Idol Face Off - “Unchained Melody”
American Idol season 2 runner-up, Clay Aiken, season five 6th place finisher, Kellie Pickler and Australian Idol 2006’s winner, Damien Leith all sang “Unchained Melody.” Who sang it best?
Clay Aiken
Kellie Pickler
Damien Leith
Due to popular demand, the poll has been reinstated. Please be nice to each other (and me) this time. Tomorrow’s Clay poll against Justin Guarini will go on as originally planned.
Which Version of "Unchained Melody" Was Best?
Tags: american idol, australian idol, clay aiken, kellie pickler, damien leith, idol face off, idol stalker, vote, poll, video
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POSTED IN: Clay Aiken, Idol Face Off, International Idols, Kellie Pickler, Videos
305 opinions for Idol Face Off - “Unchained Melody”
donna
Sep 7, 2007 at 7:55 am
CLAY AIKEN WON THIS SONG BY A LANDSLIDE..NO COMPARISON WITH THE OTHERS. CLAY HAS THE RANGE AND VOICE THAT COMES ONCE IN A LIFETIME.
Dave
Sep 7, 2007 at 8:09 am
Clay. No question about it.
Jean
Sep 7, 2007 at 8:11 am
Donna, you are so right. Clay was awesome on this song-and all the others he sang, too. UC had never been a favorite of mine, but Clay said it is his mother’s favorite-he did her proud.
Toby's mom
Sep 7, 2007 at 8:13 am
Once again, it’s Clay hands down who is the best. Pickler’s pitch is awful throughout the entire song and Damien just doesn’t have the purity, clarity, power, range, or ability to draw you into a song like Clay. I didn’t like the ending of Damien’s version when he switched to his falsetto which isn’t that strong to begin with. Clay is always pitch perfect too and has a beautiful falsetto.
tss
Sep 7, 2007 at 8:14 am
Here we go again- another landslide for Clay- why do these websites bother?????? UM is Clay’s song now-just like Solitaire is.
kit
Sep 7, 2007 at 8:27 am
I agree tss, it’s a no-contest contest. There’s not a singer on earth who can beat Clay’s interpretation of Unchained Melody. He is PERFECTION here! I think Kellie’s adorable, and I thoroughly enjoyed her throughout her season on AI, but she shouldn’t have attempted ANY song sung by Clay. Being “cute as a button” doesn’t compare to having the “voice of an angel”.
lyd
Sep 7, 2007 at 8:28 am
no contest…clay is in a different league completely. he can REALLY sing this song!!!!!!!!!!!!silly to even compare!
Debbie
Sep 7, 2007 at 8:33 am
Clay is awesome singing this song. He has
such a pure tone to his voice and he brings
you in with him to the heart of the song.
He was awesome the whole of AI2. Idol found
game over.
Lois
Sep 7, 2007 at 8:38 am
GEEEEEEEZ.. NO CONTEST WHATS SO EVER!
CLAY all “THE WAY”!!!
As much as I did think Kellie was cute! Her voice can’t hold a candle to Clays.. And I feel like the judges should have told her.. (like they did with many others who sang songs previously done by idols) That it was dangerous to sing a song that was done SO FANTASTICALLY by a previous Idol.. (CLAY)! Do you think that would happen? NOT!
The other gentlemen was… ok? But.. shoot, I had to turn my sounds up LOUD just to try to hear some of power.
NOPE, no way ANYWAY, can beat Clays version or Clays powerful, beautiful voice!
No offense to the others..
Suzanne
Sep 7, 2007 at 8:41 am
As soon as Clay opens his mouth, he gives me goosebumps. He will win every Idol face-off.
Becky
Sep 7, 2007 at 8:49 am
ARE YOU KIDDING ME??HANDS DOWN CLAY TAKES THIS BY A LANDSLIDE!!! JUST WATCH HOW HE MAKES THAT SONG COME ALIVE.. THE POWER!!!UNBELIEVABLE,,OH AND THAT LAST NOTE..OMG SENDS SHIVERS..NOONE COMPARES ,,NOONE..
anonymous
Sep 7, 2007 at 8:51 am
I really loved Kellie Pickler on A5 but its not a fair comparison in any way to put her up against Clay Aiken! She did an ok job, as did Damien, but jeeze, when your up against Clay you need to be alot better than ok. Clay Aiken can sing practically anything. And sing it better. He has a once in a lifetime kind of voice. The best part of any season on American Idol is when Clay make an appearance. He sang this song beautifully, just as he sings every song. I’d loved to see a comparison of “To Love Somebody” by Clay and 1 or 2 others. Just for the heck of it, that was one of my favorites by him.
anonymous
Sep 7, 2007 at 8:55 am
My god, Clay Aiken is good!
Jeanne
Sep 7, 2007 at 9:04 am
tss - ouch! I bother because I think it’s fun and worth remembering :)
Jean
Sep 7, 2007 at 9:16 am
What no Justin Guarini?
http://youtube.com/watch?v=jtrj7sxLbGE
Jeanne
Sep 7, 2007 at 9:17 am
Jean - Justin will be facing off against the winner of this one :)
Toby's mom
Sep 7, 2007 at 9:23 am
Okay, am I the only one who actually voted? It only shows one vote so far and 16 comments!
Jean
Sep 7, 2007 at 9:28 am
Toby’s mom-I see 89 votes recorded. I know I voted.
Toby's mom
Sep 7, 2007 at 9:35 am
Okay, I see 93 votes now. Don’t know why after I was refreshing I still only saw 1 vote.
I just watched Justin G’s version of UM and you know what, he definitely comes in second to Clay. He has a nice sound to his voice and some power to it. But Clay still is the best by far and something about Justin seemed kind of like he was trying too hard to sell the song and it came off as overkill for me.
Kim
Sep 7, 2007 at 9:42 am
This was fun . Damiem didn’t start off very well but I loved his ending . Kellie was so much better than I remembered . I listened to Clay last because I know he has a good voice . Even so I forgot what power and crystal clear tone he has . Gotta give it to Clay .
Jeanne
Sep 7, 2007 at 9:43 am
That’s why I wanted to save him for a Clay-Justin showdown. I think it’s a better matchup :)
Jeanne
Sep 7, 2007 at 9:43 am
Kim - I agree about Kellie. I remembered it being wayyyyy worse than what it actually was, lol
Kayla
Sep 7, 2007 at 9:49 am
Well gee whiz , another song that Clay Aiken bats out of the ball park! It is funny that you put others up against Clay . Clay will win each and every time no matter what song it is . There is just no one anywhere that can compare with the vocal ability that Clay has !
His falsetto in “I NEEEEEEEEED YOUR LOVE” is just beyone perfection and gives me goosebumps !!! WOW!
May
Sep 7, 2007 at 10:53 am
Clay is truly in another league, wonderful singer, nobody comes close.
