Clay Aiken’s New Album and Claymates - Things we would forget
Clay Aiken’s New Album and Claymates - Things we would forget
Clay Aiken’s new album drops today. Entitled “On My Way Here,” the 29-year-old “American Idol” runner-up is an unlikely matinée idol. He’s kind of nerdy, his face is a bit doughy, and has no slick dance to speak of. That said, he has some of the most fervent fans in the World. They’re called Claymates.
So, what exactly is a Claymate? Besides the general definition of being a Clay Aiken fan, they are super-human fans — they live and breathe Clay. Shall I say: fans on steroids. They’re all ages, ranging from tweens to housewives to senior citizens on larks. But, it’s just not his music they love, they seem to be more obsessed with him, who he is, what he embodies, and what he stands for. It’s like he’s their own personal Jesus. Though I’m not sure why anyone cares in the first place.
For example, a quick Internet search of “what is a Claymate?” returns this site, with a sort of Bill of Clay document, one of the “amendments” being:
“The Claymate is one who has fallen in love with the return of the gentleman…a -gentle- man, one who is polite, respectful and sincere…one who puts others before himself. A man who loves the small and the helpless and is their Knight on a White Charger of hope, carrying his lance and shield to fight the good fight and win the day for those who cannot!”
“Knight of a White Charger of hope”? What the… am I in a Tolkien novel?
A little more research revealed this 31-year-woman’s MySpace page dedicated to her love of the singer. Her interests include Clay, Clay, and more Clay. Want a “VoCLAYbulary” of words used to discuss his Clayjesty? Here you go. And though I think this is crazy, I have to admit it’s pretty genius:
“THUD — noun: The sounds your heart makes when it crashes to vicinity of your spleen upon hearing Clay growl out ‘you,baby’… 2. The overcoming feeling of euphoria upon seeing his lopsided grin.”
There are also stories of a woman getting platform made shoes made, for the express reason of seeing above everyone at his concerts. And don’t get me started on the disturbing “Where’s Waldo?” phenomenon. Where, um — I feel wrong even saying this — fans refer to his member as “Waldo.” (I feel dirty. I have to take a shower now.)
But, really? All this hoopla for a guy who’s started wearing eyeliner and mascara? It’s clear the guy has an amazing voice — he’s talented without a doubt — but the obsessive nature of Claymates is something I am wholly perplexed by. He’s not cute, he’s rumored to be quite a diva, and don’t get me started how he was mean to Kelly Ripa.
Any Claymates out there who’d like to explain your fandom?
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very creepy and pastey looking. personally i’m not a fan but what ever floats your boat.
If you could turn back the clock to when he won (2nd place) his image wasn’t that bad. Now I can’t stand to look at him when he sings….like the sound, but not the face……makeup????? That’s so…..gay????
He DOES look like Problem Child! Ha, ha! I was a Clay Aiken fan, when he was on AI. He was my favorite to win, especially after he sang “Somewhere Out There,” but once I heard his first-released song on the radio, I stopped caring. I was upset that he would allow his songwriters to hand him such stupid, pop-star songs, when I know he’s capable of better. I always thought he should have sung a Josh Groban song on AI, or at least sing Josh Groban-like songs now. I haven’t followed him since, so I don’t know what the big deal about him is. Plus, he’s really let his appearance crash and burn — maybe he had to grow out his hair for his role in Spamalot. I’ll at least give him the benefit of the doubt in that category…
He has always reminded me of an Elf. I keep expecting him to jump out of a tree and offer me cookies or something, so it confuses me when he sings instead.
[...] Iflove Culture Express wrote an interesting post today on Clay Aikenâ