View source for Clay Aiken

{{short description|American singer, actor, producer (born 1978)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2025}}
{{Infobox person
| name            = Clay Aiken
| image           = Clay Aiken Speaks 2016 Politicon.jpg
| caption         = Aiken at [[Politicon]] in 2016
| birth_name      = Clayton Holmes Grissom
| birth_date      = {{birth date and age|mf=yes|1978|11|30}}
| birth_place     = [[Raleigh, North Carolina]], U.S.
| education       = [[University of North Carolina at Charlotte]] ([[Bachelor of Arts|BA]])
| occupation      = {{hlist|Singer-songwriter|politician|actor|author}}
| years_active    = 2003–present
| children        = 1
| party           = [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]]
| module          = {{Infobox musical artist|embed=yes
| genre           = {{hlist|Pop|[[soft rock]]|[[Contemporary R&B|R&B]]}}
| instrument      = {{hlist|Vocals|guitar}}
| label           = {{hlist|[[RCA Records|RCA]]|[[Decca Records|Decca]]}}
}}
| website         = {{URL|https://clayaiken.com/}}
| signature       = Clay Aiken signature.png
}}
'''Clayton Holmes Aiken''' (''né'' '''Grissom'''; born November 30, 1978) is an American singer, television personality, actor and political activist. Aiken finished second place on the [[American Idol season 2|second season]] of ''[[American Idol]]'' in 2003, and his debut album, ''[[Measure of a Man (Clay Aiken album)|Measure of a Man]]'', went multi-platinum. He released four more albums on the RCA label, ''[[Merry Christmas with Love]]'' (2004), ''[[A Thousand Different Ways]]'' (2006), the Christmas EP ''All is Well'' (2006),<ref>Moss, Corey. [https://web.archive.org/web/20060412011810/http://www.mtv.com/bands/a/american_idol/ai5_feature_060307/ "No Love for 'Idol' Losers"].  MTV Retrieved June 23, 2007.</ref><ref>Barnes, Ken. [https://web.archive.org/web/20061112041903/http://blogs.usatoday.com/idolchatter/2006/11/idol_sales_stan.html "Idol sales standings: A fairly exhaustive list"]. ''USA Today''. November 9, 2006. Retrieved November 23, 2006.(article archived)</ref> and ''[[On My Way Here]]'' (2008).<ref>[https://www.reuters.com/article/musicNews/idUSN2528554220080325 "Clay Aiken heads 'Here' on next album"]. Reuters. ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' March 25, 2008.</ref> Since then he has released two more albums, both with [[Decca Records]]: ''[[Tried and True]]'' (2010) and ''Steadfast'' (2012).<ref name="RelDte">[http://www.deccarecords-us.com/clayaiken/releases/ Decca Records – Clay Aiken] Retrieved April 8, 2010 {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100409072928/http://www.deccarecords-us.com/clayaiken/releases/|date=April 9, 2010}}</ref><ref name="TnTN&O">Ehlers, Matt [http://www.newsobserver.com/2010/03/12/381153/a-classic-move.html A classic move] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100317094848/http://www.newsobserver.com/2010/03/12/381153/a-classic-move.html |date=March 17, 2010 }} Newsobserver. March 12, 2010. Retrieved March 13, 2010.</ref> Aiken has also had eleven tours in support of his albums. In all, he has sold over 5 million albums, and is the fourth-highest-selling ''American Idol'' alumnus.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.facebook.com/Billboard/videos/10154046465674581/ |title =American Idols Top 10 Selling Performers of All Time |magazine= Billboard | via=Facebook}}</ref>{{Primary source inline|date=November 2024}}

Aiken co-wrote a bestselling memoir in 2004, ''[[Learning to Sing]]''. In 2004, he also had a televised Christmas special, ''A Clay Aiken Christmas''. During much of 2008 he appeared on [[Broadway theatre|Broadway]] in the musical comedy ''[[Spamalot]]'', in the role of [[Monty Python and the Holy Grail|Sir Robin]].<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20080213152835/http://www.cnn.com/2008/SHOWBIZ/Music/01/29/theater.clayaiken.ap// "Clay Aiken meets Monty Python"]. CNN. Retrieved February 5, 2008 (article archived).</ref><ref name="sirobin">{{cite news|access-date=August 12, 2008|url=https://variety.com/2008/legit/news/clay-aiken-returning-to-broadway-1117990451/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130205143532/http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117990451.html?categoryid=15&cs=1=|url-status=live|archive-date=February 5, 2013|title=Clay Aiken returning to Broadway: 'American Idol' vet to reprise 'Spamalot' role|author=Cox, Gordon|work=Variety|date=August 12, 2008}}</ref> In 2010 he hosted the [[PBS]] special ''Tried & True Live!'' He has also had numerous cameo and guest appearances on TV shows. In 2012 he competed in the [[The Apprentice (American TV series) season 12|fifth season]] of ''[[The Celebrity Apprentice]]'', coming in second to [[Arsenio Hall]].

With Diane Bubel, Aiken created the Bubel/Aiken Foundation in 2003, which was later renamed the [[National Inclusion Project]]. In 2004, he became a [[UNICEF]] ambassador, a position he held until 2013 when he gave it up to run for Congress. He traveled extensively in this role. In 2006, he was appointed for a two-year term to the Presidential Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities.<ref name="nip">[http://www.inclusionproject.org/news.php?id=67 An open letter from co-founders Clay Aiken and Diane Bubel:] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090809151623/http://www.inclusionproject.org/news.php?id=67|date=August 9, 2009}} National Inclusion Project. August 5, 2009. Retrieved August 5, 2009.</ref><ref name="unicef">[http://www.unicefusa.org/partners/ambassadors/clay-aiken.html "Celebrity Ambassadors: Clay Aiken"] ''US Fund for UNICEF website''.</ref><ref name="pcpid">[https://web.archive.org/web/20060925213522/http://www.acf.hhs.gov/news/press/2006/PCPID_appointments.htm ACF Press Office – PCPID Appointments"].  ''US Dept of Health and Human Services'' (2006). Retrieved June 22, 2007.</ref>

In 2014, Aiken ran for the [[United States House of Representatives]] in [[North Carolina's 2nd congressional district]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://thinkprogress.org/lgbt/2014/02/05/3251621/clay-aiken-renee-ellmers/|title=Clay Aiken Already Facing Anti-Gay Rhetoric From Congressional Opponent|website=[[ThinkProgress]]}}</ref> Initially considered a [[novelty candidate]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ohlheiser |first=Abby |date=May 7, 2014 |title=Tuesday's Primaries Show the GOP Establishment Can Have it All |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2014/05/tuesdays-primaries-show-the-gop-establishment-can-have-it-all/361847/ |access-date=November 15, 2024 |website=[[The Atlantic]] |language=en}}</ref> Aiken won the [[United States House of Representatives elections in North Carolina, 2014#District 2|Democratic primary]], but lost to Republican incumbent [[Renee Ellmers]] in the [[United States House of Representatives elections in North Carolina, 2014#District 2|general election]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Jarvis|first=Craig|title=Aiken victory confirmed as more details on Crisco's death emerge|url=http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2014/05/13/4908053/aiken-victory-confirmed-as-more.html#.U3V_TPldXiR|access-date=May 15, 2014 |newspaper=[[The Charlotte Observer]]|date=May 13, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140517152124/http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2014/05/13/4908053/aiken-victory-confirmed-as-more.html#.U3V_TPldXiR|archive-date=May 17, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Lachman|first=Samantha|title=Clay Aiken Defeated in 2014 North Carolina Congressional Race|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/11/04/clay-aiken-midterm-election-results_n_5973622.html|access-date=November 6, 2014 |work=[[HuffPost]]|date=November 4, 2014}}</ref> In January 2022, he announced a run for the Democratic nomination in [[North Carolina's 4th congressional district]],<ref>{{Cite web|title=Former American Idol star Clay Aiken is running for Congress again|url=https://theweek.com/news/1008819/former-american-idol-star-clay-aiken-is-running-for-congress-again|access-date=January 10, 2022|website=The Week|date=January 10, 2022 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Willman|first=Chris|date=January 10, 2022|title=Clay Aiken Running for Congress in North Carolina|url=https://variety.com/2022/music/news/clay-aiken-running-congress-north-carolina-1235150416/|access-date=January 10, 2022|website=Variety|language=en-US}}</ref> but he lost in the primary to [[Valerie Foushee]].

==Early life==
Clay Aiken was born Clayton Holmes Grissom on November 30, 1978, in [[Raleigh, North Carolina]], where he grew up.<ref name="LTSp56" >Aiken, Clay. ''[[Learning to Sing: Hearing the Music in Your Life]]''. (2004) p. 56, {{ISBN|1-4000-6392-2}}</ref> As a young boy, Aiken sang in the [[Raleigh Boychoir]]; and, as a teenager, he sang in school choirs, church choir, musicals and local theatre productions.<ref name=Aiken-Pages249-251/> After high school, he sang lead with a local band, Just By Chance, co-hosting and performing with the band at "Just by Chance and Friends" shows in [[Dunn, North Carolina]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Woerner |first=Tom |url=http://www.mydailyrecord.com/main.asp?Search=1&ArticleID=45460&SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&S=1 |title=Scouts Remember Fallen Veterans |newspaper=The Dunn Daily Record|date=May 22, 2003|access-date=April 7, 2006}}{{dead link|date=July 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> He was also [[MC]] and performer at the Johnston Community College Country Showcase in [[Smithfield, North Carolina|Smithfield]] and at the North Carolina Music Connection and Hometown Music Connection shows in [[Garner, North Carolina|Garner]], and [[Benson, North Carolina|Benson]]. He performed the national anthem numerous times for the [[Raleigh IceCaps]] and the [[Carolina Hurricanes]] hockey teams,<ref name=Aiken-Pages249-251>{{cite book|last=Aiken|first=Clay|title=[[Learning to Sing: Hearing the Music in Your Life]]|year=2004|pages=249–251|publisher=Random House |isbn=1-4000-6392-2}}</ref> and performed it at the [[2011 NHL All-Star Game]] at the [[RBC Center]] in Raleigh. Three demo albums of Aiken's vocals were created before ''American Idol'' with the aid of studio time given as a birthday gift by his mother: a cassette called ''Look What Love Has Done'' (by Clayton Grissom), a cassette and CD entitled ''Redefined'' (by Clayton Aiken), and a CD that combined some songs from each of the previous demos:'' "Look What Love Has Done, Vol 2"'' (by Clay Aiken).<ref>[http://www.last.fm/music/Clay+Aiken/Redefined "Redefined track listing"]. last.fm. Retrieved June 24, 2007.</ref><ref>[http://www.last.fm/music/Clay+Aiken/Look+What+Love+Has+Done+Vol+2 Demo CD, "Look What Love Has Done Vol 2", track listing.] last.fm. Retrieved June 21, 2007.</ref> Estranged from his abusive birth father Vernon Grissom and with his mother's and grandfather Alvis Aiken's permission, at the age of 19 he legally changed his surname from Grissom to his mother Faye's maiden name, Aiken.<ref name="LTSp56"/>

Aiken attended Raleigh's [[Leesville Road High School]] and took courses at [[Campbell University]] before enrolling at the [[University of North Carolina at Charlotte]]. In 1995, Aiken started working at the [[YMCA]]. Still in high school, Aiken learned quickly that he could make a difference in the lives of young people.<ref name="Aiken, Clay 2004 pp. 133-134">Aiken, Clay. "[[Learning to Sing: Hearing the Music in Your Life]]" (2004). pp. 133–134, {{ISBN|1-4000-6392-2}}.</ref> He found his interest in special education while directing [[YMCA]] children's camps as a teenager, and at age 19, he served as a substitute teacher for a classroom of [[autistic]] students at Brentwood Elementary School in Raleigh. It was during that experience that he decided to finish college and become a special education teacher.<ref name="Aiken, Clay 2004 pp. 153-161">Aiken, Clay. "[[Learning to Sing: Hearing the Music in Your Life]]" (2004), pp. 153–161, {{ISBN|1-4000-6392-2}}.</ref> While attending college in Charlotte, he took a part-time job as an assistant to a boy with autism, and it was this child's mother, Diane Bubel, who urged him to audition for ''[[American Idol]]''. Although his ''American Idol'' activities temporarily delayed his academic pursuits, Aiken completed his course work while on tour and graduated with a bachelor's degree in [[special education]] in December 2003.<ref>[https://www.usatoday.com/life/people/2003-12-21-aiken-graduates_x.htm "'American Idol' star Clay Aiken graduates"]. ''USA Today''. December 24, 2003. Retrieved July 3, 2007.</ref>

==''American Idol''==
{{Main|American Idol season 2}}
Aiken had filled out an application to participate in the reality show ''[[The Amazing Race (American TV series)|The Amazing Race]]'' when a friend of his insisted that he try out for ''American Idol'' instead.<ref>Bronson, Fred. ''The Billboard Book of Number 1 Hits''. Billboard Books. {{ISBN|0-8230-7677-6}}.</ref> Television viewers first glimpsed Aiken during the audition episodes at the beginning of ''American Idol's'' second season. The show's judges first saw Aiken as a [[nerd]]y type unlikely to be a typical pop idol, but after hearing him sing [[Heatwave (band)|Heatwave]]'s "Always and Forever" decided to advance him to the next round. The clip of the judges' surprise during this audition performance was replayed many times over the course of the competition.

