ClayManiacs

Found this in a blog from Sept 29. I did not see it posted...for your reading "pleasure"...

Advice for the Singers at Heart (http://singersatheart.blogspot.com/search/label/Battle%20of%20Vocalists)

There is a link to listen to each singers songs at the site.


Interesting reads in the blogs above this "comparison" too.

Remember- this is NOT a critic, but someones innocent blog/discussion, as we do here and it is an opinion of the writer. I think he did well.

I have edited to add that there are 8 comments regarding the blog...very nice discussion.
Lora

These lyrics from "Right Here Waiting" describe succinctly the current mood and motion on many Clay Aiken message boards. While our singer is taping TV spots and rehearsing for November and beyond, most fans continue to promote A Thousand Different Ways by sharing the CD with countless friends, relatives, and associates, many of whom have expressed surprise that the new album has been available for a month.

Fan Baiting 101.

Ex.1 From a review of Clay's friend Ruben Studdard's new CD release:

"But when he sticks to songs that complement his individuality, Studdard has no problem maintaining his position as Idol royalty.

Take that, Claymates."

"Take that, Claymates?" Take what? A favorable comment about Clay's friend Ruben Studdard? Sure, I'll take that, no problem. It's not like it's a knife in the back after all, since Clay and Ruben are friends. The writer's comment is flawed in that there is nothing wrong with what he said about Ruben, therefore there is nothing for the Claymates to "take."

Your Idol sales report
I'll cover a few Idol sales tidbits here, but of course the leadoff topic has to be Ruben. The Return makes its debut at No. 8 on the Billboard album chart after selling 71,000 copies (rounded off).

In a story that will be in the paper tomorrow, the chart chief at Billboard thinks that was an OK number, considering the depressed state of the market and that the red-hot fervor surrounding Ruben's first album, soon after he'd won Season 2, has understandably died down. An executive for the label seems content with the number, too (which you'd expect him to say).

Still, Ruben's first album sold 417,000 its first week and entered the chart at No. 1. This is a long way down. I wasn't expecting him to match Clay's first week (211,000), because Clay has outstripped him saleswise in the past and seems to have a larger and perhaps more passionate fan base. But Ruben's going to have to hope that continued airplay on his current single and future releases will stimulate sales, or he'll have a tough time hitting 250,000 total.

> Speaking of Clay, he dropped from No. 32 to 52 on the chart, selling 16,000, down from 25,000 the previous week, for a grand total of 366,000. In other words, more of the same pattern.

Somebody on the Listen Up blog (I think; sometimes I get mixed up) asked about Clay's download album sales (meaning number of sales for downloads of the entire album, as opposed to individual tracks. It's a different tally, and SoundScan counts download album sales in their totals, while tracks totals are counted separately).

They're not much of a factor: 15,000 total, 10,000 of which were in the first week, which put him at No. 3 on the download album list.

> Since I was asked about Mario Vazquez's sales on the Listen Up blog, I might as well include them here too: 4,200 this week, total 27,000. Yikes.

> Taylor and Katharine are still in the top 10 of the singles sales chart; Taylor's at No. 6 after selling 1,000; Katharine's No. 7 with 900 sold.

> I was also asked about Ace Young's sales for his Scattered single. SoundScan records 800 downloads last week (his first on their list). For perspective, the No. 1 download track (Akon's Smack That) sold 92,000.

> And one last inquiry, about Ayla Brown's sales. Maybe some of them aren't occurring in places SoundScan tracks, but the official SoundScan first-week figure is pretty low: 300 copies.

Name:
Issal
Location:
Jakarta, East Jakarta, Indonesia
If you look at this title, you probably know it from Clay Aiken's new album.. Yup, I just bought it and fell in love with it, forgive me if this album makes me nostalgic about those years when the songs were good and the voices of the singers were amazing, yeah.. don't get me wrong, I still love today's music, but sometimes I just want to go back to the old times.. And this album just the right one to make you go back to 80's and the early 90's.. There are some great tracks from Richard Marx's 'Right Here Waiting', Bryan Adams' 'Everything You Do' even songs from Elton John and Celine Dion with completely different taste (but still enjoyable). My Fav will be 'Without You' a cover version of Air Supply's (gives me chill everytime I hear this track). So, Enjoy your ride to the 80's and 90's with this album.

A Southern Girl's Guide to Almost Anything
Walkin' in Memphis while ruminating over food, books, card-making, television, and Clay Aiken. Not necessarily in that order.

