I have an American Idol question

[Sonya]

I thought Ruben won? Why is Clay everywhere and I never see him? Everyone is saying Kelley/Clay.

 

[preshi]

Ruben won but Clay was more popular, I don't know why...

*runs away ducking*

 

[KristaTX]

Ruben has a great voice, but he always seems to have a very quiet, shy personality. Clay can sing just as well AND has a very fun, outgoing personality. He is a better overall entertainer IMO.

 

[grinningghost]

I like Clay's spot on the TV Land Awards commercial - where he sings the theme to "Green Acres".

 

[damo]

Originally posted by Sonya
I thought Ruben won? Why is Clay everywhere and I never see him? Everyone is saying Kelley/Clay.

Voting system flaw.

 

[helenabear]

I agree with Karen... Ruben does have a good voice (I personally like Clay's a bit better, but I just prefer that range myself) but the one thing that Clay outshines in, is that he is a much better performer IMHO. Also he got his CD out quicker and seems to have much better promoting of it. I also have a feeling that his fan base is a bit stronger (not necessarily bigger) but more "into" him. It was obvious last night at the concert that this was the case!

 

[Mercy]

Because Clay should have won!

Actually I think it's amusing that Ruben won, but Clay seems to be more popular. hehehe!

 

[Robinrs]

Clay is very popular in the Pop world Ruben's all over the R&B world. The stations I listen to play only him, I have never heard the Clay stuff.

I guess it's where you "live"...

 

[Planogirl]

Clay's also sold a lot more CD's so far. But he released his long before Ruben got his out and that might be why.

 

[vald1977]

I have to agree with those who are saying Clay really outshines Rube in the personality dept. Ruben seems to be quite shy and the appearances I have seen him do still don't give fans much insight into him as a person, IMO. Clay is extremely charming and is having great success with his album and tour. Ruben's tour is slated to start very soon but it will be smaller venues. Personally, I love them both .

 

[Flyfly_Eclipse]

I agree it was a voting systems flaw. How come Clay got less votes when it's phone system was used to its full capacity (why people couldn'y get through)? But we've come to live with the fact Ruben won...however he did (whether he really did get more votes, or if it was fixed like Joe Millionaire, where those chose who'd win from the beginning). Plus, people relate better to the "loser" and often support him more. It's because we all know what it's like to be "second-best" and just can relate.

Plus, Clay has an awesome unique voice that appeals to a wide variety of people. Men and women alike.

I was one of those losers that got all into the American Idol thing last year (loser...called by others lol). I made posters and stickers telling people to vote for Clay. Though many kids teased me the day of the final performances, after they heard Ruben won, they all told me, "Clay should have won." That was cool.

But Clay was a very clever and witty personality. Just look at his Rolling Stone article from a while back. He's great with comebacks!!

And my final comment:

***THUD***

 

[ShuisFan584]

I just think that there were so many people voting for Clay that the phone lines for him were all tied up. I already knew ahead of time that Clay had way more fans from all I heard about, online and in real life. When Ruben was announced the winner, I was very upset. But then I realized that it didn't matter because I knew Clay would be way ahead in record sales and everything, so he's really the true winner!

 

[minniecarousel]

Also, Rueben has had a lot more commitments as AI2 winner. Clay was available to spend more time in the recording studio and had more dates free to book a tour. Example: Rueben needed to be available to appear on AI last night. That's my take on it anyway.

 

[helenabear]

Originally posted by Robinrs
Clay is very popular in the Pop world Ruben's all over the R&B world. The stations I listen to play only him, I have never heard the Clay stuff.

I guess it's where you "live"...

Interesting... I listen to a wide variety of music... and I rarely hear either being played on the radio I wonder if geographical location has something to do with it as well!

 

[Sonya]

Also, Rueben has had a lot more commitments as AI2 winner. Clay was available to spend more time in the recording studio and had more dates free to book a tour. Example: Rueben needed to be available to appear on AI last night. That's my take on it anyway.

That is what I thought. I know Clay was on Oprah, I'm not sure Ruben was. But it seems even in the A.I. world, reunion concerts, etc. you see Clay mentioned before Ruben.

 

[Mishetta]

I like both very much altho I only hear Clay on the radio. I do flip radio stations (like my DH flips TV Channels but I never hear Ruben).

 

[Flyfly_Eclipse]

I don't hear either on the station I listen to. Though most of the people dislike Clay a LOT, and then don't care for Ruben...prboably because they made it big from a "reality show." One DJ always makes nasty comments...but REALLY picks on Clay...it annoys me...but what can I do?

 

[Robinrs]

Originally posted by helenabear
Interesting... I listen to a wide variety of music... and I rarely hear either being played on the radio I wonder if geographical location has something to do with it as well!

I listen to the Tom Joyner Morning show which is in over 100 stations in the country. They not only play Ruben alot the parody him regularly!

The only time I hear about Clay is on this board and if I watch Ryan on Air. I liked them both but the attitude that Ruben shouldn't have been the winner bugs me. It reminds me of the Presidential election. Depending on who you like you decide who should've won. Clay will be a big star because he came in second and his fan base will always support him because they think he was "rooked". I've gotten emails about supporting Ruben because of this. I hope this dissention disappears because they are both awesome people and both will attract the demographics that like their style.

It's like comparing Luther Vandross and Barry Manilow. No comparison, you either like them or you don't.

 

[Spinning]

Robin I totally agree with you! I love Rubin! I like Clay he is quirky and I love the fact that he doesn't fit the pop look and people love him! and his songs are very nice to sing along with they are happy upbeat tones too but Rubin I just listen I find them more mezmorizing (sp) smooth I guess!

But could some explain Clay song I am invisible? The lryics are really odd....

 

[Tess]

Also, Rueben has had a lot more commitments as AI2 winner. Clay was available to spend more time in the recording studio and had more dates free to book a tour. Example: Rueben needed to be available to appear on AI last night. That's my take on it anyway.

Both of the guys were on tour--the AI top 12. Both were working on albums at the same time with nearly identical completion dates--according to Paula Abdul in an interview I saw one day. She was a bit surprised and flabbergasted that the "winner's" cd wasn't released before Clay's. She also mentioned that she didn't think this was right and intimated that Ruben was given short shrift in the deal. Album sales tend to say it all--Clay's are triple platinum while Ruben's aren't even close. Kelly Clarkson's sales were/are also considerably less, compared to Clay's. The almighty $$$ drives the exposure I would think.

Actually, I've seen far more of Clay on TV--the morning shows, TRL, 20/20, Dateline, VH-1, The View, etc. than I have of Ruben. Immediately post-AI2, Clay was all over the place and to the point where we questioned where the heck was Ruben. Even when you did see Ruben, Clay was right there with him. For some reason--and maybe it's just $$$$, Clay has been pushed into the spotlight far more than the "winner". That's probably been a good thing for him.

BTW, Ruben was on AI this week; Clay is on next! I think it's terrific the two AI2 contestants have remained such close friends. That's a rare friendship that withstands such intense competition fueled by the media and fan bases.