After letting the dust settle in the controversial decision that was the announcement of Ruben Studdard as the American Idol 2 competition winner, it seems to be increasingly prevalent that runner up Clay Aiken is the true winner of the anomaly that was the American Idol finale.
The decision by the legendary music magazine Rolling Stone to feature Aiken as its June 20th edition cover boy, and dedicate a full length feature/photo shoot in that magazine is further proof that, although Studdard may have been thought to be number one, he must really feel like ...number two.
That, combined with numerous television appearances, either solo or as the thinner half of the future comedy team of Aiken & Studdard, a top selling debut cd double A single (having outsold Stoddard's dramatically), and as the number one requested/most played artist on many top 10 national radio shows, Aiken continues his rise amongst the legendary success stories in the world of music.
Not that 19 management would mind, since they're in the business to make money, and having dual Idols still making cash for them is a cherry on the top of the pop music treat they're promoting in Studdard/Aiken...almost like hedging their bets, but both pay off for them.
Sadly, personality plays a big part in the TV coverage of the two. Studdard may be painfully shy, or just not too loquacious enough to hold lengthy interviews, as he always seems to have Aiken attached to his hip, like some bizarre circus conjoined twin. Where as Aiken, if given the opportunity, will be a non stop, quote producing chatterbox, quite charming and still inspiring swooning amongst the audience members and show hosts alike (that **Thud** you hear is Diane Saywer hitting the floor, once again!**).
It was announced recently that both Studdard and Aiken (again) will debut their much awaited full length cd's on August 19th, really fast compared to the drawn out months of waiting that American Idol 1 winner Kelly Clarkson's fans had to wait impatiently for her debut cd 'Miss Independent' to be released. Plus, 19 management and others involved don't want a repeat of the apparent disaster that is the way overdue debut of AI1's runner-up Justin Guarini's debut cd...one that seems to be tanking so far, he becoming an afterthought to the current dynamic duo's success. So, wisely, management will strike while the iron's hot.
There is speculation that there may be a World Idol competition, with top finalists from around the world vying for more exposure worldwide. Such other countries' luminaries as Gareth Gates and Wil Young from England, Germany's bizarre export Daniel K., and some American Idol finalists may be a part of the plan of producers in the future. That would be unfortunate, but may be laugh worthy, so bring it on!
The fact that Clay Aiken's present/future is still a white hot topic on the internet, on radio request lines (much to the chagrin of radio station receptionists!), and in the media (Aiken sells magazines, y'all!)..plus at the cash register in the form of cd sales continues to show that the true future star may have been number two on the show, but number one in the future that is the fickle music/entertainment industry.
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