Thursday, October 26, 2006
Clay Aiken on Days of Our Lives - December 22
Finally we have word on Clay Aiken's much anticipated appearance on Days of Our Lives! According to RCA's website, Clay will be on the December 22 episode, and he will be performing the original song "Everything I Have" off his recent album A Thousand Different Ways.

Now, let's speculate! ; ) "Everything I Have" is a gorgeous song -- one of the ones off the album I replay most often -- and it would be a beautiful wedding song. Sooo, to whom or for whom might Clay be singing? Bo and Hope? Eww. Steve and Kayla?! Oooiiieeee! As long as it's not Marlena and John. *shudder*

New Clay Aiken Christmas CD Coming Soon!
Posted by Donna Reynolds October 29, 2006 01:08

What, you say? This is not a misprint. Clay is releasing a mini-CD (they are actually called EPs) just in time for the holidays. All is Well will be released on November 28 and will include five tracks - "All is Well," "Christmas Waltz," "My Grown Up Christmas List," and "O Come O Come Emmanuel." But there is an interesting little twist here. It would appear that this CD is only available from Wal-Mart!

This will be Clay's second Christmas CD. In 2004, he released Merry Christmas With Love as well as a DVD of his special, A Clay Aiken Christmas. This is Clay's second release for this year, and will certainly placate those Claymates who were disappointed with A Thousand Different Ways.

Clay does Christmas so well, and will be hitting the road once again for some select dates around the country. Here are the dates that have been confirmed:

December 1: Waukegan, IL (Genesee Theatre)
December 2: Merrillville, IN (Star Plaza Theatre)
December 4: Verona, NY (Turning Stone Casino)
December 5: Englewood, NJ (Bergen Performing Arts Center)
December 6: Baltimore, MD (Lyric Opera House)
December 7: Norfolk, VA (Norfolk Scope Arena)
December 9: Williamsport, PA (Community Arts Center)
December 10: Wilkes-Barre, PA (F.M. Kirby Center)
December 11: Easton, PA (State Theatre)
December 12: Hartford, CT (Convention Center)
December 14: Greenvale, NY (Tilles Center)
December 15: West Point, NY (Eisenhower Hall)
December 16: Red Bank, NJ (Count Basie Theatre)
December 18: Detroit, MI (Max M. Fisher Music Center)
December 19: Grand Rapids, MI (DeVos Hall @ Grand Center)
December 21: Jacksonville, FL (Moran Theatre)
December 22: Charlotte, NC (Blumenthal Center)
December 23: Greensboro, NC (War Memorial Auditorium)

And, if all this isn't enough, Clay will be appearing on Megan Mulally on Thursday, singing "A Thousand Days" and doing a duet with Megan! Then, on December 22, he will appear on the soap opera, Days of Our Lives, playing himself and singing "Everything I Have." The episode will be filmed on November 14, and Clay's rendition of "O, Holy Night" will be part of the show's soundtrack. People magazine reported that Clay will perform a private concert for two of the show's characters Steve and Kayla (Stephen Nichols and Mary Beth Evans).

Clay Aiken cameo on Days of our Lives
Posted Oct 29th 2006 9:40AM by Anna Johns

Clay Aiken and Days of Our Lives. Why didn't I think of this? It's a perfect pairing, really. Both are equally over the top. Clay will appear as himself in a Christmas episode, where he'll give a private concert for two of the show's characters, Kayla and Steve.

Clay will sing "Everything I Have", a song from his new album which was released last month. His version of "O Holy Night" will also be featured in the Days episode, which airs December 22nd

Clay Aiken is scheduled to appear on “The Megan Mullally Show” this Thursday, November 2nd. Clay will also appear on “Days of Our Lives” as himself December 22nd, as he serenades Steve and Kayla with “Everything I Have.” Clay’s version of “O, Holy Night” will also be featured in the episode (I smell a montage.).

Speaking of Clay, there is a lot of anger among Claymates over his new CD. Most of the anger is aimed at RCA’s head honcho Clive Davis, who made the decision to go with the cover CD. I don’t think there’s any doubt that it was a bad decision. The question is, why didn’t Clay try to fight it, as Kelly fought against her producers when she made “Breakaway”?

