i love how they make him seem like he went through this major transformation.... all they did was frost his hair and take away the glasses... haha oh, american idol
To this day I remember stopping in my tracks when I heard this man's voice. There have been many talented people on Idol but no one has ever moved me like this moment. Well done Clay!
You can tell when Aiken first walked in and they looked at him, they thought he was going to be awful. It's pretty funny that he went on to be one of Idol's most successful performers.
When I first saw him walk in, I was like, "Oh, geez. This kid thinks he's going through?" And then... JAW DROP. That VOICE. Did not expect that voice to come out of that boy. Absolutely amazing.
How did Clay not win!?! His voice is amazing, performance was always topnotch,most improved inappearance although he was always adorable. Has that natural charisma,so genuine,one of a kind,a true star.Love everything he ever did. Have only known of him since AIRewind. Was watching for Ruben.Clay won me over in a huge way.Clay deserved the title, hands down.
I SO remember this haha!. I LOVED it and how Simon was much IMPRESSED. While Ruben and Clay battled it out in the finale, I had just gotten engaged and Clay's song This Is The Night is a sweet memory I look back on that is attached to my engagement and preparation to be married. I got married 3 months after the Idol finale. I'm BLESSED to say I'm STILL very much in love and married to my wonderful man. Thanks Clay for that sweet song! *smile*
Wow! I love Clay. I remember this first audition. I took one look at him and said "no way", but then he opened his mouth and it was just amazing. He was the real winner of Season 2! The thing I can't believe is how much he looks exactly like that guy from Season 5 or 6 that auditioned and wanted to be the "next Clay". Remember, they brought him back for the finale? Well, they look like twins if you look at their audition tapes! Crazy! But I still love Clay! He's my favorite idol!!!
He's a really good guy. If you've read his book, Learning to Sing, then you should know what kind of guy Clay really is. He isn't afraid of being a geek, well, at least, now he isn't. He would rather do something so stupid than to bore the audience. I respect him so much
I absolutely fell in love his voice the first time I heard him and I didn't mind the way he looked. There was only song and no image. I never imagined then that he would turn into the entertainer he has. I knew he had an amazing voice. He is just the all around entertainer. I wonder how surprised the judges are now.
There will never be a moment that moved me as much as this moment on TV..I just stopped, dropped and said OMG.. this guy can sing!!!! I have never looked back. I have followed many singers in my life but he has been the most entertaining and amazing in concert!
Clay won that night in May 2003. I can't believe 'everyone' doesn't realize that by now. What happened that night will never happen again since AI realized they underestimated America's knowledge for talent and the very next year added 2-3 phone lines and FOUR hours for voting for finalists. Ruben didn't even come an IOTA close to the amount of votes Clay was receiving; 80 percent EVERY SINGLE WEEK - and two producers even stated that fact. How can anyone doubt that, now???
Congrats Clay..you are still here and I am still listing after all these years. No 15 minutes of fame for you. Look forward to your new album. No voice from Idol has ever moved me more!
What they are looking for is a complete package...someone with a voice, a look, a body, and incredible charm and personality...they only want to tweak what is already there.
Goes to show how such an eminent example of judging a book by its cover this audition session is. I love how he blew away people's expectations (including mine) with this audition clip. I too thought he was just a no-talent geeky wannabe. Then he opened his mouth, my ears perked up and I got hooked forevermore. A close friend of mine first saw and admired Clay's Solitaire in AI3. Seeing this audition, she couldn't believe that this was the same guy. Awesome indeed.
I really like that no one else but you can see negative comments; I mean why do people even bother to write something negative about someone the don´t even like? I don´t understand that at all. I think there is enough cruelty in this world. Clay Aiken is an awesome singer with a fantastic voice! :)
I do want to say Thank YOU to the over 500 THOUSAND viewers of HOSAA's video that I uploaded to U-TUBE. This is Clay's voice, this is the start of the man so many are so fascinated with following. Congrats to the birth of Clay & Jaymes child, Parker Jaymes Aiken.
i find it kinda funny when people say that he is "hot" now. in my opinion, he always was. i got the biggest smile on my face when he walked in for that audition. and i thought, "man, he looks like someone I would have gone to school with and been friends with". then he opened his mouth to sing and i was done. jaw on the floor. afraid of what simon would have to say. seems that we proved him wrong! gourgeous then (inside and outside) and just the same now. don't change for anyone Clay!
This is me and My bf's song and I lvoe love love how Clay sings it! Thanks so much for the clips! I was like crying from happiness!! Thank You soooo much!!!
I swear he just spoke what he said into being... he was like "I could have been number 1, or number 2." If he hadn't said "or number 2" he would have been number 1. Love the confidence Clay!!!