Because of that Youtube link Jean put up, I went to look at Justin Guarini, and although vocally he is not in Clays league, but who is?, I was surprised. I really liked him, and cant believe he has not been supported in America. He is so much better than 99% of so called singers out there.
assilem
Sep 7, 2007 at 10:59 am
Clay’s version is indeed the best (although I like them all, I LOVE Clay’s). This was spring of 2003, and he’s perfected his performance of this song even more since then (hard to believe!) He sung it as part of his JBT Tour summer 2005, then he performed it at David Foster’s gala September 2006. They slowed it down a bit, and it has become my favorite version of all-time. Clay just tears the roof off the place! Such vocal control, stamina, and just sheer beauty. Take a look at this UTube clip and see for yourself:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=xmKTUMDMroI
Pauline
Sep 7, 2007 at 11:37 am
Damien: YAWN……..
Kellie: Kind of sweet, but out of pitch
Clay: Magnificent
Lauren(lolo)
Sep 7, 2007 at 12:18 pm
Clay’s was the best.
Kellie’s was the worst.
Damien’s was really depressing and boring. It was so slow and sad sounding. I could just see it in one of those sad movies scenes.
kfc-Canada
Sep 7, 2007 at 12:19 pm
Thank you Assilem for posting that wonderful performance of Clay’s at the David Foster Gala….clearly, he’s the best performer to ever sing at David’s galas.
Without a doubt, I vote for Clay’s version of UM. I think I’ve viewed it a thousand times already and can still feel the electricity he emitted from his body that day.
Neither Kellie or Damien came close to matching Clay’s simplistic , heartfelt rendition. Without an orchestra, without a harp, without any embellishment whatsoever, Clay wrapped us all in his arms and made us the focal point of that song.. ‘ I neeeeed your love’ was so …straight out from the soul…that no other singer will ever be able to match that emotion….
Clay was true to the lyrics, too….’My love was sung as ‘my love’..not ‘mah love’ and he didn’t have to use histrionics or phony emotions a la Damien and Justin. He simply sang the song….and captured all our hearts.
Sherry
Sep 7, 2007 at 1:16 pm
I actually really liked Damien’s version ~ smooth and mellow, and I liked his voice ~ it’s very nice. I love Kellie on AI and have her album, she’s cute, she’s sweet and has a pretty good voice. All that being said, CLAY of COURSE blew it out of the water! I’d rank them ~
1. Clay
2. Damien
3. Kellie
kit
Sep 7, 2007 at 1:22 pm
Assilem, thanks so much for the link to Clay’s Unchained Melody at the David Foster Gala. WOW! Is that AWESOME!!! I’m just shaking my head. I hadn’t thought he could improve on his AI rendition. But, like a fine wine, he just gets better with age.
Barb
Sep 7, 2007 at 1:25 pm
No contest. Clay blew them both out of the water. I like Kellie and love her new CD but this was not her best performance. I thought Damien did a weak performance and I’m not a fan of all the falsetto. Clay is the only one who sang with feeling. The others were just singing words.
patti
Sep 7, 2007 at 1:33 pm
I have to agree with Randy on AI2 when he commented, that he did not like the arrangement they gave Clay on this song. And like someone said above his version since that show is so much better. He wins hands down on the vocals and the interpretation of this arrangement. The man just gives all he has when he sings and he has so much to give with that voice!
But I did enjoy Damien’s version, while soft and no where near the vocal ability, he did a nice job. And Kellie, well Kellie is Kellie, adorable but not the right song for her.
cc-Raleigh
Sep 7, 2007 at 1:45 pm
Clay, hands down, on this one! Clay “owned” this song way before he sang it on AI2! His voice is perfection!
Carol
Sep 7, 2007 at 2:37 pm
It’s just so said to even try to compare other artists to the incredible Clay Aiken - who blows thems out of the water every time! No contest–Clay is a phenom and there just is no other person to come close to this great talent. Wait till American Idol Rewind-Season two-comes out later this month. Clay will rack up thousands more fans as they see him again with that gorgeousn cute baby face and voice from above!
Mari
Sep 7, 2007 at 2:43 pm
WOW!! Its been a Loooong time since I heard Clays version of that on AI2. I played Kelly’s first-it didnt cut it for me
While Damien’s seemed to be good, I had trouble hearing him sing- his tone was just too low. And the falsetto was not powerful
Clay- words fail me. I had forgotten just how powerful his voice is!! And then seeing him sing it again on that Clip from youtube- in a more controlled and subtle voice- well, its Clay way out in front for me.
His voice is unbelievable-the power and clarity of it. Where can we hear more??
Pat
Sep 7, 2007 at 2:43 pm
The others are good, but Clay is phenomenal - he’s my winner hands down, bar none, every time around.
And, Lord in heaven, that clip of him singing this at the David Foster gala. Wow!!
cookie
Sep 7, 2007 at 2:46 pm
This contest is really mean putting those poor kids up against Clay’s voice. And Lois do you really think the judges on AI would mention Clay’s name. Of course not. There isn’t a pop singer around, I can think of that can compete with this man. And Pavarotti’s not around anymore!
deedee
Sep 7, 2007 at 2:48 pm
Thanks Jeanne for posting these videos. I for one find them fun and am delighted that you include Clay Aiken on them. I am also glad to hear other versions as I enjoy talent and all 3 of these folks have it.
While I agree that Clay owns this song, I enjoyed Damien’s version. It was reverent, almost like a prayer and I was impressed with his falsetto.
I absolutely adore Kellie Pickler as a country singer, love her album, but this song sounded like she started to make it country and then forgot so it was not my favorite performance of hers.
I am looking forward to the Justin/Clay runoff. I actually felt badly for Justin when he sang UM right after Clay had hit it out of the ballpark.
That said, no one can compare to Clay singing live, they just don’t stand a chance, however, I really loved Justin’s version of UM on his first CD with studio enhancement and refining, he has a very pleasant tone to his voice.
sasha
Sep 7, 2007 at 3:19 pm
Clay- there is just no comparison. OMG
What are you guys doing making such a comparion?
This is very clear even if you are not a fan of Clay
Clay ’s voice is just very unique and powerful
steve
Sep 7, 2007 at 4:00 pm
Damien : very cheesy , stale performance , he was the winner I don’t believe it.
Kellis : she’s cut, nuff said
Clay: no one can compare, he is unbelievable
cee
Sep 7, 2007 at 4:16 pm
I still believe that when Justin sang this song the day after Clay, that it was an act of career suicide. There was just NO comparison.
Clay’s was one of the all time best performances on any AI show. Just spellbinding.
Anita
Sep 7, 2007 at 4:23 pm
Damien’s version was just too dull for me.
Kelly, sorry I heard it when she was on the show and I couldn’t listen to it again here.
Clay - Awesome. I could never get tired of hearing him sing this song.
Superb!
Bonnie
Sep 7, 2007 at 4:35 pm
Kelly did a very sweet version and I liked it. Damien, sorry, just not good.
Clay is the clear winner.
phg
Sep 7, 2007 at 4:47 pm
Clay wins again!
It was already mentioned that you should check out youtube for the version of UM Clay performed at David Foster’s Gala in 2006. It is his best version of this song & it is the full 4 minutes unlike the less than 2 minute version above. If at all possible, I bet the next time he performs UM it will be even better.
Mari- You can hear more of Clay on Youtube. He just finished his summer tour and there are alot of videos out there. Search for “Lover All Alone”, a song in which Clay wrote the lyrics. If you think he sounds good here, you should hear him do Christmas music.
Clay will be going on tour this Christmas. Check out clayonline.com & Ticketmaster for tour dates.
