Access Atlanta > American Idol Buzz > Archives > 2008 > September > 23 > Entry
9/24: Clay Aiken finally comes out of the closet, new David Cook single “Light On” out now
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
People magazine has broken the story: Clay Aiken has come out of the closet.
“It was the first decision I made as a father,” Aiken, 29, tells the upcoming issue of PEOPLE, on newsstands Friday. “I cannot raise a child to lie or to hide things. I wasn’t raised that way, and I’m not going to raise a child to do that.”
Aiken made almost an apology to his fans, as if they didn’t know.
He hopes his fans “know that I’ve never intended to lie to anybody at all. … But if they leave, I don’t want them to leave hating me.”
We’ve all known for years he’s gay but for reasons but he had refused to acknowledge it until now. I always figured it was a combination of guilt and upbringing as a born-again Christian that held him back. Deirdre, a regular blogger, argues that this is his private decision to announce his sexuality and that’s true. But there was so much unnecessary speculation and jokes, all that would have disappeared if he had simply said so in the first place. Just sayin’.
He’s only the third “American Idol” contestant that I can recall to openly acknowledge he’s gay. The others are season one contestants Jim Verraros, who has starred in a couple of gay films and former Cumming resident R.J. Helton. Nobody has ever done so during the show (though Danny Noriega didn’t need to.)
The season two runner up recently had a child with a friend of his through artificial insemination, Jaymes Foster.
Extra got a sarcastic comment from Simon Cowell in reaction to this revelation:
“Wow. That’s a shock. It’s like being told Santa Clause isn’t real. Unbelievable.”
—David Cook has released his first single on www.popeater.com.
The single has a ’70s rock vibe in the first verse but has a melodic modern chorus. It sounds more upbeat than most of the Daughtry songs and a more optimistic feel than most Nickelback songs. Based on one listen, I can see this being an instant top 10 song on top 40 radio. Among a very selective group of people on a poll posted on the page, 78% love it, 12% like it, 10% hate it. I’m not sure how long it’s been up today but at 9:30 a.m., it already has 60,000 votes! (By the way, we’ll be switching to wordpress before the start of season eight, which should be better for all of us.)
More info at David’s web site.](http://www.davidcookofficial.com/news/“light-on”-is-released-to-radio-this-week-and-will-premiere-exclusively-on-aol-music-on-wednesd).
“Light On” was co-written by one of rock music’s most influential innovators, Chris Cornell, lead singer and songwriter for Soundgarden and Audioslave, and acclaimed producer / songwriter Brian Howes, who has worked with superstar rock bands such as Hinder and Puddle of Mudd. Cook has been busy in the studio with Cavallo, co-writing many of the upcoming album’s tracks alongside some of music’s hottest rock songwriters.
-I’ll be at the Kellie Pickler concert tonight at the North Georgia State Fair. I have backstage passes if anybody wants to meet me at will call at 7:45 p.m.
Comments
By JTesla
September 24, 2008 1:22 AM | Link to this
Didn’t we have this discussion about Clay earlier in the year? Or maybe several times EVERY year since Season 2?
Congrats Clay, be happy.
As for David Cook - I like Chris Cornell so I’ll have to check out the song.
Oh Claymates… BWAAHAHAHAHA
By sam
September 24, 2008 3:16 AM | Link to this
I was perusing fansites tonight & the Claymates are being extremely supportive & happy that Clay is in a place in his life where he can feel comfortable enough to be himself. God bless you & your adorable son, Clay!
By Nana
September 24, 2008 5:01 AM | Link to this
Good Morning Bloggesters. Hope you all had a very nice night.
The pix of Clay and his son is adorable. His life style is his and doesn’t interfer with any of ours, so maybe the lurkers won’t be to bad today. For Clay to be happy and raise his son with the mother is all that matters.
Well we got it right last night when we said Jeffery would be voted off DWTS. Are we good or what?
Its 5:00 so I better start heading out. Everyone had a great day and above all be safe and drive careful.
Catch y’ll later this morning.
