Clay Aiken went from ‘American Idol’ to gay icon — and more
RICH LOPEZ | Staff Writer
lopez@dallasvoice.com
It should come as no surprise that singer Clay Aiken would be a gentleman. With his Southern twang and clean-cut persona, he’s both personable and professional in an interview. But the kid is also pretty slick.
“Not many people can deal with the scrutiny of bullshit.”
Whoa — did Clay Aiken just drop the “S” word? The remark comes on the heels of a question about his much blogged-about new relationship with Jeff Walters, a local actor with recent parts in such shows as Uptown Players’ Closer to Heaven and Ohlook’s The Rocky Horror Show. Perez Hilton and many others (our own Instant Tea blog even got in on the action) were quick to highlight the guys’ night out on the town, complete with pics at Theatre Three and the Gaylord. What soon followed were pics of Walters from Grindr and his work as an underwear model.
“I’ll save you the trouble of asking and not answer,” Aiken laughs with that underlying tone that he’s tight-lipped about his personal life.
Fair enough. There is much more to Aiken, after all, than mere gossip fodder, as he’s proven with his staunch activism for the welfare of children and youth. His service with the National Inclusion Project (formerly the Bubel/Aiken Foundation) and UNICEF has been notable, but his work with the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) may have his most personal vested interest at heart.
“I think that I chose to work with GLSEN more vocally than other equality organizations because it hits home more,” he says. “All the organizations are incredible, but I got picked on growing up as a kid. For being a nerd, for being gay before I knew I even was. And I still get picked on. Being a celebrity doesn’t protect you and it can be worse when it’s more public.”
Aiken says that without any sign of whining. He focuses less on what people are saying about him (there is a lot out there that’s not-so-nice, starting when he was still an American Idol contestant) and is more interested in directing his attention to anti-bullying causes and making schools safe.
“I understand that mission from my personal standpoint. From the scars,” he chuckles. “But as a former teacher, I want to be sure schools are safe places for kids.”
Interestingly, as a fairly new dad (his son is 2 now), Aiken says his passion didn’t necessarily grow from parenthood. Instead, he says he’d like to think he was always that passionate. But having a son did add a perspective that he thinks might be missing in today’s LGBT parents.
“Well, it’s one thing to protect yourself, but an entirely different thing to protect your child,” he says. “I understand that if my son is gay, I want him to have rights and protections. I think that idea is somewhat lacking within the community. It’s easy to forget that the rights we’re fighting for are for another generation.”
Aiken hesitates to liken the struggle for equal rights for LGBT citizens now with the civil rights movement of Black America in the ‘60s, but he connected with the idea that then, people were working and fighting for rights so that generation’s children didn’t have to. Aiken encourages that thought for LGBT parents.
“We don’t have as many opportunities to look at it that way,” he says. “The generation before us may not have been able to get married and we may in this lifetime, but as a father now, I want to make sure and set up a future for my son.”
Lest we forget, Aiken is first and foremost a musician and singer. He’ll remind North Texas of that as his tour stops at Verizon Theatre on Tuesday in support of his fifth full-length studio release, Tried and True. He recorded old-school tunes from the ‘50s and ’60s, putting his indelible vocal stamp on classics like “Mack the Knife” and
“Unchained Melody.” Ironically, Aiken doesn’t listen much to any music. He’s more of a news junkie.
“I really don’t. I listen to NPR and watch CNN,” he admits. “I love top 40 stuff like Katy Perry and Gaga when it’s on in the car, but I guess I’m kind of a music-less musician.”
Highly doubtful.
This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition March 4, 2011.
Clay sings, jokes, talks and the audiences are enjoying a night with this concert. He’s not as he’s sometimes portrayed. He’s more than a singer. Nice article.
Loved this article! You were able to show us a side of Clay his fans don’t always see.
Great article! Clay has turned from a great singer to a great all around performer. He is one with his audience and everyone seems to be having a good time. For his die hard fans, of course, all his concerts are wonderful but it sure is worth getting to a venue on this tour if you can possibly make it! Until you’ve seen Clay in concert, you have no idea of what a treat awaits you. Thanks for such a nice positive article..
Man puts on a good show. Better than some of the other crap out there. People who degrade others are jealous. The internet allows them to hide behind their computers.
Nice article. Clay is an amazing singer, witty, & funny on stage — but also very much a humanitarian. If you get a chance, catch his show — you will have a great time. He has his audiences call out different genres of music and he will perform a song in that genre — everything from Blue Grass to Opera to Merengue — so fun! Then he will blow you away with Mack the Knife and Unchained Melody. I saw him in 2 shows and wish I could go to more.
Thank you for a nice article. Clay Aiken is an amazing man, he not only sings like no one else, but also is a great humanitarian who cares deeply for the children, he is also very witty, cannot wait to see him in concert in a few days.
What an interesting man this American Idol contestant has turned out to be. The singing career has been a way to show the world the intellectual side, the activist side, the humanitarian side, and the comedian side. Not at all the baby-faced naive nerd the show tried to portray.
Thank you for the great article about Clay Aiken. He is an interesting man and his interests are in all directions.
Isn’t it a shame that much of the “press” still give Clay a difficult time and really do try to bully him. Thank you for being fair!!