I remember giggling when he said he was the American Idol. I thought he was going to be terrible. He opened his mouth and I was hooked. The only season of Idol I watched
I remember when Clay first in, I was like 'uh-uh, NEXT.' I was just SO CERTAIN that he was going to suck big time. But then he opened his mouth, and everyone in the room got quiet. I mean, seriously, the man has a voice touched by god.
Oh Lord! I didn't watch that show but just heard about Clay, all good things about his voice. It's a shock to see what a scrawny little guy he was. He has definitely become more polished.
I hate the way they had to debate whether to put him through based on his looks, as if a great singer almost doesn't even make the cattle call to Hollywood week. Shame on Idol. And shame on Simon for saying no to Daughtry and to Taylor Hicks too.. Simon's track record sucked. He said no to Norman Gentle too and had to think hard about Adam Lambert. Simon was a big dope at times.
Thanks, gingertea, for sharing this on TH-cam. I have it up at Google Video, and it's also in a few clack "vaults," I think. I sure wish FOX would release the whole audition! Maybe they'll do it on Rewind, who knows! love, hosaa
He also released a CD in May, On My Way Here (which is my personal favorite and show's Clay's diversity). Sony Legacy will be releasing a remastered Best Of on March 31, 2009
When I first saw him I laughed I could not w8 to see Simon eat him up. Until he starting singing, still to this day never have I been in so much owe to hear someone sing. The best voice to ever sing on AI.
wow, i remember watching this on TV a LONG time ago, and i actually remember saying, "He's not going to win American Idol." BOY was I wrong! But I now regret ever saying those words, because I am so glad that he went far in the competition and has a record label!
Just in case you don't know - Clay's new CD of all original music, including uptempo (woo woo!) comes out Tuesday, May 6th! I-tunes (preorders, K-Mart, and QVC(pre-orders) have versions with different bonus tracks (and QVC has the original 'This Is The Night" video that was never released. It's also available on May 6th at Target, Walmart, K-Mart, etc. Hey, I'm a fan.
Clay really DID win the whole shebang! Most of Clay's votes were 'stuck' in the ONE measly phone line that was afforded finalists back then. Clay received 80 percent of the vote every single week he was on-Ruben only shared the remaining 20 percent. No way could Ruben garner millions of more votes the very last night when he was only getting a small fraction the weeks prior. Two producers admitted to the '80 percent' number for Clay. AFTER S2 all finalists are/were given 2-3 phone lines.
@planetrockford, I don't agree, but I'm glad you listened. Hope you've checked out his version of Bridge Over Troubled Water, where he did a superior job of singing it. Or Solitare. Or DLTSGDOM...or etc. etc. etc.
i love how they make him seem like he went through this major transformation.... all they did was frost his hair and take away the glasses... haha oh, american idol
"I could have gotten the #1, #2 at least."
Called it.
To this day I remember stopping in my tracks when I heard this man's voice. There have been many talented people on Idol but no one has ever moved me like this moment. Well done Clay!
i love his confidence. damn!!
You can tell when Aiken first walked in and they looked at him, they thought he was going to be awful. It's pretty funny that he went on to be one of Idol's most successful performers.
Such a great voice! Had the biggest crush on him when I was younger...little did I know :p
When I first saw him walk in, I was like, "Oh, geez. This kid thinks he's going through?" And then... JAW DROP. That VOICE. Did not expect that voice to come out of that boy. Absolutely amazing.
Appearances can be deceiving, Simon. Randy had it right, Clay worked on his style, and when his good looks matched his pipes, BAM !! A star was born.
How did Clay not win!?! His voice is amazing, performance was always topnotch,most improved inappearance although he was always adorable. Has that natural charisma,so genuine,one of a kind,a true star.Love everything he ever did. Have only known of him since AIRewind. Was watching for Ruben.Clay won me over in a huge way.Clay deserved the title, hands down.
love this guy looks can be deceiving that's why i never judge people by their looks You go Clay !!!
This is why we love him... and the personality.
Ignore all the negativity!
I love his voice!!! No one has come close to reaching my heart and soul like Clay has.
OMG he used to b my YMCA counseler 2!! i miss him soo much!!
i could be number 1 or number 2. wow..he is so true to his words!
So glad he made it. Clay Aiken is an incredible talent. Love him and his big voice.
I totally agree!!! I donno why some people hate him! That makes me sad. I love u Clay.
Simon didn't believe him but Clay was right, he made second place!
