It seems impossible that it has been 10 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.
This was Clay's transition year, all was moving too fast and he was exhausted! The interview gave an insight on Clay's difficulty with the price of fame! My heart was going out to him! Thank you CANN for posting the interview and Clays performance!
The South Jersey fan group went to GMA shortly after midnight after a CD release party and going to the record store at midnight to buy the CD. What we did 10 years ago!!
Yes….and we had so much fun!!!
Thanks Musicfan….WOW…10 years!!!! That interview was upsetting…but at the time, Clay was a target. I am so glad that that nonsense has stopped. No wonder he wanted his life back. He's stronger than anyone I know.
Clay has been through a lot that others have gone through, but Clay was in the public eye while doing it. He has been down but now has found a comfortable place to be himself. Just listen to him on Meghan's podcast. I'm happy for Clay and wish him all good things in the future.
Clay is truly remarkable. He is able to adjust to anything that is thrown at him, whether it is pleasant or critical, and, indeed, he has been subjected to a ton of the latter! He is not a quitter, nor does he feel sorry for himself. I am so proud of the way he has persevered in discovering other avenues in which he can participate. He is without doubt what I consider "The Measure of a Man"!!
Thank you for reminding us of this anniversary…I went to a launch party and had so much fun. I read the blog and then listened to the album. So good!
Clay Aiken is very strong person. He went through so much and made it through and is still a star. He was and is such a talented man. I wonder why he was such a target..
Thank you for the pictures and videos. I love this site!
I enjoyed this blog. I wish I could understand why Clay was such a target. Why didn't his management team help him?
He is an amazing talent. Whatever he chooses to do, I am sure he will be great.
As always, bless you for providing us with yet more interesting info and wonderful vids of our guy!! So good to hear again that marvelous voice live – and so heartbreaking to hear again what he was enduring while we were just enjoying the hell out of our fandom. Perhaps that very selfishness is why it’s callef “fanaticism”. Everybody knows now how cruel and invasive the press is – to a great extent because of this very interview – yet I still can’t resist anything to do with him, LOL!!