Idol Stalker

98 opinions for Idol Face Off - Unchained Melody Part 2

• Dave
  Sep 14, 2007 at 4:54 am

  How much do you make on all those hits? Fanning the fan wars isn’t something I want to participate in.

• Bouffe
  Sep 14, 2007 at 5:53 am

  I prefer Justin’s voice. Clay clearly sang that song amazingly well. But Justin did too. I like his take on the song.

• toby's mom
  Sep 14, 2007 at 6:06 am

  Wow, they both really wailed on it, didn’t they? However, I prefer to watch Clay visually and think overall he has better control over his voice and a prettier timbre to his voice. They were both really good though. This might be a close contest.

• nancy
  Sep 14, 2007 at 6:33 am

  Wow! I just came across this site! I didn’t know Clay Aiken could sing like that…Justin is good too…but Wow Clay!

• kit
  Sep 14, 2007 at 6:34 am

  Jeanne, please explain the voting. I’ve been voting for my fave, Clay. The count started with 40 for Clay, then dropped to 29, then up to 33, then 40, then back to 29. What’s it all mean?

• Paula
  Sep 14, 2007 at 6:39 am

  I have to give this one to Clay. I remember when both of them sang this live on AI, and how even the critics felt bad for Justin having to follow Clay on singing this one. I loved Justin on AI1, but Clay clearly outsings him!

• JJ
  Sep 14, 2007 at 6:54 am

  Clay Aiken sure makes singing look easy. What a voice!! He is a true natural talent. His performance gives me goosebumbs.

• anonymous
  Sep 14, 2007 at 7:05 am

  I didn’t watch AI the first year so I haven’t heard alot of Justins performances. He sounded really good here. It’s a really undefinable thing, isn’t it, that makes people love one performer over another. The judges were sure Justin had IT in spades. Great voice, very handsome comfortable on stage. But he has had bit of a hard time as far as selling goes. I dont know why. On the face of it he has it all.
  As for Clay, the judges were the most suprised of all when he started to lead in the weekly voting. I dont think they could comprehend what was happening. Right up to the end, I think they were still confused. Especially poor Simon. Oh well, there are alot of people in this world, all with different tastes. There’s room for everybody. I do think this faceoff is will be a good one. I have to go wth Clay. I think Unchained Melody is beautifully suited to his voice. I hope I said nothing to have offended anyone. And Jeanne I hope this poll goes alot smother for you also.

• anonymous
  Sep 14, 2007 at 7:08 am

  I meant smoother for you , not smother!! oops

• Becky
  Sep 14, 2007 at 7:11 am

  Justin does a good job! but Clays vocals still wins hands down for me!!!!

• Lori
  Sep 14, 2007 at 7:58 am

  This is a great song. And 2 pretty good performances. I think I prefer Clay’s rendition- it maybe has more passion than Justin’s.

• Jeanne
  Sep 14, 2007 at 8:02 am

  Dave - the amount I got for last weekend’s hits? Is that what you’re asking? I cannot give specifics but, TRUST ME, it’s not a ton of cash and not worth the headache it gave me.

  Plus, “fanning the fan wars?” I’m starting to think this is crazy (not you, though). Never happened in the history of this site, so I’m watching this poll very closely for a definitive reason for the insanity.

  Kit - I will copy and paste the answer when I get it so that it can be crystal clear. I suspect it was just readjusting *if* several votes were coming in at the same time. Wordpress can be a clunker.

  Justin has 7 votes right now so they certainly didn’t go to him. Clay’s winning with 95% of the vote at this exact moment.

• Jean
  Sep 14, 2007 at 8:09 am

  I prefer Clay’ s version of this song.

• Chris
  Sep 14, 2007 at 8:17 am

  Clay does a great job singing that song or any song for that matter!

• Connie
  Sep 14, 2007 at 8:26 am

  Theres no comparison. Clay gets about half the time Justin gets. Having said that Clay still wins hands down. More passionate and it still comes down to the voice. As a female I want Clay so sing to me. No other male singer today comes close to Clays vocals and interpetation of a song……especially a love song. “Lover All Alone” is a great example.

• Lois
  Sep 14, 2007 at 8:33 am

  Clays wins! I think of all songs Justin sang, this was one of his best, however Clays still knocks it out of the ballpark! :)

• Lynne
  Sep 14, 2007 at 8:39 am

  Lois - I totally agree with you. I think Justin didn’t do that badly, but Clay’s version is just amazing! What a voice!

