Absolutely Clay would beat Taylor…that is if the phone lines were not screwed up as they were in 2003.

I waited 30 years to hear a voice as good as Clays’, of course I think he would have beat Taylor. We will soon see won’t we?

No doubt about it!! Clay Aiken is the best thing to come from Am.Idol. It’s too bad they never recognized that and capitalized on it.
I wonder if Simon thinks Clay looks like a pop star now? (Whatever that “look” is.) Of course, Simon didn’t like Taylor either. It’s the voice, Simon.

Clay would have beaten Taylor – because he has a powerful and fantastic voice. Clay is a wonderful entertainer like Taylor is, and has a presence that many of the contestants do not have. If he wishes, he will have a career for as long as he wants. His voice is what makes him a great entertainer! We do vote for the best voice! That is what Idol is about – not the package! Not the personalitys! Not how pretty the singer looks! It is how we feel when we listen to them sing, and if their song stays with us, and who we would like to have in our CD collection.

Ah…lets think about this…. ah YEAHHHHHHHHH! Clay’s voice is such a threat. i think he totally stole the show at the finale.

Absolutely Clay Would beat Taylor, no contest. Taylor’s voice can’t hold a candle to Clay’s. Clay’s voice has a HUGE range Taylor just doesn’t have.

I would think Aiken would beat Hicks, although I would expect it to be close. It is hard to know how many votes Aiken would have received if the the length of voting time and hours were the same.
There is something very appealing about Hick’s sound and musicianship. AI is now at a whole different level of popularity and credibility than it was in its first seasons, which is why any comparison between the two is almost moot.

no doubt in my mind, Clay would beat Taylor or anyone else Idol put up against him. His not winning AI2 was a total fluke when in actuality I believe he did win.

Would Clay Aiken beat Taylor Hicks? Are you serious? In a New York minute! In my humble (but educated)opinion – he is the best of 5 AI seasons & that includes Kelly Clarkson (for me – she’s #2)

YES! Clay would have beaten; Taylor.
Clay looked fantastic. Thinking back to prior seasons, I believe that Clay Aiken has the best voice of all.

I feel sorry for Taylor. He was upstaged on his big night because, of course, Clay’s voice blows him out of the water. Yes, Clay would have won.

No doubt in my mind that Clay would not only win in a best of any Idol contest but that he would win against any other artist in the market today.

I will never understand the need for comparisons like these. The answer is unattainable but for what it’s worth here’s my opinion. Given a head to head competition every week and the voting system that’s now in place, I have no doubt Clay Aiken would win. Taylor is very likable but I believe Clay would be considered equal in the likability category. After that the playing field becomes heavily tipped in Clay’s favor, he can sing circles around Taylor and stage presence would be about equal if starting from Clay’s beginning on AI2. If were talking current stage presence, Taylor can’t match it. So, it’s really quite simple, Clay would win hands down.

Clay would have won hands down. Taylor could have danced until he had a heart attack to try to get votes, but Clay’s powerful voice would blow any singer right out of the game. Just look at the AI5 finale, Clay sang and put the rest of them to shame.

I think both men are absolutely FABULOUS. Clay’s new look was really good and his voice is beautiful. But Taylor Hicks has that SOUL MAAAAAAAAAAAAN thing going on. Plus he plays guitar and as a guitar man myself I find that appealing. I guess I prefer TAYLOR.

Would Clay win over Taylor? No doubt about it. With his stage presence and charisma, not to forget his personality, he’s the best. He just blew me away with that voice and he ain’t too bad to look at either. Can’t wait for his new CD to be out.

Yes, Clay would have beaten Taylor. American Idol actually found a true superstar with Clay. Everything comes together so perfectly in him: voice, looks, and charisma up the wazoo! Plus he’s funny and smart. I think that’s where the secret to his success lies, why his appeal crosses all boundaries: there is just so much to like about the guy (if it’s not one thing it’s another)!

What a silly question…Clay would beat Taylor for sure. In fact many people who hoped Taylor would win AI5 have said they wouldn’t buy his cd….why? Because he isn’t someone you would want to listen to….he’s at his best when he’s dancing? (I use that term loosely)…..and his singing isn’t all that great. Clay has stage presence, is nice to look at and is an amazing singer! What more could you want?

