New Pittsburgh Courier praises Clay, AI Idols' Success

Article about AI Idols' success has a small paragraph about Clay. An abridged version appears below.

'American Idol' is the proven short cut to fame
Fri Oct 21, 2005
by Steve Holsey
For New Pittsburgh Courier

LaToya London, who was the fourth place winner in the third season of "American Idol," made an impressive first-week appearance on the national R&B and Pop sales charts with her introductory album, "Love & Life." Which is not a surprise considering the popularity of the show.

Being a finalist on "American Idol" gives a singer a huge recognition advantage. That being the case, and the fact that finalists have built-in fan bases of substantial size, it is almost impossible for an "American Idol" finalist to make an album that flops. And the contestant doesn't even have to have been the first-place winner.

Clay Aiken, who was narrowly defeated by Ruben Studdard, in the second season, enjoyed platinum success with his introductory album, "Measure of a Man." Unfortunately, a lot of Black people turned it into a racial issue. I, for one, like Ruben a lot (he was nicknamed "the Velvet Teddy Bear" by celebrity guest judge Gladys Knight), but I believe that Aiken is a better and more versatile singer. I don't believe in voting by race.

Anyone who can get up there and perform on television, watched by millions of viewers, and face judges Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and the notorious Simon Cowell, is to be commended.