Clay Gets Support From Former Idol Friends
September 26, 2008 by Jeanne
Former American Idol contestants have been showing the love for Clay Aiken, who came out as gay earlier this week. One of the supporters, Carmen Rasmusen, kind of surprised me since I know she is very religious but she was very careful to not imply that she necessarily agreed with homosexuality. If you remember, Carmen was on the show during the same season as Clay (season 2). Here’s what she said: “This news does not change my opinion of him or my friendship with him. I’m surprised, I guess because he kept it quiet for so long!” The singer, who is pregnant with her first child, added: “As I’m also going to be a mom, I know how parenthood completely changes your perspective. I think it’s great that he’s raising his son with a mother involved, and that he understands the importance of being up front and honest with his child.”
I could not agree more. I feel like he had to do this to live a complete life. Surely, his son would have to know someday and then what? Little Parker would have been expected to keep that kind of secret? I’m so happy it’s out and that that weight is off of them both!
Some other former Idol hopefuls weighed in:
Rickey Smith – “He has to do what makes him happy. I’m just glad he’s doing what makes him feel comfortable and confident.”
Vanessa Olivarez – Said that Clay “never ever” talked about his personal life and added “I have good gaydar – Claydar! – and it definitely wasn’t the shocker of the year! Clay is religious, and I think it’s great that he’s showing you can be religious and be gay. People will see that you’re not going to burn in hell if you’re gay.”
Clay, himself, is so overwhelmed by all of the support that he claims to be “speechless.” On his website he wrote: “We’ll ‘talk’ more later but, suffice it to say, for the first time in recent memory, I am speechless. I’m so proud to know and love all of you. My family is so much larger than Parker, Jaymes, mom, Brett, etc. It extends to each of you. And I couldn’t be more blessed.”
I know some of the Claymates have really grappled with the news but I’m so happy that the majority of you seem to be fine with it. I’m really happy for him.
image credit: newscom
It’s good to see that Clay can be open with people now and doesn’t have to hide who he is. Kudos to Carmen and Vanessa who are open-minded Christians. We need more of them!
That’s great that so many people are supportive of him. I don’t see what the big deal is, gay or not, Clay is really talented and so down to earth. He has been great to his fans and seems to be one of the most approachable an appreciative Idol yet in my opinion. I’m happy for him and his new family.