Idol Face Off - Mary Did You Know?

Bev
Oct 10, 2007 at 1:01 am

Oh dear. I’m a Big Clay aiken fan but I love Kalan Porter too. They both did an amazing job, slighty different styles. Well I would have said Clay has a slight edge but since I’m Canadian, I voted for both..lol

Rita
Oct 10, 2007 at 4:06 am

I think Kalan’s pretty awesome, but gotta give the vote to Clay. The arrangement of the song is the difference.

Geoff
Oct 10, 2007 at 5:09 am

I personally love Kalan’s more melancholy rendition of this. Clay sings it well, of course, I just don’t think his voice is as suited to the content of the song, and I prefer Kalan’s arrangement.

teresa
Oct 10, 2007 at 5:36 am

I have to say I prefer Clay’s arrangement, but they both have great voices.

Mariam
Oct 10, 2007 at 6:16 am

This is the first time I have heard Kalan, he is pretty good, but I still love Clay’s version - ONE OF MY ALL TIME Christmas song!, (and I am not even Christian.)

kit
Oct 10, 2007 at 6:24 am

Kalan is quite the competition, but Clay’s version touches my heart.

kadee
Oct 10, 2007 at 6:25 am

Clay is great on this one as always, but my preference on the arrangment is Kalan.
His curls are kind of angelic too. lol

Jess
Oct 10, 2007 at 6:38 am

Clay Wins this one, And I’m a Canadian too. More Mature rendition by Clay.

Jaydee
Oct 10, 2007 at 7:15 am

I couldn’t decide so I voted for both. lol

Pat
Oct 10, 2007 at 7:24 am

I really enjoyed Kalan’s version except that his phrasing seemed somewhat choppy at the beginning which detracted from an otherwise really good performance. it’s a hard call, but I’ll give the edge to Clay.

Jean
Oct 10, 2007 at 7:32 am

I love Clay singing this song. He is so reverent.

joshy79
Oct 10, 2007 at 7:47 am

Kalan

jean
Oct 10, 2007 at 8:23 am

Unfair, Kalan needs to have his CD released in the US - a very talented young man.

I think, Clay is richer here, but he is also more mature so that helps.

Nice to hear both of them though.

betty
Oct 10, 2007 at 8:23 am

Both have wonderful voices. Clay has the extra power and purity in his voice to give more meaning to the song. Clay sings Christmas songs better than anyone.

molly
Oct 10, 2007 at 8:33 am

Both artists are wonderful but I had to give my vote to Clay who sings this like nobody else!

Lois
Oct 10, 2007 at 9:01 am

Both artists are VERY TALENTED.. however, I have to give my vote to CLAY, his voice has so much power and purity.. this song is written to be sung like CLAY sang it..!

No doubt Kalan has talent!

Lori
Oct 10, 2007 at 10:27 am

That Kalan sure is a cutie and very talented. And this is an awesome song. I prefer the faster pace that is Clay Aiken’s version. But Kalan does a very creditable performance here.

KalanClay Fan
Oct 10, 2007 at 11:03 am

Well, I adore both men and their sweet spirits towards the Lord. Both have gorgeous, moving voices, too. Yeah, it’s a tough one. But I think Clay’s arrangement is superior, and his instrument is as well. Fantastic efforts on both their parts, though.

Sue
Oct 10, 2007 at 11:26 am

I am Canadian, I love Kalan Porter, but Clay Aiken is my IDOL therefore he got my vote.

Kelli
Oct 10, 2007 at 11:30 am

I’m a fan of both these guys, I have Clay Aiken’s X-mas album and it’s great, but I gotta go for Kalan.

I just really, REALLY love the way his voice sounds, he can sing mellow songs like this and also rock out hard if the situation calls for it. The US really needs to be exposed to this guy.

Jenna
Oct 10, 2007 at 11:32 am

Kalan is certainly talented, but Clay’s voice is so rich and pure, that no one should be pitted against him. His range and tone are superb.

