Always and Forever - Clay Aiken 2003 AI2 Audition

[DeborahFoxx]

i forgot how sexy his voice was..

[100SmilesAway]

i miss clay :(

[gingertea]

@100SmilesAway You will be able to see Clay in about a week on Celebrity Apprentice!

[punchy9214]

<3 his voice!

[cutie3piexoxo]

randy: "he he he he....i say yes."

[hubbabubbarubbalubba]

I don't get it. What's wrong with his looks? I see nothing wrong.

[Lee6273]

hes so good looking NOW! :O

[stanbalo]

i think he looks cuter this way than a very stereotypical gay fashion

[TheLwebber69]

Yes I am listening to this in 2011.

No I'm not going to press any number on my keyboard.

No I'm not going to thumbs up your comment.

No I don't care what's wrong with 10 people.

No I don't care about you 'raping' a button.

No I was not sent here by someone else.

Music is here to be listened and appreciated. Unfortunately there are people out there who say the same old shit over and over again. Spread this everywhere and hope that the idiots will SHUT UP





[gizmogurlie41786]

How many people thought, "Oh my god he is going to suck" when they first heard him? lol!

[aneopetsname]

I still love Clay Aiken :D

I'm a claymate <3

[MaryMRevis]

I SO remember this haha!. I LOVED it and how Simon was much IMPRESSED. While Ruben and Clay battled it out in the finale, I had just gotten engaged and Clay's song This Is The Night is a sweet memory I look back on that is attached to my engagement and preparation to be married. I got married 3 months after the Idol finale. I'm BLESSED to say I'm STILL very much in love and married to my wonderful man. Thanks Clay for that sweet song! *smile*

[tarisone]

this dude literally grew up on television, he didnt look like this by the time he got to the finals

[Teganman4114]

I went from anacondas fighting jaguars to thisClay Aiken video....Youtube you never cease to amaze me.

[jj13jet]

like this if your watching this in 2011 !!!!!

[lizbonosavestheday]

it's crazy how he used to look......

[nooneveryimportant]

he doesnt look that bad, even then.

[missqueenofamerica]

personally I think he's hot......... :)

[imshannonwilliams]

when i saw him sing this for the frist i was like =O

[420simpson]

wow they were actually thinking about not putting him through because the way he looked. its a singing competition, not a modeling competition.

[singandstaytrue]

eargasm <3

[cyberheart89]

nice

[808AgendaINK808]

I gotta say judging of how he looks to how he preforms. hes a zero to hero!

[singinshower]

I absolutely fell in love his voice the first time I heard him and I didn't mind the way he looked. There was only song and no image. I never imagined then that he would turn into the entertainer he has. I knew he had an amazing voice. He is just the all around entertainer. I wonder how surprised the judges are now. 

[gingertea]

New York State just made voted approval of marriage for gays/lesbians, etc.

[lonlywolfish]

The best candidate of all seasons !!!! he can sing everything not only high notes like others do!

[lonlywolfish]

The best candidate of all seasons !!!! he can sing everything not only high notes like other do!

[Shealene23]

dayum boy...love it

[Arian545]

Did they consider not letting him through bechause of his look? that is fucked up.

[thezitofiles]

They were so shallow...-_-

[Wafuller]

@thezitofiles I agree, the judges were more concern about his look than his voice. Lucky for him, his voice made it through for him! It's sad, but looks are important in the music industry.

[DeepSnowMan]

lol they called him clayton

[cookiegate]

America and their looks. He looks like a gay dork. So what.... He also sings like a gay dork. So what. Bottom line he is good. Real good.

[NegativeX83]

Nice prediction. "I could be first or second" 

[tmwalkerm]

and people seem to forget that he wasn't even originally a top finalist who made it to the live shows, he was a wild card pick - who then never was in the bottom 3.

[Barnhart24]

It sucks to see no one as good as him come on the show. This year is by far the worst year for American Idol, they all suck.

[gingertea]

@Barnhart24, I really don't agree that this year the talent is the worst. Some of the talent has been very good. I think the 'Top 4' is good, but would have liked to have seen Pia in the top 4. That didn't occur.

