Raleigh, N.C - In his hometown of Raleigh, N.C., there may be no doubt, but throughout the rest of the country, there is only hope—hope that just maybe, quite possibly Clay Aiken, the 24-year-old American Idol finalist and singing sensation might not be gay, but instead be just "really sensitive."
With just three singers left competing for the once in a lifetime opportunity of instant fame and an all-but-guaranteed recording career, Clay Aiken sits on a perch that most amateurs can only dream of. In just 16 weeks, the gangly southerner with the big ears and giant voice has become the dreamboat recipient of puppy love crushes all over the country.
There are group prayers. There are makeshift candlelit shrines dedicated to the towheaded breakout star, known just as much for his kind words towards his competition and tireless work with autistic children as he is for belting out such classics as "Unchained Melody" and "Solitaire."
The girls scream his name. They write love letters. But are they kidding themselves?
Jamie Winters and her friends at Raleigh High School are adamant. Clay Aiken is the sweetest, cutest and most sensitive contestant on American Idol, they say. And they wish he will someday marry one of them or perhaps escort them to prom.
"His eyes are so romantic," the 15-year-old freshman gushes after watching him perform Tuesday night. "I bet he would make an incredible boyfriend or husband. He sings with so much love and passion. And he takes care of retarded kids!"
But is the love and passion the same kind Paul Anka once sang or the kind that is illegal in several states, including North Carolina?
"He is gayer than the gayest gay guy in the entire gay world," says 16-year-old Josh Austin, who dated Winters for two months just before the second American Idol season began. "I am so sick of every girl in this state talking about that gay guy. He's so gay my butt hurts just looking at him."
"How many times do I have to tell you," Winters retorts in what clearly is an ongoing argument between the couple. "He was never good at sports so he developed his other talents instead. That doesn't mean he's gay!"
"Gay, gay, gay, gay, gay, gay, gay," Austin taunts.
"I bet he's a great kisser and wouldn't push a girl to go farther than she was comfortable with," Winters says loudly. "He would be gentle and take it slow and write poetry and hold your hand in church. It's obvious he's still a virgin."
"Oh God, maybe he is gay."