Claymates Respond to N&O Music Critic's Criticism

After Raleigh News & Observer music critic David Menconi criticized Clay on his recent Jimmy Kimmel appearance, Claymates responded in force, says Mr. Menconi in this blog.

The Rolling Stones versus...Clay Aiken?!
You know, the world really makes no sense at all. For example, last Sunday I had a story in the Sunday Arts/Entertainment section that I figured would push some buttons out there -- on why the Rolling Stones are just a nostalgia act nowadays, and therefore no longer relevant. Usually, something like that would draw a torrent of nasty e-mail from the diehards who have shelled out for tickets; but so far, all I've received are a handful of "attaboy" messages.

Meanwhile, what DID get a response from Sunday's paper was a little three-paragraph item on the back page of the same section, which recounted Clay Aiken's recent appearance on "Monday Night Football" with (I thought) minimal attitude beyond noting that Aiken's football-throwing technique probably wouldn't have impressed any football scouts who were watching.

But it seems I can't even type the words "Clay Aiken" without offending his more evangelical fans out there. Wrote one angry fan from South Carolina:

"I don't know what David Menconi or others there that have written articles about Clay Aiken have against him, but it is so apparent to me and others that they are jealous of him and his success. You would think that the people in this region would be tremendously proud of him. Instead, they seem to malign him at every chance. You people should be ashamed.

Clay Aiken deserves every word of praise that anyone could possibly give him for being such a kind and generous man to others and for the magnitude of talent he possesses.

I loved that skit Clay did with Jimmy Kimmel and I resent the dig in your article. I'd love to see one article or review from your paper that would actually show him the praise and acclaim that he deserves."

Another weighed in from Arkansas:

"To the fans of Clay, this was not a "weird" Clay siting. You see, Jimmy Kimmel often has a commercial during Monday night football advertising his show for that nite. Clay was to be a guest on his show for the 4th time in the past couple of years. Jimmy used to make jokes in his monologue about Clay before he had him on his show for the first time. After he met and got to know Clay, they became friends and Clay has done skits for the Kimmel show. Jimmy and the Clay fans know that Clay is not very athletic and thought this was a very funny siting actually. Of course, it is known that you are not a Clay fan but if you, like Jimmy Kimmel, got to know him you might change your tune. Of course, as long as you work for the N&O, it is doubtful you will put positive spin on anything."

There were others, but you get the idea -- further proof that you just never can tell what will set people off.