What makes a true Claymate (Clay Aiken fan)?

I have a hard time with the Sally-come-latelys who began to be fans of Clay Aiken only once he became popular. They are also often the ones who swoon over his "sexiness", his eyes, his etc. etc. Blah! I liked Clay the moment he first opened his mouth at his American Idol audition, regardless of his so-called "geeky" look. See for yourself - you can see the video of his audition here:



Throughout the AI process, Clay changed his look... and the teeny-boppers jumped on the bandwagon in droves as he became more pop-idol-like in his appearance.


Clay during American Idol2 after a number of weeks... 

Like so many other true fans (thank goodness, we are legion), I "came for the voice, stayed for the man", as I got to know him over time and learned to love his talent as a singer and his endearing spirit as a person, no matter what he looks - or looked - like.