Clay Aiken is Broadway bound.
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"I really couldn't have asked for a more wonderful group of people to work with," said Aiken. "Let's not lie, the chance to work with legendary creative minds like [Spamalot director] Mike Nichols and [Spamalot co-author] Eric Idle is, on its own, a reason to jump at this opportunity. But, that's not all. The producers and creative folks I have had the chance to meet and work with so far have been unbelievably welcoming and wonderful. They've really made me feel at home already, and I haven't even started yet!"
The 28-year-old Raleigh, NC-native will appear in the musical until May 4, and will have the opportunity to show-off both his vocal and acting abilities.
"Clay Aiken is amazing beyond that glorious voice. Turns out he is an excellent comic actor and a master of character," said Nichols. "People will be surprised by his wide ranging talent, since the first impression is of great country charm and a singer to remember. This guy is not only a star, he is a lot more. We are lucky to get him for Spamalot."
Spamalot, which in addition to its Tony Award for Best Musical also captured a Grammy Award for Best Cast Recording, is based on the 1975 film Monty Python and the Holy Grail, which was written by Idle, Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones and Michael Palin. Spamalot's music was penned by Idle and John DuPrez.
"This is great news," said Idle. "I have been a Clay Aiken fan ever since I took my daughter to see him live on the second season of American Idol and she held up a big sign of his name. Maybe now it should read 'American Idle.'"
Aiken isn't the first one-time reality star to appear in Spamalot, which opened in 2005 on Broadway. Dancing with the Stars first-season runner-up John O'Hurley played the role of King Arthur in Spamalot at Las Vegas' Wynn Casino, a gig that ended last month.
