In case you missed it, American Idol alum Clay Aiken has announced he’s running for congress in his home state of North Carolina.
While many may argue Aiken is not equipped or experienced enough for the role, I believe American Idol and Aiken’s subsequent career have totally prepared him for Congress.
Clay Aiken is a man of almost triumphs. He almost won American Idol, he almost won Celebrity Apprentice and he almost convinced a bunch of tweens that he was a heterosexual. As someone who comes so close to being a winner, Aiken has learned to appreciate the steps of the journey that inevitably will lead him to being runner-up.
What so many politicians fail to recognize is that your dirty laundry is going to air. Now, it might happen after your elected but nobody in this digital age can keep a secret. Clay Aiken denied his sexuality in an interview in Rolling Stone but officially came out in 2008. Aiken knows how to own a moment, claiming “I was always out!”
I’m sure you were, Clay, I’m sure.
If a binding contract with American Idol and Fox doesn’t keep you tight lipped, then keeping your personal life and sexuality hidden certainly does. Aiken is a champion of image and construction. In his bid for Congress, he knows that the kernel of importance isn’t the truth, it’s just what people want the truth to believe in.
Look, I hate to be the one to tell you but your American Idol votes don’t matter. I mean in the grand scheme of things. Actually, I mean in American Idol too. While viewers votes are a factor that goes into picking a winner, the judges and producers on the show definitely have final say.
Clay Aiken’s American Idol performances were mostly covers, like Bridge over Troubled Water and Everlasting Love. And Aiken’s second album consisted of 10 cover songs and four new ones. Aiken’s time in the limelight has taught him that you don’t need to reinvent the wheel, just slap a coat of paint on it and call it new!
The only flack Aiken’s Satan comment really received was from PETA. But if there’s anything to gain from this faux-pas it’s that everything you said can and will be held against you in the name of entertainment
Before Aiken auditioned for American Idol, he was going to audition for The Amazing Race. Aiken is a champion of backup plans. When Idol didn’t pan out, he released an album. When people got tired of his music, he moved onto guest spots on TV shows like The Office and Drop Dead Diva. This is a guy who is always prepared for the worst and maybe with good reason (see list item #1).