By Pat
September 24, 2008 6:50 AM | Link to this
No need to BWHAHAHA the Claymates. The majority are happy for Clay and remain steadfast in their support of him.
Maybe now the media will finally leave him alone. He deserves to live his life in peace.
By Deirdre
September 24, 2008 7:44 AM | Link to this
Morning!
Seriously Rodney, do you really think Clay hasn’t owned up to being gay because of guilt or upbringing? How about the much more logical reason…It’s Private!
Yes he’s a public figure and yes he must expect the speculation but….we must stop assuming that, just because we’re a fan of a performer, it gives us the right to know all about his/her personal life. It doesn’t!
I know that some gay people feel that it’s a duty to come out of the closet in order to prove their numbers but, bottom line, coming out of the closet is a personal decision and shouldn’t be forced on anyone.
To quote JT: Congrats Clay, be happy.
By F Pig
September 24, 2008 7:52 AM | Link to this
If you stay in the closet then you’re not being true to yourself. To be matter of fact about it, “Yes, I’m gay”, takes away the shame that most of us dealt with growing up.
By Deirdre
September 24, 2008 8:10 AM | Link to this
F Pig….coming out is still a personal decision….whether it’s obvious to the world, whether no one would have guessed in a million years, or whether your Aunt Tilly will have a heart attack.
A person’s personal life should remain just that…personal! Celebrity or not. Clay may have been more “true to himself” by waiting.
By harrietth
September 24, 2008 8:29 AM | Link to this
Good morning, everyone! Things have calmed down here now, and being back from the beach is no fun at all! I have tried to overcome the beach bum mentality I had adopted last week by attacking a mound of work, but hey, my head is still there on the sand with the waves breaking and the sound of the surf rocking me to sleep every night. Such is life, however, and reality must overcome.
As for Clay, D, you may have hit it on the head. I think the “Aunt Tilly” thing may have contributed more to the closet than anything else. Clay was beloved by lots of “Aunt Tillys.” That’s a lot of pressure. Having said that, I am very happy for him and wish him the best.
By Deirdre
September 24, 2008 8:37 AM | Link to this
I wouldn’t be at all surprised if Clay was already “out of the closet” with his loyal friends and relatives so I’m not sure WHY the public thinks it ought to have the right to know.
By flats
September 24, 2008 8:38 AM | Link to this
LOL on the gayness!!!!!!Has anyone seen on ajc front page the corn maze of larruy munson?If you get a chance,.take a look.iT’S FREAKING AMAZING SOMEONE DID THAT.GOOD MORNING EVERYONE.
By Nana
September 24, 2008 8:40 AM | Link to this
Deirdre is right. A person’s private life should be left private, whether you are a star, politician, or a private citizen, or whatever. It does not matter as long as their life style doesn’t interfer with yours. Alot of times there is just to much info put out by the media (RH not talking about you) that should not be made public (does the blue dress ring a bell). Anyone of us can name perhaps 10 public figures that we know are gay and yet none of them have made an impact on our lives, at least not mine. Hopefully, we won’t have any bashers today and just have good wishes for Clay, Jaymie and their son. That’s what most important.
The next star to be going home tonight on DWTS, IMO, will be either Rocco or Kim. Cloris’s fans will keep her on for awhile like Jerry Springer’s did for him. Have to decide what to record or watch tonight, AGT or DWTS. Since Lipstick Jungle comes on at 10:00, that won’t be a problem. Oh whats a person to do?
By harrietth
September 24, 2008 8:45 AM | Link to this
Nana, for me, there won’t be a problem. AGT is down to the wire, and DWTS is just gearing up. I will record the latter for sure, but can’t wait for the top five on AGT to perform!
By Lara
September 24, 2008 8:49 AM | Link to this
I am very happy that Clay has found an opportunity to be honest with his family, friends and fans. Now he can trully be himself without worrying about what someone is going to say about him. Congratulations to him and much happiness in raising that pretty little boy!
Can’t wait to hear David Cooks new stuff!!!
