Clay Aiken

“Well, 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.”

“I'd hate to have a job where I had to be rude to people.”

“I 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.”

“There are stars out there who would die to have this much exposure.”

“It's not the money. It's not the fame. It's the influence.”

“In my ideal world, no child would suffer. Charitable instincts would prevail. There would be global acceptance of all different types of people.”

“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.”

“While everyone I work with may not share my beliefs, I have been surrounded by nothing but support.”

“And I don't think that success can be measured by how many TV shows you're on.”

“I went to school for special education. I always assumed when I had the opportunity I would love to try and help kids with disabilities.”

“I 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.”

“I had the greatest time on Broadway and made friends I never expected to make!”

“I auditioned just for fun.”

“I'd never take a job where I had to do something that I didn't want to do.”

“I don't really feel like I have anybody to answer to but myself and God and the people I love.”

“I want to make sure that no matter how long I go through this, I don't fall into the trap of changing and modifying how I do things that aren't a positive example. I want to remain somebody that the entire family can listen to or watch.”

“I really love live performing!”

“It doesn't really matter to me how I make a difference, I just wanna make sure that I do.”

“The greatest glory never comes from falling, but from rising each time you fall.”

“Well, financially it's a little bit better. But it's better than than when I was a teacher. But I kind of - it's allowed me to buy a house. And I've been able to help my mother with some stuff and my brother. So, that's nice.”