Clayton Holmes Grissom, known as Clay Aiken, is a famous American singer, songwriter, actor, TV personality and author who has a net worth of $6 million. Since the beginning of his career Aiken has released six studio albums and co-authored a novel. He was the second-placed contestant in the second season of the singing competition called “American Idol”. This success of a young singer wasn’t unexpected – his powerful charming voice and impeccable behavior helped him to achieve popularity and increased Aiken’s net worth, and today he is definitely a genuine pop-star.
Clay Aiken was born on November 30, 1978 in Raleigh, North Carolina. He was interested in music as a young boy and sang in the church choir, local theatre productions and musicals.
His first step to a serious musical career was in 2003, when Aiken released his first studio album. The producer of the album was Clive Davis – together with a young talent they were able to create “Measure of a Man” which debuted at number 1 one the Billboard 200, and became the highest-selling album for a solo artist since 1993. Later in 2004 Clay Aiken released a holiday album “Merry Christmas with Love” and succeedd again – it set a new record for the fastest-selling holiday album since 1991 and even tied Celine Dion’s record of highest placed debut holiday album on the Billboard charts. His second studio album “A Thousand Different Ways” was released in 2006, and in the same year Clay Aiken, thanks to increased net worth, bought a lavish home in Durham, North Carolina, US. However, he didn’t live there for very long and today the house in on sale for $2.7 million.
Clay Aiken is also known as a philantrophist. Together with Diane Bubel they co-founded an organization NIP (National Inclusive Project) to support children with mental and physical problems so they could more easily communicate with other kids. He is also the National Ambassador of US Fund for UNICEF, and since 2005 Aiken has regularly visited children in different countries and to give them material support and countenance. Despite that Aiken’s net worth still rises. Clay Aiken’s salary also lets him make some political donations – for example, he donated $2,400 to Cal Cunningham for United States Senate election several times.
One of the main contributions to Clay Aiken’s net worth has come from his appearances in different TV shows. Multiple times he has appeared on The Tonight Show – an American talk show that usually airs late night, interviewing with Jay Leno – the famous TV host and comedian.
Nowadays Clay Aiken lives with his wife Jaymes Foster, the sister of Canadian musician and record producer David Foster, in North Carolina. On August 8, 2008 their son Parker Foster Aiken was born. Today the singer continues public activity and his career. His net worth continues to grow thanks to his successful career as a musician and famous personality on TV.
| Full Name | Clay Aiken |
| Net Worth | $6 Million |
| Date Of Birth | November 30, 1978 |
| Died | March 14, 1973, St. Louis, Missouri, United States |
| Place Of Birth | Raleigh, North Carolina, United States |
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) |
| Profession | Singer, Actor, Singer-songwriter, TV Personality, Author, Social activist, Activist |
| Education | University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Leesville Road High School, Campbell University, Mary Did You Know, Invisible, Merry Christmas With Love, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Harvard University |
| Nationality | United States of America |
| Children | Parker Foster Aiken |
| Parents | Faye Parker, Vernon Grissom, Mary Did You Know, Invisible, Merry Christmas With Love |
| Siblings | Jeff Parker, Brett Parker, Amy Sawyer, Deborah Grissom, Mary Did You Know, Invisible, Merry Christmas With Love |
| Nicknames | Clayton Holmes Grissom , clay_aiken , Clayton Holmes Aiken , Aiken, Clay |
| Facebook | http://www.facebook.com/clayaiken |
| Twitter | http://www.twitter.com/clayaiken |
| Instagram | http://www.instagram.com/clayaiken |
| MySpace | http://www.myspace.com/clayaiken |
| IMDB | http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1341750 |