• Nita
  Sep 14, 2007 at 9:14 am

  Two great versions, but I gotta go with my guy Clay on this one. Justin has a good voice, and this is one of his strongest performances, but still doesn’t have the goosebump power Clay has.

• Dhyana
  Sep 14, 2007 at 9:25 am

  Clay has a voice like no other and such control. I have to go with Clay all the way.

• Kayla
  Sep 14, 2007 at 9:26 am

  You should maybe compare Clay singing the slower version of UM to Justins slow version .
  Even with the faster version Clay’s voice just soars on this one . I feel Justin changed up the song way too much . It did not seem like the same song.
  Clay wins this one hands down !!

• hk
  Sep 14, 2007 at 9:32 am

  WOW-This goes to Clay. Didn’t know how good he was. Will look for his CDs.

• Invisible Ink
  Sep 14, 2007 at 9:40 am

  Justin did a fairly good job on UM. However, the breathiness in his voice (though some may like it) and his inability to sustain his breathing over phrasing — well, it’s just distracting. I keep waiting for him to *sing* but it seems all I see is him huffing and puffing to get enough wind for the next phrase.

  Clay, on the other hand, has phenomenal breath control. His voice is strong, yet can still be tender. For me, he just puts more emotion into UM, and actually, he puts more emotion into ALL of his songs. I think that’s the indefinable IT that cements my preference for Clay over …. well, just about anyone. I haven’t yet heard him sing a song that I didn’t like!

  Clay. The winner. Definitely. Without a doubt.

  Justin .. Not so much. OKay, but not outstanding.

• tss
  Sep 14, 2007 at 9:48 am

  Justin is not bad at all; I always thought he had a great voice and got a bum deal with his first cd which did get great reviews-but given he also got more than a minute longer than Clay still doesn’t prove his voice is better. Clay is ‘da bomb’ on this!

• May
  Sep 14, 2007 at 9:58 am

  I have been doing a lot of research on Justin and think it is amazing he has not done better. Really hard for me to understand that. He sings very well better than 90% of singers out there, that are making it. He has the looks personality everything. I love his version of UM.

  Having said that, he is singing it against Clay, and if in my humble opinion there was a Gold medal for singing, Clay would have to win. He just has the most amazing voice. Power, control, pitch perfect tone. So, although I like Justin’s version, I
  think other songs suit him better. I have to give this one to Clay, the song is perfect for his awesome voice.

• GR
  Sep 14, 2007 at 10:31 am

  I heard these both on AI & I must say that Clay has my vote, without question. I don’t mind Justin’s version, it is nice & it does seem like he has a good voice, but I don’t think this song is suited to him as well as it is to Clay. The pleading and “needing” in this song comes across so well in Clay’s version. Makes me think about what it’s like to need someone’s love so much that your soul aches for them. I only get this from Clay’s version, no one else’s.

• r2m
  Sep 14, 2007 at 11:01 am

  i like Justin’s version and I think if this poll was Justin going against anyone else then Justin would win it, but there is something about Clay’s version that just makes me want to hear it over and over again. Its just so effortless. I get chills everytime i hear it.

• jean
  Sep 14, 2007 at 11:24 am

  can you just delete unpleasant remarks? I am sad that some people are never happy, this is just a fun poll, not an RIAA certification.

  I don’t thinkthis fans the flames of fan wars because seriously, no one should be taking it that seriously. I have tried to participate in some others, but apparently getting hits must make them more visible to You tube and they get deleted, no video, no vote.

• cc-Raleigh
  Sep 14, 2007 at 1:08 pm

  On the goosebump factor alone, I have to say that Clay wins this one! Justin was good though.

• Joanie
  Sep 14, 2007 at 1:14 pm

  Both are good. Kinda prefer Clay’s though.

• patti
  Sep 14, 2007 at 1:34 pm

  Okay LOVE Justin, he’s from where I live Doylestown, PA, yeah..so gotta support him a little!!! He is why I started watching Idol. But have to say Clay just has the better voice. This is not my favorite song from either, but Clay clearly has a better vocal ability, power and range. But they both did a great job!

• mariam
  Sep 14, 2007 at 1:40 pm

  no comparison….Justin is good…. BUT Clay’s voice is so rich and effortless!!!!
  HAVE TO GIVE THIS ONE TO CLAY

• Barb
  Sep 14, 2007 at 1:47 pm

  I wish the show had permitted Clay to sing the full version of the song as Justin was able to but Clay’s was done as part of the AI-2 competition. Justin did a good job but for me it varied too much from the original. I’m one of those people who believes “if if ain’t broke, don’t fix it”. Clay’s pure power is amazing and I love the arrangement. He was spot on and definitely gets my vote.

