It seems impossible that it has been 13 years since Clay Aiken delivered A Thousand Different Ways to the world. The CD was released on September 19, 2006. The 1st week sales number was 211,234 sold and the album was certified Gold in October, 2006. The album was on the Billboard 200 chart for 14 weeks.
As part of the promotion for the album, Clay had three days of coverage on Good Morning America. On September 19, Diane Sawyer introduced Clay and his band. They performed Without You and A Thousand Days for the public.
The fans lined up hours before the taping, hoping to snag a spot in the small studio in New York. The studio was packed and the fans got to see Clay and his band warm up and do the sound check. According to fans in the audience, Clay was set up and out “on stage” for a long while as Diane continued with the show. He was watching what she had to say on the monitors and encouraging his fans to keep it quiet.
As in other performances, Clay interacted with the audience and, although unable to talk to them, used his hands and face to let the crowd know he was aware they were watching him and ready to support him in this important performance.
But, the two-part interviews on September 20th and 21st were serious and heart-breaking to hear and watch. Thinking back to what Clay was going through at that time; I am amazed that he was able to participate in these interviews. But, Clay sat down and drew a line in the sand with Diane Sawyer and all the tabloid press.
Clay said he was bewildered by the negative attention.
“Even though stuff about me that I read in the magazines isn’t true, it still makes me…lose sleep. I hurt, not just for my mother who has to watch it happen and who hurts for me. At least when I was in middle school…I understand why they picked on me.”
The intense interviews also covered Clay’s panic attacks, his use of Paxil and his dream to have a talk show.
The interviews produced many conversations throughout the Clay Aiken message boards. Some people were angry at Diane, feeling she was asking questions that were too invasive. Others felt he should have said more. But, the overall feelings about the interviews were supportive of Clay and concerned for his health and happiness.
What about Clay? How was he feeling?
“I hope…people like me for my singing. I hope I sing well enough for people to stick around. Sometimes I wonder myself, but, you know, that’s what I want to do.”
I have included three videos with this article. They are important to watch, especially in hindsight. Knowing all we know now, it makes the interviews even more amazing.
Do you remember these days on Good Morning America?
I could see the hurt and frustration with Clay's intervention with the media! We, his fans, were supporting him through thick and thin! His performances were outstanding on GMA and the audience were mesmerized! Thank you, CANN for sharing!
Ditto
I hate when people try to get involved in someone else business I felt so bad for Clay He is so right leave him alone, I love Clay and he has the most beautiful voice I have ever heard. Clay is a very caring man Thanh you for sharing this CANN
yes I remember I could also see frustration and the hurt with clays intervention with the media all of clays fans including my self were saporting him though thick and thin his performances I think were very amazing and out standing on gma and the audience that clay had they were so mesmerized I thank you cann for sharing
Those interviews were such a struggle for Clay – and I hurt for him watching how well he handled himself. He was so sincere with everything he said and chose his words well – even under so much strain. I hold such pride for him.
We have been there for Clay for all of these years and I will continue loving him
as one of my own, always!
Thanks for the videos and photos – it’s still hard watching them but Clay survived greatly!