Ok,
I'm jumping in. I too am so tired of hearing "he sounds the same every week". "He's theatrical" "Broadway"
But, ahem,
Ruben has been R&B since the beginning. Even his Sweet home alabama, was more R&B than country, IMO, of course. Every week he sounds like Luther or Barry White. I don't hear these comments about him. I'm not bashing Ruben. I like him. He has a sweet, mellow voice that's very pleasing to listen to. But he does sound the same every week. He has his style. Would I buy his CD. Probably not.
Clay's voice is more powerful, IMO of course. Is he suited to perform on Broadway, absolutely. You need to be powerful on Broadway. He also has a broader (no pun intended) range, register, whatever you want to call it. I listen to him sing, and I get choked up. Same as when I saw Phantom or Les Miserable on broadway. You don't intend to but it happens. You can't control it. That's a performer. That's his style.
They both have their own identities and styles. I don't see how one is "better" than the other. They are different. Which one would sell more records? Personally, I think Clay. He is more diverse.
I would love to hear him do that BillyJoel song (forgive me I can never remember the name) I think it's called "Italian Restaurant". (bottle of red - bottle of white). I think that would be great for him.
Sadly, the women do need to go. I feel badly for Carmen. Didn't think she was sooo bad, but last night killed her. And Treyneice (however she spells that) was saved by Carmen. Kim C. was also saved by Carmen, because if Carmen wasn't getting the boot, it would be Treyneice(sp?) and Kim C. in the bottom 3, and I think TR****(whatever) has a bigger fan base.
That said -
Sorry for the long post. GO CLAY!! ANd he can say Thank you to me as many times as he likes