If you can't beat them, join them. Having watched Fox ride its American Idol series to ratings highs over the last three years, NBC has announced that it will broadcast A Clay Aiken Christmas, a one-hour holiday special showcasing Idol 2's extremely successful runner-up, on Wednesday, December 8 at 8PM ET.
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In addition to featuring Clay sing classic Christmas carols, Barry Manilow, Yolanda Adams, and Will & Grace's Megan Mullally will guest star on the studio special.
NBC's announcement increases the number holiday specials featuring former Idol contestants to two -- Fox had previously announced that it will air a holiday special featuring Idol winners Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard and Fantasia Barrino on Wednesday, November 24.
Released in October 2003, Clay's debut "The Measure of a Man" album has gone multi-platinum and sold more than 2.6 million copies. "Merry Christmas with Love," Clay's new holiday album, was released on November 16 and he begins his "The Joyful Noise" concert tour on November 21 in Pasadena, CA.