If you’re unfamiliar with the milquetoast vocal stylings of Clay Aiken, then I envy the sound-proofed cave you’ve been living in for the past three years. Even those über-hip underground music aficionados who successfully manage to immerse themselves in artists who are destined for a career in lawn care cannot have entirely avoided the crooning of the UNCC and American Idol alum. If you have dodged Aiken’s rise to fame then count your blessings or the cash in your wallet — Aiken performs with the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra for a Christmas Concert on Dec. 22nd at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center.
Criticism of Aiken is nothing new. In fact, it seems part and parcel of success that comes as part of being associated with American Idol. Had Aiken merely relied on his boyish charm and Eisenhower-era musical aesthetics to propel him to the top of the charts, he might still be the curiously androgynous Special Education teacher in Charlotte or Raleigh that he set out to be.
However, thanks to the gloriously mediocre tastes of middle-class Americans who are so poorly educated that they find it a wise economic choice to spend their money on the bread and circus of “voting” for the next American Idol, Aiken has been propelled to stardom. As Hasselhoff is to Germany, so is Aiken to the world’s fastest declining superpower. In fact, one could probably not have selected a better poster boy for the decline of western civilization than Aiken. (Then again, his most recent album, A Thousand Different Ways — which should have been subtitled ” … to Deny Your Sexuality” — has sold nearly two million fewer copies than his debut, Measure of a Man, which perhaps indicates that Americans are either waking up or demonstrating their usual brief attention spans.)
But perhaps I crack the rhetorical whip a little too harshly upon Clay (though if Frank Zappa were alive today, I’ve no doubt that the lyrics of “Punky’s Whips” would be adjusted to accommodate the revelation of Aiken’s appearance in today’s rapidly changing world … ). Despite the fact that his anachronistic style puts him at odds with critics who are actually less musically talented than he (and I’m certainly in that group), Aiken doesn’t completely squander his fame.
Along with Charlottean Diane Bubel, Aiken co-founded the Bubel/Aiken Foundation as a way to assist children with special needs to integrate more easily into the world around them. The organization is an outgrowth of Aiken’s work while a student at UNCC with Bubel’s son Michael, who is autistic. Whatever two-cent critique of Clay’s career I might have, it takes a pretty classy guy to continue to work on such noble causes when it would be just as easy to shut the limo door on his modest past. In this regard, Aiken stands out amongst the other former Idol contestants.
It’s much more enjoyable, though, to use Aiken as a punching bag for everything that’s wrong with the music industry today. And he is a product of an industrial society. There is no pretense of great art behind Aiken; if he is little more than a box of Kraft Macaroni & Cheese rolling off an assembly line, then American Idol is the focus group that mastered the masses’ desire for well-designed powdered cheese.
Aiken is a particularly lush target for those who wish to opine about the omniscient tentacles of the Entertainment Machine, as he is deeply entrenched within its evil womb. Since his win on American Idol — oh wait, he didn’t win. He came in second. What happened to the guy who won? You know, that somewhat overweight African-American fellow, Reuben Studdard? I’m only allowed 1,000 words for this piece, and that does not permit me to form a coherent argument about this point, but if you are under the impression that there isn’t a bias toward slender, pretty Aryan people in the entertainment industry, then you are most likely white and living in a bubble of delusion so impenetrable that you decided early on in this article that I am a giant douche. Fair enough.
It is not Aiken’s fault that his success and Studdard’s apparent abduction by aliens (where else could he be?) reveals some bit of nastiness about The Machine and how it works. And the truth of it looms around Aiken like flatulence in a crowded elevator: everyone can sense it, but no one will say a word about it. However, everyone is more than willing to say plenty about his sexuality (or lack thereof). We are a culture obsessed with sex and mediocrity, but not one willing to acknowledge the ugly facts of our prejudices. That’s the real lesson learned from American Idol and its “winners,” and perhaps that is one reason why Aiken is so reticent to acknowledge which way he swings. (Note to Clay: if you were actually straight, you would have used the phrase, “I love pussy” by now in print. That’s what straight men say. We’re not that complicated.)
All of this doesn’t mean, however, that you can’t have a good time with your partner and the kids at Aiken’s performance at the Blumenthal Center. In fact, there are probably few things you could do with your family so close to Christmas that would be as well-suited to please every age group. Let us not overlook the fact that Aiken is performing with the Charlotte Symphony, and they are indeed an oft-overlooked treasure of Charlotte. The symphony will perform a set of holiday music before Aiken joins them. It is no easy thing to be a classical musician in this country — one more or less consents to a life of hard, unappreciated discipline. If Clay Aiken can help bring in an audience who might not otherwise have any interest in the symphony and turn just one of his “Claymates” onto the wonders of what all those musicians can accomplish in unison, well, that might just be a Christmas miracle that makes the rest of his music forgivable.
Clay Aiken performs with the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center; Dec. 22; 8:00 p.m.; $35-$75; visit www.charlottesymphony.org/ for more details.
This article appears in Dec 20-26, 2006.
That was the most offensive dreck that has ever been written. This poorly educated middle class American with mediocre tastes will spend my money any way I damned well please. Your misplaced “concern” is for naught. Oh and you might want to put down that new thesaurus and quit trying to impress with your fake vocabulary.
