After a decade-long hiatus from the music industry, former "American Idol" runner-up Clay Aiken is making a triumphant return to the holiday music scene with his new album, "Christmas Bells Are Ringing." As the North Carolina native prepares to reintroduce himself to the public, he reflects on his journey, the changing landscape of the entertainment industry, and his renewed passion for the timeless art of Christmas music.

Unwrapping a Timeless Tradition

Embracing the Classics

Clay Aiken's new Christmas album, "Christmas Bells Are Ringing," marks his first major musical release since 2004's chart-topping "Merry Christmas With Love." In the intervening years, the 45-year-old singer has explored various avenues, including a stint on "Celebrity Apprentice" and two unsuccessful bids for Congress. However, Aiken's true passion has always been music, and he's eager to reconnect with his fans through the universal language of holiday tunes."I can't say I grew up loving Perry Como and Andy Williams, but those albums stand the test of time," Aiken says. "Christmas is supposed to be cozy, and I wanted to capture that essence with this set list." Rather than attempting to reinvent the wheel, Aiken has opted to embrace the traditional sounds and sentiments that have made Christmas music a beloved part of the holiday season for generations.

Timeless Tunes, Timely Return

The decision to release a Christmas album at this juncture in Aiken's career was a strategic one. After spending the last decade immersed in the political arena, the singer-turned-politician-turned-singer again felt a strong pull to return to his musical roots. "I've spent the last 10 years in the political world, and I'm cured of that," he admits. "I got to a place where I couldn't stomach the political thing anymore."Aiken recognizes that while individual musical styles may become dated over time, the enduring appeal of Christmas music provides a timeless platform for his comeback. "Everybody's music at some point becomes dated, but Christmas survives," he explains. "If I'm going to be gone for 15-to-20 years, I want to come back to something that's timeless."

Reclaiming the Stage

With "Christmas Bells Are Ringing" set to drop on November 22nd, Aiken is eager to reintroduce himself to the public and remind them of his vocal prowess. "I haven't been performing for years," he acknowledges. "So I'm going to spend this year reminding people that I can sing and I'm still around."While the prospect of touring may seem daunting after such a long hiatus, Aiken is no stranger to the rigors of live performance. His experience on "American Idol" and the subsequent tours that followed have equipped him with the resilience and adaptability to navigate the demands of the stage. "Once things become routine, you can find ways to make it fresh," he says.

The Changing Landscape of Stardom

Aiken's rise to fame during the "American Idol" era was a testament to the power of traditional media and the ability of a single television program to captivate a national audience. However, the singer acknowledges that the cultural impact of such reality singing competitions has waned in the face of the ever-evolving digital landscape."Probably not," Aiken says when asked if today's reality singing shows have the same cultural impact as "American Idol" did during his time. "Things became very saturated. We don't watch TV the same way we used to. We watch social media and streaming. It's tough, if not impossible, to get everybody watching the same thing."Despite the changing tides, Aiken's "American Idol" experience has left an indelible mark on his approach to the entertainment industry. The harsh critiques he faced on the show have instilled in him a thick skin and a resilience that has served him well throughout his career. "If you can sing on live TV knowing that a British dude is going to say something shitty to you, what is there to be nervous about now?" he quips.

Exploring New Frontiers

As Aiken looks to the future, he's eager to expand his creative horizons beyond the realm of music. One particular avenue that piques his interest is the world of voice acting, inspired by his close friendship with acclaimed voice artist Lea Salonga."I haven't done much, frankly," Aiken admits. "I've always wanted to voice a cartoon. I'm good friends with Lea Salonga, the voice of Mulan and Jasmine. I'm still jealous of her for that. I have a unique voice speaking voice too, so I'd be perfect for some 'King of the Hill'-type character."With his musical comeback firmly underway, Aiken is poised to explore new creative avenues and continue to evolve as an artist. His unwavering passion for the craft and his ability to adapt to the changing tides of the entertainment industry make him a compelling figure to watch in the years to come.