Clay Aiken About to be Dropped by RCA?

WOW, guess you better stay on top of the game or they drop you. This one surprises me only because of his past success.

I went to RCA’s website looking for him a while ago, and he’s been gone. When he was on QVC singing to sell his CD, I thought, he’s done w/RCA.

Maybe someone who will make him stop talking and start singing will sign him.

Yeah, my answer for all things Clay is pretty much the same.

The boy sings so beautifully — how about letting him sing something from this century?

The only surprise is that this didn’t happen sooner. Sorry.

The first two happened quite a long time ago. Rumor has it that he was dropped several months ago. At least that’s when the whispering started.

It’s no surprise. He hasn’t put out any good music in a long time. No sales, crappy music, you do the math.

No surprise. Good luck Clay.

I have not followed AI until last season. What do you Aiken fans think happened to make things go this way?

Aww I feel for Clay.
So that leaves RCA with Daughtry, Kelly and Cook right?

Much of that stuff happened months ago (off the RCA roster, etc). I can’t see any labels rushing to sign a guy who thinks stuff like On My Way Here is relevant and contemporary in the year 2009. The thing that did Clay in as a major artist is he has crappy taste in music. If he had stuck with stuff like “Invisible,” poppish stuff, he might have been ok, at least on the adult contemporary charts.

clay always grossed me out.

Well, I’m not surprised, but RCA is probably just as much to blame, if not more, for Clay’s lack of success after his first album. They could have pushed him the Josh Groban route, but they barely pushed him at all. The songs weren’t great, the promotion was non-existent; not a good scenario overall.

RCA has a rep for losing interest in its artists if they don’t keep pumping out hit albums, and if they want to change that they need to find newer ways to market their artists’ music other than radio airplay and, in the case of former Idols, AI’s influence during the season. Because with today’s album sales market, it’s only going to get worse unless they change their methods. Right now, the only “safe” artists on that labels are the ones that have multiple hit albums under their belt and/or can prove themselves on the radio without major pushing.

Much of that stuff happened months ago (off the RCA roster, etc). I can’t see any labels rushing to sign a guy who thinks stuff like On My Way Here is relevant and contemporary in the year 2009.

Yeah, I know. I wasn’t even going to post it, except that Perez picked it up. I actually mentioned a couple of months ago that Clay had been taken off RCA’s site.

Oh wow I didn’t know his first album went triple platinum. I also didn’t even know he recently had a new CD come out either. I should pay attention to idol news more often. lol

RCA isn’t to blame for the fact that Clay doesn’t have the musicality to go the Josh Groban route. They also aren’t to blame for his taste in music and producers. They aren’t to blame for the online activities that went public and turned Clay into a national joke. They in particular aren’t to blame for the fact that Clay didn’t take care of his voice and isn’t even 1/2 the singer he was while on Idol.

It’s too bad, but I’m not surprised. None of Clay’s recent music comes close to being competitive on the current market. It’s too Pat Boone in its schmaltziness. (is that a word? LOL!)

Not a shock. They never seemed to do with him and his last album tanked really, really badly. His struggle to get airplay will make it tough to gain new fans.

RCA isnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t to blame for the fact that Clay doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t have the musicality to go the Josh Groban route. They also arenà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t to blame for his taste in music and producers. They arenà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t to blame for the online activities that went public and turned Clay into a national joke. They in particular arenà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t to blame for the fact that Clay didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t take care of his voice and isnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t even 1/2 the singer he was while on Idol.

I’m not going near the gossip or his decision to come out, but RCA is very much to blame for the lack of promotion and the type of album Clay released. RCA has control over what gets released. (Yeah, they didn’t care for Kelly’s third album and released it, but it wasn’t nearly as bad as Clay’s–it was, at the very least, marketable in the mainstream). That’s not to say Clay wasn’t also to blame, but I don’t think he built up so much cache with the label that he controls every aspect of his album’s content, release and promotion. RCA could have done things differently, but they didn’t.

OMWH bombed and was 100% representative of what Clay Aiken likes musically. He picked all the songs and Jaymes Foster, his baby mama, produced it. He has said so himself over and over again. If anything RCA gave him too much freedom on that cd. Clay Aiken is OMWH and that probably clued RCA into the uselessness of keeping him around.

Not a shock at all. And I can’t say that I blame RCA either.

OMWH bombed and was 100% representative of what Clay Aiken likes musically. He picked all the songs and Jaymes Foster, his baby mama, produced it. He has said so himself over and over again. If anything RCA gave him too much freedom on that cd. Clay Aiken is OMWH and that probably clued RCA into the uselessness of keeping him around.

Then RCA should have maintained more control over him. Why is it that many other labels manage to keep their (non-mega star) artists from making lame decisions? I’m not disputing that Clay made bad choices, just that RCA should have been able to either assert control, or make the best of what they were given by actually promoting it. Really crappy albums have done decently when promoted (RCA made the same bad decision with Kelly’s third album which could have done better with a little more push). Besides, I think RCA gave up on Clay way before his last album was released. I think they gave up after his first single, really. His first album sold off the back of Idol and RCA wasn’t into putting any more effort into him than they absolutely had to. I don’t think RCA ever saw him as marketable beyond whatever hype he got from Idol so they were hard-pressed to really try.

They probably did give up on him and for good reason. He wasn’t marketable except to a few thousand remaining Claymates. I have no doubt RCA just wanted to let him do the album so they could finish their obligation and be done with him but that doesn’t mean the failure of the cd is their fault. His previous cd was Clive’s idea and it too failed. There isn’t anything left for RCA to work with I guess is basically what I’m saying.

Or… more likely the contract has been fulfilled and Clay made the decision to move on to a label that will actually, oh I don’t know, promote him properly. The songs on his last album were great. Heck, if Melinda’s label can make the effort to actually market her CD even though it has a much older, mature sound… then it was not impossible for RCA to take a similar approach. I think RCA is entirely responsible for mismanaging Clay’s promotion. It’s not his fault they lack the vision and guts to market their own products properly.

If he is finally free of RCA that will be one of the best things that can happen for Clay.

This is all speculation at this time since there has been no news from RCA or Clay Aiken.

I would imagine that if Clay is no longer with RCA, it is not because he was dropped, but that he finished his obligation to them.

RCA did no favors for Clay. They had NO backing for this talented young man. I would imagine the general public didn’t even know that he put out an album last year. Promotion is a very important part of the recording industry and RCA dropped the ball.

I have no doubt that this wonderfully talented young man will succeed in the music world and will show the world what a great singer sounds like.

Its OK to not like a singer or their style, but if one is honest, it is obvious that he has one of the best voices around.

I don’t believe Clay Aiken was “dropped”. I think his contract simply ran out and they came to a mutual agreement to part ways. I can’t wait to hear what Clay will do next.

If you have an established artist like Clay Aiken with a following of thousands of fans, you would have to be crazy not to actively market him. It seems RCA was just that. If they can attempt to market new artists with no fans and take a risk like that, how much effort would it of taken to promote an already known artist that millions voted for BECAUSE he can sing and thousands follow because they like his music – its simple math with a shot of common sense.

Like him or not, the name Clay Aiken is known and if RCA did drop him, they, IMO, made a ridiculous and costly mistake. If he can sell CDs (however many) with the crap marketing…hold up, NO marketing from RCA, what could he have acheived with a label willing to commit to their artist.

I personally think Clays contract came to an end and he walked…lets face it, who can blame him. I, too, cant wait to see what Clay is going to do next. He hasnt let me down yet and anything that gets the voice across is exciting!

On My Way Here is a great album. RCA just did not promote it and many people just did not know it was out there.

If Clay and RCA are parting ways – The news is great!

I don’t believe he was dropped either. His contract was fulfilled.

The best is yet to come!

I would imagine that if Clay is no longer with RCA, it is not because he was dropped, but that he finished his obligation to them.

We really don’t know this for a fact. We’ll probably never know one way or the other.

If Clay was still selling a lot of records, RCA would want to continue the relationship. And most artists aren’t going to dump a major label unless they have the mega clout (like a Madonna) to do it on their own.

“RCA isnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t to blame for the fact that Clay doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t have the musicality to go the Josh Groban route. They also arenà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t to blame for his taste in music and producers. They arenà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t to blame for the online activities that went public and turned Clay into a national joke. They in particular arenà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t to blame for the fact that Clay didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t take care of his voice and isnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t even 1/2 the singer he was while on Idol.”