• LisaLee
  Sep 14, 2007 at 2:05 pm

  Justin has the looks, the stage presense and a great voice, but Clay has all that plus that mysterious “it” factor Simon is always talking about.
  Jeanne didn’t Clay plus 1 or 2 others sing “To Love Somebody”? That would be a good one to feature.
  It seems to me Jordan sang it last season.

• LisaLee
  Sep 14, 2007 at 2:12 pm

  Almost forgot. There is a video on youtube of both Clay Aiken and Kalan Porter singing “Mary Did You Know” (I mean 2 videos..lol)

• Lily
  Sep 14, 2007 at 2:30 pm

  Listened to both, and although I thought Justin sang well many nights on AI the first year, especially Get Here If You Can, he just doesn’t reach Clay’s level at all.

  Clay opens his mouth and the most beautiful sound flows out. Always has, and always will. He has been blessed with the best voice out there.

• Sue
  Sep 14, 2007 at 2:37 pm

  Both of them did a nice job of this song BUT Justin’s version is to short of breath sounding to me. He needs to learn breath control.
  Clay on the other hand is as usual just perfect and is as always the very best of any singer arround today. I love him the Man, and the Music. He is supurb.

• Joann
  Sep 14, 2007 at 2:49 pm

  Justin was good but no match for the mighty Aiken. No one can compare to Clay’s voice.
  It’s just plain, outright AWESOME. He’s the Best Ever!!!!!!!!!!!!

• Nita
  Sep 14, 2007 at 3:18 pm

  I am feeling bad for Justin, reading all these comments. I really liked his performance. I think he is adorable and sexy. He is my second choice of performers on this song.

  Sorry Justin, if you were going up against anyone except Clay, you would probably get my vote. Hugs to both very talented guys.

• Nita
  Sep 14, 2007 at 3:27 pm

  I just watched again, and have to say that Clay’s voice sends like electric shocks down my spine, when I hear him sing this. The intensity he projects just leaves me breathless. He makes my toes curl.

  Justin very sexy, just not toe curling. I sent a vote his way, just because I feel that the race should be closer than what it is.

• idolfan
  Sep 14, 2007 at 3:32 pm

  Clay wins it. Even with the crappy arrangement, there’s no denying that he is a superior talent.

• Anne
  Sep 14, 2007 at 3:32 pm

  I liked Justin’s rendition, but I loved Clay’s.

• Bonnie
  Sep 14, 2007 at 3:53 pm

  I don’t feel sorry for Justin. He is getting some very good and well deserved comments here. I saw his performance on AI and loved it. The problem is, I had already heard Clay’s version the night before. While I didn’t like either arrangement, Clay’s performance was powerful and natural. Since I prefer a powerhouse, glory note belting type of voice, Clay gets my vote.

• deedee
  Sep 14, 2007 at 4:45 pm

  I really like Justin and he’s better than most singers out there today and the dude got a bum rap from RCA. So many awful jokes about him made me feel bad for him but he held his head up and kept on going–he gets a lot of respect from me for that. Rock on, Justin.

  Clay, Clay, Clay, dude where is that voice coming from? He’s got the pipes, a natural, pure talent, he makes it look so easy.

• Pat
  Sep 14, 2007 at 4:54 pm

  I like Justin. He’s cute, sexy, has a great personality, and a really nice voice. If he were not up against Clay on this one, I have no doubt he’d walk away with the win.

  But………..Clay is all of the above plus a bag of chips! A golden voice that only comes along once every decade or so.

  I like them both, but gotta definitely give this one to Clay! :>

• Kris
  Sep 14, 2007 at 4:56 pm

  I watched season 1 of American Idol and thought Justin did a good job. However, I felt Kelly was the true winner. After watching these videos, I think Justin again does well, even though I don’t particularly care for his version. As for Clay, he amazed me with his performance during Season 2 and still did today. I’m going with Clay.

• Targus
  Sep 14, 2007 at 5:07 pm

  I remember watching Clay sing this on Performance night, knowing that Justin would be singing the same song on results night. I always felt the show’s producers/judges were upset with Clay that he would dare to sing the same song as the one Justin would be putting out as a single shortly. (The single did not do well.)