Sherry
Sep 7, 2007 at 4:49 pm
cee…. when did Justin sing this? I guess I have not seen that.
steve….. do you mean Kellie was cut or cute?
Di
Sep 7, 2007 at 4:49 pm
1. Clay
2. Kellie
3. Damien
I agree that Justin G performed the song better than both Kellie and Damien. However, I believe Justin only performed it when he appeared as a guest during AI2 and unfortunately for him, just a little after Clay’s amazing performance.
vzlanita86
Sep 7, 2007 at 4:49 pm
Clay has an unreal voice. He is just the best.
Ashley
Sep 7, 2007 at 4:58 pm
Clay Aiken kills on that song!
Jan
Sep 7, 2007 at 5:13 pm
This is one of my favorite songs of all time. I love the Righteous Bros. version. But Clay sang it (in my opinion) even better than them, and definitely the best of the 3 idols listed above. He has the purity and passion for the quieter parts and the unwavering soaring voice for the high notes. His pitch is absolutely perfect. This was one of my favorite songs he sang on AI2.
Martha Landsberg
Sep 7, 2007 at 5:20 pm
When Clay first sang this song on the show, I about melted! I taped it and let an elderly lady at church listen to it. She almost melted too. She told me that she listened to it over and over again. No one has a voice like Clay and don’t get me started on his HEART! I love seeing pictures of Clay with his UNICEF work and with children! He is the true measure of a man!!! The Lord has blessed him!
Mary Anne Akre
Sep 7, 2007 at 5:21 pm
This isn’t even close. Clay is so awesome it is hard to find the words to describe. Love him.
When I first came to this site, I viewed the votes first. It said 336 total. 300 for Clay, 4 for Kellie and 2 for Damien. After I listened to all three versions and voted, it said 217 for Clay, 5 for Kellie and 5 for Damien. Huh!!
LisaLee
Sep 7, 2007 at 5:22 pm
Clay of couse, hands down. He’s right in his eme==\
Clay of course.
He’s really in his element when he does this song.
Lois
Sep 7, 2007 at 5:26 pm
Cookie..
Of course NOT.. I know better.. the judges did everything they could NOT to mention CLAYS name.. but that was my point.. You know anyone else, they would have.. Know what I mean? Sad.. But Clays day is coming.. I feel the ground swell.. and it’s feeling GREAT!!!
Chris
Sep 7, 2007 at 5:29 pm
here’s my opinion again:
1. Clay- no contest. No words needed. Video speaks for itself.
2. Damien- nice performance but kind of weak. Has a nice voice but could hardly hear him.
3. Kellie is cute and has a nice voice but this was the wrong song for her.
shonac
Sep 7, 2007 at 6:47 pm
yeah i think justin guarini should be included in this. He’d come in 2nd:)
i thought damien’s was worst! haha
Don
Sep 8, 2007 at 1:29 am
Clay certainly blew that one out of the building. It’s hard to think of it sung any other way after seeing that way. I love Kellie, but that just wasn’t very good. I thought that at the time as well. Had never heard of Damien. Not bad, but certainly no where near the best. I also remember Justin’s the night after Clay did it. Oh, that hurt to hear and watch.
toby's mom
Sep 8, 2007 at 3:57 am
Is the voting tally really
Clay 567
Kellie 522
I’ve refreshed several times and still get thse numbers. It just surprises me with all the glowing remarks about Clay’s performance. I’m confused here. Is anyone else getting different numbers?
crystal
Sep 8, 2007 at 4:15 am
Clearly someone is spamming this poll, toby’s mom. There’s no way the vote is that close.
Kellie’s version was painful. Clay’s was glorious.
‘Nuff said.
kit
Sep 8, 2007 at 5:11 am
As most of us are aware, Clay has “hatahs” out there who do everything in their power to destroy Clay, including spamming polls in favor of his closest competititor (as well as spreading vicious lies and calling D.J.’s, pretending to be “crazy” Claymates). This time, their efforts are laughable! Clay had a VAST majority of the votes here, and virtually ALL of the favorable comments. Then suddenly, it’s a neck and neck race? As I said, laughable. It’s time to give it up, hatahs! You’ll NEVER win!!!
Bonnie
Sep 8, 2007 at 5:31 am
It doesn’t matter what the vote tally is. It is obvious that Clay aced this song. The “others” are only here to vote against Clay..as usual. I agree, it is laughable.
gj
Sep 8, 2007 at 5:44 am
Damien Leith did the best version of this song…….It was wonderful and the best I have heard along with the version from the man himself Roy Orbison
Krys
Sep 8, 2007 at 5:58 am
Clay was the only one to hit the double money note like the original, in fact maybe even better than TRB. I honestly wish he covered this song instead of Rhimes!
Clay handsdown!
Sasha
Sep 8, 2007 at 6:08 am
I have listened to all and enjoyed them all - I wont spend my time slagging off the other artists like some.
But for me I really liked Damien Leith version, the emotion and voice …..I love it, hes cute too……
barefoot
Sep 8, 2007 at 6:22 am
No contest……….Clay, hands down!!! The only one to give me goosebumps!!!!!
Kristen
Sep 8, 2007 at 6:27 am
Damien is definitely the best there!. Absolutely fantastic performance, voice of an angel =]
GOOOOOO DAMIEN!!!
Reidal
Sep 8, 2007 at 6:42 am
Must agree Damien Leith is the best version …..
and ooooh yuk goosebumps from Clay — pass me the bucket now
May
Sep 8, 2007 at 7:33 am
What a waste of time,I am out of here. Obviously Clay is the best singer. Its rigged., and Clay is put here for one reason.
anonymous
Sep 8, 2007 at 7:36 am
Clay definitely comes out on top here. Brilliant voice. He’s so different from everyone out there today in pop music, I think thats part of the reason I really like him, that and the fact that his voice is unbelievably good.
Definitely the best of the three.
Jammy
Sep 8, 2007 at 7:40 am
I have checked out this and some other performances from Mr Leith ……..wow …….this guy is so versatile ……..for those that appreciate good music check out his Crying version and Wicked Game on youtube..
BTW my vote didnt register — is that because I did not vote for Clay
BJ
Sep 8, 2007 at 8:57 am
Clay Aiken, nuff said :-)
what_it2U
Sep 8, 2007 at 9:59 am
LOL, KELLIE PICKLER!!! i hadn’t listened to clay since he did it on idol i went to listen thinking he gonna sound awesome.. but I had to stop it, only a 1/4 way into, it … couldn’t take it anymore. I remembered him sounding better then that. huh.. hurt my ears.. so , I give it to Kellie Pickler. HANDS DOWN..!! still can’t get clay out of my ears… ouch!!
sorry ya’ll…
RofS
Sep 8, 2007 at 10:06 am
Kelly Pickler’s version has to be the worst version I have ever heard of that song. Clay wins hands down, even with the crappiest arrangement, but Damien Leith was waaaay better then Pickler.
Merlib
Sep 8, 2007 at 10:10 am
I watched all 3 videos and have to say that Clay’s is the closest to how the Righteous Brothers did it. Damien turned it into a ballad — and did it well, but doesn’t have the power and just plain star power that Clay has. Clay got my vote!
