Look, we know Clay Aiken is a total famewhore and that every time we mention him, we’re just encouraging him. In fact, were it not for his obsession with working his way into the pages of grocery store tabloids, he would have gone the way Fantasia Barrino ages ago. Fantasia who? Exactly. That said, we much prefer him making it into the tabloid rags because he’s dating some cute Broadway dancer as opposed to being famous for soliciting online closeted hate sex.
Before you get all angry-faced, it’s the closeted part that’s bothersome, not the online sex. We’re crazy, not stupid. Anyway, here’s the latest from America’s only remaining magazine, Star:
“In the Dec. 22 issue of Star – on sale Wednesday – we report that along with his new baby and new life out of the closet, the former American Idol star has a new boyfriend to enjoy it with! The lucky fella? Broadway dancer Reed Kelly.
“Everybody knows Reed as Clay’s guy,” a Broadway insider says of the Wicked ensemble member. “Clay met him when he was doing Spamalot in early 2008, and that’s one of the reasons he came back to the show again.”
They even appeared together at Rosie O’Donnell’s Building Dreams for Kids gala last month. “It was obvious they were a couple,” a partygoers says.”
Quill
Which one’s the guy, again? 😉
Cam
It’s just sad when you see that. I mean, obviously the guy is largly attracted to Clay’s money and fame. Not trying to be a jerk, but there is a large yawning distance between their appearences.
Shane
Clay is by far the better looking one.
Alan down in Florida
Give it up guys. He came out, he’s got a boyfriend. Wish them well and leave them alone. Everyone deserves a shot at happiness. Appreciate the happiness in your own lives and leave them to enjoy theirs. Geesh,
Woof
@Alan down in Florida: As much as I can’t stand Aiken (especially after the Rosie Live crap)….well said Alan, well said.
mikeandrewsdantescove
I’m happy for Clay and now a bigger fan of his since he came out. Mr. Aitken should release a dance remix album of all this hits.
As for his new man, he’s good looking and congratulations.
Mike Andrews
Dante’s Cove Remix 2008
I T U N E S
Ray
any snide comment i make would only be because i’m jealous. that’s one cute dancer.
Leland Frances
Anyone else find it, oh, what shall we call it, “inconsistent,” “odd,” “inexplicable,” “hypocritical,” that Queerty is a Charter Member of the Anything Closeted Coward Anderson Cooper Does Is OK Club, reporting with a giggly boner everytime he so much as farts, and, yet, are still crucifying Clay Aiken after HE’s come out when, newsflash, Aiken had far more to lose in terms of livelihood than Cooper does.
Not expressing an opinion, of course. Just asking, as well as pointing out that, by Queerty standards, we should all have forgiven Dan White for murdering Harvey Milk because, afterall, he was far hotter.
Nitesurf
I’d rather smell Anderson’s farts than Clay’s. I’m sure they’re a far more superior quality.
Japhy Grant
@Leland Frances: Um, we call Cooper a hypocrite or say things like “It’s hard watching Anderson Cooper anchor a segment about gay rights — particularly, gay marriage — when he can’t even acknowledge where he stands on the issue” ALL THE TIME.
I mean, we enjoy the outrage and all, but prefer it to be based at least somewhat in reality.
ChristopherM
Oh lawd, Miss Frances needs her blood pressure checked again!
Jeff Reichenbacher
Gentlemen:
Your meanspirited comments about Clay Aiken are disappointing. I am not a fan of his. I do resoect his courage in the midst of a viable career and despite the conventional, albeit erroneous, wisdom that it’s better to remain closeted, to out himself and get paid for it. His actions reinforce the message that the GLBT community is part of the fabric of humanity, deserving of respect and equality. It is disturbing that so many members of our community with a public profile are afraid to be open about who they are, as if being gay is a terrible thing that needs to be hidden from the public. You recently featured a young model on “Morning Wood” (“Genre” cover, NY agency) who apparently succumbs to the fear that it’s not ok to acknowledge being gay. This model self identifies as “straight” and “in a relationship” on his myspace while his boyfriend’s myspace pics blatantly out him. How sad. Unlike former popstar Lance Bass, Aiken had something to lose, and Bass, T.R.Knight and Neil Patrick Harris, were “outed” by bloggers/the press/compelling events. Aiken is providing an example to the ignorant and prejudiced amongst his fanbase that being gay does not necessarily mean you aren’t a good singer/entertainer, you cannot be a good dad, you are deserving of equal rights, etc. Why not direct your comments to those who merit them, allegedly closeted family like Anderson, Sam, Michael, Sean, Sean, Lee, Ed, Van, etc. Love him or hate him, Aiken outed himself and prior to doing so never claimed to have a crush on Katie Holmes or Angelina.
