Clay Aiken's "Real Me" Tip-Off?

Did the former American Idol contestant hint at his coming out in a tune from his latest album?

As you've read, Clay Aiken has come out. But did he hint back in the spring that he was on the brink of opening up the closet?

Just check out the lyrics of one of the songs on his most recent album, On My Way Here.

In "The Real Me," Aiken sings: "Painted on, life is behind a mask/ Self-inflicted circus clown/ I'm tired of the song and dance/ Living a charade, always on parade/ What a mess I've made of my existence."

Hmmm?

Whether or not the song was meant to be about the agony of being in the closet, I have no idea. But it sure makes you wonder which "charade" he's referring to.

"You're turning the tattered fabric of my life into a perfect tapestry," he also swoons. "I just want to be me."

And that's exactly what he's doing on the cover of People magazine: Being himself.

(Originally published Sept. 23, 2008 at 5:05 p.m. PT)