Mary R
WhatEver
Sep 8, 2007 at 10:10 am
Sorry Clay sound like he was sucking the mic. Love Kellie, and don’t know the new guy but hes pretty good also.
Susan
Sep 8, 2007 at 10:28 am
I loved Clays’s version-gave me goosebumps,just like it did when he sang it on AI
kit
Sep 8, 2007 at 10:41 am
There’s something defective about the poll. One hours ago, Clay: 891; Kellie: 611.
NOW: Clay: 871; Kellie: 581.
Doesn’t compute!
kit
Sep 8, 2007 at 10:46 am
Jeanne, someone is messing with your poll. I just rechecked, & now it’s Clay: 906; Kellie 754….a rather huge leap for Kellie, don’t you think? She moved up 143 votes while Clay moved up 15.
PLEASE INVESTIGATE. If the poll is being messed with, it will take away the fun and the meaning of it.
WhatEver
Sep 8, 2007 at 10:52 am
Oh Please!! Kellie and Clay was neck to neck this morning when I checked. If anyone messing with the poll its the claymates. But hey there known for it..
Jeanne
Sep 8, 2007 at 11:22 am
Hey guys - I did investigate. I think there’s been a glitch across b5media this morning (hilarynews.com for example, at least at this second, doesn’t even have a template up!).
The poll, as it is now, is correct.
I do have to say, however, that the Claymates are a force to be reckoned with if I’ve ever seen one. They are some busy little fans.
If you’re a Kellie fan, unite and fight back!
But I promise, the poll is now correct. This morning there was a problem. I certainly am not messing with it because, while I like all of these three contestants, I’m not a mega fan of any of them :)
Jeanne
Sep 8, 2007 at 11:23 am
Oh, and next time there’s a problem like that, email me and I will look into it (email addy is in the sidebar on the right).
Jean
Sep 8, 2007 at 11:26 am
To Whatever-
Perhaps you would be well-advised to consider a trip to an audiologist.
WhatEver
Sep 8, 2007 at 11:37 am
Don’t think so. But seem like some people do. And by the way if its is correct now. What is the score? Cause I still see 3 or 4 different scores each time the page reloads.
debbie
Sep 8, 2007 at 11:39 am
Individually I liked each of their performance. In comparison, Clay is far better than the others. He hits every note start to finish. Kellie did a very good job and Damien’s second half was much better than the first. Note for note, Clay has my my vote.
WhatEver
Sep 8, 2007 at 11:52 am
No worries Jeanne :) Most of Kellie fan’s don’t even know about this poll yet. But we are getting the word out.. :)
anonymous
Sep 8, 2007 at 12:17 pm
I love kellie, but honestly there no comparison between Clay Aiken’s voice and Kellie Pickler’s.The two versions of this song are not in the same league at all. Clay’s singing is superb, while Kellie is lot of fun and very cute her singing can’t hold a candle to Clay’s. There is no way that these two people could possibly be this close in votes. As much as I like Kellie I would vote for Damien on this song (and I never heard of him before this) if Clay wasn’t in this poll. But come on,he just blows the other two away. Something funky is going on.
Carolyn
Sep 8, 2007 at 1:21 pm
Have to agree, something is definitely wrong here…
Kellie does an ok job…Damien….well uh, no but Clay definitely blew this one out of the water…..everything about that performance was just awesome…
It’s a shame really that there are some who just can’t seem to play it on the up and up…….sad really really sad.
Editha
Sep 8, 2007 at 1:26 pm
To Whatever: Why are you so hatefull of Clay? What has he done to you to be this mean? Or are you just a trouble maker and trying to spoil the fun that others are enjoying. I think you are a jealous and a miserable human being and enjoy hurting peoples feelings. So sad…I pity you, people like you make me so sick (don’t worry I have the bucket here beside me).
These poll is to vote who sings better, it’s not to critisize or put down the other singers. If you like Kelly, fine, I like her too, but we are comparing who sings it better, if you think it was Kelly, the vote for her and that’s it. That’s what other people doing, they just vote for whoever they think is the best, they don’t trash the other two. unlike you….
Think again’ before you embarrass yourself more!!!!!!
By the way Clay has the most powerful voice of the three, just beautiful and heartfelt.
Bouffe
Sep 8, 2007 at 1:53 pm
Oh geez, another beautiful song that was shoved down our throat so many times that it is hard for me to enjoy it anymore.
Nothing can compare to the original on this one.
But…
Clay - sorry Clay fans, I just don’t like him. Yes, he sings well, technically very well. I just don’t connect with his voice, and I don’t like his tone. Oh well, we all different tastes. Putting my taste aside - Clay did really well with his song. I don’t like the arrangement tho - it is sped up too much.
Kelly - Possibly the worst version I’ve ever heard of that song. And it WAS as bad as I remembered it to be.
Damian - while his tone was very pleasant to my ears, his rendition was boooooooooooooooriiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiing beyond belief. He sings it well, and I quite liked his higher register (minus the falsetto, which was not bad but not great). He sang in his lower register (which is actually quite pleasant) for way too long on that song.
So, I guess by default, the winner is Clay….
Jeanne
Sep 8, 2007 at 1:53 pm
I am seeing some problems myself now. Carolyn thanks for the email.
The good thing is that the votes are still there but it’s the software that’s causing the problem.
I’m sending a request to “support” to have them do a real investigation.
The only thing I also want to add is that, like the Idol shows, I chose to make it so that people can vote more than once.
Still… that doesn’t account for the discrepancies.
From “Behind the Scenes” - CLAY is still winning.
cookie
Sep 8, 2007 at 1:57 pm
Lois, I agree with you 100%, can’t wait. And if anyone wants to see Clay looking as good as he sounds plus funnier than heck check out youtube his Christmas 2006 concerts. I think they are best of JNAT 2006. Especially West Point-Have fun!
Lynne
Sep 8, 2007 at 2:00 pm
Interesting contest. First, let me say that it was Unchained Melody that grabbed me as a Clay fan forever! LOL I don’t think anyone even comes close to him and his emotional rendition of that song. I will say that I like Kellie as a singer—great country artist, but this song just wasn’t her style and instead of it sounding heartrending—it was as others have mentioned “cute”. Now, I was very impressed with Damien. His version was the closest to the Righteous Brothers and exceptionally well done. However, I keep coming back to Clay because he is so captivating—he just gives it his all!!! I’m not a big one for falsetto in men, but he can throw it in there and still maintain the masculine, powerful sound in his performance.
Pat
Sep 8, 2007 at 2:15 pm
There should be no doubt of who is better at singing Unchained Melody. I don’t care if you like him or not, be honest if you are going to vote. I like Kelly but you all need to stop the voting just so Clay won’t win. You are just jerks.
afan
Sep 8, 2007 at 2:20 pm
Clay nailed UM no doubt about it.His voice just out of this world. Kellie is too Country sounding, it ruins the song. Damien has a nice voice, but it has no power at all.
Clay wins hands down!
Jeanne
Sep 8, 2007 at 2:47 pm
The votes seem right, guys. I’m sorry.
Please stop emailing me and assuming I’m a Clay fan and I’m rigging the poll.
I voted for Damien (and I only voted once) to be fair. Plus, I liked his singing.
