Clay Aiken

Guide Note

Clay Aiken is an American pop singer, activist, stage actor and UNICEF ambassador. He came in second place on Season 2 of American Idol, losing out to Ruben Studdard on the season finale. He released his newest album, On My Way Here on May 6, 2008. In total, he has released four albums and one EP.

On January 18, 2008, Aiken made his Broadway debut in the musical Spamalot, where he portrayed Sir Robin. The show's run ended on May 4, 2008.

Fast Facts

1. Full Name: Clayton Holmes Grissom
2. Born: November 30, 1978
3. Birthplace: Raleigh, North Carolina
4. Record Label: RCA Records
5. Years Active: 2003 - Present
6. Starred as Sir Robin in Spamalot on Broadway
7. UNICEF National Ambassador
8. Helped found the The Bubel/Aiken Foundation in support of Autism

In 2004, Aiken became a National Ambassador for UNICEF, with a mission to help children the world over receive affordable primary education. After the Tsunami that occurred at the end of 2004, he took part in the telethon to raise money for the hard hit area. He also recorded a public service announcement in support of the South Asian tsunami relief. In 2005, he was the spokesperson for the Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF drive.

In total, Aiken has made four trips for UNICEF. One to Banda Aceh, which was heavily hit by the tsunami. One to Uganda, to witness firsthand the plight of the children called "Night Commuters." He visited Kabul and Bamyan in Afghanistan, in April, 2007, to visit children in their classrooms. During the Christmas holiday of that same year he spent time in Mexico, with the children who were affected by the floods in Chiapas and Tabasco.

• 2006: All is Well

• 2003: Measure of a Man US#1
• 2004: Merry Christmas With Love US#4
• 2004: A Thousand Different Ways US#2
• 2008: On My Way Here