Clay Aiken Was Prepared To Be Booed After Coming Out
AOL Music’s PopEater spent a day with Clay Aiken in New York City as he was promoting his latest album ‘Tried and True’. The ‘American Idol’ alum talked about the decision to reveal he was gay two years ago and being nervous about the reaction he’d get from the public. “When anybody comes out, there are going to be people who are supportive and people who are not,” Aiken explained. “Obviously, I was doing ‘Spamalot’ at the time and I was kind of nervous. I specifically remember that night, thinking, ‘OK, I’m going to walk out prepared to be booed,’ and nobody did. And people were very supportive. People have been very supportive throughout the whole process and it didn’t really change.” Video footage has since been removed.
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Awww, what a cute video clip. He is so soft spoken, it’s amazing the voice that emerges from him when sings!
How sad that he felt he would be booed by people. That says so much about how cruel and UN understanding our society can be.
I absolutely love Clay Aiken. He has received so much undeserved bashing over the years and I don’t understand why. He is a nice, polite very talented, charismatic man who is dedicated to helping the forgotten children in the world. I love watching him perform or just talking in interviews. He seems very happy now and comfortable in his skin and that makes me happy. I am looking forward to his tour.
Even though Clay wasn’t booed at Spamalot, he still has to put up with the unknowledgeable homophobic people who spam the internet with nasty comments about him. Clay is a fine young man with a spectacular voice doing great humanitarian work. He deserves our respect. Let’s make it no longer cool to diss Clay Aiken!
It’s been a very interesting press tour for Clay Aiken this time around. We’re getting a little more insight into his journey to where he is today. I cannot even imagine what he went through, the stress and uncertainty. I’m glad he’s a strong man, because I would truly miss his talent, humor, intelligence and that big heart of his.
That is so sad that this day and time that he felt that way. AND yes he and so many others have to put up with the UN knowledgeable homophobic people from the late night host that think men and women that are gay can be the butt of a joke to tweeters and posters on other sites use gays as an adjective. So sad.
Thank you for the information on Clay Aiken. He is an amazing talent and a caring man.
I can’t even imagine what he has gone through in his life. I am so glad that he seems to have found a happy place in his life.
Now, lets hope the stupid haters don’t invade this site to call him names.
with all that promo he did in New York, why no appearance on Regis and Kelly? lol
I always love reading about Clay Aiken. Thank you for this new article and picture.
Clay Aiken is a wonderful entertainer and a great person. I am glad that he seems to be happy and enjoying life. I can’t wait to see him on tour this summer!
I can only imagine!
Love Clay his voice and his heart
Love his new CD tried and True
Thanks for the informative article
very human and vulnerable
Clay has certainly been “tried” for years. He’s been criticized for everything and anything, both by the media and some of his own fans as well. He was a strong man to begin with, but has become much more confident since coming out.
I see the signing with Decca and the PBS special as a new beginning for Clay’s career. His voice is better than ever and he’s doing the type of songs he always wanted to sing.
Bring it on!
Nice interview! Clay has turned out to be such a handsome man…and sexy too. I just love his singing and his new album “Tried and True” is no exception. I love to see him so happy in his own skin. Can’t wait to see him in Melbourne, Fla. in July.
I am a devoted fan, have followed Clay through the ups and downs of the last several years. It is sad that some people cannot look past his sexuality to see the truly talented, caring, entertaining person he is. Thanks so much for giving everyone a glimpse of a day in his life.
Thank you for the article on Clay and the coming out process. It is very difficult to be born gay in a social structure that can’t accept people as they are. Clay has never had an easy time in his life, so it is good to see him comfortable now, and living his life with no anger or bitterness to those who have and still try to make his life difficult. He’s much more generous and forgiving than I would be.
I love Clay . I have seen him in concerts and Spamalot on Broadway and he is one of the finest entertainers on the planet. I thought this was a very cute article. I really enjoyed it. Thanks for bringing it. The new CD , Tried and True,is amazing.
This man has more character and talent than most out there! He has also been kicked to hell and back by many who have judged him!!! Clay’s heart is to give..give unconditionally to those who have no voice..like those who have disabilities or the children overseas who need someone who cares!!! He walks the walk! He is a man of integrity and speaks out when needed.. I truly appreciate and respect him for this!
He has exhibited grace under pressure and has stayed true to himself and the things he believes in.
Thank you for the great article and video of a day in the life of Clay. I am glad that things are going so well for him as no one deserves peace and happiness more than Clay. He has given so much to so many and has brought so many people together in his fandom. I am looking forward to the summer tour, most of all to see Clay but also to reunite with close friends I have made as a result of our mutual love and respect for the man with a heart of gold and the voice of an angel.
I admire Mr. Aiken and know it wasn’t easy from his background to come out, but never should we judge. He is the same man with the same talent and I hope his star continues to rise.
Thanks for much for featuring Clay Aiken, my favorite singer, on your website. His new CD is wonderful and I can’t wait to see him on tour with his good pal Ruben this summer.
Clay is easily the most charismatic entertainer out there. He has had to endure far more than his share of slams from the media and fans of others. Maybe he could have handled his situation better, but, he did what he thought was best at the time, and we have all done things we would like to do over. Still, he is incredibly talented, his voice is stunning, and I hope things go well for him for the rest of his well deserved career.
Clay Aiken has withstood so much in his life, yet he remains kind,caring and giving. He said once that he wanted to make a difference well, he certainly has. Now,happy and comfortable with his life I can only believe that he is now truly where he wants to be. His talent is second to none and it is being recognized and he is getting the respect he deserves. God bless the lovely man. We are all better for having Clay in our lives.