[babygurl4ev123]

I love his voice. He has such a great voice

[selphiexfairy]

lol i love how he was so confident and so right. he could have given a shit what people thought of his appearance. he showed them. :PP

[mikeysrose]

My insides squeeze together and I get involuntarily smiley and giggly whenever I hear him sing.

[kd222va1]

I just love how Clay said he could have been in the top 1 or 2 spots had he been on season 1. Look where he did get...LOVE IT!! Clay is still my favorite to this day!!

[ryanw1pool]

they were real close to not putting him thru due to his looks and people think simon is a genius, hes a fraud and has used his british opinion to ruin a lot of careers

[theidentity100]

lmao "little white boy,right?..heh" 1:37

[xinecallaw]

Good control, and tones but still sounds like shit to me because I cant stand that song

[musicxcraze]

"he looked like anything BUT an idol" .... lol soo mean!!!!

[darilyn92]

clay predicted his standing on AI. As far as the top 10 goes, i think i could be number 1 or number 2.

[TenaciousC21]

I freaking love Clay :). Best voice on Idol ever!!!! :)

[1bugriz1]

nice pick randy

[tub123100]

at least number 2.. and he made it!

2thumbsup fo clay.. :)

[mizbootie]

I like the foreshadowing, "I coulda been number 1 or #2"

[planetrockford]

He killed that song the original is far superior.

[gingertea]

@planetrockford, I don't agree, but I'm glad you listened. Hope you've checked out his version of Bridge Over Troubled Water, where he did a superior job of singing it. Or Solitare. Or DLTSGDOM...or etc. etc. etc.

[planetrockford]

@gingertea Well life is about opinions Gingertea and I appreciate yours as much as my own. All the best. David

[Kotlettbengt]

@planetrockford Only idiots think that one has to sing a song better than the original in order to sing it well, it's not about that, it's about making the song your own, which people who know what music is about know.

[ArtsLover12]

@planetrockford obviously he sang it well, so he didn't kill it, he just made it his own.

[hjlee6192]

'he looked wrong but sounded nice....'???? at the end lol

[supermanfan62]

susan boyle of idol

[crazyindian07]

Looks like Rick Astley

[Marixpress2]

@crazyindian07

for some reason this cracked me the heeeeeeeeelllllll up

[NhadzIsCured]

I'm inlove with him!!! He's so original...

[OboroNinjaLeader]

Honestly speaking, Clay is one of the most Vocally Talented Contestants in the History of American Idol

Certainly one of the few Legends of the show

[melirose89]

Simon is almost always very wrong with the male stars who come out of the show. its always randy wanting to give them a chance

[kd222va1]

@melirose89 I just love how Clay said he could have been in the top 1 or 2 spots had he been on season 1. Look where he did get...LOVE IT!! Clay is still my favorite to this day!!

[jj1990rees]

clay aiken is so much better than rubben and i was pissed that he lost lol

thumbs up if you agree

[gingertea]

@jj1990rees I wish Clay had won, but they remain friends and even toured together last summer.

[MagicMusic0]

American Idol winners are only famous for a couple of years and then they disappear. American Idol is a good step to be discovered, but you will always be just an American Idol winner and that includes short term fame, even if people may disagree with me but where's Kelly Clarkson?

[SteamFanHannover]

@MagicMusic0 : Kelly Clarkson? She is still there and singing and making albums! As well as Carrie Underwood, Chris Daughtry, Jennifer Hudson, Fantasia, Jordin Sparks, and many more.

[selphiexfairy]

@MagicMusic0 dude, what are you talking about? lol. i do HALF-agree with you -- unless you win first place, you will probably drop off the planet. or go to broadway, since apparently that's what a lot of runner ups did. but anyway, kelly clarkson is the most successful of all the american idol alumni. her last album debut at #1 last time i checked. :P the other first place winners have moderate success, too, though definitely none of them can touch kelly in terms of success or popularity.

