Idol Producer: Clay Was Far Ahead

In an interview with Reality News Online, American Idol co-Executive Producer Nigel Lythgoe said this, in response to a question about vote tallies being released.

I don't think so. We do at the end of each of series, it is released, but not during the week. If you knew, for instance, that Clay Aiken was so far ahead every week, it would be a waste of time watching.

This has been one of the most candid admissions from the Idol producers that Clay beat out every other contestant back in the 2003 season of Idol.