Barb
Oct 10, 2007 at 12:05 pm

Both Kaylan and Clay did an amazing job on this song. Two different arrangements but they both work. The difference for me is that when Clay sings this song it becomes more than a song, it is a prayer and Clay is allowing us to hear his prayer. My vote was for Clay but I would certainly like to hear a Christmas CD from Kaylan.

Troodles
Oct 10, 2007 at 12:14 pm

This is an absolute fave song. However I really did not enjoy Kalan’s version or voice on this one. Clay did an awesome job and his was done live as well! I had to vote for Clay’s.

donna
Oct 10, 2007 at 12:37 pm

I like Clay’s version better…it seems like Clay is really singing the song with more reverence than Kaylan. Clay seems to go into another world when he sings this song.

Becky
Oct 10, 2007 at 1:03 pm

Kalan has a sweet voice,but my vote goes to Clay! The man picks you up and carries you off when he sings with such flare and power. There is nothing he can’t sing that just gives you spinetingling chills.

patti
Oct 10, 2007 at 1:07 pm

Wow Kaylan’s version was absolutely beautiful! Really tough one to call. But I have seen Clay sing this live and his version is just so moving as if he is really praying. So I gotta go with Clay. But well done to both of them!

gurrl
Oct 10, 2007 at 3:07 pm

I think Kalais a very talented young man. That said, he does not pack the same whollup with his voice as Clay. I found myself just waiting for him to finish the song, it seemed to drag o for me. But Clay’s version was far more moving and just beautiful. Powerful. Maybe it was the arrangement difference. But that was kalan’s arrangement if I’m not mistaken and it did not work. My vote goes to CA!

gurrl
Oct 10, 2007 at 3:09 pm

Sorry, that first line should have read -
I think Kalan is a very talented young man.

Nini
Oct 10, 2007 at 3:14 pm

While I thought both have a great voice and was difficult to choose, Kalan’s version did seem to drag a bit. I have to give it to Clay; not only was the arragement better, but he sang it live and it was PERFECTION!!

Linda
Oct 10, 2007 at 3:23 pm

Clay’s version of Mary Did You Know is the best version I’ve heard of that song. I vote for Clay.

Lisa
Oct 10, 2007 at 3:50 pm

Kalan is just 19 or 20 now and I think he did an amazing job and certainly has a very bright future. Clay’s voice and delivery has a maturity that IMO can’t be matched, especially singing this type of song.
Kudos to both, vote to Clay. lol
There I didn’t hurt anybody’s feelings.

AC
Oct 10, 2007 at 4:05 pm

WOW! That was the first time I’d heard Kalan Porter on that style of song and I’m very impressed! I thought Clay would have no competition on that song. Fine job by both gentlemen!

My preference is for Clay’s less dramatic but more quietly reverent rendition of this one, but they share my applause.

pat
Oct 10, 2007 at 4:08 pm

kalan version was nice but clay voice is so soothing and touching. i would say clay version wins hands down. kalan’s version was a little bit too depressing.

carol
Oct 10, 2007 at 4:09 pm

Clay just blows me away every time he sings that song. It is perfect for his voice and his Christian soul comes out as sheer perfection. Can’t wait to go to his Christmas concert on 12/22 in Merrillville, Indiana. It will be the fourth Christmas I’m seeing him–and becoming a holiday season tradition and the gift I give myself!

Susan
Oct 10, 2007 at 4:13 pm

It is hard to expain how Clay Aiken voice effects me. To my ears their is no other voice like his on this planet. I love his version of this song.

joann
Oct 10, 2007 at 4:24 pm

First time ever hearing Kalan; very nice voice but he was sought of dragging it out. Didn’t like it much. Clay, sounded as usual, AWESOME. So rich and pure and actually singing it.

