The first night of American Idol’s Season 17 took place on March 3rd.
It was a full audition program.
I didn’t watch, did you?
But more important, back in 2003, the first big stage episode of Season 2 was Motown. There were four judges on the March 11th show. Simon, Paula and Randy were joined by Lamont Dozier. Dozier is best known as a member of a songwriting and production team that was responsible for much of the Motown sound and numerous hit records by artists such as Martha & the Vandellas, The Supremes, and The Four Tops. He was a perfect pick for a Motown judge.
On that night, the clip that introduced Clay Aiken to the audience made it clear that Clay had another passion in his life which was teaching students with disabilities. In the clip, Clay confessed that his camp name was Gonzo and he let some students duct tape him to the wall.
Clay sang “Can’t Help Myself and the moment he opened his mouth, the strength of his voice and his range was up front. He seemed to command the stage and even though he didn’t move a lot, the audience was having fun. Clay earned the first standing ovation of the show. Randy said he was brilliant and Paula was amazed and thanked Clay. The support of the audience must have been overwhelming as Clay kept saying thank you to the judges and audience.
The following evening, Heatwave was the first group song. The group seemed to enjoy the performance and it was a good introduction to the entire cast. The results section of the show was a nervous time for the performers and the audience too. After too long of a wait, Vanessa was “booted” from the show.
Take a look at the performance of “Can’t Help Myself” by Clay Aiken and then you can watch the Group performance of “Heatwave”.
Do you remember the Motown Show?
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Yes I saw this show and was thrilled with Clay – the judges loved him and the audience did, too! I never thought I would still be here just as thrilled with everything Clay would continue to do all of these years later! Thanks to Clay and CANN for continuing to bring back so many good memories!
I saw this and I think they all were the most talented group the show ever had!
Thank you for all the pictures and the 2 videos. I remember this show. It was a great show. Great memories. Thank you for sharing. Thank you CANN. I am still having a problem getting e-mails from CANN in my in box e-mail. Not in spam or my trash.
Simon didn't like Clay from the beginning I don't know why. Clay had a strong voice and a perfect pitch. I still love Clay's voice after all these years. His voice is just as strong as 2003. I do wish he would sing more. We miss him.
I felt right away that Clay might win! He was great!