Have you really ever heard this man sing??? Doesn’t sound like it…I also think your comments about his fans are very demeaning..Do I sense a bit of jealousy going on here?
Clay has a beautiful voice, performing to his best even if ill so as not to disappoint his fans and cancel a show. He has a wonderful sense of humor and compassion for others. His Christmas show is entertaining and fun…and I encourage anyone who doesn’t already have a ticket to grab one fast! He will leave you wanting for more…
Is your nickname Blowhard? If not it should be. You seem to protest too much and your jealousy shows. You don’t look good in green Mr. Keck. Then again, I don’t think people of your class would look too good in any color.
Oh dear …. another wannabee clever writer. BTW NONE of the straight men I know would ever dream of announcing their “identity” by resorting to that sort of comment …. THEY don’t have too. In fact real men don’t feel the need to announce such things.
And are YOU willing to “acknowledge the ugly facts” of YOUR “prejudices?” Which are obviously those of yet another pretentious snob. Mr. Aiken has never pretended to be anything but the King of Cheese. That’s okay — he’s smart enough to know that a lot of people like cheese. Are they undeserving of entertainment because you are evidently lactose intolerant? Ah, well. Mr. Aiken is laughing all the way to the bank, while you are confined to 1,000 words. Oh, and by the way, Mr. Keck, not all straight men feel the need to announce their sexual preference by claiming that they “like pussy.” Only jerks like you who probably aren’t gettting any.
Your a mean one, Mr. Dreck, Yes a mean one Mr Dreck… Lighten up guy, it’s Christmas. You write like someone is pinching your privates. Sheesh!!
If not, you need to get a new job. You are obviously way under qualified for the one you have. Can’t wait to hear those glorious Clay Aiken pipes Friday night! Hey Kevin, maybe they’ll let you park the cars. Don’t run over your own foot in the process (that’s if you can pull it out of your mouth).
Someone in creative writing class got a dictionary for Christmas !
Yet another bully that Clay Aiken can flip off on his way to the bank .
It’s not like Aiken is at the top of the charts, being played endlessly on the radio stations around the country. You blame HIM for what’s wrong with music today? Why not point the finger at Kelly Clarkson or Fantasia or Taylor Hicks … you know the ones that actually won their season of that TV show? Aiken’s was 4 years ago and he’s done alright for himself since then, in spite of losing a TV show. Or are you mad that he didn’t win?
Whatever dude. It’s just a harmless Christmas concert, with lots of jokes and funny stuff and a bunch of great Christmas songs performed by a fine vocalist and a fantastic orchestra. That’s the concert preview you should have written.
It really irks me when someone does not support those who make it in our state. NC……..
He put us on the map and I will support him in whatever venture that he chooses.
Why don’t you act like a real man and go see the concert before you judge it? You may just turn out to be like many other 1st time Clay Aiken concert goers (many of them men like myself) that are leaving the show with a new sense of respect and admiration for Mr. Aiken; not only for his outstanding voice, but because the guy is a natural comedian and a pure entertainer in every sense of the word. What you saw on your television is nothing like what you would see in person. But I guess you are way too cool to even consider the thought that you could actually be totally wrong about Clay Aiken. The man is talented, witty and has the audience captivated from the minute he walks out on stage until he walks off.
If you are man enough to attend the show Friday night, look me up. I’ll be sitting in the 2nd row with my wife, my son, daughter-in-law and our neighbors. I would say Merry Christmas to you, but it appears you answer more to the call of Bah Humbug.
Let me see. Clay is touring and pulling the big bucks into his mansion while this guy is writing for charlotte.creativeloafing.com.Sorry, Kevin, he who dies with the most toys wins and I’d say Clay has a few more than you have. Get a job.
Mr. Keck, I believe you have witten one of the most honest and fair bits on Mr. Aiken in recent history. He HAD a lovely voice, but lately has had trouble hitting his notes. His ‘lively’ banter is often seen as insulting and obnoxious. Some of his banter has been inappropriate for the venues and audiences. Please do not take the above comments to heart. Anyone who speaks in anything other than glowing terms risks the rath of the Claynation. You are getting a taste. Hang in there.
What a brilliant write-up.
That’s what Clay Aiken is. And he’s clearly too afraid to come out for fear that his only fans (middle-aged, sex-starved females) might revolt against him and stop supporting his joke of a career.
You are off your rocker Kevin Keck!!! I’m a 72 year young LADY and live in beautiful Bergen County, NJ and I am not a middle-class American who is poorly educated and I LOVE CLAY AIKEN!
I think you should get a new job because you certainly are not a critique.
Go to a Clay Aiken concert and hear this magnificent entertainer sing and charm the audience with his wonderful banter. Clay is
has more credits to his 28 year life than you probably have in your life. Get a new life, you need it!
First off, Clay is NOT GAY! How many times does he have to say it? All I see is your jealosy boiling over. You only WISH millions of women were drooling over you.
Does going around telling people that you love pussy actually make them believe you?
I did believe the douchebag part.
Yep. You’re a douche. Happy?
HA HA! I agree with 98.5 % of your article ( i’d agree with 100% of it, but I like to be a rebel like that). The true payoff though is watching the Claymates get their panties in a bunch over this article. Thanks for amusing me for a few minutes this afternoon.