  I did not know who to feel sorriest for in the end. I liked/like Justin, but his breathy version of this song was not strong. Just listen to ‘a long lonely time’ and ‘I need your love, God speed your love’ near the beginning - and you are just waiting- no begging - for Justin to start delivering some strong notes. Instead, it was disappointing to hear the very breathy, sometimes hard to hear, words. When, near the end of the song, he got to, ‘time can do so much’ and ’sea’, it was obvious that as much as I kept expecting him to deliver a strong ending, it was not happening. He did get two sets of applause during his longer version, when he did go for the power to deliver.

  And I feel sorry for Clay. He was in a no-win situation, except to try to make it into the finals. They gave him ‘Vincent’ to sing for the first song, made him change it up just 30 minutes before show time, didn’t tell the viewing audience that they had Clay change up Vincent, and ripped Clay to shreds during the judges comments of that song. I think that was done because they knew Clay would knock ‘Unchained Melody’ out of the park, after they had backed Justin’s version as part of his first single.

  Clay did knock UM out of the park, abreviated version not-withstanding. He didn’t back down from singing it, because he was singing it for his Idol, his mother. And if he lost that night against Kimberly and Ruben, he would never have another chance to sing to his mother her favorite song.

  If Justin’s version was compared to the group last week, minus Clay, he would have won. But compared to Clay, there is no comparison. Smoothness of delivery, power, hitting the notes - Clay just made it the powerful song it is.

  In this pairing, my vote had to go to Clay.

• carol
  Sep 14, 2007 at 5:28 pm

  I have always liked Justin. He’s got a good voice, nice pop style and he’s a cutie. That said, there’s no one who can top Clay. That man is pure magic. He openend his mouth and mine just dropped. I remember doing a double-take after hearing him the first time and not believing that voice was coming out of that geeky little guy. He even looked short the first time I saw him. But week after week, he did just get better and better looking. And what did they do really? Took off the glasses and messed up his hair, and tahdah–Mr. Gorgeous! The fabulous voice was always there. There’s something about him. He simply blows a song away. His powerful voice, holding those glory notes without effort, singing high and low, singing perfectly all the time. And then that beautiful smile at the end, knowing he did it. Oh yeah, baby, you surely did nail it that time and every song you sing! My vote goes to Clay!

• kfc-Canada
  Sep 14, 2007 at 5:29 pm

  Still sounds amazing hearing Clay sing this song..even after four years. With each song he sang on AI2, as in this one, Clay managed to do in one and a half minutes what many singers still can’t do after twenty years…make every phrase of every song give it’s own powerful message or identity that reaches out and grabs us in the heart and makes it unforgettable.

  I’m glad I listened to Justin sing…I think he’s been vastly under-rated and cheated of proper public exposure by his label, who dumped him. He did a great job with this song…however, Clay is a tough act for anyone to compete with..and, Justin lost, in my opinion. but, he still did a great job with the song.

  Karisma comes from within….and Clay exudes it…Justin’s eyes just don’t flash like Clay’s…he’s just not….Clay. I vote..Clay. lol

• Martha
  Sep 14, 2007 at 5:58 pm

  In my opinion, Clay sings this song better than anyone! American Idol has given the world a lot of talented people and people like Clay who make a difference in the lives of children. I hope that the show continues for many years! I only started watching it the middle of season 2 so I don’t really know Justin very well. But, hearing their voices, I have to say that they both have an amazing talents!

• Della
  Sep 14, 2007 at 6:27 pm

  This is so easy. Clay’s voice is pure, powerful and effortless. Justin ran out of air on several parts of the song and you could see how hard it was for him to hit the notes, Clay never even flinched. NO COMPARISON whatsoever. Clay is the best voice to come along in the last 20 years!!

• Joni
  Sep 14, 2007 at 7:01 pm

  All I can say is Clay has an amazing voice, no one can sing this song like Clay.

• Mriiam Martin
  Sep 14, 2007 at 7:28 pm

  Clay is so this the most underated Idol yet the best so far. Clays range of notes is awesome! He outsings Justin by far as is funny and cute at the same time. Clay wins hands down over anyone on Idol!!!!!
  Clays Unchained Melody is the best! and of course” Solitaire”, Neil Sedaka and David Foster realize Clays talent also.

• Sonja
  Sep 14, 2007 at 7:43 pm

  Hi, I’ve never heard either of these guys before but I rather Justin to Clay. Justin sang with more feeling I think Clay sang all one level not light and shade. Quite surprised most people prefer Clay- i think he oversang it. No longing in his voice just seemed pleased with himself for hitting the right notes. Justin built it to a crescendo.