I SO remember this haha!. I LOVED it and how Simon was much IMPRESSED. While Ruben and Clay battled it out in the finale, I had just gotten engaged and Clay's song This Is The Night is a sweet memory I look back on that is attached to my engagement and preparation to be married. I got married 3 months after the Idol finale. I'm BLESSED to say I'm STILL very much in love and married to my wonderful man. Thanks Clay for that sweet song! *smile*
Wow! I love Clay. I remember this first audition. I took one look at him and said "no way", but then he opened his mouth and it was just amazing. He was the real winner of Season 2! The thing I can't believe is how much he looks exactly like that guy from Season 5 or 6 that auditioned and wanted to be the "next Clay". Remember, they brought him back for the finale? Well, they look like twins if you look at their audition tapes! Crazy! But I still love Clay! He's my favorite idol!!!
Clay was sure confidant, and he proved himself, 7 years and he is still here, go Clay!!!!!
I miss Clay Aiken so much!!!!
He's a really good guy. If you've read his book, Learning to Sing, then you should know what kind of guy Clay really is. He isn't afraid of being a geek, well, at least, now he isn't. He would rather do something so stupid than to bore the audience. I respect him so much
I absolutely fell in love his voice the first time I heard him and I didn't mind the way he looked. There was only song and no image. I never imagined then that he would turn into the entertainer he has. I knew he had an amazing voice. He is just the all around entertainer. I wonder how surprised the judges are now.
He sounds like Luther Vandross! Deep timbre, smooth, rich vibrato, lots of soul to it.
i love his voice
There will never be a moment that moved me as much as this moment on TV..I just stopped, dropped and said OMG.. this guy can sing!!!! I have never looked back. I have followed many singers in my life but he has been the most entertaining and amazing in concert!
Honestly speaking, Clay is one of the most Vocally Talented Contestants in the History of American Idol
Certainly one of the few Legends of the show
Ten years ago today! Congratulations Clay! It's been an amazing ride!
Clay won that night in May 2003. I can't believe 'everyone' doesn't realize that by now. What happened that night will never happen again since AI realized they underestimated America's knowledge for talent and the very next year added 2-3 phone lines and FOUR hours for voting for finalists. Ruben didn't even come an IOTA close to the amount of votes Clay was receiving; 80 percent EVERY SINGLE WEEK - and two producers even stated that fact. How can anyone doubt that, now???
I have Loved Clay since I first saw him and continue to do so...that Voice is Amazing and I will be seeing him on March 7 here in Memphis..cant wait!
Excellent rendition of one of my favorite songs!!! He can sing!
So glad he made it!! I love Clay Aiken's voice--he is incredible.
Happy 10th anniv, Clay from Jan 28 2003. first time we saw Always and Forever! Still SPECTACULAR!
the original susan boyle lol
:) I missed his voice so much, I'm about to cry. He's the person who inspired me to search for clarity - in my life, in myself, and in my voice.
He's abit like Rick Astley, you look at the face, and you cannot imagine a voice like that could come from that guy!
I love clay, Always and Forever!
LOL simons comment cracks me up!!
You don't look like a popstar but you sound like one, so now what?! LMAOOOOO
Congrats Clay..you are still here and I am still listing after all these years. No 15 minutes of fame for you. Look forward to your new album. No voice from Idol has ever moved me more!
What they are looking for is a complete package...someone with a voice, a look, a body, and incredible charm and personality...they only want to tweak what is already there.
I love Clay Aiken
I know and I agree. It gave me chills when I first saw Clay's audition. He's amazing.
What I hear does not match what I see! NEVER judge a book by its cover! The stark contrast between his appearance and his voice is STUNNING!
nice job with the additional clips. After all these years it's hard to believe he didn't win.
My insides squeeze together and I get involuntarily smiley and giggly whenever I hear him sing.
Goes to show how such an eminent example of judging a book by its cover this audition session is. I love how he blew away people's expectations (including mine) with this audition clip. I too thought he was just a no-talent geeky wannabe. Then he opened his mouth, my ears perked up and I got hooked forevermore.
A close friend of mine first saw and admired Clay's Solitaire in AI3. Seeing this audition, she couldn't believe that this was the same guy.
Awesome indeed.
he is so good, one of the best male singers i have ever heard
I really like that no one else but you can see negative comments; I mean why do people even bother to write something negative about someone the don´t even like? I don´t understand that at all. I think there is enough cruelty in this world. Clay Aiken is an awesome singer with a fantastic voice! :)
I do want to say Thank YOU to the over 500 THOUSAND viewers of HOSAA's video that I uploaded to U-TUBE. This is Clay's voice, this is the start of the man so many are so fascinated with following. Congrats to the birth of Clay & Jaymes child, Parker Jaymes Aiken.
i get chills everytime he sings. lol
i find it kinda funny when people say that he is "hot" now. in my opinion, he always was. i got the biggest smile on my face when he walked in for that audition. and i thought, "man, he looks like someone I would have gone to school with and been friends with". then he opened his mouth to sing and i was done. jaw on the floor. afraid of what simon would have to say. seems that we proved him wrong! gourgeous then (inside and outside) and just the same now.
don't change for anyone Clay!