After Clay’s MOAM and Xmas albums were released, RCA forced him to release a covers album instead of new material. RCA failed to build off his inital success. Why? who really knows, it may have been his look. I know it was not his voice because the man can sing. I thought once his ATDW album (which I did like) came out and no songs were heard on the radio, that he was done. It’s like RCA decided, let’s make him the new Barry Manilow and push out crappy cover albums since it would take less money and energy to get people to know the songs, and the only effort would be for radio to get used to Clay singing it.

As for his last album OMWH, I too think it is a good AC album, but it seemed as if they went the Diana DeGarmo route and spent a buck fifty in total on promotion. I love Diana but RCA screwed her just like the screwed Clay. Did he make some bad choices in songs for the album? Perhaps (I liked them), but ultimately, the label is responsible for what they release and if they heard the album and thought it was crap and they could not/would not promote it, they should have forced him back into the studio. Label’s do it all the time. An album release w/o promotion is a big “who cares”. If no one knows it’s out there, no one knows to go buy it. RCA killed Kelly’s momentum with My Decemeber. There was NO REASON what so ever that the label should have publically trashed an album that they are choosing to release, other than to humiliate the artist.

I think RCA was done with Clay especially after he came out. While the music and entertainment world is full of gay and lesbians, the “out” ones are rarely pushed. RCA has a crappy track record in recent years, and Clay being a now openly gay man, who doesn’t have model worthy looks and who is known for AC songs seemed not worth the effort. RCA’s loss. Personally, they’ve been dead to me since they screwed up Diana’s debut.

If Clay was still selling a lot of records, RCA would want to continue the relationship. And most artists arenà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t going to dump a major label unless they have the mega clout (like a Madonna) to do it on their own.

We dont really know this one way or the other either.

We dont really know this one way or the other either.

I’m using logic to make my point. Like I said, there’s no way to know either way.

I see the troops have arrived–Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m linked at the Clackhouse.

Anybody who knows me knows I hate board incursions. Just a word of warning: Follow my guidelines, or Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ll be deleting your posts.

This is actually good news. RCA has always been the albatross around his neck. They really dropped the ball with this guys talents. I’ve not bought any of his cds. I’m more into the rock genre. Though I did here his most recent cd at a friends this past fall. You know, it was really good! Just as good as most music out there in the billboard top 20. I can see with a label that would support him, he could do quite well. So, you go Clay Aiken!

I really felt that it wasn’t the current album that did in his sales. After his first album, he sang on GMA and sang some new songs that he was testing for his second album. Then somehow (because Clive recommended it?) the second album was scrapped, and he put out the love song covers album- which I think was too early in a career to do (I mean, aren’t Michael McDonald and Barry Manilow, etc making those kinds of cds now?). So, I don’t think he’s had a good album since the first one (and I’ve been a Clay super-fan for a long time, since I voted my fingers off for him in season 2).

The current album had one stunning song on it- :Something about us- should make it into the wedding hits hall of fame! But even my mom, who ADORES Clay, was sad with the covers album because she thought the original of each song was SO much better than the cover. I don’t care that he’s gay. I’m excited that he’s having the opportunity to have a family. He was funny in Spamalot. But, I wish he could find his real art- since he isn’t a songwriter (except his one beautiful song he wrote with David Foster). Maybe the theater route, or the Barry Manilow touring route is more his thing.

now rambling…

mj……………..if RCA had promoted Clay, he would have sold lots of CDs.

What a shame that your bias against Clay is so up front. I would think that as a blog-writer, you would try to be less judgemental and allow people to state how they feel without your caustic comments

I am somewhat amazed at your remark about the troops arriving. How come you didn’t say the same about all the negative people who are posting here? Maybe they are the troops that track each mention of Clay and say the exact same thing at each blog. To me, that is much sadder than some fans who enjoy a young man and wish him the best.

And no, I am not a member of the clack-house or have ever read anything there.

Ummmm….raises hand….I’m one of those people that didn’t know Clay had a “new” CD out — and On My Way Here has Lover All Alone on it….runs to iTunes…

Oh yeah, sorry for Clay, but happy for me, I finally get my own copy of Lover All Alone.

If Clay was still selling a lot of records, RCA would want to continue the relationship. And most artists arenà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t going to dump a major label unless they have the mega clout (like a Madonna) to do it on their own.

And since they have not made the effort to promote him, then Clay is free to choose not to resign with them. It works both ways. They do their job for Clay, then Clay would probably stay. Obviously not a good match after all and Clay is better off moving on to a label that has more appreciation for his work.

I have to agree with madmike2276. Clay is not the only one RCA has failed to promote properly… even when the artist does exactly what the label wants. I think there are other issues here than trying to lay all the blame on the artist. Could just be the label floundering in an increasingly uncertain market and making the wrong decisions on managing their artists.

I’m interested in what he’s going to do next. Because I could see what they say about RCA in not pushing Clay but I can also see that Clay was probably a losing proposition. If a recording company picks him up and becomes successful then it’s RCA’s fault but if the next album, if there is one, is a bust, then it’s all Clay.

“OMWH bombed and was 100% representative of what Clay Aiken likes musically. He picked all the songs and Jaymes Foster, his baby mama, produced it.”

ITA. That CD is proof to me that even if you ignore the gossip mill Clay just isn’t a guy who’s suited for mass marketing. He’s also got a beautiful voice but based on OMWH he needs much better musical advice. RCA never knew what to do with Clay and gave him bad advice, and he didn’t have enough vision to make great music on his own. There’s no shame in needing better advice, the most successful AI people have succeeded because they got great advice.

IMO there’s plenty of responsibility to go around for where Clay’s career is today. It’s a shame because he really does have a great voice.

Whatever label he lands at next, major or independent, will have to answer this one question. What do they consider a success? Is it for Clay to sell 3 million again? That may not be realisitic. Heck, Carrie’s second album has yet to hit the 3 million mark, and that followed VERY CLOSELY on the tails of her close to 7 million (if it has not exceeded that total already) debut. The music industry in general is down. Once bankable stars are not selling well (See: Janet Jackson). Newer artists are considered huge when their albums go platinum or double platinum.

With Clay, a more realistic goal is a gold album. I think with his voice, good material and a push from the label, there is no reason why he can’t sell 500,000 copies of a new album. THAT is where I think RCA failed, they banked on his name to do all the work, push him out there without promotion and expected the album to sell, and if it didn’t, knew they could shave him off the label. It was win-win for them.

. . . I thought Clay was on Broadway. Isn’t he in Spamalot? I had no idea he was still making records.

windmills:
“That CD is proof to me that even if you ignore the gossip mill Clay just isnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t a guy whoà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s suited for mass marketing. Heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s got a beautiful voice but based on OMWH he needs much better musical advice. RCA never knew what to do with Clay and gave him bad advice, and he didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t have enough vision to make great music on his own. Thereà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s no shame in needing better advice, the most successful AI people have succeeded because they got great advice.

IMO thereà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s plenty of responsibility to go around for where Clayà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s career is today. Ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s a shame because he really does have a great voice.”

That is my main issue. Maybe the style of music Clay likes is not commercial, the bottom line is that the label let the album go out as is. If I am the label, and I am investing in the album, I would certainly make him record at least some material that is commerical that I could use to promote it. Some artists are like clay (not Aiken) and need to be molded, Clay is one of them. RCA failed to properly cultivate him into a viable commerical artist. They blew it with his 2nd album.

My understanding is that this is all speculation. I have learned not to believe anything until I hear it from the actual person, in this case–Clay. In my opinion, RCA would be foolish to drop him. He is one of only five artists ever to debut in the top five. Clay certainly doesn’t cost RCA much money–they do very little to promote him on the radio. I keep reading about how poor his sales are, but debuting at number four is nothing to sneeze at. Barry Manilow sold 75,000 his first week (over 20,000 less than Clay) and I don’t hear rumors of his label dropping him.

Have you considered the possibility that IF Clay is no longer with RCA that it may not be because they dropped him, but because he decided to leave?

Guess we’ll just have to wait and see. Regardless, Clay will be just fine. He is the most talented individual to come from American Idol and represents what the show should be about.

Interesting thing though, madmike2276, Clay did say that the label told him that several of the songs on OMWH were radio friendly… yet they chose to not put them to radio. It is very confusing. He got positive feedback for the album, but they didn’t follow up on it.

I am somewhat amazed at your remark about the troops arriving.

Why? Suddenly a bunch of new people arrive to say the exact same thing. I know a board invasion when I see one.

