Aiken to Join 'Spamalot' Cast on Broadway

New York — From "American Idol" to Eric Idle's "Spamalot."

Raleigh's own Clay Aiken will join the Broadway cast of "Monty Python's Spamalot" on Jan. 18, playing Sir Robin the Chicken-Hearted in the Tony Award-winning musical directed by Mike Nichols.

"I really couldn't have asked for a more wonderful group of people to work with," said Aiken, who jumped from a job at a Raleigh YMCA into a recording career after his appearances on the TV series "American Idol."

"Let's not lie, the chance to work with legendary creative minds like Mike Nichols and Eric Idle is, on its own, a reason to jump at this opportunity," Aiken said.

Aiken will appear in the show, which is based on the film "Monty Python and the Holy Grail," through May 4.

"Clay Aiken is amazing beyond that glorious voice," Nichols said. "Turns out he is an excellent comic actor and a master of character."