As we watched Hannah Harper win “American Idol” season 24 this week, we also got to witness something else very special during the Idol Finale: the return of Clay Aiken. During the Season 24 finale, the 46-year-old “American Idol” finalist took to the stage to perform his new single, “Rewind.” This is his first new single in 18 years, so why the delay? Aiken addresses that question below in our “American Idol” spoilers.
18 Years Since Last Single
Clay appeared on KTLA to talk about his new single. While on the show, they asked him why it took him 18 years to release another single.
The reason? Clay had a son. He said, “I had a kid, and I didn’t want to be on the road when he was growing up, so I took quite a bit of time off.”
Aiken continued, joking about his son wanting him to get back out with making music, “Now he’s 18, and wants me to go the heck away.”
Clay added, “I’m heading into this empty-nest phase. I always knew I wanted to get back eventually and listen to songs here and there. Then, this one came along, and I was like, that’s the one because it talks about rewind, and the nostalgia that I think everyone is excited for now.”
Fans React to New Single
While KTLA shared the interview on social media, the Claymates were quick to jump in the comments and share their love for Aiken.
One user wrote, “Clay is still the best of the best Idols,” and another added, “The song is awesome! Clay, thank you for coming back!”
Another fan wrote, “It’s such a good song and Clay sounds amazing on it!”
Having Fun At the Idol Finale
Clay may have made his way onto the “American Idol” stage to perform his new single and then duet with season 24 contestant Braden Rumfelt. However, it looks like he was having fun during his time back on the show.
It looks like the social media team wanted to make some new content, so they brought Clay into the mix. It turned into him dancing to a Taylor Swift song, and both fan bases were losing it.
This fan wrote, “MY WORLDS (Claymate & Swiftie) HAVE COLLIDED! 😍 Clay, I an 6 months younger than Taylor and can’t figure out that dance so I think you did a great job! 👏🏻 🫶🏻,” while this person write, “Nailed it tho 💃🏼 I love this crossover.”
One fan called him out, saying, “We all know you just loveeee social media though LOL 😉.”
Another fan wrote, “Sardonic and Iconic!! 💯, “ while another fan added, “I needed that laugh today.”
There were many comments regarding the outfit Aiken chose for his performance. Like it or not, it’s what Clay chose to wear and he seemed very comfortable in it. One person wrote, “A little Harry, a little Adam Lambert, a little Bowie. 😍👞👖”
What do you think of Clay’s new single?
Best song Clay has ever recorded and that is saying a lot. Fabulous!