An article about Clay Aiken on a movie-related site? Sure. After all, Aiken will be singing “Proud of Your Boy” in a new DVD version of Walt Disney’s Aladdin scheduled for release in October. Approximately 5000 fans cheered a commercial for this DVD as it played on giant TV screens before their American Idol finally appeared at his Colorado State Fair concert on September 2, 2004.

Emerging from a tunnel covered with flashing lights, Aiken charmed the screaming audience with his unique voice -- which someone once called a wonder of nature. Selections ranged from ballads like “Measure of a Man” to a spirited medley of songs by James Taylor. But he saved the best for last. As an encore, Aiken stood in the spotlight on an otherwise darkened stage and sang his heart out in a dramatic rendition of “Solitaire.”  That’s the Clay Aiken I love the most -- no flashing lights, no one else on stage, no choreography. Just a man and his song.

In between numbers, Aiken projected his trademark friendliness as he thanked all his fans or joked about the many “I love Clay” signs raised in his honor (“Yours is upside down”) or complimented his talented back-up singers, band members and production crew. When introducing two youngsters chosen to sing and dance with him, he appeared genuinely interested in their performances.     

It’s a treat to watch Aiken’s fans. They come from all age groups. Gazing around the audience at the Events Center, I saw middle-aged folks, twentysomethings, senior citizens, teenagers, and pre-teens wearing “Clay Aiken” T-shirts or sporting “Clay Aiken” buttons. Aiken is truly an artist who has broken through the age barrier with his inter-generational appeal.      

Because my husband and I are avid Aiken fans ourselves, we were thrilled to attend this concert. In fact, we ordered our tickets on the very first day they became available. I stayed on the phone for hours to get the best seats possible. The Events Center at the Colorado State Fair offers seating on the floor of the Center and in the bleachers surrounding the floor. I asked for seats fairly close to the stage in the floor section, and that was a big mistake. Aiken’s most enthusiastic fans seemed to be sitting in that section, but they really weren’t “sitting” (except through the Ben Jelen opening band act).  They stood up during Aiken’s entire program! So, in order to see what was going on, we had to do the same. Although I suffered a back ache the next morning, who cares? That's a small price to pay for such an entertaining evening.

(Photo of Clay Aiken: Associated Press)