• shonac
  Sep 14, 2007 at 8:02 pm

  sonja i agree!!

  I’m a Clay fan and he was impressive the whole song, but it was on 12 the entire song..

  Justin built the song with more emotion and interesting parts, though he might not have had as much charm…

• kjack
  Sep 14, 2007 at 8:14 pm

  Hmm, two different styles, two different guys. I like each of them in the style that fits them. Both taking their potshots from the bad guys of the world like men. Lots to admire there.

  Justin reminds me of Dean Martin, relaxed, charming, with a very pretty voice. He deserves to be treated fairly and I hope he does well.

  Clay is my once-in-a-lifetime voice. He deserves to be treated fairly, also. For my pick, I don’t know anyone who can beat him.

• Susan
  Sep 14, 2007 at 8:14 pm

  This is hard. I’m a huge huge Clay fan and I’ve never really been a fan of Justin’s. But, if we’re comparing just this song, and that’s my understanding, then it’s really close. Of course, Clay did a terrific job, as he always does with anything he sings. But Justin did a terrific job as well. I don’t understand why he hasn’t done better than he has with his music career if he always sings like that. I don’t know which one to vote for on this song. They both are very good at singing this song - even though they sang it differently. As I said, this is a hard decision.

• Mari
  Sep 14, 2007 at 8:39 pm

  Actually, this is the very first time I have heard Justin sing this. I liked him a lot on AI1-but Kelly was my favourite. I think he has a very good voice, but UM is one of my all time favourite songs, and I didnt really like the change ups-that said, he really did a good job on this.
  On the other hand, for power and quality, Clay wins by a landslide for me. His tone is great, he sustains the notes, and his “Still miiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiine….” gives me chills- add “I NEED your love” the falsetto- it just is incomparable.
  I think though, that if Justin was up against anyone else, he would get my vote. Clays voice is very hard to be compared to.

• Lori
  Sep 14, 2007 at 9:05 pm

  Clay’s the best! That voice is truly one of the best we’ve heard from the music industry in a long time. Justin is terrific, but Clay gets my vote.

• Cognitogrrl
  Sep 14, 2007 at 9:15 pm

  Justin’s UM entertains, but Clay’s UM slays me. He has the passion and the sustained notes that sell the song to the listener. That little break in his voice when he sings “I’ll be * coming home, wait for me” — just does me in, and I still don’t know if it was an accidental flaw or a very well done emotive technique.

  When I heard Clay sing this, I had no idea that a couple of years later I’d be privileged to hear him sing it live in his tour the summer of 2005, “Jukebox Tour.” Once I knew he was singing it, wild horses couldn’t have kept me from getting to hear him.

• cookie
  Sep 14, 2007 at 9:57 pm

  Justin doesn’t have 1/16th the lung power
  of Clay, but not many singers do. He finished those last notes strong as heck. Speaking of the way he handled the “Vincent” situation,total class plus a dynamic singer. I guess you know I voted for Clay.

• Debbie
  Sep 15, 2007 at 4:23 am

  While Justin’s version is interesting, it does nothing for me. As is mentioned, it is a longer version. If anyone has heard a longer version by Clay, they’d see that he does it in the style of the original song and better than the original. If you go to clack unlimited you can find Clay’s versions. He made a demo with this song prior to American Idol days and he sang it during the Jukebox Tour. It was fantastic. This version was short, during the competition, and it still gave me chills throughout the performance. Clay gives a clean, clear, pitch perfect performance that clearly exhibits a much better voice, better range, and better delivery of the song. Justin’s is inventive, but I remember hearing him singing it the night of this performance and sad for Justin, Clay is a tough act to follow. As far as some comments made about how the judges were so surprised at Clay’s popularity for some reason, people need to take a look at him now. He was a diamond in the rough as far as the image thing went, but he is just gets more adorable as the years go by. Check him out. Fan pix and videos seem to capture what the professionals don’t or don’t want to.

• sasha
  Sep 15, 2007 at 6:53 am

  Clay Hands on

• Don
  Sep 15, 2007 at 6:59 am

  Those talking about the emotions so forth of Justin versus Clay, something you need to remember. Clay was singing a shortened version and it was one of his performances to be rated and voted on. Justin on the other hand was a guest performer, had the full song to present and was allowed to be a full blown performance of it, doing whatever he wanted, much as Kelly when she appeared with backup dancers and all. The contestants didn’t get the options to present their 90 second blurps in the same manner a recording artist was allowed to sing a song out for sale.

