American Idol

Clay Aiken signs copies of his new CD, On My Way Here, Tuesday at the Virgin Megastore in New York City.

American Idol’s most famous runner-up, Clay Aiken, took time out of his busy schedule playing on Broadway in Spamalot to sign a few hundred CDs for fans just down the street from the theater where he performs eight shows a week.

Aiken celebrated today’s release of his CD On My Way Here with a signing at the Virgin Megastore in Times Square. The first 300 fans to buy the CD at the store were given a wristband and the opportunity to meet the singer for an autograph.

I haven’t had a chance to hear the entire disc, but I certainly would like to hear what other fans have to say. I also know there will be plenty of chances to catch Aiken on TV in the coming days. His schedule includes appearances Wednesday on Good Morning America, Thursday on The View and Friday on The Today Show. Now that’s a whole lot of Aiken opportunities.

American Idol, Clay Aiken

Season 2 finalist Clay Aiken, seen here in a photo from his role in Broadway’s Spamalot, has been the center of sexuality conversations for years. Just this week, ABC News reported a story that suggests Aiken may be asexual.

There has been much speculation about the sexuality of a handful of male contestants in previous seasons of American Idol. But nobody has been allowed (or so some now out contestants say) to compete as openly gay — until now, perhaps.

Last night, Iowa native Leo Marlowe made it through to Hollywood after saying, “My mom always said she raised the perfect homecoming queen, too bad it wasn’t one of her daughters.” Simon praised him, even for being open about who he was without being obnoxious.

Cowell has been criticized in past seasons for his comments against more feminine male contestants. In Season 5, he suggested contestant Charles Berry shave his beard and wear a dress, “Because he would make a great female impersonator.” Not exactly a glowing review.

So, in a season where producers are promising to focus more on the contestant’s background, could Idol be bracing itself for the possibility of a gay winner?

It would make sense, especially considering the history of the show. The original Pop Idol winner, Will Young, is openly gay. He was the first reality Idol of any kind in the world, and he has found fair success in the industry. Young currently is working on his fourth album.

Then there’s the big gay history of American Idol. Season 1 featured Jim Verarros, an openly gay singer-turned-actor, who said in many interviews he was not allowed to discuss his sexuality during the show. But he also said he doesn’t think the show is anti-gay.

“I really don’t think that they’re trying to single out gay and transgendered people,” he told gay Web site AfterElton.com in 2006.

In October 2006, Season 1 finalist RJ Helton made headlines by publicly coming out on a SIRIUS Satellite Radio talk show. There had been speculation about Helton’s sexuality, but he also was known for his religion. Helton previously had released an inspirational CD, Real Life, in 2004.

“I can have a faith but can’t be who I want to be. So a lot of it was just personal things I needed to overcome and just be proud of who I was,” Helton said on the radio show. “… Just because I am gay does not mean I can’t love God.”

Anwar Robinson, a Season 4 finalist, was outed — sort of — when bloggers found a “man seeking man” posting on BlackPlanet.com in March 2005. Again, many people say Robinson never was closeted. His sexuality didn’t come up when I talked to him last year.

Then, the most famous of all speculation cases is Clay Aiken. The Season 2 runner-up’s sexuality is a favorite discuss for fans of the show. Just this week, ABC News released a story suggesting Aiken may be asexual. In a world where there are much larger issues to focus on than sexuality, it seems odd ABC — a network most would say is a reputable news source — would spend time talking to experts about his sexuality. Then, again, we’re also living in a world where Britney Spears making making daily headlines for going to Starbucks is the norm.

So, will Leo Marlowe or any other contestant this season be allowed to stand on the Idol stage, say, “I’m gay,” and still get America’s support? Will they be able to recognize their same-sex significant other in the audience? I’m just not sure. I guess we’ll have to wait for the possibility of an openly gay singer to break through the Top 24.

American Idol, Clay Aiken, Jim Verarros, Anwar Robinson, RJ Helton, Leo Marlowe

And … we’re back.

Tonight Ryan Seacrest and the American Idol gang hit Charleston, S.C.

7 p.m.
After the first contestant had to leave the line because his wife’s water broke, Raysharde Henderson enters the room. He thinks he’s Clay Aiken. Of course, he’s not.

“God, it did remind me of Clay Aiken,” Simon said. “… I wouldn’t have been surprised if you would have done a magic trick in between.”

OK, Simon. That definitely was a good one. And I agree.

Deanna Prevatte

Next up is a waitress from Kellie Pickler’s hometown. Deanna Prevatte, 26, has the same silliness as Kellie, but she doesn’t have the pipes — at least not to sing Fancy. But she tried, even though she seemed a bit angry. Enthusiasm was lacking, to say the least.

So, unlike the last three cities, Charleston didn’t get started on a high note — at least not one that was in tune. Back after the commercial …

7:11 p.m.
Here comes a nerdy couple. Guess where they met? The American Idol Web site message boards. Oh, goodness.