| Awards | American Music Award for Fan's Choice Award, Billboard Music Award for Top-Selling Single of the Year, Mary Did You Know, Invisible, Merry Christmas With Love, IEEE Edison Medal |
| Nominations | American Music Award for Favorite Pop/Rock Male Artist, Teen Choice Award for Choice TV Male Reality Star, Billboard Music Award for Top Selling R&B/Hip-Hop Single of the Year, Mary Did You Know, Invisible, Merry Christmas With Love |
| Movies | , American Idol, Disneymania 3 in Concert |
| TV Shows | American Idol |
| # | Quote |
|---|
| 1 | [Prior to joining the cast in Spamalot]: I really couldn't have asked for a more wonderful group of people to work with. Let's not lie, the chance to work with legendary creative minds like Mike Nichols and Eric Idle is, on its own, a reason to jump at this opportunity. |
| 2 | [In 2009]: Every year the models do an acting challenge, and since I had been in Spamalot and was doing the Broadway thing, Tyra Banks, [the show's host] called and wanted me to be a part of it, I did a scene with some of the girls and then later on tried to help judge that scene. |
| 3 | [on being the Ambassador for the Children's Agency]: The situation in Chiapas and Tabasco has really become a forgotten emergency. Telling the story of these brave people, especially the children, to a U.S. audience is the reason that I am here. Sharing this experience with my family during this time of year makes it even more special. |
| 4 | I left Raleigh six months ago, and nobody knew who I was. It's very hard to get used to. |
| 5 | I'm religious. I think this is something God had planned for me. |
| 6 | American celebrities have an amazing amount of influence on the way America thinks, feels, and acts. I think that such an influence should be used in the most positive way possible. |
| 7 | I think there's a difference between appearance and image. An image is not how you look. It's what you do. It's what you portray. Your personality, the example you set, and that's huge for me. |
| 8 | I'm never really comfortable with people cheering for me. |
| 9 | It doesn't really matter to me how I make a difference, I just wanna make sure that I do. |
| # | Fact |
|---|
| 1 | Preparing to release new book, "Learning to Sing". [October 2004] |
| 2 | Preparing to release Christmas album. [October 2004] |
| 3 | On Broadway as Sir Robin in Monty Python's Spamalot until May 4th [2008] |
| 4 | JukeBox Tour [August 2005] |
| 5 | Had first child with friend Jaymes Foster-Levy at 8:08 am on August 8, 2008 - a boy, Parker Foster Aiken. [August 2008] |
| 6 | Released CD album "On My Way Here." [May 2008] |
| 7 | New album "A Thousand Different Ways" is in the making, due for release September 19 2006 [August 2006] |
| 8 | On his Christmas tour, The Joyful Noise Tour [November 2004] |
| 9 | Released "The Way" the second single from his album, Measure of a Man. [February 2004] |
| 10 | Baby son with Jaymes Foster-Levy, Parker Foster Aiken, born on August 8th 2008 at 8:08 AM in North Carolina. |
| 11 | His first son Parker Foster Aiken weighed in at 6 lbs, 2 oz. |
| 12 | Has said that former "Avalon" member Jody McBrayer is one of his favorite singers, and was a big inspiration to him. |
| 13 | He is allergic to many kinds of foods, including all tree nuts. He is not allergic to peanuts, which grow on a vine. |
| 14 | 5 September 2006 - President George W. Bush selected him to serve on the President's Committee for People With Intellectual Disabilities. |
| 15 | Has sold more albums and had more #1s then any other "American Idol" contestant behind Kelly Clarkson. |
| 16 | Ranked #18 in TV Guide's list of "TV's 25 Greatest Teen Idols" (23 January 2005 issue). |
| 17 | Had three major tours in the year 2004 (The Independent Tour in Spring, the Clay Aiken Solo Tour 2004 in Summer, and the Joyful Noise Tour in Winter) |
| 18 | Got his first name (Clayton) from his grandmother's maiden name. He claims it is a Southern Tradition. (Source: "Learning to Sing: Hearing the Music In Your Life," by Clay Aiken) |
| 19 | First book, titled Learning to Sing, came out on November 19th, 2004. |
| 20 | Christmas album, titled Merry Christmas with Love, came out on November 16th, 2004. |