JOKE DAY: How many lead guitarists does it take to change a light bulb ? None…they just steal somebody else’s light
By Negativo
September 24, 2008 8:56 AM | Link to this
Looking at the cover, I was under the impression that the baby was admitting to being gay.
Regarding this news of him going pub, well, him proclaiming his gayness is about as shocking as him admitting he’s white. Now, if he had come out and said he was NOT gay then we would have had a stunning announcement.
Honestly, is there a single person in this world who didn’t already assume he was gay?
By Deirdre
September 24, 2008 9:00 AM | Link to this
Hey harrietth…glad to have you back!
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
September 24, 2008 9:04 AM | Link to this
Mornin’ all. Kudos to Clay for doing what he wants in his own time. And yep, it’s HIS business … i wonder how many lives have been ruined because the media just can’t STAND leaving something alone? Not just “gay” … all walks of public life. Yes, if you make yourself a “public figure” you ARE subject to “more scrutiny” than a regular ordinary jo/e. However, what the media hounds have done for the last dozen years or so is so much MORE than reporting; they’re scrounging for “stories” — even at times MAKING them (how many papparazzi have been in fights with other papparazzi or with the stars or their families over a stupid freaking photo — or attempt to get a photo?)
anyway — the baby is cute, Clay is “cute” too, and looks like he loves that kid — may it always be so!!! hey Clay don’t spoil the lad TOO much, make him learn the value of people and things, and to show respect where respect is due — and consideration — and RESPONSIBILITY for his choices and actions. And to learn to read and love it.
yeah. there’s the ol’ soapbox, trying to push its way out from under the stage now…. i’m quitting before i get started!!!!
peace!!
By flats
September 24, 2008 9:07 AM | Link to this
Bottom line Neg…WHO FREAKING CARES!!!!!!People magizine for petes sakes!!!
By flats
September 24, 2008 9:13 AM | Link to this
Bottom line Neg…WHO FREAKING CARES!!!!!!People magizine for petes sakes!!!
By Deirdre
September 24, 2008 9:20 AM | Link to this
Ditto what linny said!
Neg…back for a little adulation? I will admit that we have missed you.
By harrietth
September 24, 2008 9:23 AM | Link to this
Thanks, D! It is good to be back among my blog friends. I was so busy Monday and Tuesday that I couldn’t blog at all, but today looks promising.
What is wrong with People magazine, flats? I like it, myself. In fact, I have been reading entertainment industry magazines since Hitler was a corporal. Love ‘em!
By kellyfan
September 24, 2008 9:25 AM | Link to this
Hi y’all…
No one’s surprised. Heck, Rodney’s title says it all: “Finally.” The whole coming out process isn’t easy. I’m sure that for Clay it wasn’t just a matter of his upbriging, being Christian, etc. there must have been some (whether it was the label, management, etc.) who encouraged him to not say anything publicly.
Personally, I don’t feel like people should make a huge “I’m gay” announcement. Just live your life honestly and be happy. (I think that’s why he decided to come out, if you will)
I never thought I would say this, but actually, the way Lindsay Lohan has done it. She never made a big statement, she just went about her life. She finally admits it casually and everyone is not surprised.
By harrietth
September 24, 2008 9:27 AM | Link to this
One thing I meant to mention: I love it that Clay has dropped that awful hairdo he had and has gone back to the shorter, shaggier look again. The long, dyed blond hair did not become him at all.
By Deirdre
September 24, 2008 9:30 AM | Link to this
kf…I agree!
Rodney MJ’s has the first listen to Cook’s new song. Scroll down until you get to Cook’s picture. My prediction? It’s going to be a HUGE hit!
By Nana
September 24, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this
Can always depend on Lara to start the Wednesday joke/story day. Thanks!!
Why do we Love Children”
1) A lady with three young children were driving one warm summer evening when a lady in the convertible ahead of them stood up and waved. She was starked naked! The mother’s five year old shouted from the back seat,”Mom, that lady isn’t wearing a seat belt!”
2) A little girl had just finished her first week of school. “I’m just wasting my time,” she said to her mother. “I can’t write, can’t read, and they won’t let me talk.”