Aiken made it to the round of 32 before being cut from the show, but he was invited to return for the "Wild Card" round; his performance of [[Elton John]]'s "[[Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me]]" sent him on to the final 12 as the viewer's choice. While noted for his performance of ballads, such as [[Neil Sedaka]]'s "[[Solitaire (Neil Sedaka song)|Solitaire]]", his upbeat performances, including [[the Foundations]]' "[[Build Me Up Buttercup]]", were also appreciated. Aiken received enough votes every week to keep him out of the bottom three. Part of his appeal was his "geek to chic" transformation in appearance. "I looked like [[Opie Taylor|Opie]]", Aiken said to [[People (magazine)|''People'' magazine]] regarding his appearance at his ''[[American Idol]]'' audition in 2002.<ref>[http://www.people.com/people/clay_aiken/photos/0,,20007361_679890,00.html "People Photo Album, Then and Now"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927225934/http://www.people.com/people/clay_aiken/photos/0,,20007361_679890,00.html |date=September 27, 2007 }}. Retrieved May 24, 2007.</ref> He replaced his glasses with [[corrective lens|contact lenses]] and agreed to let the show's stylists change his hair style.<ref>Cooper, Chet. [http://www.abilitymagazine.com/interview_clayaiken.html "Interview with Clay Aiken"]. ''[[Ability (magazine)|Ability]]''. Retrieved May 24, 2007.</ref> With longer, flat ironed, spiky hair and a penchant for wearing striped shirts, Aiken had established a trademark look by the final ''American Idol'' season 2 show.

On May 21, 2003, Aiken came in a close second to [[Ruben Studdard]], who won the contest by 134,000 votes out of more than 24,000,000 votes cast. The result was controversial, as some hypothesized that ''Idol''{{'s}} voting system was incapable of handling the number of attempted calls.<ref>Seibel, Deborah Starr. [http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA417981.html?display=Top+of+the+Week "American Idol Outrage: Your Vote Doesn't Count"]. ''Broadcasting & Cable''. May 17, 2004. Retrieved April 8, 2006.</ref> In an interview prior to the start of the [[American Idol season 5|fifth season]] of ''American Idol'', Executive Producer [[Nigel Lythgoe]] revealed for the first time that Aiken had led the fan voting every week from the Wild Card week to the finale, when the possibly-random voting result gave Studdard the win.<ref>Martin, Logan. [http://www.realitynewsonline.com/cgi-bin/ae.pl?mode=1&article=article9455.art&page=1/ "It's Going to be a Very Strong Season, I Think: An Interview with American Idol Producer Nigel Lythgoe"].  {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120217005739/http://www.realitynewsonline.com/cgi-bin/ae.pl?mode=1&article=article9455.art&page=1%2F |date=February 17, 2012 }} ''Reality News Online''. January 17, 2006. Retrieved April 8, 2006.</ref>

''[[Rolling Stone]]'' featured Aiken on the cover of its July 2003 issue. In the cover article, Aiken said, despite being gay, "One thing I've found of people in the public eye, either you're a womanizer or you've got to be gay. Since I'm neither one of those, people are completely concerned about me."<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/clay-aiken-new-kid-on-the-block-188589/3/ |last1=Hedegaard |first1=Erik |title=Clay Aiken: New kid on the block |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=July 10, 2003 |access-date=June 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230602002902/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/clay-aiken-new-kid-on-the-block-188589/3/ |archive-date=June 2, 2023}}</ref> In subsequent interviews he expressed frustration over continued questions about his [[sexual orientation]], telling ''[[People (magazine)|People]]'' magazine in 2006, "It doesn't matter what I say. People are going to believe what they want."<ref>Tauber, Michelle. "Clay Aiken Facing the Music". ''People''. New York, October 2, 2006. Vol. 66, Iss. 14; pg. 122.</ref>

Aiken made a surprise appearance on the final show of [[American Idol season 5|the fifth season of ''American Idol'']], when failed auditioner Michael Sandecki returned to the show to receive a "Golden Idol" award for Best Impersonator for his Clay Aiken-like appearance. Aiken appeared without introduction in a well-tailored designer suit and longer, darker hair with bangs, looking so different that many did not recognize him until he began to sing "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.people.com/people/clay_aiken/biography/0,,20007361_10,00.html |title=Clay Aiken Biography |website=People |access-date=June 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930183608/http://www.people.com/people/clay_aiken/biography/0,,20007361_10,00.html |archive-date=September 30, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.people.com/people/clay_aiken/photos/0,,20007361_1217602,00.html |title=34 Clay Aike Photos |date=June 5, 2007 |website=People |access-date=June 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070605085821/http://www.people.com/people/clay_aiken/photos/0,,20007361_1217602,00.html |archive-date=June 5, 2007}}</ref>
The second season of the ''[[American Idol Rewind]]'' series (2007) was narrated by Aiken.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.syracuse.com/idolthoughts/2007/09/american_idol_rewind_premieres.html |title='American Idol Rewind' premieres locally |date=September 29, 2007 |website=Syracuse.com |access-date=June 1, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://movieweb.com/american-idol-rewind-returns-to-highlight-american-idol-season-two/ |title=American Idol Rewind Returns to Highlight American Idol Season Two |date=October 2, 2007 |website=Movieweb |access-date=June 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200925201633/https://movieweb.com/american-idol-rewind-returns-to-highlight-american-idol-season-two/ |archive-date=September 25, 2020}}</ref>

Aiken is reportedly one of the top 10 earners of ''Idol'', earning an estimated $1.5&nbsp;million in 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.abc2news.com/dpp/entertainment/top-earners-from-%22american-idol%22|title=Top earners from 'American Idol'|publisher=Abc2news.com|date=July 25, 2011|access-date=July 2, 2013 |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131011142037/http://www.abc2news.com/dpp/entertainment/top-earners-from-%22american-idol%22|archive-date=October 11, 2013}}</ref>

===''American Idol'' season 2 performances and results===
{|class="wikitable"
|-
!Week
!Theme
!Song
!Artist
!Order
!Result
|-
|Audition
|Free Choice
|"Always And Forever"
|[[Heatwave (band)|Heatwave]]
|N/A
|Advanced
|-
|Top 32/<br />Semi-final Group 2
|Free Choice
|"[[Open Arms (Journey song)|Open Arms]]"
|[[Journey (band)|Journey]]
|1
|Top 3<br />Wild Card
|-
|Wild Card
|Free Choice
|"[[Don't Let The Sun Go Down on Me]]"
|[[Elton John]]
|2
|Selected<br />Public Vote
|-
|Top 12
|Motown
|"[[I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)]]"
|[[Four Tops]]
|7
|Safe
|-
|Top 11
|Movie Soundtracks
|"[[Somewhere Out There (James Horner song)|Somewhere Out There]]" – ''[[An American Tail]]''
|[[Linda Ronstadt]]/<br />[[James Ingram]]
|4
|Safe
|-
|Top 10
|Country Rock
|"[[Someone Else's Star]]"
|[[Bryan White]]
|10
|Safe
|-
|Top 8{{ref|1|1}}
|Disco
|"[[Everlasting Love]]"
|[[Carl Carlton]]
|4
|Safe
|-
|Top 8
|Billboard Number 1
|"[[At This Moment]]"
|[[Billy Vera]]
|1
|Safe
|-
|Top 7
|[[Billy Joel]]
|"[[Tell Her About It]]"
|Billy Joel
|7
|Safe
|-
|Top 6
|[[Diane Warren]]
|"[[I Could Not Ask For More]]"
|[[Edwin McCain]]
|2
|Safe
|-
|Top 5
|1960s<br />[[Neil Sedaka]]
|"[[Build Me Up Buttercup]]"<br />"[[Solitaire (Neil Sedaka song)|Solitaire]]"
|[[The Foundations]]<br />Neil Sedaka
|5<br />10
|Safe
|-
|Top 4
|[[Bee Gees]]
|"[[To Love Somebody (song)|To Love Somebody]]"<br />"[[Grease (song)|Grease]]"
|Bee Gees<br />[[Frankie Valli]]
|2<br />6
|Safe
|-
|Top 3
|Random Choice<br />Judges' Choice<br />Idol's Choice
|"[[Vincent (Don McLean song)|Vincent]]"<br />"[[Mack The Knife]]"<br />"[[Unchained Melody]]"
|[[Don McLean]]<br />[[Bobby Darin]]<br />[[The Righteous Brothers]]
|3<br />6<br />9
|Safe
|-
|Top 2
|Finale
|"[[This Is the Night (Clay Aiken song)|This Is the Night]]"<br />"[[Here, There And Everywhere]]"<br />"[[Bridge Over Troubled Water (song)|Bridge Over Troubled Water]]"
|Clay Aiken<br />[[The Beatles]]<br />[[Simon & Garfunkel]]
|2<br />4<br />6
|Runner-up
|}
* <small>{{note|1|Note 1}} Due to [[Corey Clark]]'s disqualification, the Top 9 performances became Top 8 when no one was eliminated.</small>

==Music==

===2003–2004: ''Measure of a Man''===
On October 14, 2003, Aiken released his first solo album, ''[[Measure of a Man (Clay Aiken album)|Measure of a Man]]'', which debuted at number one on the [[Billboard 200]], with 613,000 copies sold in its first week, the highest-selling debut for a solo artist in 10 years.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wral.com/news/local/story/107508/ |title=Aiken CD Highest-Selling Debut Album Since 1993 |date=November 6, 2003 |publisher=WRAL |access-date=June 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110614060309/http://www.wral.com/news/local/story/107508/ |archive-date=June 14, 2011}}</ref> The album received [[RIAA]] [[Platinum album|Double Platinum]] certification on November 17, 2003 (a Double Platinum plaque was presented to Aiken by [[Clive Davis]] on October 22, 2003, during ''[[Good Morning America]]''). The album spawned both the hit single "[[Invisible (D-Side song)#Clay Aiken version|Invisible]]" and his first hit song, "[[This Is the Night (Clay Aiken song)|This Is the Night]]" (both co-written by British songwriter [[Chris Braide]]). Later that year, Aiken won the Fan's Choice Award at the [[American Music Awards]] ceremony, and his CD single "This Is The Night/Bridge Over Troubled Water" won the Billboard award for the Best-Selling Single of 2003.

