had been looking for his charlotte audition for so long!!! tho he doesn't do much public singing nowadays (with exception of few private concerts), its heartening his voice can be found here on youtube.
I love this song and this is the first time that hearing someone sing this song made me cry. Every time his voice moved up and down in pitch my heart moved with it. I LOVE his voice.
WOW, what a voice!! I love it...you see this thin guy and suddenly you hear this bold, full, powerful voice come out of him! He's an extraordinary singer.
Just the fact that I get it, how wonderful Clay Aiken's voice is. How amazing and pure it sounds, makes me feel better about myself. He has the best voice of Our Generation and not enough people know that.. unfortunately.
It's the first time I have seen this video........ it was indeed, a fabulous audition. It is always amazing to me when someone sings acapella anyhow. Good job on this one Clay.
Holy fuck. Did you hear how the microphone was oversaturated at the end. Cant imagine the clipping htat wouldve happened if his mouth had been positioned diredctly into it. This tiny frail man has the voice of a giant
I love Clay and I think he is a tremendous talent. But I also think that a singer's quality goes beyond their mere vocal instrument. What I hear in Clay's voice today that I don't think he quite grasped yet at the time of this audition was a certain level of maturity, artistry and emotional connection to the material that gives richness, depth and emotion to his performances. This video makes it clear he has possession of a special instrument, but I think the ability to "play" it proficiently is something that he acquired over time and with experience. Clearly there would be those who disagree with me, and that's fine. Perhaps they are so blown away with his impressive power and range that they can't see any flaws. I don't blame them. But as to those commenters who are dissing Ruben Studdard and his fans, Ruben may not possess as impressive an instrument as Clay. But he "played" it with a soulfulness, maturity and a deep, emotional connection that was incomparable at the time to any of his competitors on Idol, including Clay. I personally like both artists. I think if you favor one over the other, than you should celebrate and enjoy that one. But given honest consideration to my point about Clay's voice and his artistic maturity and development over time might make you come to appreciate him even more today, for the growth that he has shown.
LOL... Rubben was boring after 1 minute of singing. Rubben has to thank clay himself. After "bridge over troubled water" everyone was so euphoric that clay's phones lines collapsed. In fact, I've never seen the kodak theater explode like it did after "bridge over troubled water". But the justice was done when his single was put up for sale
Music Backups Amen. Well said! Ruben was taught by some of the best and even won a musical scholarship to college. And that 205 just got behind their boy in an amazing way. Clay is an amazing talent and obviously by the far has the commercial success. I think that is nit as important to Ruben as long as he gets to make the music he wants to make.
The only thing I can think of is, although his voice is as smooth as ever, he was making a common amateur mistake that the Idol voice coaches eventually worked out of him. That mistake is the abrupt ending of sounds or the abrupt start of another sound. It can be done occasionally for effect, but he was all over the place in half of that audition. However I would still have given him a chance, just as Randy and Simon did.
The only reason why they (news folks) didn't hear him the first time is because of his looks! Society has degenerated so low that our superficial sense must be stimulated before feeling gut-wrenching talent! The fact that we have a huge cast of some of the most TALENTLESS stars out today; making millions because of their looks, say a lot! SHAME ON AMERICA!
Apparently we are still that immature. It's really a shame though. I loved Clay Aiken and it sucked when he lost, cause he was a million times better than Ruben Studdard. I was also really sad when Adam Lambert lost last year, but I have faith that both he and Kris will do well.
One of the best Idol contestants ever. In fact, top 3. Not to mention his sincere, giving heart and beautiful soul.♥️
I am 87 years old and Clay Aiken’s voice Anne looks have given me cold chills since the very first time I heard and saw him ! Love you CLAY !
As soon as he opens his mouth to sing, I instinctively smile.
Love that boy!!!
What a voice!!!how could they not love that voice???
still gives me the chills.......... his voice is amazing...
had been looking for his charlotte audition for so long!!! tho he doesn't do much public singing nowadays (with exception of few private concerts), its heartening his voice can be found here on youtube.
One of the strongest singers AI has ever had.
what amazes me about him is the amount of control over his voice he has
Hi low hi low male Whitney Houston
I love this I love Clay's voice and I will always love Clay's voice and music.