[dianasuarr]

i got chills

[KimberlyST]

If only more people would listen with their ears and not their eyes...How often do people actually get to see their favorite performers and interact with them...People born after 1975 or so grew up watching videos so it's a more of the whole "package" so to speak instead of the vocals...Mama's and The Papa's would not go far today neither would Janis Joplin or Joe Cocker..They all have great vocals!

[Bosniangurl87]

@watersgrl2

I agree... I remember him coming in and I was like yeah squeaky voice. But than wham!!! I think he should have won AI

[hioshoka]

he is so cute~

[71sockmonkey]

I have Loved Clay since I first saw him and continue to do so...that Voice is Amazing and I will be seeing him on March 7 here in Memphis..cant wait!

[FallenAngelIII]

The start of his audition was pretty bland. I'm surprised Simon didn't shut him down already there. Seriously, the song choice was really bad since the verse was pretty boring and didn't let Clay exhibit his voice at all. He's lucky Simon wasn't grumpy that day.

[thegritch42]

I hate the comment that he looked like anything but an idol. What the hell is an idol supposed to look like?

[imntafckingsaint]

he looks soo different now xD

[Indiegirl007]

I remember when Clay first in, I was like 'uh-uh, NEXT.' I was just SO CERTAIN that he was going to suck big time. But then he opened his mouth, and everyone in the room got quiet. I mean, seriously, the man has a voice touched by god.

[KYRA5682]

@Indiegirl007 ya i was the same way except wen i saw him i instantly wanted him to go far. then i heard him sing. MY WISH CAME TRUE!!!

[marekerhardt]

Too cute. Reuben should not have won......

[planetrockford]

Shame he will get lumbered with a load of cover versions and souless junk, good music died years ago.

[gingertea]

@planetrockford I wish he would look at new, original uptempo songs. The old songs he sang are just not bringing him the audience he could have or needs.

[pinky09punk]

*sigh* i'm inlove

[starrdazzel]

He looks so nerdy then , but freakin adorable now ^^

[IslesGirl14]

When I first saw him walk in, I was like, "Oh, geez. This kid thinks he's going through?" And then... JAW DROP. That VOICE. Did not expect that voice to come out of that boy. Absolutely amazing.

[brittpinkie]

I miss Clay Aiken so much!!!!

[TayInTheWay]

I'm not a Clay Aiken fan but have always loved this. 

[duke8511]

Why is it "weird" or "wild" that he has a great voice, even if he doesn't look like a pop star, Randy? Is it "weird" that just because you're a hefty black man you can't belt it out like Aretha Franklin or Al Green? I'm sorry, but It just seemed like such a dumb comment!

[legendroy123]

what's wrong with his look anyway..he looks alright to me.

[T1000Mr]

Clay was right about being at the top.

[benymen10]

shoo shallow

[jkirschmann]

oh hell yea he's 100% better than Ruben!

[be2wicked]

clay shoulda won

[djgeeter]

wow i never noticed he had a southern accent before, cool!

[mowwam]

His voice is put on...He has fantastic control there is no doubt. but his natural voice would probably be even better. but who am i to say!?

[alaitain]

yess, looks can be decieving. some voices just doesnt match with looks..

[taake80]

its unbelivable how fixated people are on looks in USA.. stupid

[rainbowIchigo]

Clay Aiken: the original Susan Boyle.

They're both amazing. I remember watching this so long ago haha

[girlcandream]

I hate Randy sometimes. Who cares if Clay didn't "look" like a pop star?

[remstar96]

lol funny he said that he thought hed be top 1 + 2

[lins0084]

LOL simons comment cracks me up!!

You don't look like a popstar but you sound like one, so now what?! LMAOOOOO

[matbautista123]

his voice is like sex one the beach just amazing

[312fearLess]

finominal

[streyastrider]

What does Clay say when Randy is describing him?

[itbeHANNAH]

i think hes kinda cute.

[divafix]

he chose a great song to show off his amazing voice.

[DavidWilson212]

If he had amazing looks they would have passed him in a heartbeat, but with this they considered turning him down. Superficial judges.

[twochaudio]

I like what that black guy said.." ya,.weird it's wild " ...

