When Clay Aiken made a significant decision in 2008 by coming out to the world, it marked a turning point in his life and career. This bold move not only affected his public persona but also had a profound impact on various aspects of his life.

Unveiling Clay Aiken's Transformative Path

Coming Out in 2008

In 2008, Clay Aiken's life took a dramatic turn when he chose to come out to the world. Just after the birth of his son, Parker, on August of that year, the American Idol alum revealed his sexual orientation on the cover of PEOPLE. At the age of 29, Aiken emphasized the importance of honesty and integrity as a new father. He believed that he couldn't raise a child to hide or lie. This decision was the first he made as a father, and it set the stage for significant changes in his life.During that time, Aiken was starring on Broadway's Spamalot. He noticed a drastic change in ticket sales immediately after coming out. The first four months of his performance saw the show selling out with standing room only. However, the week after the cover came out, ticket sales dropped significantly. Spamalot ended up closing a few months later. This experience showed the different attitudes towards such matters in that era.

Reflecting on the Past

Now 46 years old, Aiken is looking back on that moment with PEOPLE. He realizes that a large part of his public persona was centered around the speculation about his sexuality. Although he is glad to have cleared the air, it came at a cost. Back then, it was a big deal, and he lost a significant portion of his fan base. He mentioned that he lost around 50 percent of his followers.However, Aiken has no regrets. He is thrilled to know that the world has changed and that such situations are no longer the norm. He points out that many people who come out now experience a boost in popularity. This is a remarkable change from what happened when he came out. It indicates that there has been progress, and the country is moving in the right direction.

Return to Music

On November 22, Aiken released a holiday album after more than a decade away from the music scene. Titled Christmas Bells Are Ringing, the album celebrated tradition and nostalgia with beloved holiday standards by greats like Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole, and Paul McCartney. Aiken wanted to create an album that focused on the essence of Christmas - nostalgia. It is that time of the year when we look back on the past year and reflect on our memories.After coming in second place on Idol, Aiken embarked on a nationwide tour and made his Broadway debut. He achieved remarkable success, being the first Idol alum to have his first single debut at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, earn a platinum single, and score a triple-platinum album. His musical journey has been a remarkable one, and his return to music with this holiday album is a welcome addition to his career.