Happy Birthday Clay!

Not many probably even recall this, but Clay Aiken was actually cut from the show during round 32. He later returned for the "Wild Card" round. His memorable performance of Elton John's "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me" sent him to the final 12, and essentially into the life of fame that he leads today. He made his mark with his stirring ballads and his incredible physical transformation while on the show. Clay has since been known to say of his initial appearance that he looked like Opie! Clay's life has been non-stop action since his time on "Idol," with eight tours under his belt and numerous rounds on the talk show circuit. His first post-show tour was one that he co-headlined with Kelly Clarkson, called the "Independent Tour." When he saw the demand for his singing, he immediately launched a summer tour. Clay set off on the "Jukebox Tour," performing songs from the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s, with some songs from his album Measure of a Man and his upcoming CD. His third tour was established as a Christmas tour, due to the success on the charts of a number of his Christmas songs. Entitled "The Joyful Noise Tour," it featured a conductor and a 30-piece orchestra. Interestingly enough, the tour featured a series of vignettes written by Clay himself. A cast of actors, dancers and back-up singers helped to tell the story of an elderly woman who had lost the Christmas spirit but found it again with the help of a young boy. In certain cities, Clay was supported by the local philharmonic or symphony. Even some local choirs from high schools and elementary schools were able to get in on the act. He has made such an impression with these holiday tours that he has just embarked on his fourth one. Obviously, he is able to tour this extensively due to the tremendous commercial success he has seen in his career. Clay's first solo album, Measure of a Man, debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 and was, with 613,000 copies sold in its first week, the highest-selling debut for a solo artist in 10 years, and the highest debut of any Idol. The album received RIAA Double Platinum certification only a month later. Clay later won the Fan's Choice Award at the American Music Awards ceremony, and his single "This Is the Night/Bridge Over Troubled Water" won the Billboard award for the Best-Selling Single of 2003. His sophomore effort was a holiday album titled Merry Christmas With Love, which set a new record for fastest-selling holiday album in the Soundscan era (since 1991). His third album, A Thousand Different Ways, was released in September of 2006. The album contains ten cover songs, and four originals, one of which Clay co-wrote. Debuting at #2 on the Billboard chart, this primarily cover CD made Clay the fourth artist to ever have his first three albums debut in the Top 5. On his Myspace page, Clay says of A Thousand Different Ways, "This time, Clive Davis, Jaymes Foster [the albums executive producer] and I came up with the songs together. I also felt more confident in the studio while we were recording. Before, it was all just a bunch of knobs and controls. Now, I'm comfortable offering my opinion on how the arrangements and mixes should sound." Never losing steam, Clay released a fourth album last year, which was a holiday EP consisting of four Christmas songs. He is said to have recently interviewed producers for his next album, which, if history can predict, will surely be a huge success. It seems as though everything Clay touches ends up a success. He penned a New York Times best-selling book "Learning to Sing: Hearing the Music in Your Life with Allison Glock." He's also not afraid to branch out--he was the executive producer for a 2004 televised Christmas special, "A Clay Aiken Christmas." This January, he will even take his turn on Broadway, reprising the role of Sir Robin in "Monty Python's Spamalot." Clay has acquired quite a loyal fanbase of which he is very grateful. As is stated on his MySpace page, "I like surrounding myself with people I know and love. It is this authenticity that his millions of fans have responded to, an almost supernatural earnestness that feels unconventional in the cynical world of today." He also recently submitted a touching story for the book "Chicken Soup for the American Idol Soul" about a profound effect he had on one of his fans without even realizing it. Even more impressive than Clay's achievements in the music industry is his tireless dedication to the causes that are near and dear to his heart. He created the Bubel/Aiken Foundation in 2003, accepted a UNICEF ambassadorship in 2005, and, in 2007, he was appointed by George W. Bush to a committee that acts in an advisory capacity to the President and the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. The committee acts on matters pertaining to programs and services for persons with intellectual disabilities. Clay's reason for creating the Bubel/Aiken foundation was a personal one, as he worked with Diane Bubel's son, Michael, who has autism. The foundation helps to integrate children with disabilities into the same environment as their non-disabled peers. As he states on his Myspace page, "You know, my mother has always been someone who urged me to help people in need. Maybe thats it. I dont think its something you can learn. Its just something you do." Clay made the day of his many fans when he appeared as a surprise on the season five American Idol finale. Even more shocked was Michael Sandecki, who had just received a "Golden Idol" award for "Best Impersonator" for his Clay-like qualities. Clay, himself, had changed his look quite dramatically at that point, so it wasn't until he belted out "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me" that many recognized him. Clay can now be heard on the American Idol Rewind series, as he provides the narration. Can't remember what Clay looked like when he first tried out? Take a peek! Check out this photo of Clay singing later on in the season, looking quite stylish in a suit! You'll definitely want to see this photo of Clay performing with his doppelganger Michael Sandecki! Happy Birthday Clay!