===2004–2006: ''Merry Christmas With Love''===
On November 16, 2004, Aiken released a holiday album titled ''[[Merry Christmas with Love]]'', which set a new record for fastest-selling holiday album in the [[Soundscan]] era (since 1991).<ref>Rogers, Steve. [http://www.realitytvworld.com/news/clay-aiken-merry-christmas-with-love-holiday-album-debuts-record-sales-3082.php Clay Aiken's "Merry Christmas With Love" holiday album debuts to record sales] realitytvworld.com. November 29, 2004. Retrieved August 8, 2009.</ref> The album debuted at number four on the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]] and tied [[Céline Dion]]'s record for the highest debut by a holiday album in the history of ''Billboard'' magazine. ''[[Merry Christmas with Love]]'' sold over 1,000,000 copies retail in six weeks and was the best-selling holiday album of 2004, receiving RIAA Platinum certification on January 6, 2005.

===2006–2008: ''A Thousand Different Ways'' And ''All Is Well''===
Aiken's second studio album, ''[[A Thousand Different Ways]]'', was released September 19, 2006.<ref>[http://www.livedaily.com/news/10719.html "New Releases, Sept. 19: Elton John, Clay Aiken, Diana Krall"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100514045923/http://www.livedaily.com/news/10719.html|date=May 14, 2010}} liveDaily.com. September 18, 2006. Retrieved July 25, 2009.</ref> He worked on the album under the guidance of Canadian producer and A&R executive Jaymes Foster.<ref>Bliss, Karen. {{usurped|1=[https://archive.today/20060216043223/http://jam.canoe.ca/Music/Lowdown/2005/11/07/1296988.html "Aiken and Canadian Producer See Eye to Eye"]}}. ''JAM!'' November 7, 2005. Retrieved April 8, 2006.</ref> The album contains ten cover songs and four new songs, one of which Aiken co-wrote. [[Clive Davis]] is credited with the cover concept.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.accesshollywood.com/news/ah1100.shtml |title=Clay Aiken Releases New Album |date=August 3, 2006 |website=Access Hollywood |access-date=June 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061029130655/http://www.accesshollywood.com/news/ah1100.shtml |archive-date=October 29, 2006}}</ref> with the album on [[iTunes]]. Debuting at number two on the Billboard chart, ''A Thousand Different Ways'' made Aiken the fourth artist ever to have his first three albums debut in the Top 5 and scan over 200,000 in the first week.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/chart-beat-163-57111/ |title=Chart Beat: Fred discusses Clay Aiken, Miki Howard and more |date=September 28, 2006 |magazine=Billboard |access-date=June 1, 2023}}</ref>

Aiken's second Christmas album, ''All Is Well'' (an [[EP]] of four Christmas songs), was released exclusively to [[Walmart]] on November 28, 2006, and was released to [[iTunes]] as a digital download in December 2007.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5347146 |title=All is Well: Songs for Christmas (Wal-Mart Exclusive) |website=Wal-Mart |access-date=May 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20071213061015/http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5347146 |archive-date=December 13, 2007}}</ref>

===2008–2009: ''On My Way Here''===
Aiken stated in an April 2007 interview with ''People'' that he was planning a new album, and during his May 2007 appearance on ''[[Jimmy Kimmel Live!]]'', he mentioned that he was in Los Angeles interviewing producers for the new album.<ref>Richards, Constance. [http://www.people.com/people/package/americanidol2007/article/0,,20007868_20033417,00.html "Clay Aiken: 'Idol Is a Drug'"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070407224232/http://www.people.com/people/package/americanidol2007/article/0,,20007868_20033417,00.html |date=April 7, 2007 }}. ''People''. April 3, 2007. Retrieved April 13, 2007.</ref> Aiken found a song, "On My Way Here", written by [[OneRepublic]] frontman [[Ryan Tedder]], that struck a chord with him and became the inspiration for the album's theme in addition to the album title. For a cohesive sound, Aiken chose Mark '[[Kipper (musician)|Kipper]]' Eldridge to produce the entire album. ''[[On My Way Here]]'' was released May 6, 2008, on the [[RCA Corporation|RCA]] label.<ref>Cohen, Jonathan. [https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1046103/clay-aiken-heads-here-on-next-album "Clay Aiken Heads 'Here' On Next Album"]. ''Billboard''. March 21, 2008. Retrieved March 21, 2008.</ref>

According to an article posted on ''Billboard'', Aiken and RCA parted ways shortly after his ''On My Way Here'' album was released.
Aiken's rep confirmed to ''People'' magazine that Aiken left RCA.<ref>[https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/269373/clay-aiken-parts-ways-with-rca Clay Aiken Parts Ways With RCA] ''Billboard''. by Shirley Halperin. February 20, 2009. Retrieved February 20, 2009.</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20090223193724/http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20260594,00.html Clay Aiken Leaves His Record Label] ''People''. by David Caplan. February 20, 2009. Retrieved February 20, 2009.</ref> Stated in the cited ''People'' article, "The buzz about Aiken's exit was fueled earlier this week when his picture disappeared online and Billboard, citing unnamed sources, reported Friday that Aiken, 30, had been dropped by the label. According to Billboard, Aiken's 2008 album "On My Way Here" sold just 159,000 copies in the U.S., compared to his 2003 debut album, "Measure of a Man", which sold 2.78&nbsp;million copies".

A fifth album, ''[[Playlist: The Very Best of Clay Aiken|The Very Best of Clay Aiken]]'', was released at the end of March 2009 on Sony's [[Legacy Recordings]] Playlist Series.<ref>[http://www.clayonline.com/news Clay Aiken's favorite songs was released through the Playlist Series] ClayOnline News. February 27, 2009. Retrieved February 27, 2009.</ref> This album was a compilation of songs that had been included on the previous albums released by RCA. First week sales of 3000 copies placed ''Playlist: The Very Best of Clay Aiken'' at number 173 on the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]] chart and at number ten on the Top Internet Albums chart.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20090413070639/http://uk.reuters.com/article/billboardCharts/idUKN1029973020090410 Top Internet Albums for the 4/18/2009 issue] Reuters UK. April 10, 2009. Retrieved April 10, 2009.</ref>

===2009–2011: ''Tried and True''===
On August 10, 2009, it was announced on Aiken's official website that he had signed with [[Decca Records]] and he would have new music out by early 2010.<ref>[http://www.clayonline.com/news We Are Excited To Announce...] ClayOnline News. August 10, 2009. Retrieved August 10, 2009.</ref> Performing the songs from his new album, ''[[Tried and True]]'', Aiken held a one night only concert at the [[Raleigh Memorial Auditorium]] in Raleigh, North Carolina on March 12, 2010. The concert, filmed for [[PBS]] broadcast, included guest appearances by [[Ruben Studdard]] and [[Linda Eder]].<ref name="TnTN&O"/><ref name="BB100623">Graff, Gary. [https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/957658/clay-aiken-ready-for-tour-would-return-to-idol-as-judge Clay Aiken Ready For Tour, Would Return to 'Idol' As Judge] ''Billboard''. June 23, 2010. Retrieved June 23, 2010.</ref> Eder joined Aiken on stage for their duet of "[[Crying (Roy Orbison song)|Crying]]", which they recorded for his album. The album was released on June 1, 2010, and features songs popular in the 1950s and 1960s, including two Aiken covered during his run on ''American Idol'', "[[Mack the Knife]]" and "[[Unchained Melody]]".<ref name="RelDte"/> In conjunction with the PBS special a companion DVD, ''Tried & True Live!'', was released on July 27, 2010. A tour to promote the album is planned for early 2014.

===2011–present: ''Steadfast'' and ''Christmas Bells Are Ringing''===
On December 20, 2011, Aiken released a new single, "Bring Back My Love" under the Decca Label. The single is his first original song since the release of his album ''[[On My Way Here]]'' in 2008. On March 27, 2012, Aiken released ''Steadfast'', a new album of previous recordings and songs only sung in concerts. The album debuted at number 120 on the Billboard 200 chart with sales of 4,000 in the first week.<ref>{{cite news|title=McCreery's 'Clear as Day' takes the top 'Idol' album spot|url=http://content.usatoday.com/communities/idolchatter/post/2012/04/mccreerys-clear-as-day-takes-the-top-idol-album-spot/1|last=Mansfield|first=Brian|series=Idol Chatter|work=USA Today|date=April 4, 2012|access-date=December 15, 2013}}</ref>

On November 22, 2024, Aiken released a new holiday album, ''Christmas Bells Are Ringing''.{{Citation needed|date=August 2025}} Aiken has released three new singles, a Father's Day version of his song "Measure of a Man" and two new versions of "Invisible".{{Citation needed|date=August 2025}}

==Television==
Aiken has made many television appearances.<ref name="IMDB">{{IMDb name|id=1341750}}</ref>

On Labor Day 2003, Aiken sang "Bridge Over Troubled Water" at the ''[[Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon]]'' and received a standing ovation from the audience. Lewis compared Aiken with [[Frank Sinatra]] and marveled at the dedication of Aiken's fan base:

{{blockquote|We have someone here today from the smash hit show ''American Idol''. We're thrilled to have him joining us today, because when it was made known that he would appear on this Telethon, the emails and the fan clubs that this young man has have sent us $30,000.00 just at the fact that he was here. And I can honestly say I have never, in all of my life, seen a theatrical groundswell that this kid has motivated, that it makes us all come right back to the bobby sox and Frank. And isn't it nice to live through that magnificence again? Here is Clay Aiken.<ref name="ClayMDA">[[q:Clay Aiken#Quotes about Clay Aiken]]</ref>}}

That same year, Aiken sang "[[The Star-Spangled Banner]]" on the opening night of the [[2003 World Series]] and appeared in numerous television specials during the winter of 2003, including ''[[Disney]]'s Christmas Day Parade'' and the ''[[Nick at Nite]] Holiday Special'', where he sang the "[[Little Drummer Boy]]/Peace on Earth" with [[Bing Crosby]] via special effects.

Aiken starred in and executive produced his first TV special (December 2004), titled ''A Clay Aiken Christmas'', with special guests [[Barry Manilow]], [[Yolanda Adams]], and [[Megan Mullally]]; the special was released on DVD later that month. On July 4, 2004, Aiken was one of the performers in the ''[[A Capitol Fourth]]'' concert in Washington, D.C. and performed in the ''[[Good Morning America]]'' Summer Concert Series in 2004 and 2005. He also sang "[[Isn't She Lovely]]" on the popular television show ''[[Scrubs (TV series)|Scrubs]]''.

Aiken was the musical guest on ''[[Saturday Night Live]]'' in 2004 and participated in several skits. He has appeared multiple times on ''[[The Tonight Show]]'', interviewing with [[Jay Leno]] as a guest in addition to singing, and has become a regular guest on ''[[Jimmy Kimmel Live!]]''. The Kimmel appearances often feature skits: in one, [[Jimmy Kimmel]]'s then girlfriend [[Sarah Silverman]] confessed to an affair with Aiken, and in another, Aiken expressed his distaste for Kimmel's jokes about him by beating him up. In May 2007, he spent the first half of his interview on horseback while talking about his recent [[UNICEF]] trip to [[Afghanistan]]. A few weeks later he appeared as a spokesperson for "Guillermo's Mustache" in Kimmel's fictional DVD informercial shown on the ''[[Dancing with the Stars (American TV series)|Dancing with the Stars]]'' finale. Aiken made his acting debut on ''[[Ed (TV series)|Ed]]'' in early 2004, playing himself, and in 2005, he was interviewed by [[Erica Kane]] on ''[[All My Children]]''. He played the role of cafeteria worker Kenny on the ''[[Scrubs (TV series)|Scrubs]]'' episode "[[My Life in Four Cameras]]". In December 2006, he made an appearance as himself on ''[[Days of Our Lives]]''.

