Idol Vocal Coach Blown Away By Clay

During a radio interview this morning, David Coury, a vocal coach on American Idol said he was 'blown away' by Clay's voice.

From the CH via the Clay Aiken fanclub:

This morning, the radio station I listen to (K-EARTH in LA), had a guy on named David Coury, and they said he was a vocal coach on American Idol. (I thought Debra Byrd was the AI vocal coach.) This guy was very knowledgeable about the show and the various contestants going back to Season 1. He indicated that he not only helped many of them with their singing technique, but also worked with them on handling their fear of performing in front of hundreds in the studio audience, and millions who are watching on TV. He said the first thing he tells them is to embrace their fear. He tells them that absolutely nobody is fearless, and he encourages them to acknowledge that their fear exists, and to apply that nervous energy into their performance, which will help make it the best it can be. According to him, once they understand and accept that it's okay to be afraid, and realize every one of their competitors is feeling the same way, it's the first step to no longer being overwhelmed by it.

He was quite interesting, but I'll be honest...one of the reasons I liked him is because he seemed to really like Clay. *g* When the DJ was talking with him about working with the contestants on AI, he said something about there being a handful of them who were obviously great singers from the get go, and he mentioned Kelly, Bo and Carrie. David quickly jumped in with "and Clay Aiken" and the DJ then said, "yes, of course, Clay Aiken." Later in the conversation, the DJ asked him what some of his favorite moments are from all the various seasons, and he said "Well, right off the bat, Clay Aiken. He came into the audition with a so-so complexion, thick glasses, and awful hair...then he opened his mouth and blew everyone away." The only other person he talked about was Kelly. He said she was incredible, and then the DJ mentioned that she is becoming more of a rocker chick now and David said "Yes, I know, and I'm a bit concerned about what she's doing to her voice. If she keeps singing like she has been lately, she's going to have some serious problems in a few years." Then he said "Kelly, if you're listening...call me."