Though Clay Aiken didn’t obtain main mainstream success after his time on American Idol in 2003, he’s nonetheless one of many extra well-known alum from the singing competitors. Aiken was the runner-up in Season 2, ending behind Ruben Studdard, whom he nonetheless stays pals with to at the present time.
The singer turned a outstanding determine in popular culture for extra than simply his music profession over time. Scroll down for all the things we learn about what he’s to this point and what else he’s executed since his time on the present.
What occurred to Clay Aiken’s music profession?
Following American Idol, Aiken rode the music wave with assist from his document take care of RCA. His first album, Measure of a Man, got here out in 2003, adopted by his first Christmas album Merry Christmas With Love in 2004. He then launched A Thousand Completely different Methods in 2006 and his final RCA album, On My Method Right here, in 2008.
After parting methods with RCA, he signed with Decca Information and launched two extra albums in 2010 and 2012. Nonetheless, as he was starting to pursue different ventures throughout this time, he stepped again from music. It wasn’t till 2024 that Aiken returned to the recording studio to launch Christmas Bells Are Ringing.
He additionally returned to touring in 2023, becoming a member of forces with Studdard to have fun their 20-year anniversary of being on American Idol.
Was Clay Aiken on Broadway?
Aiken made his Broadway debut in 2008. He starred as Sir Robin in Spamalot for 4 months.
In 2018, he and Studdard appeared in Ruben & Clay’s First Annual Christmas Carol Household Enjoyable Pageant Spectacular Reunion Present, which was additionally on Broadway. The occasion featured the singers teaming up for a “fusion of vacation music and leisure that includes lighthearted comedy, astounding versatility and, as at all times, Ruben and Clay’s magnetic stage presence.”
Aiken has additionally dabbled in performing over time, making appearances on exhibits together with 30 Rock, The Workplace, Drop Useless Diva, and extra. He additionally got here in second place on The Movie star Apprentice in 2012 and competed alongside Studdard on The Masked Singer.
Was Clay Aiken in politics?
Aiken ran for the US Home of Representatives in North Carolina’s 2nd congressional district in 2014. He was elected because the Democratic nominee, however misplaced within the election to the Republican candidate.
When he returned to politics in 2022, he ran for the Democratic nomination in North Carolina’s 4th congressional district. This time, he didn’t win the first election.
Who did Clay Aiken have a child with?
Aiken shares his solely son, Parker, along with his buddy Jaymes Foster, whose brother is music producer David Foster. Parker was born in August 2008.
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Foster and Aiken weren’t romantically concerned. She received pregnant by way of in vitro fertilization (IVF) after they determined to boost a baby collectively. Of their option to have a child, Aiken mentioned, “It was a type of issues the place we had been each pondering of it behind our heads.”
Whereas Parker is generally stored out of the general public eye, he made a uncommon look along with his dad on the Broadway premiere of Boop! The Musical in April 2025. Parker’s uncle, David Foster, wrote the music for the present. {The teenager} additionally competed with Aiken on Movie star Household Feud in 2024.
Is Clay Aiken married?
In September 2008, Aiken got here out as homosexual. He appeared on the duvet of Folks journal one month after Parker’s beginning and opened up about his sexuality.
Within the cowl story, Aiken opened up about why he determined to come back out after 5 years within the highlight. “It was the primary choice I made as a father,” he shared. “I can’t elevate a baby to lie or to cover issues. I wasn’t raised that method, and I’m not going to boost a baby to do this.”
Whereas reflecting on the second in a 2024 interview with Folks, Aiken recalled seeing the ticket gross sales for Spamalot dwindle after his popping out. “We’re in a really completely different time 1744129867,” he admitted. “I misplaced perhaps 50 % of the fan base.”
As we speak, he’s single. “I simply turned 46, and I’ve found I’m too outdated to vary my methods for anyone,” he shared. “Except I can discover any person who’s comfortable to take a seat on the opposite finish of the sofa and never speak for hours at a time, then I’m completely high quality not having to take care of that.”