Clay Aiken: 'Idol stresses me out'

Clay Aiken has admitted that he has not watched American Idol for years.

The singer revealed that he stopped watching the talent show because it made him feel too anxious for the contestants, reports Reuters.

"They were getting kicked off the show and my palms would start sweating," he said.

"I cut the show out of my life to relieve some of the stress and found I was doing fine without it."

Aiken also insisted that there is no right answer to ensure success after Idol.

"I think diversifying helps a little bit but remaining true to yourself also helps. There have been times in the past seven years when people have tried to get me to dress extra cool for example but you just can't try to be someone you are not," he said.

"I feel like I am somewhat intelligent when it comes to making decisions about branching into this or that area but a lot of it has to do with luck and having good people work with you."