Saw Ruben and Clay on with Couric the other day, and Regis and dingdong the last two days. I am in total AWE of Clay's voice! There are very few artists that can sound that good live consistently. And, if you haven't already, you can hear a snipet of Clay's recording voice on the AI CD at Amazon - I think it's the same song coming out on his single - it is absolutely breathtaking...with today's technology almost anyone that can somewhat carry a tune can make a decent CD - but Clay's sound and natural musicality is so fresh and unique. I also noticed he's still at number 1.
As far as Ruben, whoever did the arrangement of "Superstar" that he's stuck with should be shot! He sang it on the Today Show - I didn't think it would ever end. And from the way he's performing it, it seems he's not sold on it either. I still think Ruben has a good voice, but if they don't get him some better songs and arrangements, he's gonna be a has been in no time because he has so little personality, and there's nothing behind the voice to carry him through the bad songs.
Howlin - the "gay" stuff seems to be homophobia and jealousy. Clay reminds me so much of at least a dozen guys in high school and college...talented, geeky-type kids that were always in the musicals and that became their identity. Everyone of them I can think of is happily married with a slew of kids. In fact two of them came back home to marry two of the most popular "cheerleader types" from high school. And, yes musicians on the whole are more sensitive, some give off the vibe more than others and it's often misinterpreted. All the people in Raleigh should be (and I'm sure they are) extremely proud. Most pop singers have about a 5-year career expectancy, I expect to be hearing about Clay well past that! Sorry to ramble on, but I honestly have not been so excited about a "pop" singer's voice in a very long time - he is truly a rare talent.
BTW - a new talent show starts tonight on NBC - anyone going to watch?