How come you didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t say the same about all the negative people who are posting here? Maybe they are the troops that track each mention of Clay and say the exact same thing at each blog. To me, that is much sadder than some fans who enjoy a young man and wish him the best.

Because most of the people posting in this thread are regular posters. The only newbies are the people drawn here from links to Clay sites or perhaps that google alert that arrived in their mailbox.

Don’t be lecturing my regular posters please. If you want puppies and rainbows, you need to stick to your fan forum. Here are my guidelines FYI:

http://mjsbigblog.com/?page_id=1172

mjà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦..if RCA had promoted Clay, he would have sold lots of CDs.

Maybe. Maybe not.

Clay has no music identity. Had Clay developed as an artist instead of doing Christmas tours, he might still have a recording career. At this point it will take a MAJOR-Career makeover to restart his career. His fanbase is no help, how can he make new fans when to current ones have a certain rep.

They scare people away.

mj………..its your blog and you can do whatever you like. AND, you are right. We don’t know at all……….maybe, maybe not is the truth.

By the way, what was it that I said that was lecturing your regular posters??? I have no clue.

MJ is not biased and I understand what she means about the troops arriving. It’s obvious when it happens and the defensiveness begins, not to mention attacking MJ, the host here.

RCA may not be perfect but they do like to make money. Clay’s big success with the first cd came in the first few months and after that, nothing to speak of in all these years. I don’t believe his cd sold triple platinum, it sold about 2.6 million six years ago and then basically stopped selling. Since then none of his cds have sold well, except his Christmas cd.

I think RCA has tried to work with Clay but his taste in music is terrible. He has a strong voice but he tends to sing in an overwrought style. His last cd, OMWH, is not contemporary and would not fit on even AC for the most part. RCA did well to keep him as long as they did. He’s also known for being stubborn about what he will and won’t sing. I don’t get the feeling that Clay was particularly easy to work with, and his overly-involved fans were probably no picnic either.

Just saying. I don’t go in for the “poor Clay” sob stories. Clay had a lot of chances and a lot of breaks. His first cd was heavily promoted. DJs didn’t like it, the public didn’t like it. Mostly fans bought it, and he had momentum after the show, but it was downhill after that as far as the music goes. He’s still an interesting person in some ways and he has talent but his music is something that no label could successfully promote imo. Maybe he should sing ccm, that is what his music sounds like.

He should sing ccm, that is what his music sounds like.

What’s ccm?

Throughout record history, labels have been notorious in their control over artists. Many great artists, including Clay, have had their artistic expression stifled because business outweighs artistry, often to the detriment of the artist. All this talk is merely speculation at this point anyway. I doubt very much that RCA dropped Clay. To do so at this time would look homophobic. The logical conclusion is that his contract ran out. And, yes, RCA could have renewed it. But true also is that Clay may not have wanted to. Look at all the artists who are going indie….what does that tell you about the record industry. It’s an albatross around an artists neck. I hope Clay is free from RCA. I would love to see what music he really wants to make. We only know at this point what music RCA allowed him to make. OMWH was a beautiful CD that RCA chose not to support or promote. I suspect that they wanted to keep Clay in the niche artist category of recording other people’s songs. Sound farfetched. Kelly Clarkson anyone? She bucked RCA wanting a pop star and went on to record her angst ridden My December against Clive’s wishes. Remember how little promotion she got. Now that she has learned her lesson, the label has brought out the big guns of support for her next CD. Name of the game……play ball or we’ll put you on the bench. I hope Clay goes and plays for another team.

His last cd, OMWH, is not contemporary and would not fit on even AC for the most part.

That single they released was soo booorrriinng. I took a listen to the rest of the album back when that song came out hoping it might be better and there’s a couple of slightly better songs but yet nothing I could imagine on HAC or Pop. The song Ashes I would like if he didn’t sing it the way he does. Like maybe dirtied up a little. But yeah overall a pretty boring album, I actually like his Xmas album.

I suspect that they wanted to keep Clay in the niche artist category of recording other peopleà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s songs.

Other than one song I’m familiar with, does Clay actually write songs? I remember him saying he’s not a songwriter. I get being annoyed with the covers CD, but this last CD, wasn’t supposedly about Clay’s journey or something?

He is the most talented individual to come from American Idol

Huge, huge matter of opinion there and I’ll leave it at that.

He is the most talented individual to come from American Idol

That’s sure a matter of opinion. More talented than Kelly Clarkson, Chris Daughtry, Jennifer Hudson, Carrie Underwood, and David Cook? Uh, I don’t think so but ymmv. Being “talented” includes more than having a powerful voice too. It’s also knowing what to do with that voice and what songs to sing, and how to reach people through those songs. Clay is talented but I wouldn’t put him above everyone else on Idol. Personally I think even 2nd tier idols like Pickler, Brooke, Castro, Johns, Elliott, Taylor, and others are just as talented as Clay is. Some of them play instruments and write songs, which Clay doesn’t. Just being born with a voice is not the only kind of talent to have.

p.s. ccm is contemporary christian music. That is what Clay says he listens to most of the time, and I think his musical style sounds more like that kind than it does any other style of music.

I disagree that OMWH was a great cd that just got overlooked. People have sampled it and decided it isn’t what they like. And it is supposedly exactly what Clay wanted to do. He said so more than once. There’s no use waiting for him to be free to show us the real Clay. He already did that.

I would love for him to find a style of music that could do well. However even if he stays with a small band of devoted fans and sells to them, that is still a viable career for him.

I have no problem with Clay making the kind of music he likes to make and with having a smaller musical career. He should do that, do what he likes. The problem is when fans insist that he is “the greatest voice of his generation” and that it is only lack of promotion that keeps him from having super success. It seems hard for fans sometimes to be realistic about an artist.

Clay has no music identity. Had Clay developed as an artist instead of doing Christmas tours, he might still have a recording career. At this point it will take a MAJOR-Career makeover to restart his career. His fanbase is no help, how can he make new fans when to current ones have a certain rep.
They scare people away.

They don’t scare people so much as they totally turn them off of Clay Aiken. The online mommies have never realized how much damage they do.

When he should have been nurturing his mainstream career he did some silly “joyful noise” Christmas play, which was yet another example of his outdated, corny taste. Clay did OMWH his way and even he admits it wasn’t well received. Even HE never blamed RCA for that and has pretty much admitted he needs to stick with covers because when he does what he wants few people want to hear it.

A major label will not want Clay but I’m sure he can continue to entertain the fans he has with independently released cds and small theater tours. There is no shame in that and it might make him happy to be out of the spotlight now that he’s a dad.

Clayà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s first album, Measure of a Man went triple platinum

Sorry, I don’t want to start this up again but I thought his album was only certified double plat. RCA put out a press release about triple but the RIAA site has only ever listed him at double.

what’s ccm?

I still find him completely adorable. Please put out a good CD soon, Clayton.

Suzanne, ccm is contemporary christian music.

When he should have been nurturing his mainstream career he did some silly à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“joyful noiseà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  Christmas play, which was yet another example of his outdated, corny taste

LOL this was actually the beginning of the end of my hardcore Clay fandom. Everything about that concert/play was laughable.

Thanks Niall.

Oh man–really? Isn’t he too dramatic for that? And how many gay singers have success selling CCM?

I think he should just continue to embrace the stage. It’s really working for him. Spamalot has sold a lot of seats b/c he’s been in it.

I voted for Clay back then, so my husband bought me Measure of a Man. I’ve played it once, and I haven’t ripped anything from it. I thought Invisible was a decent song musically, but the creep factor was too much on that one.

I’ve also been waiting for his voice to show up on commercials. I think he’d be a good jingle singer. honestly–very distinctive voice, very compelling.

Clayà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s first album, Measure of a Man went triple platinum, while his latest album, On My Way Here, didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t even go Gold.

Well yeah, then I can’t say this is really a surprise. Maybe he’ll make a…comeback. Or, with this economy, maybe gold will become the new platinum, and they’ll snatch him back up.

Thatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s sure a matter of opinion. More talented than Kelly Clarkson, Chris Daughtry, Jennifer Hudson, Carrie Underwood, and David Cook? Uh, I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t think so but ymmv. Being à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“talentedà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  includes more than having a powerful voice too. Ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s also knowing what to do with that voice and what songs to sing, and how to reach people through those songs. Clay is talented but I wouldnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t put him above everyone else on Idol. Personally I think even 2nd tier idols like Pickler, Brooke, Castro, Johns, Elliott, Taylor, and others are just as talented as Clay is.

