Brian Mansfield used to be the moderator of a website entitled Idol Chatter. As a section of USA Today, the website was fairly active and it’s members were fans of many of the former Idol contestants. In 2010, Brian posted the following question:
Since American Idol’s producers are making all sorts of changes to the show this year, may I suggest one more? Why not bring back “An American Idol Christmas”?
Members of the board responded quickly and the 43 comments left on the website were almost all in favor of a new American Idol Christmas Show.
Do you remember the American Idol Christmas Show in 2003? The holiday special taped on October 30, 2003 and aired on November 25, 2003. It featured American Idol finalists Clay Aiken, Ruben Studdard, Kimberley Locke, Tamyra Grey, Christina Christian, and Kelly Clarkson. The show also included the American Juniors.
The hour-long show showcased the idols singing various Christmas songs as solos, duets and group numbers. Clay Aiken hosted the evening show.
Coming off the popular Season 2 of American Idol, the show was popular and the TV audience was large. The show was reviewed by most of the well-known entertainment critics and, as always, their opinions varied as much as the performances by the entertainers.
Anika Van Wyk of the Calgary Sun said of Clay:
Second season runner-up Clay Aiken MCs most of the show and proves he has so much more stage presence than Ruben Studdard, who won Idol 2. Aiken’s rich pipes are also very well suited to holiday classics.
The magazine, Entertainment Weekly said:
FEAT OF CLAY: Guarini was originally intended to be the special’s host, but a runner-up who actually sells CDs — Clay Aiken — will fill his shoes. And if the show’s producer is to be believed, Aiken’s talent for emceeing (think Ed Sullivan, not Eminem) matches his preternatural pipes. ”Clay was a total natural,” says Warwick. ”We struck gold there.”
Clay will do plenty of singing as well. He’ll start with ”Don’t Save It All For Christmas Day,” a tune originally attempted by a chanteuse who shares his melodramatic bent, chest-thumper Celine Dion. The Clayster will also belt Irving Berlin’s classic ”White Christmas” with Kimberly Caldwell, and will chime in with ”The First Noel” during a show-closing medley of standards.
I don’t know the author of this review, but Caldwell instead of Locke?? Somebody needs a fact-checker.
I do remember watching the show. There are two things that I remember. First, who had the “brilliant” idea to put Ruben in a White, fur-trimmed Parka? Under the hot, bright lights, it must have been very uncomfortable. Secondly, and the best of the evening, I heard Clay sing Don’t Save It All For Christmas Day for the first time. I had never heard the song before and his performance was amazing.
What do you think? Should there be another American Idol Christmas Show and should Clay, if asked, participate in the show?
The following video is from the 2003 American Idol Christmas Show. This is the first time we heard Clay sing DSIAFCD.
Absolutely and Clay would be his usual great self – even greater after 10 years of experience! His
voice is even richer now – especially for Christmas songs. I watched that show so many times as
always I taped it and have enjoyed each and every time. You are right Musicfan – DSIAFC was so
exciting!
On a selfish note I would say yes there should be an Idol Christmas show and yes Clay should participate. But that’s cause I want to see him on tv of course. Unless Harry and Keith can kick idol into high gear this season I think Idol’s days are numbered. A new season is about to start snd they havevt even released a cd fom last years winner. I think that sums it up right there. But I adore Harry and Keith so maybe they can find someone almost as great as Clay. Of course there will never be anyone like Clay again.
I remember watching and taping this show. I was so surprised and delighted that Clay was the M.C. He was so comfortable in that role. Little did we know at the time how well he would interact with the audience in all his future tours and interviews. I agree about that while parka and Ruben sweating a bucket while wearing it. Clay and Don’t Save It All For Christmas Day was fabulous!
Yes I would love, love, love another Idol Christmas, only if Clay is hosting it and sings in it.
Yes please, a Clay Aiken Americal Idol Christmas show to be precise! He has it all in one package. 😀
I too would love another Idol Christmas. I love the Idol Christmas album and have used MANY of those songs weaved into my Clay Christmas compilations for my car. Great singers that year! Plus they sounded so good together, as they did in the special!! Clay was awesome in that white suit, wasn't he??
i think that there should be anther americian idol christmas show and yes put clay in it to host and sing