"American Idol" viewers in January 2003 were taken by surprise when an unknown singer strode confidently into the audition room, announced to the judges that he was their choice and backed up that claim with an electrifying rendition of "Always and Forever," which instantly caught the attention of millions watching at home. Many of them - like judge Randy Jackson - must have wondered, "Where is that voice coming from?" After nine sold-out national tours, six million copies of his four chart-topping albums worldwide, numerous television appearances, a New York Times best-selling memoir, an auspicious Broadway debut in Monty Python's Spamalot, extensive travels for UNICEF and the launch of his own successful foundation - The National Inclusion Project - Aiken brings his clarion voice, engaging personality and Southern charm to PBS in CLAY AIKEN: TRIED & TRUE - LIVE!. Special guests Linda Eder and Ruben Studdard join Aiken onstage. Taped in Aiken's hometown, Raleigh, North Carolina, before a wildly enthusiastic audience, Aiken brings his powerful vocals and uniquely personal interpretations to new arrangements of some of the most iconic songs ever written.
