Idol Flashback: Clay Aiken, Season 2
August 7, 2008 by Sherry
When American Idol season 2 aired, my jaw hit the floor when a goofy, geeky Clay Aiken opened his mouth in his audition – I was shocked at the voice that came out of him. He was immediately pegged as my favorite and I rooted for him to the very end. He’s still one of my favorite Idol contestants ever. Here are three videos of my favorite performances over that entire season.
1. Bridge Over Troubled Water: There’s no doubt that this performance was heart-stopping, mind-blowingly incredible.
2. Don’t Let the Sun Go Down On Me: I always enjoyed this song anyway so having the Clay Aiken touch made it even better.
3. Unchained Melody: One of my all-time favorite songs ever (thank you Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze), and Clay did it justice and then some.
What was your favorite Clay Aiken performance on season two?
(Edited to add: Originally I mentioned that Clay was one of my favorite Idols ever and that I wished he would put out something new. Duh. I realized after that of course, he just put an album out. I still haven’t gotten it and posting before finishing my caffeine was a goof on my part. Thanks to those who commented to remind me of my mistake! But I do have to agree, not enough has been done to promote the new album!)
That’s a tough one, Sherry. I love Clay’s lower register at the beginning of BOTW and around 1:30 – 1:46. I have not seen this in awhile but I do remember the night, the gasp after Simon’s comments & the obvious shock he felt at just the thought of winning. That innocense was part of his charm. After most all of his performances you could see how proud he was to have made it so far in the competition and to be in each moment.
There were many memorable performances by Clay during AI2 and you picked 3 very good ones. I thought Unchained Melody was excellent, even at the fast pace due to the limited time slot. To these I would add Mack the Knife, Everlasting Love, Solitaire (of course) and my personal favorite: To Love Somebody.
BTW – Each one of the links here were choppy on first listen but the second was smooth. May just be my wireless conection.
Sherry,
Yep!
Great voice!
BTW, Clay just put out a new album of all original songs! It is a very eclectic album titled “On My Way Here”. There is something for everyone on that album.
Clay released a new album on May 6, 2008, entitled “On My Way Here.” Its a great album!!
Is a shame that his latest album did not have the right promotion, not even you knew it is out.
Its a great collection of songs, something for everyone.
WOOHOO!!! Congratulations to Clay, Jaymes, Faye and baby Parker! I can only imagine how thrilled they all must be, especially Clay to have a son. My mom’s birthday is also today 8-08! WOOHOO!! God bless all!