It is sad that in this day and age people still discriminate about a person’s orientation. The thing I have always admired about Clay and try to do the same in my life, is his ability to live his life with his head up and don’t give any power to those that feel the need to put him down.
He’s very cool. He does his own thing and he doesn’t cave to anyone. I have learned a lot from him. I am 22 and still learning. It’s hard being gay sometimes, but my friends are all great and accept me for who I am.
Thanks for a great video of Clay Aiken.
I am so happy that he can live his life and be happy with who he is.
Clay is one in a million, and I can’t even imagine what he has gone through. Our society seems to still have a long way to go to learn about acceptance. As Clay has said, he is the same person, this is just one little aspect of who he is… What an awful feeling to think you would be booed for just being who you are….How sad.
I adore him, and have never seen an entertainer like him before, and I have seen lots. Can’t wait to see him and Ruben next month on tour…It’s going to be a lot of fun..
Clay looks so relaxed during interviews now, before it was sad to see him always tense expecting those dreaded and bad intentioned questions. He didn’t deserve that treatment, he is such a good and talented man, I’m glad everything is so different now, he is obviously getting more respect than ever from the media. I’m happy for him and I wish him always the best luck in the world! God bless you, Clay!
I agree with all that has been said about Clay. Clay has been tried and tested many, many times…even in his childhood but he has remained true to himself. He certainly is a man of strong character and I so admire him for it!! He has now found a home with Decca and the music that he was meant to sing. He is happy now and it shows! Thank you so much for doing
a day in Clay’s life!!! Love, love that man!
I’m so glad that overall people have been supportive of Clay. He is such a talented and good person that he deserves no less, as he has paid in dues and then some. I love Tried and True and look forward to all that is to come. I wish you the best Clay.
I have been a fan of Clay’s from the beginning, he is just so talented,his wonderful voice blew me away, and he is still blowing me away. That is something. I fell for his voice with no media hype, just pure talent. I am glad he is happy, as he has been through a lot. I really hope he gets all the accolades he deserves, his talent is HUGE. I am A South African fan and really hope he gets heard all over the world, which is not been the case at all. Never ever hear him here.
Love the video. He’s just such a lovely man. I’ve loved him since the beginning and that has not faded over these past 7 years. Hard to believe it’s been that long already. This video shows him to be a strong confident man, who knows what he wants and is going after it. I look forward to his future.
Clay Aiken is very Talented with Outstanding Voice who will be around for the long time. Media should focus on the
Talent and the good that people do and not who is sleeping with who!!!Clay , Stay sweet and don’t change for anybody
We Love you the way you are.
Loved the interview and the interesting facets of his life Clay chose to share. It’s great seeing him so relaxed and happy now and I can’t wait for his summer tour!! Thanks so much for this informative video of such an outstanding man!
Clay has brought so much joy to so many people over the years with his wonderful voice and generous heart. I think that if I had never seen him perform live that the voice would still capture my imagination. The tone, the cadence, the accents, the way he phrases lyrics, it’s all magic to me. He truly is a gifted vocalist and entertainer.
If you want to be entertained for an evening, be sure to see Clay Aiken live. There’s no one like him.
Thanks for following Clay around for a day of promoting his album and letting us “go along” too. He’s a wonderful man with many talents and it’s a joy to see and hear him when he chooses to be out in public. Step forward in faith and God will continue to guide you aright, Clay! Love and hugs to Clay and his family and all of his supporters.
I loved the video, but was saddened at the article. Coming out to a world where many will not accept you or support you is a very difficult thing to do. It seems as if Clay has adjusted well and was fortunate to be largely supported by those around him, and a good many of his fans. It gives me hope for the future.
Thanks so much for doing this piece on a day in Clay’s life. I’ve been a fan of Clay’s since day one on American Idol, and am very familiar with all the rough times he has had in his life. He is a man of character with a huge heart,especially with his work for his foundation to include children with disabilities into activities with non-disabled children, and his wonderful work with UNICEF as a Goodwill Ambassador. All of this, together with his amazing voice and incredible talent as an entertainer, makes his fans love him more each day. He deserves all the good things that life has in store for him. You are my hero, Clay.
Don’t let’em say you ain’t beautiful
They can all get f##ked,just stay true to you…
I love you Clay Aiken!
I love you Clay, I love you more every day! <3
Clay Aiken is simply the best.
I’ve loved Clay Aiken since that long time ago when he was on American Idol. He has that amazing voice but he’s also so engaging and very very funny. I’m glad he’s been able to keep a career going and I’m always happy to see him or hear his music. Love, love love the Clay.
Thank you! How sad is it that a person has to go thru what this man has gone through. He has an unbelievable voice - a great entertainer.
Clay is a true measure of a celebrity. Down to earth and real. Rocks out songs, funny, charming, helps kids with special needs through his foundation, National Inclusion Project which he built from scratch and gives back to society in many other ways. It is easy to understand why so many have supported him through the good and the ugly. Still it is amazing and humbling to see the dedication, love and support. Brava!
Thanks for doing this, ADITL, I really enjoyed it! Angelvoice, all what you said, lol, but you left out his work with UNICEF as goodwill ambassador of education (yes, he has a teaching degree in special ed and knows what it’s about), and he’s good to look at, too!! I mean, what’s not to love? Now it’s time to do another of these…