Clay Aiken has revisited his contentious relationship with Simon Cowell, decades after finishing as the runner-up on the second season of 'American Idol.' The 47-year-old singer recalled the criticism he received from the reality show mogul, who allegedly made a snide remark about his appearance when Aiken became a pop icon.
Clay Aiken Remembers Being Called 'Ugly' by Simon Cowell
Aiken, whose debut album went multi-platinum, remembered that Simon Cowell stated he did not look great but had a good voice. When asked whether the reality show judge's method of comments actually works for the show, Clay Aiken responded in an interview with TV Insider, 'He called me ugly. Is that what you're saying?' Furthermore, the 'Rewind' singer explained that Cowell came from the world of entertainment, 'Simon came from a world where it was all about the image, not necessarily looks. It was all about the image. In my audition, he said that I didn't look like a pop star, but that I had a great voice.'
Debate Over Looks vs. Talent in 2003
Speaking about 2003, Clay Aiken expressed that there was a great dilemma at the time, whether the country was going to vote for contestants who looked like pop stars or who sang better. Naming the participants who were the Top 12 of Season 2, the singer stated, 'Carmen Rasmusen – gorgeous! Trenyce, gorgeous! Kimberly Caldwell, gorgeous! And then you had me, and well, Ruben, who was a big guy.'
About Clay Aiken's 'American Idol' Season
Commenting on the warmth between the judges and contestants, Aiken shared that Simon Cowell was always supportive and gave a hug after someone got cut. In 'American Idol Season 2,' Ruben Studdard took the title home on the show that garnered millions of views. However, Clay Aiken came in a close second after getting consistent votes throughout the season.
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