American singer and television personality Clay Aiken never addressed the gay rumors in public. However, the birth of his son changed his mindset and encouraged him to come out.

Came Out As Gay After Son's Birth

Aiken hid his sexuality from everyone, even his family. He came out to his mother only in early 2000. After dropping off his younger brother, Brett Parker, at Camp Lejeune, he was returning home with his mom. On the way, he thought about his suppressed emotions and cried.

His mother asked what was wrong and made him pull over. After a brief confrontation, he disclosed his sexuality to her. Though confused, his mother supported and comforted him.

Clay posts a picture as he handles his baby son while meeting fans in Ramseur, North Carolina

Clay Aiken with his son, Parker Foster Aiken in Ramseur, North Carolina (Photo: Clay Aiken's Instagram)

A year after, he came out as gay to his brother as well. Thankfully, his brother also supported him. But that wasn't enough.

Aikens still had no courage to embrace his sexuality in public. He never acknowledged the gay rumors that were swirling after his name. However, it changed when Clay Aiken welcomed a son, Parker Foster Aiken, on August 8, 2008, via in-vitro fertilization with a friend and music producer, Jaymes Foster.

Following his son's birth, he came out and detailed his coming out story with an interview with PEOPLE in September 2008.

Who Is Clay Aiken’s Boyfriend?

Clay's first reported boyfriend is Reed Kelly, a broadway dancer. He met his partner in early 2008 while he was doing Spamalot.

The two appeared together at Rosie O’Donnell’s Building Dreams for Kids in November 2008. They split in 2010, after two years of dating. The break-up became apparent after the relationship status in Aiken's MySpace bio was replaced with 'single.'

The same year, he was rumored to be dating Jeff Walter. They were spotted together at the Winter Festival in Dallas, Texas. However, the pair never confirmed their relationship. 

From Local Band To American Idol

Born on November 30, 1978, Clayton Holmes Grissom sang from a very young age; he sang in school choirs, musicals, and local theater productions.

After high school, he started singing as the lead of the local band, Just By Chance. The band performed at the NHL All-Star Game in Raleigh.

After a friend of his insisted that he sign up for American Idol, Clay jumped into the challenge, surprising the judges with his version of Always and Forever.

The Raleigh, North Carolina native made it to the 32nd round before getting eliminated. He later returned for a Wild Card round. His performance of Elton John’s Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me brought him to the final 12.

The singer grabbed second place over Ruben Studdard, who won the competition in May 2003.

He released his debut album, 'Measure of a Man,' in October 2003. The album went multi-platinum. He, subsequently, released four albums on the RCA label: 'Merry Christmas with Love,' 'A Thousand Different Ways,' 'All is Well,' and 'On My Way Here.'

Clay released two more albums with Decca Records, Tried and True and Steadfast. He went on eleven tours to support his albums and sold over 5 million records. He is the fourth-highest-selling artist of all American Idol alumnus.

What is Clay Aiken Doing Now?

The reality star is known for his journey on the second season of the singing competition American Idol in 2003, where he finished in the runner-up position.

After finding fame through singing, he has had a dramatic change of career and has been active in politics. He was the Democratic Party’s candidate in the 2014 midterm elections for North Carolina’s 2nd congressional district.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Clay Aiken (@clayaiken)

He takes part in philanthropy, involving in UNICEF contributions, and fights for gay rights. The Mary, Did You Know singer also hosts the Politicon’s weekly podcast “How the Heck Are We Gonna Get Along."