Clayton Holmes Grissom on November 30, 1978) is an American pop singer who began his rise to fame on the second season of the television program American Idol in 2003. After placing second, RCA Records offered him a recording contract, and his multi-platinum debut album Measure of a Man was released in October 2003. Subsequently, he has released three more albums: Merry Christmas with Love, A Thousand Different Ways, and the Christmas EP, All is Well. Based on his album sales, which are surpassed only by winners Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood, Aiken has become the most successful male and the most successful second-place finisher in that show's history.
In the four years following his American Idol appearance Aiken has launched seven tours. While on tour during the summer of 2004, Aiken wrote his NY Times best-selling book Learning to Sing: Hearing the Music in Your Life with Allison Glock. The book is an inspirational memoir that focuses on the most important people in his life as a child and young adult, and the importance of his faith.
Aiken was the executive producer for his 2004 televised Christmas special, A Clay Aiken Christmas, which was later released on DVD. He has been a frequent talk show guest, particularly on The Tonight Show and Jimmy Kimmel Live, and has participated in comedy skits on Kimmel and Saturday Night Live. He worked as a correspondent for The Insider at the 2005 Emmy Awards, and has appeared on several television dramas as a guest actor/singer, including Ed, Scrubs, and Days of Our Lives.
While a contestant on the American Idol show Aiken said that he wanted to use his celebrity to give back. Following that path, he created the Bubel/Aiken Foundation, accepted a UNICEF ambassadorship,has given his support to various charities and was appointed by George W. Bush to a committee that acts in an advisory capacity to the President and the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services on matters relating to programs and services for persons with intellectual disabilities.
Professional
American Music Awards
* 2003: Won - Fan's Choice Award
* 2003: Nominated - Favorite Male Artist - Pop or Rock
Billboard Awards
* 2003: Won - Best Selling Single of 2003 - "Bridge Over Troubled Water / This Is The Night"
* 2004: Won - Best Selling Christmas Album - Merry Christmas With Love
* 2005: Won - Best Selling Christian Album - Merry Christmas With Love
New Music Weekly Awards
* 2004: Won - Top 40 Male Artist of the Year
American Christian Music Awards
* 2005: Won - Outstanding Yule CD - Merry Christmas With Love
Achievement
* 2005 Robert M. Barg Memorial Achievement Award
* 2006 UNC Charlotte Alumni Association Outstanding Young Alumnus Award
* 2007 National Center for Learning Disabilities' Children's Advocacy Award
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