Ever since MTV opened its TRL studio windows onto Times Square, MTV has staged a huge New Year’s Eve special. To some, it was a surprise since Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve is just down the block. But to Mike Powers, the executive producer in 2003/2004, it was just a perfect setting.
Clay Aiken was one of the featured musical guests at the MTV New Year’s Eve celebration in 2003. Clay sang two songs. His first performance was Invisible. He sang in the New Year with a romantic rendition of The Way.
The celebration was hosted by MTV’s Damien, La La, Vanessa, Quddus, Hilarie, Sway, and Suchin. The special guest co-host was Hilary Duff.
Joining Clay as part of the musical entertainment was Chingy, Ludacris, Hilary Duff, and Simple Plan.
Clay was interviewed a couple of times during the evening and somehow, it seemed he was always outside in the cold wind. It must have been an incredible night, seeing and hearing the huge crowds in Time Square.
Looking at all the names listed in this article, I wonder…….where are all these people today? I must be really “out of it” as I haven’t heard anything positive about any of those people, except Clay Aiken, of course.
Rapper Chingy has been involved in multiple lawsuits and he has changed his music label numerous times. His last CD hit the 84th place on the Billboard Charts.
Ludacris has been arrested for public brawling and has been involved in many lawsuits and feuds with different people. He was very crude and vocal with his comments during the 2008 election. No one wanted him on their side.
Hilary Duff has recorded three albums, plus two “best of” albums. She was accused of “stealing’ music from Depeche Mode on her latest album. She left her label and seems to be concentrating on her acting career. Hillary was married in 2010 and is expecting her first child soon.
Damien is currently the co-host of “I’m A Celebrity…..Get Me Out Of Here.” I don’t think anything else needs to be said.
Then there is Clay Aiken. In the last few years, he starred on Broadway, had a PBS Special, continues to work with UNICEF as an Ambassador, runs a successful charity that supports children and is not afraid to speak his mind when he sees injustices in the world. Oh, did I mention his successful albums, tours and TV appearances??
I found the following video on YouTube. It shows a lot of what Clay did on New Year’s Eve, 2003.
I never got to see this so thanks for the great video. Happy New Years everyone! 🙂
Wow! That 2003 New Year's Eve Clay appearance is spectacular. Clay looks so young, shy, and vulnerable. I have watched that video many different times throughout the years, and continue to be in awe and left with an absolutely feel good vibe from it.
Even today, Clay's talent has never faded – he has only matured and improved with age. Being one of his fans is such a joy. I wish him, his special family, and all his fans a very Happy New Year, filled with good health, happiness, and lots of love.
Thanks for the video musicfan. I really enjoyed watching it again.
I remember watching MTV that night. That was a great appearance for Clay singing in front of all those young people. I miss seeing Clay on my TV and hope 2012 will bring a lot of TV appearances.
You know last night I was thinking about this, I remember first watching the video a couple months ago! Clay was amazing as usually…Happy New Year! I'm ready for 2012 🙂
I had never seen that video until last night! Such a great time!
So glad to see you here!! Yes, the video is fun to see. Clay looks so young!!
Back in 2003 I didn't have cable TV and never saw MTV. I was watching Dick Clark on ABC and the cameras were panning Times Square. All of a sudden I saw Clay Aiken on the big screen above the crowds. I was so excited! Thanks for posting this video.
I don't think Ive ever seen that video! Thanks.