3) A woman was trying to get the ketchup out of the bottle as the phone rang. She asked her 4 year old daughter to answer it. She heard her daughter say, “Mommy can’t come to the phone right now. She’s hitting the bottle.”
4) It was the end of the police officer’s shift when he parked his K-9 police crusier in front of the station. As he gathered his equipment, Jake, his K-9 started barking. When the officer looked to see why he was barking, he saw a little boy staring at Jake. The little boy asked, “Is that a dog you have in your backseat?” “It sure is, the officer replied.” The little boy looked puzzled and then asked, ” What did he do wrong?”
5) While walking along the sidewalk in front of his church, the minister heard the intoning of a prayer that nearly made his collar wilt. His 5 year son and his playmates had a found a dead robin, and feeling that a proper burial should be performed, they had secured a small box and cotton batting, then dug a hole to bury the robin. The minister’s son was chosen to say the appropriate prayers and with sonorous dignity intoned his version of what he thought his father always said. “Glory be unto the Faaather, and unto the Sonnn, and into the hole he goooes.”
Right out of the mouth of babes!!! Hope this put a smile on your faces.
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
September 24, 2008 9:53 AM | Link to this
harrietth, i think (but am not positive) that the cruddy hairdo was from his role in Spamalot. But you’re right. it was awwwwfullll
LOL!!!
D, thanks for the not about Cookie’s song. Looking forward to it!!!
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
September 24, 2008 9:56 AM | Link to this
RODNEY!!!! I almost MISSED the wordpress announcement, that was downright sneaky of you!!!!! seriously, I’m excited — how do we find out more about this program????
oh. Are you checking to see who’s REALLY reading you???
Oh. Oops. If so, i just blew it, didn’t i?
grin
By Negativo
September 24, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this
D, is it that obvious that I’m an adulation seeking w**?;)
By Deirdre
September 24, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this
Yes! :-)
By Deirdre
September 24, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this
linny…Rodney just added that stuff..he’s updated the info.
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
September 24, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this
yes Negs, and we love you for it!!!
By Deirdre
September 24, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this
I’m so frickin excited about switching to wordpress that I can hardly think of anything else. Just imagine the joy of instant posting!!!!!!!!
By JTesla
September 24, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this
Whatever Wordpress means to us it can’t be any worse than what we have. The blog format could be changed to a stone that we all etch on with chisels and it would be an upgrade.
By JTesla
September 24, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this
Quick follow up note (after some searching): Wordpress good.
By Deirdre
September 24, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this
Wordpress is currently blogging heaven! Go to wordpress.com and sample a few….make a comment…see how fast it appears. The idea that we’ll be leaving this antiquated blog format at last makes me think we need a celebration. I call for an online party the day we make the switch!
By flats
September 24, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this
HAS ANYONE SEEN THE LARRY MUNSON CORN MAZE??????
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
September 24, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this
hear hear!! i’ll bring the virtual chips and dip!!!
By Nana
September 24, 2008 11:30 AM | Link to this
I have seen the wordpress format and even posted a few times on it and it is amazing how fast the post shows. I love it!!!!
By flats
September 24, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this
??????????????
By JTesla
September 24, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this
Flats you made everyone leave. They went to look at that maze and became mesmerized.
By GAgirl
September 24, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this
flats,
I saw it and thought it was great!
By flats
September 24, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this
??????????????
By flats
September 24, 2008 11:50 AM | Link to this
Thanks G Girl….It’s amazing someone was able to do that!!!JT….How the balls doing out west?
By JTesla
September 24, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this
Flats, those mazes are amazing. As for the balls out west they are really kind of pitiful. I guess the west has the Trojans, but that is about it for the Pac-10. As I predicted the Ducks have let us down. Who loses to Boise State? I don’t think they even have enough people in Boise to field a full team.
By harrietth
September 24, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this
JT, didn’t the Ducks lose their QB?
By flats
September 24, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this
Tide and the Dawgs in 3 days to get they’re balls on!!!!Dawgs will roll in this one big time…28-17!!!!