  Either way, Clay’s voice just soared on that and even though if at a different time I might have somewhat liked Justin’s, there were some real cringes in there for me.

• vzlanita86
  Sep 15, 2007 at 8:02 am

  Clay’s voice is the most amazing voice. He gets my vote.

• Annie Devore
  Sep 15, 2007 at 8:53 am

  Clay’s Soaring Voice Wins By A Landslide! He Hit Notes No One Can Touch. Like When He Sang “Still Mine”. Simply And Completly Unbelievable..

• Tim
  Sep 15, 2007 at 11:55 am

  I commented and voted on the Mack the Knife poll and it was the first time I really listened to Clay Aiken sing. He was amazing and I was directed to his CDs as I didn’t know if he had made any albums.
  Well, I went out and purchased his latest, A Thousand Different Ways, and I have to tell you, I am so extremely impressed. So impressed I bought Measure of a Man shortly thereafter. This is a singer who is on his way to becoming one of the best.
  Out of curiosity, I came back to this site and found this poll. Justin has a pleasant voice. Clay Aiken has a voice that is phenomenal.

• phg
  Sep 15, 2007 at 3:58 pm

  Clay’s voice is better & more emotional. However I thought Justins performance was very good. It is funny how I cannot remember Justin singing this song on AI2. 4 years is a long time.

• phg
  Sep 15, 2007 at 4:04 pm

  Tim-I agree. I have been following Clay’s career for a while and he just keeps getting better. I saw him live this summer & the concert was awesome! He will be touring this Christmas. You may want to check out his website & or ticketmaster for info. Seeing him live is a great experience. Clay is supposed to come out with a new cd next year. He will have a new producer & hopefully a cd of originlas. I can’t wait!

• Carolyn
  Sep 15, 2007 at 9:30 pm

  I just prefer Clays powerful vocal on this song…..

• Linda
  Sep 15, 2007 at 10:04 pm

  GR - “The pleading and “needing” in this song comes across so well in Clay’s version. Makes me think about what it’s like to need someone’s love so much that your soul aches for them. I only get this from Clay’s version, no one else’s.”

  I know what you mean. I am moved every time I hear Clay sing this song - and this isn’t even my favorite version, that would be his early demo version.

  This was the strongest performance I’ve heard from Justin, and agree with others that he would have got my vote on this if up against anyone else. He did a great job. But it didn’t touch me and move me to tears like Clays version does.

• monica
  Sep 15, 2007 at 10:07 pm

  MR. CLAY AIKEN

• Anita
  Sep 16, 2007 at 5:09 am

  Clay gets my vote.

• Pat
  Sep 16, 2007 at 6:41 am

  Clay will always get my vote. He has the best all around voice out there.

• nancy
  Sep 16, 2007 at 7:30 am

  I just found some of the websites on Clay…He really has many fans on the net…You go Clay!!

• anonymous
  Sep 16, 2007 at 7:34 am

  Since I didn’t watch the first season of AI I had no idea how into AI2 I would become. From the auditions I thought Clay was great. Then the shows began and after a couple of them it hit me that week after week it was Clay that I just couldn’t wait to see. It was because of Clay Aiken that I became a fan of American Idol. And it’s because of Clay that I continue to watch that show. The main two reasons being, Clay may show up to sing or maybe, just maybe, another great singer(like clay) will be found. When I said above that the judges were suprised about the audience and the publics response to Clay I meant just that. The judges were suprised not the audience or the viewing public. We knew from the beginning how good he was and we were never as concerned with packaging a product or creating a certain kind of image as they seemed to be. We heard a great singer who was unique and talented and that was enough. And it still is. Clay had my vote then and after listening to both songs a couple of times he has my vote now.

• chris
  Sep 16, 2007 at 9:04 am

  CLAY: Great vocal and energy on this song. Very powerful and emotive performance. Amazing control and his charisma really shines through.
  JUSTIN: I did not watch AI 1, but i remember Justin singing this on AI2. I cringed a bit at the time because it was right after Clay’s performance. However, seeing it again, it really was a pretty good performance and would have came across better if he had not been following Clay’s version. Of course, he is doing the same thing now.
  That being said. i still have to give this to Clay but i hope Justin gets his career back on track as i think he got a “raw deal” from AI and RCA.

• Roni
  Sep 16, 2007 at 10:24 am

  I remember Justin singing UM soon after Clay sang the song. I didn’t like it then but now listening to it again, I like it a whole lot better. Justin has a very soulful voice.