Clay !!! You’re terrific, oh yeah.. every song, perfect !!!!!🎶🎶🎵🎵🎶🥰👍🏼
I love this song and this is the first time that hearing someone sing this song made me cry. Every time his voice moved up and down in pitch my heart moved with it. I LOVE his voice.
WOW, what a voice!! I love it...you see this thin guy and suddenly you hear this bold, full, powerful voice come out of him! He's an extraordinary singer.
This audition gives me goosebumps, just knowing how this moment put him on a course of a brilliant career. :) Go Clay, keep knocking them dead!
LOVE YOU, CLAY. YOU SING SO PERFECTLY, JUST WONDEROUS. THANK YOU. xx
Wow, that was powerful! He can sing his behind off and he's very soulful. 💞
I've been to some of his shows and he brings the house down every time!!!!!
Just the fact that I get it, how wonderful Clay Aiken's voice is. How amazing and pure it sounds, makes me feel better about myself. He has the best voice of Our Generation and not enough people know that.. unfortunately.
Bubbles Butterfly Agreed!
It's the first time I have seen this video........ it was indeed, a fabulous audition. It is always amazing to me when someone sings acapella anyhow. Good job on this one Clay.
Mr. Aiken has paved the road for all young uns to go for the gold at the end of the rainbow. Yeah!!!!
He has a voice from God. Don't care what anyone says
Yes..his voice is very clean and clear💛...
Ive always loved Clay!
I have to agree with you.
I agree! He is awesome!
For sure!
Claymate here, I love Clay and I think he's the best Idol ever!
Always my fav. Idol even though he came in second.
My very first concert was a Clay Aiken one when I was around 15. He was amazing and still is.
Clay Aiken's voice is so awesome! I can't wait until his new album comes out!
Aww... He was so ADORABLE!
I had no idea when I clicked this video, but I got goosebumps when he started singing!!
My Gosh..he could make that song sound like that? Simply incredible. Bless him...
i love you, Clay...!!!
The most underrated Idol Contestant ever.
The most amazing contestant ever!!
How he has improved to higher potential....love the song Mary Did You Know? Sings it better than other artist.
That's my favorite version!
I have aways been on his side from day one!
My all time favorite AI contestant.
I could listen to him sing forever!
You sound so beautiful still today as you always have, thank you for always healing my heart
I loved all the riffs he put into the song. He did a real good job on it. =)
awesome vocals!!!!!... he is really a raw talent!!!!... hope he keeps up his work!!!... great future ahead!!!....
Clay Aiken sings beautifully. He reeks of pure talent.
no, he just reeks
There is so much soul in his voice!
OMG An ANGEL just sang. Wow! Dear Lawd, I LOVE Clay!
Just AWESOME!
But one has to admit, he did make this song sound WAY amazing with his extraordinary voice.
Our precious precious Clay - he sounded fine to me then!
Look at him now!!! He is just awesome.
I saw him in concert. He was so good.
I'm jealous
I've never actually seen him in concert but when I saw him in the Americas idol show he was very good 😊
There will never be another singer like Clay on American Idol. He broke the mold!
hes actually really good. better than i expected.
It'sone of the auditions from American Idol - each contestant goes through many auditions before they make it to the top 24 and get to be on TV -
I love this guy.... He has a really good voice.
What a voice, love me some Clay Aiken!
Holy fuck. Did you hear how the microphone was oversaturated at the end. Cant imagine the clipping htat wouldve happened if his mouth had been positioned diredctly into it. This tiny frail man has the voice of a giant
Perfect voice
I like the geek look!That's what makes him so special...
I love his voice!!
yuppers Clay. Such strength, perfect pitch. You go boy.
His singing truly took me over the rainbow :)
I really did not expect that voice from him... amazing
He's pretty awesome.
Ahh He is soooooooooo awesome!
adorable, now and back then.
I LOVED and still love Clay Aiken. He is an amazing and very talented guy whose voice is just incredible, and it really shouldn't matter if he is gay.
Beautiful
Wow. What a voice!
One of the best contenders...wow.
What a great voice!!!
all i can say is WOW!
Jesus Christ, he's got a talent from God!!!! I love you Clay❤️
Funny-looking? He looked great! He is 100% adorable! :D
I'm in heaven !
His accent is adorable!