Debbie
Oct 10, 2007 at 4:52 pm

I love Clay’s version of Mary Did You Know? It is beautiful. He looks so angelic and reverent when he sings this song. I love the arrangement. I have listened to this song over and over and have seen him sing it live. It is just so moving.
Kalan’s voice is nice. The only thing I didn’t really like was the beginning interpretation of the song.
My preference is Clay Aiken.

mdc
Oct 10, 2007 at 4:52 pm

Kalan has a nice voice but I’ve got to give it to Clay. Clay’s performance makes you see, hear and feel the joy of Christmas.

pat b
Oct 10, 2007 at 5:37 pm

This song belongs to Clay Aiken period. Kalan did a very nice job but Clay gets my vote.

madeline
Oct 10, 2007 at 5:56 pm

This is one of Clay’s best song ever
His voice is so pure and holy

Mari
Oct 10, 2007 at 6:58 pm

WOw! I have actually never heard Kalan sing before. He has a very soothing sweet voice. The song started off beautifully but as others have said, it tended to drag on toward the end. I have heard Clay sing this several times, he changes it up sometimes, but you always feel the love for Christmas that shows in the way he reverently sings those songs. Although my vote goes to Clay for quality, richness and pureness, I would certainly love to hear some more of Kalan Porter. His voice intrigues me-he looks so young and yet his voice belies his youth.

Lynn
Oct 10, 2007 at 8:03 pm

Never heard Kalan’s version before and he did a nice job.

However, this is one of Clay’s ultimate best Christmas songs and no one could even come close to his version for me.

Sarah
Oct 10, 2007 at 8:19 pm

Clay’s version is beautiful and I’ve always loved this song, however Kalan’s voice as a whole appeals to me far more in the grander scheme of things as I much prefer deeper voices (esp. on belted lines such as “praises of the Lamb” which to my super picky ears is too harsh a note coming from Clay). This is purely a musical taste thing though, since I’m most picky about my voices over any other parts of the songs I listen to. I will give props to Clay for a far better arrangement though, but for me voice is number one.

Sarah
Oct 10, 2007 at 8:29 pm

oh and I just wanted to note in response to the post by Lisa (Oct 10, 2007 at 3:50 pm) that Kalan turns 22 in almost exactly a month. However the Christmas track was in fact recorded (and all of those photos were taken) when he was 19 so you’re not completely off in your age estimation, lol.

Robin
Oct 10, 2007 at 8:52 pm

I thought Kalan did a nice job. I was surprised at how nice his voice sounded. But, I do agree too, that the song dragged after awhile. So many times, I almost turned it off.
I have to give this to Clay. He sings this song with so much more emotion. And, I love the diversity of his voice. Higher notes where appropriate, and lower when needed. And, I think this arrangement is much better. Clay gives me chills when he sings this song. I love how Clay slowly builds the song.

Sara
Oct 10, 2007 at 9:27 pm

Kalan sounds much more passionate (as Clay does) when he’s singing this song live. The recorded track doesn’t do justice to what he can do with this song.

Kristy
Oct 10, 2007 at 10:21 pm

I love Kalan to bits but this is Clay’s song. Awesome.

Helen Jean
Oct 10, 2007 at 10:50 pm

My vote is for the best performer of this Christmas song which I believe should be for Clay Aiken. How can anyone ever dare to challenge his unique gift of only perfection at its best range? He does own this song for sure! “Mary Did You Know?” Clay’s angelic and reverent charm always gives me chills when he is sings this song with his personnel commanding voice range always capturing the moment of our holy time for the Holidays of Christmas. I shall enjoy the my Christmas time in the Heartland 2007 Tour dates Monday, 11-26-07 in Wichita, Kansas and Friday, 12-21-07 in Omaha, Nebraska!!!

AI & CI Fan
Oct 10, 2007 at 11:34 pm

Kalan and Clay, even though they haven’t personally met each other, are brothers-in-Christ. And I don’t think it’s a good idea pitting brothers against one another.