There is no doubt that Clay would have beaten Taylor…his voice is far superior and his stage presence awesome. Besides, who could resist that Aiken wink???
Three years almost to the day of Clay’s ‘loss’, and we’re still ‘winning’ because Clay appreciates his fans and never stops telling us.
Trying to attach derogatory labels to this wonderful human being will do nothing to diminish our love and respect for him.
Red Deer Alberta Canada

To date Clay is the best talent to come out of AI. We are not talking only about the voice (which is the greatest yet) but the whole package. First you must see Clay on stage as I did with his tours especially the Jukebox tour. He honestly is a fantastic performer. Unbelievable stage presence and “THAT VOICE”!!!!!!!!! And if you really want to know the man read his book. He is so totally inspirtional. There is much for all ages to learn from that book. I also wanted Taylor to win because he is a fun performer to watch but that is not going to translate to CD because the voice is not unique enough for me to want to buy it. I will gladly plunk down any amont of money for a Clay Aiken CD or concert!!!!!!!!!!

Clay Aiken, we have missed you. Welcome back, great new look and as always, THAT VOICE!!!!!!
Sorry Taylor, but Clay is still the one to beat.

Clay would win, no contest. Clay’s voice is the best I EVER heard in my life!!! His range is phenominal and he can sing ANYthing, and does so in concert — ballads, yes, but also amazing soul, growly funk, folk so beautiful it breaks your heart… Plus, he’s the whole package: looks, wit, stage presence, charisma, class, and generosity (he always has his backup singers do a solo and even shares the stage with fans.) He also, surprise, learned to dance! *g*
Taylor will do well, tho, and good for him, tho his voice to my ears is more country-guy than soul. I didn’t know about the guitar, but he plays a mean harmonica, that’s my favorite Taylor thing.

Clay would beat Taylor any day of the week. Clay is by far the best thing that has ever happened to IDOL even though he didn’t win(and he should have). He has a super voice and a super look especially this new one. CLAY ALL THE WAY!

Sorry Taylor, Clay will win hands down. Clay is the best thing that happen on American Idol. But the Producer’s thought Clay was not markartable. And Clay now prove Them Wrong. Success is the best Revenge. Taylor Voice range is very limited and is no comparison to Clay’s Beautiful Brilliant Voice and Range. I Love everything about Clay. Clay is a wonderful human being and a Great Performer. I love seeing Clay Live in Concerts. I Love Clay Aiken.

Most Definely Clay will beat Taylor. Clay’s Unique beautiful,powerful voice and Range will top Taylor hands down. Clay is the Best of All the Idols. Clay is beautiful Person who cares about children. I admire every good thing Clay represents. Clay is good role model. I love Clay Aiken..

Most Definely Clay will beat Taylor. Clay Range and Voice is beautiful and Powerful. Taylor lack the range and his voice is very ordinary.
Every Thing about Clay is Interesting and Exciting. I love His New Looks. Clay is a Super Star. I Love Clay.

Remember Glady’s Night perception of Clay during AI2 season? She got it right!

Hands down Clay is the best. The power the range is unbelievable, but he also has the stage presence, the humor, some snarkiness, and a very caring person. I have seen him in concert along with many other concerts in 35 years and Clay hands down is the best. Taylor is very intertaining and has soul, but after a while I would get tired of the same thing. Clay has an appeal to people from 2 to 92 and is just the best. Clays voice is big but his heart is even bigger he is the real deal and Barry Manilow has said.

No competition. Clay voice blows Taylor’s out of the water, not to mention Clay has a stage presence that is unbeatable!

I like Taylor, but definately Clay would beat him.
Clay only had to sing for a couple of minutes for people to hear just how great his voice is.

Clay’s true match has not been discovered yet. He can sing any type of music from country to rock and roll to pop and ballad.
I wonder if the producers of AI would consider a “Match of the Idols” competition or bring back “World Idol”.

ilike both taylor and clay clay has a singing range that is just amazing and taylor his singing its different and kinda fantastic and amazing but clay is still the best

You know that there isn’t anyone that has a voice that I beleive that can touch Clay Aiken. He can sing anything and I think that’s someone that can sing when you can do that.Sorry Taylor I think you’re really good but you don’t touch Mr Aiken.