And one last note about Clay. You may have seen a comment on one of my previous posts that a local promoter had the chance to bring Clay’s Christmas show to Huntington and chose Kenny Rogers instead. I don’t think I have to tell you how big a mistake I think that is. I’m sure the promoter will agree if Rogers cancels again…

Clay Aiken To Guest Star On Days Of Our Lives
Singing sensation Clay Aiken will guest star on NBC's hit daytime drama "Days of our Lives" on Friday, December 22 (1 p.m. in most markets). Aiken will perform the song, "Everything I Have," from his new album and his version of "O, Holy Night " will also be featured on the show.

In this special holiday episode, Aiken gives a private concert at Salem's local club Dune for Patch (Stephen Nichols) and Kayla (Mary Beth Evans) after the couple offer to volunteer to help Aiken catch a ride to the airport when his car gets stranded.

Aiken's recent release, A Thousand Different Ways, offers fans 10 cover versions of love songs spanning the last three decades, as well as four brand-new songs including "Everything I Have." In 2003, Aiken's debut album Measure of a Man went triple platinum and his follow-up holiday release Merry Christmas with Love was the best-selling holiday album of 2004. He shot to stardom on the hit television series "American Idol" and continues to amaze audiences and his legions of devoted fans with his powerful voice.

"Days of our Lives" is produced by Corday Productions Inc. in association with Sony Pictures Television. Executive producer, Ken Corday, is following in the tradition of his parents, Betty and Ted Corday, who co-created "Days of our Lives" and helmed the series for many years. Stephen Wyman is also co-executive producer. Hogan Sheffer is the head writer.

Sex, Sexy and Sex on a Stick

So, I was thinking about sex the other day. No, not that way, I was specifically thinking about sex in music and entertainment. Why is it that so many artists today think sexy has to be about sex? If you have to sell it that hard, maybe you don't have the right product. If you have to announce you're bringing sexy back, what makes you think you had it in the first place?

Now I tend to vote more Democratic than Republican, but when Tipper Gore came out pushing for labels on CDs, even I rolled my eyes a bit. Then I became a parent. Now my teenager swears she barely listens to the lyrics, she just likes to dance to the beat. But have our kids become so desensitized to explicit lyrics that they don't even notice half the song is bleeped out on the radio?

Believe me, I'm no prude. You should see the little dance routine I have when I'm privately listening to Def Leppard's Pour Some Sugar on Me. But, what is sexy about songs like Magic Stick, London Bridge or My Humps? Do any of these songs really create a sensual response in the listener? Or could people be singing a nursery rhyme as long as it is danceable and has a dirty word or two? If American Bandstand was on today, would the typical answer to the “rate the record” question be Its got a good beat and my mom cringes every fourth word? Lyrics? What lyrics?

Clay has managed to create a sensual atmosphere with phrasing, guttural sounds, even anger or other emotions. He has turned a simple microphone stand into a prop in such a way that women have mic stand envy. You can feel the sexy from either audio or the visual. Low notes that vibrate in your chest, passion, high notes that cause his body to arch back into the note are just examples. And of course, there's that “thing you do with your eyes” as Tyra Banks observed when he visited her talk show. Sometimes, it's just walking or singing in tight black pants.

The Friday Rant: Why Rap Was Better 15 Years Ago (…and Beware the Claymates)

What do our modest blog writer Vince and the Danish newspaper Jyllands-Posten have in common? Both have under come siege this year by fundamentalist religious radicals outraged by journalistic criticism of their deities. Claymates (Clay Aiken fans call themselves this - and I am not making it up, I swear!) responded in droves to my using their man as an example of all that is wrong with pop music, like so many Islamic protesters firebombing embassies. Claymates are not to be trifled with! I am sorry for calling down a Clayslamic jihad upon myself. Always one to put my money where my mouth is, I listed to A Thousand Days (from Aiken’s A Thousand Different Ways) and I, um, kind of liked it. A little. Damn you Clay Aiken!!!

Groupies
I once met a Clay Aiken groupie. She was a middle aged women who was absolutely smitten with Clay Aiken. I was in line at a drugstore checkout right behind her. She was asking the checkout fellow how to take the subway to some place in the city and turned a simple question of "where are you from" into her life story. She was from some small prairie farming town in Saskatchewan. She and her group of friends had travelled around the continent, attending Clay Aiken concerts - and up to that point she had attended 6 concerts in the year. Now I'm sure you're asking "What would possess someone to travel around city to city following Clay Aiken?". Well I asked this lady - and she said it was "because Clay is so talented. His music is so great and he never curses". I read this weekend that Clay Aiken isn't the only musician that has an unexpected fan following. There are fans of Wagner's 14-17 hour "The Ring" opera known as Ringheads or, in Australia, Wagneroos. One lady from Winnipeg mortgaged her house to travel worldwide and see the performances. Probably because Wagner too is so talented and never curses. Maybe the obsessiveness over unusual musical talents is something about people from the prairie provinces?