P.S. I LOVE PUSSY!
Nah, Mark, I’d say you ARE one.
…are a pretentious fuckwit.
I stole that from a friend of mine. Hee.
Want proof? Click here and check out Clay Aiken for yourself.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjq28wEV8Lc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qxbm8iSFbx4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JHxodWyR8qg
Well, what can be said about an Undereducated, middleclass lawn mower. The comments made in this article just goes to show that he couldn’t make it at a REAL News Paper, so he is writing (as Clay would say) SMUT for this trash site. Keep up the good work. Maybe you can work your way up to Flower Trimmer next.
I’m sure the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra will be just THRILLED with your, uh comments!! As for Mr. Aiken, I’m sure he couldn’t care less!! As for me, everything I read in the media these days is taken with a grain of salt. This is NOT journalism, just another person with an opinion….and, you know what they say about opinions!
Why don’t you actually go see the concert, before you comment on it!
Isn’t it wonderful that the average person in Western Civilization recognizes articles like this for the cowpie it is?
Whassa matta? Are you upset that the talented “Idols” are giving the dregs of music that have plagued us for the last 15 years their walking papers?
Real Music is back in style; get used to it!
Wow, some pretty angry remarks here. I am not angry but really questioning your level of education and respect for the general public. We are not all uneducated and many of us are young women in professional jobs who happen to really enjoy the sexy Mr. Aiken with the golden voice. He has more class and integrity than anyone I have ever seen in the entertainment industry. But more than insulting him for no real reason, you show your total lack of respect for women who generally can pick the future superstars of the world. I’d say you lost out somewhere and need to learn some manners, sir. Go see Clay Aiken. I just did and not a soul walked away from the sold out house unhappy. He made everyone smile and laugh and the voice was spot on, a thing of true beauty which resonated with a fine orchestra. In fact his voice is his instrument and he uses it with such style. WOW and BRAVO to Clay Aiken.
pusillaneous
petulant
putrid
pffft!
Let’s see, in one hand I have the deed to my paid off half million dollar house and my master’s degree. In the other, I have my ticket stubs to all my Clay Aiken shows. Each one gives me great pleasure.
Oh and Mr. Keck? I bet the only way YOU’D get near a pussy was to actually BE a douche bag.
Why don’t you read a real review,
you might actually learn something…..nah
http://www.mlive.com/entertainment/grpress/index.ssf?/base/entertainment-2/1166622303246540.xml&coll=6&thispage=1
Try another job, man. Writing just isn’t your thing. No one wants to read a bunch of overblown garbage and hyperbole like this pile of crap.
Aiken may be many things, but the downfall of Western society isn’t one of them.
Pleeeze!!
Thanks for clearing that up. I thought the decline of Western Civilization was tied to a government that led us into a pointless war while sabre-rattling to start others, looks the other way as an entire continent dies of AIDS, does a piss-poor job of of rebuilding one of its own devestated cities and decimates the environment. And here you tell me it’s all because of this one singer guy. Whew!! Glad you cleared that up. And in under 1000 words too.
Ya think think all the people attending this sold out concert can get a refund on the way out? Gee, something like 2,400-2,500 people having no musical taste or education. God knows, I’m sure they don’t want to be responsible for Western Civilization’s deterioration.
That you had 1000 words to kill and nothing to say with them. Guess you get paid to use them no matter how poor an excuse you are for a human being and reviewer. Hope things get better for you while Clay is pleasing the masses and making a difference in a world you know so little about. Merry Christmas.
Gimme a break. Too many words and you left out the biggie: Clive Davis. Aiken’s latest CD is a mandate by the legendary Clive Baybee. Blame Clive and his minions. Tell the truth.
My, my,my. You used a lot of big words for a very poor writer. It’s too bad that you can’t find a real job. Like maybe lawn care? After all, you seem to know more about that than you do writing.
Kevin- You’ve hit a nerve.
I’ve always thought of Creative Loafing as an alternative source for information. One with a cutting edge sensibility.
YOU’VE OPENED MY EYES!
I finally see that everyone on the planet has been seduced by the banal corporate worlds idea of entertainment. How can thinking breathing functioning individuals buy this corporate pop crap? They’ve been so seduced they don’t even realize that corporations have been programming their lives for years. Fads and entertainment run in similar cycles. It’s all set-up to maximize the return on investment. It makes great business sense. If we know they will accept X then lets give them Z. The letters are irrelevant, so are the performers and musicians in the business. If they don’t sell, they get canned. It happens everyday. Notice during a time of war that macho movies return to give us more action?
Go watch “Merchants of Cool” it was on Frontline. You can watch it online FOR FREE.
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/cool/view/
I’m glad the concert is a sell-out to support the symphony. Why do we need to support a pop star in the process?
Gee, Kev…Someone give you a wedgie this morning. Or do you just wish someone had given you a wedgie?
In reference to the online article “Treacle or Claymation,” Clay Aiken is my favorite male singer and male entertainer. Clay Aiken is the greatest and the best male musical artist ever!!! Clay Aiken Rules!!!
Awww. All the poor Claymates have taken offense to your article and had to run right over here to defend their loser idol. Great article buddy. It really hit the nail on the head. Drop dead Gay Faiken. You’re useless.
