I have always said, and I will continue to say it.. not only the best male singer American Idol has ever had, the best singer period! Every week he was incredible. I wish you heard more of him today, he certainly has the talent.
This is one of my favorite performances. He knocked it out of the ballpark. Always loved this song, but yes, it will forever be a Clay Aiken song written by Neil Sedaka.
I remember he did this when I saw him in concert. This was the cover he was really known for, I was just a little bummed that he ended the show with such a sad song.
You should look up Clay is doing concerts next year, sadly with that awful mess Ruben dragging on his coat tails but I'll just occupy myself with something else while Ruben is on stage and return when Clay's on stage.. for the love of God I hope they don't do a bunch of duets. 🤢🤮
@josbo51715 Neil Sedaka, the writer of the song cried when Clay sang this. Clay sang this song on season 2 and Sedaka was guest judging. Neil told Clay this, 'Bravo Clay, I have lost my song forever to you.. it will always be a Clay Aiken song" So the legend that wrote this song thought he it sounds better than any other version. Just thought I'd tell you that.
Who cares that he didn't win American Idol. With a voice like that he'll always be No. 1. 🧡 PS Did anyone notice how Clay didn't even take a big breath after holding that phenomenal long note? Natural Born Singer. BRAVO !!!!! 👏👏👏
Diana, how 'bout you give Karen Carpenter and Neil Sedaka a listen, then come back and tell me who you think sings it the best. If you still think it's Clay, I'm not going to argue it any further with you because until an hour ago, I thought Karen was the only person who could sing this song so beautifully, but as I typed a comment while listening to Sedaka, I had to change my mind about his being nowhere as good as Karen. Then I stumbled across Clay. I liked his full version, but his voice isn't crystal clear which this song needs.
@@Davey7358 She has several songs that bring me to tears, and I think it's because of how early she died. That was such a sad time. I believe she was 32, and I was 23. I heard the news on the radio at work and couldn't believe it. Several of the songs, especially "Goodbye to love" made me think that the lyrics were truly about her own life, not finding love...not from her mother (what a nasty bitch she was), not from her husband, and for all I know, he married her because he saw her as his meal ticket thanks to her $$. It didn't last long either. She needed one thing and only one thing. To be loved, truly loved. I don't think she got any of it except from Richard.
Clay should have won AI....Sedaka was right when he said this will always be a Clay Aiken song....he was robbed, pure and simple...what a voice and what a talent! Holding a note, especially consistently, for that long is HARD, try it and see.....probably the best singer of AI history!
I agree with Neil Sedaka when he said that Solitaire will always be Clay Aiken's song. Clay is just amazing! Such a powerful voice. I would never get tired of listening to your incredible voice. More power Clay! I love you!!!! God bless you!
@@m.h.1593 - He definitely did it justice and no one can sing that song like he can - not even the original. It will always be his signature song. When people hear the name Clay Aiken, they will think of him singing this song. What a voice and such control!! Reminds me of Brian Justin Crum too! Another outstanding talent. The way he sang 'Creep' gave me chills. Every song he sang was amazing. Too bad he came in 5th. He should have won! jmho
I am a huge fan of the humble, gifted, unforgettable clay Aiken. I’ve listened to his songs multiple times, and enjoying them tremendously every time. Love you, Clay.
I loved when he performed this song in season 2, but the amount of growth he showed by the time he performed this in season 3 as a guest performer? It was incredible. He really found his pocket during that year.
Neil Sedaka wrote and recorded Solitaire. The Carpenters also recorded it. Neil Sedaka was a guest judge on AI Season 2 and he said "Bravo Clay, I have lost my song forever to you. It will always be a Clay Aiken song". Amazing praise!!
OMG!! The BEST I've ever heard that song sung. It gives me chills every time I hear him sing it. I wish he would have pursued his music career. I bought his recording of it! :-)
@ClayTakeover This was one of the very few episodes of Idol I ever watched. I loved this version, his voice is amazing. I remember Neil Sedaka told him at judgement time, that he now owned the song. He was that impressed!
Amaaaaaaaaaaazing, we got shows in germany, but voices that touch the heart like your voice does with this song..............i can´t say anything..just to say great voice and cry by hear this song...tomorrow i´m gonna tell all my friends and look about a CD from you
He lost the year before actually....well he was robbed of the win. He performed bridge over troubled water (which you should look up!) And it was as amazing as his solitaire performance!
