Claymates, cover your ears. I realize that this may be hard to believe, but Clay Aiken was not always the vicious and feared whirlwind of menace and melody that he is today. At one point in time he was even considered something of a WIMP.…
"A sinister cabal of superior writers."
Article comments
26 - Vera
I would like to thank you for the article on Clay Aiken being so positive. Clay is so popular with many people because he took a negative situation, learned from it and turned it into a positive one as he works so hard to make life better for those less fortunate. I've seen him in concert and he was wonderful and am going again! We LOVE Clay for his great voice and for the good he has done and will do in the future! Thanks again!
27 - karencheyne
Eric, you just gotta love that 'road warrior'! It's a long road to Indonesia and Malaysia, but Clay made it back in time to stand up for caregivers everywhere, to honor 'unabled' youths with money for personal projects through which they can help themselves and 'abled' youths, as well, and to stand beside other youths who are experiencing the wrath of bullies.
Was so impressed with Dr. Phil and his obvious respect and admiration for Clay! Am also impressed with Eric Olsen, LOL, for this article that actually praises Clay while exhibiting a true spark of humor. Just love that catchy title: Aiken smacks bullies! What a fun visualization!
Was not surprised at Faye's comment about the topic; after all, parents are usually oblivious to what's happening in a child's daily 'at school' life. We are usually so caught up with trying to feed our kids that we have less time to fight their personal battles.
I have great respect for Clay; and I have learned a few important things about my kids past struggles from his comments in his book. We are never too old to try to see things from another viewpoint, particular that of a young adult who has 'been there, done that'and survived so well in spite of so many odds against him. His positive and caring attitude is his gift to the world.
Thanks, Eric.
28 - Diana
Great post Karen - you said it very well. My only comment would be to those who constantly refer to Aiken fans as "crazy." Most of us just want to support this guy's career for all the obvious reasons - he's about the only role model out there for our children, and yes, grandchildren. If a man with Dr. Phil's credentials can be wowed by Clay's book - that's rather impressive. I agreed that it would be a terrific read for young people and donated a copy to my local library.
29 - karencheyne
Diana: Thank you for your kind comment..and am glad that Eric is getting positive feedback about this article on Clay. ( Have reread all your comments, Eric, and they're 'right on'.)
Thanks for donating Clay's book to your local library, Diana. Re: Clay's 'crazy' fans: in our 'teenage prime years', fan clubs existed,but no one had much money to write letters or criticize journalists for their comments about our current 'star'.. such as Elvis or Pat Boone. Today, the internet and e-mail makes it much easier for people all over the world to express their views about articles written by the 'Eric Olsen's of the world and to show support for Clay to encourage his fine endeavors.
Because the 'voices' of thousands of fans (no, tens of thousands' of Clay's fans)can now be heard, reporters don't know how to channel the opinions of so many people. Instead, they either criticize all this 'input' and attempt to make the fans appear crazy, or they try to exploit the fans attention to attract readers to their newspaper..and advertisers.
Clay's fans aren't crazy..are we, Diana..but, we're older and wiser and....very plentiful. ..and..Clay's fans spend money for his causes and his concerts. No one should call his fans 'crazy'....intelligent is the more accurate word...intelligent and loyal.
30 - jovelyn
clay is such a very good person that is why he really deserves everything he has and he is now because he hepl people and continue to inspire them through his ever powerful and wonderful songs. more blessings to you for your a ver versatile and powerful singer,the best i've ever seen and you have a very great big heart for those who needs. godbless!more power and keep it up!we all love you clay! ur a hero!
31 - Natalie Davis
I guess Clay Aiken should have been named the pope...
