Clay Aiken Returns To Music After Over A Decade With New Holiday Album ‘Christmas Bells Are Ringing’

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“For anyone aching to start the holiday season early, Clay Aiken is here to deliver tidings of comfort and joy.” - Billboard

"His voice sounds as sweet and theatrical as ever — a natural partner to holiday classics." - Associated Press

(New York, NY) November 22, 2024 – Acclaimed recording artist Clay Aikenmakes his long-awaited return to music, after a decade, with his highly anticipated album, ‘Christmas Bells Are Ringing.’ Produced by GRAMMY Award-winning producer Ron Fair, this album brings Aiken’s signature vocal brilliance to cherished holiday classics, offering a blend of nostalgia and fresh interpretations of seasonal favorites. 

“Whether you’re celebrating traditions, creating new memories, or simply looking for a moment of reflection this holiday season, this album is for you,”Aiken shared. “I wanted to craft something that brings joy and a sense of togetherness during this special time of year.”

Marking his first studio project in over a decade, ‘Christmas Bells Are Ringing’ invites listeners to ceebrate the magic of the holiday season with Aiken’s unmistakable voice and timeless charm. The album includes beloved holiday standards such as Bing Crosby classic “Do You Hear What I Hear?”, Nat King Cole’s “Caroling, Caroling,” and Paul McCartney’s “Wonderful Christmastime,” alongside a lush reimagining of one of his personal favorite artists The Carpenters’ “Merry Christmas, Darling” and a breathtaking rendition of “Pure Imagination” from Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.

Clay Aiken’s journey to fame began as the runner-up on Season 2 of American Idol in 2003. His debut single, “This Is the Night,” soared to #1 on Billboard's Hot 100, while his first album, ‘Measure of a Man,’achieved triple platinum status. Over the years, Aiken has sold millions of albums, headlined national tours, starred on Broadway, and made significant strides as both a philanthropist and politician.

As this year marks the 20th anniversary of his record-breaking album ‘Merry Christmas With Love,’ Aiken’s latest release, ‘Christmas Bells Are Ringing,’ is poised to deliver the same timeless joy to listeners, making it the perfect soundtrack for the 2024 holiday season.

Recently, Aiken took to the stage at the United Way Benefit for Hurricane Relief to raise essential funds for communities devastated by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The primetime special, which aired on the CBS Television Network and CMT, was also live-streamed on Paramount+ with SHOWTIME. The cause was especially meaningful to Aiken, a North Carolina native, who was deeply moved by the impact on his home state.

‘CHRISTMAS BELLS ARE RINGING’ TRACK LISTING 

1. Merry Christmas, Darling
2. It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year
3. Caroling, Caroling
4. Do You Hear What I Hear?
5. Pure Imagination
6. Ave Maria
7. All Year Long
8. Wonderful Christmastime
9. Magic Moments
10. On This Silent Night

ABOUT CLAY AIKEN

Clay Aiken most recently joined forces with friend and fellow American Idol Ruben Studdard for a highly anticipated North American, 82-date concert tour, reuniting the pair twenty years after their appearance on the show. Clay starred on Broadway in Ruben & Clay’s First Annual Christmas Carol Family Fun Pageant Spectacular Reunion Show at the Imperial Theater. The New York Times called the production ‘A Christmas Miracle’. This came ten years after Clay’s critically lauded Broadway debut in Monty Python's Spamalot. Catapulting to fame on season two of American Idol, he became the first Idol alum in history to have his first single debut at #1 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart, to have a single certified platinum and to have an album certified triple platinum. As a concert artist he’s played some of the most iconic venues in North America, including on the 2003 Independent Tour which Clay co-headlined with Kelly Clarkson. 

Clay’s album, Measure Of A Man, also debuted at #1 with the highest first week sales by a debut artist. His 2004 holiday release, Merry Christmas With Love, set a record for the fastest selling holiday album of the SoundScan era and remains tied for the highest charting debut of a holiday album in Billboard history. He served 9 years as a UNICEF Ambassador and in 2003, he co-founded, with Diane Bubel, what is now the National Inclusion Project to advocate and increase opportunities for children with disabilities to be included in extracurricular activities (such as summer camps and after-school programs) with their non-disabled peers. Additional TV appearances include: 30 Rock, The Office, Scrubs, Days Of Our Lives, and Law & Order: SVU. Additional 2nd place finishes include: The Celebrity Apprentice in 2012 and the NC 2nd District US House race in 2014. Beyond all of his successes (and near successes) his proudest accomplishment remains his son, Parker. 

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For More information, Please contact Allison Elbl, Josh Page, and Alena Joyiens at Shore Fire Media.