For me, Clay's humor combines a lot of these elements. He has incredible instincts and in concert plays off any funny moments that might crop up. In his Jukebox Tour concerts in 2005, he did a bit just during a Motown Medley where he found a guy who had been dragged there by his wife or girlfriend and went out in the audience and bantered. Each night was different and each night was funny.

Clay's humor is very snarky and so some people don't quite get it at first. What amazes me about him on talk shows is that he is quick to pick up something the host says and run with it. He can completely take over his time with Leno or Kimmel as witnessed here in the numerous times they have invited him for “couch time”, which is rather unusual for the musical guest. It's fun to watch older clips and see his maturity in both age and in his comedic timing,which was always quite good but now is as good as many seasoned entertainers. He's a storyteller.

Tuesday, November 14, 2006
The Clay Aiken Lisa?!

I'm killing two birds with one stone. Those two birds are (1) meeting potential symphony audience members, and (2) getting a full-body workout in just 30 minutes. The stone? Curves! Yes, Curves, the women's fitness franchise.

A few of my mom's friends are members of Curves, and I always thought Curves was designed for that demographic. I may be the youngest member of my Curves, but I've been going for two months, and I actually really like it. It's two minutes from where I live, the closest gym is really far away, ::insert additional excuses here::.

There is always one staff member on duty at Curves, and a big part of her job is encouraging conversation among members. Linda, the woman who usually works when I work out, has the enviable talent of remembering every member's name, her kids' names, her dog's name, where she works, etc.

Linda knows I work at the Grand Rapids Symphony. Last week, I walked into Curves and Linda exclaimed, "Oh my gosh, Lisa! I heard an ad on the radio! I didn't know Clay Aiken was singing with the Grand Rapids Symphony! Do you have any information we could post on the bulletin board?!" Indeed, the Grand Rapids Symphony will be celebrating "Christmas with Clay Aiken" on December 19. I can't say I'm a fan, but I was more than happy to bring in a poster and a stack of postcards to place at the check-in area.

The very next day, I walked in the door to Linda's effusive voice: "That's her!" Another woman: "The Clay Aiken Lisa?!" I was a very popular girl for the duration of my workout. After explaining the details of the concert and directing the women to the stack of glossy postcards, I feel like I've helped the Grand Rapids Symphony tap a new market segment. I'm following up with a few women who are planning on purchasing tickets, and hopefully they'll buy them soon since this show is selling fast.
posted by Lisa Bryington at 10:22 PM   

Sunday, November 19, 2006
Live With...Clay?

Neither the RCA, the Clay Aiken nor the show’s website said anything about why Clay was going to be on “Live With Regis and Kelly” Friday, so I just presumed he would be promoting his Christmas tour.

So imagine my surprise Friday night when I hit play on my VCR and saw Clay sitting at the desk, co-hosting with Kelly.

I really wish there would’ve been a little more promotion on this one because if you missed it, you missed something really cool.

Clay was funny, flirtatious and just plain fabulous. If you watch “Live,” you know that Kelly Ripa rarely lets anyone get a word in edgewise—including Regis. But Clay confronted that head-on, taking shots at Kelly whenever he could and even putting his hand over her mouth at one point so he could ask Emmitt Smith a question.

Ryan Seacrest might want to watch his back…

The downside was that all the excitement over trivia “a go-go” and Clay’s constant attempts to be heard led to the worst performance I’ve ever heard from him, as his voice cracked several times. In his defense, though, the sound was completely off as the band was not loud enough and his backup singers were too loud. However, it was nice to see Clay singing one of the original songs from his CD (He did “A Thousand Ways.”).

Clay made up for the performance, though, with his fancy footwork with Karina Smirnoff (Mario Lopez’s “Dancing” partner). So much for Clay not being able to dance.

Though I’m discouraged by the lack of promotion this appearance got, I am encouraged that Clay appears to be back on track just before the Christmas shopping season. Clay even looked more like himself, ditching the long bangs and lightening his hair. I think he too was stung by some of the backlash, so it’s nice to see he’s moving past it.

And if the singing career fizzles, I think he’s definitely got something to fall back on.