After hosting and performing in the ''American Idol'' Christmas special in 2003, Aiken has had several subsequent hosting jobs. He was a special correspondent for ''[[The Insider (TV series)|The Insider]]'' for the 2005 [[Emmy Award]]s, and on the sets of the sitcom ''[[Reba (TV series)|Reba]]'' with [[Reba McEntire]] and ''[[Dancing with the Stars (American TV series)|Dancing with the Stars]]''. He co-hosted ''[[The Morning Show with Mike and Juliet]]'' in 2006, and on November 17, 2006, filled in for [[Regis Philbin]] as guest host on ''[[Live with Regis and Kelly]]''. During an interview, Aiken covered [[Kelly Ripa]]'s mouth with his hand.<ref>Serpe, Gina. [http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/b53809_Ripa_Rips_Clay_Rosie_Responds.html "Ripa Rips Clay; Rosie Responds"]. [[E!]]. November 21, 2006. Retrieved December 17, 2006.</ref> The incident drew considerable media reaction after Ripa complained at length about the incident on her show the following Monday.<ref>[https://www.tmz.com/2006/11/25/this-weeks-biggest-losers-11-25-06/ "The Z List: This Week's Biggest Losers"]. [[TMZ]]. November 25, 2006. Retrieved December 17, 2006.</ref> Aiken made fun of the controversy on the ''2006 American Music Awards'' the next night with [[Tori Spelling]].<ref>[http://www.people.com/people/clay_aiken/photos/0,,20007361_1250125,00.html "People Photo Album, Comic Relief"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070605084424/http://www.people.com/people/clay_aiken/photos/0,,20007361_1250125,00.html |date=June 5, 2007 }}. ''People''. Retrieved May 24, 2007.</ref> On ''[[The Tyra Banks Show]]'' in 2006, filmed before the Ripa incident, Aiken mentioned wanting to have his own talk show someday, and Banks switched seats with him and let him interview her for one segment of the show. Aiken was a guest judge on the April 8, 2009, segment of Banks show ''[[America's Next Top Model]]''; in what the show refers to as a teach, he worked with the remaining eight contestants on their acting skills prior to the judging.

In November 2007, Aiken was a contestant on a celebrity edition of the game show ''[[Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader? (American game show)|Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader?]]''.<ref>''Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?'' (2007) Original Air Date: November 1, 2007 (Season 2, Episode 9)</ref> Playing for his charity, the [[National Inclusion Project]], he chose to drop out after the ninth question with US$300,000, despite having a copy and a save at his disposal. If he had played the tenth question, he would have won US$500,000; Aiken and the 5th grader playing with him both had the correct answer.

In May 2009, Aiken made a guest appearance on ''[[30 Rock]]'' in the season 3 episode "[[30 Rock season 3|Kidney Now!]]". It was revealed in this episode that he is the cousin of the show's character [[Kenneth Parcell|Kenneth]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mtv.com/news/6x6hrb/mary-j-blige-clay-aiken-loved-singing-for-30-rock |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230601010005/https://www.mtv.com/news/6x6hrb/mary-j-blige-clay-aiken-loved-singing-for-30-rock |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 1, 2023 |title=Mary J. Blige, Clay Aiken Loved Singing For '30 Rock' |last=Vena |first=Jocelyn |date=May 15, 2009 |publisher=MTV |access-date=May 31, 2023}}</ref>

In August 2010, Aiken guest starred in an episode of ''[[Phineas and Ferb]]'', called "[[Phineas and Ferb: Summer Belongs to You!]]". Aiken sang an inspirational duet with [[Chaka Khan]], to encourage those who did not believe that Phineas and Ferb could accomplish their goal of circling the globe faster than the sun, thus creating the longest summer day of all time.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/08/05/AR2010080506633.html |title=TV highlights: Friday, Aug. 6, 2010 |date=August 6, 2010|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |access-date=May 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140304125108/https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/08/05/AR2010080506633.html |archive-date=March 4, 2014}}</ref>

On January 30, 2011, Aiken sang the United States' national anthem at the 2011 NHL All-Star game held at the [[RBC Center]] in Raleigh, North Carolina, home of the Carolina Hurricanes.

On July 24, 2011, Aiken guest starred on the comedy drama series ''[[Drop Dead Diva]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.vulture.com/2011/04/lance_bass_and_clay_aiken_join.html |title=Lance Bass and Clay Aiken Join Drop Dead Diva's Gay Prom Episode |last=Lyons |first=Margaret |date=April 12, 2011 |website=New York Vulture |access-date=June 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131114154953/https://www.vulture.com/2011/04/lance_bass_and_clay_aiken_join.html |archive-date=November 14, 2013}}</ref>

In 2012, Aiken was the [[runner-up]] on the [[The Apprentice (U.S. season 12)|fifth season]] of ''[[The Celebrity Apprentice]]'', raising US$361,500 for the National Inclusion Project.<ref>{{cite web|author=Joyce Eng|url=https://www.yahoo.com/tv/won-celebrity-apprentice-132300332.html|title=Who Won Celebrity Apprentice?|publisher=[[Yahoo!]]|date=May 21, 2012|access-date=February 12, 2017|archive-date=February 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170213165614/https://www.yahoo.com/tv/won-celebrity-apprentice-132300332.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Aiken appeared in one of the last episodes of ''[[The Office (American TV series)|The Office]]'', titled "[[A.A.R.M.]]". He played himself and was one of the judges for a reality show that Andy was auditioning for.<ref>{{cite web|author=Gabrielle Bonghi|url=http://www.philly.com/philly/entertainment/music/Santigold-Clay-Aiken--Aaron-Rogers-to-make-cameos-on-The-Office.html|title=Santigold, Clay Aiken & Aaron Rodgers to make cameos on 'The Office'|date=May 8, 2013 |work=Philadelphia Daily News|access-date=July 2, 2013}}</ref>

In 2013, Aiken guest starred on an episode ''[[Law & Order: Special Victims Unit]]'' along with [[Taylor Hicks]] and [[Ashanti (singer)|Ashanti]], playing themselves as judges for a singing contest on the episode called "Dissonant Voices".<ref>{{cite web|author=Anna Taberski|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/anna-taberski/law-and-order-svu-season_b_4231497.html|title=Law and Order: SVU' Season 15, Episode 7 Recap: Almost Like 'American Idol,' But With Terrible Crimes|date=November 7, 2013|publisher=Huffpost TV.com}}</ref>

In 2024, Aiken paired up with Ruben Studdard when they competed in [[The Masked Singer (American TV series) season 11|eleventh season]] of ''[[The Masked Singer (American TV series)|The Masked Singer]]'' as "Beets". They were eliminated during the Group B final.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2024/tv/news/the-masked-singer-season-11-episode-9-recap-corey-feldman-ruben-studdard-clay-aiken-1235988896/|title='The Masked Singer' Reveals Identities of the Seal and Beets: Here Are the Celebrities Under the Costumes|website=Variety|first=Michael|last=Schneider|date=May 1, 2024|access-date=May 2, 2024}}</ref>

==Broadway==
On January 18, 2008, Aiken made his [[Broadway theatre|Broadway]] debut when he joined the cast of ''[[Monty Python]]'s [[Spamalot]]'' for a four-month run, ending on May 4, 2008. He played Sir Robin, in the [[Tony Award]]-winning musical directed by [[Mike Nichols]]. In addition to Sir Robin, Aiken played the 1st Guard and the Brother Maynard roles.<ref>{{cite news|access-date=October 17, 2007 |url=http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/10-16-2007/0004683237&EDATE=|title=Clay Aiken joins Monty Python's Spamalot, The Funniest Show on Earth|publisher=PR Newswire Association|date=October 16, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080205052759/http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=%2Fwww%2Fstory%2F10-16-2007%2F0004683237&EDATE=|archive-date=February 5, 2008|url-status=dead}} (article archived)</ref> On August 12, 2008, it was announced that Aiken would resume his role as Sir Robin beginning on September 19 and ending on January 4, 2009.<ref name="sirobin"/> On December 23, 2008, Aiken had his [[caricature]] unveiled at world-famous [[Sardi's]] restaurant.<ref>{{cite news|access-date=December 24, 2008 |url=http://www.playbill.com/news/article/124636.html|author=Blank, Matthew|title=Photo Call: Clay Aiken Honored with Sardi's Caricature|work=Playbill|date=December 24, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081227021012/http://www.playbill.com/news/article/124636.html|archive-date=December 27, 2008}}</ref> In December 2018, Aiken and [[Ruben Studdard]] starred in ''Ruben & Clay's First Annual Family Fun Pageant Spectacular Reunion Christmas Show'' on Broadway.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/12/11/theater/ruben-and-clay-review-ruben-studdard-clay-aiken-christmas.html|title=Review: 'Ruben & Clay' Reunites 'Idol' Rivals for Christmas Fun|last=Vincentelli|first=Elisabeth|date=December 30, 2018 |work=[[The New York Times]]|access-date=March 1, 2019 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>

==Other theater work==
In May 2013, Aiken starred as "Man in Chair" in North Carolina Theatre's production of ''[[The Drowsy Chaperone]]'', along with fellow Raleigh native and Tony Award winner [[Beth Leavel]], who reprised her role as "The Chaperone".

During the summer of 2013, Aiken performed the role of Joseph in the musical ''[[Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat]]'' at the Ogunquit Playhouse in Ogunquit, Maine.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ogunquitplayhouse.org/2013season/joseph|title=Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (2013)|access-date=August 18, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130609033959/http://www.ogunquitplayhouse.org/2013season/joseph|archive-date=June 9, 2013}}</ref> Aiken enjoyed the role because he did not have to dance.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Clay Aiken Sports Long Hair in Vibrant Technicolor Dreamcoat Photo |url=https://people.com/celebrity/clay-aiken-sports-long-hair-in-vibrant-technicolor-dreamcoat-photo/ |access-date=August 7, 2023 |website=Peoplemag |language=en}}</ref>

In June 2019, Aiken starred as Teen Angel in ''[[Grease (musical)|Grease]]'' at the Benedum Center in [[Pittsburgh]]. "The energy level is high, but there's no question it steps up a notch when Clay Aiken struts out in the second act and gives Pittsburgh a taste of why his Claymates are hopelessly devoted to the former American Idol."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.post-gazette.com/ae/theater-dance/2019/06/10/Reviews-Pittsburgh-Public-Theater-CLO-Marjorie-Prime-future-play-Grease-musical/stories/201906100075 |title=Reviews: From the chilling future of 'Marjorie Prime' to the nostalgia of 'Grease' |last=Eberson |first=Sharon |date=June 10, 2019 |website=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette |access-date=May 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200215083853/https://www.post-gazette.com/ae/theater-dance/2019/06/10/Reviews-Pittsburgh-Public-Theater-CLO-Marjorie-Prime-future-play-Grease-musical/stories/201906100075 |archive-date=February 15, 2020}}</ref> "As 'Teen Angel' in the Pittsburgh CLO's production of ''Grease'', Aiken is only on stage for about five minutes. Those five minutes, however, are fab-u-lous."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pghcitypaper.com/arts-entertainment/american-idol-alum-clay-aiken-dazzles-in-pittsburgh-clos-grease-15169940 |title=American Idol alum Clay Aiken dazzles in Pittsburgh CLO's Grease |last=Cunningham |first=Lisa |date=June 10, 2019 |website=Pittsburgh City Paper |access-date=May 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230601005815/https://www.pghcitypaper.com/arts-entertainment/american-idol-alum-clay-aiken-dazzles-in-pittsburgh-clos-grease-15169940 |archive-date=June 1, 2023}}</ref>

==Tours==
From February through April 2004, Aiken and [[Kelly Clarkson]] embarked on the [[Independent Tour]] as co-headliners.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.realitytvworld.com/news/kelly-clarkson-and-clay-aiken-announce-thirty-city-concert-tour-2173.php |title=Kelly Clarkson and Clay Aiken announce thirty city concert tour |last=Rogers |first=Steve |date=January 18, 2004 |website=RealityTVWorld |access-date=January 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100107014303/http://www.realitytvworld.com/news/kelly-clarkson-and-clay-aiken-announce-thirty-city-concert-tour-2173.php |archive-date=January 7, 2010}}</ref> Following this tour, he was scheduled for a few summer solo tour dates, but demand ultimately led to the booking of 50 dates across the United States, resulting in what many fans called the "Not-A-Tour". [[Disney]] (Buena Vista) was the exclusive sponsor of this unnamed summer tour, promoting their ''[[Aladdin (1992 Disney film)|Aladdin]]'' Special Edition 2-Disc DVD with a preview of Aiken's rendition of "[[Proud of Your Boy]]", a song originally intended for the first release of the film but cut when the Aladdin storyline changed during production. A music video featuring Aiken is on the ''Aladdin'' Special Edition DVD.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.upi.com/Entertainment_News/2004/07/10/Clays-Aikens-tour-sponsored-by-Buena-Vista/80021089507921/ |title=Clay's Aiken's tour sponsored by Buena Vista |website=United Press International |date=July 10, 2004 |access-date=June 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150416044926/https://www.upi.com/Entertainment_News/2004/07/10/Clays-Aikens-tour-sponsored-by-Buena-Vista/80021089507921/ |archive-date=April 16, 2015}}</ref> On this tour, he also performed a duet, "Without You", which was released on [[Kimberley Locke]]'s 2004 debut album [[One Love (Kimberley Locke album)|''One Love'']].

