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Wholesome, God-fearing, ambiguously effete Clay Aiken unintentionally pushes more buttons than most so-called subversive artists. Just defending the 29-year-old North Carolinian, American Idol and pop phenom is likely to cause an uproar. Ask Rosie O’Donnell: Last year, she accused Kelly Ripa of being homophobic after Ripa derided Aiken for placing his hand on her mouth. (“I don’t know where that hand’s been, honey,” Ripa fired at him.)
On the phone, though, the lightning rod sounds utterly harmless, talking a mile a minute in a Southern accent and often bursting into high-pitched laughter. Before making his Broadway debut in Spamalot this month, Aiken called TONY from a tour stop in Jersey City to gab about “Claymates” and stage crapping.
Time Out New York: So Spamalot isn’t how one expects Clay Aiken to invade Broadway.
Clay Aiken: And tell me why not! [Laughs]
Time Out New York: Well, you seem like a traditional guy. It’s a pretty unconventional show.
Clay Aiken: That’s exactly why we chose it. If you’re going to branch out into a new field, well, go whole hog—try something different.
Time Out New York: Had you seen the movie?
Clay Aiken: Never. And the first time I saw the show, I thought, This is stupid—there’s no plot. What’s the point?!? I had this image of Broadway having uplifting stories and melodies. But Spamalot’s just silliness and irreverence raised to a completely different level. I get to soil myself onstage!
Time Out New York: What will your fans think of that?
Clay Aiken: If I’ve learned one thing in the past five years, it’s that you’ll never please everybody. But the people who’ve been so supportive of us, they trust us enough to have some fun here and there, and be a little irreverent. I won’t be soiling myself for the rest of my life.
Time Out New York: Did you come up with the term Claymates?
Clay Aiken: No, it started when I was on American Idol. I didn’t really like it at first. I was like, Oh my God, how tacky! But now I think, If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em. We’ve fully embraced it.
Time Out New York: And there are Claysians, too.
Clay Aiken: There’s also the Claynadians. In Raleigh, my hometown, there’s Clayniacs. There’s even a group called the Lecherous Broads for Clay Aiken! We appreciate them, but sometimes they’re like that cousin you love but can’t quite understand.
Time Out New York: Ever worry you’ll get a limb torn off?
Clay Aiken: Maybe just squeezed to death. [Laughs] But the Claymates are just a section of the fan base. The overwhelming majority are very respectful, very protective and mothering. If I sneeze onstage one night, 15 people show up at the next tour stop with Triaminic. I’ve got far more mothers than I ever needed!
Time Out New York: Is it true you’re allergic to nuts?
Clay Aiken: I’m allergic to a number of things: tree nuts, coffee, mints, chocolate. Some fans tried to introduce me to carob a few years ago. But it gave me the runs, so… [Laughs]
Time Out New York: Speaking of which, is it safe to say Rosie O’Donnell had diarrhea of the mouth when she called Kelly Ripa “homophobic”?
Clay Aiken: Oh, God. I think people on TV say certain things just so they can get attention. I didn’t agree with Rosie. But I appreciated her trying to come to my defense, in one way or another!
Time Out New York: What do you make of people nagging you about the “gay” thing?
Clay Aiken: I think the majority of the American public cares less about it than reporters like you do.
Time Out New York: Has anyone ever confronted you about it in public?
Clay Aiken: I can’t come up with any specific incidents. But I’ve been called everything in the book at some point or another—gay, ugly, nerdy, fat.
Time Out New York: You’re not fat.
Clay Aiken: After Idol, I was. Going from living in North Carolina, where barely anyone would talk to me, to a world where everyone knew who I was—it freaked me out. So I went on antianxiety medicine and gained, like, 20 pounds in a year’s time.
Time Out New York: You must be used to the attention now.
Clay Aiken: It’s still odd, though. Now I just think it’s funny. Like last night: I was onstage and all these people were screaming, and in the back of my head I’m thinking, Are you people crazy?!?
Clay Aiken premieres in Spamalot Fri 18.
OHMAGGIE
Mon, Jun 09, at 09:41pm
Clay ..should be commended for the graceful way he handles the "gay or not gay" issue..it is clearly no ones business. He is a talented singer,actor and entertainer.