Julie, the only sucking Kevin Keck wishes Clay Aiken would do is on his cock. You, however, are a cunt.
You clearly have never seen Clay perform live. His “vocalizings” are neither milquetoast nor lacking in stage presence. He connects with his audience (marvelously diverse, btw) on a level no current “artist” is capable of these days. I pity those of you who feel you must bash this wonderful, generous, intelligent and talented man, who seeks only to better the lives of handicapped persons and children with the help of his celebrity. I seriously doubt anyone will be talking about YOU in years to come.
And, of course, he’s been made a UNICEF Ambassador and appointed to the President’s Commission on Persons with Mental Disablities because he’s an idiot! Sheeeese! You people really need to get a life.
Holy crap, these are some snarky Claymates. What a bunch of wise asses!
Who knew? I love it.
Oh, and Kev – “I love pussy?” Wow, that’s hot. Wait, not really. It’s actually quite sophomoric, unless you want to hook up with some skanky illiterate bimbo. Not to mention, redneck.
Yeah, I’ll bet that line gets you lots of hot women.
Except, not.
Clay on the other hand, well, there are a thousand different women who would love to give it up to Mr. Aiken. In a thousand different ways.
Now that’s hot.
Unlike yourself. Keep trying Kev. Someday you too will be cool.
The first step is to not speak in ignorance about things of which you have no knowledge.
Just sayin.
Your little diatribe cracked me up, dude. You were like going off on everybody: illiterate people, people who shop in walmart’ the music industry; elevators with noxious air; Idol; winners and losers, but mostly Clay Aiken.
That it took you 1000 words to display your stupidity is about 999 too many. Next time, just post the word “Duh”…..it will mean just as much.
And as for classy, saying “I like pussy” just is NOT. In fact, its rather tasteless.
HAHA
You’re a vile one Mr. Keck
You have termites in your smile
You have all the tender sweetness of a seasick crocodile, Mr. Keck
Given the choice between the two of you
I’d take the a seasick crocodile!
From one of Mr Aiken’s biggest fans in Nova Scotia and obviously according to you – uneducated too! Pity!
Debbi in NS
Debbi, my friend just said it all. I do hope your underwear gets untwisted before the new year, Keck, deal with it. Why not just enjoy Mr. Aiken like the rest of us? He’s a fantastic singer and performer and will be around long after your article has disintegrated into the nothingness it really is.
Whoa….In my opinion the oft-overlooked treasure of Charlotte is Clay Aiken. You cannot manufacture the true singing talent and ability that he has. I think you are way of in your opinions and your article is tainted with some sort of strange jealously at the home town boy that made good. I think Clay music has just as much viability in our world as the horrible stuff on Top 40 radio. I would love to know what you think is good music. I have a feeling I would disagree. And you know what that is ok…you can have your music and I will have mine. I just don’t understand your animosity towards a great entertainer like clay. I can only surmise that it may stem form your own “manly” frailties. I will thank God today that there are no men in my life like you who have yet to progress in their sexual evolution.
As a die-hard NY Jewish liberal whose tastes in music are as eclectic as my tastes in films and books – I’m cracking up at your uninspired, middling, insignificant rant. I know you think you’re far superior to those poor middle-of-the-roaders – but Kevin – it’s really reading more like pretentious, hollow, pompous, overblown, magniloquent crap. Boy, this here thesaurus thingy is tres cool!
Why all the hate? Did he ever do anything to you? Have a Merry Christmas and may Santa bring all the coal your stocking will hold.
Ageism and sexism are so 1950. These and other related “isms” seem to bubble up when otherwise rational individuals, including music critics, experience irrational fear. Sometimes when individuals feel threatened, they revert to ineffective defense mechanisms like stereotyping, name calling and other forms of hostility. Change, even just the possibility of change, can ignite these irrational fears and subsequent ineffective behaviors. Example: American Idol is a change agent. Some individuals begrudge AI its influence on the pop music industry. These same individuals will never acknowledge the talent or tolerate the success of the AI contestants. AI is challenging (and changing) how the pop music industry operates by providing an alternate means for young vocal artists to make it to the tops of the charts.
Now, add perceived insult to perceived injury, and the reaction turns really extreme. Clay Aiken represents even more threatening change. With an authentically great voice, he makes it to the tops of the charts and he wasn’t even the AI winner. Not only does he not fit the pop music artist behavior mold, he doesn’t make any attempt to do so. (Who does he think he is?) For some individuals, Clay represents way too much challenge to the dumbed-down norm. Their irrational fear of the change Clay represents spawns rumor mongering, cruel personal attacks, vicious reviews, and of course, maligning his fan base by reverting to 1950’s ageism, sexism and other related “isms.” (Who do they think they are?)
Clay is an auditory oasis. There’s a portion of the pop music industry that is a wasteland populated by retching rap din passing for music and/or by heavily auto-tuned (faked) voices slurring sexually explicit and/or illiterate gibberish passing for lyrics. There are plenty of music critics with gluttonous appetites for this wasteland swill. Sadly, to their toxin-numbed palates, the good and the bad all tastes the same now. It’s no wonder that Clay’s fans are so ardent about the man and his voice.
