Clay Aiken is celebrating a major milestone for his son.
The former “American Idol” finalist marked Parker’s recent birthday by giving fans a rare glimpse at his now-grown son.
Aiken shared a photo of Parker perched on the wing of an airplane, and the teenager’s resemblance to his famous father quickly caught followers’ attention.
Fans Can’t Get Over the Resemblance
Several fans commented on how much Parker has grown over the years, with some saying he looks remarkably similar to Aiken.
“Happy Birthday to Parker! Clearly he has been raised surrounded by loving parents and family. Really a cute guy!!” one person wrote.
Another fan admitted, “I can’t believe he’s 18! I was in high school when you announced his birth!!”
“Happy Birthday, Parker!” another commenter added.
Others praised Parker as he begins adulthood, with one fan writing, “Happy Birthday, Parker! What a handsome young man (and pilot) you have become. A wonderful combination of both of your parents. I hope you have enjoyed your special day.”
“I am…speechless. Happy birthday, grown man!!” another person commented.
Parker is Aiken’s son with his longtime friend Jaymes Foster, who is the sister of music producer and composer David Foster.
Parker Wants to Be a Pilot
While Aiken has largely kept his son’s life private, he has previously opened up about Parker’s career ambitions.
The teenager has been working toward becoming a pilot, a goal Aiken said his son has maintained for years.
“He’s known what he wants to do for, gosh, his whole life,” Aiken previously told PEOPLE. “It was a little weird to me because I didn’t know what I wanted to do — I still don’t.”
According to Aiken, Parker has remained committed to aviation and has already reached an important milestone in his training.
“He just went and did his first solo flight two weeks ago, so a big milestone there,” Aiken said. “Now we’re planning on the next one, which I’ll need even more Xanax for.”
Aiken explained that Parker’s first solo flight involved flying laps around an airport. His next solo flight, however, is expected to be a much bigger test, with Parker planning to fly across the state.
“I’m not going to be able to see the plane,” Aiken joked. “You’re gonna have to sedate me. Just call an anesthesiologist because I don’t have the nerves for that.”
Despite his nerves, Aiken said he has confidence in his son’s abilities. Parker’s instructors have reportedly praised his skills, and Aiken said his son has been focused on becoming a pilot for years.
“His instructors all have said he’s better than the adults that they’ve taught,” Aiken said. “I’m not worried about his skill level. I’m worried about the plane.”
The proud dad also admitted that news of aviation accidents has made watching his son pursue the dream particularly stressful.
“My blood pressure broke the cuff because that was in the news around this time,” Aiken said. “He knows what he’s doing.”
Aiken added that Parker looks up to pilot Sully Sullenberger and hopes to reach the same level of expertise.
As Parker celebrates 18, his dad appears to be balancing pride in his son’s accomplishments with the understandable nerves that come with watching him take to the skies.
