fortunately, the rest of the interview was interesting and Clay chatted with the hosts and showed that he was relaxed and professional in his interview.
The stage setting for the performance was lovely and Clay sounded wonderful when he sang Invisible. All and all, it was a fun show and Clay probably still remembers that visit.
The following is a great video of the interview and performance. It is always fun to see Clay at the beginning of his successful career.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6wvNNMEU1U
Clay has such a charming manner about him – it was present from the very first interviews until
this day. He is just irresistable in his singing and the way he speaks. His honesty is what makes
him so at ease, always. He's just Clay and there is no one that can be compared to him!!!
Thank you for this interview and video! I have never seen or heard of this, but that is not so surprising since I didnt have a computer at that time, but I definitely in awe of Clay's personality and fantastic voice from AI2.
That was fun to watch again…Gosh, it just seems so long ago…. I think the announcement that was going to be huge, was that Clay was going to sing the National Anthem at the World Series. Clay still smells nice by the way….
Clay did so great that day. He sounded fantastic and was gracious even in the awkard smelling part. I bet he does smell good ! 🙂
I so remember that interview on the View. I always thought the smelling part was kind of silly. But, Clay went through it with flying colors. It seems so long ago. I loved him singing Invisible.
How fun to see this again. I do remember seeing it before, but I sure don't remember why Meredith was in a hot dog costume.
Man, Clay looked so handsome and soooooo young. I do think he was pretty embarassed too.
Thanks for the trip down memory lane.
Really cute……….I loved looking at the audience and seeing all the young girls. They were so excited to see Clay.
I want to thank you for posting this. I had almost forgotten about this.
I thought the smelling of Clay was really strange. I can't imagine how Clay felt being a part of it. He was a good sport about it.