[MANYWAYS2BE]

I've loved Clay since this audition. He is truly gifted with an amazingly beautiful voice. He has a good heart too.

[playdrumsmofuxa]

damn hes killin that shit

[ccourtneyyyyxox]

Season 2 was definately the best! I also liked season 8, but season 2 was my fave and all the singers were great

[SpaghettiGirl1982]

Great voice. Wow, has his appearance improved. Today he doesn't look at all the way he looked then. Different appearing chin & ears. Even his teeth look different, & of course he's seriously buffed up. An all around sensational performer. I hope i'm able to see Clay & Ruben on tour.

[crystal91pearl]

He was so geeky!! He's changed so much!!! Now he's more gentleman more superstar like!

[sweetiegrl41]

he should have won

[warn81]

I don't care I loved Clay's look before he got famous.

[MsBrandy03]

:) :)

[Lylli18NS]

its about judging VOICE not looks ......

[smershcheka]

very nice

[Deadian05]

the thing that cracks me up about this show is the fact that people who loose this show have more succes then people who win it lol

[motherearthranger]

props for reconstructing this.....that must've taken forever

[lizzielollipop816]

Wow.......still shocks me with his voice

[mmsjuli]

that's why you don't judge people by their appearance because they might surprise you!!

[comicsbyjoey]

Who's the original artist of this song?

[gaertnergmx]

loving this guy..... when i first saw this guy on scrubs ( im from germany didnt know him before) i totally wanted to marry this guy ,.D

[123RUTH123]

God, I never really watched the first few seasons of AI but wow randy lost weight!

[ppl015]

all i can say is wow

[baileal]

Wow I am surprised that you choose that song being that it is an old soul music song by a group called Heatwave. He did a good job though his has a strong voice.

[lhwood777]

clay aiken and melinda doolittle are just flawless singers...

[escapingdestiny]

@SyrenniaLestrange He definitely went to UNC Charlotte, my school. GO NINERS!

[fuji9991]

I love his audition because he totally looks like someone that is going to bomb and then he kills it with a great performance

[MsSid14]

i still think clay is better than ruben.

[gingertea]

I think they are both good, just different ways.

[gingertea]

@MsSid14 Clay and Ruben are going to be singing together this year on tour, according to some venues that are already booking them. I've seen Ruben in concert. And of course Clay. I bet they will give a great concert together!

[derwfan1]

Congrats Clay..you are still here and I am still listing after all these years. No 15 minutes of fame for you. Look forward to your new album. No voice from Idol has ever moved me more!

[gavnastyyy]

that was awesome!

[jickopik]

Looks can always be improved upon, Talent on the other hand is always a hit or a miss. nice voice.

[TyphoidExcel]

kristen holt from that gaming show on g4?

[tonyamusicgirlx3]

omg he sounded great!!

i didnt know he'd sound like that but

GOOD JOB!!!=DFDDD

[Yeagth]

lol Randy's voice cracked. 1:38

[Melinda1203]

i kinda knew, the minute he started to sing, i knew this boy had something special. i knew he would be in the finals, i just knew, i was like that boy's gonna win, i just know it. you just know when someone's good or not, the minute they start singing, your like thats it or not it.

[emilyemilyemilee]

that gave me chills!

[InfinityHeart]

wooooow, he looked like such a nerd

[eloelo511]

"Clayton welcome to Hollywood"!!!! said Simon. What, Simon get something right.

[xxShemoXpreshnSxx]

Damn! Clay knows how to BELT! Good for you Clay. He may be the only person that got on the show who had the confidence he had. Most that think they can make are awful. Nice turnaround I think.

[Angelscnbsexi2]

I like Clay Aiken...He is a really good singer...I would love to see him sing gospel....He reminds me a lot of Tom Jones. Strong Voice with enough soul to appeal to everyone! Don't give up Clay! God gave you this gift!

[debfan74]

I remember when Clay auditioned!!

