[Yardstick]

Regardless of which singer wins the phone-in plebiscite, Clay is going to be the one with industry people burning up his phone lines. Ruben's a likable teddy bear with a pretty good voice, but Clay has star written all over him. His voice is better, his stage presence is better, his persona is intriguing... he's just got more of that natural X-factor that stars have. There are a thousand and one Ruben clones out there -- many with better voices, some that are even chubbier and cuddlier -- but Clay is a unique quanitity. Clay has won this thing hands down, whether the 1-800 tally registers it that way or not.

[WatchOutForSnakes]

No more needs to be said. I agree 100%. Short term it makes a difference. Long term Clay will be the bigger star.

[alisasny]

I am ready to deal with either or or

[Theresa]

"but Clay has star written all over him. His voice is better, his stage presence is better, his persona is intriguing... he's just got more of that natural X-factor that stars have."

Right! Clay would be so much more versatile too. Ruben just stands there and sings...that's all he can do because he is just so very fat. But Clay can learn to dance and do musicals.. he can move on stage. He's just got more potential to do concerts and other things but stand in one place and sing. My thought is that the industry wants Clay.