  Having said that, Clay still wins by a landslide. As many have mentioned, Justin had about a little more than 3 minutes to sing the song while Clay had less than 2 minutes. Yet, Clay’s version soars.

  In addition, while Justin did sing very nicely with his version of UM, Clay’s version of the same song, voice characteristic, power and range blow me away. Justin’s voice doesn’t have the kind of voice power that Clay has. So it is Clay all the way!

• Joshy 79
  Sep 16, 2007 at 4:33 pm

  JUSTIN FOR SURE.

• Debbie
  Sep 16, 2007 at 6:10 pm

  If anyone hasn’t seen Clay, they are doing the replay of Season 2 starting Sept. 29. I want to see him all over again. I feel just like anonymous up there . . . I found myself tuning in only to see Clay. The videos of AI2 still give me goosebumps when he sings. This comparison of him with Justin isn’t apples to apples since it is 90 seconds v. the whole song, but Clay still sings it in a manner that gives me the chills. Justin’s voice is weak and thin at spots, but this is one of his better performances. I will still take Clay’s performance, though.

• Jeanne
  Sep 16, 2007 at 10:53 pm

  This has gone MUCH better! I can’t say the system is perfect (I’ve been told to rely on the percentage more than actual vote numbers since that may take a bit to catch up).

  Since this went so well, I’d like to declare Friday’s Clay Aiken days on the polls and on for news. There will be news about everything else also, but Clay will be for Friday.

  What do you think? Clay fans, send me any news you want others to hear about, goodies, fan art, pics, whatever you want. Clay fans are loyal, dedicated, fantastic fans.

  Should I do the Clay vs. Kalan for next Friday?

• anonymous
  Sep 16, 2007 at 11:01 pm

  Clay and Kalan, that would be a good one. I love Clay and Kalan Porter is amazing. Dont know what they both sang,hmmmm. Be interesting to see.

• LisaLee
  Sep 16, 2007 at 11:47 pm

  Clay and Kalan both sing “Mary did you Know”. Only thing is I think Kalan’s is a montage. I’ll check.

• Karen Coffman
  Sep 17, 2007 at 7:48 am

  When I saw Clay sing this, I was so amazed that he could sing this almost as great as Bobby Hatfield did, with such feelings and emotions. I sat with tears running down my face watching him sing it on AI2. Then when they said Justin was singing it the next night, I thought, Please don’t put this good singer go through being compared to Clay. And thats just what happened, all you heard on different shows was who sang it better. Poor Justin didn’t stand a chance. I wanted him to win AI1, but its Clay who puts so much feeling and care into his songs, that makes you feel so good when he’s done, and you just want him to keep singing and don’t stop. As much as I like Justin, Clay gets my vote. To me he’s my “Little King”, Elvis will always be “The King” Put Clay against Elvis with his version of “Suspious Minds”. Now that would be an interesting battle.

• Deb
  Sep 18, 2007 at 5:12 am

  I liked Justin but only saw alittle of him in
  AI1, that said, Clay who has the most
  powerful voice, control and ablility to pull
  you in with him to the song gets my vote.
  I have watched him grow as a performer
  and know we will be seeing so much more
  from in for a very long time.

• Bev
  Sep 18, 2007 at 5:25 am

  When Justin was on AI1, I actually liked him better than Kelly, because I thought he was more than just a singer, however when AI2 came along and brought us Clay, it became a matter of “Justin who”?

  In fairness, Justin does an admirable job of UM, I quite enjoyed it, but no one else compares to Clay Aiken singing anything, and especially this song! His range, his tone, his control, his breathing, his enunciation, his passion and his love of singing are all so evident. So, he is clearly the winner in this showdown.

  Now, if you pit Clay against Kalan Porter, I will have a terrible dilema. I’m Canadian, so I’d feel I should vote for Kalan, but I’m also, first and foremost, a Claynadian and could never vote against Clay. Sure hope you don’t force my hand because, again, no one sings “Mary Did You Know” like Clay Aiken!

• Juana
  Sep 18, 2007 at 11:36 am

  oooo that’s exiciting Clay Fridays!! lol!

