A Clay Aiken Christmas (2004 TV Special) User Reviews

Warm Christmas DVD

[sheiladownunder · 10/10 · 9 January 2005]

I saw this show on TV and loved it so much, I bought the DVD. The set decorations are very warm and create a holiday setting just right for the atmosphere of the show. Clay Aiken's voice is rich and his singing is excellent on the songs he performs. Barry Manilow was quite enjoyable as well as Yolanda Adams. I was surprised that Mega Mullahey's song "I'll be Home for Christmas was not on here." I thought she did a wonderful rendition and was very surprised with her voice when I saw it on TV.

I have watched this DVD a couple of nights of week since I've purchased and I grow fonder of the performances every time I watch. I'm still not crazy about the way it was directed with showing the scenes behind the taping of a special, but I do get to see some interactions between Clay and his guests which are funny and sweet, so I guess for that it is worth the jarring effect it had in the beginning.

Clay is very comfortable in front of the camera and knows how to look into it and make you feel like he's talking directly to you. He is such a fast learner and I'm continually amazed with his progress with each new project.

The singing is wonderful and its so enjoyable to actually be able to hear and watch real singers, really singing. What a rarity in this day and age.

Simply Wonderful

[lv2workout · 10/10 · 9 January 2005]

A relaxing, homey, and classic Christmas special that highlights some of the most beautiful songs of Christmas... sung by the most beautiful voice of our generation. Aiken's choice of guests is flawless. Barry Manilow is an icon of our time, having written and sung some of the most popular songs in America over the last thirty years. Yolanda Adams, a true gospel star, shines in her performances and is exposed to an audience who may not yet have had the pleasure of hearing her sing. Finally, Aiken sings "Silver Bells" with Quiana Parlor, one of his back-up singers on tours and appearances. It is only a matter of time until this Quiana, whose voice is pure as honey, has her own CDs. Clay Aiken also served as Executive Producer on this production. His love of children, Christmas, and family is imbued in this marvelous DVD. This is one DVD that will truly stand the test of time.

A delightful, traditional Christmas special

[annieeldun · 9/10 · 21 January 2005]

This is one of those "easy on the ears and eyes" holiday treats. The set is lovely, Clay's vocal interpretation of favorite Christmas songs is appealing, and the video itself is timeless. What kept this from being a 10, in my opinion, is the pacing--at times it is a little slow. I wished it had the energy of Clay's live performances. Barry Manilow and Yolanda Adams are both talented and unique, but don't bring a lot to this special--it really highlights the down-home country charm of Clay and his powerful voice. Clay's "Mary Did You Know" is breathtaking in it's beauty, and "Merry Christmas With Love" is a poignant reminder of the blessing of friends at the holidays. Both these songs are sure to be classics in the future--and Clay's versions are outstanding.

Loved it!!!

[lkala-geo · 10/10 · 6 January 2005]

I loved A Clay Aiken Christmas. Finally someone has made a show that the whole family could watch!! Bravo to you Clay Aiken.I wasn't crazy about the guests on the show,just Clay would have been fine for me.Clay is an amazing entertainer,his voice is golden. I loved the classic songs and how he kept them as classics. My favorite song was Mary Did You Know. That song was beautifully done and left me in awe of Clay.I hope Clay does another special next year,but with more contemporary guests.I hope Clay continues to be a wonderful role model for children. In this day and age that is difficult to find.Clay has come a long way since American Idol and I wish him continued success in his future endeavors.

A Clay Aiken Christmas

[Bettylousmom · 10/10 · 11 January 2005]

All I can say is WOW. What a great Christmas Special. It made me sing along the whole time. I smiled throughout the whole show. I got to see my man Clay. The setting of the show made me feel like I was in the living room with Clay. The format of behind the scenes, shooting the special was very unique. Wish they had a few more. Barry is one of my all time favorite performers, and being on the special with Clay was absolutely great. Yolanda Adams voice is awesome. They all seemed like they were having fun and the chemistry between all of them was very noticeable. I hope NBC or another network will have another Clay Aiken Christmas Special next year.

Showed what Christmas Really is Aout

[jrbmgmt888 · 10/10 · 9 January 2005]

A Clay Aiken Christmas showed what Christmas is really about.

At home with family and friends, a fire and candles burning, sharing the holidays together, laughter, a mixture of secular and religious songs (SUNG THE WAY THEY WERE WRITTEN AND MEANT TO BE SUNG).

Hoiday songs that come back year after year after year, are performed as they were written, not done as "hiphop" or "rap" or "whatever is current in the defunct radio world." On this TV program, Clay Aiken and guest sang their musical selections with heart, feeling, and voices of beauty that intensified the songs.

If your rating went to 100%, I would have given the show that number.

A job well-done NBC!!!!

Warm & Cozy Christmas Special

[joaniemason · 10/10 · 9 January 2005]

As the Clay Aiken Christmas Special began, I immediately felt a feeling of love and peace....As it progressed in it's different format, I appreciated it even more...very unique from any other specials I have ever seen. Clay was the star, his voice, his presence was magic. And as Executive Producer for his first attempt, my family feels he did an exceptional job!! We all went out and purchased the DVD, and watch it all the time.. We look forward to another special this year from this very talented young man. Perhaps the next special he will have more interaction with the children and audience. We even went to the Christmas Concert he did in Pasadena, California. Now, seeing this young man on stage, live, is another experience in itself. He commands the stage, interacts with the audience and his voice just soars with emotion.

