More compelling than Clay Aiken's coming-out story, published exclusively in People magazine, is the back story behind the deal. Apparently, the economy isn't just having an impact on Wall Street – it's affecting the celebrity magazine world, too.

Exclusive photos of the former American Idol performer and his son, Parker, went for an underwhelming amount compared with the multimillion-dollar price tag that accompanies a Jennifer Lopez or Jolie-Pitt agreement. Mr. Aiken's deal cost somewhere around $500,000.

And it's not just because of waning interest in Mr. Aiken. Instead, People had little competition for the photos, and in turn, no one to drive the price up.

"It's about nothing! ... When they cry, their mascara runs and that's real, but I don't get it!" Oscar winner Charlize Theron, marveling over the popularity of MTV's The Hills, to MTV News

Philip Bosco, 78 ... Bryan Ferry, 63 ... Cesar Rosas (Los Lobos), 54 ... Jim Caviezel (The Passion of the Christ), 40 ... Christina Milian, 27