Clay Aiken To Appear on America’s Next Top Model
February 5, 2009 by Jeanne
Wow! I was so surprised when Erin from over on Top Model Gossip sent me 
an email to let me know that American Idol star, Clay Aiken, was going to be a guest on America’s Next Top Model.
My first question was about what he was going to be doing? Quick answer – he’ll be a guest just on the episode airing on April 8, 2009.
Do you guys watch Top Model? Most of the men on the show are gay (which I have ABSOLUTELY no problem with) and the show is about fashion (which I sometimes have a problem with). I love the show even though I prefer Jay Manuel to Tyra Banks (he hosts the Canadian version of the show too so we get double the Jay!) but when you consider the on-screen jokes with Rosie O’Donnell, the pictures of him and his rumored boyfriend, Reed Kelly, canoodling in a photo booth and now this, I can’t help but notice how quickly Clay has jumped into being so open. I don’t mind it at all – I think people should be who they are with no reservations – but I’m just saying that I’m surprised he went from being a closeted gay man to this extremely open and out gay man.
Discuss. What do you think? Is it too much too fast? Not fast enough?
image: Bauer-Griffin
I love Clay and that show I will watch
Good to know he’s got some support!!! Great to see you, GerriG
Clay is going to be participating in an acting challenge with the contestants and then will be the guest judge for that week. Not sure what that has to do with being gay. Clay and Tyra are friends and he was in NYC during the taping of ANTM doing Spamalot.
Since the purpose of “coming out” is to be able to live life as your authentic self, I see nothing wrong with Clay now living his life more in the open.
Anyway, I’m looking forward to seeing him on ANTM on April 8.
Agree with Beary; Gay or not gay should not be an issue to appear on this show!
I’m so glad that I will be on the show as I have been a fan of it!
Have to agree with the above comments from Beary and Jane (and Jeanne you know I love you!:)
Too much emphasis has been put on this wonderful man’s sexuality instead of recognizing what an amazingly talented singer/vocalist he is as well as a great comedian and actor as he proved with his performance during his two stints in Spamalot.
Let’s keep in mind a person’s sexuality does not the whole person make. The only reason he finally shared his persuasion with those other than his family and close friends is because he had being hounded by the media for five years. And as Clay stated in People magazine, he did not want his son living under such a shadow or to feel ashamed. It was really no one’s business but his own, however unfortunately some fans and ALL of the media felt they were entitled to know every bit of his personal business.
He and Tyra are friends and it was just a matter of time before she asked him to be on ANTM as he was on her talk show before and it was a great success having him on.
I think it is high time the focus be on Clay Aiken’s talent and not his personal life, no matter how intriguing it may be for some.
psbintl, will you marry me?:-)
I think Clay has always been “upfront” with his personality and talent; THAT has nothing to do with being gay. Not all gay people wish to be the opposite sex, nor do they go to either extreme of the spectrum, much like non-gay people; i.e., being gay doesn’t translate for ALL gay men to be fashion forward (heh, have you SEEN some of his non-stylist outfits??? Love him anyway), nor into anything other than what is considered (unfortunately) “normal” activites. He just happens to be gay. Anyways, I’ll watch because he’s in the acting challenge, he’s a doll, and it should be interesting.
Thanks for keeping tabs on the idols, Jeanne. Mucho appreciated!
Awe Jay! How sweet!
However, I am happily married and madly in love with my man!
I agree. Clay has always been upfront with his personality.
I have had the privilege of meeting him in person twice, speaking to him very briefly, and I can honestly say he is as nice and congenial as he appears!
Well you never know, have you guys seen how Christian and many others dress on “Project Runway”? Maybe Clay is a stylist in the making…lol
I must say all the publicity about his appearance so far ahead of the show date surprises me. Just maybe there’s more to it than this one appearance, depending on how Clay goes over.
And by the way, Nigel on that show is not gay, so not all men appearing on that show are gay. It really does not matter.
When it comes to Clay Aiken, he is a hit whenever he appears only any show, that is just the way it has been since day one. The guy just has the “IT” factor.