Randy Stark and Crystal Ortiz

Randy Stark and Crystal Ortiz probably should keep it to the message boards. Because, they were not good. And Randy probably should stop giving advice on the message boards, as it turns out.

Another couple is up next — this time it’s a brother and sister team. The two are a little outrageous. This is going to be great.

Michelle and Jeffery Lampkin, as it turns out, are really pretty great singers. As a duet, they have something to offer. I’m not sure about solo artists. Together, though, they’re entertaining. Maybe it’s just the enthusiasm. But Jeffery definitely shines.

“Dawg, I thought you were the bomb,” Randy Jackson said. ” … Yes, to Jeffery.”

“I say ‘yes’ to Jeffery, and ‘yes’ to Michelle,” Paula said. And Simon agreed.

“I can’t split you two up,” Simon said.

7:23 p.m.
If they don’t sound bad enough on their own, make them sing a Carrie Underwood song. Yikes.

A captain on her high school dance team, 16-year-old Amy Flynn, is up next. After she’s done preaching abstinence (what’s up with that this season?), Amy takes on Reflections by Christina Aguilera. It’s not perfect, but she does have a sweet, innocent voice in there somewhere.

“I, personally, thought the song was too big for you,” Simon said. “… A lot of people are going to find you annoying, Amy.”

Still, Simon votes “yes.” As does Randy.

7:35 p.m.

London Weidberg

London Weidberg, 24, took care of her father until he died. A professional musician, she put her life and career on hold for her family. Now, she’s singing Billie Holiday to try and win over the judges.

Randy’s not sure it’s the best. Paula liked it. So did Simon, though he thought she was like a million other singers.

Still, it’s “Welcome to Hollywood!” for London.

London was one of 15 contestants to make it through on the first day of auditions in Charleston. Still to come, a baby’s bound to be delivered (they’re really milking that storyline tonight), and more terrible singers. How much longer until Hollywood Week? I’m getting a bit anxious.

DAY 2 — 7:42 p.m.
“I am expecting better today,” Simon said as the judges entered the room.

First up is Air Force pilot Lyndsey Goodman. She already has the military connection going in her favor, but can she sing? She tries with Black Velvet. I’m not sure she’s good enough for Idol. Nor do the judges, which surprised me.

Aretha Codner

She was named after Aretha Franklin, and she claims to be as good as Fantasia. So, why wouldn’t Aretha Codner try to sing some Whitney Houston? Even after messing up the lyrics, she carries on with her audition. It wasn’t good — not as bad as some of the folks entering this room — but it’s not good.

It’s an obvious “no” to Hollywood.

Joshua Boson is worse. His rendition of Jennifer Hudson’s Dreamgirls hit is a disaster. You’re not going to love him.

“I can sing something else,” Joshua proclaims, trying to make a case for himself. “… This show is fake and rigged.”

Of course, the baby is going to make it into the judging room. Even if the military factor didn’t work for Lyndsey, this guy has an almost guaranteed chance of making it before he sings a note. Talk about unfair early exposure.

7:56 p.m.
With the end of Charleston auditions nearing, it’s not looking so good for most of the folks entering the room. They’re mostly exiting without the golden tickets. There are tears. And disappointment.

Oliver Highman

But, as you would expect, Oliver Highman returns to the auditions as a new father. I have been annoyed by this story all night, but I must admit I kind of got chills when Oliver started singing. There are few men in this competition who are memorable. Unfortunately, Oliver isn’t really one of them — no matter how hard the producers pushed his story.

I have to admit I’m shocked he didn’t get through to Hollywood.

Still, somehow, 23 people made it through from Charleston. Next stop, Omaha.

Best of the night: Honestly, there weren’t a lot of memorable auditions from tonight — good or bad. One of the good singers who did stand out was Jeffery Lampkin, who auditioned with his sister Michelle. Still, I don’t think he’s good enough to be the Season 7 winner. From what we saw tonight, I think it’s safe to say the winner likely will not be from the Charleston auditions.

American Idol, Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell, Ryan Seacrest

Clay Aiken isn’t talking about “it.”

It, as it turns out, is his sexuality. And the fight the Season 2 American Idol runner-up allegedly had with a woman on a plane last year.

During a recent interview with Newsweek to promote his work on Broadway’s The Monty Python’s Spamalot, writer Ramin Setoodeh began asking the personal questions that ended up cutting the interview short.

“I’m not going to talk about it,” Aiken reportedly responded after the questions.

Trying to salvage the interview, Setoodeh apparently gave Aiken a chance to talk about what he wanted. But it was too late.

“We’re done,” Aiken said. “I thought Newsweek would be more reputable. I’m surprised. This is Newsweek. It’s not the National Enquirer.”

While I don’t think it’s necessarily crucial to ask such personal questions, I’m shocked Aiken was taken by surprise when the questions were asked. After all, look at the criticism other stars get these days. It just comes with the territory — no matter if it’s from Star Magazine or Newsweek. Everyone wants the juicy personal stuff.

Clay Aiken, American Idol, Season 2