All over America, girls are sobbing into pillows. One of the most seemingly eligible bachelors is off the market - at least as far as they’re concerned. Years of speculation, rumors and probing questions have finally come to an end.

That’s right. American Idol runner-up Clay Aiken is gay. As if we didn’t know.

The full story premieres in People’s newest issue, set to hit newsstands on Friday. “Yes, I’m gay,” reads the Aiken quote. If your jaw isn’t dropping, that’s okay - this guy has had “gay” written all over him from the word go, and the thought that anyone might really be thrown for a loop with this info is the real shocker.

Yes, Clay…we know you’re gay. We just can’t believe you’re finally ready to own it. “It was the first decision I made as a father,” said Aiken in his interview. “I cannot raise a child to lie or hide things. I wasn’t raised that way, and I’m not going to raise a child to do that.”

Clay Aiken, 29, fathered a child with Jaymes Foster, sister of David Foster, who’s somewhere in her fifties. The child was born August 8. Aiken stated in his interview that he “never intended to lie to anybody at all.”

And that’s true. For years, Clay ignored questions, refused to answer and maintained that he has a right to his own privacy. Never giving a straight answer was his defense against the offensive questions.

He was much more forthcoming with his own family, of course. In fact, Aiken dropped the bomb to his mother four years ago. “She started crying. She was obviously somewhat stunned,” Clay recalled. Really? Why? Does she live under a rock? “She still struggles with things quite a bit, but she’s come a long way.”

As for his son, Clay has no plans or expectations when it comes to his sexuality. “I have no idea if he’ll be gay or straight,” said Aiken. “No matter what the situation you’re in, if you’re raised in a loving environment, that’s the most important thing.”

The worst-kept secret in show business is out…and so is Clay Aiken. Try not to fall over from the shock of it all.