American Idol 2 - Remembering Clay's Performances - Top 10

As we have done for the past two weeks, we are remembering each week of Clay's performances on American Idol 2 in conjunction with this year's American Idol. This week the Top 10 performed, and we had a few surprises. Randy was actually left speechless, Simon was nicer than normal, and Sanjaya's hair, well, it was definitely a surprise. However, go back to Season 2 and there were no surprises there...Clay was in top form as he was every week!

It was Tuesday, March 25, 2003, and Clay was the last contestant to sing. For me, this was the first show of any of the American Idol shows that I had ever seen. I tuned in to watch a local girl I found out was on the show -- Kimberly Caldwell from Katy, Texas. Well, when I heard her, I wasn't really a big fan of her style of music. But I had heard via America Online of this skinny geeky guy with a big voice and I was curious. When Clay came out and first started singing, "Someone Else's Star", my mouth dropped to the floor. I had never heard such a voice! I thought it was the best voice I had ever heard. And I was totally taken in by those dreamy eyes that seemed to be looking straight at me right through the television screen and that sweet smile. Now, this is not my favorite song that Clay sang during the competition, but still, he totally wowed me with that crystal clear pure voice.

Randy, Paula, and guest judge Olivia Newton John all gave Clay a standing ovation. I remember when I first realized that Olivia Newton John was on the show, I thought, "What is she doing on a show like this?!" I had a preconceived idea of what American Idol was, and she was too big a star to be on such a show. But that went right out the door after I heard Clay sing and I was drawn back each week to hear him sing again. Well, our last judge, Simon, was not so kind with his remarks. He said, "I hope I can sum up because I thought it was very sweet but sounded identical to last week, had nothing to do with the show, identical to last week, could've swapped songs, very good." Now that I know how awesome Clay sounded the week before, I suppose I could take this as a compliment. Clay always sounded identical in that he was always awesome when he sang!

If you would like to download Clay's Top 10 performance of "Someone Else's Star", go to American Idol 2 Solo Performances at Clack Unlimited.

Next week we'll look back at the Top 9 and another great week for Clay!