BeaversOnIdol.com on Why Clay Is "A Man For All Seasons"

As we look toward another season of American Idol, Beavers on Idol has published a fantastic new article from Judy Simpson titled "Clay Aiken: the Man for All Seasons". Here's a sneak peak. Make sure you head on over to BOI to read the entire thing.

Now that the sixth season of American Idol is about to unfold, this is a good time to reflect on the past five. This is especially advisable for anyone with aspirations of competing on this and future seasons because there is certainly much to learn from observing past contestants. Five years is sufficient to note not only how contestants handled themselves or mishandled themselves during the competitions, but also how they have handled their careers since leaving the show. One conclusion easily reached is that, while winning the title American Idol is indeed something, clearly it isn't everything. Jennifer Hudson, a finalist on the third season, can confirm this; for, even though she didn't make it to that season finale, this didn't deter her from pursuing her career. The fact that she was chosen for a role in "Dreamgirls" over the AI winner from her season, Fantasia, demonstrates that falling short of votes on a television talent contest doesn't preclude one from rising to the occasion under different circumstances. With all due respect to Fantasia, whose own career has been enviable, Jennifer can boast she has realized her dream without the advantages of winning her season.

If Jennifer is the "American Idol dream girl," then Clay Aiken is undoubtedly the "American Idol dream boy." No other contestant in the history of the show has attained the level of success that Clay has achieved, given the obstacles and setbacks from the beginning he has met and overcome along his inspiring journey. Clay, like Jennifer, may have left AI without the title; however, he epitomizes the show's concept better than any other contestant. This was quite clearly demonstrated last summer when Clay made a brief surprise appearance on the AI-5 finale and, with the help of vocally-challenged Aiken impersonator, Michael Sandecki, provided an awe-inspiring moment that captured his transformation from ordinary guy into a bona fide American idol. Without saying a word, Clay's presence, his performance, and his interaction as well as others' reactions, during his brief appearance on that stage illustrated where he started, how far he's come, the size of his talent and his heart, his sense of humor, his compassion for others, and why he has become, in a real sense of the word, not only an American idol but a world-class idol.

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