By harrietth
September 24, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this
flats, the spread says only by 7. I think it will be very close, but hope the dawgs win. If it is anything like the LSU/Auburn game, it should be great to watch.
By Nana
September 24, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this
The dawgs will whip the tide. I agree that it will be close, but the dawgs will be the victor. My family is split between the dawgs and UALA. The ones that live in Alabama are for tide and us in GA are for the dawgs. You can ask my 2 y/o great grandson how the dawgs go and he will say, “Woof Woof Go Go Dawgs”. Got him trained right!! Thanks to my son.
By JTesla
September 24, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this
harrietth, the Ducks have lost several QB’s. Now they have some youngins doing things. They are decent, but the inexperience shows. As for our other team, I have a feeling that the Beavers are going to get steamrolled by the Trojans. What am I doing… I’m not into college balls, when does the NBA season start?
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
September 24, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this
LOL!!!
speaking of Football, any of you watching DTWS … Warren Sapp has been inEFFINGcredible as a dancer! Who Knew !?!?!?!?
By Nana
September 24, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this
Warren Sapp was awesome last night. He reminds me of Emmitt Smith. Their NFL training is coming in handy for the dances. When Warren and Kym did the Quick Step last night, I was totally amazed at how well he performed. Very light on his feet, as was Emmitt and Jerry Rice and Jason Taylor. Football players do really well on DWTS.
By Nana
September 24, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this
Well it almost the end of my work day, so I will head towrds home.
Hope you all have a nice evening and watch your favorite show. Above all, drive careful and be safe as you head out from the office or anywhere else you need to drive to.
By harrietth
September 24, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this
JT, they will beat WASU easily,IMO. I much prefer college sports all the way around. Just me.
By JTesla
September 24, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this
I’m kind of disappointed that of the 5 remaining Claymates only 2 of them came to visit us.
By harrietth
September 24, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this
Bye everyone. Talk tomorrow. Can’t wait to hear Donald Braswell and Neal E. Boyd tonight on AGT.
By BittrSweetHart
September 24, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this
Can I just say that I think the fact that Clay felt he had to say anything at all about his sexual preference is absolutely ridiculous. It’s his life and really nobody’s business. People butt their noses into celebrities lives far too much in my opinion. To the point that sometimes I think some forget that they are PEOPLE and not just emotionless beings. Really though, being a fan of him or his music doesn’t entitle ANYONE to details about his private and/or personal life, period. I’m not a fan of his, but wish him all the luck in the world. Unconditionally.
Love David Cook’s new single “Light On”. It’s got a great honest feel to it and regardless of co-writes, the song is his and that is clear from the first to the last note. And I have to agree, I think it’s going to be a hit. No doubt.
By JTesla
September 24, 2008 6:10 PM | Link to this
So… how was the Kellie Pickler concert?
By Nana
September 24, 2008 7:06 PM | Link to this
BittrsweetHart: I second your comments whole heartly. Thanks for putting it so nicely.
By Harmony
September 24, 2008 11:14 PM | Link to this
I felt like the wrong dancer was sent home on DWTS,I thought it should have been Kardashian. Oh well,Warren Sapp is still there,thats good.
I either want Neil or Nuttin but Stringz to win AGT,to me they are the most unique. I won’t be upset with whoever wins,they are all talented.
JTesla, I’ll take you up on that offer to send us some GAS,could you throw in some rain and a financial bail-out too? It would be very much appreciated!
By JTesla
September 25, 2008 12:08 AM | Link to this
Harmony, Kim Kardashian is there to stay. When she leaves the show is done. Baby got back… classic.
I can do the gas and I can do the rain, but for the financial bail-out I have most of my cash sitting in a bank that the experts have declared “the next to go.” Yet, I have no problem letting them all fail ;)
By Ms.Simon
September 25, 2008 8:10 AM | Link to this
And this is a secret?????
Who didn’t know that Clay was gay?? LOL!!!!
Come on now.
