Clay Aiken Appears On "Access Hollywood" To Promote New Album

April 25, 2008 2:54 p.m. EST

Los Angeles, CA (CNS) - "American Idol" second season runner-up Clay Aiken has had a successful career since leaving the reality singing show. The singer, who is now starring in "Spamalot" on Broadway, says he still isn't used to people wanting to know so much about his personal life.

Aiken, whose new album "On My Way Here" is due out May 6, appears on Friday's "Access Hollywood." Interviewer Billy Bush asked Aiken about the frequent speculation on his sexuality, and Aiken replied by saying, "I think for the most part... people who are living in Omaha or in Charlotte or wherever, they don't want stuff like that pushed in their face."

He said at first he had a tough time dealing with the public interest in his private life. He said, "It can be difficult, especially initially. I think when you get into anything and you're not used to people scrutinizing this that or the other, it bothers you."

Now, he has learned to live with the attention. "After a while, you kind of just say, forget this, this is not who I am, this is not about me," he says. "What I want to do is be a singer, want to be an entertainer, and forget all that stuff."