It all started in Atlanta, Georgia on January 28th, 2003, when millions of people were introduced to a skinny redhead who wore glasses and had a unique fashion style. The American Idol judges looked skeptical and no one knew what to expect.
But like your mother used to say, Don’t judge a book by its cover. Clay Aiken opened his mouth to sing and the incredible voice that poured out amazing everyone.
“Why are you here?” Clay spread his hands and stated simply; “Because I am the next American Idol.”
The skeptical judges watched and listened as Clay sang an excerpt from the 80’s song, Always and Forever and demonstrated his rich, clear voice.
Randy Jackson wanted to know where the voice came from and Simon Cowell suggested that he didn’t look like a pop star. But, it’s all about the voice and so Clay, the unlikely pop star, made his first steps on an incredible journey.
The voice continued to amaze through the following weeks. Clayton Aiken became Clay Aiken. He not only looked like a pop star, he became one.
Please watch this incredible audition here.
Thank you, hosaa for the wonderful video!
And…Thank you to Clay for 20 wonderful years!!
Congratulations!! You are Still our Idol!!
Love watching this video – the start of the most wonderful 20 years ever! Clay has taken all of us on the ride of a lifetime! So good to see the faith he had in himself and proclaim he had the voice to be #1 or #2! So good to see Randy and Simon let him go forward! What a pop star he became!!!
Thank you for the info, pictures and the video. I love the pictures and the video. Thank you to Clay for 20 wonderful years of beautiful music. Thank you CANN.
It’s hard to believe that was 20 years ago! Clay has come so far in life and has helped many charities, and children’s causes. OMC! (our man Clay).