Clay Aiken at Center of Concert Controversy
Last Edited: Wednesday, 27 Dec 2006, 10:30 PM EST
Created: Wednesday, 27 Dec 2006, 8:30 PM EST
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The post-concert buzz from Clay Aiken’s Christmas concert with the Greensboro Symphony Orchestra is not all positive.
15-year-old Joshua Willard of Lexington was supposed to sing during Saturday’s concert. He rehearsed Saturday afternoon at the Greensboro Coliseum and was looking forward to singing on the same stage with Aiken. Joshua won the 2006 Triad Idol competition.
About half an hour after rehearsal, Willard said he was told his act had been cut from the show.
Joshua said Lisa Crawford from the Greensboro Symphony relayed a message from Clay’s team. Crawford reportedly told Joshua he was being cut from the show because he was not singing Christmas tunes.
As a consolation, Joshua was allowed to sing 30 seconds leading a group sing-along. He also got to go backstage to meet and get a picture with Clay.
"Clay's sitting there behind us kind of...barely touching us like he thinks we're diseased or something," said Joshua.
Clay used to be Joshua’s idol, now he has a different opinion. “He is very snotty and I don't want to have anything to do with him," added Joshua.
The Symphony confirms Joshua’s story. Greensboro Coliseum officials say Joshua was bumped because Clay decided to sing the longest set of his tour.As of Wednesday night, calls to Clay’s manager and promoters have not been returned to FOX8 News.
Video of the news segment that aired can also be found in the link below.
