No matter what the situation you're in, if you're raised in a loving environment, that's the most important thing.
Clay AikenThe message I'll share...is that inclusion is extremely important for kids with and without disabilities.
Clay AikenI kind of had my life planned out for me. I'd be married at some point, have, you know, 1.5 children, and be a principal possibly one day. But I think that that was kind of my problem. I allowed myself to plan out my life and didn't let provident direction guide my life.
Clay AikenWell, fortunately we found out that the runner-up our particular year was going to get a record contract also. So it was kind of a - it was bitter sweet but it was an opportunity.
Clay AikenI'm really not that special. Really, I'm not. I was on a big TV show, but it was just a TV show.
Clay AikenA song is like a smile. If you meet people from another country, even if you don't speak the same language, you know what a smile means. A song works the same way. Music produces feelings that need no translation.
Clay AikenAnd I think that when I finally decided to let go and let God and allow that to happen, I became a lot more successful than I could have done if I had planned it all myself.
Clay AikenUNICEF is working for the survival of children worldwide. What can we do to get more Americans committed to the cause?
Clay AikenI think I probably hoped for it a little bit, but I'm not an optimist. I'm a realist... or maybe even a pessimist.
Clay AikenI know that I've got big ears and a big forehead and that my hair sticks up, but I'm happy with myself. I'm not necessarily trying to win a beauty pageant here.
Clay AikenMy mother taught me that we all have the power to achieve our dreams. What I lacked was the courage.
Clay AikenIn my ideal world, no child would suffer. Charitable instincts would prevail. There would be global acceptance of all different types of people.
Clay AikenI thought about that the other day after I went to the grocery store and had to sign fifteen autographs before leaving. On one hand, it's just so flattering. On the other hand, sometimes it would be nice to get the bread and leave, you know?
Clay AikenI'm not different. I'm not different at all. The wrapping is different but the gift is still the same.
Clay AikenI was on TV for almost sixteen weeks during American Idol. It's at the point now where it's old.
Clay AikenI like to talk. I'm a terrible dancer. I love my hometown. I have freckles and oversized ears. I'm a geeks. I have tried not to hide who I am or what matters to me.
Clay AikenWorking with children with autism has provided me with an opportunity to see the world in a different way. I see them strive to overcome obstacles and persevere, and learn to persevere myself. They are my inspiration.
Clay AikenI decided to study special education and fell in love with working with individuals with autism. That's what I planned to do with my life.
Clay AikenI know this is going to sound cheesy and like I'm trying to be Miss America, but the most important responsibility a celebrity has is to set an example and be a role model.
Clay AikenIt's important that I make a difference in some way. If it's performing and touching someone that way, that's great; if it's being a teacher and helping some kid understand something, that's even better.
Clay AikenI got rid of my glasses and they changed my hair. That's really all they did. They went shopping for me, so the clothes are different too. It wasn't like Extreme Makeover where I got a nose job or anything.
Clay AikenI think there is a predisposition among Christians that Hollywood is anti-Jesus or anti-Christianity. I was warned I'd have to fight to maintain the freedom to express my beliefs. It's an unfair stereotype, and so far that's been the farthest from the truth. While everyone I work with may not share my beliefs, I have been surrounded by nothing but support.
Clay AikenEveryone deserves the best start in life, which is what UNICEF is working to provide the world's most vulnerable children. Education is essential to a child's development. I hope that as an Ambassador I can encourage people to join UNICEF's mission to make education a reality for children throughout the world.
Clay AikenWhen the answer to all my dreams is as close as a touch away, why am I here holding back what I'm trying to say?
Clay AikenYou know, I think I'm a stronger person for realizing that you can't make everybody love you.
Clay AikenPerseverance. I got cut twice. I got cut in Charlotte. I didn't have to go to Atlanta to audition. I could have said, "I'm not cut out for this." But I said, "I think I'm better than that, I can go try again." So I went to Atlanta and I made it through. Then I got cut the first time around. I could have told them I didn't want to come back for the Wild Card show but I did and look how far I got.
Clay AikenIt doesn't really matter to me how I make a difference, I just wanna make sure that I do.
Clay AikenClive [Davis] tried to tell me that saying certain words in a song - or as he says, 'putting some balls into it' - isn't bad, it's just strong emotion. Well, there are certain words and emotions I don't want kids hearing, and I'm not changing because they think it's going to sell better. This is going to sound horrible, but I got 12 million votes doing what I did.
Clay Aiken