Celebs React With Shock And Awe To Clay's Coming Out, Ellen Rallies Fans To Vote Against California's Prop 8

(Getty Images) You've gotta love Simon Cowell's sarcasm. When Extra told the American Idol judge that Clay Aiken had emerged from the closet, he said, "Wow, that's a shock. It's like being told Santa Claus isn't real—unbelievable."

What other celebrity would dare make a crack like that?

Seriously, though, Simon is supportive of Clay's decision to come out and doesn't think it'll hurt his career one bit. "I don't think anyone cares," Simon said. "Let's face it. It's 2008. You know, who cares?"

So what do other celebrities have to say about Clay finally coming out?

OK! magazine got Lance Bass' reaction. Like Clay, Lance came out via a People cover story. FYI: While Clay's People cover line reads, "Yes, I'm Gay," Lance's 2006 People cover line simply read, "I'm Gay." When Ricky Martin inevitably comes out, I predict his People cover line will say, "I Am Gay."

Anyway, back to Bass' remark, he told OK!, "It's great! I'm so happy he's finally going to be happy with himself and share that with the world. I think that so necessary for people to see. It's good for the world."

Meanwhile, according to E! Online, Rosie O'Donnell said via a short but sweet statement, "I love Clay. He is a beautiful man in every way."

Clay's former American Idol competitors are also supporting Clay. "This news does not change my opinion of him or my friendship with him," Carmen Rasmusen said in an interview with People.com. "I'm surprised, I guess because he kept it quiet for so long!"

Another American Idol alum, Vanessa Olivarez, told People.com that while Clay "never, ever" discussed his personal life with his fellow contestants, she had a feeling he was gay. "I have good gaydar—Claydar!—and it definitely wasn't the shocker of the year!"

Here is the clip of Clay's appearance on Good Morning America on September 25:

Ellen Rallies Fans To Vote Against California's Prop 8

(Getty Images) There was a time when Ellen DeGeneres was criticized for barely even acknowledging that she was a lesbian on the daytime chatfest The Ellen DeGeneres Show. But how times have changed. Ellen announced that she was getting married to her partner Portia de Rossi on the show (to applause from her giddy studio audience) and needled presidential candidate John McCain about his stance against gay marriage on her show.

Now she is using her show blog to rally her fans—well, the ones who live in California—to vote against Proposition 8. On her blog, the star writes, "There's a California Proposition on the ballot that's a little confusing. It's Proposition 8. It's called, The California Marriage Protection Act—but don't let the name fool you. It's not protecting anyone's marriage. Not yours. Not mine."

She continues: "The wording of Prop 8 is tricky. It's like if someone asked you, 'You don't want dessert, right?' But you do want dessert so you say, 'Yes,' which really means you don't want dessert. And if you say, 'No,' which means you do want dessert—it sounds like you don't. Either way, you don't get want you want. See—confusing. Just like Prop 8."

Wow. I really am confused.

Thankfully, Ellen clears everything up.

In conclusion, she writes, "So, in case I haven't made myself clear, I'm FOR gay marriage. And in order to protect that right—please VOTE NO on Proposition 8. And now that you're informed, spread the word. I'm begging you. I can't return the wedding gifts—I love my new toaster."

Surely, we all hope that Ellen will get to keep her new toaster.

But what do you think of her political plea to fans? Do you think it'll galvanize her fans to vote against Proposition 8, or do you think it'll be a turn off to fans who don't want their favorite funny lady preaching to them?

Comments

[keith]

Its about damn time Ellen does something. Rosie needs to follow suit. All gay celebs need to get on board and help fight this fight. All of us need to band together to defeat this proposition. The last measure passed because there were not enough people educated on the matter. WE SIMPLY MUST DEFEAT THIS TIME!! Our futures and freedom are at stake here.

As for Clay, I have so much more respect for him than I ever did before. He is not some idiot who can sing, he has a head on his shoulder and uses it.

VOTE NO ON 8!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[sign in]

Good for him--hope he feel's better. "be true to thyself"

[William]

On Friday's show, Ellen also urged her fans to vote for welfare reforms for farm animals in California. For more information, go to Ellen's site. That issue will also be on California's ballot.

[Mark Madrak]

Ellen has to walk a fine line because of all the homophobia out there. Look what happened when she came out on her sitcom! Too gay??? I'm very happy Ellen decided to come out in support of blocking this hateful amendment. We face the same amendment here in Florida and I hope everyone is smart enough to be fooled by the same 'confusing' titling.

[Timmy Channell]

Hell NO 2 Prop 8!!!!! The constitution states: Marriage is between 2 PEOPLE...It's EVERYONE'S right to be happy, and 2 love someone regardless, there is no need 2 hate someone 4 who they are or who they love!! Life is 2 short 2 hate!