I love both singers. Both are very unique in their style. My heart has enough room for both! Out of AI, I only bought Clay’s album, and out of CI — Kalan’s. Clay should have won, well, he did, didn’t he — all of our hearts!

Kalan also won many of our hearts besides the title. With his debut album 219 DAYS, he went on a 65-day sold-out concert tour. Now he’s just released his 2nd album WAKE UP LIVING which he mostly wrote lyrically and entirely arranged musically. He is a musician well-versed in violin, viola, guitar and piano. However, he uses only the violin for all of his rock shows.

Kalan and Clay must meet! I absolutely want to see them succeed in this brutal music industry!

One more thing, for Top 2, CI Season 2’s contestants have to sing the award Idol song, a favourite song done before and then a new song choice. For the new one, Kalan chose to sing “I Could Only Imagine” by MercyMe. Unexpectedly, he was sliced, shredded and punched by all 4 of our CI judges. They were not amused at all that he sang a religious song for the final round. I, like many watching at home, were just in shock that he would risk losing, but also amazed at his courage and focus. That was the hook for me. I believe this peformance was on youtube, but I’m not sure if the judges were. Anyway, just in case you are interested to hear his version of this song. Peace.

AI & CI Fan
Oct 10, 2007 at 11:45 pm

I found the youtube video of Kalan performing that song and the judges’ comments are also there. http://youtube.com/watch?v=a1Wpeud7MkI

sharon
Oct 10, 2007 at 11:58 pm

Gotta go with Kalan. I love Clay but his voice doesn’t have the richness that Kalan’s does. Actually, I’ve heard better versions of this song from both of them. Kalan sounds a bit hoarse and Clay doesn’t go for the glory notes as much as he usually does. The heartfelt emotion that Kalan puts into every song he sings makes him a winner to me.

sharon
Oct 11, 2007 at 12:09 am

I think the judges were right on with their comments about I Can Only Imagine. It was tedious and for finale night, Kalan could have sung better and chosen a song that showed off his voice better. Lord knows he’s got a fabulous voice to show off.

Kayla
Oct 11, 2007 at 12:51 am

WOW! I am a Canadian and greatly admire Kalan Porter . He is not only as cute as a bug’s ear , but he has a great voice as well. Having said that there is absoultely NO ONE ever anywhere that take fill my hear with their voice as Clay Aiken. His voice just touches my heart and soul .
Athough each rendition was a little different , for voice quality , phrasing and control I will go with Clay Aiken on this !!!

aliricaba
Oct 11, 2007 at 2:07 am

This was not Clay’s best performance of MDYK, but it was still beautiful. He sang this on the Leno show and it was absolutely hauntingly beautiful!

This is really Clay’s song, but I really did enjoy Kalan as well.

:)

Keely
Oct 11, 2007 at 2:12 am

Its really nice to see all the positive and glowing comments about Kalan, an introduction to him for a lot of US citizens. Facing off against Clay in this song is maybe unfair but he showed he’s got the stuff. Clay Aiken would beat almost any artist that I can think of on this song. He’s my persoanl favorite.
Love both these guys but Clay gets my vote.

Sandy
Oct 11, 2007 at 2:43 am

Kalan’s version is more haunting and beautiful.

Both versions are very pretty and hands down above others I have heard. Kalan’s captures the mystery of the song for Mary. He has a richness of voice I don’t hear anywhere else, and he was only 19 when he sang that. The best is yet to come.

I like Clay a lot but Kalan just has a little something more that pulls me in….and a violin too.

Bev
Oct 11, 2007 at 3:10 am

quote from Sandy
…and a violin too.

And don’t forget the curly hair….lol

bjstur
Oct 11, 2007 at 5:37 am

Clay Aiken. There is none better

Janice
Oct 11, 2007 at 6:11 am

Kalan’s just got IT! He’s a fantastic talent!