This is me and My bf's song and I lvoe love love how Clay sings it! Thanks so much for the clips! I was like crying from happiness!! Thank You soooo much!!!
You are welcome, hosaa! Thank you!!!! for putting this together for all Clay fans, especially now - on the fourth anniversary of 'Take'!
I swear he just spoke what he said into being... he was like "I could have been number 1, or number 2." If he hadn't said "or number 2" he would have been number 1.
Love the confidence Clay!!!
That's cool to see some of the peices we didn't see originally! TY!
This was awesome! Thanks so much!
That was an amazing audition! I love his confidence!
omg, i LOOOVVEE Clay Aiken!!! He's amazing!!!! OMG!!!
Clay used to be my cousin's roommate at unc during sophomore year...
I love Clay.
The best candidate of all seasons !!!! he can sing everything not only high notes like other do!
Woo Woo! hosaa, be proud, this has gone past one MILLION views!!!!
I remember giggling when he said he was the American Idol. I thought he was going to be terrible. He opened his mouth and I was hooked. The only season of Idol I watched
His voice is amazing.
Glad he got signed with a new contract. Can't wait to hear what 2010 is going to bring us to listen to from him.
i will always and forever love clay's voice!
I remember when Clay first in, I was like 'uh-uh, NEXT.' I was just SO CERTAIN that he was going to suck big time. But then he opened his mouth, and everyone in the room got quiet. I mean, seriously, the man has a voice touched by god.
wow i never noticed he had a southern accent before, cool!
I loved him then and love him even more now.
Oh Lord! I didn't watch that show but just heard about Clay, all good things about his voice. It's a shock to see what a scrawny little guy he was. He has definitely become more polished.
He truly sings good
Back 10 years ago? this is the best that it got!
i love randy's reaction "yeah weird. its wild..." haha love him. CLAY ROCKS FOREVER.
I hate the way they had to debate whether to put him through based on his looks, as if a great singer almost doesn't even make the cattle call to Hollywood week. Shame on Idol. And shame on Simon for saying no to Daughtry and to Taylor Hicks too.. Simon's track record sucked. He said no to Norman Gentle too and had to think hard about Adam Lambert. Simon was a big dope at times.
Aaww great compilation!! I love Clayton Holmes Aiken x)
Best singer on that show ever.
I loved him then, and still love him now!!!!!
Thanks, gingertea, for sharing this on TH-cam. I have it up at Google Video, and it's also in a few clack "vaults," I think. I sure wish FOX would release the whole audition! Maybe they'll do it on Rewind, who knows! love, hosaa
He also released a CD in May, On My Way Here (which is my personal favorite and show's Clay's diversity). Sony Legacy will be releasing a remastered Best Of on March 31, 2009
I love his voice. He has such a great voice
When I first saw him I laughed I could not w8 to see Simon eat him up. Until he starting singing, still to this day never have I been in so much owe to hear someone sing. The best voice to ever sing on AI.
wow, i remember watching this on TV a LONG time ago, and i actually remember saying, "He's not going to win American Idol." BOY was I wrong! But I now regret ever saying those words, because I am so glad that he went far in the competition and has a record label!
born to be a star!!
Just in case you don't know - Clay's new CD of all original music, including uptempo (woo woo!) comes out Tuesday, May 6th! I-tunes (preorders, K-Mart, and QVC(pre-orders) have versions with different bonus tracks (and QVC has the original 'This Is The Night" video that was never released. It's also available on May 6th at Target, Walmart, K-Mart, etc.
Hey, I'm a fan.
Clay really DID win the whole shebang! Most of Clay's votes were 'stuck' in the ONE measly phone line that was afforded finalists back then. Clay received 80 percent of the vote every single week he was on-Ruben only shared the remaining 20 percent. No way could Ruben garner millions of more votes the very last night when he was only getting a small fraction the weeks prior. Two producers admitted to the '80 percent' number for Clay. AFTER S2 all finalists are/were given 2-3 phone lines.
that was awesome!
He's so good, and I always liked him!!!!
I don't care I loved Clay's look before he got famous.
omg this man gives me chillls o0o0o0o0o
I loved him!
@planetrockford, I don't agree, but I'm glad you listened. Hope you've checked out his version of Bridge Over Troubled Water, where he did a superior job of singing it. Or Solitare. Or DLTSGDOM...or etc. etc. etc.
i love you clay!
amazing
dayum boy...love it
wow what a voice !!
I'm not a Clay Aiken fan but have always loved this.
i am speechless!!
goddammit he is so good...in my opinion he is the best American Idol has ever discovered cause he's the best singer period.
His voice was fantastic, can't deny that.
He sounds amazing.