Clay Aiken returned to American Idol 23 years after placing second to Ruben Studdard. The 47-year-old singer performed his newest single "Rewind" on the season 24 finale on Monday, May 11, and surprised fans with his new look.
Clay, who announced his big return to American Idol on Instagram last week, debuted a brighter and more stylish look compared to the gray and black outfits he wore when he competed two decades ago.
And for his performance, Clay showed off his fashion sense. The "Rewind" singer wore a bright blue polka-dot shirt and high-waisted, flare gray pants. He also sported painted nails. After Clay sang his newest single, he did a duet with contestant Braden Rumfelt.
© Disney via Getty ImagesA month before their performance, Clay shared a video with Braden, saying: "I just got off a plane in a place we both love, North Carolina and I wanted to take a second to congratulate you on an incredible run this year and let you know we're all cheering for you here in North Carolina."
He continued: "And as the very first North Carolinian to be on the American Idol stage, it would be my honor if you would be willing to sing with me on this year's finale. I will see you in May, and we'll be rooting for you to be the fourth North Carolina winner of American Idol. See you then."
Where has Clay Aiken been since American Idol?
Clay placed second on the second season of American Idol in 2003 and went on to have a successful career. He's released six albums, including two Christmas albums. Aside from his music career, Clay has worked in other industries too.
© Getty ImagesIn 2008, he made his Broadway debut when he joined the cast of Monty Python's Spamalot for a four-month run. And in 2018 Clay and Ruben starred in Ruben & Clay's First Annual Family Fun Pageant Spectacular Reunion Christmas Show on Broadway.
Clay has also worked in politics. In 2014, he ran for North Carolina's 2nd congressional district as a Democrat. While he won the primary, Clay lost the general election to incumbent Republican Congresswoman Renee Ellmers.
© Getty ImagesEight years later, he decided to run for office again. "If the loudest and most hateful voices think they are going to speak for us, just tell them I'm warming up the old vocal chords," he said in a video announcing his candidacy.
But, Clay lost in the Democratic primary, finishing third place. Outside of his career, Clay is a dad to his son, Parker Foster Aiken. He shares Parker with his friend Jaymes Foster, who is the sister of record producer David Foster.
© Getty ImagesAround the same time that Parker was born, Clay came out as gay. "It was the first decision I made as a father," he explained to People in September 2008. "I cannot raise a child to lie or to hide things. I wasn't raised that way, and I'm not going to raise a child to do that."
