Clay Aiken Reveals His First Boyfriend Was an ‘American Idol’ Staff Member
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Clay Aiken has tea to spill regarding the romances that formed during his stint on American Idol. The pop singer revealed the secret relationships that took place between staff members and contestants during season two. Clay wasn’t spared from the experience.
Clay Aiken Says Secret Affairs Took Place Between American Idol Staff, Contestants
During an interview with The Washington Post, Aiken reminisced about his interesting days on American Idol. While it’s no secret that people have established lasting friendships out of the show, there were also love stories that kicked off there.
Aiken revealed that some staff and show contestants, including himself, made several “affairs” transpire behind the camera. The pop singer, who was 24 at the time, admitted that he hid his sexual identity during the competition. Nonetheless, his sexuality wasn’t entirely unknown to certain people as some staff knew as well as his best friend and competitor Ruben Studdard.
He kept a secret better than anyone,” he said.
Previously, Aiken confessed that someone from Idol helped him identify as gay. During the show, he came out to himself as part of the LGBTQ+ community.
In his and Studdard’s interview with the Post, Aiken confessed that his “first boyfriend” was actually a staff member on the show. He then claimed that his case wasn’t isolated, as there were also others who has relationships like his then.
“There were a few affairs between our contestants and people who worked on the show,” he said.
It pays noting that all the finalists on American Idol at the time stayed together in a mansion, alongside some producers. Hence, with that level of proximity, it’s indeed not impossible that romance will somehow forge.
He Says Season Two Contestants are Still in Touch
Amid the 20th anniversary of Aiken and Studdard’s season on Idol, the duo decided to embark on tour. Their shine and chemistry on stage turned out to be timeless that they just have to keep adding concert dates.
During tour, the two recalled how their bond with other contestants have continued to stick over the years.
“I think one of the reasons we became not only friends with each other, but friends with everyone in our group, is because we had no idea what we were getting into,” he said.
Season two alums included Kimberley Locke, Josh Gracin, Kimberly Caldwell, Ricky Smith and Trenyce. Like Aiken and Studdard, these singers managed to make solid careers for themselves.
“We’re also the only season, I think—actually, I’m pretty confident—we’re the only season that still stays in touch as a group,” Aiken told The Pitch in October. “We don’t see each other very often, but we do keep in touch, and we’re friends.”
