Clay Aiken News Quote of the Day  *** 2/3/12 By Mitzi Gill I feel privileged that Clay has graciously taken the time to blog and fully explain his “new” album as a marketing tool for AC stations. He was straightforward in letting us know that most of the songs on this album have been available to us previously.  Quite frankly, “Bring Back My Love” has been on my computer, in my car, and on all players upstairs and downstairs in my home, and I have not stopped listening to it from the time it arrived in my mailbox via Amazon. This song alone is worth the price of the album! It is easy to forget the fact that Clay’s music never had a chance on radio due to the powers that be at a recording studio not of his own choosing, which is another story in itself. Each of his albums has debuted in the top ten of Billboard, yet none has found a place on radio. One of my dreams has always been that Clay’s unparalleled voice might be enjoyed by millions, and I certainly will not fault him or his recording company for seeking a niche on the airwaves for his songs. Whether it be in the U.S. or abroad, his music deserves to be heard.  As a fan, I am intrigued by Clay’s vocal abilities, his sincerity in his pursuit of inclusion for kids with disabilities, his talent for Broadway and TV, and his resolution to maintain his beliefs and stand his ground when necessary. Being a fan, in my opinion, is a give-and-take situation. Clay brings me sheer joy with his music and endearing banter as well as his candor, and I provide him support in every way I can.  I have never viewed this relationship as one in which it is imperative that I be 100% satisfied with everything Clay sings, says, or does. No matter how well-meaning my expectations for Clay are, I realize I cannot and should not superimpose them over his initiative, his goals, his ethics,  or his faith.  Clay is a rare and engaging breed - singular, strong, compassionate, intelligent, purposeful, and naturally talented beyond measure. What more could I possibly ask? So if Clay suggests that I buy multiple copies of a CD containing songs that have so pleased me years ago and still do, there is no way I will deny him my support. Whenever Clay calls on me, I will BRING BACK MY LOVE!  2/2/12 By GooodBabyBrush "My feelings on all of this ['Steadfast'] are a bit all over the place. I was completely disappointed by the setlist, but not surprised. I don't feel the blog set up unrealistic expectations (for me, anyway) because he said the songs would be on our ipods already. I think most of the songs on the list are the last ones I would have picked, but don't I know how much, if any, control Clay had over that. I'm just going to accept this CD for what it is, Decca's attempt to capitalize on TCA and get songs from the last CD heard. I'll buy one copy to support his career and keep my collection complete and hope it opens the door for another one down the road.  As for the fans response to the setlist and Clay's reaction on Twitter, I'm a bit torn again. The fans have every right to feel disappointment and to express it. We feel what we feel. But Clay has just as much right to feel disappointed by our reaction. We're all human here.  I do feel bad for Clay, especially if this is truly the music he wants to sing. For one reason or another, he's spent most of his career struggling with what other people wanted him to be: a rocker, a pop star, straight, out-before-he-was-ready, a songwriter... the list goes on. I know *I* have my own vision of the Clay I want him to be; I'm sure we all do. Somewhere in the middle of all those expectations, amid the wild successes, disappointments and failures, is who he really is as a person and a singer. The more he reveals "the real me" to us, the more he risks losing some of us who don't want that version of Clay. I think it's a risk he should take, though. He needs to embrace who he is, as zara says, "own" it. Honestly I think it's the only way he will grow musically. If he never gets to authentically be who he wants to be, then it's always out there (even unconsciously) as a goal he hasn't met, and every time he puts out an album that kinda sorta doesn't quite reach it, he'll end up disappointing himself and us. So I say he should go for it, put out an album that's 100% Clay Aiken, that satisfies himself as an artist and see what happens. Then don't be afraid to grow and change. None of us stays the same.  STEADFAST isn't that album, of course. It's just something Decca put together (apparently without much thought) in order to take advantage of the Celebrity Apprentic exposure. But maybe it will open the door for that album to be made.  In any case, I'm coming to terms with the fact that Clay may never put out the music I wish he would. Our taste in music is just too different. But his voice still moves me like no other singer on the planet, and his humor, quick wit and intelligence ensure I'm never bored. So I guess I'm in it for the long haul." 2/2/12 - By loveaiken "Clay, congratulations on your upcoming CD, Steadfast. It will be a great way to re-introduce you to those who have never heard your voice before and for those who loved you on AI2 but haven't heard you since. You came into our living rooms singing classic covers and won over America. This CD will remind them what a superb voice you have. The production quality has improved tremendously since MOAM and your voice has matured into a glorious instrument. Now, a new group of people will join us, your steadfast fans, in getting to know you as a determined competitor for money for your wonderful foundation AND also as a recording artist. Nine years ago, I "fell in love with" a young man on a popular TV show, not only for his musical talent but for his charm, wit, intelligence and determination. This feeling has never left me, nor will it ever. Do what makes you happy and fulfilled. By doing that, you'll only convince me more that I've backed the right man.