Clay Aiken Trivias

Has sold more albums and had more #1s then any other American Idol contestant behind Kelly Clarkson.Ranked #18 in TV Guide's list of "TV's 25 Greatest Teen Idols" (23 January 2005 issue).

Had three major tours in the year 2004 (The Independent Tour in Spring, the Clay Aiken Solo Tour 2004 in Summer, and the Joyful Noise Tour in Winter).Got his first name (Clayton) from his grandmother's maiden name. He claims it is a Southern Tradition. (Source: "Learning to Sing: Hearing the Music In Your Life," by Clay Aiken)

First book, titled Learning to Sing, came out on November 19th, 2004.Christmas album, titled Merry Christmas with Love, came out on November 16th, 2004.Was born with a collapsed lung.

Shares a birthday with the following celebrities: Ben Stiller, 80s punk rocker Billy Idol, "8 Simple Rules..." star Kaley Cuoco, "24" star Elisha Cuthbert and Dick Clark.His first album went triple platinum.

As of April 15, 2004, his single, "Solitaire," sold 191,132 copies.Was the one and only contestant on the 2nd season of American Idol that was never voted in the bottom two or three.His biological father, Vernon Grissom, died February 27, 2004. His stepfather, Ray Parker, died on July 4, 2002.

His song, "The Way," was co-written by Enrique Iglesias.Plans to release one album in 2004, a Christmas album.Shared a house in L.A with former American Idol contestant Kimberley Locke

His freshman album, Measure of a Man, shipped double platinum.Founded the Bubel/Aiken Foundation to include children with neurological disabilities in activities with typical children. Named the foundation for Diane Bubel, the mother of a child with autism he worked with in North Carolina, who persuaded him to audition for American Idol.

His single, 'This Is The Night', went platinum in the US, and 6 times platinum in Canada.In the first week of the release of his single, it sold over 393,000 copies, the most since Elton John's "Candle in the Wind."

Mother is Faye Aiken Parker; late step-father, Ray Parker; step-brother, Jeff; step-sister, Amy and half-brother, Brett.Recorded two CDs entitled "Redefined" and "Look What Love Has Done" prior to American Idol. These CDs are no longer available.

Shortened Clayton to Clay after a suggestion from the producers of "American Idol".Worked for the YMCA in Raleigh, North Carolina

Was a special education major at UNC-Charlotte.Changed his last name, Grissom, to his mother's maiden name, Aiken.