In November 2004, Aiken launched his third tour of the year, which revolved around a Christmas theme. "The Joyful Noise Tour", sponsored by [[Ronald McDonald House Charities]], featured a conductor and a 30-piece orchestra.<ref>[http://mcdepk.com/thanksforgiving/downloads/lead_release.pdf Dreaming Of A Clay Christmas] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714055949/http://mcdepk.com/thanksforgiving/downloads/lead_release.pdf |date=July 14, 2011 }} 2004 McDonald's Corporation. December 17, 2004. Retrieved August 20, 2009.</ref> In some cities, Aiken was supported by the local philharmonic or symphony, such as the [[Baltimore Symphony Orchestra]] and the [[Atlanta Symphony Orchestra]]. Local choirs from high schools and elementary schools also participated at each concert.<ref>Rogers, Steve. [http://www.realitytvworld.com/news/clay-aiken-reschedules-the-joyful-noise-tour-holiday-concert-tour-dates-3083.php Clay Aiken reschedules "The Joyful Noise Tour" holiday concert tour dates] realitytvworld.com. November 29, 2004. Retrieved August 20, 2009.</ref>

[[File:Clay Aiken Waukegan 06-12-01.jpg|175px|thumb|left|Aiken at a 2006 Christmas tour appearance in [[Waukegan, Illinois]]]] During the summer of 2005, Aiken, with a seven-piece band and three back-up singers, toured with the "Jukebox Tour", performing songs of the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, as well as a few favorites from ''[[Measure of a Man (Clay Aiken album)|Measure of a Man]]''. He also performed a few new songs being considered for his next album.<ref>[http://www.thewaywemakeadifference.org/jukebox_toronto_on.html The Way We Make a Difference The JukeBox Tour – Toronto, ON]. thewaywemakeadifference.org. August 25, 2005. Retrieved August 20, 2009.</ref>

In early November 2005, Aiken launched his second Christmas tour. The 2005 Joyful Noise tour featured a series of vignettes, written by Aiken,<ref>Kragen, Pam. [https://web.archive.org/web/20070929110553/http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2005/11/13/entertainment/music/11905121942.txt "Pop nerd Clay Aiken brings 'Joyful Noise' to San Diego"]. ''[[North County Times]]''. November 9, 2005. Retrieved June 25, 2007 (article archived)</ref> which told the story of an older woman who had lost the Christmas spirit and a young boy who helps her find it again. A cast of actors, dancers and back-up singers traveled with the tour, and members of local theater groups were added in each venue for smaller, non-speaking roles and crowd scenes. The tour opened in [[Vancouver]], British Columbia, on November 2, and ended in [[Clearwater, Florida]] on December 30. According to [[Pollstar]], Aiken's first five tours grossed $28&nbsp;million.<ref>[https://www.forbes.com/2007/01/15/american-idols-contestants-tech-media-cz_lk_0115idol_slide_6.html?thisSpeed=15000/ "American Idol's Biggest Winners"]. ''Forbes''. January 15, 2007. Retrieved June 21, 2007.</ref><ref>[https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB118247947711244439?mod=mm_hs_entertainment/ "Popularity Contest"]. ''The Wall Street Journal''. June 22, 2007. Retrieved June 22, 2007.</ref>

In December 2006, Aiken began his third Christmas tour, comprising performances in 18 [[Midwest]] and [[East Coast of the United States|East Coast]] cities. Aiken was supported by local orchestras, which also opened the concerts with a program of seasonal music.<ref>[http://www.americanidolworship.com/2006/12/a-clay-aiken-christmas-carols-comedy/ A Clay Aiken Christmas: Carols & Comedy] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080830044823/http://www.americanidolworship.com/2006/12/a-clay-aiken-christmas-carols-comedy/ |date=August 30, 2008 }}. americanidolworship.com. December 21, 2006. Retrieved August 20, 2009.</ref>

A 23-date tour in support of his third album, ''[[A Thousand Different Ways]]'', began on July 4, 2007, and ended in [[Orlando, Florida]], on August 19. On this tour Aiken hired local symphonies to back him, along with tour regulars Jesse Vargas, pianist, conductor and arranger; Sean McDaniel, drummer; and Quiana Parler and Angela Fisher, backup singers. Stops included the [[Greek Theatre (Los Angeles)]], [[Chautauqua Institution]] in New York, and the [[Mann Center for the Performing Arts]] in Philadelphia. Three days into the tour, Aiken and a woman were involved in an in-flight altercation in which she allegedly shoved him. As a result of the scuffle, Aiken and the woman were later questioned by the [[FBI]].<ref name="Tulsa World">{{cite web|url=http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?articleID=070707_1__Forme25775|title=Aiken apparently questioned after airplane incident|work=[[Tulsa World]]|date=July 2007|access-date=July 9, 2007|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070822022529/https://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?articleID=070707_1__Forme25775|archive-date=August 22, 2007}}</ref> Aiken told ''Entertainment Tonight'' that he had been sleeping when the incident occurred.<ref>[http://www.etonline.com/celebrities/news/2007/07/48910/ "Clay Talks to ET About Airline Drama"]. ''Entertainment Tonight'' July 9, 2007. Retrieved January 12, 2008. {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080205061508/http://www.etonline.com/celebrities/news/2007/07/48910/|date=February 5, 2008}}</ref>

His fourth annual Christmas tour, "Christmas in the Heartland", began on November 26, 2007, in [[Wichita, Kansas]].<ref>[http://www.ticketnews.com/Clay-Aiken-Adds-Dates-to-Magical-Holiday-Tour2725 "Clay Aiken Adds Dates to Magical Holiday Tour 2007"]. {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070629231315/http://www.ticketnews.com/Clay-Aiken-Adds-Dates-to-Magical-Holiday-Tour2725 |date=June 29, 2007 }} ''TicketNews.com'' June 25, 2007. Retrieved June 25, 2007.</ref> That 21-date tour ended on December 22, 2007, in Merrillville, Indiana.

He has ended all of his Christmas tours with his signature Christmas song, "[[Don't Save It All For Christmas Day]]".

Aiken and [[Ruben Studdard]] brought their "Timeless" tour to cities in the US and Canada beginning in [[Asheville, North Carolina]], on July 23, 2010, and ending in [[Biloxi, Mississippi]], on August 14.<ref name="BB100623"/><ref>[http://www.clayonline.com/news 4/01/10 "Clay and Ruben "Timeless" Tour Dates Announced"] ''clayonline.com'' April 1, 2010. Retrieved April 1, 2010.</ref><ref>Franklin, Mark.[http://ydblogz.com/chatter/?p=8711 "Clay Aiken, Ruben Studdard announce tour dates"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110718140321/http://ydblogz.com/chatter/?p=8711 |date=July 18, 2011 }} ''The York Dispatch Idol Chatter'' April 1, 2010. Retrieved April 11, 2010.</ref> Instead of a concert focusing on each singers recordings, Aiken and Studdard opted for a variety show format covering medleys of songs from the 1960s to the 1990s with a few solos and interspersed with comedy bits.<ref>Wener, Ben.[http://soundcheck.ocregister.com/2010/08/02/ruben-studdard-clay-aiken-primed-for-vegas/31969/ Ruben Studdard & Clay Aiken: primed for Vegas] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100806121930/http://soundcheck.ocregister.com/2010/08/02/ruben-studdard-clay-aiken-primed-for-vegas/31969/ |date=August 6, 2010 }} ''[[Orange County Register]]''. August 2, 2010. Retrieved August 10, 2010.</ref>

Aiken announced on July 30, 2010, that he will be touring in February and March 2011 in conjunction with [[PBS]] to support his album ''[[Tried and True]]'' and accompanying live DVD ''Clay Aiken: Tried and True – Live''.<ref>[http://clayaiken.com/news/12258 7/30/10 "Clay Aiken: Tried & True – Live!" Tour"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100903121613/http://clayaiken.com/news/12258|date=September 3, 2010}} ''clayaiken.com/news'' July 30, 2010. Retrieved August 30, 2010.</ref><ref>[http://clayaiken.com/news/12290 8/09/10 Tried & True Dates Posted] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100818032511/http://clayaiken.com/news/12290|date=August 18, 2010}} ''clayaiken.com/news'' August 9, 2010. Retrieved August 30, 2010.</ref>

Aiken began his fifth Christmas tour "Joyful Noise 2012" in Florida in November 2012.<ref>[http://clayaiken.com/news/97791 9/17/12 "Joyful Noise Tour 2012"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121008232833/http://clayaiken.com/news/97791|date=October 8, 2012}} ''clayaiken.com/news'' September 17, 2012. Retrieved September 30, 2012.</ref><ref>[http://clayaiken.com/events 9/17/12 Joyful Noise 2012 Dates Posted] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120929021731/http://clayaiken.com/events|date=September 29, 2012}} ''clayaiken.com/news'' September 17, 2012. Retrieved September 30, 2012.</ref>

==Activism==
In 1995, Aiken started working at the [[YMCA]].<ref name="Aiken, Clay 2004 pp. 133-134"/>

At 19, Aiken taught at [[Brentwood Elementary School]] in a class of kids with autism. It was during that experience that he decided to finish college and become a special education teacher.<ref name="Aiken, Clay 2004 pp. 153-161"/>

Aiken has participated in multiple benefit events and concerts, including the 2004 [[Rosalynn Carter]] Benefit, the America's Promise Benefit, and [[Heather Headley]]'s [[Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS]] benefit, "Home", where he sang a duet with Headley.<ref>[http://broadwayinspirationalvoices.com/supportHtml/SupHH.html "Heather Headley: Home"]. {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426012601/http://broadwayinspirationalvoices.com/supportHtml/SupHH.html|date=April 26, 2012}} broadwayinspirationalvoices.com Retrieved August 5, 2009.</ref> He was one of the celebrity readers for the ''Arthur Celebrity Audiobook (Stories for Heroes Series)'', which benefits the [[Bubel Aiken Foundation|Bubel/Aiken Foundation]] (now the [[National Inclusion Project]]) and other charities, and served as spokesperson for the series. He was also a spokesperson for the 2004 [[Toys For Tots]] drive, and acted as an ambassador for the [[Ronald McDonald House]] Charities. Aiken worked with the [[Make A Wish Foundation]] to make one little boy's dream of singing on stage with Clay Aiken come true.<ref>[http://www.philadelphia.wish.org/john.htm John's Wish] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090104090823/http://www.philadelphia.wish.org/john.htm|date=January 4, 2009}} Make-A-Wish Foundation of Philadelphia & Susquehanna Valley. Retrieved January 10, 2009.</ref>