[By the way, Kevin, I have a four-year degree and the deed to my house, and I enjoyed a six-figure salary for many years before happily retiring early in my mid-fifties a year ago.]
What a poor bitter man you are, my mother always says if you cant say anything nice at all then keep your mouth closed, well that certainly applies to you that review was venamous and very uncalled for ,maybe someone will take pity on you and send you some mouth soap for xmas, you certainly have never seen Clay Aiken in concert.TRY IT SOMETIME
You bash Clay’s voice but give kudos to him for his public service. Seems like you have some wierd love/hate relationship going on here. You know, ify ou don’t like Clay’s voice, that’s fine. Your entitled to your opinion. But millions do love Clay (myself and my daughters included) and you are in the minority. So why do you have to constantly put down the guy???
Regarding is latest CD – I think Clay is still a bit immature regarding his knowlege of the music business. He let Clive Davis talk him into this CD and it’s a shame. Clay has a very unique voice and is great in concert (I’ve seen him 4 times). I think this CD was a waste of his talent and Clive Davis should be strung up by his thumbs for not letting Clay do more original material.
And let’s leave Clay’s sexuality out of this. The poor guy has been raked over the coals for months now because of the ravings of an obsessive gay-porn wannabe who’s parents came out and said that this guy has been overly obsessed with Clay since he saw him on AI. His family disavowed anything he said or posted online. LET IT GO, PEOPLE!!!!!!!!!
Clay may not be your cup of tea musically, but his work with the Bubel/Aiken Foundation, UNICEF and the Ronald McDonald House clearly puts him in my most admired list. You’ll never see media hogs like Brittany Spears, Paris Hilton or Lindsay Lohan doing anything for those less fortunate like Clay does!
Long live the Claymates!
Clay Aiken’s audience is far more likely than the people Mr. Keck hangs out with to already appreciate the “wonders of what all those musicians can accomplish in unison.” Unlike Mr. Keck, most of them actually know something about music. Mr. Keck, your observational skills are lacking, so it’s no wonder you’re writing for this website and not a real publication.
Mr. Keck,
As an educator, holder of a master’s degree, former naval officer, and salaried professional, I resent highly your comments on women who admire Clay Aiken’s vocal talent. I am not sure what your major malfunction is, but I do know that you owe the women of the world a BIG APOLOGY! You have exposed yourself as a bigoted male, who obviously has problems with women and with gays, not to mention the music business. Grow up, Mr. Keck, there are worst things in the world…like unwarrented war in Iraq , AIDS, and domestic abuse.
WOW, aren’t you glad you got that off yor chest! Carrying around such judgemental hatred for those so “inferior” to you must have been a real strain. Perhaps now that you’ve put everyone in their places, you’ll feel all better.
Thanks too for the lesson in manliness and culture. I’m sure “I love pussy” are just the words that will get you some this Christmas. You’re a real class act. By the way, I’m 28, have a master’s degree in nursing, and am married. You might want to work on the stereotyping problem.
So you want to take it out on Clay, huh? Is it because your Mrs or significant other utters Oh Clay” instead of your name when you are making love? Jerk!
This closeted man who has a bunch of older obese women as Claymates, is a joke to the rest of the U.S. Only really stupid people would think he was not gay.
You have a right to your opinion but to insult so many people in the way you have is unacceptible behavior. I know many of us will pray for you as you obviously need all the help you can get. I believe you are in dire need of attention and knew you would obtain it this way. It’s unfortunate that you are so mean spirited and like I said, you must be smokin’ something! Poor guy.
Your comments about Clay are just plain wrong. Have you even been to a concert? Clay is absolute magic! And in fact, most of the musicians from these symphonies are commenting on his fabulous voice and stage presence. He owns the audience, is funny and charismatic, not to mention THAT VOICE. Clay is special. He doesn’t fit the mold of today’s trashy untalented so-called singers. Clay is a class act. He’s become a real personaility as well. He’s the real deal. You are clueless!
(Julie, the only sucking Kevin Keck wishes Clay Aiken would do is on his cock. You, however, are a cunt.
Kase 12.21.06)
Most sane people know that Clay is the one who’s f*cked and sucked a lot of guys.
Claymates – people are allowed to not like Clay Aiken. There are actually a LOT more people that dislike him than like him. That should be obvious.
Who are you calling sex-starved and middle-aged ..i don’t considered myself either one and i like Clay aikens music very much……. I have been seen Clay Aiken in person and i saw ALOT of males and younger kids there!!!!
also, i’am not an older obese woman and i’am definitely not stupid..you should watch who you including in your insults…i think you are the stupid one!!!!
Pardon me! I recently moved into my new condo. I am in the middle of unpacking my undergraduate degree with Magna Cum Laude status, Master’s Degree, along with my Phi Beta Kappa pin.
If I am “poorly educated,” then your a great writer. I highly doubt your on the path to a Pulitzer.—–
Mr. Kreck obviously wanted to close the year with a bang. No doubt he hasn’t had too much traffic or comments to his previous articles, and while surfing the web, ran across this little unknown secret: mention Clay’s name in a negative way and watch out!! The remarks will pour in!