Mari
Oct 11, 2007 at 6:24 am

I had never heard this song before Clay Aiken released it on his album. And I absolutely love it! That said, I really tried to be unbiased while listening to Kalan. And I would have to agree with others’ comments. Kalan’s version is too slow IMO and a bit boring. I didn’t care for it at all. I do think he has a beautiful, rich tone to his voice. I am intrigued and will go listen to other songs on youtube. So I did vote for Clay, but I think Kalan is interesting and I’d like to hear something a little different from him. Off I go to youtube…

anonymous
Oct 11, 2007 at 7:16 am

This was, for me at least, the closest face off yet. I am a big fan of Clay and I think he generally sings rings around anyone he’s put up against. But, this time he and Kalan are very close. I reallly like Kalan Porter alot. They seem more evenly matched here, but I have to go with Clay. I just love the sound of his voice, period. With anything he sings it just comes down to the voice.

kfc-Canada
Oct 11, 2007 at 7:38 am

To be brutally honest, one of the main differences between Clay and Kalan is the personal emotional involvement Clay puts into each song he sings. The facial expressions, the hand movements, the nuances in his words… all make every word he sings sound special. This alone puts Clay way above any other contender to whom he’s compared. This is not necessarily due to the age difference between the two singers; its also due to the lack of emotion Kalan displays in any song he sings. He still has to learn to smile from the heart..and then, to smile through his eyes as well as his lips.

Musical accompaniement can make or break a song and the version Kalan picked took the song out of the Christian/Christmas realm and put it into the semi-classical, pseudo-pop sphere..which took away from the theme of the song. It definitely was original, though, so kudos for that.

No, this wasn’t Clay’s best performance of this song; we’ve all heard many many more performances that blow the roof off the building….amazing that Clay can do that even with a religious song.. but then, Clay can do that with any song he chooses to sing.

Kalan is awesome in his own right and he will go far but Clay will still be out of sight..so far ahead.
My vote is for Clay.

Becky
Oct 11, 2007 at 8:02 am

kfc-canada!!! Beautifully written!

Juana
Oct 11, 2007 at 11:13 am

I had never heard Kalan sing. He is pretty good, but I didn’t really like the arrangement of the song.
I loooved the wasy Clay sang it, his voice just seems to always pull me in.

I vote for Clay. :]

One-of-Idol-fan
Oct 11, 2007 at 11:21 am

I like Clay too.But..Kalan’s much better,I guess.
Kalan’s voice is more richer,deeper and seductive.
In addition to that,the way Kalan sings is more sophisticated and impressive!

deedee
Oct 11, 2007 at 12:01 pm

WOW, just WOW- for both of them. We finally have a competition. I’ve heard people talk about Kalan Porter but didn’t know he could sing like that. For me, Clay still has the edge though as his rendition has more passion and he sings this song better now than this one here. I will definitely be checking out Kalan though, very talented young man.

emerson032
Oct 11, 2007 at 12:03 pm

I have never heard Kalan before. I like his rendition of “Mary Did You Know”….but, I have never heard anyone sing this song better than Clay Aiken. I enjoyed both versions, but, if I had to pick one….it would have to be Clay’s version.

Coo_Coo
Oct 11, 2007 at 6:39 pm

If anyone is interested on looking into Kalan Porter more, I’ve got a fan myspace page w/ tons of recent (like the past week) concert video of a mini promo tour Kalan did.

In my opinion as a Kalan fan since Canadian Idol, recorded songs don’t do him justice. His live shows are incredible, especially when he showcases his talents on the strings (Which is also shown on my site:

http://myspace.com/canadianchickforever

Robin
Oct 11, 2007 at 7:30 pm

I had to agree, that this wasn’t one of Clay’s best performences of MDYK. Although, he was still awesome on this. I think, if I remember, when he sang this, he was very, very sick at that time. He had been doing the circuit of talk shows to promote the book and CD. And, he was so very sick. For that tour, it was the one and only time, Clay had to postpone the first few shows of his tour, because the doctor insisted he rest his voice. Considering, how sick he was, he did a fabulous job on this song.