How many new stars start a foundation as one of their first acts? I saw Clay in Spam-a-lot..he was fantastic! I have been attending Broadway shows for over 30 years..seeing Clay will be one of my fondest memories. HE IS AN ENTERTAINER...and THAT VOICE!!!
susanna
Fri, Apr 04, at 12:56pm
Don't know why my unfinished post showed up on the board already. I did not click submit!!!!
susanna
Fri, Apr 04, at 10:57am
Ok, one more try. Let's just say I saw Clay in Spamalot, and he truly floored me. He was absolutely hilarious from start to finish.
susanna
Fri, Apr 04, at 10:55am
Just came across this old article.
Maricela
Fri, Mar 07, at 02:44pm
I love Clay Aiken. Please feature and showcase musical singing sensation and platinum recording artist and America's Favorite Idol CLAY AIKEN on the cover of TimeOut New York Magazine, with a positive article. Clay Aiken is my favorite male singer and male entertainer.
Linda
Fri, Jan 18, at 10:14am
Can't wait to see Clay in Spamalot !!!
Thanks for a great interview !!!
JJ
Thu, Jan 17, at 10:21pm
Yep, wow you must be a horribly prejudice person. I feel so sorry for you. The horrid comments and meaness will only come back to haunt you in your life.
Very respectful interview.
JJ
carol
Thu, Jan 17, at 06:22pm
Just love this man--beautiful inside and and out! And yes, I worry about him and am protective, but my feelings are hardly motherly (teehee!). He's turned ino quite the hunk and made me love redheds.
hayley
Thu, Jan 17, at 04:17pm
I think that Clay is the best and I know that he will be wonderful in this.
I do hope that there will be no clack as thats whats Clay wants and if he wants that then we should listin to him.
I am very proud to call my self a Claymate and I love him so very much always will.
You rock Clay go break a leg and the best of luck for your opening night and all the shows that you will be doing.
All my love always and forever Hayley from New Zealand
Beverly
Thu, Jan 17, at 11:29am
Clay's a charmer and a comic riot. His self deprecating humor will make his role in Spamalot even more fun. We love him. Thanks for a nice interview.
Sahia
Thu, Jan 17, at 11:04am
Great article. The reporter seems very repectful of how he delivered his questions, CLAY is an amazing overall entertainer, If you have not seen him live, see him in Spamalot, He is very quick, witty, smart. very entertaining and has an amazing voice. I have my tickets and I am so excited to fly to New York from Los Angeles. You will get your money's worth
Sam
Thu, Jan 17, at 10:47am
Why does this guy get so much press? He certainly generates a buzz! He's way past the once expected "15 minutes of fame", going on 5 years. Good for him.
Jasmine
Thu, Jan 17, at 09:33am
Effete? Surely you jest! You interviewed him over the phone? You didn't meet him in person? You should do that. The man is over six feet tall and very sexy. He is also classy, unassuming, confident, and intelligent. He is the total package, and he will rock on the Broadway stage.
Darlene
Thu, Jan 17, at 09:10am
Wow, I feel old now.
Trust me, Clay...a lot of us do not want to mother you. We do love and respect you a great deal though.
As for why he answered certain questions here, and didn't want to for Newsweek? My take is that Newsweek is suppose to cover important issues...Newsworthy issues, such as UNICEF, Bubel/Aiken foundation, Spamalot, etc...Not gossip. I think Clay expected to talk about important things.
VERONICA
Thu, Jan 17, at 08:26am
Clay is one of a kind,... and virtually has the talent to do anything he wants. Witty, bright, quick, and a fantastic singer -- and most importantly, a GOOD MAN. The Newsweek "reporter"? had an agenda,.... had he done any homework at all he could have had a fantastic interview -- instead he decided to take the "low road". Good for Clay,... Looking forward to seeing Spamalot -- and so is my entire family.
june
Thu, Jan 17, at 05:53am
Me and a group had travelled from Singapore for Clay's concert. Beside a fantastic voice he is a real entertainer. We will be back to watch Spamalot.
Kayla
Thu, Jan 17, at 01:46am
Gina asked:
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So....why did Aiken answer this reporter and have a hissy fit with the Newsweek reporter who asked the same questions? Moody much?
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My Response:
Have you ever played the game of TELEPHONE where the story starts off at one person then it gets passed around with so much spin on it , it would make you dizzy ! Well, this is exactly what all this is about!
