More Debunking

Clay fan does not equal American Idol fan.

I didn't watch season one of Idol. I also didn't watch seasons 3, 4, or 5. Nor am I watching the current season.

Actually, I only watched season two because a friend begged to check out "the nerdy guy with the amazing voice." And I did, because I am a good friend that way.

I hated the show itself, but I had to watch because I got caught up in Clay; what he was singing, how he looked, if he was having fun, etc.

So, people who know me, please stop asking me if I prefer Gina or Jordan or Chris R. or Chris S.

I have no idea who those people are. Being a Clay fan does not genetically predispose me to be a fan of American Idol. Debunk that! I.don't.care.

Now, on to the "anomaly!"

I don't feel that Clay was "robbed" because he didn't win American Idol. He didn't win American Idol because he had too many fans. Simple. How can there be anything bad about that? Ruben had tons of fans too, but Clay had more, as evidenced by all that has occurred since. Just enough more so that the phone lines at the time could not handle it. So many that we overloaded the lines, therefore more of "us" could not get through to cast our votes.

So you can forget about believing that all "true" Claymates think Clay not winning was an anomaly. In fact, winning seems to be irrelevent, since in nearly every article written about AI, Clay is mentioned as the loser who won anyway. If losing means selling over 4 million CDs, being on magazine covers and living in a 9,000 square foot home, then please Lord, let me be a loser too!

Clay and Ruben are not competitors. They are both successful. They are friends. It's all good.

And finally, what is up with Clay's hometown newspaper? Normally I never give those snide remarks from alleged "hipper-than-thou" music critics a second thought. In fact, more often than not, their comments merely serve to reveal their own inadequacies - in writing, in their understanding of the consuming public, and in their appreciation of vocal virtuosity.

But this...

March 31 at Cardinal Club, Raleigh
Clay Aiken

Raleigh's hometown "American Idol" star has never been a critical favorite, and it's hard to imagine he ever will be. Aiken's multiplatinum days seem over (last year's "A Thousand Different Ways" was his first album to sell fewer than 1 million copies), and he has weathered a storm of personal-life rumors. None of which matters a whit to Aiken's beyond-rabid following of "Claymates," who are some of the most feverishly loyal fans in the music business.

To his credit, Aiken is still using his clout to do good works. This show is a high-priced charity gala for his Bubel/Aiken Foundation, which works with special-needs kids.

Respect means never having to say you're sorry.

...just seriously makes this guy whose name I already forgot seem totally out of touch.

If I were the type to be baited into responding to such trite drivel, I might say something like...

Saying Aiken's multiplatinum days "seem over" displays an amazing lack of relevent perspective. Clay has released three full length albums. Two of them went platinum and more. The first was called "the best pop album of 2003" by Billboard magazine, and his collection of beautifully classic Christmas songs set an opening week sales record when it was released in November 2004.

His third CD, of mostly cover tunes, which would be a difficult sell to any fan base, was certified gold five weeks after it's release. Wow, that's terrible! Clay should be so ashamed! Get real, dude.

Personal life rumors? Really? Do tell. I guess now we know what distinguished tomes the local music critic peruses in his spare time. Classy!

And finally, I am not rabid, and I am personally insulted by your implication that "all" Claymates are. In fact, I am not even "feverish." But I am loyal.

After all, that's in the definition of "fan," right? I am a fan, a supporter, an appreciater of Clay, his voice, his personality, and his heart.

Photo Credit Jack Guy
Besides, being a passive bystander does not a fan make. I believe that I get to define how I enjoy an artist, not you, not anyone else in the media, and in all honesty, not even Clay.

Sure, there are "beyond rabid" people out there. And there are just as many who admire and respect Clay as an artist and as a human being, and behave accordingly.

I resent being painted with the same brush as the loony birds, many of whom have morphed from "enthusiastic" fans into obsessed, over the top stalkers.

So back off, Mr. Music Guy. I don't insult you for your musical choices, what gives you the right to insult me about mine?

But, I'm not one of those people who bulls up at every trite remark, so I'll just say this -

Live and let live dude. I hear it's the summer of love. Peace out.

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