By Blkshepherd
September 25, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this
Clay will be fine. Why? Because hes white and a celebrity. White culture is far more accepting to its own or folks coming out. Look at Lance Bass, Elton John, George Michael( I knew when I first saw the two earrings and bootie choker shorts dude was a cupcake) None of their careers suffered.No one makes a big deal. But you let Terrell Owens, Kobe Bryant any of our Macho black male sport jocks or entertainers come out and you will see and hear the Outrage and back lash from the black community…..even that homo Shaq( Kobe, tell me how my a$$ taste! yeah read between the lines, we know what you really like Shaq although you tried to make a joke of it! Ellen and Rosie both have alot of support no one bashes them. Let Oprah or Tyra come out. see if their shows remaind so supported. Black Celebs Like Tevin Campbell(busted for trying give a undercover cop oral sex) Jahiem(rumors) and other blacks once its found out about their peference..its career kill.Johnny Gil Eddie Murphy, Duane Martin, Tyler Perry all have been battling rummors for years and folks still think are DL. The black comunity is very very un forgiving and harsh when it comes to accepting gays which causes a great deal of Downlow hiding and keeping it in the closet. Until the black culture become as accepting to its gay and lesbian brothers and sisters(because whether you accept it or not..gay people are your brothers fathers sisters mothers cousins nieces and nephews. your boss,(the people who sign your pay check) hire you, treat you in the hospital, protect you(police officers,firemen, emergency personnel.Until black folks learn to accept folks for who they are, they will continue to have the largest amount of Downlow keep it in the closet population. That means women infected with hiv while their husbands secretly have unprotected sex with other men. Keeping things a secret is not good but practicing unsafe sex bad for everyone involved. Yet it still happens.
By JTesla
September 25, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this
Blkshepherd of all the stupid posts that you’ve made over the years, that one has to take top prize for the all time dumbest.
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
September 25, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this
actually, JT, if you can weed through the verbage, what he’s saying is that blacks are less accepting of gays within the black community, and that’s actually been commented on before; whites entertainers especially tend to just accept it as something natural; while the blacks tend to hide it more, keeping the closet door at est barely cracked open. it’s cultural. i think, in all those words, that was what BS was trying to say (notice, JT, the initials? suitable???)
@¿~
By JTesla
September 25, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this
Sorry Linny, I will never buy into the BS concept that just about every black celebrity is really in the closet. In addition…
You also run into the problem of audience. The celebrities listed are popular, in a large part, based on their appeal to white audiences. The career of a white celebrity whose audience is predominantly white will have equal suffering as a black celebrity whose audience is predominantly white. BS goes on to indicate that “black male sport jocks” coming out would cause an outrage… rubbish, just look at the career Dennis Rodman was able to forge after making some radical claims regarding his sexuality. All with no widespread cultural backlash.
With that said I also don’t buy into the presumption that white culture is as accepting as it is being portrayed. If it were: Clay, Lance, George Michael, etc. would not have needed to wait as long as they did to come out. Of the celebrities listed by BS the only one that still has a large popular following is Ellen. Not a good record in terms of cultural acceptance.
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
September 25, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this
no no no, lol, i did not mean “every” … just that those who ARE in the closet are more so than their paler counterparts!!!
you may be right that it’s not as “accepted” as it seems… i guess it’s just the percentages do seem higher the less melanin you have (is that the right word?)
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
September 25, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this
black white or purple with pink polka dots, i really don’t care what a celebrity does with his or her sex life; i don’t even generally find it interesting, much less fascinating!! i KNOW they put themselves in front of the camera, so to speak, and thus are subject to scrutiny i hope I have to experience, but it’s still offensive to me to have all this “exposure” of every little thing — i think it’s just WRONG, personally.
That’s why I generally do not read the rags that insist on “spectacular” reporting or watch the gossip shows. but we still get a good dose of it even when we try to avoid it…
i’m a pretty strong believer of the “your rights end where my nose begins” sort of philosophy … however, leave me and mine alone and i’ll leave you alone, but heaven protect you if you violate me or mine, because i won’t hold back on returning the favor, LOL.