Clay Aiken (born 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!!!!

Clay Aiken's long awaited followup to the first studio album Measure of a Man was at last released on September 19, 2006 with RCA Records. That first album has been certified triple platinum and the 2004 Christmas album Merry Christmas With Love has sold over one million copies. The new album A Thousand Different Ways includes mostly cover versions of classic love songs along with 4 new songs.

Track Listing (NOT IN ORDER)

* Right Here Waiting
* When I See You Smile
* Without You
* Lonely No More
* Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word
* Everytime You Go Away
* Everything I Do
* I Want to Know What Love Is
* These Open Arms
* Because You Loved Me
* Here You Come Again
* Everything I Have
* A Thousand Days
* Broken Wings

While collections of covers can be a risky proposition, and, in overall pop history, they don't have a good record of sales or critical acclaim, the covers album The Greatest Songs of the Fifties brought Barry Manilow back to the top of the charts earlier this year and Rod Stewart has turned covers into a franchise. Perhaps this is just what Clay Aiken needs to focus attention on his tremendous vocal instrument. With the legendary Clive Davis at his side, I wouldn't bet against him.