In September 2006, Aiken was appointed to the Presidential Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities by President [[George W. Bush]]. Appointees serve a two-year term; Aiken was sworn on September 14, 2006, by HHS Assistant Secretary for Children and Families [[Wade F. Horn]], PhD<ref name="pcpid"/>

While appearing in Spamalot, Aiken used his free time and celebrity to help raise funds for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS (BC/EFA) during their fund drives and auctions.<ref>[http://www.playbill.com/news/article/115206.html Broadway Bears Raises $127,000 for BC/EFA; Spamalot Bear Is King] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080829194515/http://www.playbill.com/news/article/115206.html|date=August 29, 2008}} Playbill, by Andrew Gans, February 19, 2008. Retrieved December 27, 2008.</ref><ref>[http://broadwayworld.com/article/BCEFAs_Broadway_Flea_Market_Grand_Auction_Raises_496380_20080922 BC/EFA's Broadway Flea Market & Grand Auction Raises $496,380] broadway world.com, by BWW News Desk, September 22, 2008. Retrieved December 27, 2008.</ref> In 2010, Aiken spoke out for gay rights at the [[Human Rights Campaign]] dinner in North Carolina.<ref>{{cite web
 |url         = http://www.nationalledger.com/artman/publish/article_272630625.shtml
 |title       = Clay Aiken – Gay Rights Stand for American Idol Singer
 |work        = National Ledger
 |date        = March 1, 2010
|access-date = March 3, 2010
|url-status  = dead
 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100304135508/http://www.nationalledger.com/artman/publish/article_272630625.shtml
 |archive-date = March 4, 2010
}}</ref> He also joined other celebrities in filming an educational video for [[Cyndi Lauper]]'s web based Give a Damn campaign, a project of her True Colors Fund. In addition to UNICEF and his National Inclusion Project he is promoting GLSEN, the [[Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network]] as one of his causes on his official website.<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2010/05/21/Aiken_and_Cho_Fight_Against_Harassment/
|title=Aiken and Cho Fight Against Harassment
|work=The Advocate
|date=May 21, 2010
|access-date=June 8, 2010
}}</ref><ref>{{cite web
|url=http://fayobserver.com/articles/2010/06/10/1004773?sac=Life
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110710231446/http://fayobserver.com/articles/2010/06/10/1004773?sac=Life
|url-status=dead
|archive-date=July 10, 2011
|title=Clay Aiken finds comfort in old songs, new life
|work=Fayetteville Observer (AP)
|date=June 10, 2010
|access-date=September 28, 2010
}}</ref>

===National Inclusion Project (formerly BAF)===
{{Main|National Inclusion Project}}
Aiken's interest in [[autism]] issues led him, along with Diane Bubel (whose son Michael is diagnosed with autism and was tutored by Aiken), to found the [[National Inclusion Project]] (formerly the Bubel/Aiken Foundation), which supports the integration of children with disabilities into the life environment of their non-disabled peers.<ref>[http://www.newswiretoday.com/news/55902/ Clay Aiken's Foundation Becomes The National Inclusion Project] newswiretoday.com. Press Release. August 20, 2009. Retrieved August 20, 2009.</ref> The foundation runs summer camps which reflect its mission, and also presents Able to Serve awards to support the volunteer efforts of children with physical and mental disabilities.<ref>[http://www.inclusionproject.org/level_2.php?id=3 National Inclusion Project, "Let's ALL Play"]. Retrieved August 6, 2009. {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090809151723/http://www.inclusionproject.org/level_2.php?id=3|date=August 9, 2009}}</ref><ref>[http://ysa.org/PartnersSponsors/tabid/61/Default.aspx#thebubel/aikenfoundation/ "Youth Service America, Partners & Sponsors"]. Retrieved June 23, 2006. {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090524042551/http://ysa.org/PartnersSponsors/tabid/61/Default.aspx#thebubel/aikenfoundation/|date=May 24, 2009}}</ref> In July 2005, Raleigh's [[WRAL-TV]] reported on an internet campaign mounted by critics questioning how Aiken's foundation used its money. WRAL news hired an independent accountant who reported that program services totaled $920,000 in 2004—around 85 cents on every dollar donated—which is considered a solid percentage compared to other charities.<ref>[http://www.wral.com/news/local/story/118557/ "Clay Aiken's Nonprofit Group Comes Under Critic Scrutiny"]. WRAL.com. July 18, 2005. Retrieved June 23, 2006.</ref> [[CNN]] picked up the story, and Aiken appeared on ''[[Showbiz Tonight]]'' to provide details about the foundation's programs.<ref>[http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0507/25/sbt.01.html/ "Showbiz Tonight transcript"]. {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140820074718/http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0507/25/sbt.01.html/|date=August 20, 2014}} CNN. July 25, 2005. Retrieved June 23, 2006. Archived, subscription required.</ref> In late 2004, the foundation was awarded a $500,000 grant by the US government to develop a K–12 model for inclusion in community service projects to be used in schools across the country. In addition, [[State Farm]] granted $1.5&nbsp;million to the foundation to help develop a primary education curriculum focused on teaching social and life skills through service to children of all levels of ability.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20051125214949/http://www.csrwire.com/article.cgi/4637.html "America's ''Good Neighbor'' Teams up with Recording Artist Clay Aiken's Bubel/Aiken Foundation to Promote Inclusive Education"]. CSR Wire Press Release. November 2, 2005. Retrieved April 8, 2006. (article archived)</ref>

On August 5, 2009, in an open letter from the founders, Clay Aiken and Diane Bubel announced that they would rename the organization as the "National Inclusion Project".<ref name="nip"/>

===UNICEF===
In November 2004, Aiken was appointed a [[U.S. Fund for UNICEF]] National Ambassador, with a mission to help ensure that children everywhere are afforded a primary education.<ref name="unicef"/> After the [[tsunami]] at the end of 2004, he participated in the [[WNBC|NBC4]] telethon, which raised over $10&nbsp;million, and recorded [[public service announcement]]s in support of South Asian tsunami relief. He later recorded a video, featuring the song "[[Give A Little Bit]]", to be used as a [[public service announcement]] to raise money for tsunami victims. He was the 2005 spokesperson for the Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF drive.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.prweb.com/releases/2006/02/prweb340479.htm |title=Clay Aiken Fans Celebrate Third Year Anniversary |date=February 2, 2006 |website=Cision PRWeb |access-date=June 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126024724/https://www.prweb.com/releases/2006/02/prweb340479.htm |archive-date=January 26, 2021}}</ref>

In March 2005, UNICEF sent Aiken to the tsunami-stricken [[Banda Aceh]] area to raise awareness of the need to restore education quickly to the children who survived this disaster.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.unicefusa.org/partners/ambassadors/clay-aiken.html |title=Clay Aiken |website=UNICEF |access-date=June 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080428214712/http://www.unicefusa.org/partners/ambassadors/clay-aiken.html |archive-date=April 28, 2008}}</ref> UNICEF sent Aiken on another mission in May 2005, to northern [[Uganda]], to witness the plight of children called "night commuters", who flee the villages each night to sleep in streets and shelters in hopes of avoiding being kidnapped by the [[Lord's Resistance Army]]. He was sent to [[Kabul]] and [[Bamyan]], in [[Afghanistan]] in April 2007, where he was able to spend time with children in their classrooms; he also visited a health center for women and children where he administered oral [[polio vaccine|polio vaccinations]] to babies. He observed that [[Pashtun people|Afghani]] children, after being forbidden for so many years by the [[Taliban]] regime to attend school, are eager to return to school now that they are once again allowed to receive an education.<ref>[http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/afghanistan_39401.html "UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Clay Aiken visits Afghanistan"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070422025428/http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/afghanistan_39401.html |date=April 22, 2007 }}. UNICEF. April 18, 2007. Retrieved April 18, 2007.</ref> Aiken spent his 2007 Christmas in Mexico with the children affected by the floods in the states of Chiapas and Tabasco.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/7072554.stm "Mexico flooding affects '700,000'"]. BBC News. November 1, 2007. Retrieved January 5, 2008.</ref><ref>[http://fieldnotes.unicefusa.org/2007/12/in_the_field_christmas_greetin.html "(In the Field) Christmas Greetings from Clay Aiken in Mexico"]. UNICEF. December 25, 2007. Retrieved January 5, 2008.</ref> In late June and early July 2008, UNICEF sent Aiken to [[Somalia]] and [[Kenya]].<ref>Mohamed, Guled. [http://africa.reuters.com/wire/news/usnL25715768.html "U.S. pop star appeals for world attention on Somalia"]. {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081221011849/http://africa.reuters.com/wire/news/usnL25715768.html|date=December 21, 2008}} ''Reuters South Africa''. June 25, 2008. Retrieved June 29, 2008.</ref><ref>[http://fieldnotes.unicefusa.org/2008/07/clay_aiken_calls_for_kenyas_ki_1.html "Clay Aiken calls for Kenya's kids to return to school"]. ''UNICEF Field Notes''. July 22, 2008. Retrieved July 22, 2008.</ref>

==Politics==
===2014 Congressional election===
[[File:Clay Aiken by Gage Skidmore.jpg|right|thumb|Clay Aiken speaking at Politicon in June 2016.]]
In the [[2014 United States House of Representatives elections|2014 midterm elections]], Aiken was the [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic Party]]'s nominee for [[North Carolina's 2nd congressional district]]. He won the Democratic primary, held on May 6, 2014, by fewer than 400 votes. His main opponent, [[Keith Crisco]], died days after the primary vote but before the votes could be certified.<ref>[https://nypost.com/2014/05/07/north-carolina-primary-with-clay-aiken-too-close-to-call/ "North Carolina primary with Clay Aiken too close to call"]. Associated Press (via ''New York Post''). May 7, 2014. Retrieved November 15, 2017.</ref><ref>[https://nypost.com/2014/05/12/clay-aikens-democratic-primary-opponent-is-dead/ "Clay Aiken's Democratic primary opponent is dead"]. Associated Press (via ''New York Post''). May 12, 2014. Retrieved September 8, 2017.</ref> In the general election, held on November 4, 2014, Aiken was defeated by incumbent Republican Congresswoman [[Renee Ellmers]], 59 to 41 percent.<ref>Bonner, Lynn. [http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2014/11/04/5291087/us-congress-rouzer-leads-ncs-7th.html US Congress: Ellmers takes big win over Aiken; GOP's Rouzer, Walker also win] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141110172326/http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2014/11/04/5291087/us-congress-rouzer-leads-ncs-7th.html |date=November 10, 2014 }}, Charlotte Observer, November 4, 2014.</ref> North Carolina's 2nd district is considered a safe Republican seat. Aiken's campaign was captured by a filmmaking team and shown in the 2015 documentary miniseries ''The Runner-up'', which aired on the [[Esquire Network]].<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Clay Aiken Promises New Esquire Docu-Series 'Isn't Scripted' Like 'American Idol' |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6524285/clay-aiken-docu-series-to-premiere-on-esquire |date=April 7, 2015 |first=Michele Amabile |last=Angermiller |magazine=Billboard}}</ref>