Best,
Jeff
Leland Frances
Forgive us, Japhy, ma chere, but it’s just that when we went to school [one room; Lincoln cut the ribbon] they taught us that “all the time†meant “ALL the time†even without putting all the words in ALL CAPS.
So, we can only conclude that you didn’t right the valentines to Coward Cooper without any mention of his hypocrisy on:
December 1st:
queerty.com/anderson-cooper-bares-his-brawn-20081201/
OR November 25th:
queerty.com/anderson-cooper-jetting-off-for-lovers-escape-20081125/#comments
OR November 5th:
http://www.queerty.com/anderson-cooper-still-loves-reality-tv-20081105/#comments
OR, well,…..
Shea
I wish them well. Cute couple!
Gregoire
Clay Aiken is dating Pinocchio?
Jose
1) Anderson is a journalist. He shouldn’t voice his opinion on anything. People forget that sometimes. No matter what issue, there should be no godly reason why he takes a public stance on anything.
2) Please don’t say Fantasia was forgotten. Lest we forget, she did have a #1 song just last year!! And the girl’s been nominated for six Grammys as well. She might not be as famous as Aiken (for obvi reasons) but she hasn’t been forgotten at all!
ChristopherM
Not all of us have your fortitude to be outraged 24 hours a day, Frances.
The Gay Numbers
Well, I am happy for him that he found a man.
By the way, some people here think everyone is attracted to just looks. Different things attract different people.
For some, power is very attractive. For others, it’s body. For others still, it something entirely different. I’ve learned not to judge what other people find attractive. Hell- how do you explain those younger guys who are doing well in their careers, and yet they are attracted to older guys? It happens is what I’ve learned.
BobP
Really boys, the nastiness towards CA here makes me cringe. Having a relationship is difficult enough without having your own “community” ridicule you. Lighten up and try being supportive for a change.
You give new meaning to the expression “catty queen”.
Leland Frances
Jose Maria, please! Coward Cooper hasn’t been a “journalist” in years! He’s a talking head hosting a talk show. If he’s a journalist then so is Regis Philbin.
In any case, I never asked him to take any position except one of honesty. Not all gays have the same positions on marriage or adoption, the military, or even job protection which Asshat er Andrew Sullivan has said we don’t need.
ChristopherM: No matter how much you spring to his defense, Coopermate, Anderson will never luv you. He doesn’t even know or care who the fuck you are.
The Gay Numbers
@Leland Frances: On the one hand you are right, but on the other I do appreciate his coverage of Africa over the years , which no one has borthered to cover at all. So I am of mixed emotions about him.
utf
Please, this guy is attracted to Clay’s money and fame. Clay looks like a goofus. What a waste. You gay folks can have him-no, please TAKE him!
The Gay Numbers
@utf: Why do straight people like yourself end up on obscure gay sites like this? Just curious.
Just a thought
Has anyone ever thought that maybe this dancer probably has some good money of his own?
I checked him out and he’s been in movies with Will Smith, Huge Grant and Drew Barrymore. And his biography says he has danced for a lot for big names like Cher, Insync, Elton John, Jessica Simpson.
I don’t think money can be the only motivation to be in a relationship with someone. Maybe Clay has a winning personality?? or dare I say it . gag . a big one?? Ha!
betty barely bothered
I agree with “Just A Thought”
There are other things to life than just money. They look good together. And if THEY are happy, than who really gives a sh&t?
Joseph
I think dude looks hot. Like whats his name? Jake G’nhall??
michael
@The Gay Numbers: Now you know the answer to that question silly boy and so does he. The sad part of it all is that none of us know who he is, none of us probably ever will yet people like this still hide. Its just a psychosis, they believe that they would die if they even admitted to themselves who they really are.
ChristopherM
@Leland Frances:
Frances, have you ever considered opening a bed and breakfast? You could call it the Hostile Hostel.
ChristopherM
And for the record, I think Cooper is a coward as well. I just don’t have my panties in a bunch about it regarding any given random thing like a fluff piece about Clay Gayken and his boytoy. Calm down, dear. Save the righteous indignation for something that matters.