Again, I did like Kalan’s quite a bit, except for it being too slow. Clay’s voice though.. always just gets to me.

Bev
Oct 11, 2007 at 7:37 pm

Aw, I didn’t know he was sick then. I did wonder why he sat down through the whole song because he usually doesn’t on live tv shows.

Robin
Oct 11, 2007 at 9:09 pm

Clay will sit when he does slower songs. And, he does usually sit during MDYK. But, yes, he was sick at this time. Which is probably why he didn’t push the high notes too much.

cookie
Oct 11, 2007 at 10:38 pm

Clay gets my vote. No one sells a song the way he does. Every word is clear and he seems to live the story he is telling. Thats why I think we all get totally pulled into every song he sings. Plus his voice is beautiful.

May
Oct 11, 2007 at 11:45 pm

Oh My Cant get Clays version to play, but I do know it . Kalan however, is awesome as well, WOW loved his version as well. He really is a good singer. he also does not look like he sounds, Loved his ending of the song. I was a little bored in the beginning though. My vote has to go to Clay as when I first heard him sing this song, I was blown away, still am, every time I listen to it, he just touches my soul.

Anonymous
Oct 12, 2007 at 1:08 am

Kalan’s first single which he wrote “Down In Heaven” http://youtube.com/watch?v=rSDw8iXj-PM

“Hurray” is also written by him and it’s a fun video http://youtube.com/watch?v=SsJSyP–IhU&mode=related&search=kalan%20porter%20hurray%20scrabble%20perez%20hilton

Kalan is the spokesperson for the Breast Cancer Foundation Fundraiser because of his mom’s diagnosis. Here’s the speech http://youtube.com/watch?v=qfBb_hO8U1A

Sandy
Oct 12, 2007 at 3:00 am

You know it’s funny. I guess it’s partly a matter of what you hear first. I’d never hear Mary Did You Know till one Christmastime in 2004. Out of the seeming blue I hear Kalan on the radio and it’s not his single. (8X platinum by the way ~ Awake In A Dream from CI) I was blown away by his voice and the haunting beauty of a song about Mary and her boy…just her boy. When I bought Clay’s Christmas CD is was curious to hear what he’d do with the song and to me, it was too fast. I liked the slow reverence of Kalan’s version. So, for some it drags, for some Clay does it too quickly. Both are lovely but what you know and love first is always difficult to beat. Each to their own.

ETA ~ last year on my local station they had a top Christmas songs of all time countdown and Kalan’s version of Mary Did You Know came in at #15. Pretty impressive when you are up against John Lennon, Live Aid, Bing, Elvis….

Mistress
Oct 12, 2007 at 7:58 am

I own both of these songs on c.d. I have to say I love both these artists, but listening to just the voice, I voted for Kalan… this comparison was already done, a long time ago, but Kalan’s voice just evokes more response in me. I like the emotion, without the big big notes,for this piece.

Kalan is touring early 2008…. go see for yourself, what this guy can do. ;)
M.R

Shirley
Oct 12, 2007 at 11:03 am

Each singer sang a different style. After listening to both versions, the voice that brought goosebumps to my skin was that of Kalan Porter and he gets my vote for this song.

Sherry
Oct 12, 2007 at 11:13 am

Most definitely Clay Aiken!

He does something magical with the song (as he does all of them) but this is THE most haunting and reverent version of this song I have ever heard.

Clay is above and beyond in singing and oerforming!

marie stellabuto
Oct 13, 2007 at 7:27 am

CLAY WINS MY VOTE,HES JUST A BEAUTIFUL SINGER.NO OTHER SINGER LIKE HIM.MARIE

monica
Oct 13, 2007 at 9:13 pm

I have to say “clay”. He had more of an upbeat temp, beautiful voice.

Bev
Oct 14, 2007 at 3:40 am

Wow, Kalan did himself proud. Not many singers up against Clay have this good a showing. Good for you Kalan. You’re both fantastic.