Since coming out as gay in 2008, Aiken has been more politically outspoken, particularly on gay rights and [[same-sex marriage]].<ref name="amendone">[https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/14/clay-aiken-gay-marriage-amendment-one-cbs_n_1514798.html "Clay Aiken Talks Gay Marriage, Amendment One On CBS's 'Face The Nation{{'"}}]. ''HuffPost''. May 14, 2012. Retrieved September 9, 2017.</ref><ref name="ssm">[https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/05/01/clay-aiken-gay-marriage-_n_5247285.html "Clay Aiken Talks Gay Marriage Views And Coming Out"]. ''HuffPost''. May 1, 2014. Retrieved September 9, 2017.</ref> He spoke out against [[North Carolina Amendment 1]], adopted in 2012, which banned gay marriage and [[civil union]]s [[LGBT rights in North Carolina|in the state]].<ref name="amendone" /> When he ran for Congress, however, he said he did not want to be perceived as a [[Single-issue politics|single-issue candidate]] and said gay marriage was "not the issue" he was campaigning on.<ref name="ssm" /> He said he wanted to focus on issues that were more important to people in his district.<ref name="ssm" /><ref name="maher">[https://www.thewrap.com/clay-aiken-responds-to-bill-mahers-gay-marriage-criticism/ "Clay Aiken Responds to Bill Maher's Gay Marriage Criticism"]. ''[[TheWrap]]''. January 15, 2015. Retrieved September 9, 2017.</ref> His assertion earned him a number of critics among supporters of same-sex marriage, including [[Bill Maher]].<ref name="maher" />

Citing his appearance on ''The Apprentice'', Aiken defended [[Donald Trump]] against [[Racial views of Donald Trump|accusations of racism]] during the [[2016 United States presidential election|2016 presidential race]].<ref name="billboard">[https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/7905112/clay-aiken-apologizes-defending-racist-donald-trump "Clay Aiken Apologizes for Defending 'Actually Racist' Donald Trump"]. ''Billboard''. August 16, 2017. Retrieved August 20, 2021.</ref> However, following the [[Unite the Right rally|August 2017 Unite the Right rally]] in [[Charlottesville, Virginia]], Aiken tweeted an apology for denying Trump was racist, going so far to say, "I'm a fucking dumbass."<ref name="billboard" /> Aiken reiterated that he was a Democrat and did not vote for Trump.

===2022 Congressional election===
In January 2022, Aiken released a video titled "Warming Up", in which he announced that he would run for the Democratic nomination in [[North Carolina's 4th congressional district]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://twitter.com/clayaiken/status/1480563216405127170 |title=Can you believe it's been almost 20 years since I first got to share my voice with you?... |last=Aiken |first=clay |date=January 10, 2022 |via=Twitter |language=en |access-date=May 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220110153544/https://twitter.com/clayaiken/status/1480563216405127170 |archive-date=January 10, 2022}}</ref>{{Primary source inline|date=November 2024}}<ref>{{Cite web|title=Clay Aiken for Congress|url=https://www.clayaiken.com/|access-date=January 10, 2022|website=clayaiken.com|archive-date=January 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220110190311/https://www.clayaiken.com/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Former 'American Idol' star Clay Aiken announces second run for Congress|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/clay-aiken-congress-run-north-carolina-6th-district-democrat/|access-date=January 10, 2022|publisher=CBS News|date=January 10, 2022 |language=en-US}}</ref> In this video, Aiken is quoted as saying, "If the loudest and most hateful voices think they are going to speak for us, just tell them I'm warming up the old vocal chords."<ref>{{Cite web|last=Mizelle|first=Shawana|date=January 10, 2022|title=Ex-'American Idol' star Clay Aiken announces bid for Congress|url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/01/10/politics/clay-aiken-congress-north-carolina/index.html|url-status=live|publisher=CNN|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220110225615/https://www.cnn.com/2022/01/10/politics/clay-aiken-congress-north-carolina/index.html |archive-date=January 10, 2022 }}</ref>

Sara Pequeño, a member of the [[Raleigh]]-based ''[[The News & Observer]]'' editorial board, criticized Aiken for jumping into the race when other Democratic candidates had more political experience and questioned "what has he done to serve North Carolina?"<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newsobserver.com/opinion/article257195877.html|title=Clay Aiken - another celebrity candidate who hasn't done the work
|date=January 11, 2022|access-date=January 20, 2022|last=Pacqueño|first=Sara|website=[[The News & Observer]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://nsjonline.com/article/2022/01/clay-aiken-finds-rough-reception-compared-to-14-campaign/|title=Clay Aiken finds rough reception compared to '14 campaign|date=January 19, 2022|access-date=January 20, 2022|last=Mercer|first=Matt|website=[[North State Journal]]}}</ref>

In the Democratic primary, Aiken was overshadowed by two other Democratic candidates, [[North Carolina State Senate|state Senator]] [[Valerie Foushee]] and [[Durham County, North Carolina|Durham County]] [[County Board of Commissioners|Commissioner]] [[Nida Allam]] and he finished third place in the eight candidate primary.

===Electoral history===

====2014====

{{Election box begin no change|title=Democratic primary election results}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change
|party=Democratic Party (United States)
|candidate=Clay Aiken
|votes=11,634
|percentage=40.83
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
|party=Democratic Party (United States)
|candidate=[[Keith Crisco]]
|votes=11,265
|percentage=39.54
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
|party=Democratic Party (United States)
|candidate=Toni Morris
|votes=5,593
|percentage=19.63
}}
{{Election box turnout no change
|votes=28,492
|percentage=
}}
{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin no change|title=North Carolina's 2nd Congressional District, 2014<ref name=Generalelection>{{cite web|url=http://enr.ncsbe.gov/ElectionResults/?election_dt=11/04/2014|title=North Carolina Official General Election Results|publisher=North Carolina State Board of Elections|date=November 4, 2014|access-date=January 23, 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150127130653/http://enr.ncsbe.gov/ElectionResults/?election_dt=11%2F04%2F2014|archive-date=January 27, 2015}}</ref>}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change
|party=Republican Party (United States)
|candidate=Renee Ellmers (Incumbent)
|votes=122,128
|percentage=58.83
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
|party=Democratic Party (United States)
|candidate=Clay Aiken
|votes=85,479
|percentage=41.17
}}
{{Election box total no change
|votes=207,607
|percentage=100
}}

{{Election box end}}

====2022====

{{Election box begin no change|title=2022 North Carolina's 4th congressional district Democratic primary<ref>{{cite web|url=https://er.ncsbe.gov/?election_dt=05/17/2022&county_id=0&office=FED&contest=2099|title=05/17/2022 UNOFFICIAL LOCAL ELECTION RESULTS - STATEWIDE|date=May 18, 2022|access-date=May 19, 2022|website=[[North Carolina State Board of Elections]]}}</ref>}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change|candidate=[[Valerie Foushee]]|party=Democratic Party (United States)|votes=40,531|percentage=46.15}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change|candidate=[[Nida Allam]]|party=Democratic Party (United States)|votes=32,424|percentage=36.92}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change|candidate=Clay Aiken|party=Democratic Party (United States)|votes=6,469|percentage=7.37}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change|party=Democratic Party (US)|candidate=Ashley Ward|votes=4,730|percentage=5.39}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change|party=Democratic Party (US)|candidate=Richard Watkins III|votes=1,132|percentage=1.29}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change|candidate=Crystal Cavalier|party=Democratic Party (United States)|votes=1,104|percentage=1.26}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change|candidate=Stephen Valentine|party=Democratic Party (United States)|votes=1,004|percentage=1.14}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change|candidate=Matt Grooms|party=Democratic Party (United States)|votes=433|percentage=0.49}}
{{Election box total no change|votes=87,827|percentage=100.0}}
{{Election box end}}

==Fans==
[[File:Clay Aiken Merrillville 06-12-02.jpg|175px|thumb|right|Aiken at a 2006 Christmas tour appearance in Merrillville, Indiana]] Aiken was voted the Favorite Reality Star of 2003 by ''[[TV Guide]]'' readers and "the most-loved reality star of all time" in a ''[[TV Guide]]'' poll conducted in the summer of 2005.<ref>Kazan, Ali. [https://web.archive.org/web/20050810013718/http://www.tvguide.com/News/Insider/2005/0808/03insider.htm "The Best and Worst of Reality TV"]. ''TV Guide''. August 8, 2005. Retrieved April 5, 2006. (article archived)</ref> In February 2006, ''People'' magazine readers voted Aiken their "Favorite American Idol".<ref>Ryfle, Steve. [http://webcenters.netscape.compuserve.com/celebrity/becksmith.jsp?p=bsf_afteridol "Is There Life After 'American Idol'?"]. {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070526063126/http://webcenters.netscape.compuserve.com/celebrity/becksmith.jsp?p=bsf_afteridol|date=May 26, 2007}} ''Netscape Celebrity''. Retrieved September 15, 2007.</ref>

While the origin of the term "Claymates" is unknown, Aiken trademarked the term.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://tess2.uspto.gov/bin/gate.exe?f=tess&state=4003:2knsbv.1.1 |title=US Patent and Trademark Office search (TESS) |access-date=August 5, 2009 |archive-date=October 11, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131011121856/http://tess2.uspto.gov/bin/gate.exe?f=tess&state=4003:2knsbv.1.1 |url-status=dead }}</ref> While in Los Angeles in September 2006 for a CD signing and appearance on ''[[Jimmy Kimmel Live!]]'', Aiken talked with [[Jann Carl]] of ''[[Entertainment Tonight]]'' about the names various sub-groups have given themselves: "Claysians" (Asian fans), "Claynadians" (Canadian fans), "Clayropeans" (European fans) and "Claydawgs" (male fans). She then teased him about having his own "Clay Nation".<ref><!--{{cite web|url=http://www.etonline.com/music/spotlight/37262/index.html#|title=Archived copy|accessdate=June 23, 2007 |url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20061130074258/http://www.etonline.com/music/spotlight/37262/index.html|archivedate=November 30, 2006}}--> "Clay Aiken: A Day In The Life!" ''[[Entertainment Tonight]]'' video interview with Jann Carl. Air date: September 28, 2006. Retrieved June 6, 2007.</ref> At the CD signing, two young fans asked Aiken to autograph their shoulderblades and then went to the local tattoo parlor to make them permanent; later that day on ''Jimmy Kimmel Live!'' they were brought on stage to show the tattoos. Although some of his fans have been criticized at times by the media as being obsessive,<ref>[http://www.realityblurred.com/realitytv/archives/american_idol_2/2004_Nov_15_clay_fans "obsessive fans make Clay want to quit"]. realityblurred.com. November 15, 2004. Retrieved April 5, 2006.</ref> he defends the group as a whole. When Kimmel said to Aiken that his fans were "crazy", Aiken stated that they were merely "enthusiastic". In 2003, in anticipation of the release of ''[[Measure of a Man (Clay Aiken album)|Measure of a Man]]'', fans all over the country decided to get together and hold parties to celebrate the release of the CD and purchase copies at midnight. In 2006, for the release of ''[[A Thousand Different Ways]]'', release parties were held in more than 80 cities in the United States, Canada, and Singapore.<ref>Lazzaro, Stephanie. [http://media.www.nineronline.com/media/storage/paper971/news/2003/10/23/Entertainment/Fans-Most.Anticipated.Album.Worth.All.Nighter-2006335.shtml?sourcedomain=www.nineronline.com&MIIHost=media.collegepublisher.com "Fans' most anticipated album worth all nighter"]. {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080221232044/http://media.www.nineronline.com/media/storage/paper971/news/2003/10/23/Entertainment/Fans-Most.Anticipated.Album.Worth.All.Nighter-2006335.shtml?sourcedomain=www.nineronline.com&MIIHost=media.collegepublisher.com|date=February 21, 2008}} nineronline.com. October 23, 2003. Retrieved June 21, 2007.</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://top40-charts.com/news.php?nid=27138 |title=Clay Aiken Album 'A Thousand Different Ways' Debuts at Number 2 on Billboard Album Chart With Sales Over 205,000 |website=top40-charts |date=September 28, 2006 |access-date=June 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110524175627/http://top40-charts.com/news.php?nid=27138 |archive-date=May 24, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://archives.starbulletin.com/2003/10/10/features/story6.html |title=Idol's hold grows into his own 'Clay Day' |last=Kam |first=Nadine |date=October 10, 2003 |website=Star Bulletin |access-date=June 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100809071338/http://archives.starbulletin.com/2003/10/10/features/story6.html |archive-date=August 9, 2010}}</ref>