You can’t help but wonder where these people get their ideas from or what they truly know about Clay Aiken, or his fans, or is it just Charlotte in particular? Clay had to drop out of UNNC, temporarily, but continued his studies online, and graduated in Dec. 03. After being booed at his own graduation, he donated $20,000 dollars to the school. And how many concerts has he held in Charlotte? All of which bring revenue to the city; not to mention the recognition his connection brings to UNNC. They did recently bestow upon him the UNC Charlotte Alumni Association Outstanding Young Alumnus Award. Perhaps you’re just upset because the administration didn’t consult with you first, Mr. Kreck.
Have you nothing more to do with your time than to continue this mediocre crap? Your publisher should take note that your time is up…we are not interested in your poorly crafted, repetitive dribble any longer. Quite frankly we were never interested but you didn’t pick up on that. But here’s a news flash for your employer…You don’t know the artist, you don’t have the facts and to top it off you can’t write. This is sooooo boring.
I love when a Claymate says, “I am not stupid!” and then goes on to make at least a dozen typos and grammatical errors in the same post. That’s right up there with, “I am not a bimbo!” and “I am not a crook!”
Oh, and “Kath”, with the “undergraduate degree with Magna Cum Laude status, Master’s Degree, along with my Phi Beta Kappa pin”, it’s YOU’RE, not YOUR. Talk about someone who’s not on the path to a Pulitzer…
Claymates are just like their Messiah, The Holy Clesus, all sitting in their glass houses throwing stones.
Hey Claymates, at least come up with some new arguments besides the usual shtick of, “You are just jealous!” and “You mentioned Clay’s name just to get hits on your pathetic website!” and “You are an evil, bitter man!”
Those get SO old after a while.
Why can’t you Claymates accept that not everybody likes your cult leader, and that the First Amendment gives them the right to voice their opinions on the matter without threats and harassment?
Mr Keck,
If you or anyone in the hipper-than-thou media choose to dislike Clay Aiken and his music, I really don’t give a damn. Your likes and dislikes have nothing to do with me.
However, I am highly offended by your diatribe against people who choose otherwise.
I will soon be notifying the advertisers in Creative Loafing that I will no longer patronize their business due to the poor editorial choices made in this publication.
Have a nice life, I know I will.
Bla-bla-bla! Claymates are spewing the same crap they spewed ovcr four years ago trying to defend their little fake idol wannabe. Clay would sure to be Nowhere on the album chart if Claymates stopped buying his CDs by the multiples a trait they are well known for. Mr. Keck, are you aware this is how they propelled Clay to #1 in cd sales EVERY TIME he farts out a cd? Desperate aren’t they? They are literally buying his way for him. What losers! The president should be ashamed for appointing this nobody on the committee for people with mental disabilites when he himself admitted to taking pills prescribed for his friend and not for him. Even that position was given to him because of some Claymate in a “high place” who was able to pull some strings to get him in. Not once have I heard him talk about the appointment and what it is about. It looks nice on his resume along with being called a so called, chart topper who sells millions (snark! snark!) of CDs, lol! What a joke! What’s so impressive if it’s only the Claymates who are buying them up to make him look good?? Mr. Keck, you will probably receive tons of hate mail because of the very insiteful article you wrote, but I say, hang in there and don’t give in to their bullying. EVERYTHING you said in your article was true and I thank you for it. 😀
…it’s only a Christmas concert, for crying out loud, lighten up! Go wash down a couple Advil with some eggnog. Take a walk. Go listen to some music you DO like. We get it. You don’t like Clay Aiken. Hard to believe for one stinkin night in Charlotte you couldn’t let Clay alone and let his fans have some fun. You’re probably the type who picks all the glaze off the Honey Baked Ham. What a scrooge.
The haters in typical fashion show up whenever Clay’s name is mentioned. They can’t stay away from him. There’s just something about the guy that’s very polarizing. You either love him or hate him. Every artist has their fans. If they didn’t, they wouldn’t be an artist. I can understand someone not caring for Clay’s style or music, but tell me, why do all haters, after stating their opinion, have to insult those of a differing opinion. It happens every time and Mr. Kreck verified that with this article. As Clay said, he knows not everyone will like him, but he drew the line at tossing insults your way, didn’t he?
I can’t believe that you would publish such a defaming article about Clay. I consider myself a “Gram mate” from Greensboro who is looking forward to our symphony with Clay, Sat. night.You should be so proud of Clay and all of the good he has done with his new found celebrity. Why don’t you praise him instead of constantly putting him down and harping on his sexuality.I think that his next song should be ‘ HEY, LOOK AT ME NOW ‘dedicated to all who made fun of him at school etc.Did you ever think that the reason that he doesn’t use your gutter language is because he happens to be a decent , Christian boy and doesn’t jump in bed with every girl that he meets and treats them with some respect ? I’m just an old 81 year old lady that admires someone with some common dencency in this sad world today. Clay has one of the best voices in the country and is a born entertainer.Can you do that? Thanks for letting me vent my disgust with your article.Have a Merry Christmas, if you believe in it
Just let the guy sing. If you don’t like his singing style, well good for you. I see no reason for you to insult people who do.
I have never believed ANY of the tabloid crap written about him but whatever his sexuality is, it is no one’s business but his. Why do so many people CARE about what he does with his private life?
It’s HIS life – leave him in peace to live it as he may, let him sing, let his fans enjoy him. Is that too much to ask?