Clay is undeniably talented, Kellie did a far better job than I remembered and Damien was great just “foreign.”
I’m not rigging this and it’s kinda hurting my feelings that you guys would suggest that :(
Carolyn
Sep 8, 2007 at 3:24 pm
Thanks Jeanne for checking it out…….Clay’s doing just fine right now…….and while you may not be a huge fan of any of them…..keep giving Clay a try….watch some of his stuff on Youtube……there’s lots out there…..I think you will find that you will be blown away.. I remember the night Guiarini appeared on idol singing UM……the night after Clay performed the song…..even the critics admitted that Guiarini made a bad song choice!
Clay is definitely the voice of this generation and as Michael Orland said (pianist for AI) and so many other’s, including David Foster….Clay is going to be around a very long time…..Have you heard Lover All Alone, written by David and Clay, who wrote the lyrics……unbelievable……not being snarky Jeanne, but you really owe it to yourself to keep listening to Clay……you won’t regret it one bit!
Donald
Sep 8, 2007 at 4:56 pm
My opionion as ex professional muscian and singer I must say there is no contest here at all. Clay all the way.
Damien # 2,
Kellie, sorry you are number 3
Jeanne
Sep 8, 2007 at 4:57 pm
Oh, Carolyn, don’t misunderstand me :)
Clay Aiken is amazing. Like, seriously. He is uber talented. It’s not that…
I just meant that I have a particular style and his is not at the top of my list but I think he has to be in the top 3-5 contestants of all time. Seriously - of any country!
I try to be as neutral as possible about Idol contestants since this is a general fan site but, make no mistake, I do not in any way not acknowledge Clay’s talent.
Like I said, I voted for Damien to be fair. The poor guy had only 21 votes at that point and his singing deserved better than that!
:)
Heather
Sep 8, 2007 at 5:27 pm
I am sorry but I must be missing the boat here. I made the mistake of reading all theswe comments before I watched the videos. My computer takes a while to load. I had not seen these before so I sort of thought I knew what to expect. I cannot see the fuss about Clay. I thought he was jerky and was running to catch a bus. I played it 3 times to make sure that what I heard was exactly that. I have no idea whee all the rave comments are coming from.
Kellie gave a nice enough female point of view of the angst of love. Countrified yes, but easy to listen to. I also played her version twice.
Damien I thought gave a very reverent version of the song. I believe he gave the best rendition. Well done Damien.
I have yet to check out those other links suggested for Clay due to the slowness of the computer but I will and I will certainly be looking up Wicked Game and Crying by Damien Leith
Braffy
Sep 8, 2007 at 5:38 pm
As an Australian who has logged onto this site I would like to give you some background to the performance of Damien Leith.
On this particular night it was Judges choice and earlie in the show Damien had done a jawdropping touchdown performance of Nessun Dorma. Absolutely brilliant. You can see the relief on his face when he finished singing it. He only had a one week to learn it and he didn’t speak Italian. This second song “Unchained Melody” was done beautifully in contrast to the big performance done half an hour earlier.
patti
Sep 8, 2007 at 6:18 pm
I voted previously but I have come back to see the comments. What I feel so sad about is that, as happens so often, that these polls get way too personal. Everyone has a right to their opinion but I do feel it is not necessary to go after the other contestants or the voters.
For some reason any time Clay gets put on a poll it seems to insite people to a frenzy. I think his fans simply want to vote, and yes they vote in huge numbers, but other seem to resent that. So he has a lot of dedicated fans, good for him! But there always seem to be others who come to these polls and want to make it uncomfortable for those who are just looking for a little fun!
I think all three deserve a little credit for where they got on these shows and that should be enough.
Oh, FYI, yes I voted for Clay.. his voice and big heart have captivated me for 4 years, like no one else. But hey that is just my opinion.
tss
Sep 8, 2007 at 6:21 pm
How the heck did Kellie get so many votes on this???? Very, very strange!! I like Kellie- but there is no way she can be this close to Clay in the voting!!!
Bouffe
Sep 8, 2007 at 6:45 pm
Patti, I agree with you.
I think it’s a shame that everyone take those polls so seriously. It’s suppose to be fun! Yes, it’s cool to see your favorite win a poll like that, but “winning” is not the point here. I think we all come here to talk about performances that we’ve seen in the past and enjoyed, or totally hated, or whatever. And we come here to talk about it with like minded people.
Let’s be objective, honest, and have some fun! So what if our favorite doesn’t win? It’s still cool to talk about it all!
Maudie
Sep 8, 2007 at 7:07 pm
I thought each brought his or her on style to the song. I even watched some of the other links provided, including Justin’s.
Clay was great on the show, and has gotten better since, I must say, according to those links! His rendition on AI was a little different arrangement than how he is singing it now. I wish I could see him sing in it person! Very nice.
marge
Sep 8, 2007 at 7:11 pm
all I have to say is 3 words
Clay AC 7/31
Wowza!!!!!
WhatEver
Sep 8, 2007 at 7:43 pm
Heather great post, I’m a Kellie fan but I also looked up Damien on youtube today, hes a really great singer. But as you see if people don’t agree with the claymates, We are either cheating or bashing. So I have stopped voting for my favorite. I made one comment about that it seem like he was sucking on the mic, That is IMO, your opinion of running for a bus was a better example.. I just didn’t think of it :).. but of course I’m not a claymate so not aloud to have a opinion on things. But they sure have had enough on Kellie and Damien, But guess they have blind folds on when it comes to there own remarks.. Have fun voting claymate’s but my opinion still stands.
Jazzy
Sep 8, 2007 at 7:53 pm
When a Irishman can win Australian Idol he must have something going for him.
Great version and loved the change at the end, and the only “Idol” winner from the three.
Go Damien
sd
Sep 8, 2007 at 8:01 pm
Okay watched all three, very different styles. Kellie is adorable but not a great song for her.
Damien’ s style was soft and respectful to the song. And Clay, while I did not like this arrangement, thought his vocal ability far surpassed the other two.
Have to give it to Clay on ability to sing, would love to hear more from him.
monica
Sep 8, 2007 at 8:14 pm
Unchained Melody, who sang it best?
1. Kellie Pickler - Painful rendition; however, according to the voting, she has received over a thousand votes, very impressive for a painful performance. We are voting for “who sang it best”? that is correct isn’t it?
2. Australian Idol “Winner” 2006 Damien Leith - well, alrighty then. Did not feel his performance was all that great.
3. Clay Aiken, second place, American idol 2 - Sometimes I feel like these surveys are a bit futile, because if Clay Aiken is in the mix it is a little unfair to ask “who sang it best”? I think it is a given the answer here is Clay aiken. God, what a talent, what a gift. Amazing.
Carolyn
Sep 8, 2007 at 8:15 pm
I have nothing against Kellie……she is doing herself proud as a country singer…..
I will be honest and say that Damien’s vibrato needs more control and I thought his performance was very uninspiring……
Everyone has different tastes in singer’s…but Clay Aiken is so much more than just a singer….the man is an incredible all-around entertainer….and as for a VOICE…..well, its just the best..and there must be some reason he has sold millions of albums and has performed at sold out concerts….Clay is a once in a lifetime entertainer……some may not “get it”, that’s fine but millions do and that is even better!
