Well ain't this some sh*t!
Clay Aiken, a former American Idol runner-up and fan of Adam Lambert, showed up unexpectedly on the set of American Idol, giving no one any warning. He had hoped to meet the aspiring singers, and naturally, the former contestant expected the star treatment. But Gayken was treated like a Jonas Brothers groupie instead. The National Enquirer reports,
“He was given the nickel tour, allowed limited access to the backstage area and sent packing,” said the insider. “he was upset.” Producers quickly ran him through the backstage area and refused to allow him to speak to the contestants.
Producers and reps from “American Idol” have had a long-simmering feud with Clay because he was one of the first contestant to bolt from 19 Entertainment, the management company that oversees the recording deals, merchandising, touring, sponsorship, and movie deals for “Idol” stars.
Network execs believe that Clay encouraged Kelly Clarkson to cut her ties with the show as well.
“They’ve always held a grudge against Clay for that, so when he showed up at the ‘Idol’ studios and asked if he could give a little pep talk to the remaining finalists, they told Clay thanks… but no thanks. It was made clear to him that he was not welcome.”
This is so sad. And how can producers be so upset with Clay for leaving their shady management when Kelly Clarkson did the same thing? Jelly Clarkson was also the first Idol winner to grace the Idol stage this season to perform. Me thinks this has more to do with Gayken being dropped from his RCA record label, an embarrassment to the show that's supposed to launch very lucrative mainstream careers.
Besides, Clay was just trying to get in Adam's boxers and producers shouldn't have been cock blocking. You know queen Adam doesn't eff men like Clay; they're both a little too flamboyant for each other, but I would highly enjoy their sex tape.
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May 8th, 2009 4:51 PM
Oh, come on! It is a fact that businesses, including Idol's 19 Management Co., are always mindful about its various business practices. But to deny backstage access to someone who's helped make the show successful borders on mistreatment!
May 8th, 2009 5:09 PM
IF this is true, American Idol is very petty for holding a grudge. Kelly and Clay were the first success stories from that show. Clay's been on the show a bunch of times in the past couple years, so I'm not sure I believe this. As recently as last season, they did a big feature on him while on Broadway.
May 8th, 2009 5:21 PM
Okay. Thanks for clarifying, Kendra. :)
I don't follow Idol that closely, forgot if he was on last season - I barely watched last season. I think that Clay may have gotten snubbed because he was dropped from his label, not him cutting management ties.
May 8th, 2009 5:31 PM
Where did you get your information? Clay recently flew to Los Angeles to go to the producer's birthday party. I don't think he would have gone all that way if he hadn't been invited.
May 8th, 2009 5:42 PM
I'm talking about Clay showing up on the set of American Idol, not some birthday party.
And I cited my source at the bottom of the post.
May 8th, 2009 5:57 PM
Still an interesting post Firecracker.
May 8th, 2009 7:06 PM
I don't think Clay is a fan of Adam's any more than he is of any of the other contestants. He has said numerous times that he hasn't watched Idol in years -- including this year. He stated as much last week on his official site. He has, though, often said how much he enjoyed the show and how well he had always been treated. I don't blame Clay or Kelly, either, for breaking away from 19E. They own your soul. And, by the way, the birthday party was an important event.
May 8th, 2009 7:09 PM
Highly doubt any of this story is factual. Clay has said on numerous occaisions that he doesn't watch Idol and hasn't in years, so he wouldn't know anything about the contestants this year. In addition he knows the drill and would not arbitrarily 'walk in' and expect to be a mentor. That idea is just plain stupid. This entire bit of 'insider' info smells stinky. He left 19E early on, but has appeared on Idol several times since..doesn't indicate a grudge at all.
May 8th, 2009 8:22 PM
Clay Aiken took his son Parker to Idol for them to see. NE did not know that so made up the rest.
May 8th, 2009 9:45 PM
I've missed you Claymates! I luvs you. :)