| 21 | Was born with a collapsed lung. |
| 22 | Shares a birthday with the following celebrities: Ben Stiller, 80s punk rocker Billy Idol, 8 Simple Rules (2002) star Kaley Cuoco, 24 (2001) star Elisha Cuthbert and Dick Clark. |
| 23 | His first album went triple platinum. |
| 24 | As of April 15, 2004, his single, "Solitaire," sold 191,132 copies. |
| 25 | Was the one and only contestant on the 2nd season of American Idol that was never voted in the bottom two or three. |
| 26 | His biological father, Vernon Grissom, died February 27, 2004. His stepfather, Ray Parker, died on July 4, 2002. |
| 27 | His song, "The Way", was co-written by Enrique Iglesias. |
| 28 | Plans to release one album in 2004, a Christmas album |
| 29 | He shared a house in L.A with former "American Idol" contestant, 'Kimberley Locke'. |
| 30 | His freshman album, Measure of a Man, shipped double platinum. |
| 31 | Founded the Bubel/Aiken Foundation to include children with developmental disabilities in activities with typical children. Named the foundation for Mike Bubel, a boy with autism that he worked with in North Carolina. Mike's mother Diane persuaded him to audition for American Idol. |
| 32 | His single, 'This Is The Night', went platinum in the US, and 6 times platinum in Canada. |
| 33 | In the first week of the release of his single, it sold over 393,000 copies, the most since Elton John's "Candle in the Wind". |
| 34 | Mother is Faye Aiken Parker; late step-father, Ray Parker; step-brother, Jeff; step-sister, Amy and half-brother, Brett. |
| 35 | Recorded two CDs entitled "Redefined" and "Look What Love Has Done" prior to American Idol. These CDs are no longer available. |
| 36 | Shortened Clayton to Clay after a suggestion from the producers of American Idol (2002). |
| 37 | Worked for the YMCA in Raleigh, North Carolina |
| 38 | Was a special education major at UNC-Charlotte |
| 39 | Changed his last name, Grissom, to his mother's maiden name, Aiken. |
| Title | Year | Status | Character |
|---|
| Chelsea Lately | 2012 | TV Series performer - 1 episode | |
| The Apprentice | 2012 | TV Series performer - 2 episodes | |
| Phineas and Ferb | 2010 | TV Series performer - 1 episode | |
| Todd's Pop Song Reviews | 2010 | TV Series documentary performer - 1 episode | |
| 30 Rock | 2009 | TV Series performer - 1 episode | |
| Holiday Festival on Ice 2007 | 2007 | TV Movie performer: "Winter Wonderland" | |
| AMV Hell 3: The Motion Picture | 2005 | performer: "Invisible" | |
| Disneymania in Concert | 2005 | Video performer: "Proud of Your Boy" | |
| Scrubs | 2005 | TV Series performer - 1 episode | |
| Without a Paddle | 2004 | performer: "Invisible" | |
| American Idol | 2003-2004 | TV Series performer - 29 episodes | |
| Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed | 2004 | performer: "The Way" | |
| Canadian Idol | 2003 | TV Series performer - 1 episode | |
| Aladdin | 1992 | performer: "Proud of Your Boy" | |
| Title | Year | Status | Character |
|---|
| The View | 2003-2017 | TV Series | Himself / Himself - Guest Co-Host |
| Chelsea | 2016 | TV Series | Himself |
| The Meredith Vieira Show | 2016 | TV Series | Himself |
| On the Money | 2016 | TV Series | Himself |
| American Idol | 2003-2016 | TV Series | Himself / Himself - Guest / Himself - Audience Member / ... |
| The 84th Annual Hollywood Christmas Parade | 2015 | TV Movie | Himself |
| Entertainment Tonight | 2006-2015 | TV Series | Himself / Himself - Special Correspondent / Himself - Political Contributor |
| Real Time with Bill Maher | 2015 | TV Series | Himself - Guest |
| The Runner-Up | 2015 | TV Mini-Series documentary | Himself |
| TakePart Live | 2014 | TV Series | Himself - Guest |
| Extra | 2014 | TV Series | Himself - Senatorial Candidate |
| PoliticKING with Larry King | 2014 | TV Series | Himself - guest |
| The Colbert Report | 2014 | TV Series | Himself |
| The Arsenio Hall Show | 2013 | TV Series | Himself - Musical Guest |
| Law & Order: Special Victims Unit | 2013 | TV Series | Himself |
| The Dr. Oz Show | 2012 | TV Series | Himself - Guest |
| D.L. Hughley: The Endangered List | 2012 | TV Special documentary | Himself |
