- Was a special education major at UNC-Charlotte
- His biological father, Vernon Grissom, died February 27, 2004. His stepfather, Ray Parker, died on July 4, 2002.
- Shortened Clayton to Clay after a suggestion from the producers of American Idol (2002).
- Was born with a collapsed lung.
- Changed his last name, Grissom, to his mother's maiden name, Aiken.
- Has sold more albums and had more #1s then any other "American Idol" contestant behind Kelly Clarkson.
- He is allergic to many kinds of foods, including all tree nuts. He is not allergic to peanuts, which grow on a vine.
- Had first child with friend Jaymes Foster-Levy at 8:08 am on August 8, 2008 - a boy, Parker Foster Aiken. (August 2008)
- Founded the Bubel/Aiken Foundation to include children with developmental disabilities in activities with typical children. Named the foundation for Mike Bubel, a boy with autism that he worked with in North Carolina. Mike's mother Diane persuaded him to audition for American Idol.
- Was the one and only contestant on the 2nd season of American Idol that was never voted in the bottom two or three.
- Worked for the YMCA in Raleigh, North Carolina
- His freshman album, Measure of a Man, shipped double platinum.
- Recorded two CDs entitled "Redefined" and "Look What Love Has Done" prior to American Idol. These CDs are no longer available.
- In the first week of the release of his single, it sold over 393,000 copies, the most since Elton John's "Candle in the Wind".
- His single, 'This Is The Night', went platinum in the US, and 6 times platinum in Canada.
- His song, "The Way", was co-written by Enrique Iglesias.
- His first album went triple platinum.
- First book, titled Learning to Sing, came out on November 19th, 2004.
- Got his first name (Clayton) from his grandmother's maiden name. He claims it is a Southern Tradition. (Source: "Learning to Sing: Hearing the Music In Your Life," by Clay Aiken)
- Ranked #18 in TV Guide's list of "TV's 25 Greatest Teen Idols" (23 January 2005 issue).
- His first son Parker Foster Aiken weighed in at 6 lbs, 2 oz.
- He shared a house in L.A with former "American Idol" contestant, 'Kimberley Locke'.
- Plans to release one album in 2004, a Christmas album
- As of April 15, 2004, his single, "Solitaire," sold 191,132 copies.
- Christmas album, titled Merry Christmas with Love, came out on November 16th, 2004.
- Had three major tours in the year 2004 (The Independent Tour in Spring, the Clay Aiken Solo Tour 2004 in Summer, and the Joyful Noise Tour in Winter)
- 5 September 2006 - President George W. Bush selected him to serve on the President's Committee for People With Intellectual Disabilities.
- Has said that former "Avalon" member Jody McBrayer is one of his favorite singers, and was a big inspiration to him.
- Released "The Way" the second single from his album, Measure of a Man. (February 2004)
- New album "A Thousand Different Ways" is in the making, due for release September 19 2006 (August 2006)
- Released CD album "On My Way Here." (May 2008)
- On Broadway as Sir Robin in Monty Python's Spamalot until May 4th (2008)
- Preparing to release Christmas album. (October 2004)
- Preparing to release new book, "Learning to Sing". (October 2004)
- JukeBox Tour (August 2005)
- Mother is Faye Aiken Parker; late step-father, Ray Parker; step-brother, Jeff; step-sister, Amy and half-brother, Brett.
- Shares a birthday with the following celebrities: Ben Stiller, 80s punk rocker Billy Idol, 8 Simple Rules (2002) star Kaley Cuoco, 24 (2001) star Elisha Cuthbert and Dick Clark.
- Baby son with Jaymes Foster-Levy, Parker Foster Aiken, born on August 8th 2008 at 8:08 AM in North Carolina.
- On his Christmas tour, The Joyful Noise Tour (November 2004)
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