Clay Aiken on holiday delusion, Shawn Mendes & being closeted on ‘Idol’: “America knew before me!”

Clay Aiken knows a thing or two about nationwide votes with disappointing outcomes.

The singer and erstwhile politician first made a name for himself in 2003 on the biggest stage possible: American Idol. The competition was already a phenomenon by the time the world met a sweet Southern guy named Clay in season two. He may not have looked like a traditional pop star—at least, according to Simon Cowell—but had charm and a stunning voice that made him a major fan favorite.

From the moment he walked through those audition doors, the public began to speculate over his sexuality. The singer still remembers headlines and TV broadcasts openly wondering, “Is Clay gay?”, and he certainly didn’t have an answer for them because he was still

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