Kelly Clarkson to Rock Out with Clay

02/20/2004 6:51 PM, Reuters
Melinda Newman

Credit Kelly Clarkson with coming up with the idea to partner with fellow "American Idol" finalist Clay Aiken for a spring tour.

"I found out we were both touring at the same time, and I was like, 'That would be cool to tour together, have a tour buddy,' so we just decided to it at the last minute." She says they will each perform hour-long sets. "I have a lot of rock; I'm playing with a band. It's just going to be fun."

Although Clarkson already has written a number of tracks for a new album, she says she'll probably sing the songs people already know her for instead of debuting new material.

As for Clarkson and Aiken performing together, she won't confirm it but says it's a definite "possibility."

The tour starts Feb. 24 at Charlotte (N.C.) Coliseum. Opening the dates is S-Curve act the Beu Sisters.

Unlike Clarkson, Aiken has no intention of penning any of his own songs any time soon.

"I know better than to do that," he says. "I know I can't do everything, and I don't really have an interest. If I get the feeling that I can write something or something comes to me, then I'll do it, but other than that, I'm not going to try and force it."

Reuters/Billboard