atinal Posted September 22, 2007 Report Share Posted September 22, 2007 Honestly, I don't think Clay can choose to be a "superstar" or even a "pop star" - a lot of that is luck and serendipity - hitting a bull's eye on the cultural collective - all the work, talent and PR in the world can't make a real superstar. I think Clay has chosen to be an "entertainer" - because he does have control over that. I agree with this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jmh123 Posted September 22, 2007 Report Share Posted September 22, 2007 (edited) QUESTION TWO: Should Clay be a "superstar?" A "pop star"? An "entertainer?" Or all of the above? Does he really have to choose? Unless he particularly wants to be a superstar, I wouldn't vote for it. For one thing, you attract a lot of negative attention such as we've just been discussing. It's hard to continue to be a regular person, and it can be very distorting to the psyche. So no, not unless he chooses. It appears to me that he's chosen to be an entertainer, someone with career longevity. He's expressed interest in TV, a talk show, but I'm guessing he's turned down a lot of offers. It appears to me that he's pretty discerning about what he will do and won't do in the way of show biz. It seems he's focussed on a lifetime of decent success instead of a meteoric rise and then, a few years later, "Who?" and that works for me too. I do think he'd like to continue in show business in some form. I don't worry like some do about whether his career will end if ___________, or __________ (like if the next album doesn't kill or he doesn't change record companies or whatever). I have a lot of confidence in his business sense and decision making, in the people he hires and their ability to take him where he wants to go. I do think there are many fans that want something more for him, more PR, more stardom, but I don't think he wants it. Whatever is the case, I prefer to leave these decisions to him and just enjoy whatever he does. I'm easy that way. Edited September 22, 2007 by jmh123 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nelle Posted September 22, 2007 Report Share Posted September 22, 2007 (edited) Should Clay be a "superstar?" A "pop star"? An "entertainer?" Or all of the above? Does he really have to choose? I don't think there's a logical answer for what Clay "should" be. He is what he is. I'd LIKE him to be whatever kind of star/entertainer he'd like to be. While I've heard Clay talk about radio play, and believe he'd like to have a hit song again, or hit album, and a (or some!) grammy award(s), I don't have an impression he's jonesing to be a "superstar." I hope he maintains whatever level of celebrity it takes for him to keep recording music for the rest of my life at least! I have the impression he enjoys being a smart versatile entertainer who can sing a wide variety of musical styles like nobody else on the planet, has a quick wit, is a good interview, and has an enormous...heart. I love him for all of the above. I think, deep in my heart, I don't want him to be a "superstar," because for me anyway, that conotes concerts in enormous stadiums, never being as close as this summer's tour, and lots more competition for tickets, and I think we'd have to say bye-bye to the busline! (KAndre @ Sep 21 2007, 08:26 PM) Honestly, I don't think Clay can choose to be a "superstar" or even a "pop star" - a lot of that is luck and serendipity - hitting a bull's eye on the cultural collective - all the work, talent and PR in the world can't make a real superstar. I think Clay has chosen to be an "entertainer" - because he does have control over that. edited to WORD KAndre. Edited September 22, 2007 by Nelle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
liney23 Posted September 22, 2007 Report Share Posted September 22, 2007 Honestly, I don't think Clay can choose to be a "superstar" or even a "pop star" - a lot of that is luck and serendipity - hitting a bull's eye on the cultural collective - all the work, talent and PR in the world can't make a real superstar. I think Clay has chosen to be an "entertainer" - because he does have control over that. KAndre.... WORD especially the bolded part. He is an entertainer and that has made my journey with Clay so very much fun. You never know what will come out of that man's mouth or how he will look... what he will grab onto to make fun of... nothin' He entertains... period. As long as he can make enough money doing to to continue doing it, I'm fine! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FearofH2O Posted September 22, 2007 Report Share Posted September 22, 2007 IMO Clay appears to be happiest being an entertainer. To be a pop star I think you have to be willing to compromise and be someone other than ones self. Clay appears to be embarrassed being the idol of his fans eyes and acting sexy. He just seems so normal while being extremely charismatic. So it seems he might be most comfortable being funny. That's what is so much fun for me when he goes from singing a tender love song with feeling to goofing around ala Jerry Lewis. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ldyjocelyn Posted September 22, 2007 Report Share Posted September 22, 2007 OK I'm thinking this question should be what do WE want for Clay because really like KAndre said..he can't choose..he can only keep moving forward in his career and what will be will be. I just want him to stay around forever singing. On top of that..I have no problem with TV. I think that will be a way for him to get people to see him anew again. So talk shows, or writing children's books, or a run on Broadway or whatever... he should just follow his heart. I think your last statement answered your own question, at least in my book. I want for Clay what he wants in his heart. Oh sure, I may have some preferences (TV for me), but for the most part, I just want him to do whatever he thinks would keep him in the business and allow him to pursue his humaitarian work as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keepingfaith Posted September 22, 2007 Report Share Posted September 22, 2007 He should be a "Clay Aiken"!!! Exactly. And there's none other remotely like him. And to me he can't be categorized. I heard Kanye West say that he and Justin Timberlake are the new Prince and Michael Jackson. Now that's just pitiful. Which one does he think he represents? Clay Aiken is like nobody ever was or ever will be, and for that, to me, he's a pop star, an entertainer, and a superstar. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KAndre Posted September 22, 2007 Report Share Posted September 22, 2007 He may not choose a path that will lead to super stardom. See, I don't really think there's a path to superstardom. Why is Justin Timberlake headlining while Joey appears on DWtS to restart his career? Why is Madonna still doing stadiums while Cyndi Lauper is more a niche artist? What happened to JC Chavez? I have yet to see a superstar with less than 5-10 years of experience under their belt - Overnight success? Maybe. Overnight superstardom. Never. I think Clay is building a solid career. Beyond that really is luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Claygasm Posted September 22, 2007 Report Share Posted September 22, 2007 As long as he burns the Perry Como sweaters and doesn't do a series like ACAC, I'm good! I think he will end up doing a lot of things. I can see him do a limited TV series (I think he would get bored with anything long term). I can see him do a limited run on Broadway. I can always see him touring and recording. I think he would like to try to do a lot of things. And I think it has more to do with the fact he seems to bore easily than his being ambitious. And that's good for me because it will always keep him exciting and new... like a virgin! (Hee - I couldn't resist!!!) (Oh - and before I start a confluct - I really don't think he is a virgin. No way Jose! Of course, maybe that will start a conflict....) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Couch Tomato Posted September 22, 2007 Author Report Share Posted September 22, 2007 He is an entertainer and that has made my journey with Clay so very much fun. You never know what will come out of that man's mouth or how he will look... what he will grab onto to make fun of... nothin' He entertains... period. yep... that's why I'm still here...he's NEVER boring..he still suprises me. I'd love for people to see his humorous side..He will win over a lot of people with it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ldyjocelyn Posted September 22, 2007 Report Share Posted September 22, 2007 Four more minutes on this topic.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cha cha trusty Posted September 22, 2007 Report Share Posted September 22, 2007 He should be a "Clay Aiken"!!! Exactly. And there's none other remotely like him. And to me he can't be categorized. I heard Kanye West say that he and Justin Timberlake are the new Prince and Michael Jackson. Now that's just pitiful. Which one does he think he represents? Clay Aiken is like nobody ever was or ever will be, and for that, to me, he's a pop star, an entertainer, and a superstar. WORD. This is good - Kanye West can suck a big one!!! That's as bad as John Lennon saying that the BEatles were bigger than Jesus!! Let's have a CD-burning party!! Clay may not be a superstar, but he knows who he is and I believe he has a plan in motion to get where he wants to be. I just hope I am around when he gets there!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KAndre Posted September 22, 2007 Report Share Posted September 22, 2007 Man, we're agreeable! As for Kanye thinking he and Timberlake are the next Prince and MJ - I think he can keep on dreaming - I think the time of the freakishly huge, cross cultural, cross generational superstars is over. People might mock MJ for claiming to be the King of Pop - but in the 80's, he really was. In twenty years, we'll see if Kanye is half as influential as Prince. Now this is something I can't see - Clay being influential on other musicians - he is so very much an audience's performer... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ldyjocelyn Posted September 22, 2007 Report Share Posted September 22, 2007 You know what they -- it's not the destination, it's the journey. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Claygasm Posted September 22, 2007 Report Share Posted September 22, 2007 He should be a "Clay Aiken"!!! Exactly. And there's none other remotely like him. And to me he can't be categorized. I heard Kanye West say that he and Justin Timberlake are the new Prince and Michael Jackson. Now that's just pitiful. Which one does he think he represents? Clay Aiken is like nobody ever was or ever will be, and for that, to me, he's a pop star, an entertainer, and a superstar. WORD. This is good - Kanye West can suck a big one!!! That's as bad as John Lennon saying that the BEatles were bigger than Jesus!! Let's have a CD-burning party!! Clay may not be a superstar, but he knows who he is and I believe he has a plan in motion to get where he wants to be. I just hope I am around when he gets there!! Actually John was referring to their popularity at the time and he was right. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bookwhore Posted September 22, 2007 Report Share Posted September 22, 2007 I don't know if Clay will ever get the radio play necessary to become a popstar. He talents and abilities lie more in the direction of 'entertainer'. He's too unpolished still to be a talk show host on a regular basis, but maybe down the line he could do that. I'd really like to see him on variety-type shows, hosting special events, TV specials...and of course, lots and lots of tours. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scarlett Posted September 22, 2007 Report Share Posted September 22, 2007 In the interests of equality and diversity, why isn't pornstar among the choices? *picks up phone to file complaint* Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