How in the world did he not make it based on this audition? It's beautiful! :)
That's exactly what I want to know! How in the heck did he not win AI??
Wow he was good here, too. It's amazing how all that practice can improve talent.
I love Clay and I think he is a tremendous talent. But I also think that a singer's quality goes beyond their mere vocal instrument. What I hear in Clay's voice today that I don't think he quite grasped yet at the time of this audition was a certain level of maturity, artistry and emotional connection to the material that gives richness, depth and emotion to his performances.
This video makes it clear he has possession of a special instrument, but I think the ability to "play" it proficiently is something that he acquired over time and with experience. Clearly there would be those who disagree with me, and that's fine. Perhaps they are so blown away with his impressive power and range that they can't see any flaws. I don't blame them.
But as to those commenters who are dissing Ruben Studdard and his fans, Ruben may not possess as impressive an instrument as Clay. But he "played" it with a soulfulness, maturity and a deep, emotional connection that was incomparable at the time to any of his competitors on Idol, including Clay. I personally like both artists. I think if you favor one over the other, than you should celebrate and enjoy that one. But given honest consideration to my point about Clay's voice and his artistic maturity and development over time might make you come to appreciate him even more today, for the growth that he has shown.
LOL... Rubben was boring after 1 minute of singing. Rubben has to thank clay himself. After "bridge over troubled water" everyone was so euphoric that clay's phones lines collapsed. In fact, I've never seen the kodak theater explode like it did after "bridge over troubled water". But the justice was done
when his single was put up for sale
Music Backups Amen. Well said! Ruben was taught by some of the best and even won a musical scholarship to college. And that 205 just got behind their boy in an amazing way. Clay is an amazing talent and obviously by the far has the commercial success. I think that is nit as important to Ruben as long as he gets to make the music he wants to make.
He looks so adorable with his little glasses on and his sweater. lmfao.
He's so cute
he says "my name is clay aiken" wooooooooooow. how could it not be him.
he sings great, wowwwwww, i love when he signs proud of youe boy, amazing
Well, he obviously has amazing talent! Don't know what was wrong with the folks who dumped him...
gah...ridICULously charming/charismatic voice. He's got the epic male singing voice
Incredible voice! Clay, you should have won!!
He should have won. MUCH, MUCH better than Ruben. His rendition of 'Solitaire' will take your breath away. Just incredible.
How in the world did they turn him away with that audition?! Baaah!!
A crystal clear voice 👏👏👏
Great voice then and great voice now!
He's so cute.
Clay should be on Broadway!!
he was ... Clay made his Broadway debut as the star of Spamalot in 2008 ... 💜🎭💜
He said, "Oh thank you." In that Carolina twang, my friend.
i really wished i watched this season!!!
that would be season 2 of American Idol, it was great !! ... 💜💜💜
LOL!! you are 100% right!! being a huge fan of lost, i can't agree more
The only thing I can think of is, although his voice is as smooth as ever, he was making a common amateur mistake that the Idol voice coaches eventually worked out of him.
That mistake is the abrupt ending of sounds or the abrupt start of another sound. It can be done occasionally for effect, but he was all over the place in half of that audition.
However I would still have given him a chance, just as Randy and Simon did.
i like his voice because it sound so much like a broadway character.
Clay has a great voice!
The only reason why they (news folks) didn't hear him the first time is because of his looks! Society has degenerated so low that our superficial sense must be stimulated before feeling gut-wrenching talent! The fact that we have a huge cast of some of the most TALENTLESS stars out today; making millions because of their looks, say a lot! SHAME ON AMERICA!
Apparently we are still that immature. It's really a shame though. I loved Clay Aiken and it sucked when he lost, cause he was a million times better than Ruben Studdard. I was also really sad when Adam Lambert lost last year, but I have faith that both he and Kris will do well.
Wonderful
omggggg he looks so nerdy but so cute now lol and the song he singing i sing since i was a child lol. love ya clay
GREAT VOICE
clay was in great voice here. what were they thinking!
wow he's really good.
liked this a lot :)
POOR CLAY:(
i love him hes hilarious.
no "poor Clay" ... more like amazing, powerful voice !! 💜💜
he reminds me here of a cute little leprechaun....then when he got his makeover he looked way better...go clay awesome voice!!
Your always my spiritual healer