Without a doubt Clay would beat Taylor, however I think Taylor has a great voice and great showmanship and can keep you entertained, he does not have the chrisma, of Clay.

Ok, how long was Clay Aiken given on the finale?
2-3 minutes…and he completely blew the roof off the place with his command of the audiance!
Clay Aiken is a consumate performer and an entertainer! He ooooooozes charisma and the “IT” factor.
I do like Taylor and his joy in performing , but as far a voice quality….Clay has more of a range and his phrasing is that of professionals!

No Question, Clay would have won over Taylor Hicks. I like Taylor but only voted for him because my mother likes him but she can’t see or hold the phone very well. I really haven’t voted or cared about the results since Season 2. Clay’s my American Idol for life, he has such a tremendous voice. Oh and he’s hot too, new hairdo or old hairdos.

Duh! Yes, Clay would have beaten Taylor. He did beat Ruben, as we all know, but the voting was rigged that year. They wouldn’t dare do that again! Give me a break. Clay was winning EVERY WEEK, but they didn’t know how to market Clay and thought Ruben would sell better. Well, what a big surprise they all got. They should have just believed in the voters. Just let Clay be Clay. Wait till that next CD comes out; Mr. Aiken is going to blow everyone away! And get the respect he deserves – finally. Clay is one in a million and his talent is truly remarkable. These singers are all good, but can’t match the standard set by Clay.

I love Taylor, the next King after Elvis.. Clay is amazing., just like the S&G or Everly Bros.
So, both r great perfomers, both r great in their era and genres.., no point beating each other though..
Try a little gentleness,

I think Clay Aiken is the best ever. the saddest thing ever is that i didnt watch AI2 and i missed every one of Clay’s performances… :’(… i wonder if Clay ever visits these sites… anyways, just saying, CATI, that is a really good idea: ‘Match of the Idols’ but you forgot that Clay didnt win, he was runner up… I wish he did win though. i heart you Clay.

Clay would win easily. When I heard him sing Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me on the wildcard show I KNEW he was going to be a big star. Same way I knew Ricky Martin and Jennifer Lopez would be stars when I saw them singing on TV shows before they hit it big. They all have that elusive X factor.
Taylor seems very likeable, but I don’t think he has the voice, talent or stage presence to be a huge star. Maybe in order ot ‘get’ Taylor you have to have watched AI5. I don’t think he will pick up many non-AI viewers as fans. Time will tell. It will be interesting to see how they market him, and how he sells.

hiya its me charlotte, clay i love your new look xxx

YES. Taylor’s fun, but c’mon, a whole CD of that voice??
P.S. – If given the # of phone lines available this season, Clay would’ve blown Ruben out of the water!!

No question – Clay Aiken would have beaten Taylor Hicks were he a contestant on American Idol 5. I wrote a great deal about this in my blog, which you may have looked at: Here’s the urls:
Weekly Pop Music Blog Roundup: The Return of Clay Aiken
Microsoft’s adCenter Labs Demographic Prediction Demo weighs in on American Idol Popularity
Idling In America III – Searcher Geolocation from AdCenter
Idling In America II – Search Demographics from AdCenter
Idling In America – Search Trends from AdCenter
Clay Aiken scores new fans on American Idol Finale
Marshall Sponder’s Paintings – Web Metrics Underpinning – Part 1
Yet another visit to the Met Museum

Clay out performs any other idol. Taylor can’t compete with him. Clay would win over Taylor any day.

clay aiken would have to be the best american idol contestant outta all the seasons. i still think no one can match them, except maybe kelly clarkson would come close.
taylor is a good singer, but his phrasing isnt as good. and clay has more range than taylor also, in both ends of the spectrum.
i still doubt how much taylor could do in the music business. he is only charismatic on stage where you can see him DANCE. but on music cds, he could only showcase his decent voice.

clay aiken would have to be the best american idol contestant outta all the seasons. i still think no one can match him, except maybe kelly clarkson would come close.
taylor is a good singer, but his phrasing isnt as good. and clay has more range than taylor also, in both ends of the spectrum.
i still doubt how well taylor could do in the music business. he is only charismatic on stage where you can see him DANCE. but on music cds, he could only showcase his decent voice.