[tonypotterz]

HE LOOK TOTALLY DIFFERENT MAN SO DIFFERENT ONE is a nerd and one is a big awesome handsome singer

[OKclaymate56]

One day he'll realize I'm the love of his life :D haha, just kidding. Really though, I could watch this audition all day. I love it. :)

[D3ffl0ser]

Randy says "you know what... I say yes" as if he's some singing prodigy that somehow sees that he's a good singer.

[chieaa411]

when he sung "...and we'll shaaaaaare tomorrow, together!" i was caught off guard b/c his voice was so powerful!

[DeafTuber]

I know and I agree. It gave me chills when I first saw Clay's audition. He's amazing.

[murderville1]

i love his voice

[Bronsonp95]

"Welcome to Hollywood Clayton." lulz...

[musichi101]

This is what they mean by 'don't judge a book by it's cover'

[MountainPig88]

Hahah I love Clay!! What a great voice :)

Randy's reaction to his look is hilarious:

Simon: you don't look like a popstar...

Randy: Yeah, weird. It's wild!

[TheElectricDreamer93]

Clay has an amazing voice. So does Ruben :D

[nikeshocksshocks]

his voice doesn't much by the look. but the rest of the episode of american idol he change alot. AWESOME VOICE!

[wutafeelin]

I remember when i saw Clay walk into the room I turned off my tv and thought Idol was doomed. I've been a fan of Clay for 6 yrs!! and never seen any talent like his on the show since!

[wjdwhddn123]

Really he is amateur?

[lillylynn1]

what's weird...if that if soemone posts their opinion that its a bad song or he stinks...people get mad and rate it down...that doesn't seem fair lol so ti seems so people wont get pissed u have to put a nice comment...

[gingertea]

People can say that they like or do not like his voice, either as a post or a reply to a post. However, most negative opinions about Clay's voice is accompanied by negative vulgar and worse comments about Clay being gay. Those kind of remarks no one sees but me.

[CookieMonster9898]

Whomever says he isn't talented and link that to his sexuality are clearly very ignorant. It is OBVIOUS Clay has a FANTASTIC voice. Yes. People do have their own musical prefrence but to say he is no good is like saying Arthea Franklin is no good. Clay is the male version of Aretha.

[AIFanPA]

@gingertea

definitely wont see anything negative comment about clay from me..no matter what anyone says about him,there is no denying his talent!

[karamellogram]

I really like that no one else but you can see negative comments; I mean why do people even bother to write something negative about someone the don´t even like? I don´t understand that at all. I think there is enough cruelty in this world. Clay Aiken is an awesome singer with a fantastic voice! :)

[xplay108]

@gingertea Agreeeeeeeeeeeed

[invaderzim24]

Good for you I'm glad you removed those!

Comments like that are totally unnecessary and uncalled for.

Clay is amazing :)

[caraleigh3]

i love how everyone wanted to put the cart before the horse until he opened his mouth...he's always had a phenomenal voice, even to this day.

[guitaristmanguy]

I just got goose bumps listening to that again. What a fantastic voice.

[davidinmyheart0704]

first impression-some kind of a nerdie but when he sung-everything changed and he looked wonderful. when he entered the top 12,he changed his appearance a lot..!!

[anagloria55]

Clay is one of my favorite artists! He's great!

[4EverPretzelz]

love this song and when Jay R sings it and look at him now hes famous

[BandosTV]

looks so diferent

[sutter4clay]

I love his voice!!! No one has come close to reaching my heart and soul like Clay has.

[blackstersherron]

When I first saw him I laughed I could not w8 to see Simon eat him up. Until he starting singing, still to this day never have I been in so much owe to hear someone sing. The best voice to ever sing on AI.

[misslilly1989]

i get chills everytime he sings. lol

[rose2535]

his voice is awesome

[icedevil0289]

such a pure voice. He's still my favorite idol contestant by far.

[ippo174]

why he change a lot??? his appearance

[Sanjayas1andonly]

im so SAD that i didn't know about IDOL when he was on it! i love him! that voice! omg you just can't help but smile when u hear it! at least that's the case for me anyway.

[Melissa6456]

@Sanjayas1andonly then u need to hear him sing bridge over troubled water on the finale. amazing!