Clay Aiken, the renowned singer and former American Idol contestant, shares insights about his latest Christmas album and reflects on his time on Celebrity Apprentice. He discusses his apprehensions about singing in public and critiques modern Christmas music, favoring classics. Meanwhile, actress and model Brande Roderick talks about her new film, 'Wineville,' her experiences on Baywatch, and humorous memories of dating Hugh Hefner. Together, they explore the complexities of talent, identity, and the entertainment industry.
Clay Aiken reflects on the importance of nostalgia in holiday music, aiming to evoke cherished memories with his new album.
Aiken discusses the unpredictable nature of fame, sharing his journey of perceived failures and ongoing optimism for reconnecting with fans.
The podcast highlights how evolving streaming platforms and social media demand adaptability from artists in engaging their audience today.
Brande Roderick shares insights on her film 'Wineville,' emphasizing collaboration and the challenges of balancing multiple roles in the filmmaking process.
Deep dives
A Reunion with Friends
Clay Aiken returns to the studio for a reunion, sharing his excitement about his latest album titled 'Christmas Bells Are Ringing.' The discussion highlights the nostalgic elements of holiday music, as Aiken expresses a preference for classic Christmas songs, emphasizing the importance of familiarity during the holiday season. He recalls his approach to producing the album, aiming to recreate the sound reminiscent of the greats like Perry Como and Andy Williams, ensuring listeners feel a sense of warmth and nostalgia. The conversation hints at how music connects people during the holidays, making it a universal experience filled with cherished memories.
Life After American Idol
Reflecting on his journey since American Idol, Aiken candidly discusses the ups and downs he faced, including moments like his experience on Celebrity Apprentice where he felt undervalued despite his contributions. He recounts quantifiable achievements during that competition, highlighting how difficult it can be to measure talent and effectiveness in reality television. Aiken reveals his perspective on the industry, admitting that he's grown accustomed to perceived failures but remains optimistic about the future and reconnecting with his audience. His experience underscores the unpredictable nature of fame and how one must navigate through both success and setbacks.
The Challenge of Reinventing Art
Aiken discusses the importance of adapting to the current music industry landscape, particularly with the rise of streaming services that revolutionized how music is consumed. He emphasizes the need to engage his fanbase in today's digital world, expressing eagerness to connect with the younger generation. The conversation touches upon the evolution of listening habits and how artists must evolve their promotional strategies. Aiken's reflections reveal a deep understanding of the cultural shifts in music and his desire to remain relevant in an ever-changing environment.
A Deep Bond with Fans
The strong connection Aiken has with his fanbase, known as 'Claymates,' is central to his narrative. He shares fond memories of the support he's received over the years, recognizing the unwavering loyalty of these fans during different phases of his career. Aiken's gratitude is evident as he reflects on how they helped him navigate the complexities of fame and public scrutiny. Such interactions highlight the unique bond artists can form with their audiences, affirming the significance of this relationship in the world of entertainment.
The Evolution of Performance Standards
Aiken shares his insights on the changing landscape of performances and how the expectations have shifted with new technologies and platforms. He highlights that live performances have become integral to an artist's success, with streaming and social media platforms playing a pivotal role in audience engagement. This evolution poses challenges for artists, requiring them to balance their musical talent with performance charisma. Aiken's observations shed light on the modern music industry's demands, emphasizing the need for adaptability among artists.
Navigating Personal Identity in the Spotlight
The conversation also touches on the personal challenges Aiken faced as a public figure, particularly concerning his identity and sexual orientation. He candidly discusses the societal pressures that shaped his journey, particularly how growing up in a less accepting environment influenced his self-perception. Aiken expresses the importance of authenticity, both in personal life and within the music community. This reflection underscores the ongoing evolution of societal acceptance and the necessity of embracing one's true self in an often judgmental world.
The Legacy of Playboy and Cultural Impact
Brandi Roderick joins the conversation, sharing her unique experiences as a former Playmate and actress. She emphasizes the cultural significance of Playboy, particularly highlighting how it provided a platform for women to express their sexuality while simultaneously promoting artistic endeavors. Roderick reflects on the mixture of glamour and controversy associated with the brand and its influence on societal norms regarding female empowerment. By discussing her journey, Roderick sheds light on how Playboy fostered relationships within the industry, both professionally and personally.
The Art of Movie Making
Roderick delves into her recent film project titled 'Wineville,' where she not only stars but also contributes as a producer and director. She describes the challenges of wearing multiple hats in the filmmaking process, recounting how her passion for storytelling drove her to take on such a considerable undertaking. The project required significant collaboration with fellow actors and crew members, and Roderick shares her insights on the importance of teamwork in achieving a successful film. Her experience in making 'Wineville' exemplifies the dedication required in the film industry and her commitment to creative expression.
Clay Aiken returns to the show to talk about his new Christmas album, his season of Celebrity Apprentice with Adam, his hesitancy to sing in public, nature vs. nurture, John Lennon’s Christmas music, and why he hasn’t seen the Wicked movie yet.
Next, Jason “Mayhem” Miller reads the news including stories about a group of Wisconsin women engaging in mass 'primal scream' in wake of Trump victory, Belgium’s sex workers win maternity pay and pension rights under new law, a child trashing a Walmart during a tantrum, and Dictionary.com announcing “demure” as its Word of the Year.
Then, actress/model Brande Roderick stops by to talk about her new movie “Wineville” that she directed, produced and starred in. They also discuss how she landed her part on Baywatch, her fond memories of dating Hugh Hefner, why many Playboy centerfolds have a weird look on their face, and Adam’s favorite playmate of all-time.
For more with Clay Aiken:
● NEW ALBUM: Christmas Bells are Ringing - available everywhere now.
● INSTAGRAM: @clayaiken
● TWITTER/X: @clayaiken
● WEBSITE: clayaiken.com
For more with Brande Roderick:
● NEW FILM: Wineville - Available now for rent on Amazon & more.
● TWITTER/X: @BrandenRoderick
● INSTAGRAM: @branderoderick
● WEBSITE: branderoderick.com
Thank you for supporting our sponsors:
● http://SimpliSafe.com/Adam
● This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp http://BetterHelp.com/Carolla
● Get term life insurance through Ethos today to help protect your family’s finances. Get up to $2 million in coverage in just 10 minutes at https://ethoslife.com/ADAM. Thanks to Ethos for sponsoring us!
● http://OReillyAuto.com/Adam
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