He lost the year before actually....well he was robbed of the win. He performed bridge over troubled water (which you should look up!) And it was as amazing as his solitaire performance!
I always enjoy revisiting this moment on Idol with Clay singing his heart out. He can truly sing anything -- check out some of the medley's on youtube he sang on his Timeless Tour where he sang music from the 60's, 70's, 80's, & 90's -- even did some dancing in a pair of MC Hammer pants. He and Ruben were a scream on that tour! His On My Way Here CD released in 2008 is one of my favs as is his latest Tried and True CD Album.
Still listening in 2024😊
Still amazed
Me
Great
Even today I still say Clay was ROBBED OUTRIGHT!!! He's so talented and raw.
Agreed 100%!
Agreed 200%
Hey it was a very close fight between him and Ruben because Ruben is also very talented with a great voice I love them both
He was
I totally agree.
One of the best live performances I’ve ever heard from a male vocalist period
Historically one of the best performances ever
Clay Aiken for President!
I have always said, and I will continue to say it.. not only the best male singer American Idol has ever had, the best singer period! Every week he was incredible. I wish you heard more of him today, he certainly has the talent.
I agree he is best singer that is r ever been on American idol
This is one of my favorite performances. He knocked it out of the ballpark. Always loved this song, but yes, it will forever be a Clay Aiken song written by Neil Sedaka.
I remember he did this when I saw him in concert. This was the cover he was really known for, I was just a little bummed that he ended the show with such a sad song.
Best version of Solitaire
1:44 that note held was amazing. What a voice 👏👏👏
He’s another one that should have won on Idol!!!❤
Clay Aiken is the real American Idol winner...!!! He is the best singer...!!!
i got out of breath 2 seconds into listening to him hit that note
Should have won! I was so upset when he lost. The voice is PERFECT ❤
That 14 second sustain was insane. Every syllable and vowel that comes out of this mans mouth is what world class singing sounds like
best version ever. he should have won easily....
Here I am almost 20 years later still getting goosebumps from this song. So talented. Now Clay has a son who looks like him. Maybe he can sing too!
You should look up Clay is doing concerts next year, sadly with that awful mess Ruben dragging on his coat tails but I'll just occupy myself with something else while Ruben is on stage and return when Clay's on stage.. for the love of God I hope they don't do a bunch of duets. 🤢🤮
@Someone Out-there I agree. I'm not a fan of Ruben's. I just want another solo tour with only Clay! Come on Clay do it!!!
Best American Idol competitor ever.
Definitely!
Clay was and is still the BEST singer ever on American idol 💕
@josbo51715 Neil Sedaka, the writer of the song cried when Clay sang this. Clay sang this song on season 2 and Sedaka was guest judging. Neil told Clay this, 'Bravo Clay, I have lost my song forever to you.. it will always be a Clay Aiken song" So the legend that wrote this song thought he it sounds better than any other version. Just thought I'd tell you that.
He should have won 🏆 PERIOD!
Who cares that he didn't win American Idol. With a voice like that he'll always be No. 1. 🧡 PS Did anyone notice how Clay didn't even take a big breath after holding that phenomenal long note? Natural Born Singer. BRAVO !!!!! 👏👏👏
Still today, his voice gives me chills!
Me, too.
He was robbed! He's amazing. I could never forget his performances as long as I live
No one can rob a talent like that.
The voting system was terrible back then. I tried to vote for Clay for several hours but never got through.
I choose to just support his art and love his music.💞💞💞
He is and always wil lbe a winner!!
How can anyone so damn adorable be so talented also?? Still love Clay after all these years -almost 18!
Now This is the Best of the Best in the World! God Bless You!
Mahalo from Honolulu!
No one, and I do mean no one can sing this song like Clay. Love you Clay
Diana .Abrams He is singing F8ck you American Idol 3, You were wrong. But that's ok.
Diana, how 'bout you give Karen Carpenter and Neil Sedaka a listen, then come back and tell me who you think sings it the best. If you still think it's Clay, I'm not going to argue it any further with you because until an hour ago, I thought Karen was the only person who could sing this song so beautifully, but as I typed a comment while listening to Sedaka, I had to change my mind about his being nowhere as good as Karen. Then I stumbled across Clay. I liked his full version, but his voice isn't crystal clear which this song needs.