Nice Family Christmas Special

[stevenskoo · 10/10 · 23 January 2005]

It was wonderful to have an old fashion Christmas special that was really all about the music. It was very well done and my family watched it together. I enjoyed the fact that the audience was small and part of the set also. The children were adorable. You could tell that Clay liked working with them. So much for not working with children and animals. I liked the way we got to see the behind the scenes as well as the musical performances. It was also great to see an up and coming talent like Clay performing with a legend like Barry Manilow. I wasn't as crazy about Yolanda Adams because I'm not into her style of performing but it was great that someone of her caliber agreed to be on his first special. Here's hoping others will take note.

Great Christmas Entertainment

[nmjn100 · 10/10 · 10 January 2005]

Loved A Clay Aiken Christmas, it was excellent family entertainment for all ages. Clay is a natural entertainer and did a fantastic job hosting the show. The music and setting were beautiful. Liked the behind the scenes cuts and Clay's interaction with the other performers. Of course, Clay's voice was magnificent and loved the numbers with Barry and Yolanda. Barry, Yolanda and Megan were all such seasoned performers and they added pure class to the show. I just loved every minute and have watched it several times. Thanks to NBC and The Firm for giving Clay this opportunity. I sure hope to see another special from Clay. Even though Clay was up against some stiff competition for the time slot, I thought his rating of #2 for that slot was magnificent.

Merry Christmas With Love - Awesome

[dancer2012 · 10/10 · 8 January 2005]

This is one of the best traditional Christmas CD's I've ever heard. Just beautiful. I'd put it up there with Bing, Johnny, and Nat for Christmas. I suspect it will become a classic, too. Hopefully, Clay, will do one every year like Bing did. Way to go, Clay. The title song "Merry Christmas With Love" is sung in such a heartfelt manner. Anyone who is familiar with Clay Aiken's personality, in particular his faith, knows that every song he sings on this CD is truly heartfelt. "Mary Did You Know" contains probably the essence of the CD which Clay wanted to portray (as was his Christmas Concert)....that the season is truly about the birth of the Christ..not Santa Claus and not the material gift giving. It is a CD the whole family can enjoy for the whole of Christmas season and every Christmas beyond. As an added note, pay particular attention to the words in "Don't Save It All for Christmas". He really, really means it!

A Clay Aiken Christmas

[gypsy2 · 10/10 · 20 January 2005]

I enjoyed this TV Special very much. I love Clay Aiken's voice and also Barry Manilow's voice. I had never listened to nor knew Yolanda Adams before this special but thought she was outstanding. The show flowed from one scene to the next and was not bored throughout the program. I also thought the set design look very rich and must have cost a lot to put together. I think Clay has a natural way about him that makes him so enjoyable to watch. His voice is also beyond compare and he really belted out some of the songs. My favorite of all the songs though was Mary Did You Know. Very passionate and heartfelt. You could tell he loved the song.

Nice Holiday Fare

[rustypics · 8/10 · 12 February 2005]

I rated this Christmas special an "8" as I too was rather upset like another users comments: "that Megan Mullahey's song "I'll be Home for Christmas was not on the DVD." I too thought she did a wonderful rendition and was very surprised with her voice when I heard her on the TV Special in December. In fact I was watching the DVD today with my wife hoping to show her the wonderful performance that I remembered from the TV special.

However the rest of the DVD was superb and remarkable for Clay as executive producer and star to be so polished and genuine. He truly has evolved as a professional singer, producer, and performer. We liked his back-up singer Quiana duet and the segments with Barry Manilow and agree with others the song "Mary Did You Know" rates as one of the best!

Clay Aiken : Merry Christmas With Love

[Psalm42 · 10/10 · 20 January 2005]

This CD by Clay Aiken is a phenomenal masterpiece. Clay beautifully and simply captures the essence that is the holiday season in his latest compilation of songs. "MARY DID YOU KNOW" is by far the best as he caresses each and every note and feels every lyric he sings. Truly magnificent. "DONT SAVE IT ALL FOR Christmas DAY" is a showcase of this remarkable man's ability to sustain a note for as long as it takes to bake a cake and then some. His message is not lost that it is not all just for Christmas that we are to remember the reason for the season but to share love all year thru. "WHAT ARE YOU DOING NEW YEARS EVE"? Oh how I wish he was asking me that question , I would have no hesitation in answering that I am loving listening to you softly and tenderly serenade us with you melodic melody on this!

JUST TRULY MAGNIFICENT EVERY SONG!

A delightful holiday treat.

[cha080204 · 10/10 · 30 May 2005]

As a close follower of Clay Aiken in his journey over the past 2 and a half years, I have to say that this was long awaited by many, and it did not disappoint. I absolutely love all of his renditions of these common Christmas songs and the emotion watchers can feel is intense. He has such a way to emote through song. Clay has such a unique way of showing his love for the Christmas season through his gift of song. The way that this special is set up is highly unique, unlike I've ever seen before. I loved this, and recommend it to those who have not yet seen it and are looking for a family friendly Christmas special to watch with the kids. It's a wonderful treat! This would be a wonderful way to start of the next Christmas season, or even just to settle down and watch now.

This was a very fun and pleasant show

[swgen4 · 10/10 · 1 February 2005]

A Clay Aiken Christmas was a very pleasant Christmas show. The scenery was very pretty...especially seeing through the snowy window. I liked the unusual format: the bits about making/how the show was made. The little parts where the singers chatted between takes made it feel "homey" and just right for the season. I liked the traditional Christmas songs. Clay Aiken and Barry Manilow singing were highlights of the show. They both are wonderful singers and performers! I especially enjoyed Mary Did You Know and the song sung about the children. Overall a fun show I will watch over and over throughout the Christmases to come!