Clay: Hand-in-mouth disease?
I'm sure we've just gotten started on this subject, but the Clay Aiken/Kelly Ripa "scandal" (link borrowed from elliottfan's comment, with thanks) should bring out the supporters and disparagers (if that's a word). I haven't seen it (nothing on youtube when I just checked except a clip of Clay gamely attempting to samba, in which everybody's smiling and looking pretty genial), but even if mom7801's description is accurate (that it was all in fun), it still sounds like a questionable idea.

Rule No. 1 in the Idol Postgraduate Showbiz Etiquette Handbook: Do not place hand over mouth of opinionated, forceful talk show host, even in jest. Can you imagine what would have happened if Clay had tried that with Oprah? Or Rosie? Or Barbara Walters?

I occasionally tape and watch Regis & Kelly depending on who their guests are. Kelly, IMO, plays the talk show host thing a little loosey-goosey (especially when Regis is not there to counter balance or keep her in check). She has done and said some things that have raised my eyebrows a time or two. She pushes the envelope a lot of times, IMO; but, I just chalk it up to her personality and Kelly being Kelly. She is a good foil for the older, proper Regis.

This, seems to me, a case of her being able to dish it out and not being able to take it. It seemed like all in good fun at the time. The mood (set by her, IMO) was such that it did not seem out of place or scandalous.

I don't put Kelly in the same league as Barbara Walters or Oprah, so I don't see Clay doing it to either of them. If he would have, playfully, done it to Rosie; I think Rosie would have had a snappy comeback--words or actions--at the time but still in good fun.

Posted by: mom7801 | Nov 20, 2006 1:30:59 PM

Kelly Ripa Goes Off (The Deep End)
Respect is a two way street.

Clay cohosted with Kelly Ripa on LIVE With Regis and Kelly last Friday. Well, he was supposed to be the cohost. In reality, he was mostly a stage fixture until the very end, not that I'm complaining or anything.

This show is not really on my radar normally, but I have seen it a few times, and always when Clay is on of course.

I read the comments on several message forums about the appearance, and comments about today's show as well, during which Kelly basically called Clay hostile, ill-mannered, and disrespectful. Good thing she was comforted by her good friend Howard Stern, him being such a bastion of integrity when it comes to the treatment of women after all.

Her comments seem to stem from the fact that he put his hand over her mouth on the show Friday, after apparently being frustrated that he couldn't get a word in edgewise. She fired off question after vacuous question to Emmitt and Cheryl, from Dancing With the Stars, hardly taking a breath. It was almost as if Clay weren't even there.

I thought it was funny, a joke. She didn't. He apologized, on the air. They moved on.

Story over, right? Of course not! It's show biz folks.

Honestly, Kelly has shown bias against Clay since the first time they met and she went on about how much she liked Ruben. That's fine, I like Ruben too. But I wouldn't get all up in his face about how much better I liked Clay. Isn't that kind of... disrespectful?

Speaking of disrespectful, I admit I am confused. I seem to recall a time when Kelly dressed up as Clay for Halloween. In fact, she showed this on the show Friday. But only part of it. She didn't show the part where she, as Clay, kissed Regis, who was in costume as Bo Bice.

What a respectful way to portray Clay! Except NOT.

But that's not all. On Friday's show, with full knowledge that Clay doesn't like cats, in fact, has a phobia of cats, she still waved a cat photo in his face, on the air, on purpose. Even made a threatening statement about it. But I assumed she was kidding. You know, made a joke.

Sort of like when Clay put his hand over her mouth. I guess humor is often lost on the fanatical.

I am not saying Clay was right in trying to surpress Kelly's interview with Emmitt and Cheryl so as to be able to speak to them. But she insulted him right at the top of the show by airing that (partial) video of her mocking him.

Kelly Ripa's bias against Clay is well documented, and goes way back. She thought Clay was the person she portrayed that Halloween two years ago. Her lack of knowledge about who Clay really is? That's on her, not him. Her rant this morning made her look petty and small. And most of all, silly.

Kelly Ripa, you lost a fan today.

I'm not saying two wrongs make a right. But I am saying this...

Respect is a two way street. You can't treat people like dirt and then expect them to kiss your ass.

Kelly is supposed to be a professional talk show host. Clay is a singer, who was invited to appear on the show as the cohost. He was then treated disrespectfully himself, from the beginning.

