Get ready Claymates, a new Clay Aiken album is just around the corner. The former American Idol contestant is in New York City currently recording his fourth album, which he expects to be released in early May, he tells PEOPLE exclusively.

"We're hoping the next album will be out about May 6," Aiken, who is currently starring in the Broadway run of Monty Python's Spamalot as Sir Robin, tells PEOPLE.

Aiken's keeping a hectic schedule, recording tracks for the RCA Records album when he's not on stage. "We've picked most of the songs," Aiken, 29, says. "Sonically, I don't know that we're going down any path that's crazy. I'm not trying to be cool, I'm not trying to be hip. I'm not trying to do anything other than sing stuff that I'm good at."

So what's the inspiration behind Aiken's upcoming album? "In the past five years there's a lot I've learned about life, and I think people learn a lot in the twenties," says the singer. "So we found a lot of songs that speak to that. I would like to wrap a lot of the music around that theme. It's early to promise that, but it's a goal."

Aiken adds he has no plans to perform a duet with another singer, but he knows at least one star he'd love to sing with. "I've always wanted to do a duet with Martina McBride. I think she has one of the best voices," he says.

And is Aiken planning an image overhaul, tied to the album? He says, "Last time I came out with dark crazy hair. We did that intentionally. But I'm just going to do what I do this time. We don't have any plans this time. But I've got the red wig [from Spamalot] – maybe I'll do that!"

:cheerleaders:


Looking foward to hearing some new music from Clay! :woohoo:

Sorry DAWG, Clay doesn't do it for me. lol... I find him just a teensy bit boring. JMO But to each his own...I'm afraid E has spoiled most other music for me...can't figure that out. :unsure:

I'm afraid I have to agree with you Rooney. I definitely think Clay has a really nice voice technically, but it just does nothing for me on an emotional level. I wish him success with his new CD.

I LOVE Clay and can't wait for his new CD - it's about time!
:dance: :happy:

Well I have seen him twice in concert with my mom, and he is super good with the audience, and what a voice in person. My mom is a certified "claymate" so I go with her and support her love lol;) I really hope he decided to put "Back for More" on this CD. He was supposed to put it on the last one before he did the album of love song remakes he did, and it actually was a pretty good song;) Here he is singing it during the Jukebox tour -montage (which was really good)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzU3ON0V0KU&feature=related

;)

Clay gave up his hold on Back For More and another group (Loverboy) recorded it The funny part about that is that the band claimed that THEY wrote it for the CD, which is a lie. Clay was performing it in concert 2 years before Loverboy got it. None of the songwriters on the song are members of Loverboy. Ooops!

I'm really looking forward to original music from Clay. His label is FINALLY not forcing him to do covers. About time! I hope the song he wrote {Lover All Alone) will be on this CD.

The talk is that it will be a National tour with a band this time. In Amphitheaters. Yay!

:hooray: No doubt in my mind that I will be buying Clay's newest offering. I own all of his cds and have seen him twice live. Just like Elliott and Taylor, he could sing me the phone book and I would love it. Bo Bice is another favorite of mine on the male side of American Idol.

Love that cover of the new album coming out!