In truth, its all subjective right! But Clay leaves them all in the dust….subjectively put!
Martha Landsberg
Sep 8, 2007 at 8:17 pm
Well, this voting has been kinda crazy! It seems like all three have a lot of fans and that is great! Hopefully, this will end soon and life will get back to normal- LOL. I think that it is wonderful that in America we can agree to disagree! I still think that Clay has a gift of singing (and he is so funny!). But, I don’t only love his voice. I also love his heart and the fact that he wants to make a difference in the world, not just make a lot of money. I would love to have him as a best friend, too. And I am 50!!!
How many other “stars” let their fans line up (at my concert 400+ of us) and shake everyone’s hand???
What a wonderful man!!! You go Clay!!!!!!
patti
Sep 8, 2007 at 8:41 pm
Well Jeanne, you have to admit when Clay is in the mix you certainly get a lot of hits on this site. Love him or hate him, he generates a lot of opinions.
As someone said way back, put him up against anyone who sang, “To Love Somebody” wow now that was a performance, and no one can touch that one but Clay!
Jazzy
Sep 8, 2007 at 8:53 pm
Clay fans your comments are starting to show you igonorance of other artists.
Damien Leith also is very supportive to his fan base, he is also a extremely versatile singer and accomplished songwriter - something very rare from “Idol” contestants.
Kellie also a great singer……..just not my style.
Maybe once the Claymates take the corn out of thier ears and give each singer the credit they deserve, rather than ramble on in some mad fangirly fashion.
All great singers, I prefer Damien Leith’s version and he has the most beautiful eyes, you can see right into his soul, and see the most humble, loving and generous man.
HappyD
Sep 8, 2007 at 9:01 pm
Let me see
Creep, You are so Beautiful, Nessum Dorma, Wicked Game, Waiting on an Angel, Crying……..and OMG Halleluljah
I’d say thats versatile, love Damien Leith
Mary Olivia
Sep 8, 2007 at 9:09 pm
Excuse me…..ignorance of other artists ….puleezzee……you think just because we think Clay is a great singer that means we don’t know about other artists……toooo funny and apparently it is your ignorance that is showing…..oh and your comments about Damiens eyes isn’t fangirly….please somebody give me a break!!!!!
It just might be that most of us have followed other singer’s for a long time and perhaps have a certain amount of discernment when it comes to great ,not so great and mediocre voices…..sorry if this is confrontational but those comments are just ,well ,ridiculous…..not to mention insulting!!
Carolyn
Sep 8, 2007 at 9:20 pm
Let me see……Bridge Over Troubled Water, Solitaire, To Love Somebody, I Could Not Ask for More, Mack the Knife, This is the Night, On the Wings of Love……
anonymous
Sep 8, 2007 at 9:37 pm
Some of you are getting a little carried away, I don’t think bashing any of the singers is fair. Vote for the version of the song you like best and move the hell on. More importantly stop ridiculing the fans of the singers. Specifically Clay’s fans. Some may consider themselves Claymates, but many, myself included just think of ourselves as fans. Period. I listened to all 3 singers and then made my choice. I didn’t come here to blast anyone, just thought it might be fun to listen and vote, read the comments. But some people go overboard.
Damien is new to me and sounded very nice.
Kellie, I love , but this is far from her best.
Clay sounded really great.
hogy
Sep 8, 2007 at 9:47 pm
Get off your high Mary Olvia, talk about nasty, I as a Clay fan am embarrassed by you.
They are all great singers, with dedicated fanbases.
I like Kellie and its the first time I have heard of Damien and he is great.
I like Clays version too.
Teritunes
Sep 8, 2007 at 10:25 pm
I think Kelli did a pretty good job and I am betting she could do a better job of it today as she seems to have become more confident with her singing. I have her CD and I absolutely love it.
As far as Damien, I had never heard of him but I think his version was mellow and sensuous. I looked up some of his other songs on youtube(as suggested above) and thought Nessum Dorma was amazing. His powerful range really showed in that performance.
Clay has several versions of this song up there and they are all truly amazing.
So-as far as the vote for whose version of this song is the best goes, I have to give it to Clay.
deedee
Sep 8, 2007 at 10:34 pm
Geez, can we all just get along. I see no need to put others down just to build your favorite up. I’ll be so glad when this Idol franchise goes down in flames as all it does is incite fan fights.
Kayla
Sep 8, 2007 at 11:04 pm
WOW! What a world this would be if everyone thought the same!
What I do disagree with is anyone anywhere putting an artist down to build another one up .
You might see some Clay fans do this , but let me tell you they are not the only ones to do this . I have seen many fans of other artists bicker with other idol fans that their’s is THE BEST!! I see fights between Taylor /Katherine,…..Sanjaya fans also say he is a SUPERSTAR !
What should not be tolerated is downright insults , no matter where it comes from !!
Clay Aiken has a HUGE fanbase , there are many than like what he brings to the table .
Let’s all just vote for whom we like the best and quit fighting.
Thanks !!
Carolyn
Sep 8, 2007 at 11:25 pm
It does seem a little senseless at this point to continue bashing one another……everyone does have an opinion and rightfully so.
I prefer Clay Aiken…he’s my choice hands down on this and any other song he sings…
Let the “nasty” stop and just vote for your favorite. In the end its still just opinion right?
dmac
Sep 9, 2007 at 12:18 am
So, how about we just play nicely and vote for the singer we like without the embarrassing bitchiness. I’m sure the artists would be horrified. I love Damien
dmac
Sep 9, 2007 at 12:27 am
So, how about we all play nicely and vote for the artist we like without the catty bitching. I’m sure the artists would be horrified. After seeing a wide range of performances, I love Damien.
leigh
Sep 9, 2007 at 4:52 am
No one can sing like Clay. Once in a lifetime voice.
Mary Anne Akre
Sep 9, 2007 at 6:23 am
I had never seen Clay perform until the season finale of AI5. Since that show I have been following his career on a frequent basis. The man is awesome and his voice blows me away.
Since May 06, I have seen Clay bashed about his sexuality, the Kelly Ripa incident and the most ridiculous of all, the foot on the armrest. I have seen Claymates trashed, put down and maligned. I personally have never seen them be half as nasty to another artist as Kellie Picklers, Taylor Hicks and Kelly Clarkson’s fans are to Clay. Kelly’s fans are so hateful to Clay that they even came to his fan site and said some horrible things. I don’t know of a Claymate that makes it a point to go to another artists fan club site just to make deragatory remarks.
I think a lot of people like to blame Clay’s fans for everything, just because they are passionate.
Are there some fans who get carried away, you bet, but you cannot blame the fan base for the actions of a few.
PLEASE, stop bashing Clay and his fans. Oh, and Kelly and Clay are good friends and support each other so it really makes no sense to my why her fans can get so hateful to Clay and his fans.
Bonnie
Sep 9, 2007 at 6:38 am
Well, I complimented Kellie and I’m sorry if Damien’s voice doesn’t do it for me. Hey, even Josh Grobin puts me to sleep. Clay’s fans ARE supportive and very vocal. We have been forced into this position by others who stalk him around the internet just to bring him (and us) down. If any of you think Clay’s fans are the only “fangirly” group, you need to get around more. Clay’s only problem with UM is that his voice is almost too powerful for a song that others sing softly. Still, a great performance.
anonymous
Sep 9, 2007 at 6:49 am
Loved Clay since the beginning and still do. I cant see that changing any time soon. I like a really wide variety of music and differnt types of singers but for some reason Clay is probably my all around favorite. I guess its just that voice. This was a great song, short, but great nontheless.
