You're right, he's not the "cutie pie" he was on Idol. He's nine years older and it would be weird (and a little scary) for him not to have aged in those 9 years. He's a handsome, grown up man.

I attended the Gala in December, where they auctioned off the Durham Bulls jersey he wore during Idol. Guess what? It fit, much to his pleasure. As did the shirt & tie combo that he wore during the Independent Tour (although his shoulders are broader now, I think he's been working out). I don't think it's that he's "put on a few pounds" as much as he's matured - just like everyone else in the world.

My least favorite is MCWL. My favorite depends on what you're asking. If you're asking which is my favorite CD cover, I would have to say Tried and True because it's the only one that actually has a theme and has something to do with the music. If you're asking which one is my favorite photo of Clay, I'd have to say ATDW.

Clay's filled out quite nicely. Gone is the waif like appearance and we are now looking at a man, which is how it should be.

I pretty much stopped watching AI because of the auditions - how many truly talented people were not given a chance so that they could put an obviously horible person in front of the judges so that they could be mocked and ridiculed?

BUT it's always great when Clay Aiken is recognized as one of two men who made Idol IDOL. Thanks!

I saw it and then suffered through the rest of the Golden Globes hoping for MORE! but alas. I don't think Clay looks angry either - frustrated is a much better word. Cannot WAIT!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks for everything! and a special shout out to Clay Aiken, who makes it all possible

Clay's tweeting just enough - I'm following some celebrities that tweet CONSTANTLY and it gets to be annoying! Clay tweeting once or twice a day keeps it exciting =) Can't wait for Celebrity Apprentice!

Same gorgeous face, just a little older (and wiser). I think Clay Aiken is absolutely, positively, without a doubt, stunning.

2011 has been a wonderful year, but I gotta say, BRING ON 2012!!!!

Thanks for the great recap!

This is how I see it. With the advent of digital music and the internet, the artist needs a label to open doors for promotional purposes. They can record, release and distribute on their own. Actually, if they have a good lawyer and good management, they don't even necessarily need the labels for promotion if they're willing to take a gamble on their music. Youtube is free, myspace is free, Facebook is free - viral is the wave of the future.

Labels would be smart to bypass Amazon and iTunes and offer the songs for sale directly on their websites. They need to make distribution international for all artists and the labels should all be working together to make sure that happens, working on an international basis to knock down any doors that are blocking them.

A&R right now is tough - more and more people are being discovered on reality TV shows or youtube, which takes a big chunk of their job description away.

Both major labels and radio need to rethink how they are doing business - they're both hurting, which in turn hurts the consumer. That's all I got =)

Thank you for the information! I love Clay singing this song, just wonderful!