I only watched the final two episodes of AI2 and I only did that because people at work kept talking about the Cluben. When I saw Clay sing TITN that night I immediately thought "Well, he's gonna win.", turned the TV off and went to sleep. I was pretty shocked when he didn't, but I still wasn't emotionally invested in this guy, just curious. When someone told me I could see all his AI performances on the internet I started watching...and watching...and watching. Unchained Melody did me in and I knew I was his. I couldn't get enough of this kid from NC.

By the time the AI2 tour rolled into New England I was frantically looking for tickets and ended up going to three. The electricity in that arena in Worcester was amazing and even back then I was initiated into what would become Claynation. There was an immediate connection with Clay fans and even though I'm pretty shy I felt comfortable and "home".

So three years and many, many concerts later, despite exhilarating highs and shattering lows, finding and losing friends, my feelings for Clay haven't changed.