LOS ANGELES, Calif. --

Clay Aiken fans got a not-so-big shock on Wednesday, as the former “Idol” came out on the cover of People with the message, “Yes, I’m Gay.”

Yet, the current “Spamalot” star told the mag he knew he was taking a risk.

“If [fans] leave, I don’t want them to leave hating me,” he said.

So how did they react?

Judging by Claymates writing on the official message boards on Clayaiken.com, the singer has nothing to worry about.

“I personally give him credit for coming out and being a man and telling the truth once and for all,” wrote a user named Claysnjgal.

“I’m thrilled to hear the news,” seconded Marinclaymate. “Love the man!”

Others were a little disappointed – but not because they disapprove.

“Well, I guess I’ll have to stop having romantic fantasies about him!” Wind Goddess wrote.

Clay himself was overwhelmed by the response, writing on his personal Web site’s message board, “I am speechless,” according to People.

“My family is so much bigger than Parker, Jaymes, mom, Brett, etc. It extends to each of you. And I couldn’t be more blessed,” he added.

New son Parker, who was conceived via in vitro fertilization with friend Jaymes Foster, was the inspiration for Clay’s admission.

“It was the first decision I made as a father,” he told People. “I cannot raise a child to lie or to hide things. I wasn’t raised that way, and I’m not going to raise a child to do that.”

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