Clay Aiken - Topic

Since he first stole America's collective heart on television in 2003, Clay Aiken has cemented his status as a national treasure. His journey on American Idol's second season was a bona fide cultural phenomenon that culminated in nearly 40 million viewers watching the finale – the highest rated live television episode of the 21st Century. From it Clay launched an unprecedented career. His very first single broke records and made him the first new artist in Billboard history to debut at number one on the Hot 100. His Triple Platinum debut album Measure of a Man dominated charts, claiming the #1 spot on the Billboard 200 with 613,000 first-week sales – the highest decade debut by any new artist. Across six albums selling millions, his 2004 holiday release, Merry Christmas With Love, still holds the SoundScan record for biggest debut week by any holiday album. Clay's talent and charm have captivated millions – through countless television appearances, twelve national concert tours, and headlining two Broadway productions – establishing him as a versatile entertainer across every stage. Beyond entertainment, Clay's impact extends globally through his advocacy work. He co-founded the National Inclusion Project, championing inclusion for children with disabilities across the US. His decade-long UNICEF ambassadorship took him to conflict zones in Afghanistan, Somalia, Uganda, and Kenya, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to improving children's lives worldwide.