Caitlin
i’m sorry i dont believe this shit. first off it came from Star magazine(not the most reliable magazine for telling the truth) and it came from a “source” who doesnt give there name. yeaaaah sorry not buying this one
hardmannyc
“Clay Aiken is dating Pinocchio?”
I think ski noses are adorable and he’s gorgeous. Suck it!
Charles J. Mueller
Here is a YouTube Video on Clay’s coming out. The announcer is a hoot. I’m still LMAO after watching it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GTwgYV301JI
samuel
Well, unlike most of you morons, I’ve actually met Aiken. He’s very tall, lean, has bedroom eyes and is one adorable manchild. I crushed on him for about a month until I found my own boytoy. He was very friendly and generous to those of us he worked with for the day. I think both he & this dancer make quite a striking couple. Apparently, they’ve been together most of this year, so it’s no brief fling.
utf
@The Gay Numbers:
Well, why do folks end up at train wrecks? Or building implosions? Same idea.
obiwan
First let’s get one thing straight(!)… Paris Hilton is a famewhore. Perez Hilton is a fugly famewhore. Clay Aiken actually does something for his fame (recording, touring, acting, hosting, loads of charity work). Whether it’s a career that you enjoy or not makes no difference. Many do & he’s been quite successful at it. And none of it included drugs, DUIs or showing up at every club, party or red carpet to get noticed (he’s basically a homebody). Second, there are many reasons to respect him. He is the first male celeb with an active & predominately female fanbase to come out, arguably at a fairly young age. He is the first gay celeb who is a single father to come out. He is the first gay celeb to define himself as a “born-again Christian” to come out. These are all characteristics that make him a role model to many young gay men who are struggling in their personal situations, as well as being an example to those in his fandom who are conservative types to rethink their prejudices. Make no mistake, he had much to lose. Perhaps you should walk in his shoes before you make judgements about how & when he came out. We should all realize that everyone has their own journey & none of us have faced the exact same pressures & family experiences that others have. I guarantee you none of us have faced the same career experiences & obstacles that Clay Aiken has. After reading his story & seeing his interview about how & why he came to the decision to come out with the birth of his son, I gained a lot of empathy for his position. It’s sad that we can’t all respect each other’s pain, encourage each other’s bravery & set compassionate examples for those who come after us. If I were a closeted entertainer (& we all know there are many), articles like this would do more to keep me in the closet than any religious zealot.
scott
Awesome for Clay!!! I’m so jealous. His BF looks hot. Baby. Hot BF. Tons of cash. Good voice. I want some of that.
Shane
Its all kinds of wrong to disparage one of our own when he is standing up and representing the young gay successful celebrities that we have wanted to be out and proud for bloody ever? Isn’t it time to get past the old habit of trashing this guy and start supporting him as the decent and talented guy that he is?
Marianne
@Jeff Reichenbacher:
I applaud you! You are soooooooooooooooo right!!!!
Lee
Clay Aiken used his fans to get rich then decided to come out when he knew his career was going nowhere and he needs to add a new kind of fan to keep his career going. Now he is using the gay population, playing on their sympathies to gain their support for his career. There are many people willing to be used. Aiken knows this and uses it to his advantage. He is a pig. I hope the gay population gives him the boot.
Thomas
@Lee # 40
I don’t buy that for a minute. It is clear that most gay guys are not fans of his. The weren’t supportive of him before he came out so why would Clay believe they would have a sudden change of heart? Just because he finally admitted he was gay publicly? I don’t see him “playing on their sympathies to gain their support for his career”. Has anyone even heard him address the gay community? I know I have not.
He has not made one attempt to vie for our support and I respect him for that. He came out on his own terms and has figured out that homosexuality is just one facet of his being. Yes, granted it took some scandal along the way for him to truly figure it out, but how many of us have gone through one thing or another before coming out ourselves? It just makes me sad that we want these people to come out and then we crucify them when they do for not doing it the way we wanted them to.
Guys, Clay Aiken aside, we would be better served to support our fellow gays rather than tearing them down. God only knows there are already enough people out there who are willing to do that without us jumping on that bandwagon too.
Those are just my thoughts.
Thomas Cleary
MizJulie
@Thomas: Well said, Thomas. And nobody has to support him by buying his CDs or attending his concerts (unless they like his music, of course…and if they do, they’d already be doing that). Support him by giving him an “atta boy” once in a while, or merely not adding to the cavalcade of insults that follow him wherever he goes.