May
Sep 9, 2007 at 7:49 am
I loved Kellie on AI, but this is not her best, I had never heard of Damien, and I was surprised, watched all I could get on him and he is very talented. Will definitely keep an eye on him.
Clay is another story, His voice is whether people like it or not incredible. Lots of people have opinions about singers, and they cant even tell if they are on key or not. It is not a matter of opinion, It takes effort to learn how to listen, and train yourself to hear, but worth it The most important thing is pitch, if off pitch I am not keen on a singer.
Damien`s other songs I listened to were really good. This one I think was the weakest.
So Clay first then Damien Then Kellie
KartofflMuter
Sep 9, 2007 at 9:21 am
Clay is as always,my favorite,though i’ve heard better versions of this song sung by him. It is his mom’s favorite. Damien is also very good. Kellie is ok. But Clay makes me feel each word. i never liked the Righteous Brothers.
Sue me.
Bouffe
Sep 9, 2007 at 10:37 am
“Some of you are getting a little carried away, I don’t think bashing any of the singers is fair. Vote for the version of the song you like best and move the hell on.”
Anonymous, all I can think to say is WORD! Totally agree with you!
kit
Sep 9, 2007 at 10:46 am
I SO agree with you bouffe. None of us should ever bash another singer, particularly we Claymates. We’re in the cat seat with the greatest singer out there. We do Clay great harm when we’re unkind about another singer. It makes the fans of any singer we’re bashing HATE us, and ultimately hate Clay. A perfect example of this is Kelly Clarkson’s fans. Their display of animosity toward Clay made most of us dislike Kelly (and thus never buy her C.D.s or go to her concerts) simply because we disliked her fan’s behavior. Let’s do everything in our power to never diss another singer, and to encourage others to do the same. (I’ll step off my soapbox now).
Jeanne
Sep 9, 2007 at 10:51 am
Anonymous & Bouffe - *sigh of relief* Thanks for those words!
Kit - thank you for leaving this comment. I think you are absolutely spot on and I think that it really does do a disservice to the artist when fans are hostile, unfair or even unrealistic about other artists.
I thought all three of these renditions had merit which is why I put them against each other.
Carolyn
Sep 9, 2007 at 11:35 am
I agree that is is awful the way some other artists fans bash the other and the fans who support them.
Admittedly we would not be fans if we weren’t passionate about our favorites but it has long been a known fact that Clay’s fans are always blamed for everything by other fans…it has gone on since day one…..all Clay fans have ever done is support their idol….but its been incredulous watching the attempts by other artists fans to discredict Clay and us……
I believe in Clay Aiken, his immense and immeasurable talent as do so many more and I have always done my best as most all of us have to take the high road……
I apoligize if anything I said in the comments were unkind or unfair….having been on the receiving end of this for a long time it was wrong of me……
I will always strongly and faithfully support Clay because in my heart I know he is one of the most talented, charismatic entertainer’s out there today….and his humanitarian heart and efforts make me very proud……He is malingned unfairly and it makes me so sad because he has done absolutely nothing to deserve it……he is true to who he is as a man and as a performer!
I stand tall and proud to be Clay’s fan….always and forever!
Carol
Sep 9, 2007 at 12:54 pm
This has this turned into another debacle, as usual when Clay’s name is involved and people get emotional! His fans get chastised for being vocal, accused of spamming, defending, putting down other artists, etc–when all we are doing is voting for OUR favorite guy, the super talented gorgeous singerman, Clay Aiken. And there are a lot of us fervent loyal fans. We have a right to tell the truth and it seems that even non-fans are saying Clay is the best singer. In some ways, Clay is going to always win things like this. It’s not a personal preference of vanilla vs strawberry. Clay simply has the better musical range, voice, quality, charisma and his performance stands out above others–and that’s a fact! We’re not saying the others aren’t good in their own way–but Clay’s obviously better! He was given the quick arrangement and did an outstanding job!
Braffy
Sep 9, 2007 at 1:14 pm
Carol do you realize what you hve just done? The idea of this poll was to find the best version. You have blatantly answered that you have voted for your favourite guy. No mention of which version is better. I get the feeling from reading these posts that he could belch his way through anything and you would still vote for him and say he was the belcher around. Good luck to him but there ARE other talented people around besides Clay so open your eyes and ears.
Carolyn
Sep 9, 2007 at 1:27 pm
“I get the feeling from reading these posts that he could belch his way through anything and you would still vote for him and say he was the belcher around. Good luck to him but there ARE other talented people around besides Clay so open your eyes and ears.”
Braffy, mean…..just plain mean……and to assume that Clay fans don’t listen to other artists is just plain silly!
We do listen to other artists, even attend other artists concerts……we just happen to believe that Clay is the best, which isn’t hard to do when you do listen to other singer’s…..
Have you ever been to a Clay Aiken concert, bought his cd’s…watched him perform on tv…What are you basing your opinions on?
Clay is mega-talented and perhaps you should read his book.”Learning to Sing” and get to know him…….go see him in concert and then get back to me ok!
Clay is going to be around a long long time..you might just be surprised and happily so!
Linda
Sep 9, 2007 at 1:33 pm
I listed to all 3 with an open mind.
I always liked Kellie but remembered her version being pretty bad on the show. But listening to it here, I liked it! It was a nice soft female country’ish version and would enjoy listening to it again.
I’d never heard Damien before and at the beginning thought it was boring and kind of weak, but the farther along it went, the more I liked it. It was a very different version, to me it sounded very tender and I would enjoy listening to this again also.
Clay - I’ve been a fan of his since AI2 and I just melted when watching and listening to him sing this again. Hadn’t seen this clip in a long time and he just stole my heart all over again.
So…………… Clay got my vote. 100%. BUT I enjoyed all 3 versions - they are all very different and enjoyable and I think it’s great they each “made it their own” in different ways. Kudos to alk 3
Linda
Sep 9, 2007 at 1:42 pm
I coudn’t find the link some of you mentioned to Clay singing UM at a David Foster gig and also Damien singing Crying and Wicked Game. Could someone repost them? I’m not listening to Justins till he comes up against the winner of this poll.
Thanks
p.s. This is supposed to be fun - can’t we all try to keep it that way and be respectful of others and their choices? No reason for fans of ANY of these 3 performners to be bashing the fans fo others or the performer themselves. Everyone has different opinions and tastes and we should appreciate and respect that. Thanks.
