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Clay Aiken Gives Rare Update on His Teen Son, Whose Idol Connections Will Surprise You

American Idol alum Clay Aiken, who shares 15-year-old son Parker with longtime friend Jaymes Foster, told E! News whether the teen plans to follow in the musical footsteps of his famous family.

By Jess Cohen May 11, 2024 11:00 AMTags
Watch: Ruben Studdard & Clay Aiken Reunite for Broadway Christmas Show

Will Clay Aiken's son be a future American Idol contestant?

Well, as the "Invisible" singer recently explained, his and friend Jaymes Foster's 15-year-old son Parker used to sing "all the time," but he's not currently looking to get into the music business.

"He's chosen a different path," Clay told E! News in a joint interview with fellow Idol alum Ruben Studdard. "He has something else he wants to do with his life. And I'm excited for him."

But, if Parker ever changes his mind, he has a few powerhouse artists to turn to for advice.

"My son's got a lot of not only music, but Idol in his veins," Clay noted. "His uncle is David Foster, the producer. So his aunt is Katharine McPhee."

Katharine and David, who wed in 2019, first met more than a decade earlier during the fifth season of Idol, when the latter served as the runner-up's mentor.

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American Idol: Where Are They Now?

"So Parker has got a dad and an aunt, and with Ruben an uncle who all were on American Idol," Clay continued. "But he wanted to do something else. Had he wanted to sign up? Sure. I mean, I think that's what you're supposed to do is support whatever they want to do."

(Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

"I think you have to do your best not to make plans for them," he added, "because they will always do something different."

Jemal Countess/WireImage for Bon Appetit Magazine

As for Ruben, his 3-year-old son Olivier is ready to take on the music industry.

"I feel like he's already making a path towards become becoming a singer," the Idol winner—who also shares daughter Henri, 2 months, with wife Kristin Moore-Studdard—said. "Because he's always, always, always singing something. If that's his choice, I will support it."

Michael Becker / FOX. ©2024 FOX Media LLC.

In the meantime, the duo's kids can re-watch their performances on Idol or, more recently, The Masked Singer

That's right, the friends were unmasked as the Beets during the May 1 episode of the Fox show.

Keep reading to see more celebs who have been unmasked this season.

The Masked Singer airs Wednesdays at 8/7c on Fox, and catch-up on Hulu, Fox.com, Tubi and On Demand.

Book: Eliminated Week 1

The Book was revealed as comedian Kevin Hart, who only competed on the premiere episode March 6 to prank pal Nick Cannon.

Afghan Hound: Eliminated Week 2

Chrisley Knows Best star Savannah Chrisley was the first actual contestant sent home during the second week.

Spaghetti and Meatballs: Eliminated Week 3

Restaurateur Joe Bastianich said "ciao" to the competition after being revealed as Spaghetti and Meatballs.

Lion: Eliminated Weed 4

TV host Billy Bush entered the competition as a wild card during week four but was abruptly eliminated.

Lizard: Eliminated Week 5

Sisqo, singer of the 2000 mega-hit "Thong Song," was unmasked as Lizard during week five.

Lovebird: Eliminated Week 6

The Bachelor alum Colton Underwood was behind the Lovebird costume and was sent home during Transformers week.

Koala: Eliminated Week 6

Introduced as a wild card contestant during week six, retired football star DeMarcus Ware was eliminated and unmasked as Koala.

Ugly Sweater: Eliminated Week 7

Music icon Charlie Wilcon was behind the Ugly Sweater mask and was sent home during week seven's double elimination.

Starfish: Eliminated Week 7

The Office alum Kate Flannery was unmasked as Starfish during week seven's double elimination.

Miss Cleocatra: Eliminated Week 8

As Miss Cleocatra, Sister Act star Jenifer Lewis made a triumphant return to the stage nearly two years after her harrowing accident, in which she fell 10 feet from a balcony while on a trip to the Serengeti in Africa.

Seal: Eliminated Week 9

Just one week after joining the show as the season's final wild card contestant, former child star Corey Feldman was unmasked as Seal.

Beets: Eliminated Week 9

In a jaw-dropping double elimination, American Idol alums Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard were unearthed as the duo behind Beets.

Poodle Moth: Eliminated Week 10

This is Chrissy Metz! The This Is Us star was unmasked as Poodle Moth during the quarterfinals.

Clock: Eliminated Week 11

Clock was revealed to be legendary singer Thelma Houston.

Gumball: Runner-Up

Hart of Dixie and Friday Night Lights alum Scott Porter nearly took home the title, but ultimately came in second place during the May 22 season 11 finale.

Goldfish: Winner

Former High School Musical star Vanessa Hudgens won season 11 as Goldfish!

Watch E! News weeknights Monday through Thursday at 11 p.m., only on E!.