Yeah, Clay would win. He has soul that no one has seen unless they have been to his concerts. Now he would let that show if he were competing on AI again. He has a voice that is just amazing. One of a kind. He has a great personality and is a born entertainer.
No diss to Taylor. It is just that Clay is a very talented man in many areas. I hope that everyone gets to see just how much soul Clay does have. They may be surprised. Taylor has nothing over on Clay in the soul department either.

There has not been anyone on AI to come close to Clay Aiken’s voice.
He is supreme in that regard, and when he is performing he has the most charisma and he owns the stage.
More important to me than anything is that Clay is a loving spiritual soul.
I wish that AI2 had had 3 phone lines available for each of the final contestants as they do now, and that they were more careful in seeing that phonelines did not get so overheated that they crossed wires.

Clay Aiken has the best voice I’ve ever heard live. If you think he sounds good on TV or CD, you haven’t heard anything. The purity, clarity, power, range and tone of his voice in a live performance is just something that can’t be described, it must be experienced. I liked Taylor and his singing and performing..he was fun and love the harmonica, but no one’s voice from all seasons of American Idol compares to Clay. It’s hard to find established professionals that compare to Clay. He definitely has a gift not only his voice but his ability to interpret a song. Go on youtube and find My Grown Up Christmas List (MCUGL) from Good Morning America. Early morning, no sleep the night before and yet he sings like that. Unbelievable.

The best performancethe night of the AI5 finale (including all the big name stars’) was Clay Aiken’s. He looked so handsome and self assured and was so gracious to that kid Sandecki. In all the season of AI, I have only voted for one person: the guy with the “gift from God” voice and the adorable personality, Clay Aiken.
Taylor has a nice sound to his voice and he’s fun, but his range is very limited and his mannerisms put me off. I’d probably buy his CD, but I have all of Clay’s and am anxiously waiting for the next.

Ah, Taylor vs. Clay.
I like Taylor very much. I think he will be very successful. He’s different. And I think there’s a lot of depth there as a human being as well.
But….. That being said.
Clay Aiken has the greatest voice I have ever heard. Matchless. Pure. Clear. Expressive. Pierces to the soul.
An earlier poster suggested that Clay doesn’t have soul. Oh, but he does. See a live concert and you’ll be convinced. He’s masterful. He’s charismatic. And he’s enigmatic, too. Someday the entire world will sit up and take notice of this phenomenal and beautiful man. What’s not to love?
Clay should have won AI2. In fact, I think he did. I don’t care how talented he/she is, no one can ever match Clay’s gift.
I am so excited about his upcoming new CD. And I’m waiting very impatiently for a new tour.
Clay has my heart always.

What I think is interesting about this study is:
That Clay has not been a contestant on AI, in 3 seasons, yet Clay shows up on your data. I find that completely interesting.
I personally love both Taylor & Clay but I must say that there is something about Clay that does set my endorphins racing through my body. I get so excited.

Hmmm. I think Aiken would win. I say this because Taylor is a real entertainer for sure, but I can’t imagine him on a CD or the radio. I think he loses some appeal when you can’t “watch” him. I just don’t think his voice compares to Aiken. I think Aiken has both stage charisma, and well, that freakin’ voice is unbeatable. wow

To be a great vocalist,
You must have great tone, control, range & clarity and the ability to sing softly as well as powerfully.
Be able to “emote” to the audience when you sing, Great singers somehow feel the song, draw the audience into the song.., Or emote to the audience.
Taylor and Clay are both “performers” in different ways. Taylor is good vocalist. Clay is an exceptional vocalist. Picturing Taylor hitting some of the Notes that Clay sung at AI5 is impossible

Yes I did forget that Clay did not win the title, and if there were to be “Match of the Idols” he wouldn’t be in it. That is so sad since collectively most of the people that posted agree that Clay is the best vocalist that came out of AI.
It is very nice though that no one has been dissing Taylor or any of the contestants.

