Clay Aiken’s Heartwarming Night Out with Son at BOOP! Premiere

NEW YORK CITY, April 5, 2025 — Clay Aiken made a rare public appearance alongside his 16-year-old son, Parker, at the premiere of ‘BOOP! The Musical‘ in New York City Saturday night.

The 46-year-old American Idol alum and his son dazzled onlookers at the Broadhurst Theatre, showcasing their striking resemblance while dressed in stylish outfits. Aiken donned a midnight blue turtleneck sweater, beige tweed trousers, and a burnt orange jacket with white pinstripes, while Parker opted for a contemporary twist on formal wear with a black suit and a black-and-white printed dress shirt.

The father-son duo shared smiles and posed for photos on the red carpet, where they were joined by Grammy-winning producer David Foster, who composed the music for the Broadway show. Foster, 75, is also Parker’s uncle.

Aiken welcomed Parker with his best friend, Jaymes Foster, David’s sister, through in vitro fertilization, and although Aiken and Jaymes did not pursue a romantic relationship, they committed to co-parenting their son.

Reflecting on his journey as a father, Aiken shared with PEOPLE in December, “I’d say the most wonderful part has been watching Parker grow into a young man. He is an incredibly respectful and smart and responsible young man, and that is something that I’m incredibly proud of.”

He expressed mixed emotions about Parker’s independence, stating, “It’s heartbreaking to see the little kid change into a young man, almost an adult who doesn’t need me as much.” Aiken noted that while watching Parker grow has been challenging, it is also a source of pride. “You’re very proud of the fact that he doesn’t need you as much,” he said.

Despite their recent public outings, such as one in August 2024, Aiken previously made efforts to protect Parker’s privacy during his younger years. In November, he proudly stated, “I wanted him to be able to grow up as normally as he could.”

Aiken rose to fame as a contestant on the second season of American Idol in 2003, where he finished as the runner-up. Since then, he has remained active in the music industry, launching a successful career and becoming an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. He publicly came out in 2008, emphasizing the importance of honesty in parenting.

‘BOOP! The Musical,’ featuring original songs by David Foster, reimagines the iconic cartoon character Betty Boop, marking Foster’s first venture into composing for stage musicals. Directed and choreographed by Jerry Mitchell, the show has generated significant buzz since its debut.

The musical stars Jasmine Amy Rogers as Betty Boop, and an ensemble cast that includes Tony Award winner Faith Prince and several others. Following its opening night, the show promises to provide audiences with a unique Broadway experience that celebrates nostalgia and creativity.

The premiere attracted numerous guests and supporters, underscoring the community’s excitement for both the musical and Foster’s illustrious career.