Clay Aiken sounds off on `American Idol,' Lambert

In this March 28, 2009 file photo, singer Clay Aiken attends the 20th Annual Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) Media Awards in New York. [Agencies]

NEW YORK – Clay Aiken is no fan of Adam Lambert.

The "American Idol" also-ran has blasted this season's runner-up on his Web site, mocking Lambert's rendition of "Ring of Fire" as "contrived," "awful" and "slightly frightening."

According to Aiken, he tunes into the show about once a season — and this year, he caught Lambert's take on Johnny Cash and thought his ears would bleed.

But wait — there's more. Aiken aims his vitriol on "Idol" itself. He thinks the series showed bias for Lambert over eventual champ Kris Allen and has focused on "slick productions and polished contestants" rather than raw talent.

Aiken lost out to Ruben Studdard in 2003. He's since released several albums, appeared on Broadway and publicly confirmed he's gay.