Anonymous
Oct 15, 2007 at 2:00 am

Kalan phrased it that way deliberately because he was singing to Mary, telling her what would become of her baby in the near future. It is difficult to do such a task, and therefore the deliberate hesitation.

If Kalan wants to just perform a song, then he can do exactly as Clay is doing with that song.

If Clay was singing with Mary in mind, he wouldn’t have sung it that fast.

Anyway, on one can deny both did equal justice to the song. Bravo to both!!!

Swamp
Oct 15, 2007 at 2:50 pm

Kalan does an amazing job on this song. His voice is so deep and rich. Kalan all the way!

Margaret
Oct 21, 2007 at 2:54 am

Kalan Porter sang the song quite well however, Clay gets my vote. Clay sings MDYK beautifully and with emotion that gets me teary eyed every time I hear him sing it.

faith
Oct 21, 2007 at 3:21 am

Its unbelievable how well Kalan held his own against Clay aiken. This is the first face off that I’ve seen anybody get within fighting distance of the fan favorite.
A really promising future.

Jan
Oct 23, 2007 at 12:52 pm

Well, I’m a huge Clay fan, and I really do like his version better. I had never heard of Kalan Porter before, but he just blew me away. What a beautiful version he sang. I have chills!! This is the first time I’ve voted in one of these where I have to say they were both really very very awesome!

luvukalan
Oct 23, 2007 at 2:08 pm

I am a Clay fan and thoroughly enjoyed him on American Idol. However, my heart and vote go to Kalan. There is a live version of him singing this on CBC somewhere……

For those of you who are doubters of Kalan’s passion for his music check out this…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ssNTn3YfFqo

Margaret (cookie2u)
Oct 23, 2007 at 2:47 pm

Kalan has a nice voice but I don’t feel any emotion from him whatsoever. I can feel the emotion coming from Clay’s soul reaching into my heart and soul. I truly love hearing Clay sing this song.

Carol
Oct 24, 2007 at 5:18 am

Wow, I had never heard of Kalan and was very impressed. What a cutie he is!!! He has a great voice too! This was truly hard but I voted for Clay because he truly felt the song. His deep feelings showed through his facial expressions and his eyes . This made me feel the song as if he were sing to the Lord as though praying.

vzlanita86
Oct 25, 2007 at 1:00 pm

Kalan has a nice voice, but Clay’s voice is outstanding. I vote for Clay.

Gigi
Oct 26, 2007 at 12:23 am

Kalan gets my vote! This is the song that made me stop and took notice of this guy’s awesome talent!

Sherry
Oct 26, 2007 at 7:21 pm

CLAY!

He’s in a league of his own!

Mary
Nov 10, 2007 at 4:49 pm

I voted both equally good when this first came out, as I really couldn’t decide, I preferred Clay’s tempo, but preferred Kalan’s voice.

I have now had a new listen to both, with fresh ears, and actually find myself preferring Kalan’s interpretation now, so have just voted for Kalan, although it is still very close, and both performers are top quality, but I am more drawn to Kalan’s glorious deep rich voice, more than Clay’s.

Janice
Nov 14, 2007 at 9:24 pm

Clay’s version is really good, but there’s something that draws me to Kalan’s version - the emotions, the reverence, the meaning of the song - I think Kalan was able to capture all these.

Nancy
Nov 14, 2007 at 10:13 pm

Clay puts Kalan to shame. Clay 100 % owns this song.

andie
Nov 14, 2007 at 10:33 pm

I’d never heard this song before now. I love it!

I fully expected to vote for Clay but I actually prefer Kalan’s version. Can’t really describe how I feel about it but it seems to be more soulful than Clay’s.

Chris
Nov 14, 2007 at 11:19 pm

Most definitely….

Clay!