Clay would win no question about that. I have been watching numerous videos of Clay on youtube and I just can’t get enough of that VOICE! Taylor is a great performer and has a unique style and I knew that he was going to win A15 but I do not plan to buy his CD. No other performer has captured my attention like Clay. Every year since A12 I have been disappointed because the show to me is not the same without Clay to watch every week. Clay has an amazing presence about him, is enjoyable to watch, but most important, no other voice on any of the american idol shows matches his – He makes you want to keep coming back for more. That is the measure of a true performer.

Sorry if someone already said this, I didn’t read whateveryone else wrote, but one thing is sure to me. If Catherine, Clay and Taylor had all been in Season 2, there’s NO WAY that Reuben would have made it to the top three. I really think that the fact that you can vote as many times as you want makes the voting unfair, and I think that Clay WOULD have won AI in his season.
I don’t think Taylor’s going to have a career. I agree with what Simon said about him once, that he reminded him of the father who gets drunk at his daughter’s wedding and decides to sing kereoke. The difference is that he’s been doing this for a while profesionally and he really can sing, so his performance has some polish, but I just don’t think “musical sensation” when I think of Taylor Hicks.
Of course, I could be totally wrong.

I believe that Clay Aiken would have won AI5. He so dynamic, and charismatic,,,,,,,,and that voice,clear and powerful.

tayloy sucks and clay is hot. tay would not STAND a chance!!!

I don’t think anyone is truly giving Taylor his props. He’s a very talented, multi-faceted performer. Among his talents, he not only sings, but plays the harmonica, the guitar, and he also writes songs, not to mention his enthusiasm on stage.
I adore Clay Aiken, but Taylor Hicks rocks my socks too. It really is a tough job comparing the two. On the one hand, Clay has a sweet, rich voice like cheesecake, and on the other, Taylor has a raw, hearty voice like the perfect steak. Both are immensely satisfying and leave ME wanting more. Both are charismatic, both are sexy, but since everyone is saying Clay, the only natural thing for me to do, is choose Taylor.

Both have a great voice but I think Clay would win anytime! Hope AI starts a “Match of the Idols” soon. That’ll be the day!

I voted for Taylor because I knew from his first audition that he had the maturity, ego, and experience to take this opportunity and run with it. Just as Clay has done. Rueben never had the ambition, energy, desire or imagination to go out and put it all on the line in a live show. Taylor does have that, I’m just not sure that voice could last 2 hours in a concert like Clay’s does. Clay is still and forever the prime example of talent personified.

Clay would win! A performer like Clay with a voice like his comes around once in a lifetime. Taylor is a fun, likeable guy who will probably do better than Ruben.

Clay is by far the most talented singer from any season of AI. Nobody even comes close. Just wait and see what that man can do!!

Clay would beat Taylor. Clay’s voice is hypnotic not to mention his face, personality, charm, the banter with the audience during concerts. Just see him once on stage and you are hooked for life. No other idol performer has come close for me.

after the first week sales records are in Taylor is in 4th place. 1st place Clay, 2nd place Ruben 3rd place Kelly, 4th place Taylor.
Taylor is fun and entertaining but Clay is far ahead of him. Like the one dj said that Clay has one of the best voices he has every heard he takes a very hard song to sing like Don’t let the sun go down and sings it like he is talking a walk through his backyard, so effortless. Clay has the humor, the humble way, the caring way. He is very smart and he could host any talk show. He is never at a loss for words. Funny how 2 minutes time he stole the show. That was the best tv moment, everyone I know was talking about Clay.

CLAY would have totally beat taylor!

Clay is the phenomenon of our lifetime. He’s the whole package. It’s been said many times that he has the Voice of an Angel. But he also has charm, charisma, goodness, stage presence, and beauty beyond imagination.
Taylor is indeed engaging, but NO one can compare to Clay. I thoroughly enjoyed Taylor’s performances, but it was nothing like the enchantment created by Clay’s performances on AI2. Clay would win, hands down!

Clay Aiken’s voice is pure heaven. Taylor does have the “soul” in his singing.. but Clay totally blows Taylor’s voice out of the water.. as someone else said. In the season 5 finale he only had 2 minutes and he stole the show with his amazing voice.