Consider this - the show was LIVE; no taping and editing. He was made fun of with the Halloween video, he had a cat picture waved in his face, he didn't get to interview anyone, and his performance was plagued with poor sound management.

Even with all those factors, he still was able to be funny, to interact with Kelly, even if he wasn't allowed to interact with the guests, and to hopefully have some fun while there.

If you agree with me that Clay did a wonderful job for his very first LIVE cohosting gig, please take a minute and let the Live With Regis & Kelly show know. This is great PR for Clay!

Go to Live With Regis & Kelly, click on "Review this episode," register and tell them how much you enjoyed seeing Clay on the show Friday!

You know, there is no need to bash Kelly for her unprofessional demeanor on the show this morning; in fact, I don't see the need to acknowledge her at all. She really isn't that important in the grand scheme of Clay's life.

What's important is supporting Clay. I respectfully encourage you to do just that.

Clay Aiken: No. 1
Lots of comments to the Top 10 American Idols list.

That's good. Community involvement, interaction, debate, agreement, disagreement, condescension and animated dissertation are all qualities of a vibrant community with a self-medicated passion play.

But here's the point:

Clay Aiken is an original.

There are no templates. There are no comparisons. Suggestions like he was influenced by Luther Vandross, Stevie Wonder and Barry Manilow are absurd.

Here's the deal:

In March 2003, music kind of sucked. 50 Cent's "In Da Club" was the No. 1 hit. Sean Paul's "Get Busy" replaced that.

Huh?

Exactly.

Then there was this little nerdy guy named Clay Aiken who was a wild-card entrant on "American Idol," a talent show that was becoming a pop culture force with hurricane strength.

Dissed by Randy, Paula and Simon en route to the final group, Aiken came back to sing Elton John's "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me" and the world stopped.

Really, it did.

I remember sitting in the LA airport and hearing guys in their 60s talking about "American Idol."

Here's the gist of the conversation, not exact, but fragmented from a steel-cased memory:

"Amazing that Kimberly (Caldwell) made it through to another round."

"No kidding. But how about Josh Gracin?"

"It all comes down to Clay. He's the best talent by far. There is no one close to him."

"What about Ruben?"

"Pul-leease."

No kidding.

These were two guys on the precipice of retirement, more interested in the color of cardigan sweater they would wear for a Gen G dinner (count backward, it's Gen G, correct?) and they knew Aiken was an original, a freak of nature, a heavenly gift,  akin to Judy Garland, Buddy Rich, Joni Mitchell and Kurt Cobain.

No one else before them, no one else beyond.

Clay Aiken's voice is distinctive, stylish, flamboyant, subtle, gracious, inventive, unpretentious, amazing, memorable and flawless.

Honorable mention to the list is clearly Jennifer Hudson, who improved each week with graceful, inventive subtletly. She was a force, no doubt.

But Clay Aiken, without question, is the best singer to walk onto the Kodak Theatre Stage.

He is immense, compassionate and real.

Simply put, there is no singer on the planet with the vocal chords of Clay Aiken.

Deal with it.

Posted on November 29, 2006 | Permalink

What was most surprising came after the show, as hundreds of "Claymates" lined the parking lot in sixteen-degree weather waiting for their American Idol to come out of his behemoth bus and pass in review. He did so, briefly, and as you can see in the embedded video, the "Claymates" loved it. For most of the fans in attendance this was not their first Clay Aiken concert. In fact, many attendees had seen the same show the previous night in Waukeegan, Illinois, and more than a few find their way to every concert Aiken performs. While it was my first Clay Aiken concert, I'm sure my wife won't let it be my last.

Is Clay Aiken the new Elvis? The last time I've seen fans so devoted to their Idol was when Elvis was King. Is there a new King in town? While Aiken calls himself the "King of Controversy," I'm sure millions of "Claymates" the world over call him king of their hearts.

Happy Birthday Clay!

The day before Clay Aiken's birthday WRAL anchor Lynda Loveland and I had the pleasure of being invited in to the star's home. He doesn't often invite in the media, and who can blame him? Fans can do some strange things. Heck, even we, the media, have been known to do some odd things in order to get the 'scoop'.

On this day I guess it can be said that Lynda and I were getting the scoop on Clay's new North Carolina home. Lovely, my affectionate name for my favorite traveling Clay Aiken companion, and I have been invited into the Aiken household before. We were able to check out his place in LA a few years ago after a taping of a Nick at Night holiday special. It was a nice place, but his new place, closer to home, is much more fitting. His mother, Faye Parker, did a wonderful job decorating! Although most of the Christmas decorations were not in place just yet, Clay did have a very special tree decorated. In his assistant Jennifer's office was a tree dedicated to all the trimmings his fans had sent in over the years.

