Access Atlanta Catches Up with Clay

On August 15, Clay will return to the city that started it all - Atlanta, GA. Almost 5 years after his audition in front of Simon, Paula and Randy during the AI2 Atlanta auditions, Clay will perform at the Chastain Park Amphitheater backed by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.

The Atlanta Journal Constitution's Access Atlanta caught up with Clay during his tour stop in San Diego on Thursday ... I LOVED reading every word of this interview; I only wished that it was a little bit longer cause this guy just "gets it"... I think you will agree. The version posted below is a abridgment... go to AccessAtlanta.com for the full interview.

Clay Aiken is a riot. There's something genuinely comedic about the singer, care-free and, well, likable.

The Season 2 "American Idol" runner-up to the Velvet Teddy Bear Ruben Studdard has sold more records than any other "American Idol" alum besides Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood. And this guy's tours sell out around the country.

You dyed you hair. What's up with that?
It started on "American Idol" and they wanted to change my image. I don't even know what color it is now. We just try everything — it could be beach blond next!

Since you've found fame and fortune, what did you do with your first big check?
My first major purchase was a Volvo [laughter]. I'm such a dork! I didn't want to be too ostentatious, and I wanted something safe and reliable ... I also paid off my mom's car.

Where do you plan to hang out when you get to Atlanta.
People around me love Lenox. I love Fogo de Chao ... I always have to get back to the corner on Spring Street where I spent the night for my ["American Idol"] auditions at Merchandise Mart. So I'll try to get back over there.