When Clay graduated from Leesville High School in 1997, he wasn't sure what he wanted to do as a career. He decided to wait a year before going to college. Clay got a job at the YMCA and also did some substitute teaching, working with children with disabilities. At the YMCA, all the camp counselors had nicknames. Clay was given the name “Gonzo.” Clay loved working with kids and decided he wanted to be a special education teacher. He enrolled in the University of North Carolina at Charlotte to pursue a teaching degree. As part of his student teaching, Clay began working with Michael Bubel, a 13 year old boy with autism. Michael's mom, Diane Bubel, would often hear Clay singing when he was working with Michael, and encouraged Clay to audition for the television show, American Idol. Clay was a fan of The Amazing Race, and didn't want to audition for American Idol but finally agreed to make Mrs. Bubel happy. Clay auditioned in Charlotte, North Carolina and was cut immediately. This did not make Clay happy, so he went to the auditions held in Atlanta, Georgia and this time he was selected to go to Hollywood, California for the next part of American Idol. He went on to be part of the top 32 contestants. For the semi-final round, Clay competed in group two where he was beaten by Ruben Studdard and Kimberly Locke. This was not the end for Clay since he was chosen to be part of the wildcard round and America voted him into the Final 12.
For the Finals round, each week, the contestants would sing a different type of music; everything from country to disco. Clay did his best every week, and viewers were impressed with the young man with the big voice. He went all the way to final two where he lost the title to Ruben. Clay did not win the American Idol “title” but he did win many fans. Following the television show, Clay released his first single This is the Night/Bridge Over Troubled Water which became the fastest selling single after Elton John's tribute to Diana. That summer, Clay joined the American Idol tour and visited many states, performing with his fellow contestants.
Clay's life changed a lot after American Idol, but he did not forget about his interest in helping kids. With the help of Diane Bubel, he created The Bubel/Aiken Foundation. Clay believes that everyone can contribute and participate in many things and the goal of the foundation is to create and support programs that will include both kids with or without disabilities. Clay also found the time to complete his college work and receive his degree in special education. (continued next page)