Clay Aiken Mack the Knife

[alabamabregan]

People with safe, inoffensive personalities and average talent tend to win these shows. Look at X Factor 2011. The safest, most inoffensive people are Rachel and Marcus. Melanie dared to expose her accent, Chris is too hiphop, and let's face it Josh looks like a serial killer and sings too aggressively. I'm looking to Marcus to win even though personally I don't like him that much.

[unaserenata]

This song, this performance, was the night I became a Clay Aiken fan.

[meegann55]

There's like..... no one on here, notice, who can say a bad thing about his voice. Why? Because it's a gem. He is excellent, and will always be the true American Idol.

[Mirianchoo]

My jaw just dropped open when Clay sang that last note. Incredible, just incredible. Clay Aiken is my all-time favourite American Idol contestant. His voice is just so unique and beautiful. Pure talent.

[shejean]

Ruben didn't get more votes than Clay. Clay was receiving 80 percent of the vote EVERY SINGLE WEEK HE WAS ON-----that was quoted by TWO producers when asked why they thought Clay 'lost'. The one phoneline and two hours of voting time was NOT enough to garner all the millions of votes MORE than Ruben Clay's fans were trying to get in. The very next season, and ever since, all finalists are given 2 phone lines and four hours of voting time. Clay had/has many more accolades and fans than Ruben.

[shejean]

@shejean Ruben--to this day does NOT 'fit' the picture' of a 'popstar'. He never became one, did he??? Clay has much more stage presence and talent. He has SOLO toured more than all the other finalists put together! He did not lose because people 'thought he was gay'---if that was true--he would never have gotten to the finals and been as popular as he is. AI picked CLAY to narrate AI2 Rewind and they also chose him to emcee the Xmas special in 2003. NOT the so-called 'winner'-Ruben.

[reflectsonlife]

LOL @ all the conspiracy theories... It's pretty simple why Clay lost. Whenever the finale has a safe, likeable finalist and a polarizing love-em-or-hate-em contestant, the safe one wins, because those who hate the polarizing one will cast their votes to the safe one on finale nite. No one was really anti-Rueben, but many were anti-Clay, so they cast their votes to Ruben regardless of whether they really were Rueben fans. Same thing happened to Adam Lambert and Crystal Bowersox.

[sutter4clay]

What a killer glory note!!! Perfection!!!!

[galuh2000]

Simon was wright he pulled it out ahead when he sang Mack the Knife on AI but not his new version on his CD, it's kind of boring for me

[Brenda2OOO]

The gay white boy got outvoted by the machinery, not by the people. Ruben? Really? LOL

[deep71483]

Stop bitching, Ruben won because more people voted for him. The gay white boy lost. Stop bitching about reverse discrimination when whites have the upper hand in this society. Whiny crackers.

[itsmealli]

yea..how did ruben win.. it was rigged..

[awsome107]

Fun Fun Made the Show come to LIFE!!!!!!!

[angiehorse]

Bobby Darin owns this song. End of discussion.

[hoganna]

I just love this, ULTRA COOL!

[debthebob]

An insult to Bobby Darin.

[pornguy2]

@debthebob For me its a Louis Armstrong's song (1956) and no version

insults any other. Thank you Clay for bringing back the 'oldies'. All versions

are worth listening too, even the instrumental versions, by Dick Hyman &

Billy Vaughn.

[VickieED]

This will be the opening number on the PBS special, and I cannot WAIT to see it!!! June cannot come fast enough!

[veglia2nd]

VickieED, Neither can I!! I heard his concert was AMAZING!!!!

[sutter4clay]

hot dang! CLAY TARES THIS SONG UP!!!! I'm super excited this song will be on the cd in June!!! oh how I wish I could turn the clock to fast forward!!!!

[shejean]

Would be fantastic if he performs the full version on the Grammys Jan. 31st as Bobby is going to be honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award!!!

My 2 cents on the Manilow comparison--there isn't any. Even Barry admits Clay 'sings better'. Barry is the one who kept saying (just because of Clay's earlier hair 'do on AI)-'this is what Clay Aiken will look like in 30 years' - meaning looking like Barry. No way, Barry---Clay hasn't worn that 'do in years and who's to say he will in 30 years???

[mkjtf]

The word from a Clay encounter at an airport is that MTK will be on his new CD. If so it'll be a blockbuster! I love Bobby Darin... it's his song... his grammy . But Clay's voice on MTK is powerful!!

[ClaysSTO]

amazing vocals on MTK! Sing it, Clay! wow!

