Oh, Clay Aiken.  I don't know.

Now, I've nothing against the runner-up of American Idol's second season; I think he's good, although lately he's been getting attention for all the wrong reasons.  Or, perhaps, it's just me who doesn't give a toss about his sexuality, thinking that his coming out last year—that, after news that he's had a child, through artificial insemination, with a female friend of his—should not get in the way of his singing career.  So far, it hasn't.  I think.

Something mysterious happened at the official website of RCA, the record label that's carried Aiken for the past few years or so.  Suddenly, his name is no longer on the RCA website, with his artist page and message board going poof all of a sudden, and users being redirected to an unofficial fan site.  His name has also disappeared in press materials the label released leading to the recently-concluded Grammy Awards.  And then there's his no-show at the launching of the American Idol Experience, the new attraction at Walt Disney World.

This thing's happened to other Idol alumni who were also dropped by RCA, namely runners-up Blake Lewis and Katharine McPhee.  So, observers and fans are wondering, after five albums and millions of sold units, could Clay Aiken be on the way out, too?

And, perhaps the bigger question is, why?  Some might point at his recent admissions, of being gay and having a child and all that.  Roger Neal, a public relations expert, thought the announcements might have gone into play.  “[When he came out, I thought,] who is the idiot advising him?” he said.  “He just killed his career.  His image was squeaky clean and all American.  When an artist who appeals to young people comes out the parents don't always support them.  Know your fan base.”

Both Aiken and RCA have yet to officially comment regarding the issue.  As for what his fans think, well, some say it's a good thing; they've contended that RCA didn't know what to do with Aiken, and perhaps a new record deal could allow him to do his kind of music, and perhaps turn out to be a much better thing than what already passed.  But, in the world of celebrities, no official comment means a rampage of what-ifs and you-heards.

Oh, Clay Aiken.  We need to know, now.  Or, as soon as possible.


-Henrik Batallones, BuddyTV Staff Columnist
Sources: Faded Youth Blog, Radar Online
(Image courtesy of New York Magazine)