Hes like the white male version of Whitney Houston ;0)
@@survivrs Karen by far sung that song the best. Her version brings tears to the eyes.
@@Davey7358 She has several songs that bring me to tears, and I think it's because of how early she died. That was such a sad time. I believe she was 32, and I was 23. I heard the news on the radio at work and couldn't believe it. Several of the songs, especially "Goodbye to love" made me think that the lyrics were truly about her own life, not finding love...not from her mother (what a nasty bitch she was), not from her husband, and for all I know, he married her because he saw her as his meal ticket thanks to her $$. It didn't last long either. She needed one thing and only one thing. To be loved, truly loved. I don't think she got any of it except from Richard.
The best Americann Idol male singer of all
i love this song and the one note where he sung solitaire was freaking amazing. love him.
Clay should have won AI....Sedaka was right when he said this will always be a Clay Aiken song....he was robbed, pure and simple...what a voice and what a talent! Holding a note, especially consistently, for that long is HARD, try it and see.....probably the best singer of AI history!
Ruben had a good voice but not near as strong as Clay's. I agree, Clay should have won. I had everyone I know voting for him!
I love how people still agree that Clay was robbed....even now. He should have won.
Right on, y'all! I agree with all of you! 👍👍👍
He held that note for about fourteen seconds! That's impressive! OMG. It starts at 1:46. 😮❤️
Linda you forgot Dimash ...
I agree with Neil Sedaka when he said that Solitaire will always be Clay Aiken's song. Clay is just amazing! Such a powerful voice. I would never get tired of listening to your incredible voice. More power Clay! I love you!!!! God bless you!
Wow. Karen Carpenter.
It’s true. I heard this when I was 12 and I just can’t unhear Clay singing it whenever I hear the original.
@@m.h.1593 - He definitely did it justice and no one can sing that song like he can - not even the original. It will always be his signature song. When people hear the name Clay Aiken, they will think of him singing this song. What a voice and such control!!
Reminds me of Brian Justin Crum too! Another outstanding talent. The way he sang 'Creep' gave me chills. Every song he sang was amazing. Too bad he came in 5th. He should have won! jmho
Damn, that dude has some pipes!!
I love you, Clay...!!!
I just listened to Elvis sing this.....WOW!! Well done Clay!!!!!!!
How did he lose against Ruben.He will forever be my winner that season.
Clay is the WINNER!!!
Best Of the Best!
God Bless You!
I am a huge fan of the humble, gifted, unforgettable clay Aiken. I’ve listened to his songs multiple times, and enjoying them tremendously every time. Love you, Clay.
I cannot stop listening to Clay. Masterpiece of a voice. I only love this song with him doing it .
I loved when he performed this song in season 2, but the amount of growth he showed by the time he performed this in season 3 as a guest performer? It was incredible. He really found his pocket during that year.
This guy is beyond belief! Best I've ever heard. Anywhere!
1:45 - 2:00 = EPIC & Spectacular !...👍👍😘😘😍😍
My favorite American Idol. I still get chills every time after he sings!!
Clay's smile makes my heart melt...every time!!! LOVE U CLAY!!!!!
Neil Sedaka wrote and recorded Solitaire. The Carpenters also recorded it.
Neil Sedaka was a guest judge on AI Season 2 and he said "Bravo Clay, I have lost my song forever to you. It will always be a Clay Aiken song". Amazing praise!!
Gives me chills 2 hear sing this. He is so awesome. ❤❤❤
I love that smile at the end :)
I cried when he didn’t win that year!
i still remember this performance years later. amazing!
People have been giving him crap for a long time now. But come on... Who could perform this way? Love it
Still one of my favorite performances EVER. He sounds amazing and he looks so sharp. What a classy guy.
Clay is #1 the best singer a natural. Nobody can take that from him. Also a wonderful human being. Love you Clay.
Always effortless and that long note is amazing to see live.
OMG!! The BEST I've ever heard that song sung. It gives me chills every time I hear him sing it. I wish he would have pursued his music career. I bought his recording of it! :-)
I have all of Clay's CDs.
