Concert Review
'Idol' duo gets crowd's vote at KeyArena

	AP Clay Aiken likes singing ballads and pop songs.
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Judging by album and concert sales, the success of "American Idol" stars Kelly Clarkson and Clay Aiken is no fluke.

Though both pop stars were sculpted and refined in front of a captivated TV audience of millions on "American Idol" — Clarkson was the show's first crowned pop princess and Aiken was last year's runner-up — they are a study in contrasts when it comes to their music and performance style. Clarkson's a little bit rock 'n' roll with a shot of soul and some spunk. Aiken's powerhouse pipes get a real workout in ballads and standard pop fare.

Without question, Aiken seemed to be the one most came to see Thursday night at KeyArena. His fans are notoriously loyal, known in some circles as "Claymates," and reflect a true cross-section of America: from children to tweens and teens, parents and grandparents, students and professionals. Every turn of his lanky body and every honey-glazed note was met with cries of "We love you, Clay," sing-alongs and signs like "Shakin' For Aiken's Bacon."

The boyish singer, sporting a sophisticated fedora-style hat (he said it was because of a "bad hair day") and a 5 o'clock shadow, crooned his way through an hourlong set that showed off his powerful voice and genial stage presence.

Concert review Clay Aiken and Kelly Clarkson, Thursday night at KeyArena, Seattle.

Backed by a live band and a trio of back-up singers, Aiken was smooth and polished on stage, his voice clean and loud as he sang of unrequited love, friendship, heartbreak and hope, subjects pervasive on his hit debut album, "Measure of a Man." Especially good was "Perfect Day," the heartfelt and snappy "No More Sad Songs," the dance-friendly "Invisible," which had the arena rocking, and "I Will Carry You."

A few surprises were built into Aiken's set — namely, his dancing and a believable cover of Prince's "When Doves Cry," which had the Aiken doing a little bumping and grinding with a back-up singer.

	AP Kelly Clarkson belts out rock 'n' roll.

Equally impressive live was Clarkson, who added intensity and a rock 'n' roll bite to the night. Sporting an Aerosmith T-shirt and ripped jeans, sans shoes, to start the show, the pop singer's bluesy voice was spiked with an edginess that came across best when she slowed things down, as she did on the heartbreaking "Beautiful Disaster," accompanied only by a piano. On "Trouble With Love Is," Clarkson mixed up the song's original arrangement and made it into a dance club-style track, as she did with "Miss Independent."

For the night's finale, it was the best of both worlds as Aiken joined Clarkson on stage for a duet of Stephen Perry's (Journey) "Open Arms." Though the chemistry wasn't exactly white hot, the crowd was clearly feeling it.

Tina Potterf: 206-464-8214 or tpotterf@seattletimes.com

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