A PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS -
and quite a few smiles!!by Mitzi Gill
As a public school teacher, I also found myself thrilled to come across a youngster of only 17 with such maturity. (Here I must extend kudos to Scotty’s parents and to Clay’s family for instilling in their children excellent manners, strong work ethics, and solid faith!) Nevertheless, voting had not crossed my mind.
My interest in “down home” music dates back to Elvis when he was first known as the “Hillbilly Cat” and recorded for Sun Records in Memphis, Tennessee. Scotty delivers just the style of country music that resonates with me. (Incidentally, Clay can handle country ballads astutely; check out one of my favorites, “I’m Not Supposed to Love You Anymore”, from an early demo:
As the competition was nearing its end, Clay, in an interview, began talking about the over-the-top support North Carolinians consistently give to their own and how positive he was that this had been part of the reason he had made it so far on American Idol. Then Clay spoke of his decision to vote for Scotty even though he hadn’t been a regular viewer. That was the “nudge” I needed to spend hours dialing in after the final round of competition.
Now, in the seemingly endless and lonely void between LIVE CHATS that has driven me to reminiscing every iota of "Clay information" I can think of, I have arrived at taking a light-hearted, tongue-in-cheek-peek at these two born-and-bread guys from the Deep South.
It is not my intention to launch a competitive comparison. Clay and Scotty are far apart in genre, and Clay has had years of growth, whereas Scotty is just hitting the road. Both are stars in their own right, both were predestined to become vocalists, both are down to earth and have “suspicious minds” when it comes to the idea of celebrity.
Scotty is playful in attitude and speaks well in public with a few grammatical errors here and there that he knows better than to use in English class. On the other hand, Clay is highly articulate, has a penchant for hilarious and interactive dialogue, and handles grammar well except for an occasional and intentional “ain’t“. Both agree that they were never very popular with the ladies until American Idol. And it may surprise you that Scotty once lived about ten minutes from Clay’s home. Nevertheless, Clay confirmed during his first Live Chat that the two of them have never met.
At the outset of this comparison, I began amusing myself with a pictorial contrasting of Clay’s and Scotty’s physical characteristics. The audition photos below speak for themselves, so we can move on quickly, recalling Simon‘s prophetic words to Clay, “Somehow, you seem to look better each week!”
Clay at American Idol 2 audition 
Scotty at American Idol 10 audition Of course, it was American Idol that brought about Clay’s initial “transformation”, but just when did Clay himself start experimenting with his hairdo’s and colors? Following some research, I have decided it must have been immediately after having his picture taken for his driver’s license!
~~~
HAIR!
Clay has fearlessly run the gamut of hair styles!
SPIKED
Bangs
Extra Long
At highly emotional times, things have gone wild just
as they did in Merrillville when Clay sang “All Is Well”
flawlessly and with his fingers crossed!
Clay taking a bow after he sang the song so perfectly
Has anyone been brave enough to ask Clay if blondes
really do have more fun?
Ahhhhhhhh....stubble! What a turn on!
And then there is the Afghanistan extreme, which
I sometimes refer to lovingly as “Mr. Testosterone“!
Somehow, Clay remains mysteriously appealing.Must be that ring as an accent!
I would be remiss if I did not mention how truly creative Clay
can become during holidays such as Halloween!(Even though this is photo-shopped, it is OK to swoon!! )
For those inquiring minds who would like to know more
about Clay’s styling secrets, it all starts here!
Now getting back to Mr. McCreery. Scotty just tells it like it is:
“Short hair; don’t care!” And there is a lot to be said for
youthful simplicity!
Before concluding this minor dissertation on the topic of hair, here is a bit of advice for Scotty, who probably has not yet had a reason to travel incognito, perhaps because he does not have a fan base quite as enthusiastic (pseudonym for “rabid“) as the Clay fans. A low-key hair style or color may often be imperative for having an adequate disguise ready and available. While I would not be so presumptuous as to suggest specifics for such occasions,
I can assuredly provide an example of what should be avoided!