==Personal life==
On August 8, 2008, Aiken announced, on his personal blog, the birth of his son in North Carolina: "My dear friend, Jaymes, and I are so excited to announce the birth of Parker Foster Aiken."<ref>Aiken, Clay. [http://www.clayonline.com/clay/member/clayaiken "Welcome to Our World"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100103091443/http://www.clayonline.com/clay/member/clayaiken|date=January 3, 2010}} ''Blog'' (Clay Aiken's Official Fanclub). August 8, 2008. Retrieved August 8, 2008</ref> The child's mother, Jaymes Foster, is the sister of record producer [[David Foster]], executive producer of Aiken's last three albums on the [[RCA Corporation|RCA]] label. "The little man is healthy, happy, and as loud as his daddy", Aiken wrote. "Mama Jaymes is doing quite well also."<ref>Associated Press. [http://www.theinsider.com/news/1118209__American_Idol_crooner_Clay_Aiken_now_a_father "Clay Aiken Is a Father"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110311033059/http://www.theinsider.com/news/1118209__American_Idol_crooner_Clay_Aiken_now_a_father|date=March 11, 2011}} ''News'' (theInsider.com). August 8, 2008. Retrieved July 25, 2009.</ref> In his book, ''[[Learning to Sing: Hearing the Music in Your Life]]'', Aiken said, "It's a Southern tradition to be given your first name from your grandmama's maiden name."<ref>Aiken, Clay. ''[[Learning to Sing: Hearing the Music in Your Life]]'' (2004), pp. 34, {{ISBN|1-4000-6392-2}}</ref> Aiken's middle name came from his paternal grandmother's maiden name; he and Foster used the married surnames of their mothers to name their son.

After several years of public speculation, Aiken came out as gay in a September 2008 interview with ''[[People (magazine)|People]]'' magazine.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20230468,00.html|title=Clay Aiken No More Secrets|author=Caplan, David|access-date=December 24, 2008|magazine=[[People (magazine)|People]]|date=September 24, 2008|archive-date=June 27, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120627081956/http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20230468,00.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> He later said that his coming out caused him to lose "fifty percent of [his] fanbase" at the time.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://people.com/clay-aiken-reflects-coming-out-gay-2008-exclusive-8758428 | title=Clay Aiken Says He Lost '50 Percent' of His Fans when He Came Out in 2008: 'It Was Very Different Time' (Exclusive) }}</ref> In April 2009, Aiken was honored by the [[Family Equality Council]] advocacy group at its annual benefit dinner in New York City.<ref name="equality">{{cite web |url=https://www.familyequality.org/2009/04/22/video-terry-boggis-clay-aiken-honored-at-family-equality-councils-nyc-event/ |title=VIDEO: Terry Boggis, Clay Aiken Honored at Family Equality Council's NYC Event |date=April 22, 2009 |website=Family Equality |access-date=May 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200926182638/https://www.familyequality.org/2009/04/22/video-terry-boggis-clay-aiken-honored-at-family-equality-councils-nyc-event/ |archive-date=September 26, 2020}}</ref>

On November 18, 2010, Aiken went to Washington, D.C., on behalf of [[Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network]] (GLSEN) at a Capitol Hill briefing talking about anti-gay bullying.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thegavoice.com/index.php/news/national-news-menu/1576-clay-aiken-to-congress-stop-anti-gay-bullying|title=Clay Aiken to Congress: Stop anti-gay bullying|publisher=Thegavoice.com|date=November 24, 2010|access-date=July 2, 2013 |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131030150210/http://www.thegavoice.com/index.php/news/national-news-menu/1576-clay-aiken-to-congress-stop-anti-gay-bullying|archive-date=October 30, 2013}}</ref>

===Faith and philosophy===
Aiken was born into a Baptist family. As a toddler, in 1980, he attended Leesville Baptist Church every week. According to his book, ''[[Learning to Sing: Hearing the Music in Your Life]]'',<ref>Aiken, Clay. ''Learning to Sing: Hearing the Music in Your Life'' (2004)</ref> he was involved in Bible school, choir, and the youth group. The book made [[The New York Times Best Seller list|''The New York Times'' Best Seller list]] in 2004, debuting at number two. It was written with [[Allison Glock]] and published by [[Random House]]. Barely mentioning ''American Idol'', Aiken instead turned his focus to the people who had the most influence in his life—his mother, grandparents, siblings, teachers, and friends—and to the importance of religion in his life. He describes himself as a proud [[Southern Baptist]] who journeyed away from those roots in his late teens in search of a religion with more liberal social policies. He then returned to that church because of family and social ties, although he remains at odds with the church on some issues.

When asked in a ''[[PBS Kids]]'' interview to name his idols, he responded, "When people ask me what three people I'd like to have dinner with, living or dead, I say Jesus Christ, [[Mr. Rogers]], and [[Jimmy Carter]]."<ref name="pbskids">[http://pbskids.org October 2003. Retrieved June 24, 2007.]</ref>

While not self-identified as a [[Christian music]] artist, Aiken was featured in ''[[Christian Music Planet]]'' as an "American Idol Christian" in 2004, and in a cover story, "Clay Aiken's Balancing Act", in the January/February 2005 issue.<ref name="xmp2004">{{cite web
|url=http://www.christianmusicplanet.com/magazine/viewarticle.asp?id=356
|title=American Idol Christians
|date=January 2005
|department=2004 in Review
|work=[[Christian Music Planet]]
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070308045614/http://www.christianmusicplanet.com/magazine/viewarticle.asp?id=356
|archive-date=March 8, 2007
}}</ref><ref>Argyakis, Andy. [https://web.archive.org/web/20051201065750/http://www.christianmusicplanet.com/magazine/?id=18 "Clay Aiken's Balancing Act"]. ''Christian Music Planet''. January/February 2005. Archived, subscription required.</ref> His pre-''Idol'' demo albums included several selections of [[Contemporary Christian Music]] (or CCM) and [[gospel music|gospel]] songs. A performance of the [[Commodores]]' "Jesus is Love" at the American Music Awards in 2003 earned Aiken and [[Ruben Studdard]] a standing ovation. Aiken has sung a few CCM songs at his pop concerts and has made Christmas albums, Christmas television specials and performances, and Christmas tours essential elements of his career.

Aiken makes it clear that he is aware not everyone shares his religious beliefs and it is not his intention to press these beliefs on others. When he worked as a camp counselor at the [[YMCA]], he challenged other camp faculty by insisting that singing "overtly Christian songs" was inappropriate, as some of the kids were Jewish. "I stood firm&nbsp;... no child is going to have a spiritual crisis on my watch."<ref>Aiken, Clay. ''[[Learning to Sing: Hearing the Music in Your Life]]'' (2004), pp. 228, {{ISBN|1-4000-6392-2}}.</ref> His public philosophy, geared towards inclusion and service to others, reflects his stance that decisions about religion should be made at home.<ref>[http://www.bubelaiken.org/ "Bubel/Aiken Foundation"].</ref><ref>Aiken, Clay. ''[[Learning to Sing: Hearing the Music in Your Life]]'' (2004), pp. 227–229, {{ISBN|1-4000-6392-2}}.</ref>

==Discography==
{{main|Clay Aiken discography}}

===Studio albums===
* ''[[Measure of a Man (Clay Aiken album)|Measure of a Man]]'' (2003)
* ''[[Merry Christmas with Love]]'' (2004)
* ''[[A Thousand Different Ways]]'' (2006)
* ''[[On My Way Here]]'' (2008)
* ''[[Tried and True]]'' (2010)
* ''Steadfast'' (2012)
* ''Christmas Bells Are Ringing'' (2024)

===EPs===
* ''All Is Well'' (2006)

===Compilations===
* ''[[Playlist: The Very Best of Clay Aiken|The Very Best of Clay Aiken]]'' (2009)
* ''A Thousand Different Ways/Measure of a Man'' (2010)

===DVDs===
* ''A Clay Aiken Christmas'' (2004)
* ''Tried and True Live'' (2010)

==Filmography==
* Clay Aiken: Invisible (2003)
* [[Ed (TV series)|Ed]] (2003)
* [[Scrubs (TV series)|Scrubs]] (2005)
* [[All My Children]] (2005)
* [[30 Rock]] (2009)
* [[Phineas and Ferb]] (2010)
* Hoarders: Untold Stories Tori (2011)
* [[Drop Dead Diva]] (2011)
* [[The Office (American TV series)|The Office]] (2013)
* [[Law & Order: Special Victims Unit]] (2013)
* The Runner-up (2015)
* [[Sandy Wexler]] (2017)
* [[Sharknado 5: Global Swarming]] (2017)
* New Dogs, Old Tricks (2018)
* Chad Goes Deep (2019)

==Awards and nominations==

===Professional===
'''[[American Music Awards]]'''
* 2003: '''Won''' – Fan's Choice Award
* 2003: Nominated – Favorite Male Artist – Pop or Rock

'''[[Billboard Awards]]'''
* 2003: '''Won''' – Best Selling Single of 2003 – ''"[[This Is the Night (Clay Aiken song)|Bridge Over Troubled Water/This Is The Night]]"''
* 2004: '''Won''' – Best Selling Christmas Album – ''[[Merry Christmas with Love]]''
* 2004: '''Won''' – Best Selling Christian Album – ''[[Merry Christmas with Love]]''
* 2005: '''Won''' – Best Selling Christian Album – ''[[Merry Christmas with Love]]''

'''New Music Weekly Awards'''
* 2004: '''Won''' – Top 40 Male Artist of the Year

'''American Christian Music Awards'''
* 2005: '''Won''' – Outstanding Yule CD – ''[[Merry Christmas with Love]]''

===Achievement===
* 2005 Robert M. Barg Memorial Achievement Award<ref>[http://www.caregiver.com/caregiver_newsletter/2005/weekly_newsletter042105.htm "Caregiver Newsletter Issue #220"]. {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061101001427/http://www.caregiver.com/caregiver_newsletter/2005/weekly_newsletter042105.htm |date=November 1, 2006 }}, Caregiver.com April 21, 2005. Retrieved November 25, 2006.</ref>
* 2006 UNC Charlotte Alumni Association Outstanding Young Alumnus Award<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20071212040729/http://www.unccharlottealumni.org/honors-and-awards/alumni_awards_2006.asp 2006 "Alumni Award Recipients"]. UNC Charlotte Alumni Association. November 11, 2006. Retrieved November 19, 2006. (article archived)</ref>
* 2007 National Center for Learning Disabilities' Children's Advocacy Award<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20070514042136/http://www.ncld.org/content/view/1183/517 "National Center for Learning Disabilities Celebrates its 30th Anniversary"] NCLD, Press release (April 2007). Retrieved April 27, 2007. (article archived)</ref>
* 2009 The Family Circle Award from the Family Equality Council<ref name="equality" />

==See also==
* [[List of artists who reached number one on the Hot 100 (U.S.)]]
* [[List of Decca Records artists]]
* [[List of number-one hits (United States)]]
* [[List of UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors]]

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
{{wikiquote}}
* {{YouTube|u=clayaiken}}
* {{IMDb name}}
* {{IBDB name}}
* {{AllMusic}}
<!--Please do not add additional fan sites to this page. The number and specific sites listed have been agreed upon. See "talk" for discussion. Thank you!-->

{{Clay Aiken}}
{{American Idol 2}}
{{American Idol}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Aiken, Clay}}
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