Thank you for a refreshing interview. And thank you for not asking if he still watches Idol anymore or if his life has changed since he came out!!!! Clay is passionate about his causes and isn’t a hollow celebrity who only pays lip service to causes to get attention. The media has been relentless in their efforts to discredit him – especially people like Perez Hilton who, I think, is the scum of the earth. Clay stays true to his course – but you can understand why bullying is a hot button with him!!!! If you haven’t seen this man perform ‘live” than you can’t possibly know what an amazing performer and talent he is. Do yourself a favor – get a ticket to his next concert. You won’t be disappointed.
Nice article Rich. Thank you for bringing over a discussion of what Clay is all about. He is a fantastic performer/singer….The man was meant to entertain. If you can get to Clay’s concert…do yourself a favour and see him…you will not be disappointed…
I saw his show recently and well what can I say. The man is meant to entertain. Another friend went with me who did not know who he was and was truly blown away. You simply have to see him to understand his appeal. I love this man because he not only an entertainer and sings like an angel but he is intelligent, funny and caring. He is the whole package when it comes to “stars”. Well done Mr. Aiken!
Maybe, one day, the likes of Perez Hilton will lose their ‘power’ to manipulate the reputations of talented gay artists such as Clay. We are supposed to be a progressive society; yet, people show everyday, just how backwards in their thinking they really are. The gay community has positively affected so many areas of our lives, the theater, the design industries and , to be honest, perhaps every other industry, if the truth be known. IMHO, Clay is more of a man than millions out there who profess to be one. He CARES about the well-being of children and , especially, those with disabilities and he is DOING whatever he can to improve their lives.
Although Clay is not performing in Canada, his Canadian fans, who can’t attend his wonderful performances, can depend on fellow fans to provide videos of his amazing concerts…with Clay’s acknowledgement. Without a doubt, Clay is the epitome of what a true artist should be. That’s why he continues to hold the esteem of all his fans.
Thank you, Rich, for a very well balanced and informative article about Clay. Clay should not be judged on his sexual orientation; it is his life to live as he sees fit. He is a very talented artist and it’s about time the music industry woke up and recognized the gold mine they could have by signing Clay and letting him be himself. He needs his own show on which to personally perform…not to just present other performers to the general public. IMHO, he is the best in the entire field of talented artists performing today.
Enjoyed your article. Refreshing change from the usual internet fare.
I love Clays voice and find him very funny and entertaining.
I’m glad he stands against bullying–in all forms–for all people.
Thanks for a really interesting and unfortunately unusual, perspective on Clay Aiken; it is a welcome change from the usual garbage printed about him.
Greaat article . Thank you
Seen him in concert and broadway over 30 times and I am always in awe of his voice and his comedic timing. His work with children is a testament to his character. Gay, straight, never mattered at all. It’s the person’s character that you judge and Clay has unbelievably great character and good values. As a single mom, I have so much respect for Faye Parker and how well she raised Clay despite their obstacles. Lastly, If they don’t give this man his own TV show America is missing out on a unique talent!! Love you Clay!!!
Clay is a ‘southern gentleman’, humanitarian, great singer and perfomer! Thanks for the wonderful article, you get it.
Very good article, I enjoyed reading it. I always love to read articles about Clay. Front Stage just did a commentary style post on Clay Aiken, and how he was dropped by his record label from bad record sales. Really good article to read. It really makes you think.
Commentary: Clay Aiken’s Poor Album Sales
This man can sing and engage the whole crowd for 2 hours. Unbelievably entertaining. every concert is special. SLICK he is! Thanks for covering the LGBT side of things. Great write up!
Clay keeps one so mesmerized during a show that it seems to go by in mere minutes. Can’t wait to see him at the Verizon next week.
And, Maxine, (above), please be aware that Clay was not dropped from Decca. In his own words, it was a short term one record deal. As he says, don’t believe everything you read on the Internet. Especially from the likes of a certain PH.
Thanks for the nice article. If only the non-gay media would write so kindly. Good job.
Thanks for a great interview with Clay. The man is fantastic in concert. My husband was very surprised last summer when we went to see one of his shows.
Clay gives the best concert I have ever seen. He also is a man who truly cares about others and spends
lots of times working for various charities. Thanks for the great interview.
At last…..an intelligent article by an intelligent journalist. If only there were more like you! Unfortunately the scum of the media world continues to thrive with their lies and innuendos in order to hide their own faults and insecurities. I wonder what they think when they look in the mirror. Are they proud of the person staring back at them?
Thanks for a great article. This tour is giving me a major pain — because I am unable to attend for the first time in years!!! This man’s talent is broad and exceptional. Try to see him in a city near you. You will not be disappointed.
Thanks for this great article. I went to see Clay in Orlando, Fl. and it was a great show. He not only blows you away with his singing…but, I couldn’t stop laughing because he is so funny. I was so sad when the show was over…and wished I could go to more of his shows. I just love him!!
Attended the Verizon Show and enjoyed it very much. It was a comfortable, laid back
show with big band songs, and Clay’s relaxed humor. He has a spectacular voice,
especially liked the opening number Love Story, his UM, Impossible, Suspicious Minds,
Misty, Moon River…and I was hoping he would sing What Kind of Fool Am I. The last song was especially beautiful ..In My Life. Loved the show. Thank you for your article.
Love you forever. More album please.