On to the topic of ears. Both Clay and Scotty have divulged that
they are sensitive about these appendages.
On an American Idol “background” video and in an attempt to thwart Simon’s inevitable and caustic comments, Clay flat out grabbed his ears and wiggled them back and forth saying, “I’ll always have these!” Scotty however, is just learning that negative attributes are annihilated by a pleasing personality.
Personally, I consider oversized ears “gifts”. Why else would we say, “HE HAS AN EAR FOR MUSIC”, and how else is Clay able to carry on hilarious banter with audience members sitting rows and rows away at his concerts?
Here is an object lesson. Carefully study the pin-up guys below:
Do you honestly care about their ears? I didn’t think so.
,,,is an appropriate title for this section. There are eight years between Clay’s stint on the show and subsequent tour and Scotty’s competition, yet there are many elements of déjà vu. “American Idol Rewind”
The Jersey Look....
Famous Shirt Tug
You go, Scotty!
Finale Whites….
Sigh…
Aw....
R & R Backstage….
Timeless!
New Friends
Photo Shoots….
Long and Lanky
So this is Show Biz!
Now to focus on personality traits and habits.
Stetsons are characteristic of country singers, and Scotty is no exception.
Country Cutie
And the following photo will surely make more than a
few hearts skip a beat.Dude Ranch Heartthrob
But, alas,the above photo is the product of a photo shopper.
Take a few deep breaths before moving on.Both seem to relish the great outdoors, or at least a picnic in the park.
And both share an affinity for plaid shirts even though Clay
has traditionally favored stripes on shirts, ties, and socks.
Back in my parents’ day, these shoes would have been called “Gun Boats“!
Scotty is a team player and no stranger to sports.
Let’s just say Clay’s sports are STRANGER!
Is that a coon skin cap?
Scotty is a laid-back kind of guy who likes to chill out with friends
and whose music soothes and relaxes him.An American Idol Excursion
But there have been moments when Clay has definitely been somewhat up-tight!
Sticking to it. What a great work ethic!
A comment was made on American Idol that Scotty had learned his basic
chords on the first day he was given a guitar. Music was in his blood.
On the other hand, Clay, while conducting his first LIVE CHAT, mourned that he had failed to master the piano. Why so sad? Because the genetics for same had been passed down through his family for generations. This being said, Clay certainly pulled one over on us when he “played” and sang “Love Me Tender” on the Jukebox Tour! In all fairness, though, the piano was put to good use!
Credit is also due Clay for passing Piano 101 in “Spamalot!
The teacher in Clay is always obvious, even when he doesn’t speak. So here’s a lesson for Scotty: Never show up at your rehearsal in pajama bottoms!
Performing on high scaffolding-like platforms while on the American Idol stage proved to be intriguing for Scotty.
Clay must have encountered zero gravity on his set on his Solo Tour. His shirtails seem to be floating up! And what’s with the t-shirt? I cannot tell a lie; this is my absolute favorite OVEREXPOSURE!
Clay's Wardrobe Malfunction
Second place occurs on a non-elevated stage. However, I am quite HIGH!!
Soft Rock In A Hard Place Tour
Hyperventilating is totally acceptable!
Pictures may speak a thousand words, but the time has come when photos are no longer filling the void, and I am desperate for even the tiniest bit of news about Clay. His actual presence and banter carry me far beyond the superiority of his music, his acting, and even his philanthropy.
Clay, it is time to resurface, whether you opt to fly to TV guest appearances or interviews in the comfort of first class, being careful not to provoke another Ripa incident….
Or launch another tour with grueling hours of travel, the confinement of the bus, and the perplexities of the interstate.
As Scotty would put it.….
I “Love You This Big”!
P.S. Please keep in mind that “soon” is the only word in the English languge that can be its own antonym!
To fellow fans, I hope this article has been as therapeutic for you as it has for me!
Comments will be forwarded to the writer. ***