@ClayTakeover This was one of the very few episodes of Idol I ever watched. I loved this version, his voice is amazing. I remember Neil Sedaka told him at judgement time, that he now owned the song. He was that impressed!
Never get tired of this version. Those long notes ❤❤❤❤❤
I only noticed this song when he sang it. He made it great!
Even after all theses years................ His ass should have won.............
rebecca hickerson I totally agree but in retrospec it's better he didnt because he would have been under the American Idol contract.
+Victoria DeZubay And maybe he'd have a career today.
Clay Aiken reminds me of the time where American Idol was something special, I guess it reminds me of my fond childhood.
In the long run though didn’t he?
YUP. Ruben is #notmyidol
OMG, the man is golden all these years later.
the best rendition of this song so far
people always claim oldies are goodies
but the modern singers can sing equally well
Love you Clay!
I keep playing this. Just pure.
Such a powerhouse voice!!!!
Still watching in May 2023...anyone else? 😍
ME TOO. I'M GOING TO AT LEAST TWO SHOWS OF HIM ON TOUR!
Yes, I'm watching/listening to this in June, 2023.
Still watching in 2024.
It's 2024 and I'm still here ❤
It's been years and along with a lot of people Clay really got robbed of that and it still makes me sad for he truly won that year.
No one can rob Clay of his talent. He's number one regardless of some tv show.
We never looked at the show the same again after how rigged that was. It was a slap in the face to anyone with ears open enough to hear.
Have always loved him. Gives me chills.
He looks and sounds amazing here! Go Clay!
I love his sweet SMILE!!!!! Please make another album, Clay!!!! :) XOXO
I've been touch when i hear clay aiken sing this song-solitaire!
This is the best version of Solitaire without question
He's great! I still prefer Neil Sedaka's version, though.
czcams.com/video/L63W_4fbJZ0/video.html
Goosebumps.every.time.I.watch.this. AMAZING!
beautiful voice
Amaaaaaaaaaaazing, we got shows in germany, but voices that touch the heart like your voice does with this song..............i can´t say anything..just to say great voice and cry by hear this song...tomorrow i´m gonna tell all my friends and look about a CD from you
Man oh man. Still get chills. You won it for me buddy.
Waiting for American Idol to have this talent.
Absolutely amazing. He should have won!
What a voice! He must be gifted.
his voiceeee make me goosebump.....amazing....
He was my favorite
Never get bored of watching his video. He must have won the competition.
He lost the year before actually....well he was robbed of the win. He performed bridge over troubled water (which you should look up!) And it was as amazing as his solitaire performance!
He lost the year before actually....well he was robbed of the win. He performed bridge over troubled water (which you should look up!) And it was as amazing as his solitaire performance!
FABULOUS what else can be said I applaud his beautiful voice so great
cannot believe how brilliant clay is. World class. Love Love Love it.
I Miss you clay
Clay has pipes for days! Just spectacular!
BEAUTIFUL BEAUTIFUL what a VOICE this was having to be the winner
a very powerful voice...
The best EVER!!!! Solitaire and Bridge Over Troubled Water....AMAZING...
He sings this song (which is not an easy one to sing) with such ease . Brilliant!!
Love this watching 2018
I'm watching/listening to it in 2023.
the fact that this is all live 😳✨
With this song and how well he sang it he should have won! I listen to this a lot!
Love Clay.
superior voice
He does have a beautiful voice.
I LOVE the revolving camera when he hits that glory note! That was so cool!
A song I've always loved sung the very best by an amazing man, goosebumps.
I love this Song 👍
I always enjoy revisiting this moment on Idol with Clay singing his heart out. He can truly sing anything -- check out some of the medley's on youtube he sang on his Timeless Tour where he sang music from the 60's, 70's, 80's, & 90's -- even did some dancing in a pair of MC Hammer pants. He and Ruben were a scream on that tour!
His On My Way Here CD released in 2008 is one of my favs as is his latest Tried and True CD Album.
Absolutely awesome 👌
Perfect pitch.. he was truly amazing, His personality was never egotistical and he always sang from his heart.
2024.. SANG CLAY!! THIS MAN'S VOICE IS JUST FREAKING AWESOME!! 🤎🌹💯🔥👈🤩