Lookie here! Entertainment Weekly’s five worst albums of the year:
1) Kevin Federline – Playing
With Fire
2) Clay Aiken – A Thousand Different Ways
3) Pharrell – In My Mind
4) Rascal Flatts – Me and My Gang
5) Janet Jackson – 20 Y.O.
Wow! Number two again! Yee-hee! You gotta admit, it was pretty darn awful!
Nobody’s forcing Clay on anyone, Moron. All we’re asking is that the asshat critics stop making a punching bag out of him and his fans. Is that too much to ask?
Oh, and screw EW! Who gives a flying fig what THEY think?
Your article left me wondering – were you having a bad day or is this article indicative of your normal offerings? And what real men say? Please! Men who feel the need to use sophomoric phrases such as yours to “prove” their own sexuality are the types that women run from not to. Mr. Aiken is loved and respected by legions of fans and I suspect that’s the part that you can’t tolerate. He’s respected in large part because he’s a decent man who chooses to spend his time helping others as well as entertaining his fans with an amazing voice and incredible humor. Your editor should be ashamed that he allowed this drivel to be part of his publication.
Ever since he lost AI2 you claymates have been trying to make it up to him by buying his way for him. That’s why you purchase his music in multiples. And…a decent man??! Who was it in those naked webcam picures that were floating around on the internet? Certainly looked like Clay to me. What about the claims from the green beret who said he had an affair with Clay and has Clay’s DNA on a towel? What about Clay dry humping one of his back up singers on stage during a performance? My god, there were children in the audience for petes sakes! What about him talking about his crotch during the Christmas Symphony concert,accusing fans of looking at it?? Tacky, tacky, tacky. Clay is no class act. He’s a BAD broadway act, desperate to make it in show business no matter what it takes and you Claymates are trying to see that he gets his wish. LOL!
Tay…the fact that you find it neccessary to post that is proof of you obsession, you’ve posted what…3 times? admit your obsession and deal with it. Just who are you trying to convince? his fans? hardly worth it since they merely laugh at you. People that read and believe tabloids don’t deserve any response from Clay( although I believe he called all that crap PREPOSTEROUS). I am a fan and will always be despite articles like this, despite Tay and his insane/borderline stalker rants. (who does that? there are artists I don’t like but would never follow them as obsessivley as that. CREEEEPY!) thank you Tay, Keck and all, thank you for showing me that I am supporting a real man of integrity. and I will continue to more than ever especially when ther are poeple out there like Tay. The more there are like Clay and the less there are like you, the better off this world would be. G’bye Grouch…Tay.
YIKES!!! People like Tay is the reason Clay has such tight security. Seriously dude, calm down, you don’t like Aiken so why do you bother? saving the world from Aiken are we? what an ass you’ve made of yourself here.
And KECK, you seem to be pretty childish in your own article. Schoolyard bully? Jealous of Clay? I think so. you can’t stand the fact that he is successful, that he is respected by his fans, his college recently awarded him, and I bet stuff like that pisses you off huh.the nerd that put Charlotte on the map. Despite his musical shortcomings (in your opinion, not mine)and look at all the hits your sad blog is getting. wahoo! Clay is something special. love him or hate him (or mindboggling obsess over him…like tay)he’s getting attention. worldwide.
I dont know what to make of all your comments.You dish him
or your with him… I dont know if I should be mad at you or agree with you, one thing for sure, Clay doesnt deserve the disrespect he get,
He is a wonderfull and talented person,, and one thing I do agree with you about,,,, Alot of people are
jealous and will stop at nothing to try and distroy him. Well guess what,,, We will alway remaim a true fan of Clay Aiken.. And anything bad being said about Clay just makes Him stronger and love even more… The best thing about the rumors, is just to ignor them, not make them stronger, it just gives the idiots who make them less
power… A true fan lisa
As for your remark about the green beret you were talking about, He also said the inquire force him to write those things.. He also apologize to Clay, OH I think
by the way of your comments
you must believe in the inquire,, unlike you I dont buy or believe anything that
paper writes, Lisa
Huh???? Wha?????? Either you are deaf or every particle of your musical taste is in your mouth. After reading your article I am convinced that you wouldn’t know a good voice if it clocked you on your (empty) head! Like him or not the man can SING! He sells thousands upon thousands of CDs and he is known world-wide. You are a mere blip in the journalistic world which is justified by your lousy writing skills.
I.LOVE.HIM. There is no other voice to like his.
nuf’ said
Keck, I have one question. What has Mr. Aiken done to you? I’ll give you a second to think about that…I don’t owe you that, but..Ok second up! Didn’t come up with anything? Yeah, I didn’t think so. Well, I believe there will be a little cot for you in hell. And fortunately I won’t see ya there. Have a good day!
“Ever since he lost AI2 you claymates have been trying to make it up to him by buying his way for him. That’s why you purchase his music in multiples. And…a decent man??! Who was it in those naked webcam picures that were floating around on the internet? Certainly looked like Clay to me. What about the claims from the green beret who said he had an affair with Clay and has Clay’s DNA on a towel? What about Clay dry humping one of his back up singers on stage during a performance? My god, there were children in the audience for petes sakes! What about him talking about his crotch during the Christmas Symphony concert,accusing fans of looking at it?? Tacky, tacky, tacky. Clay is no class act.”