It’s also a matter of opinion who are first tier idol talents and who are second tier idol talents.

Barry Manilow sold 75,000 his first week (over 20,000 less than Clay) and I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t hear rumors of his label dropping him.

Barry has sold zillions of cds worldwide. As corny as his music is, he makes it work. There is no comparison with Clay’s sales. One can’t compare one week’s sales. There is a larger picture to consider.

I suspect that they wanted to keep Clay in the niche artist category of recording other peopleà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s songs.

Other than one song Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m familiar with, does Clay actually write songs? I remember him saying heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s not a songwriter. I get being annoyed with the covers CD, but this last CD, wasnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t supposedly about Clayà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s journey or something?

I should have said “cover songs”. I don’t know if Clay has written more songs. I know of two that he has written/cowritten. It may well be that he has been holding back on his original music knowing that he would be breaking away from RCA who would retain control over his RCA recordings. Again, just speculation and opinion.

I don’t understand why a lot of people feel the need to come down so hard on Clay. This topic can open up a really great discussion of the music industry if people on all sides would leave their bias at the door. I’d love to see an articulate, compelling discussion of the music industry. I’m tired of the “my idol is better/worse than your idol” discussions.

Ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s also a matter of opinion who are first tier idol talents and who are second tier idol talents.

Perhaps you’re right. I was speaking in terms of sales and awards, those kinds of success markers. Kind of like A-list and B-list? Isn’t that usually based on sales and market success? Feel free to offer an alternate theory.

Clay has said that he wants to be an entertainer more than a singer. I think that’s exactly right. He’s got charisma and a personality, though some like it less than others.

I don’t think anyone said another Idol was better than Clay. Did I miss something?

Coming down hard on Clay, perhaps, or just trying to be realistic. I think it’s when his fans are unrealistic about his talent that people like me get frustrated.

It’s entirely believable that RCA made mistakes, but it’s not the main reason why Clay’s musical career faltered, in the opinion of many. For most people it boils down to the music, and nothing else. If the music was appealing to more people, they would buy it. Basically I don’t think it’s accurate that RCA held a gun to Clay’s head and made him sing exactly those songs (3 cds) and to sing them exactly in the style he chose to sing them. Clay has said that RCA tried to make him into a pop star and it was not him. He has disowned his first cd, the only one that sold well, and said that RCA forced those pop songs on him. He has said that OMWH was “the real him.”

Anyone who wants to can go to itunes and sample the songs on OMWH and I doubt that many here would think they were hit songs.

Anyway, I rest my case and apologize for the long posts. This is an old argument on Clay boards and has been beat into the ground for years. I shouldn’t add to it.

JeanCo, many people simply don’t like his music and don’t find him relevant. No offense but if the conversation you want to have about him isn’t happening then you could always have it at his fansites.

edit: yet, you still managed commentary that was against the guidelines…

Please explain to me how?????

He is the most talented individual to come from American Idol

WOW!!!

So, you’ve never heard of Carrie, Jennifer, Kelly, Chris , Cook?

Good to know.

You clearly didn’t read my post very well. The differing opinions don’t bother me or any of the regular posters. And I like it quite well here at mjs,and won’t be going anywhere. However whining that the Clay posts are too negative and instead we should be discussing the music industry(and surely how it relates to poor Clay) is Clay Aiken fansite material so the poster who mentioned it is probably going to be disappointed.

Melinda is the most talented vocalist to come out of AI.
There are plenty of other talented vocalists as well: Kelly, Clay, Tamyra, Carrie, Diana, Jennifer (These are in no particular order as to avoid creating another debate). These are just the first to come to mind.

Suzanne, I agree, he should keep doing musical theater. He could be great in that genre.

Jean, I know he wrote the lyrics to Lover All Alone. Is there another song he co-wrote?

Bottom line, I don’t think RCA was unfair to Clay. They kept him for 5 or 6 years, even after his sales plummeted. He helped them, they helped him, but things come to an end. If he can find another label that helps him discover where he fits best musically, more power to him.

edit: Re-read my guidelines. If you don’t follow them, I will put you in moderation.

Please do not selectively enforce forum rules. I thought I deleted a post that may be banned in hindsite, but I recommend taking a look at nialls posts to see where the responses not only from myself, but from others are being drawn from.

Thank you.

Just to add about Barry Manilow, according to wiki he has sold more than 76 million records worldwide. His 2006 cd of 50′s music has sold 3 million so far. He’s still selling so why would his label drop him?

I don’t understand why a lot of people feel the need to come down so hard on Clay. This topic can open up a really great discussion of the music industry if people on all sides would leave their bias at the door. I’d love to see an articulate, compelling discussion of the music industry. I’m tired of the “my idol is better/worse than your idol” discussions.

Newbies REALLY REALLY REALLY need to read my guidelines.

http://mjsbigblog.com/?page_id=1172

This is not a fansite. You can shut down negativity at your boards, but you can’t do it here. DO NOT tell posters what to post or attempt to control the discussion.

This is why I hate board invasions.

Please do not selectively enforce forum rules. I thought I deleted a post that may be banned in hindsite, but I recommend taking a look at nialls posts to see where the responses not only from myself, but from others are being drawn from.

Thank you.

Please do not tell me how to mod my own blog. If you continue to break my guidelines I WILL BAN YOU.

Niall is NOT breaking my guidelines, but you ARE. If you don’t like the negativity, I suggest you go back to your fan forum.

MJ-

Baiting is one your guidelines, and that is what niall is doing. I am not trying to be difficult, nor am I trying to tell you what to do on your own blog, but I read your rules and I felt I was following them.

I am not one of the army, nor am I a claymate. I enjoy his music and I feel strongly that RCA has a track record of poorly supporting artists. If the thread had been about Diana I would have responded the same way.

I am not like others, I don’t care if you like one idol more than another, it in no way affects me, since I am just a fan, not the artist himself or herself.

I am just disappointed that I caught myself and still deleted my post, yet still managed to get admonished and threatened to be banned, simply for sharing my thoughts. I meant no disrespect to you, or any member on the board.

For what it’s worth, I have his Christmas CD and it’s really good.

I can’t believe RCA didn’t drop him a long time ago. His.CDs.Don’t.Sell.Anymore. His voice isn’t nearly as good as it was in his “Idol” days, and his taste in music is atrocious. He never toured to promote that horrendous “On My Way Here” CD, and his last tour, which was summer of ’07, I believe, consisted of his singing those “A Thousand Different Ways” covers (YUCK!) and old TV sitcom theme songs! :thumbdown_tb: What record company would keep somebody like that? Buh-bye, Clay!! :flush_tb:

I think that label is mostly at fault due to the fact that it is the label’s job, in conjunction with the aritst and the management to break and sustain the artist.

Yes, the artist has to be in demand to get exposure. You can shop any singer to all the talk shows and media outlets and if no one cares…no one cares. I just got the feeling that the effort to promote Clay as a singer was not there.

Maybe it is because he prefers to be an entertainer who can sing, rather than be boxes into simply being a singer. That can work for or against him.

With the label, they need to find ways to let it be known he has music out. His last album did not sell well, and if it weren’t for one of my former employees being obsessed with him, I would not have known his album was out. That is RCA’s fault, as well as his management team.

I am curious as to what his next step will be. Hopefully now that he is on his own, a father and out of the closet, he can be himself without restrictions. We shall see if it gets better results.

That is my main issue. Maybe the style of music Clay likes is not commercial, the bottom line is that the label let the album go out as is. If I am the label, and I am investing in the album, I would certainly make him record at least some material that is commerical that I could use to promote it. Some artists are like clay (not Aiken) and need to be molded, Clay is one of them. RCA failed to properly cultivate him into a viable commerical artist. They blew it with his 2nd album.

Fans either complain that RCA molded him too much, or didn’t mold him enough. You’d admitting that Clay doesn’t like music that is commercial, and suggesting that RCA should force him to be more commercial? They tried that with the first cd, pop songs, and he complained that they forced him to sing them. Even a covers cd could be commercial. Other artists have had good sales with covers. But the covers Clay helped choose and the way he chose to sing them, with an orchestra, didn’t work and that cd tanked too. So the 3rd cd, RCA let Clay do what he wanted and that one did the worst of all. Seems like RCA is damned if they do and damned if they don’t, and that Clay has no responsibility in his own success or lack of same. Actually I think Clay is no namby pamby and he was able to speak up and put in his two cents, after all it’s his career.

