When asked what I love about Clay, the answer that always pops into my head was actually given by someone else here some time ago. “He sings good and he’s cute.” That really sums it all up for me.
Some of you have already read comments I have made on this topic at other times and in other places. Now I am forced to dig even deeper in analyzing the phenomenon.
At the top of the list—the Voice--beautiful tone, quality, clarity, range, power, dynamics, breath control, voice control, ability to harmonize…..
But beyond that, I love how he FEELS his music, and thus makes me feel his music. How it instantly makes me forget everything else but that. I wonder if it effects him the same way. It’s the perfect stress reducer, mood elevator, spiritual enhancer and aphrodisiac.
Is it chick music? Yeah, some of it. And I like that too. I never was one for “chick music” before, but now I get it. And I’m unashamed to say that I like to tap into my emotions, and find a deeper connection to the human spirit, and maybe a better understanding of the human experience. That’s a TRUE gift from Clay that I’m sure he doesn’t know about.
AND great song choices. When left to choose his own music, he always comes up with quality songs that have great lyrics, and/or soothing melodies, or uplifting fun tunes. The fact that he can sing pretty much any genre opens up a whole world of possibilities that many other artists just don’t have. He has so much to offer in terms of musical variety.
I like that he gives his all every time out. That makes me feel appreciated as a fan.
AND I like that he is exploring other styles and trying new things and is musically curious. ATDW
was different for him. I liked hearing another form of expression from him. He should be learning more about music, and exploring his abilities, and developing his talent.
He‘s always been entertaining and quick-witted, but he’s become progressively more comfortable on stage, more engaging, more comical, less inhibited. He’s got just tons of charisma and charm. I love that he has the confidence now to just move to the music and let himself be completely immersed in it. To feel it body and soul, like in my avie.
AND he’s very real. He gives little glimpses into his heart, and the things that matter to him. He doesn’t wear his heart on his sleeve anymore, but when he shares, it is genuine. Like when he gave Angela that little kiss in Sterling Heights.
Or when he mouthed the words to WTLGD behind Quiana in Ft. Myers. Or when he teared up singing Because You Loved Me in Orlando. Or every time he sang MOAM with such intensity on this tour.
That being said, the genuineness is what causes people to have such strong opinions about the man—Nobody is indifferent about Clay Aiken. But I like that he inspires thought and reflection. He challenges young people to examine their values, and challenges us older folks to act on ours. And he’s steadfast in his value system, he doesn’t change with fads or trends. His humanitarian endeavors speak for themselves. His personal history and his training as a special ed. teacher give him a perspective that most men his age don’t have.
He is a bit of a loose cannon on stage, it’s true. He may sometimes forget to use his “filter.” But that spontaneity is the genuine part, and the occasional shock is the fun part, and the unexpectedness is the intrigue.
And like Debbie said, he’s probably loyal to a fault, but he’s not a push-over. He can make the tough decisions, and he has. You go Clay! He’s resilient, and he doesn’t cave.
AND I love that he maintains his youthful exuberance.
AND DON’T FORGET!!!! HE'S A HOT STUD-MUFFIN!!!!