Morning Call: Clay brings "performance filled with warmth and sentimentality"

The Morning Call posted a constructively critical, but overall positive review to Clay's New Brunswick, NJ concert.

CLAY AIKEN

Clay Aiken's heart, if not his voice, was in the right place for his ''Christmas in the Heartland'' concert at the State Theatre Wednesday night. Backed by the Chelsea Symphony from New York and two female vocalists, the ''American Idol'' runner-up gave a performance filled with warmth and sentimentality.

It was not that his voice lacked strength -- the louder he sang, the more the loyal audience cheered -- but unlike the tight muscularity heard in his recordings, his midrange was harsh when pushed and his pitch often went flat. Some songs had awkward phrasing. There were some notable exceptions. ''Hark the Herald Angels Sing'' was delivered with heartfelt conviction, and he gave a medley of Christmas favorites, ending with ''Winter Wonderland,'' a neat Elvis-like touch.