For people that have followed Clay's career from the very begining you just get to know the type of person he is and just how he walks the talk of what he believes , and means what he says . The questions that were asked were re-cycled questions that were already answered umpteen times . Clay has addressed them in media, both TV & print , but ya know people who are just casual followers don't know him and judge by the gossip that is out there !
There was no hissy fit , Clay just matter-of-factly said he did not want to speak of something already talked about .
The interviewer was lazy and did not do HIS profession any good by not asking more up-to-date questions .
He might have asked about Clay appearing on Broadway on the 18th in Spamalot , or he could have talked about how Clay has now raised a million $$$$ through his BUBEL/AIKEN foundation and UNICEF . How about the fact that he was on ARE YOU SMARTER THAN A 5TH GRADER and won $300,000.00 for his charity ? THAT would have been good journalism , but instead he cops out and goes for sensationalism . Clay showed that he has class , moreso than this so - called interviewer. Good Lord , the interviewer even had the stupidity to ask about a "FORD" commercial on Season 2? WHAT? That was 5 years ago?
Sorry folks , no matter what you cant spin this one to make Clay look bad !! Just won't work !
kfc-canada
Thu, Jan 17, at 01:11am
Like last night: I was onstage and all these people were screaming, and in the back of my head I’m thinking, Are you people crazy?!?
Yep, we sure are, Clay....crazy about you. It's just one of those facts of life...you see a handsome, good-looking guy (TM Heather Headley)...a very gorgeous guy, I may add...who can toss out a one-liner or who can make an entire audience crack up with a nod of his head or a very slight lip curl....one who can give you goosebumps or bring you to tears with a heartfelt song....it's just inevitable....you're going to jump to your feet and clap your heart out and scream....OMG...as long as your lungs will hold out. Are we crazy? No....but definitely enthusiastic (TM Clay Aiken).
Joni
Thu, Jan 17, at 12:13am
I love Clay, but I wish he would realize that 99.9% of his fans do not want to Mother him. Clay honey you are a gorgeous sexy man.
aggiesfrn
Thu, Jan 17, at 12:01am
Clay Aiken is about to show the world just who he really is and what he is all about.
That would be a wacky, hysterically funny, talented, slightly bawdy, gorgeous hunk of a man with a voice like no other! One who knows exactly who he is....and one who could care less if the world approves of him or not.
The only person he answers to is his God...(and......sometimes......his Mother)! I agree with Clay that this God of his also has a sense of humor!
Break a leg Clay Aiken......from your hometown! What a class act! We love you!
Kayla
Wed, Jan 16, at 11:59pm
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What do you make of people nagging you about the “gay” thing?
I think the majority of the American public cares less about it than reporters like you do.
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THIS remark is perfection ! Way to go Clay. I wonder where some interviewers have graduated ....Do they really care who it is they are interviewing??? Why , when the topic has been laid to rest , Clay has addressed it over and over again , do they keep on bringing it up ??
Clay puts them in their place though!!!! He is a class act all the way !
EzAz12C
Wed, Jan 16, at 11:53pm
I don't want to be his mother; I want to throw him down on the ground and ... Too much information?
Diva
Wed, Jan 16, at 11:46pm
Clay is a class act. And the reason he was more responsive to this reporter who did this interview BEFORE the recent Newsweek interview is cause he seemed more respectful of Clay. And Clay gives back what people give him . If you are rude and ignorant than expect him NOT to want to answer your stupid and ingranat questions. Hes proven over and over he not perfect but does the best he can to be a role model and use his celeberity for good. People need to recongize and acknoweledge that instead of stories created by tabloid mags and sites. I cant wait till Sunday to see Clay in Spamalot!!!!!!!!!! And people can say what they want about Clays fans but you will never see a more loving and dedicated bunch of people. Yes some go overboard but that doesnt speak for his fanbase as a whole.
D
sue
Wed, Jan 16, at 11:26pm
I have seen Aiken in concert. He is a great entertainer with an amazing voice. Looking forward to seeing him in Spamalot.
Ashley
Wed, Jan 16, at 11:12pm
Great fun interesting article about a great guy! Thanks!
Moe
Wed, Jan 16, at 10:44pm
Nice article. Never tire of hearing what Clay has to say. He is such a class act. Just love him to death. So happy for him that he is doing Spamalot!! He will kill in that role! Wonderful.
Oh - and Clay, yes, we are crazy - crazy for you!
sandra
Wed, Jan 16, at 10:32pm
Great interview. Can't wait to see him in Spamalot.