[Stanzapro83]

he´s THE cabaree!! he was born to do the cabaree. Amazing:D

[Stanzapro83]

I mean that his voice sounds like a old fashion cabaree number, and theres shure aint many who have that kind of voice in these days!

[hoganna]

@Stanzapro83 I agree!!!

[deonoxivar]

omg I love this! <3

[wjdwhddn123]

WHAT? He looks like Chucky?

Barry manilow? No Way! He is very

cute and handsome than any other

singer!

[ChrisSeah]

he looks an awful lot like barry manilow..

[BlackRainZero]

I'd have to agree.

[psbintl]

I have to completely disagree. Clay Aiken looks absolutely NOTHING like Barry Manilow.

[eddieman2004]

He was singing to save his skin here ..and WOW what a way to pull it out of the bag!! fantastic!!!!!!!

[Superboycie]

Seamless vocalisation. Fantastic voice range. Original interpretation that demonstrates Clays mature and sophisticated musicality. Bravissimo.

[kmg4]

Has he ever sung the whole song on any of his CDs? If he hasn't, he is missing an opportunity.

[Hot4Harrie]

Dude, totally not a fan here, but he could totally be the next Barry Manilow and do Vegas.

[shejean]

As even Barry said, himself--Clay has a much better voice than Barry! Much better stage presence, too!! I like Barry, but he 'ain't NO Clay Aiken'!!!!

[redcs13ab]

clay is seriously one of the best singers i have EVER HEARD in my life. amazing control, never off key, and original.

[funforfinn]

This will always be a special perfomance for me, it was the first Clay-video I ever saw (almost two years ago). What a voice, I thought - and I'm still in love with that voice :)

[lajndaaa]

are you aware that he´s not suppose to sing t like the orginal?? He is suppose to make it to his own version.

[BlueEyes0770]

way to ruin a classic...

[REALBTVSFAN]

What?!?!?! You got to kidding!! That was a really good performance. He so did not ruin a classic.  You are crazy.

[thezitofiles]

Nailed it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Love hiim.

[Kryguul]

Hell, give me Bobby Darin...I like the big sound but the voice is too commercial wailing as if he he singing about a lover or a fun ski trip rather than a killer...

Both Armstrong and even Bobby Darin at least made the tune not as "clean" and "bright" sounding.

[Kryguul]

This sucks...Give me Louis Armstrong

[jooxis]

He's so good. And I don't even watch AI.

[deep71483]

He sounded as good as Bobby Darin.

[Croonerman87]

He did a good job....but Darin will always be the best in my book. ;)

[evilsquirrelbutt]

Not at all. Bobby Darin is amazing and Clay Aiken got the words wrong.

[reester90]

i like ella fitzgerald and michael buble's versions

[BlueEyes0770]

You on crack?

[BlueEyes0770]

hahah I applaud your grand comeback!!! Wow...simply got me in stitches pal!

[daveu01]

Anytime cum-dumpster.

[BlueEyes0770]

I think ya got me and Clay mixed up ;)

[daveu01]

Yeah you're probably right cockhound.

[kacn28]

til this very DAY i'm bewildered by the fact that ruben won. i honestly just don't get it.

[MrJSays]

Honestly, american was afraid that they wouldn't get another black idol. So they took the opportunity they had. Of course we all know that Clay won that competition hands down.

[kmg4]

@kacn28 The white male cannot be allowed to win.

[deep71483]

What do you mean a white male cannot win? White guys have been winning American Idol, Lee, that guitar guy, Taylor, David, etc. I wish some of you white males would realize your privilege and stop bitching about reverse discrimination. You are not suffering! Grow some balls and stop whining. Wow this is the dumbest comment I've ever seen on YouTube.

[Loveboylove1989]

@kacn28 I know, right? I guess it was 'cause Ruben fit the "picture" of the pop star better than the cutsy little white boy from Ralliegh... Oh well, Clay is still MY American Idol.

[osahju914]

which judge picked his? not randy, because he picked kim's "anyone who had a heart"

[jh9990]

Paula

[sinabro7096]

so cool...

[maealo22]

Wow! incredible! Amazing! Superb! Words is not enough!

Clay Aiken is the best!

[AikenFerClay]

INCREDIBLE!!!!!!!!!! I'm gonna watch it again.

[huntress51]

OMG, this is the best Mack the Knife I have ever heard! Is there a longer version of Clay singing it?

[obsessong]

Incredible!! One of Clay's best.

[debhaytx]

get over it. He's done quite well since.

[debhaytx]

One of my FAVORITE Clay moments. Clay had the entire audience on it's feet. Even had Simon smiling over this one. You are ultra cool Clay. Love the look, especially the freckles!!! Last couple years of AI do not compare!