playbiller Posted September 22, 2007 Report Share Posted September 22, 2007 (edited) I think he was born an entertainer, so much of it is his "on" personality - I have said this many times - when people claim he was praying at the end of Cary, if true, I think it would be for surviving in that heat. He was pulling energy from himself to get people going and that was amazing. I think there are some compromises you can maketo be a "pop' star, but I don't think Clay is ready for them. I think he did make a choice to slow down his career (maybe wise, maybe not) when he moved back to Raleigh. He does have some control. ETA - pornstar is another thing that Clay gets to chose - that is if he can perform under the lights and cameras Edited September 22, 2007 by playbiller Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
liney23 Posted September 22, 2007 Report Share Posted September 22, 2007 Clay has brought a tremendous amount of love into a lot of people's lives and as long as he can continue to do that, I believe he will be exactly where he wants and is supposed to be! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Claygasm Posted September 22, 2007 Report Share Posted September 22, 2007 In the interests of equality and diversity, why isn't pornstar among the choices? *picks up phone to file complaint* **Ponders the possibilities...... all too big to mention.....** Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gibby Posted September 22, 2007 Report Share Posted September 22, 2007 In the interests of equality and diversity, why isn't pornstar among the choices? *picks up phone to file complaint* BWAH!! In your dreams. And what number might you be calling? Some 900 number? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MyMOAM2 Posted September 22, 2007 Report Share Posted September 22, 2007 I think the next question has to do with Clay evolving over the last 4 years, and I kind of tie it in with the 2nd question on whether he should be a superstar............. and oh, what Scarlett said I want him to be Clay Aiken. I believe he has evolved, alot. I think his own goals have solidified and probably downscaled a bit. I think it was always important to him that he be his own man, and now, really since last fall, I feel like he has decided just what that is. I love how he is now because he seems so comfortable, so confident in the way he sings, the way he performs, banters, puts his shows together .......... yeah, I think he is kind of proud that he does NOT rehearse much. He knows that his strengths are in being spontaneous and he can fly without a net with the best of them. He knows this and is brave enough to do it, to test himself, stretch himself and succeed. He has done this amazingly well the last two tours. In some ways, I think he likes watching Clay Aiken evolve, testing out this talent that he has. I love it, too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ldyjocelyn Posted September 22, 2007 Report Share Posted September 22, 2007 Porn star?!?!?! Where's muski? OK, final question for the evening: How do you feel Clay's voice has evolved over the past 4 years? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Couch Tomato Posted September 22, 2007 Author Report Share Posted September 22, 2007 In the interests of equality and diversity, why isn't pornstar among the choices? *picks up phone to file complaint* ha! heee Hey, ya'll put the questions in the suggestion box... I'm having the feeling the next chat will have more interesting questions hee. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spikesmom Posted September 22, 2007 Report Share Posted September 22, 2007 (edited) I believe he has evolved, alot. I think his own goals have solidified and probably downscaled a bit. I think it was always important to him that he be his own man, and now, really since last fall, I feel like he has decided just what that is. I love how he is now because he seems so comfortable, so confident in the way he sings, the way he performs, banters, puts his shows together .......... yeah, I think he is kind of proud that he does NOT rehearse much. He knows that his strengths are in being spontaneous and he can fly without a net with the best of them. He knows this and is brave enough to do it, to test himself, stretch himself and succeed. He has done this amazingly well the last two tours. In some ways, I think he likes watching Clay Aiken evolve, testing out this talent that he has. I love it, too. Yep. Word. doh. I see it's about his voice evolving... he's got more control, I think he let's himself take more risks - it's more full to me (and I know jack about singing and all that jazz but it's how I'd describe it). It's stronger to me too... Edited September 22, 2007 by spikesmom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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