Clay Aiken was brought into the limelight by performing on a reality TV show called American Idol.  Week after week, Clay stood up and sang to millions of people all over the world.

Being a Reality show, the producers of American Idol tried to give the personal side of each Idol to the public.  Because of this, many of Clay’s fans thought they knew all about him when the show was over.  But, on October 9, 2003, fans were introduced to some of the true personal sides of Clay Aiken.

Primetime presented a 20 minute interview with Clay Aiken.  Diane Sawyer discussed a wide range of topics with Clay, including American Idol, his biological father, Vernon, his half-sister, Deb, his name change, his faults and his future.

In the interview on ABC, Clay said he had never taken himself too seriously, even during his run on American Idol.

“In my case, triumph of the nerds….  It was a great moment for that show. It was really an opportunity for them to have to eat their words. Simon didn’t know exactly what to crack on, and the media didn’t know exactly what it was about me that made me look weird. So I said, ‘Well, let’s give them something.’ “

Diane asked Clay about Vernon, his biological father.  Clay revealed that he was most hurt when his father called him a mistake.  He also told Diane that his father had not called him for years, yet he called the publication, The Star, to talk about his son.

After watching the show, the reactions of the fans seemed to be very positive.  Many commented that they just wanted to give Clay a hug.  Others agreed that Clay was presented as a strong man who was comfortable enough to show his vulnerable side.  Many fans were amazed that Clay had been able to overcome so much pain in his life.

It was interesting to watch the interview at this time.  I still saw a strong man who overcame so much, but I also understood so much more than I did the first time I watched it.

The interview has been put into two videos.  I hope you have the time to watch them.  It’s another thing that will make you proud of Clay Aiken and the way he lives his life.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tqK-K_OiJpo

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TrOXoIsqXCc