Clay Aiken

If my career detour from special education to singing has done one thing, it has afforded me the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others.

I got rid of my glasses and they changed my hair. That's really all they did. They went shopping for me, so the clothes are different too. It wasn't like Extreme Makeover where I got a nose job or anything.

I'd never take a job where I had to do something that I didn't want to do.

I'd hate to have a job where I had to be rude to people.

I had a Spanish teacher in high school. I rarely got in trouble in her room because I felt I was disappointing her if I got a bad grade. That had more power over me than teachers who told me I talked too much. That level of respect I had for her made me not want to fail for her.

I think celebrities have an obligation to the public to not just sing or act.

No matter what the situation you're in, if you're raised in a loving environment, that's the most important thing.

I'm being trained to shake the bon-bon appropriately.

Actually, I don't hate cats, I'm just kind of afraid of them.

I went to school for special education. I always assumed when I had the opportunity I would love to try and help kids with disabilities.

The greatest glory never comes from falling, but from rising each time you fall.

I don't really feel like I have anybody to answer to but myself and God and the people I love.