Carol
Sep 9, 2007 at 1:42 pm
Braffy, if you’re going to comment on my post, why not really read it first. Don’t you get what I said? Yeah, other singers are OK and THEIR VERSIONS are OK, but Clay’s blew everyone else out of the water. It’s not even fair to other performers to compare them to Clay–he’s obviously got the superior talent and performing style–IN THE SNIPPETS OF THIS SONG WE GOT AND PROBABLY ALL OTHERS WE CAN REVIEW! After reading all the comments where it’s clear that Clay is preferred and picked — why are you going into a diatribe and challenging semantics with me? I thought I was so clear! I voted for Clay because his version was the best, he is the best, ETC ETC ETC–there, has this cleared up the issue for you so now my vote can count. PS: Are you a lawyer? or on the Debate Team at school?
kit
Sep 9, 2007 at 2:25 pm
Linda, here is the link to Clay’s version of Unchained Melody at the David Foster Gala:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=xmKTUMDMroI
Linda
Sep 9, 2007 at 2:39 pm
Thanks for the link Kit!
Linda
Sep 9, 2007 at 3:07 pm
I foudn the utube for Damien. He did very well and I see why he won first place on the show.
Australian Idol does something I like - the VIEWERS/FANS get to pick a song for the contestant to sing. On AI, sometimes the judges/producer picksgood songs for the kids to sing and sometimes they pick bad ones. That also gives them a way to manipulate things too - good song choices for who they want to win and bad ones for the ones they don’t want.
Kit - Thanks again for the link, it brought tears to my eyes listening to Clay doing UM at David Fosters Gala. Soooooo good (understatement)
Juana
Sep 9, 2007 at 3:16 pm
Well… I absolutely LOVE Clay…
Braffy
Sep 9, 2007 at 3:16 pm
Yes sorry linda for being slow. I don’t know what links you came up with but here are a few. Crying and Hallelujah were viewer choices and Nessun Dorma (as was Unchained Melody) were Judges choices. Wicked Game is awesome.
Wicked Game
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DEkRXjC7K-A
Crying (Viewers Choice)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uOy6CD5pl1Q&mode=related&search=
Hallelujah (Viewers Choice)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kA9Gpisd2I
Nessun Dorma (Judges Choice of Song)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZFA1zF6Yb4&mode=related&search=
Braffy
Sep 9, 2007 at 3:19 pm
Carol, I apologise if I misread your earlier post. Please do yourself (and me) a favour and check out the links Ihave just posted for Linda.
Thanks
Me
Sep 9, 2007 at 3:23 pm
oooPs looks like all of my comment didn’t post =\
Well… I absolutely LOVE Clay…
kristi
Sep 9, 2007 at 3:47 pm
I listened to all three, and none were horrible.
Kellie did a country version, and it was sweet until near the end, when her lower register failed her. I couldn’t understand a word for about 3 lines.
Damien sang a soft version, which is ok, but it just didn’t move me. I had never heard him sing before, but I am sure he was better on other songs, as he won.
Clay could probably beat anyone with any song. It’s just a fact. Love him or hate him, he has the best voice and delivery out there. Idol has spent a lot of time trying to make people forget this, but they will never succeed. We have eyes and ears, and this guy has it all in a nutshell! Once you have seen him in concert, which I now have, it will become very obvious to you too.
Braffy
Sep 9, 2007 at 3:58 pm
Please excuse my ignorance but would somebody (in a nice way) help me out.
Kelly Clarkson won AI 1 right?
Did Clay come second in AI 2? If so, who won? I remember seeing the show (don’t know which series) and there was an African/American (am I allowed to say that?). Was he the winner?
I remember seeing when
Fantasia won and her little girl came up on stage. Was that AI 3? I haven’t seen anymore of American Idol.
*ducks flying tomatos and eggs*
Carolyn
Sep 9, 2007 at 4:07 pm
Braffy, Clay came in second on AI2 to Ruben Studdard…..another good singer and guy from that season, though Clay as completely outsold him……
Fantasia won idol 3…Diana DiGarmo came in 2nd….
Oh idol 1, Kelly won Justin Guiarani came in 2nd…
hope ths helps.
Jean
Sep 9, 2007 at 4:07 pm
Ruben Studdard won AI2
Juana
Sep 9, 2007 at 4:09 pm
oooPs looks like all of my comment didn’t post =\
Well… I absolutely LOVE Clay…
Braffy
Sep 9, 2007 at 4:12 pm
Ruben, that’s right. Is he African/American and fairly big?
Juana
Sep 9, 2007 at 4:13 pm
Here goes again. Trying to post all of the comment.
I LOVE Clay.
So yeah… hands down, he wins. But not just because I like him do I vote for him, but because I truly think that he did do the best out of all three of them. He has a GREAT voice. I especially loved the hight not at the end. “I NEED YOU LOVE”. =]
Clay- I think that his voice is AMAZiNG and that he did the best. I can listen to this song over and over again, and it still gives me goosebumps.
Kellie- I didn’t really know about her, but it seems that this song doesn’t fit her.
Damien- I did not even know about this guy, but I think that he did better than Kellie.
So Clay wins… AGAiN =D
It seems unfair to put Clay next to these other people, because it seems that he will always win these kinds of things. He has the best voice in my opinion. =]
Anne
Sep 9, 2007 at 4:14 pm
Clay’s version of Unchained Melody is “Off the Chain”.
Linda
Sep 9, 2007 at 4:17 pm
Season 1 Kelly Clarkson won and Justin G came in second.
Season 2 Ruben Studdard won and Clay was second.
Season 3 was Fantasia with Diana G as 2nd
Season 4 Taylor Hicks won and Katherine McPhee came in second
I’m blank - have I forgotten a season??? Some seasons didn’t make a big impression. I think Season 1 and 2 were the best.
Jean
Sep 9, 2007 at 4:17 pm
Yes, that’s Ruben-the Velvet Teddy Bear. Allthough he is not as big now as when he was on AI2-still has that great smile though.
carol
Sep 9, 2007 at 4:19 pm
Braffy because you asked:
Kelly Clarkson won Season 1. She’s doing really good in the pop world. Ruben Studdard “supposedly” beat Clay Aiken in Season 2, but there was a huge controversy over that outcome. See, everyone knew (and producers admitted it later), that Clay was getting 80% of the votes EACH week, so how could he lose in the end. Rumor had it that they “fixed” the outcome because they thought they could market Ruben easier than Clay who just didn’t fall into the typical pop or soul or country genres–he’s really different and unique –and can sing anything. Ruben is a black R&B singer–a very good one, but again, not with Clay’s great vocals and charisma). Ruben has done very little since “winning” AI2 and Clay has oversold and overshadowed Ruben and become a household name in America gaining a huge very loyal and dedicated fanbase. In Season 3, Fantasia won (a black female R&B singer like Ruben), and in season 4, Carrier Underwood (a country singer won) and she’s doing really well. So that’s the story– Clay’s fans were basically outraged at the outcome of that second season. The phone companies involved in taking the vote calls did admit about a year later that they couldn’t handle the vote calls coming in. So we all think Clay got ripped off–but since he’s doing so well afterwards, it might be a blessing that he wasn’t contracted to the AI “machine.” But Clay still got his start there and his name will always be attached to American Idol. Coincidentally, that show is so popular in the US that a station picked it up to run past shows, and that’s going to be called Americal Idol Rewind. I’m not sure if it’s the full season, but a lot of it will be shown and maybe even some previously unseen footage. I think many more people will fall in love with Clay all over again when the Season Two Rewind starts I believe later this fall. Believe me, he’s just something special and we just can’t put our finger on it. Unfortunately, his record company doesn’t really promote him enough bec