Clay Aiken: Stepping out of the Spotlightby Dina Abramson (2004/07/24)

WARNING TO THE CLAYMATES: CONCERT SPOILERS INCLUDED! I don't normally use the word, “obviously,” especially when discussing someone that I do not know on a personal level. However, I feel confident in stating that obviously Clay Aiken enjoys the spotlight. The visual and auditory cues are numerous: the spark in his eyes, the quick grin, the infectious giggle, the remarkably quick wit and talent for storytelling, the list goes on and one. As time goes by, however, and Clay's status in the celebrity world continues to rise at an accelerated pace, I see him taking measures to... perhaps not step completely out of the spotlight... but to move slightly to the right or to the left... to give someone else a chance to shine. When he does this, in the opinion of this obviously hardcore Claymate, the act results in a magnification of his brilliance - not of his talent, but of his caring spirit. Even as Clay continues to bloom in the constant whirlwind of performances and interviews, he seems to be also attempting to avoid the limelight as much as possible. As soon as the music ends or the chatting concludes, he morphs from public, extroverted, confident Clay, to a reserved, humble, and often embarrassed version of himself. When he finishes his part onstage, he usually flashes a winning smile, a wave, and sometimes a quick bow. But if the admiration continues, the cheerful grin slides off his face, to be replaced by the apparently nervous twitch in his jaw and a slightly uncomfortable glance. In the moment of singing a song or telling a funny story, he relishes the screaming, laughter, and clapping. At times he even encourages it, although he rarely needs to. But when the accolades keep coming, he's ready to either get on to the next song or move to a subject that doesn't revolve around him.We have been witness to so many instances of Clay in a state of joyousness, and each opportunity has been such a treasure. How fortunate we have been to watch Clay receive his double platinum plaque, his AMA, and his Billboard Music Award. We have cried tears of happiness with him in Raleigh on the AI2 tour, and sat in reverent awe as he performed for hundreds of thousands at the National Mall on the Fourth of July.Out of all the times that we have seen him elated because of HIS accomplishments, and I do believe that he was truthfully thrilled in those moments, I have come to the conclusion, especially most recently, that some of Clay's most heartfelt enthusiasm and enjoyment comes from watching and helping others take over his spotlight. I noticed this first on the Independent Tour. During a certain song in a few of the concerts, Clay would bring a child onstage to sing with him. At one particular show, a five-year-old little girl sang the heck out of that song. Although we could not see his face very well while she was singing, at the verse break he turned to the audience with an expression of such exuberance, combined with a whoop and a huge “YEAH,” that the audience erupted right along with him. I told my mom later that it was the most excited I had ever seen Clay. On his new tour, Clay is expanding the idea of bringing people onstage. Fans now have two opportunities for a personal encounter with Mr. Aiken in front of the thousands in attendance; he has added a dance competition, and a chance for someone to sing with him as well. Of course he is also reading signs and noticing individuals in the audience, as he did on his previous tour. And in keeping with his personal beliefs of equality and inclusion, and in recognition of the tremendous diversity of his fan base, persons of all ages, genders, and abilities have been invited to join him onstage. This is yet another way for Clay to show his appreciation for the fans, and to give a few very luck people an occasion to share his spotlight... and possibly display some talent at the same time. While I am a music fan, I am not a concert aficionado. So someone may correct me on this. It is my contention that Clay gives his three back up singers far more performing privileges than I have ever seen at a live show. Usually when you think of back-up singers you envision two or more persons, situated onstage behind the artist, wearing rather plain clothing, and singing parts of songs that serve to “back up” or emphasize the voice of the artist. Sometimes, usually with a veteran performer, a back-up singer will have the opportunity to sing a duet with the artist, or have a solo in a song. On the Independent Tour, Clay sang a duet with Quiana Parler, and performed an acoustic medley of songs which included harmonies with all three of his back-up singers. They also moved around on the stage, although they were usually in tandem. With his new concert tour, Jacob, Angela, and Quiana move freely around the stage. They have wardrobe changes, and Jacob plays the saxophone on several songs. With some of the numbers, the back-up singers are front and center on the stage, while Clay is singing lead, sitting behind them, or off to the side. Most surprising of all, especially for a new artist, his tribute to James Taylor set features sections where the three each get a song to perform with Clay singing backup. And that is where I get back to the topic of joy. Witnessing Clay watching his friends live out their dreams - that is beauty personified. The ability to radiate with love and pride in the sunshine of someone else's glory is that instinctual response normally reserved for parents and grandparents, as they bask in the glow of the accomplishments of their offspring. It is that rarest of people who can honestly and completely rejoice in the success of others, and Clay Aiken is in that category. When Jacob, Angela, or Quiana is singing, Clay is grinning, waving his arms, and shaking his head, as if to say, “Man, ya'll, they are TALENTED!” His jubilance is both genuine and contagious. To give that much of his spotlight away, to take the time in HIS concert to showcase not only his back-up singers, but his band as well, I think this point deserves special recognition, and serves to distance him once again from his contemporaries.I put that “HIS” in capital letters, because the term signifies ownership by a single person. If you listen to Clay speak, or read interviews with him, he very rarely uses the term “my.” He might say “my album,” occasionally, but more often you will hear, “our tour,” or “We’ll be working on the next album soon,”or “we’re so excited to be here,” etc. He constantly mentions “the big team of people” that works so hard on all aspects of his life. In his CD liner notes and in his tour programs, he doesn’t simply list each person under the heading of “thank you’s.” He makes a special point to individualize and personalize each sentiment. Some of the anecdotes are humorous, some even snarky, but they all read as genuine, heartfelt appreciation for everyone involved. He also makes time in his concerts for extended thank you’s. Everyone from the musical director to the bus driver to the guy who runs the lights is given their moment in the show. And he never scrimps on his appreciation for the fans. Period. The song dedications, the personal attention, the work ethic, the understanding, the inclusion, the joy, the passion, the tugs, the hugs, the fun, the love - we simply could not ask for more. Yes, we love him for being a humble guy, and yes, we’re glad that he knows we and others work hard for him - AND, in the end, it is of course "all about the Clay" for us. He can talk all he wants to about how others continue to make this dream possible for him, but we know darn right well that Clay's perseverance, hard work, and positive attitude have resulted in the success and the opportunities that he enjoys today. Yes, we write letters of gratitude to Diane Bubel, we send flowers to Clay's mom, we email suggestions to Clay's team of people, some of us beg to dance with Jacob or ask for an autograph from Quiana or Angela, but bottom line - Clay is “Still the One” - and always will be. Clay is the one we travel from great distances to see, Clay is the one we admire and respect, Clay is the one we adore. Whether he is situated in the glow of center stage or choosing to stand just outside of it, there is always a radiance shining in and around Clay Aiken.

posted by Yee 10:36 PM

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