Arts & Entertainment
Clay Aiken bashes ‘American Idol’ on Twitter
former reality star wasn’t entertained
(Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key).
Clay Aiken took to Twitter on Wednesday to slam the final season premiere of “American Idol” for being less entertaining than a root canal.
Aiken, who was second season runner-up in 2003, appeared on the show when it was more of a household hit across the country. Watching episodes from the earlier seasons included good singing but also lots of horrific auditions, such as the infamous William Hung, and plenty of biting snark from former judge Simon Cowell.
For Aiken, new judges Harry Connick Jr., Keith Urban and Jennifer Lopez weren’t delivering the humiliating one-liners the show became famous for. The 37-year-old also made a brief appearance in the episode, along with some other fellow “Idol” alums such as Ruben Studdard and Taylor Hicks, but even that wasn’t enough to keep him entertained.
Well… now I know why the ratings are down. ?
— Clay Aiken (@clayaiken) January 7, 2016
Later, Aiken tweeted his feelings during a contestant named Joe’s audition. Joe claimed to be a classically trained singer but instead delivered a tone-deaf performance. It would have been the perfect fodder for Cowell to whip out a cutting remark, but Connick Jr, Urban and Lopez half-heartedly criticized the audition.
Oh good Lord… those boring ass responses from the judges!? Where is Simon when you need him!? That guy need a hook to pull him off stage. — Clay Aiken (@clayaiken) January 7, 2016
It’s VERY clear now that @SimonCowell was the reason @AmericanIdol was a hit. I’ve watched root canals more entertaining than these judges.
— Clay Aiken (@clayaiken) January 7, 2016
Photos
PHOTOS: Helen Hayes Awards
Gay Men’s Chorus, local drag artists have featured performance at ceremony
The 41st Helen Hayes Awards were held at The Anthem on Monday, May 19. Felicia Curry and Mike Millan served as the hosts.
A performance featuring members of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington and local drag artists was held at the end of the first act of the program to celebrate WorldPride 2025.
The annual awards ceremony honors achievement in D.C.-area theater productions and is produced by Theatre Washington.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
2025 D.C. Trans Pride was held at Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library on Saturday, May 17. The day was filled with panel discussions, art, social events, speakers, a resource fair and the Engendered Spirit Awards. Awardees included Lyra McMillan, Pip Baitinger, Steph Niaupari and Hayden Gise. The keynote address was delivered by athlete and advocate Schuyler Bailar.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
a&e features
Looking back at 50 years of Pride in D.C
Washington Blade’s unique archives chronicle highs, lows of our movement
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of LGBTQ Pride in Washington, D.C., the Washington Blade team combed our archives and put together a glossy magazine showcasing five decades of celebrations in the city. Below is a sampling of images from the magazine but be sure to find a print copy starting this week.
The magazine is being distributed now and is complimentary. You can find copies at LGBTQ bars and restaurants across the city. Or visit the Blade booth at the Pride festival on June 7 and 8 where we will distribute copies.
Thank you to our advertisers and sponsors, whose support has enabled us to distribute the magazine free of charge. And thanks to our dedicated team at the Blade, especially Photo Editor Michael Key, who spent many hours searching the archives for the best images, many of which are unique to the Blade and cannot be found elsewhere. And thanks to our dynamic production team of Meaghan Juba, who designed the magazine, and Phil Rockstroh who managed the process. Stephen Rutgers and Brian Pitts handled sales and marketing and staff writers Lou Chibbaro Jr., Christopher Kane, Michael K. Lavers, Joe Reberkenny along with freelancer and former Blade staffer Joey DiGuglielmo wrote the essays.
The magazine represents more than 50 years of hard work by countless reporters, editors, advertising sales reps, photographers, and other media professionals who have brought you the Washington Blade since 1969.
We hope you enjoy the magazine and keep it as a reminder of all the many ups and downs our local LGBTQ community has experienced over the past 50 years.
I hope you will consider supporting our vital mission by becoming a Blade member today. At a time when reliable, accurate LGBTQ news is more essential than ever, your contribution helps make it possible. With a monthly gift starting at just $7, you’ll ensure that the Blade remains a trusted, free resource for the community — now and for years to come. Click here to help fund LGBTQ journalism.
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Looking back at 50 years of Pride in D.C
WorldPride events round-up
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