How do you spell "bliss"? C L A Y is the answer 10,000 adoring fans at the Delta Center would surely give if asked. The screams and cheers of the crowd rocked the house, and it required a quick shake of the head to believe that this unlikely singer from North Carolina, this gangly redheaded scarecrow with the heart of gold, was the object of the thunderous love (yes, no two ways about it, it was love) sent his way. Clay, looking handsome but casual in blue shirt and blue tie, sung his heart out for his fans, as song after song was unerringly executed with passion, confidence, and a strikingly beautiful tone unmatched in today's world of popular music. Highlights included: Clay's majestic entrance through the crowd while singing Mr. Mister's Kyrie; his surprisingly-better-live renditions of songs from his CD (this guy is no one-dimensional studio singer); his easygoing and witty banter with the crowd (including a cell phone conversation with a hyperventilating fan in Tampa); his angry, angst-filled performance of I Survived You (his angry, glaring look at song's end is enough to make you never want to get on his bad side); the lovely duet Without You with back-up singer Qiana Parler; and his acoustic set, which included such gems as Carolina in My Mind. The crowd sang along on songs such as the infectious radio hit Invisible and the relaxed When You Say You Love Me. Clay's show-stopping cover of Prince's When Doves Cry nearly caused pandemonium in the arena as his voice soared on the hot lyrics and his body coupled with back-up singer Angela during a bit of playful dirty dancing. To make sure those in the back didn't miss the action, the must-be-a-female cameraperson chose to show a close-up on the jumbotron of Clay and Angela's grinding hips at just the right moment. When Clay was finished, fellow American Idol alum Kelly Clarkson performed her set and then was rejoined by Clay for a final duet of Open Arms. When Clay reappeared on stage, the crowd erupted with deafening cheers and screams. They leaped to their feet and shouted their hearts out for Clay, who could not help but grin. Could anyone contain a smile if 10,000 people were screaming for them? Clay is here to stay.

Set List: Kyrie, Perfect Day, I Will Carry You, All About Love, No More Sad Songs, When You Say You Love Me, Without You (with Qiana Parler), Invisible, I Survived You, Medley: Measure of a Man/Fields of Gold/When I Need You/Carolina in My Mind, When Doves Cry, The Way, Open Arms (with Kelly Clarkson).

last updated 4/12/04