Clay Aiken becomes a father

RALEIGH, N.C., Aug. 8 (UPI) -- Clay Aiken's mother says the U.S. singer and his music producer best friend, Jaymes Foster, became the parents of a baby boy, born at 8:08 a.m. on Aug. 8, 2008.

People magazine said it was confirmed in May that Foster was artificially inseminated and, although Aiken and Foster aren't a couple, they plan to raise the baby together.

Aiken's mother, Faye, announced the child's birth on the Raleigh, N.C., radio station WRAL Friday morning. She said Parker Foster Aiken was born in North Carolina. Clay Aiken was born and raised in Raleigh.

Faye Aiken said her son was "smiling from ear-to-ear" because of the new addition, People.com reported.

Clay Aiken wrote on his Web site Friday: "He's here! My dear friend, Jaymes, and I are so excited to announce the birth of Parker Foster Aiken (No hyphens. One first name. One middle name. One last name...) Wow ... 8:08 ... 08/08/08. The little man is healthy, happy, and as loud as his daddy. Mama Jaymes is doing quite well also."

A former "American Idol" contestant, Clay Aiken has starred in the Broadway musical, "Spamalot," and has recorded several albums.