[volifiee]

Clay Aiken IS American Idol

[blackpython]

I think he's over singing this a little bit. I mean, technically it's fantastic, and it's nice to listen to, but clearly he doesn't know the story behind the song. Bobby Darin GOT this song and knew the story, and even though his version was catchy, it still got the point across that Macheath was a murderer, and a con artist. This is mostly just "Oh, a nice little swing tune." I think it's really nice, but I wish he had the right kind of tone behind it.

[vegasfutbol]

clay should of won American idol. instead of ruben.

[claymateloudnproud]

yes, but we already knew this. He was #1 in the voting up until the finale... hum... leads you to some interesting conclusions

[AlinaMexico]

One of my Clay's favorits performances. Well, I love almost all of his performances.

[gyumsuni]

He is the best AI had.

[romanticspirit]

Holy Wow!! I find the last 2 seasons have been horrible.. God this guy can Sing.. WE Need Great Singers on AI.. WOW! One of my Favorite performances

Kelly B.

[lurkerchic]

WOW! The pipes of perfection, baybay!!

[wilman57]

does anyone know where i can find the comments for this performance?

[AlinaMexico]

I have them. If you want me to mail them to you, please let me know.

[baker358]

Search for "Clay Aiken Mack the Knife Judges"

[ohiodarlin]

I don't think of the dudes in AI 7 hold a candle to Clay!!!!! What a disappointment!

[XxSweeneyToddFan]

my school's jazz band is playing this song this year...seeing Clay Aiken sing it makes me want to play it even more...its got a lot of sharps though :]]]

[kristineed]

he is perfect, his voice... it is something!!! Clay Aiken is definitely an idol - not only American!

[SanjayaIsLove21]

omg! he is amazing.

[dazzlingstarzz]

OMG he did AMAZiNG!!!! =]

[zaclover343]

he oversang it too much! blake my baby did better!! Blake should of won!

[vampypiano]

at least he has the ability to oversing.

Blake, who's that? Oh, you meant THAT guy? the someone who couldn't hold a finger to clay?

[chesterbelle81]

I love him singing this! I could listen to it over and over again!

[dennapoo]

he's not gay

[adurban]

i dont care if he's gay...this dude can sing

[nascar38nfl]

i dont really like him but he was super good at the end part of that song!

[claylon]

Incredible performance of this song, havnt listened to it for ages and it sounds even beter now. WOW

[heavenly54]

That was awesome!!!

[jbdramey]

Yep, No one can sing this like Clay! He is the best!

[Justi]

Thank you Clay! A great song, sang by a wonderful singer.

[garden333]

What an amazing performance. Randy and Paula gave him standing ovations and Simon said Brilliant. Clay can sure sing the heck out of anything.

[imclaymed]

He kicked the you-know-what out of Bobby Darin's version and huge hit. The AI judges responses and the audience applause said it all!

[chrispycreme]

Based on the dates on these comments, it looks like this performance continues to rise to the top! (the haters don't count)

[thesmlpkg]

With all due respect to all of the comments, I don't think I've ever heard anyone sing this song better....and I've heard them all.

[InClaysHeart]

well, normally the contestants DO have a say on the arrangement but i think this was very good!! better than the version that Lewis Blake just did tonite, anyway!! he has such power in his voice, and so no matter what he sings, it will be great! also, since i dont like jazz, a pop version is just fine by me!

[mkjtf]

THAT's how Jck The Knife should be sung! Wow... just WoW!!

[MikLou2000]

The man kicked ass on this song..who heard the arrangement?!

[BlondeRedHead29]

Clay is awesome I love him singing this song and so did Simon

[krystal7575]

What a voice, one in a million!!!!

[flatspinrevert]

who cares if its a jazz song this guy can sing his ass off and sing anything brilliantly

[Arrow99]

Bobby Darin sang that song many years ago, and duh, he was white, too.

[ScotchyMcDewars1979]

Wow...a white guy, trying to be black, trying to be white to sing a german song LOL. Define Irony.

[leaner3]

The contestants on AI did not do the arrangements for these songs. They were given the arrangements, and sang them. The arrangement leaves something to be desired, but the voice is magnificent.

[mftiritilli]

Quick Clay....who wrote Mack the Knife????? Whoever decided 40 years ago to make a jazz song out of "Die Moritat von Mackie Messer" should be shot...Well, Clay should be anyway just on principle.

[dcchung86]

i hate this version of this song. This is too pop to really be jazz....

[tongsinanpei]

I love his voice, but he is SO not a jazz singer. Oh well. :)