| The Apprentice | 2012 | TV Series | Himself - Contestant / Himself - Finalist |
| The Wendy Williams Show | 2012 | TV Series | Himself - Guest |
| Face the Nation | 2012 | TV Series | Himself |
| Big Morning Buzz Live | 2012 | TV Series | Himself |
| Watch What Happens: Live | 2012 | TV Series | Himself |
| The Talk | 2011 | TV Series | Himself - Guest |
| Clay Aiken: Tried & True Live! | 2010 | Video | Himself |
| Phineas and Ferb | 2010 | TV Series | Himself |
| Chelsea Lately | 2010 | TV Series | Himself - Guest |
| America's Next Top Model | 2009 | TV Series | Himself - Guest Judge / Recording Artist |
| The Thanksgiving Day Parade on CBS | 2008 | TV Movie | Himself |
| Rosie Live | 2008 | TV Special documentary | Himself |
| Paula's Party | 2008 | TV Series | Himself |
| The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson | 2008 | TV Series | Himself |
| Jimmy Kimmel Live! | 2003-2008 | TV Series | Himself / Himself - Musical Guest |
| Rachael Ray | 2008 | TV Series | Himself |
| The Tonight Show with Jay Leno | 2003-2008 | TV Series | Himself / Musical Guest / Himself - Musical Guest |
| Good Morning America | 2003-2008 | TV Series | Himself |
| American Idol Rewind | 2008 | TV Series | Himself - Finalist / Himself |
| Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? | 2007 | TV Series | Himself |
| Dancing with the Stars | 2007 | TV Series | Himself |
| Karaoke Revolution Presents: American Idol | 2007 | Video Game | Himself (uncredited) |
| Days of Our Lives | 2006 | TV Series | Himself |
| The Megan Mullally Show | 2006 | TV Series | Himself |
| The Tyra Banks Show | 2006 | TV Series | Himself |
| 2006 American Music Awards | 2006 | TV Special | Himself |
| Live with Kelly and Michael | 2004-2006 | TV Series | Himself |
| Larry King Live | 2004-2006 | TV Series | Himself |
| Walmart Soundcheck | 2006 | TV Series | Himself |
| The Insider | 2006 | TV Series | Himself |
| Dear Santa | 2005 | TV Movie | Himself |
| All My Children | 2005 | TV Series | Himself |
| The Standard | 2005 | TV Series | Singer - American Idol |
| The Oprah Winfrey Show | 2003-2005 | TV Series | Himself |
| Disneymania in Concert | 2005 | Video | Himself |
| Head 2 Toe | 2005 | TV Series | Himself |
| A Clay Aiken Christmas | 2004 | TV Special | Himself |
| Christmas in Rockefeller Center | 2004 | TV Movie | Himself - Performer |
| The 32nd Annual American Music Awards | 2004 | TV Special | Himself |
| A Capitol Fourth | 2004 | TV Special | Himself |
| AFI's 100 Years... 100 Songs: America's Greatest Music in the Movies | 2004 | TV Movie documentary | Himself |
| Gimme the Mike | 2004 | TV Series | Himself |
| E! True Hollywood Story | 2004 | TV Series documentary | Himself |
| On-Air with Ryan Seacrest | 2004 | TV Series | Himself |
| Saturday Night Live | 2004 | TV Series | Himself - Musical Guest |
| Ed | 2004 | TV Series | Himself |
| American Idol: Life on the Road | 2004 | TV Special | Himself |
| The 31st Annual American Music Awards | 2003 | TV Special | Himself - Performer |
| Fromage 2003 | 2003 | TV Movie | Himself |
| Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade | 2003 | TV Special | Himself |
| The 2003 Billboard Music Awards | 2003 | TV Special | Himself |
| The Nick at Nite Holiday Special | 2003 | TV Movie | Himself |
| Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade | 2003 | TV Special | Himself |
| An American Idol Christmas | 2003 | TV Movie documentary | Himself |
| Total Request Live | 2003 | TV Series | Himself |
| Late Show with David Letterman | 2003 | TV Series | Himself |
| Ellen: The Ellen DeGeneres Show | 2003 | TV Series | Himself |
| The Wayne Brady Show | 2003 | TV Series | Himself |
| The Early Show | 2003 | TV Series | Himself |
| Primetime | 2003 | TV Series documentary | Himself |
| Miss America Pageant | 2003 | TV Special | Himself - Musical Guest |
| Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon | 2003 | TV Series | Himself |
| Off the Record | 2003 | TV Series | Himself - Guest |
| Canadian Idol | 2003 | TV Series | Himself - Guest |
| eTalk Daily | 2003 | TV Series | Himself |
| AFI Life Achievement Award: A Tribute to Robert De Niro | 2003 | TV Movie | Himself |
$6 Million
