What is Clay Aiken's Net Worth?
Clay Aiken is an American singer-songwriter, television personality, author, activist, and politician. With a net worth of $4 million, Aiken rose to prominence after finishing second on "American Idol" in 2003. Despite not winning, he launched a successful career, selling over 5 million albums, including several platinum records. He ranks as the fourth-highest-grossing "American Idol" contestant.
Aiken has also embarked on numerous successful tours worldwide, released books, television specials, and other ventures. He is a versatile actor, appearing in musicals and various productions. Additionally, he has continued to make appearances on reality TV and pursued a political career, running for Congress as a Democratic candidate.
Early Life
Born Clay Holmes Grissom on November 30, 1978, in Raleigh, North Carolina, Aiken was raised in a Baptist family and sang in the choir from an early age. After high school, he performed in various bands and at major sporting events in North Carolina. Following a strained relationship with his father, he changed his last name from Grissom to Aiken.
He pursued his education at Campbell University and the University of North Carolina. While working as a substitute teacher for special needs children, he decided to become a special education teacher. However, his musical talent led him to fame, although he successfully earned his bachelor’s degree in special education by 2003.
Career
Aiken's career took off after performing "Always and Forever" by Heatwave on "American Idol." Although initially cut, he returned during the "Wild Card" segment, advancing to the final 12. He impressed audiences with songs like "Solitaire" and "Build Me Up Buttercup," but narrowly lost to Ruben Studdard in the final vote.
In 2003, Aiken released his debut album, "Measure of a Man," which sold over 600,000 units within its first week and eventually went double platinum. He followed this success with a Christmas album, "A Thousand Different Ways," and other studio albums. After sales declined with "On My Way Here," Aiken parted ways with RCA. He continued to release music with albums like "Tried and True" and "Steadfast."
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Beyond music, Aiken has appeared on numerous TV shows, including "Saturday Night Live," "The Tonight Show," "Ed," "Scrubs," "Days of Our Lives," "America's Next Top Model," "30 Rock," and "Phineas and Ferb." He also placed second on the fifth season of "The Celebrity Apprentice," raising $361,500 for the National Inclusion Project.
Politics
In 2014, Aiken ran as the Democratic candidate for North Carolina's second congressional district but narrowly lost the general election. He is particularly outspoken on issues like gay marriage.
Relationships
In 2008, Aiken announced the birth of his child with mother Jaymes Foster. That same year, he publicly came out as gay.
Real Estate
One of Aiken's first homes was a four-bedroom condo in Charlotte, purchased for $67,500. In 2005, he listed a property in LA's San Fernando Valley for $2.35 million, eventually selling it for $2.375 million. This property had 7,800 square feet of living space on over an acre of land, featuring a pool, gazebo, and sports court.
Seeking to return to North Carolina, Aiken purchased a home in Durham in 2006. This extensive property featured modern amenities like a home theater, gym, and bar, and sat on 6.93 acres of land. After several attempts, he sold it in 2011 for $1.59 million, suffering a significant financial loss.
In 2018, Aiken purchased a home in Raleigh, North Carolina, for $655,000 and listed it for $980,000 in June 2022.