  I had never really listened to Justin sing before, but I liked it. I think that he sang the song good, but I mean, Clay did a better job in my opinion. I loooove those high notes and the power of his voice && he makes it look like it’s not hard at all. He is amazing… lol =]
  If it would’ve been Justin against anyone else but Clay, he would’ve gotten my vote. But compared to Clay… Clay is the winner hands down! =D

• Editha
  Sep 19, 2007 at 2:32 pm

  I like Justin Guarini, in fact, I bought his CD. I followed the AI1 and would have liked him to win, but I like Kelly too.
  Anyway, when I sawClay Aiken the first time on AI2 I immediately fell in love with the guy, his voice mesmerize me at no end. His amazing, talented and so charismatic. What endeared me most of him is his ability of laugh at himself and make fun of himself all the time. His kindness to other people espcially with children with dissabilities and even after he became popular and so successful, he is still the same person as he was. He still hangs out with his old friends and never forgets where he came from. What a guy. I simply adore and love this man so much that sometimes it aches.
  So much so, my vote is still for Clay. although Justin has done fairly well on the same song, but in no way come close to how amazing Clay has perfomed that song. You get goosebumps listening to Clay sing, no matter what song it is, Clay has that power range and emotions and hight pitch and exitement and everything else that anybody could put on a song.
  HURRAH CLAY!!!!!

• Bella
  Sep 19, 2007 at 3:18 pm

  Wow, what a voice!!! I listened to both and oh boy, Clay sung it straight to the heart of everyone who is listening. How could you not give in to that kind of pleading? WOW and WOW again and again, does he always sings like this? He’s amazing, did he even breath during that song? Clay’s version and his VOICE is great he has more control and higher pitch than Justin’e although Justin’s is also entertaining.

  I wonder how Justin is doing right now, what exactly happened to him? It’s sad to see some talent goes to waste like that.

  As to Clay, I hope to see more of him, I know he is destined to more success, although, he is so successful right now, but movies or television perhaps? I sincerely hope so!!!!!!

• Lynn
  Sep 20, 2007 at 4:18 am

  I was a huge fan of Justin’s on AI1 and was pulling for him (although Kelly was amazing as well) but it wasn’t until hearing Clay on AI2 that I realized just what real, raw talent was!!! I fell in love with Clay’s voice from the moment he opened his mouth, and this was one of his BEST performances…….the VOICE gets me every time *sniff sniff*. Clay HANDS DOWN!!!!!!!!!

• kfc-Canada
  Sep 21, 2007 at 7:39 am

  Wow! for the 10,000th time…Wow! I wonder if anyone else has noticed that Clay is just as expressive when viewed from behind….not quite as much as from the front, of course..lolol

  In this particular UM performance and when he was filmed from behind singing Don’t Save it all For Christmas Day (doing that litle back kick)during that Idol Christmas performance and when he sang Bridge Over Troubled Water….Clay’s emotions retain their power even when the cameras focus from the rear. (Okay, I won’t go there…)

• rhgk
  Sep 26, 2007 at 7:23 am

  I had to laugh when Clay was singing “wait for me, wait for me!” It seemed so appropriate for the tempo of the music. Way too fast. But still sounded great. I really wish Clay would record a better arrangement of UM for a record label. Still waiting.

• Trillium
  Oct 19, 2007 at 7:37 pm

  I must have missed something about Clay. I find his voice somewhat screechy in the upper register. Give me Damien’s rounded tones any day. I also dislike Clay’s arrangement, it’s cheesy and doesn’t get anywhere near the emotional intensity the song requires..it doesn’t build, unlike Damien’s version. Starts at 8 and stays there. I also find his diction to be over-enunciated, especially on meeeeeeeeee. Damien didn’t over-sing it either ,unlike Clay,and his version is mellow and melting.

• lulu
  Oct 20, 2007 at 9:55 am

  Tell us how you really feel…lol

• Lisa
  Oct 20, 2007 at 9:59 am

  Excuse me Trillium. Where are you looking, Damien isn’t even a choice. It’s Justin and Clay! So much for Damien being so great. lol

• faith
  Oct 20, 2007 at 10:03 am

  I think she commented just to diss Clay. LOL

• Trillium
  Oct 20, 2007 at 6:52 pm

  “She’s” commented in the wrong thread, oops, my bad..but I stand by them..Clay ain’t all that!

• Margaret
  Oct 21, 2007 at 3:31 am

  I have never particularly cared for Justin, (voted for Kelly) but he can sing pretty well. Clay, on the other hand, I love. Clay singing this song just blows me away. He does a tremendous job on UM, and when he sings falsetto on “need” he blows the roof off.

• Langley
  Dec 16, 2007 at 11:11 pm

  I definitely prefer Justin Guarini’s version. Felt it more, and that held note at the end with the use of vibrato was brilliant.

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