In other parts of the house Clay showed us how blue played an important roll in the kitchen. Even Raleigh, his little doggie companion, has blue dinner dishes.

Although, the dining room was totally green ... so Clay fans don't think you've pinpointed his favorite color!

He had a fabulous theater in the basement ... perfect for watching WRAL. Ok, or CNN or the fantastic collection of movies! But it was what we found in the lounge area connected to his brother's bedroom that we found most interesting. In the room saved for his brother, Brett who is currently serving in the armed forces, we found his award collection. In a cabinet stands his TV Guide Award, his American Music Award (which Lovely and I were in LA for the celebration), his Gloden Globe and his Relly.

The Relly is an award given out to guests on the Regis and Kelly Show. His Relly is for Favorite Guest Musician. Recently he was asked back to host the show. I'm guessing most of you know what happened from there. Well, as good journalists we have to pose the question ... 'What was that all about'? And Clay was very open about what he thought happened. It was a great story! An even better scoop. And how many of us can really laugh at ourselves and the situations we get into?

I have to give a lot of credit to this guy. I remember the days leading up to that Idol finale. You guessed it. Lovely and I were in LA for that too. But in those days, weeks, months before Idol, I remember thinking 'What's going to become of this kid when it's all said and done?'. Fortunately, I can tell you he's still the same playful person he was, but with a lot more responsibility and lot more eyes on him. Way to go Clay. Keep up the good work and Happy Birthday.

Dear Clay, (and fellow fans)
I want to share a story with you from my experience in Merrillville.
If you recall Clay asked a show of hands from the men in the crowd. There was one man is section 2 that Clay noticed, and made mention that the man's wife pulled up his hand. Let me tell you Clay, the husband was the fan first. Here is the story.

Unforgettable
I just had one of the greatest concert experiences of my life, and I never left my spot right here in front of my laptop nor wore anything other than my purple pajamas and green hoodie.

Whose concert was it, you ask? I'll give you three guesses. ; )

Actually, it wasn't even Clay Aiken's entire Christmas concert that has me still up and blogging after 1 AM, as wonderful as it was. No, it was the encore.

To understand a part of what made tonight's encore so special, you have to know what took place LAST night, the first night of what some Clay fans are affectionately calling the "Joyful Not-A-Tour" tour. Clay had just blogged the night before, and one of the things he said was that unlike in past Christmas tours, he was going into this one with no rehearsals. Not to mention, it has been a year since his last tour, so it was understandable that his voice sounded a wee bit tight in a couple of places, but those were minor quibbles when he sound so amazing all the rest of the time.

Until it came to the encore. This year, Clay's encore is the title track of his Walmart-exclusive Christmas EP, "All is Well." It's a beautiful song by Michael W. Smith. I've loved it for a long time before Clay recorded it; our church's Christmas production features it sometimes. The final note of the song is one made for Clay Aiken's voice -- it's one of those he leans back and lets fly, when he sustains a note so long you wonder when he's going to come up for air. Fans call it a "glory note," and glorious they usually are.

Except for last night. I've heard the phrase "sound like he was strangling a cat" tossed around. Yeah...he bobbled it so hard, he dropped it and broke it to smithereens. In trademark Clay fashion, he rolled his eyes (Hey, least we know he's not cheating and lip syncing like a bunch of folks!) and smiled, but he's such a perfectionist, I have to think it bothered him at least a bit.

So tonight, those of us listening via nefarious means, and the blessed fans who traveled from last night's concert in Chicago, to tonight's in Merrillville, Indiana (Yeah, many Clay fans go to multiple concerts all over the country -- Grateful Dead and Jimmy Buffett fans don't have anything on Clay fans!), were a little nervous about THAT note in the encore.

I could go on and describe Clay's encore performance to you, but a video of it is worth a million words! But let me say that as he approached that last note, those who were there, who were repeat audience members, and even the fans at home who were gathered in chat rooms listening, leaned forward, almost as though willing him to hit that note. And you know, I think he felt that. His reaction afterwards will have me a puddle of mush for days. Watching the video, it was as though I was there, and it was a pleasure to see such triumph.