Do you believe EVERYTHING you read on the internet??? Foolish! You know, try meeting the guy before you judge him. I have met him, more than once. Didn’t your parents or anyone teach you never judge a book by it’s cover? Might wanna try that sometime.
Learn to get a life!
And he’s a smart-ass and a snob! He’s not so great an entertainer either… apparently. At least according to these reviews.
—————————–
Rolling Stone: 1 Star
Like flunking out of a junior college, making an album this soul-suckingly awful must have taken some hard work.
Inside Bay Area
The singer follows 2003’s “Measure of a Man” and 2004’s “Merry Christmas with Love” with what might turn out to be the worst album of 2006.
Miami Herald
Clay sounds like a neutered Boy George as he timidly mewls songs originally recorded by Richard Marx, Celine Dion, Bryan Adams and Foreigner.
. . . this is mind-numbingly bland music made for people for whom a gourmet meal means pressed turkey and mayo on Wonder Bread and a bowl of hospital cafeteria tapioca.
SF Gate
It’s going to take years of therapy and 500 consecutive hours of Dinosaur Jr. to get over this one.
Newsday: D+
it’s so poorly conceived that Aiken is cheating his fans and himself of any meaningful musical future.
E! Online: D
If there are a thousand different ways to do something, like, say, sing dusty old power ballads, then why did the American Idol runner-up stick to just one way–that is, his patented soaring falsetto histrionics?
LA Daily News: One Star
10 saccharine spoonfuls
EW: D
DOWNLOAD THIS: Don’t bother.
NYDailyNews
His phrasing takes special pride in smarm, overselling every lyric in a way even Las Vegas performers shy away from these days. Think Bill Murray’s lounge satire at its oiliest.
Philly.com: One Star
The title must be ironic, because it is impossible to imagine a more homogenous (or sodden) outing.
People Magazine: One and a Half Stars
The third CD from the Claymeister plays like an American Idol theme night on sappy love songs.
Charlotte News & Observer: One Star
Aiken huffs and puffs in his distinctively theatrical voice, yet no discernible personality comes through.
__________________
Hmmm… I’ve never been a true believer in reincarnation, but your hateful, offensive, and unjustified comments regarding all things Clay Aiken gave me pause for thought. The viciousness of your attack on this immensely talented, popular and loved young man was eerily familiar to the writings of a celebrity-slayer author of the past. Sure your name wasn’t *Albert Goldman* in a former life??
My license plate frame proclaims me to be Clay’s “#1 Claymate”. I’m proud enough of it to want the world to know it! Among his many other attributes, not the least of which is his amazing voice and talent, Clay is a shining example of something that is sorely missing in this society’s younger generation – he’s a man of deep moralistic beliefs (terribly old-fashioned, huh?) and high scruples; he’s honest, kind, sincere, and a true gentleman; he’s warm, caring and affectionate; he’s intelligent, witty, and has a wonderful sense of humor; he’s a man of character and integrity; he has a deep respect for women – i.e., he’s everything a woman wants in a man. You might want to put that in your pipe and smoke it for awhile, but I get the feeling you wouldn’t like the taste because it would be so foreign to you.
But what is most disturbing about your article isn’t even your distaste and dislike of Clay – it’s the resentment you seem to be harboring for everything and everyone in general, Clay, of course, being the basis and cause of it all!
I think you need to take a happy pill, Mr. Keck. Better yet, you might consider taking in a Clay Aiken concert – then, at least, you’ll have a right to say whatever you please. However, I’m betting you might walk away with a smile on your face, and who knows, that miserable person inside you might see the world in a different, and much more pleasant, light!
I’d love to hear what you might have to say to this *middle-class, uneducated* Claymate, no matter how scathing it might be, and I can promise you that I would refrain from waving my law degree in your face, and I wouldn’t even threaten to sue you for slander/libel if you chose to put it in print! [Color me a nice Claymate!]
I truly hope that someday you’ll be a happy person. It’s amazing how wonderful it feels to be happy, and it’s even more amazing how Clay has the ability to make people feel that way…. 🙂
So many angry comments. Hard to tell where the constructive criticisms lie.
Clay Aiken reminds me of one of those easy-listening artists from the early ninties, so I guess if you like that kind of music than good for you. I don’t have an ear for that sort of thing so I can’t say whether Aiken is fantastic or horrible, but I can say that this article seems like your presenting us with too many ideas in too little words. In your mind, Keck, you see this thing, this foul idea of an industry that had once been a product of the people and has now become ‘The Machine’. It is especially frustrating when you’ve seen this take-over in your lifetime and couldn’t stop it.
Clay Aiken is a well known and cherished American Idol because he is putting his money to positive use. You wrote that yourself. His sexual preference really isn’t our business and it is childish to continuously barrage him with the question. How would you feel if complete strangers asked that question everyday. You could scream “I love pussy” until your lungs burst, but I gaurentee you will punch a few noses along the way.
All in all, I think your throwing daggers at the wrong target. If your angry with society, take it out on society not a specific individual or a small group of individuals.
Oh yeah, Studdard is still around in the soul/ r&b music. His second album was the highest earning album among all the American Idols.
=(^.^)=