That CD is proof to me that even if you ignore the gossip mill Clay just isnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t a guy whoà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s suited for mass marketing. Heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s also got a beautiful voice but based on OMWH he needs much better musical advice. RCA never knew what to do with Clay and gave him bad advice, and he didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t have enough vision to make great music on his own. Thereà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s no shame in needing better advice, the most successful AI people have succeeded because they got great advice.
IMO thereà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s plenty of responsibility to go around for where Clayà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s career is today. Ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s a shame because he really does have a great voice.

Touche. There’s blame to go around, but it’s not all RCA’s fault (or all Clay’s either). That’s a realistic way of looking at it.

Baiting is one your guidelines, and that is what niall is doing. I am not trying to be difficult, nor am I trying to tell you what to do on your own blog, but I read your rules and I felt I was following them.

I don’t think Niall is baiting. So now, that’s the end of it. Get back on topic, please. Stop talking about and criticizing other posters, it’s extremely rude and absolutely against the guidelines. That’s why I modded your post. Take it to email if you have more questions.

Oceana:

Fans either complain that RCA molded him too much, or didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t mold him enough. Youà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢d admitting that Clay doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t like music that is commercial, and suggesting that RCA should force him to be more commercial? They tried that with the first cd, pop songs, and he complained that they forced him to sing them. Even a covers cd could be commercial. Other artists have had good sales with covers. But the covers Clay helped choose and the way he chose to sing them, with an orchestra, didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t work and that cd tanked too. So the 3rd cd, RCA let Clay do what he wanted and that one did the worst of all. Seems like RCA is damned if they do and damned if they donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t, and that Clay has no responsibility in his own success or lack of same. Actually I think Clay is no namby pamby and he was able to speak up and put in his two cents, after all ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s his career.

I can see that, you made a fair point. From what I read, Clay did not want a covers CD, and to be honest, I knew it would not sell well because of the chosen songs. They were good, and sung well, but they had been covered to death. Some were fairly recent songs, or had been covered multiple times. Plus most were fairly straight covers. I don’t know who was behind the song choice, but I thought some of the songs were done to death. It would be interesting to know how the selection process came about, as well as the song arrangement. Why not try to make the song sound new.

I think there is a lucrative market for Clay Aiken. I can see him doing really well if he was targeted towards the same audience of Buble, Groban, or David Foster type artists, etc. Though they don’t have a radio presence, they sell a heck a lot of albums and there is profitable place in today’s music scene for them.

Perhaps RCA doesn’t have the experience or isn’t interested in cornering this market, and in that case I say this split is not a bad thing, for RCA or for Aiken. I’ve never really been into Clay Aiken’s music, but he does have a one in a million voice and I hope his next label finds the right market for him.

I think it is good to have the opportunity to talk about Clay and his relationship with RCA. There are many opinions here and each person should have the right to state their opinion. I admit that I am a fan of Clay’s music. I believe he is a great performer. Do I believe that he has done everything correctly? Of course not. Just like anyone who is new to a career, you do some great things and some not so great things.

edit NO!

I am thisclose to banning every single newbie who showed up in this thread today.

Me, my blog, my posters, the tone of this discussion Is NOT THE SUBJECT OF THIS THREAD.

STAY ON TOPIC! Or go back to the clack house or where ever it is you came from.

It’s very interesting reading the comments here! Music is so subjective – what one person loves, another one hates. That’s what makes the world go round.

I personally love all types of music. I won’t go into what I think of the other idols that have been mentioned because 1) it’s contentious and 2) it makes no difference whether I like them or not. Arguing about music is just, well, silly!

However, I will comment on the record industry. Since its birth, it has been a very corrupt business. It can make a mediocre talent a huge success and it can stifle individuals with amazing talent. Honestly, talent means absolutely nothing. You don’t have to sing, you don’t have to write and you don’t have to play an instrument. You do, however, have to toe the line and if you don’t? You will be ruined. Mr. Davis has a very long history of this type of behavior and I’m sure it will not end in the very near future – he has been very successful.

I will also comment on Clay Aiken. Yes, I am a fan of Clays (and I say that with no embarrassment or hesitation). I do love his voice. But Clay is much more than “just a singer”. He can sing and dance (often at the same time). He has wonderful comedic timing. He’s articulate and caring.

Is this the end of Clay’s recording career? I really don’t know – the record industry is taking a beating right now – I’m sure they will put their money into known sellers and sell the same old same old to the same old people (which is a good thing and actually saves me money). Is this the end of Clay’s career? I highly doubt it. He is a very versatile entertainer.

Perhaps youà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢re right. I was speaking in terms of sales and awards, those kinds of success markers. Kind of like A-list and B-list? Isnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t that usually based on sales and market success? Feel free to offer an alternate theory.

I can see your reasoning, but my was only based on your use of the term “talent”, which doesn’t always jive with sales and awards. I would certainly put all the previous winners as top tier talent: Kelly, Ruben, Fantasia, Carrie, Taylor, Jordin, Cookie, on their proven performance skills alone. Then there are the other breakout artists such as Clay, who lost out by the narrowest of margins. Bo Bice, Archie, Daughtry, Elliot Yamin and JHud definitely have the talent goods as well.

Then there are the artists who were top tier vocal talents but never caught on. Looking back, I would say Tamyra Gray, Vonzell Solomon, Melinda Doolittle, Carly Smithson (actually maybe it’s not fair to write off the last two just yet). This is all just my personal opinion of course.

As far as A-List Idols, I think there are truly only two: Kelly and Carrie. That has as much to do with media star power than record sales, talent or awards.

Ask Sophie B. Hawkins what happens when you refuse to make changes on your album to make it more commercial. She and Sony had a long dispute over her Timbre album.

Kelly Clarkson, felt strongly about her album and Clive Davis made her pay BIG TIME for it.

Simon, Paula, Randy and Kara are 100% correct when they warn of how hard the business is.

The interesting thing about the song choices for ATDW was that Clay recently stated that when he was first approached about dumping the CD they had created and doing a cover CD, that he told them they wouldn’t like the songs he chose because they would not be well known. Yet, he ended up doing a lot of very well known songs that had already been covered frequently. Seems that the label had a hand in choosing those songs. Apparently, as Clay also said, they felt that they would be able to sell them for soundtracks… which they also dropped the ball on. Another interesting thing is that one fourth of the CD is original material, yet that gets lost under the “cover” label. Personally, I think the best covers on the album are his original arrangements for Broken Wings and Here You Come Again. The writer of Broken Wings even expressed how much he liked Clay’s version.

Hoodathunk, I was merely responding to someone’s assertion that Clay is the greatest talent to come off of Idol. I mentioned the top-selling Idols just to make a point. Most people would agree that Kelly, Chris D, Jennifer, and Carrie are super talented and successful. To say that Clay is more talented than they are is what I took exception to. (I also included David Cook in that group even though he’s still unproven because I think he’s also super talented and will be successful. David A could also be put in the super-talented group as could others).

I used the phrase loosely “2nd tier” simply as shorthand to refer to Idols who are talented but haven’t had the huge success of the others I mentioned. It wasn’t something I thought out carefully and wasn’t written in stone.

As for who is more talented than who, and who is top tier and second tier, that’s a whole other ball game. I was referring to talent and success combined, but didn’t mean to start a whole other discussion about who is more talented or successful or how that is measured. I think we can safely agree that Clay is not “the most talented to come off Idol” as that’s a matter of opinion and could be debated forever.

chachi66, I would disagree about the cover songs on ATDW. I think they were schmaltzy songs to begin with, whoever chose them, but Clay certainly expressed happiness with the song choices at the time, and claimed that they were a good fit for him. He sang them with an orchestra and made them sound 100 times more schmaltzy than they were back in the 80s. That is my opinion anyway, clearly not everyone’s. Some fans loved the cd.

Rod Stewart did a cover cd about the same time as Clay, and his was more successful and to me that was a good cover cd. I still enjoy those songs today, the way he sang them. Clay could have made a good cover cd but he didn’t, in my opinion. Bottom line, I can’t blame that all on RCA.

Whoever said that Clay sings songs like Pat Boone, that’s a good analogy. Hey if it works for him, more power to him once again. But I remember all the promotion that was done for Clay after he came off Idol. RCA did their best with him. Radio didn’t want him. Clay also alienated some of the execs at RCA with his talk about being vanilla and not singing the word “damn” and saying that the execs in LA had “rotting insides” etc. He wasn’t the most easy to work with imo.

