Clay Aiken is a singer-songwriter, television personality, author, activist, and politician.
As per celebrity networth, he has a net worth of $4 million. The man gained fame for his second place on the 2003 reality TV show “American Idol.”
Despite not winning, Clay sold over 5 million albums, some of which were certified platinum. He is the fourth-highest-earning “American Idol” contestant.
Clay has toured the world to support his music career and released books and television specials.
He is a successful actor and has appeared in musicals and other productions. He has continued to appear on reality TV and is now a Democratic candidate for Congress.
His Early Life
Clay Aiken was born on November 30, 1978, in Raleigh, North Carolina. He was raised in a Baptist family and participated in church activities, including singing in the choir from a young age.
After high school, Clay sang in local bands and performed the national anthem at North Carolina sporting events.
He recorded demo tapes as a birthday gift and changed his last name from Grissom to Aiken after estranging from his abusive father.
While studying at Campbell University, Clay became involved with the YMCA and worked as a substitute teacher for special needs children.
He eventually earned a bachelor’s degree in special education in 2003, despite his success as a musician.
His Career
Clay Aiken advanced through the “American Idol” rounds with his “Always and Forever” performance by Heatwave but was eventually eliminated in round 32.
However, he was given another chance with the “Wild Card” segment and made it to the final 12, impressing audiences with his performances of “Solitaire” and “Build Me Up Buttercup.”
Despite narrowly losing the final vote to Ruben Studdard in 2003, Aiken’s unique style and image helped establish him as a rock star.
The same year, Clay released his first album, “Measure of a Man,” which sold over 600,000 units in its first week.
Clay released several other albums, including “Tried and True” and “Steadfast.”
Aside from his “American Idol” appearances and music career, Clay has appeared on numerous TV shows, including “Saturday Night Live,” “The Tonight Show,” “Ed,” “Scrubs,” “Days of Our Lives,” “America’s Next Top Model,” “30 Rock,” and “Phineas and Ferb.”
His Relationship Details
In 2008, Clay Aiken publicly announced the birth of his child, whose mother was revealed to be Jaymes Foster. He also publicly came out as gay that same year.