He seems like a nice enough kid, odd in a good way, bl;essed with a fine set of pipes. I have nothing against Clay Aiken at all (outside of his music, which is not my cuppa). His fanatic fans are another matter entirely. I have my celeb faves: No doubt I frighten those who have to sit through my passionate exclamations about Hugh Jackman or Claire Danes or Takeshi Kaga. But many Clay Aiken fans refuse to allow anyone to state an opinion about him that does not agree with the view that AIKEN IS ALL THAT IS GOOD IN THE UNIVERSE. Come on! People don't deserve to be slammed because they don't like your guy. You get your opinion; others have theirs. Mileage varies. Some people LOVELOVELOVE him, some don't like his work, and most (including me) don't give a crap about him at all. He's a nice, talented young man who sings insipid pop dreck favored by huge segments of the (ewww) American masses and is fabulously well-to-do as a result. Good for him. Sincere props to him for helping people, but it doesn't surprise me that Mr. Aiken would immerse himself in altruism. He's a nice kid. Still, his making like Mother Teresa doesn't improve his music for those who can't abide it.
I don't want to call his fans crazy, but it *is* crazy to attack people just because they have the temerity to say that they don't like Clay Aiken's music (or looks or hair or whatever). That's just flipping nuts.
32 - Eric Olsen
thanks to all for your kind comments, I'm glad I could be a bit flippant and have it taken in the same spirit in which I meant it. I don't think you guys are crazy, just fervent.
33 - Diana
Natalie - regarding "crazy" fans - please be assured that I don't care what you like and don't like & it doesn't bother me if you don't like Clay Aiken - you have the same rights I do - however - what I object to is the constant demeaning comments in the press - the constant questions about his sexuality - the constant battering his fans take for simply saying "not fair" when comments are made that aren't in the realm of just basic decency. What Clay's looks, sexual preference, or any of the other issues that he's battered for have to do with his music eludes me. He's a nice guy trying to make his life count - period. And those of us who like his music just happen to think he's a tremendous talent. As Karen said - in years past we didn't have the internet to either read all the negatives or comment on them. It doesn't make me a crazed fan to cry foul when constant references are made to his sexuality - he's stated, for the record, that he's not gay - why should anyone care or feel they have a right to comment or question that statement? If it makes me crazy that I choose to call people on it when they do - then I guess I'm crazy. I'm a 62-year old grandmother - I haven't rushed to concerts (although I admit I would love to see him in concert) and I don't buy Clay "artifacts" etc. I do, however, choose to support someone in the public eye who is a great role model for my grandchildren. It beats gangsta rap, heavy metal and most artists who can't put together a cogent sentence and can't speak without using profanity. That's just my choice - it doesn't have to be yours.
34 - Eric Olsen
very well put Diana, thanks. Perhaps it bothers some people that Clay ISN'T gay and yet does not come off as drenched in testosterone.
35 - Natalie Davis
Ms. Diana, that would be fine if Claymates limited their attacks to those who slam Aiken -- stupidly and unfairly -- for issues that do not relate to his music. Truth is, though, I see Claymates going after plenty of pontificators who don't like Clay or his music for hosts of reasons. THAT is crazy.
And for the record, I personally prefer men not drenched in testosterone. For the thousandth time, I think Aiken is a nice guy.
36 - Diana
Thank you Eric. Natalie, to add to the discussion - I do think that every celebrity or most has a small number - perhaps 10% of over the top fans - if you want to call them crazy - okay. This would fit those who went and dug up grass on his mother's lawn (Clay's)when he had his concerts in N. Carolina, and would probably fit one who would buy a coke bottle because he touched it. Elvis had and has those fans as do many others. I just wish that the majority of comments were not focused on that small minority of Clay's fan base. It would take a lot to convince me that the percentage is much bigger than that. Thanks for your comment.
37 - Steve S
Perhaps it bothers some people that Clay ISN'T gay and yet does not come off as drenched in testosterone.
Clay has made geekdom hot, there is a blog comparing Constantine to Clay by saying he's tapping into that geekiness.
Women/girls are very excited about 'gentle' Clay. That makes not-so-gentle guys threatened, possibly.