I’ll grant that there are a couple of songs off OMWH that might possibly be played on AC, but even those are questionable. I don’t know why RCA didn’t promote those songs to radio, but I bet it’s because they thought they would be wasting their time. They tried to promote the first single and nobody would play it. If they thought they could make money off the cd they probably would have promoted it more.

I think what they did to Taylor was much worse than anything ever done to Clay. Clay got good support for quite awhile.

The problem with the “blame RCA” argument is the simple fact that they were dealing with Clay Aiken. Clay didn’t want to do songs like “Invisible,” or “Touch” (a song from his first cd that was ridiculously marketable and he wouldn’t perform it) so they couldn’t continue to market him to the pop audience. So they did a covers cd and it did ok with his fans but didn’t reach radio or new audiences because the arrangements Clay himself wanted were outdated adult contemporary arrangements. So on to attempt #3 with OMWH. After being blamed by his fans for the perceived failure of the second cd they let Clay do his own thing. And he delivered a sappy, overproduced, old fashioned 1980′s adult contemporary cd. RCA tried to market the lead single to AC radio and AC radio said “no thanks.” Clay Aiken gets in Clay Aiken’s way, not radio, not RCA, not the evil and cruel music industry. He needed to show more musicality that is modern if he or his fans wanted to see him embraced like some of the singers they think he should be compared with.

I think Clay knows he’s hopelessly old fashioned and out of step with todays music and I suspect he’s actually ok with it. He probably also knows he had no place anymore on RCA and might be relieved to have been dropped/released whatever. I could see him doing stints at some of the smaller Vegas hotels. It would be a good living and he could schmaltz till his heart is content. No shame in doing things how you want to do them and making a living.

Whoever said that Clay sings songs like Pat Boone, thatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s a good analogy. Hey if it works for him, more power to him once again. But I remember all the promotion that was done for Clay after he came off Idol. RCA did their best with him. Radio didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t want him.

Oceana:
I partially agree. It did seem that he was out there promoting his debut CD, plus he was still hot coming off of Idol.

I think after the Christmas CD, the perception seems to be that there was no real push. Perception is dangerous, because it’s not always factual as we all know. RCA could have really been putting in an effort, but when all was said and done, the perception is, that the execution has failed.

Sorry Oceania, I didn’t mean to start an off-topic side argument. I think we have both made good points and I’ll leave it at that.

The record compamnies are fighting for their lives and can’t afford to retain anyone other than the artists who are the most marketable. That being said, Clay will have a career on a decent level as long as Clay wishes.

Maybe he will be better going on the indie route and having full control over his music like Taylor has done.

Music goes in an out of style constantly and very few artists have careers that go on for years. Does it matter if RCA dropped him or he dropped them? His fans will support him and if he can’t make any new ones, he’ll fade. It seems like he has enough fans to keep a modest career going. No, I don’t think great artist applies to him or anyone else from American Idol.

hoodathunk, I agree with everything you just said. Clay can have a career at a decent level, and doesn’t have to be a superstar. And if he can do better with an indie label, I’ll be happy for him. I’d love to see it.

Niall, your last post, yes! That sums it up for me.

I find it interesting that many assume he’s being dropped. He’s been with RCA for 5 years. Perhaps there were negotiations and he chose to walk. Couldn’t say as I blame him. I haven’t seen much support from RCA since MOAM. Who takes a triple platinum artist & makes him wait 3 yrs to put out a follow-up pop album and decide it is to be covers. The label alone chooses the single released to radio & instead of releasing one of the original songs from the F/U album they chose a cover already played to death on the radio. Then there is On MY Way Here, the newest. No single released to radio ahead of time.The single the label chose was a ballad, not truly representative of the eclectic mix of songs. No print press. No push to the radio. No press release from the label talking the album up. Nothing. People can’t buy what they don’t know about.
A treasure of an album in my opinion. Why didn’t the label promote it? I wish I knew. Did he not tow the RCA line? Labels are powerful and can crush an artist if they choose to. RCA derailed the career of a very talented artist. Better than other AI artists? That’s a matter of opinion. Music is subjective.
Could Clay have altered any of what went down. Have no idea. He was the novice here. He was swimming with sharks trying to find his way. What is RCA’s excuse??

I was trying to remember if it’s been 5 or 6 years. Clay was season 2. Season 8 just started. It will end in May. 8-2=6. So in May, Clay will have a full 6 years of stardom under his belt. I think he stopped being a novice somewhere in those 6 years. He’s no babe in the woods. He hired his own lawyer immediately when the show ended to look out for his contractual and label interests. Didn’t he leave 19 early on and move to a management company of his own choice? Clay’s got good business sense. He appears to have handled his money well too and is quite prosperous. So I don’t think it’s poor Clay against the big bad label. Clay’s quite intelligent and looks out for his interests.

In the beginning he was new, sure, but that excuse can’t be used forever. Anyway, there wasn’t a lot of promotion for the last cd, but there was some. The first single didn’t do well. Seems like RCA gave up after that. Seems to me that Clay had lost credibility with radio, with djs, with music critics, with the music community as a whole. He wasn’t seen as an artist, and his last cd really wasn’t going to change anyone’s mind.

If he was dropped, I think he had a long run with RCA and should be proud of that. Others have been dropped like hot potatoes, but they hung in there with Clay for a long time. An indie label might end up being the best thing for him.

oceana:
chachi66, I would disagree about the cover songs on ATDW. I think they were schmaltzy songs to begin with, whoever chose them, but Clay certainly expressed happiness with the song choices at the time, and claimed that they were a good fit for him. He sang them with an orchestra and made them sound 100 times more schmaltzy than they were back in the 80s. That is my opinion anyway, clearly not everyoneà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s. Some fans loved the cd.

Well, yes, he would have to say he was happy with the choices at the time the album dropped… he had to promote it. The comments I mentioned came much later and I think are a much truer reflection of Clay’s feelings about the songs. It is entirely possible that he likes the songs well enough, but he now says that they would not of been what he would of preferred to record. And yes, it is a matter of opinion about the production of the songs. Some I liked a lot better than others… just like every other artist I like. I can’t think of any artist where I like every single song and arrangement they produced.

Rod Stewart did a cover cd about the same time as Clay, and his was more successful and to me that was a good cover cd. I still enjoy those songs today, the way he sang them. Clay could have made a good cover cd but he didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t, in my opinion. Bottom line, I canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t blame that all on RCA.

That is interesting, because I wasn’t impressed with Rod’s American songbook CD’s, but a lot of people did like them and he he had great sales. I have never listened to his last cover album. I’ll have to give it a listen.

Whoever said that Clay sings songs like Pat Boone, thatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s a good analogy. Hey if it works for him, more power to him once again. But I remember all the promotion that was done for Clay after he came off Idol. RCA did their best with him. Radio didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t want him. Clay also alienated some of the execs at RCA with his talk about being vanilla and not singing the word à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“damnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  and saying that the execs in LA had à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“rotting insidesà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  etc. He wasnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t the most easy to work with imo.

Actually, it was the executives who originally labeled Clay “vanilla”. Maybe if they were more proactive in building up their artists rather than talking down about them to the public, people might have more confidence in the artist’s work. I have my doubts that Clay was any harder to work with than any other artist with their own ideas about who they are and the music they want to produce. I’m sure the label is more than capable of coping with an artistic temperament if they so choose.

Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ll grant that there are a couple of songs off OMWH that might possibly be played on AC, but even those are questionable. I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t know why RCA didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t promote those songs to radio, but I bet ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s because they thought they would be wasting their time. They tried to promote the first single and nobody would play it. If they thought they could make money off the cd they probably would have promoted it more.

It’s interesting the the label chose the single that they did. Originally Clay indicated that he thought Ashes would be the first single, and in IMHO, I think it would of been a far better choice than OMWH. I have never been able to figure out why the label went with OMWH. You may be right that they might of thought trying to push any more singles would of been wasting their time and decided to cut their losses, but I attribute it to their choice of a first single.

I think what they did to Taylor was much worse than anything ever done to Clay. Clay got good support for quite awhile.

I heartily agree with you there. It was shameful what they did to Taylor. I thought what they did to Bo on his first album was all kinds of wrong too.

Does anyone think it is possible that because Clay’s first CD and Christmas album sold so well, his label thought the covers would sell as well and they misjudged?

Does anyone think that putting out the Christmas album was a bad idea?

