OLMass Tells Us Convincingly Why "The Best Is Yet To Come"

I don't think there is one person who would say that Clay's only talent is singing. Oh yes, that's the first thing we heard come out of Clay's mouth...that gorgeous singing voice. But the more Clay performs, the more we see him in concert, the more we see that Clay is a multi-talented person. A mega-talented entertainer. That makes him an absolute delight to see in concert, not just once, but over and over again.

OLMass from The Clayboard posts great words of wisdom pertaining to Clay on occasion. Just the other day, he did so again by starting a thread called "The Best Is Yet To Come". And I'd like to share his thoughts with you, as we all watch Clay during this summer tour grow even more in his many talents.

I didn't know whether to call this thread "The Entertainer" or "A Different Kind of Critic" because both apply. In the end, "The Best is Yet to Come" says it all.

I've been watching all of the concert clack and trying not to be jealous of those of you having the opportunity to see it live. Clay has evolved so far beyond the "pop star" that AI hoped to find; he has become a consummate entertainer. Can you picture any other top ten AI contestant doing the kind of show Clay does. And it is a show; it is much more than a current recording artist performing a concert. Clay entertains; singing just happens to be one of the things he does (and does best) to entertain.

As Clay continues to hone his showmanship, I think he will begin to attract a different kind of critic in both the professional and the fan now that Clay has proven he is not just another flash-in-the-pan pop star. I can see him easily morphing into a variety performer with the same brilliance as a Carol Burnett or a Danny Kaye. He may just be the one to bring back that kind of entertainment. As far as I'm concerned, with what most radio has become, it doesn't matter to me if he ever has another top-40 hit or if he is ever again called a pop star. He is so much more as an entertainer and the best is yet to come.

I couldn't agree more with OLMass. Clay is unbelievably talented in so many areas. I can't think of any pop or rock or hip hop or whatever star who could outshine Clay. He is a polished entertainer and just keeps getting better and better. I hope one day he does bring the variety show back on TV, just like greats like Carol Burnett, Jack Benny, Milton Berle, Jackie Gleason, and Red Skelton. He is every bit the performer that they are. And they don't make 'em like they used to....until Clay!!

Clay's New-Found Respect - A Fan's Thoughts

Often I read something that a Clay fan writes, and it touches me to the degree that I want to include it in Clay's Daily Double. This again was true when I read OLMass's thoughts on Clay's new-found respect at The Clayboard this past week. Read it, and see if you don't agree with me that the respect Clay has been receiving lately as seen in various comments online and on TV are a sign of things to come and, of course, are much deserved. Thank you OLMass, for these great thoughts.

From OLMass at The Clayboard:

We all seem to agree that Clay finally appears to be receiving the respect from TPTB at AI and the media that we believe he should have since the beginning. I've been pondering why this is so and I've come to some conclusions:

1. It is not just because of a positive PR push from TeamClay.
2. With all due respects to Jordin, Blake and Melinda, I think everyone realizes that the quality of talent on AI peaked with Clay and Ruben and has gone down each season since.
3. Clay has paid his dues and has worked harder than any other AI contestant to earn his success.
4. He handled himself with dignity, grace and style in squelching the tabloid lies and innuendos.
5. Clay has proven that he is so much more than a competitor from a reality show. He is not only a phenomenally talented singer, but also, he is a seasoned performer, comedian, talk show guest extraordinaire and a magnanimously sincere humanitarian.

Rodney Dangerfield was famous for his tagline, "I don't get any respect, I tell you, no respect at all." Well, we can't say that about Clay anymore. He has had our respect for the past four years and now the rest of them are finally starting to get it.