Nothing short of outstanding!!!

faith
Nov 15, 2007 at 4:26 am

I’m a huge fan of Clay Aiken, but NOBODY puts Kalan Porter to shame!!

clara Boyer
Nov 15, 2007 at 6:48 am

Both are very good. Got to give it to Kalan. Nothing against, Clay, but Kalan has a better voice on this one.

Drew
Nov 15, 2007 at 8:59 am

Clay is Far better On this song, Clay is amazing

luvukalan (Michelle)
Nov 15, 2007 at 9:08 am

Dropping a video link from a TV spot for Kalan since all we had previously was an audio.

However, I think we can all agree that both men are extremely talented and appeal to each of us in a special way. I love Clay’s voice and I adore Kalan and his rendition of this beautiful and spiritual song. I thank them both for bringing us such a special message of love.

Michelle

luvukalan (Michelle)
Nov 15, 2007 at 9:11 am

Oops………forgot the link from previous message:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gArbNGH89dM

Sandy
Nov 15, 2007 at 11:05 am

No shame ~ no owning. Two talented guys who sing this song beautifully yet very differently. I love Kalan’s haunting quality and it feels more mystical to me…what the song should be. It’s a pity there isn’t any full length live version of Kalan singing this anywhere.

I still give this one to Kalan. :) There’s a richness and texture to his voice that’s rare these days.

Taylor G
Nov 15, 2007 at 11:39 am

I’m Canadian so It’s hard to vote against the homeboy, But Clay really does a much better job on this one. I don’t get any emotion from Kalan, it’s a bit meh to me, Bland. Great voices on both but Clay has that special something I just don’t see in Kalan.

misty
Nov 21, 2007 at 6:14 pm

I think they were both really great! Kalan just has a different style. It’s all in what style you like best.
Clay has the smoother voice that I like in that particular song. Clay and Kalan can sing to me any day!

triste
Nov 28, 2007 at 5:48 am

Kalan - his voice shows a lot more emotion than Clay’s.

Dana
Nov 28, 2007 at 10:01 am

Clay…So much more the man , not a boy( sorry Kalan) and his voice is so much more pure. Clay gets my vote.

Cindy
Dec 19, 2007 at 8:53 pm

I choose Kalan - the reverence in his voice while he sings this song is inspiring

Connie
Jan 1, 2008 at 11:33 am

Kalans voice is really nice. But this is a Christmas song about Christ. There is so much reverence in Clays voice and the emotion he shows in his facial expressions as he sings. Clay is totally in his element when he sings gospel songs.

Laura
Jan 5, 2008 at 8:15 am

Kalan’s version is the best version for me! I get chills everytime!

Well done!

Ben
Jan 5, 2008 at 8:27 am

KALAN all the way!

Cassey
Jan 6, 2008 at 10:57 am

Kalan Porter - wow!

Coo_Coo
Jan 22, 2008 at 7:11 pm

Here’s a more recent clip of Kalan singing the song live, not on a recording.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=nbRomYuFvIQ

Paulette
Jan 22, 2008 at 11:41 pm

Clay for sure, Kalan is sweet but just a boy and it’s missing all the feeling and emotion it needs…Clay has that and more.

Sarah
Jan 22, 2008 at 11:54 pm

Really? Cause weirdly enough I see it the opposite. I don’t know… Clay has always been too trained and pagenty for my ear, to the point where I don’t feel real emotion from him. That constant grin across his face while he sings probably doesn’t help either… he’s got to work on toning that down…

(is 22 years old still considered a boy?)

Lorraine
Jan 26, 2008 at 10:20 pm

I hope people stop referring to Kalan as a “boy” - he’s 22 and his rich, deep voice is far from being “boy-ish”. I believe he is the better talent and I do think he’s got the better version of the song. I must concede that I liked Clay during his AI days. He’s got a great voice, but I do prefer Kalan’s any time.

Liz
Feb 10, 2008 at 7:42 am

I’ve not heard of Kalan before, but wow - what a voice!

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