Pop Quiz, PopWatchers: Which would you rather watch? Clay Aiken’s video for "A Thousand Days," Kimberley Locke’s new video for "Change," or a YouTube clip starring a baby panda? I know, you’re probably thinking, it’s the weekend, and you don’t have time for philosophical dilemmas. So let me help you by breaking it all down:
- While I was never a massive Kimberley Locke fan during her run on season 2 of Idol, and while I found her debut CD, One Love, a little bit meh, "Change" (the first single off her sophomore effort, Based on a True Story) is a rather rousing slice of anthemic balladry. It makes you want to stand out in the rain with tears streaming down your face, then run from your past and toward your destiny. Or tear up to the airport in your environmentally responsible vehicle, dash toward the boarding gates, and unload that secret you’ve been holding back from a loved one before he or she flies off into the sunset. Okay, yes, it’s a cliché-fest. But it’s a really, really catchy one. Kimberley is in fine vocal form, and she looks svelte and sexy in a video clip (streaming here) that makes surprisingly good use of its $314 budget. This woman deserves a hit! (It’s kind of a shame she’s been forced to slum it on the latest edition VH1’s Celebrity Fit Club. Le sigh.)
- Clay’s video (streaming here) — which appears to have been shot on a budget even paltrier than Locke’s — is essentially an in-studio performance clip. If you like your vocals bombastic, and you like your Clay making sexyface to the cameras, then this is the video for you! I, however, will not watch it again, at least not for a thousand days. I know, I’m a betch, he’s an easy target. But also, it’s not a good song. Sorry, Claymates.
- Finally, because I am not a fan of spoilers, I refuse to discuss the panda video. But I implore you to watch it for yourself by clicking below. It is 14 seconds of pure bliss. And how often do I describe anything as "pure bliss," PopWatchers? Think about that. And have a lovely weekend.
Comments (1-30) of 43 Add your comment
I love that panda video! I saw it like 3 months ago and watched it over and over becuase it made me laugh so hard…wow…I need a life!
LMAO @ the panda video. Little one scared the bejesus outta of the mom. And mom gave that look like, “Now why you gonna go and do that?!”
My answer: Even though I’ve seen it before (on CuteOverload, natch) I went for the panda. Sorry, Kim and Clay– your music is no match for the power of the cute.
HIGHlarious!!! I think I watched the panda video about four times. It just got funnier and funnier
Kimberley is beautiful & the video and song both deserve to be HITS!
Even with his shoe string budget, I pick Clay. And I agree with the reviewer, she is a betch!
I basically watched that panda video for 5 minutes straight and jumped around because I was so giddy. I love that the mama is just sitting there minding her biz trying to eat a sandwich or something.
The panda video wins hands down. I love how when Ma Panda composes herself at the end, she gives the baby a WTF? look.
I still don’t get the Clay Aiken thing. I watched like 15 seconds and decided I couldn’t take him snarling at me seductively. Icky! But Clay fans, I’m not hating on any of y’all. Love him with all of your might.
The Kimberly Locke song was good. It just felt like she wasn’t using the full capacity of her diva-sity.
I heart Kimberley Locke! That video is kind of boring, but her music is great!
The Kim Locke song reminds me of that Golden Girls episode where they keep talking about menopause as going through “The Change”
I love Clay, but I don’t like that video either.
I’ve always wanted to see a panda do a spit take!
The panda thing is cute but Clay is adorable. Sorry Slezak but your cheap shots are getting so old.
Cute pandas beat overly-hyped moderately-talented pop stars any day! I say put the pandas on Idol.
The Panda wins it! That made me laugh. The other two I couldn’t care enough to even watch them.
Scott – It’s funny you mentioned that…With a little alteration, it would be a perfect background song for a product that controls hot flashes (I feel “the change”). BTW, the panda video wins in my book. That was hilarious!
Pandas rule!
Idols Sony/BMG has given radio support & quality videos to this year: Ruben, Fantasia, Kellie P., Chris, & upcoming Kat.
Idol who has made Sony/BMG the most money, yet never gets radio support or quality videos: Clay.
What is wrong with this picture?
PANDA PANDA! I watched it about 9 times in a row. Its all about the way the mama panda is sitting.
Kim sounds fab on the song. Looks fab. The video is ordinary. Hope the song is a hit for her.
I have said before that I really like clay, but was disappointed in his new CD. The video is not great, but I still love his voice. K. Locke looks great, the song is nothing special.
Just finished watching the Panda video, very cute! Priceless
the baby Panda is Mei Lin at Zoo Atlanta
http://www.goldlies.com
I stopped the Clay video after about 8 seconds. I can’t stand watching him. Like Simon said to him on Idol, “I prefer you when I shut my eyes”.
K. Locke is a great singer. Too bad she’s not going to be able to start a substantial career.
Is that real Panda? What the heck was that..
Jonathan – it’s hard to tell, but it seems like the baby sneezed. Whatever it was, the mom’s reaction was priceless! (I know…I had to come back and see it again – thanks Michael…)
Is it just me or does Clay look remarkably like Alma Hodge right after she rapes Orson on Desperate Houswives?
Is it just me or does Clay look remarkably like Alma Hodge right after she rapes Orson on Desperate Houswives?
I think I reacted as the mama did, too funny
Clay has a great voice, glad he’s come out with a new cd