I’ve been a Clay Aiken fan ever since American Idol season 2 in 2003. In fact, it was because of Clay that I started watching AI. I have all of his cd’s, gigabytes of videos that I’ve downloaded, and seen him in concert 3 times.

I can honestly say he has touched my heart. Not just his music, but the man himself. Not only does he have the voice of an angel, he’s a teacher, born again Christian, loves children, founded the Bubel Aiken Foundation which supports children with disabilities, and an ambassador for Unicef. He’s intelligent, witty, funny and snarky at times. He’s never understood why he was considered a sex symbol to some. He’s the real deal.

There have been rumors over the past few years that he is gay. I read the stories, but chose not to believe them. Clay had stated that he was not gay, and that was good enough for me.

I heard rumors earlier this year that Clay was going to become a dad, but not through the usual way. Again I read the stories, but dismissed the rumors since I had not heard any confirmation from Clay.

Clay became a dad in August. His best friend, Jaymes Foster, became pregnant through in vitro fertilization. They are parents of a beautiful little boy named Parker Foster Aiken. James says Clay is “An Incredible Caregiver.”

This past week I read an article in People magazine where Clay admitted that he was gay. Clay had said years ago that he was not gay, and in recent years refused to discuss his sexuality with the media. Here’s the link to the story, “I’m a Gay Dad.” I even thought about getting rid of my memorabilia, but then realized I would only be hurting myself because I truly love his music.

While I admit I don’t understand whether being gay is in the genes or a choice, I don’t have the right to judge him or any other person. Gay or not, he is still the same person he was when I first became enamored with him. His personal life and sexuality are no one else’s business but his own. I will proudly remain a fan despite what others may say.

My favorite new cd is the soundtrack from the movie “Mamma Mia!” I remember listening to Abba back in the 80′s, but never really got into them.

My DIL started talking about the movie coming out several months ago, so when the trailer started being shown on television, my interest peaked.

As a result, I now have the movie soundtrack as well as the Broadway soundtrack (both are available on iTunes.) I haven’t seen the movie yet, but it’s definitely on my “to do” list.

If it hadn’t been for music, oldies music to be exact, I never would have met my husband. We actually met online in 1987 on QLink when he was hosting an oldies music trivia game. But that’s another story to tell.

I love all kinds of music, oldies, country, pop, and a little rock. My favorite male artists are varied; Toby Keith, Josh Groban, David Cook and Clay Aiken. My favorite female artist is Carrie Underwood, and my favorite group is Sugarland.

I love the music from the 60′s, Dennis Yost and the Classics IV, Gary Puckett and the Union Gap, The Association, Neil Diamond and the Motown music. I was never really that crazy about the Beatles, but I did like the Monkees. Never got into the Rolling Stones either. They just weren’t my type.

The Carpenters, Barbra Streisand, Jim Croce, Neil Diamond and Elton John were my favorites in the 70′s. I loved the music from the movies “A Star is Born” and “The Jazz Singer”.

My taste in music changed in the 80′s. There was just something about that era that didn’t appeal to me. About the only artists I remember liking then were Barbra Streisand, Bonnie Tyler, Heart and Alabama. I discovered Yanni in the late 80′s and have liked him ever since.

In the early 90′s, I switched from pop to country music entirely. Toby Keith was the first artist that got me interested, but I was soon hooked on all the country artists of that era.

It wasn’t until the second season of American Idol 2 when I discovered Clay Aiken that I even began to listen to pop music again. I must admit I love American Idol. I’ve been hooked on it since Season 2 when Clay Aiken came in second place. I’ve seen him in concert three times, and have all of his cd’s. My kids tell me I’m obsessed with him.

I was really surprised this year when David Cook became my favorite contestant. Even though he’s a rocker, and I don’t listen to much rock, I absolutely love his music! Now I’m kinda torn between the two. While I think Clay has the better voice, there’s something about David’s that has captured me too.