Gregg DeGuire/WireImage.comBelieve it or not, Clay Aiken's closet-busting revelation took some members of the Claynation by surprise.
And, for the most part, the surprise has been deemed a good one.
"We'll 'talk' more later, but, suffice it to say, for the first time in recent memory, I am speechless," the 29-year-old wrote on his site's members-only message board in response to the support received from fans following his coming-out proclamation in People.
"I'm so proud to know and love all of you...My family is so much larger than Parker, Jaymes, mom, Brett, etc.," the new father continued. "It extends to each of you. And I couldn't be more blessed."
Even Simon Cowell got in on the act.
"Wow, that's a shock. It's like being told Santa Claus isn't real—unbelievable," the American Idol judge told Extra, before turning serious.
"Good for him…it's the right thing for him," he said. "I don't think anyone cares. Let's face it. It's 2008."