I don’t know if the Christmas cd was a bad idea in terms of career, but I know that Clay is really, really into Christmas and it was his idea to do a Christmas tour every year for about 4 years. He loved it and said it was his favorite thing to do. His Christmas cd was probably his best cd ever.

Maybe Clay needs big songs like Christmas carols. Maybe he will find his niche doing musical theater, and singing those big stage songs. I would love to see him do a musical that allowed him to really belt it out.

When it comes right down to it I doubt every single problem he encountered rests solely on RCA’s shoulders. Clay sang a medley of TV songs on tour one year and mocked the song Sexyback. I highly doubt RCA had a hand in such (IMO) stupidity.

Did he not tow the RCA line?

Maybe he should have? Sometimes if you play nice with these labels it works out better for you. Unless you’re an established superstar you gotta make some sacrifices. As it’s been said numerous times here, yep Kelly learned her lesson and is doing what RCA wants now. I’d say it’s paying off for her.

I’m not sure of the Christmas album was a bad idea – it sold well and is a very solid CD (if you like Christmas music, which isn’t my personal favorite).

I think the bad idea was waiting three years for another “mainstream” CD and then to have that CD be mostly covers was not the best decision RCA could have made (my opinion only).

I also agree that RCA’s decisions when it comes to singles has been less than stellar. I agree that Without You has been played to death. For On My Way Here, I understand the Ryan Tedder connection, but honestly it was one of the weaker songs on the CD (again, my opinion only). I also remember Clay saying that Ashes would probably be the first single, so I was surprised (and disappointed) when it was On My Way Here. Again, not the best decision.

I have no problem with Clay & RCA parting ways. I don’t think RCA ever really knew what to do with him or how to promote him. I don’t believe that any artist has to become a completely different person in order to have a career and I admire Clay for not doing things or singing things that made him uncomfortable. Did it affect his career? It probably did – but, if this is truly the end of his recording career, at least he can hold his head high and say “I Did it My Way”.

?? I’m not making the connection between Clay’s song choices during a tour and his problems with RCA. LOL, he sounded great singing Sexyback. Maybe he should work with Timbaland!

I think doing ATDW was Clay towing the line. We have no idea if the label was opposed to OMWH or not. They could of been fine with him recording it. They told Clay they liked several of the songs and thought it would do well on radio. What happened from that point on and why it didn’t pan out, we don’t know. Yet.

It will be very interesting to see what happens now. Personally, I am much more interested in hearing what kind of music Clay wants to produce regardless of whether it is considered commercial or not.

?? Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m not making the connection between Clayà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s song choices during a tour and his problems with RCA. LOL, he sounded great singing Sexyback. Maybe he should work with Timbaland!

My point is Clay is capable of making bad/stupid decisions, so we don’t know if he made bad choices when it came down to dealing with RCA. For ME some of his choices he made in concert makes me think his taste isn’t all that great so that very well could be connected to dealing with RCA. Who’s to say they didn’t offer him good radio friendly songs and he turned them down? There’s a lot unknown and I just don’t think it’s fair to blame RCA for everything.

That is interesting, because I wasnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t impressed with Rodà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s American songbook CDà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s, but a lot of people did like them and he he had great sales. I have never listened to his last cover album. Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ll have to give it a listen.

Yeah, I like his songbook cds too, but it’s his last cover cd, “Still the Same,” I was referring to. I really like it. It’s mellow. I couldn’t find it on itunes, but it’s on Amazon. Songs include: Fooled Around and Fell in Love (Elvin Bishop), Father & Son (Cat Stevens), I’ll Stand by You (the Pretenders), It’s a Heartache (Bonnie Tyler), The Best of My Love, Day After Day (Badfinger), If Not for You (Dylan), Love Hurts (Nazareth), Crazy Love, and others. Not everyone’s cup of tea but I like his easy-going interpretation. But then he’s a rocker singing rock songs. Clay’s of a different genre.

Ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s interesting the the label chose the single that they did. Originally Clay indicated that he thought Ashes would be the first single, and in IMHO, I think it would of been a far better choice than OMWH. I have never been able to figure out why the label went with OMWH.

I agree with ya there. Ashes or Falling would have been way better. (I don’t know why they chose LO for David Cook’s first single either, when it’s by far not the best song on the cd, but fortunately it hasn’t hurt him and is doing well on the charts and sales, thank goodness.) I sometimes wonder at the first singles that RCA chooses for its artists. It’s ironic that Clive didn’t want “Because of You” on Kelly’s 2nd cd but she insisted and ended up winning a songwriter’s award with it. I would have liked to see what could have happened if Clay’s single had been a different choice. It could only have helped.

It seems to me like it would be hard to carry on a Broadway career and a recording career at the same time. It didn’t appear that he was putting as much effort into promoting his recorded music as he used to. But that’s just me.

MJ, I <3 you!

And can someone tell me what YMMV is? I see it all the time and have tried to figure it out but can’t. Thanks.

Hmm. I don’t know that I personally blame RCA for everything. I think that they are the ones in control though. They hold the purse strings. They are the ones who decided that Clay shelve the album he worked for so long on and bang out a cover CD. They made the odd choices for singles. And they most certainly bear the responsibility for any decisions about how much they invest in promoting a project. So, yeah, I think they bear the biggest percentage of responsibility when an artist like Clay stalls in their career.

I still don’t see how Clay’s song choices in concert reflects on his decision making. I saw that concert and those parts worked well for me and the rest of the audience. You may not of liked it, but I thought it was fun! Everyone has different tastes in music. It is purely subjective, therefore difficult to categorize as a “mistake” or “bad/stupid decision”. Clay has performed a wide variety of genre’s in concert, so I doubt the TV theme song medley or mocking Sexyback is any real reflection on his personal taste in music. With that criteria, you could just as well say his taste in music was R&B/Country/Pop/Rock/etc…

The tv medley, and his mocking of When Doves Cry, and his parody of Like a Virgin, and other questionable choices he made on his tours, did affect the way he was perceived by a larger audience. These performances were on youtube and were talked about on blogs. He didn’t portray himself as an artist to be taken seriously. This contributed to his lack of artistic credibility in the business. His performances reflect his tastes and his choices. To most people, they were tacky and amateurish choices. He didn’t do himself any favors on those tours sometimes.

YMMV = Your Mileage May Vary. In other words, you might have a different opinion.

What a real barn burner this has been. Too bad I missed most of it.

The deal is he was dropped, and it was no surprise. He wasn’t selling enough units, neither was he getting any critical acclaim. If you can’t score either one of these you get dropped.

IMHO, Clay isn’t an artist. He had no real musical identity. He could have been marketed like Buble or Groban, but once again imho he doesn’t have the cool of Buble, or the nuance or artistry of Groban. Having a good voice is really not enough. What always struck me as strange about him is that he really isn’t a student of music like most of idols winners and runners up. Kelly knows music, Carrie knows music, Ruben knows music, David Cook knows music, hell David Archuleta knows music. They studied different artists, different genres. When you hear Clay talk about music or singing he never seems inspired by anything he did, or anything he’s heard from others.

I remember him saying that he does not really pay attention to the lyrics and sometimes during a concert he really wasn’t thinking about connecting with the audience, but whether someone in the front seat had something in their nose. I am sure that he was probably joking, but it just sorta made me think, hmmmm. Maybe this isn’t his passion. It certainly never seemed like it to me.

As for promotion. Give me a damn break. Every cd he released he’s gotten pretty darn good promotion. From Tyra to Jimmy Kimmel to GMA. Some others I am sure would kill for the same airtime he got. His music just wasn’t viable and therefore they decided to pull the plug.

I am not going to blame his fans, radio, RCA, his sexuality, the haters, or anyone else for this. I blame him. Of all the people who came off this show I think he had the biggest opportunity, the biggest forum, and he blew it.

From the bad cover cds, the shameful mistreatment of Kelly Ripa when he was a guest on HER show, and all of his other weird behavior of late. The plane fiasco, the horrible Christmas play and cheesy concerts. He had a chance and it was decisons that he made. The blame is mostly on him.

KK- YMMV= your mileage may vary. In other words, different strokes for different folks and all that.

I am not going to blame his fans, radio, RCA, his sexuality, the haters, or anyone else for this. I blame him. Of all the people who came off this show I think he had the biggest opportunity, the biggest forum, and he blew it.

Well, I didn’t watch his season. I did tune into the finale because of all the hype. I remember he was on the cover of Rolling Stone (I used to subscribe).