38 - Sam
Very astute, Steve. Just about every female in my extended family adores the guy and I find myself liking him more and more as well. For them, I think it is as you said. His gentlemanly ways, his commitment to his faith, his non-playa status in a business that encourages promiscuousness to the extreme. I've known a couple of men like him in my lifetime and the women were all over them, too. Perhaps I should add, the quality women. There are always going to be girls out there whose priority is a hunky (is that even a word?), sex-crazed egomaniac - the bad boy, if you will. But from what I've seen, far more real women just want a man they can trust and depend on to be there. Someone who respects their individuality and loves them unconditionally. Someone dreamy like me! hehe At least my little woman thinks so. With Aiken I don't think it really matters that he's not a teaming mass of testosterone. (For the record, my gals can't stand Schwarzeneger and that type.) He has so many other fine qualities that are much more important in the scheme of things.
39 - Eric Olsen
far more real women just want a man they can trust and depend on to be there. Someone who respects their individuality and loves them unconditionally
sounds like a pet
40 - Sam
Well, Eric, my wife does like to stroke my chest hair while she watches TV.
41 - Eric Olsen
very revealing!
42 - Natalie Davis
There go the heterosexuals flaunting their lifestyles again... ;)
And no, wanting a mate who they can trust and depend on to be there to respects their individuality and loves them unconditionally does not mean wanting a pet. It means wanting an equal partner. Which is why many quality humans prefer a Clay type to a macho, hunky idiot.
43 - Diana
Great, Natalie - now we're on the same page. Doesn't matter what page we're on vis-a-vis music preference - and thank you Eric, Steve & Sam - you're all right on too - Most women want something deeper than the preening hunk - Clay embraces his feminine side as do many men who interest me - my husband for example.
44 - Matt
The single most gratifying moment in Idol history was watching Clay lose to Reuben.
45 - Eric Olsen
I liked them both - a dead heat would have been cool, then a sing-off at 20 paces
46 - Matt
Star Search meets Gunsmoke? Interesting.
47 - Diana
Matt, I'm sure Reuben appreciates your support. I think they both won & as they are friends and like each other - it really didn't matter that much. I thought Clay took it well & refused to give any support to those who wanted to fight the "verdict." Personally, I tried to vote using redial for two hours and got through only 12 times - Reuben's mother was able to get through 300 times (or so she said) - I think the fix was in - but in the end - as I said - really not a problem. I'm glad you were happy.
48 - Eric Olsen
in that particular case Clay seems to have won by losing in that his fanbase was greatly energized by the loss and formed into a very cohesive and powerful unit
49 - Teresa
See, Natalie, it is comments like Matt's (above) that get the Claymates going. Completely pointless and unexplained bashing. Although I'm not sure WHAT exactly Matt is trying to say. I'm glad you think Clay's a nice guy, because in fact, he's about as charming as they come...
Diana. Love all your comments.
Thanks Eric, for posting this article. I was a bit frightened when I read the title, but it was a great read! :)
The niftiest thing about Clay is that he really has remained the same. He seems to be the same person now as he was when he auditioned for American Idol (although he probably has a bit more money...)Nobody is going to change him. I'm positive he's read some of the really negative things, and let's them "just roll off," as he said in Rolling Stone.
50 - Eric Olsen
as I said earlier, I am very happy that this article was taken in spirit in which it was meant - thanks!
51 - Marina
Clay is a wonderful person and an amazingly talented singer. The fact that he is sweet, sensitive and non-threatening to women makes him all the more appealing. Unfortunately, those same qualities also attract the "walking wounded". Being a fan is one thing; being a fanatic is another. I have seen a number of the websites for Clay. Most of the people seem to be normal, everyday people (mostly women), but a number of Clay's fans have serious emotional issues and openly discuss very private matters on public chat sites. I just wish someone, maybe even Clay himself, would tell them to get some professional help. I am sure all sites have their own unique problems, but I don't think any site should serve as a haven for psychologically wounded people to obtain "counseling" from non-professionals whom they don't even know. Clay is great, and his fan base seems to be filled with a lot of people who are very caring and generous individuals. I just think that his web sites should be a meeting place to discuss Clay-related topics and not serve as counseling centers. JMOpinion!!
52 - Eric Olsen
thanks Marina, important point - that no doubt lends credence to those who see an above average amount of loopiness in Clay fandom
53 - Teresa
Yes, I've seen some pretty...interesting...stuff on Clay sites. If I were him, I'd be a bit disgusted.