Clay Aiken Says ‘American Idol’ Judges Aren’t Critical Enough
Clay Aiken was one of the first major stars to come out of American Idol after Kelly Clarkson’s first season win. Aiken finished second place in Season 2 and went on to have a very successful musical career of his own. In a recent interview, Clay said he wasn’t as impressed with Idol now. According to the singer, the judges are too easy on the singers.
Here is what Aiken had to say and why he thinks criticism is helpful for the singers in the series.
Clay Aiken Unsatisfied With American Idol Today
Clay Aiken was talking about his career in the years since he came in second place on American Idol. In the interview, he took some time to discuss the reality singing competition series.
Clay Aiken said that the judges now go too easy on the singers. He said that the new singers competing don’t get enough criticism, which could hurt them in their future in the industry.
“We cared what the judges said, not only because we didn’t want them to say something mean, but also because we would take it and then go back and next week say, ‘Don’t do this again,’” Clay said (via Us Weekly). “Or they said, ‘I’m singing too many ballads. Sing something uptempo.’ You would make a point to improve yourself.”
Aiken said people could watch the first few seasons and see Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson, and Paula Abdul actually giving critical advice to the singers. While some thought they could be cruel, Aiken said it was all in an attempt to bring out the best in the singers and make them better.
“I appreciate the criticism,” Clay said. “Another thing that I think made the show great was you could see growth in Kelly [Clarkson] from the time she walked in that studio, that audition, till the time she made it to the end.
Clay Aiken Says Today’s American Idol Is Not The Same
Clay Aiken said it wasn’t just Kelly Clarkson. He said that in Season 2, fans could see the growth in him and Ruben Studdard throughout the season. He said that Ruben completely morphed into what he became as the season went on. He said Fantasia Barrino grew because of the criticism they received and built on.
Clay said that the new judges are not as critical, but there might not even be a need for it anymore.
Aiken worked on American Idol in Season 23. He was a mentor for Iam Tongi, who went on to win the series. He said that Iam proves there might not even be a need for judges anymore. “When he opened his mouth, it was like something hits you,” Aiken recalled. “And wow, I don’t think I’ve heard that with anyone else that I’ve listened to sing so great. But he stayed doing the same thing every episode.”
Clay Aiken is also moving back into music. He left the industry over 10 years ago to spend more time with his son. Now that his son is 16, Clay has a new Christmas album coming out (Christmas Bells Are Ringing). It is his first new album since 2012.
What are your thoughts on Clay Aiken’s comments about American Idol? Do you agree with his sentiment? Let us know in the comment below.
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