I’m not sure he blew it. He seems like someone who has been struggling in the spotlight to find his niche, personally and professionally. It seems he’s right where he needs to be. If he has no musical curiosity beyond a modern-day Barry Mannilow-esque existence, then he’s not going to be a major label recording artist. He seems to be popular on the stage. No shame in that.

IMHO, Clay isnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t an artist. He had no real musical identity. He could have been marketed like Buble or Groban, but once again imho he doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t have the cool of Buble, or the nuance or artistry of Groban. Having a good voice is really not enough. What always struck me as strange about him is that he really isnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t a student of music like most of idols winners and runners up. Kelly knows music, Carrie knows music, Ruben knows music, David Cook knows music, hell David Archuleta knows music. They studied different artists, different genres. When you hear Clay talk about music or singing he never seems inspired by anything he did, or anything heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s heard from others.

I remember him saying that he does not really pay attention to the lyrics and sometimes during a concert he really wasnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t thinking about connecting with the audience, but whether someone in the front seat had something in their nose. I am sure that he was probably joking, but it just sorta made me think, hmmmm. Maybe this isnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t his passion. It certainly never seemed like it to me.

ITA. He’s a karaoke singer with (or who had) a good voice. He likes doing covers. He recently told fans in NYC that 1)ATDW was his favorite cd ever and 2)he said he’d love to do American Idol over and over again. He isn’t an “artist,” he’s a guy who sings and that’s about it. Nothing wrong with that but he’s far from being Josh Groban or Michael Buble.

The tv medley, and his mocking of When Doves Cry, and his parody of Like a Virgin, and other questionable choices he made on his tours, did affect the way he was perceived by a larger audience. These performances were on youtube and were talked about on blogs. He didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t portray himself as an artist to be taken seriously. This contributed to his lack of artistic credibility in the business. His performances reflect his tastes and his choices. To most people, they were tacky and amateurish choices. He didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t do himself any favors on those tours sometimes.

Really? My perceptions are really different. He certainly had fun with When Doves Cry, buy I never got the sense that he was mocking it. And his vocal performance on that song was spectacular! And it never occurred to me that having a sense of humor about himself, his music and people’s perceptions about him reflected on his artistic ability. Musicians do that all the time without people thinking that it damages the artist’s credibility. I guess Alanis Morrisette’s artistic credibility is totally shot since she made a video totally mocking “My Humps”.

What always struck me as strange about him is that he really isnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t a student of music like most of idols winners and runners up. Kelly knows music, Carrie knows music, Ruben knows music, David Cook knows music, hell David Archuleta knows music. They studied different artists, different genres.

I think that is a misperception about Clay. He has a lifelong musical background in choir, musical theater, performance and even working with a band. He has a much broader knowledge of music than say Carrie Underwood, who was at quite a loss for several of the genre’s during her stint on Idol. Just because Clay doesn’t wax poetic about his musical inspirations doesn’t mean he doesn’t have them or doesn’t have any musical knowledge. He is quite proficient in several genres.

I guess Alanis Morrisetteà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s artistic credibility is totally shot since she made a video totally mocking à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“My Humpsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ .

Where is Clay’s artistic statement. Has he truly made one?

He is quite proficient in several genres.

Seriously?

He has a lifelong musical background in choir, musical theater, performance and even working with a band.

I can say the same thing about myself. It’s not that selective. Choir, check. Musical theatre, check. Working with a band, check. Book me a hall, I am ready to tour!

Pj, when I say he blew it I don’t mean his career is over. I think he can milk it for another few years actually. I just think that they days of him having promise as a recording artist are over, and that is his fault.

People blame the covers, but if they were done well, and if the songs selected were better, he could have made a better argument for himself. Instead they were uninspired, ill chosen, and frankly some were even badly sung. That mainly falls on him. Choosing the wrong EP was on him as well. He wasn’t as hamstrung as many like to claim.

Eh, Aiken may not have the perceived ‘cool’ of Buble (I’ve always thought Buble’s music was for grannies, maybe not?), or the operatic chops of Groban, but I can still see his potential appeal to that niche market. He’s good enough. He’s not an artist, but he doesn’t have to be. He’s a vocalist through and through. I can see him doing well under David Foster’s guidance.

Has David Foster said publicly that he plans to work with him? He seems far more interested in Josh, Katharine McPhee, Michael Johns, and that young girl he’s mentoring. He doesn’t seem terribly anxious to work with Clay.

ITA. Heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s a karaoke singer with (or who had) a good voice. He likes doing covers. He recently told fans in NYC that 1)ATDW was his favorite cd ever and

Well there ya go. If a covers CD is his most favorite thing heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s done that says a lot. For years ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s always been said in the Clay fandom he can sing anything, that he can sing the phonebook, etc. Sure if you have a good voice you can make anything sound good, but it doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t mean you should sing anything.

What always struck me as strange about him is that he really isnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t a student of music like most of idols winners and runners up. Kelly knows music, Carrie knows music, Ruben knows music, David Cook knows music, hell David Archuleta knows music. They studied different artists, different genres.

Agreed. And I suspect all those people would quit singing before they were caught dead singing the theme to Growing Pains in concert. It doesn’t matter how good a vocal performance is. Heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s got a good voice so singing the song well is moot. Doing covers is one thing but that medley he did of TV show themes and the Sexyback/O.P.P./Achy Breaky Heart/Like a Virgin/Baby Got Back, well donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t expect to be taken seriously. He is singing/performing them in a mocking fashion. I would have more respect for him if he was honing some songwriting skills or learning how to play instruments.

Has David Foster said publicly that he plans to work with him? He seems far more interested in Josh, Katharine McPhee, Michael Johns, and that young girl heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s mentoring. He doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t seem terribly anxious to work with Clay.

Not that I’ve heard of, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they collaborated sometime in the future. Foster lurves vocalists.

If not Foster, Aiken would do himself good to find a label that knows how to market vocalists. It’s outside of mainstream and outside of radio, but it’s still extremely profitable.

Maybe he will find his niche doing musical theater, and singing those big stage songs.

I was thinking the same thing. It is obvious that Clay has musical talent, but where it goes from here is difficult to speculate. For all we know, he could end up on a sit-com.

Here’s hoping Clay did put money in the bank and bought a lovely home for his family. I admire his charitable causes which is often time consuming. Wishing him the very best.

While I have enduring concerns about AI’s potential for exploitation, I continue to watch it because it does showcase some real talent. Favorites of mine include Kelly, Ruben, Taylor, David C and absolutely Clay. I happen to think Clay has one of the most distinctive voices to emerge from this show.

It seems that I am in good company as respects mu admiration of Clay. Clayà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s vocal prowess has been affirmed by Julliard trained Neil Sedaka and multi-Grammy winner, songwriter and producer David Foster; his humanitarian outreach commended by former President Jimmy Carter and his comic instincts, master at characterization acknowledged by Oscar, Grammy and Tony winner, Mike Nichols. Mike Nichols: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“ Clay is amazing, beyond that glorious voice. Turns out he is an excellent comic actor and a master of character. People are going to be surprised by his wide-ranging talentà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ 

Further, as a formally trained musician, I found OMWH his strongest effort to date. This CD contains remarkable tonal color, and Clay’s vocals are well executed. I am bemused by critics who dismiss this effort via trite lyrics, when we have pop hits out of such profundities as à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Gimme Me Moreà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  to endure. So much of the music on pop radio today is composed by ‘non-musicians’. By that I mean those who are obviously unschooled in arranging. Who needs another track of tonic, subdominant, dominant, tonic chord sequences? And, the instrumentation is mind numbingly predictable – electric guitar, synthesizer, and drums. The sophisticated harmonic progression and modulation in à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Everything I Don’t Needà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  is a welcome respite from the tired pap receiving mass airplay today.

AC seemed a natural niche for Clay. It mystifies me that he has not received radio play on those stations. I do think Clay is well served getting beyond the notorious Clive Davis. I’m in no doubt that he’ll go on to another label, and I am hopeful it will fully support this young man to realize his huge potential and properly showcase his vocal gifts.

Can someone tell me what OMWH is?

Lu, OMWH is Clay’s last cd, On My Way Here. That is also the title of the first (and only) single off the cd. He never toured on the cd and it’s almost as if it never existed at this point.

abbysee, great post back yonder.

Clay is talented but I wouldnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t put him above everyone else on Idol. Personally I think even 2nd tier idols like Pickler, Brooke, Castro, Johns, Elliott, Taylor, and others are just as talented as Clay is.

wut lol..what has castro ever done post-idol?