Clay Aiken Named Best-Mannered Person

Yahoo! News ^ | December 16, 2003 | AP

[El Conservador]

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Clay Aiken, the North Carolina native who warbled his way to the runner-up spot on "American Idol," heads the list of the "Ten Best-Mannered People of 2003" as named by the National League of Junior Cotillions.

The league, based in Charlotte, is an etiquette and social training program for young people in the United States. The list released Tuesday was its 12th annual.

The league said it chose Aiken "for his example of humility and politeness." Talk show host Oprah Winfrey (news) came in second "for the warmth and kindness she extends her guests."

Gen. Tommy Franks, the former Central Command chief who ran the Iraq (news - web sites) war, was cited "for his composure during a difficult assignment," while Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick, who recently returned to the field after suffering a broken leg in the preseason, came in fourth "for being a positive role model to young athletes."

Surfer Bethany Hamilton, 13, who lost her left arm in a shark attacked, rounded out the top five. She was named "for the manner in which she handled the adversity of a shark attack."

The rest of the top 10 were NBC news anchor Tom Brokaw, first lady Laura Bush, movie actor Mel Gibson (news), National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice (news - web sites) and British Prime Minister Tony Blair (news - web sites).

Anne Colvin Winters, executive director of the league, said the selections are based "demonstration of honor, dignity and respect. Clay Aiken of 'American Idol' fame was chosen because of the courteous manner in which he treats fellow performers and fans."

Nominations are from cotillion students and directors nationwide.

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On the Net:

National League of Junior Cotillions: www.nljc.com

[El Conservador]

Further proof that Clay Aiken is... bah, forget it!!!

[SamAdams76]

Whatever happened to that big fat guy that beat him out on that national contest? Is he still around. Don't know much about this Clay Aiken either but I heard a couple of songs from him on the radio. Sounds sort of like what Barry Manilow was singing 30 years ago.

[KantianBurke]

How come this guy didn't make the list?

[Blood of Tyrants]

Hmmmm, I didn't see any of the Ass-a-nines on that list.

[Sabatier]

Clay Aiken is a devout Christian which just might be why he is the target of so many Hollywood snide jokes. In the liner notes to his album he thanks "Jesus Christ, the Omega, for giving me gifts far beyond what I deserve, and allowing me to do what I truly enjoy doing, my life is in your hands..." A class act, his voice harkens back to a time when singers actually had to be able to sing.

[Temple Drake]

No Hillary?

[Wondervixen]

Best American Idol joke heard so far:

Justin Guarini signed a big record deal this past week...He'll get 11 CD's for just one penny!

[herkbird]

ROFLMAO, that sums up Justin Guarini's short but sweet American Idol career. Maybe he can get a movie deal similar to his latest Music deal. lol

[mtbopfuyn]

Way to go Clay! He seems like a nice young man. Not thrilled with Oprah but over a good list.