American Idol 2 - Remembering Clay's Performances - Top 9

Each week we are remembering Clay's performances from AI2 as it coincides with this year's American Idol. This week, the Top 9 performed on AI6. On April 1, 2003, AI2's Top 9 also performed. The genre was "Disco", and the guest judge that week was Verdine White from Earth, Wind, and Fire.

Clay was the 4th person to sing. He came out wearing a shiny brown shirt and tan pants and sang "Everlasting Love". As always he sang brilliantly. The highlight, in my opinion, was that last long note that lasted 27 beats. WOW!! Fantastic!! Never wavered one bit...perfectly in tune...absolutely golden! Guess he was preparing himself for that awesome glory note in Solitaire! Oh, and he gave us one of my favorites, a lip bite, about halfway into the song.

The judges were mixed in their reviews. Well, it was 3 against 1 anyway. Randy said that's how you do it right there...make it your own, that was brilliant dog." Paula said, "Clay, you've proven it doesn't matter what genre of music you are singing. You're voice is your voice, its golden, its golden. I just was looking for you to dance a little, but you didn't. Great job." Clay's response to the "dancing" comment was a giggle and, "I need some help on that yet." I think we can safely say that Clay no longer needs any help with his dancing...he's got that down to a fine art! Verdine's comments were, "Clay I saw you back stage this afternoon. You didn't look like you could sing like that. You can sing. You've got chops man." And Simon? He said, "I have to say Clay if I'm being honest, within the context of this competition, I thought that was terrible....Maybe I'm missing the plot here. I'm looking for a future superstar and based on that I just didn't get it." Well, Simon definitely did miss the plot and he is eating those words now...they must taste pretty bitter. Future superstar is definitely what Clay was, and he continues to define the meaning of the word "Superstar" with his talent and character.

No need to worry about Simon's comments, though. Clay was safe for another week. America continued to love him!

If you would like to download Clay's performance of "Everlasting Love", go to Clack Unlimited AI2 Solo Performances. Judges comments can be found at Clack Unlimited AI2 Judges Critiques.

Join us again next week for Clay's performance during the Top 8 week.