I'm talking about the Clay Nation. There's probably nothing else the Clay Nation loves more than concerts. Clay Aiken thrives on stage. We come together as family with friends old and new from all over the world just to watch this man perform. I went to a concert last summer in New Hampshire and at the pre-concert dinner there were people there from the US, Canada, the UK and New Zealand. We share rides, hotel rooms and food as we gather to hear the voice.

THUMBS UP

(snip)

Carol of the Belles (and Chimes) -- Everyone can sing. Most people even think they're good at it. But chances are, they aren't. This week, though, we get a chance to hear some students who actually can sing at least as well as David Hasslehoff. Chordbusters and Lessons and Carols always promise to enthrall the masses of cheering college coeds with the best vocals this side of Clay Aiken's Christmas CD.

Well I'll be a Claymate

Last night I became a Claymate.

He drew a small but loyal crowd to the Scope last night. He wore an amazing black slim suit. He rocked a magnicicent haircut.

And then he sang. It was gentle and soft and mesmerizing, and the accompanying orchestra was on fire. And then he joked. He's rather funny, Clay, and he cracked jokes at his own expense, calling himself the sultan of scandal. Although at some points I was bored beyond belief and felt an urge to light a cigarette, I left liking the guy a lot and having a tremendous amount of respect for who he is and what he does.

Which brings me to yesterday's blog post, advancing the show. A few of you responded that the anticipatory post was venemous and a little derogatory, and you are right. You also pointed out that it was low of me to call his fans primarily "chunky women from middle America," and you are, again, perhaps right. (Although I've never seen a concert whose attendees were so uniformly white and middle aged in my entire life.) Celebrities are open to ridicule because they are famous, but people who just want to see a show are not.

Please accept my sincerest apologies. Sometimes, in this crazy-mixed up cruel universe, attempts at wit can go horribly awry. That's one thing I detest most about some celebrity "journalists" and yesterday I became the thing I loathe. Thank you for calling me on it.

I’ve been eagerly following the wondrousness that is Clay Aiken Live, as he begins his annual holiday tour; this version of which includes solo performances with local or traveling symphony orchestral groups, led by musical director Jesse Vargas, a veteran of the first Joyful Noise holiday tour.

In my mind’s eye, I always dreamed of just this very thing. Essential Clay - a mic, a spot, and an orchestra – delivering the dulcet tones that make up such beautiful and captivating holiday songs as “Emmanuel” and “My Grown Up Christmas List.”.

The lucky fans in attendance receive a blessed holiday gift – all the music that has begun to define Clay as the voice of Christmas present. From Clive’s favorite, “Christmas Waltz,” to the magnificent show ending encore and title song of the recent EP, “All is Well,” Clay brings the spirit, and the reason, for the season to everyone in his presence.

And, he’s bringing more. Much more.

1: DON'T SAVE IT ALL FOR CHRISTMAS DAY (Clay Aiken): "How could you wait another minute.. A hug is warmer when you're in it, oh baby that's a fact...Don't save it all for Christmas Day...Find a way to give a little love every day...") You have to hear this. Recorded. And live. If you can survive the glory that is his voice. You will thank me. I promise. Here's audio of the song, with clips from the television show, "Joan of Arcadia." Eeeeee!

snip

3: AND I'M TELLING YOU (Jennifer Hudson, from the movie, DREAMGIRLS): Ran out and bought the new CD the day it was released. Tell me you don't get the shivers listening to THIS:



snip

Well, crap.

I was going to make this blog a retrospective of the past year; the ups and downs, the surprise media dynamo that was the appearance of Clay on AI5, the two new CDs we got this year, the warm and fuzzy visit to the Tyra Banks show, the UNICEF snowflake lighting ceremony, Jimmy Kimmel and the CD signing, the TV Guide close up special, Clay's appointment to a presidential committee, his being named Outstanding Young Alumnus of UNC Charlotte and maybe even his part in raising $1 million for David Foster's Annual Charity Gala.

But nooooo.

The Fox TV station in Greensboro NC has ruined my plans and compelled me to use my voice. The set up - Clay performed his 18th concert in 23 days last Saturday night in what was billed as "Clay Aiken Christmas with the Greensboro Symphony."

Apparently, a teenager named Joshua and possibly some others were told they could sing with or before Clay Saturday night. They even rehearsed for this performance. This fact was not publicized, nor was any fan I know aware of it. I have to wonder if Clay was even aware. Shortly before showtime, their performance was cancelled, reportedly due to either the content (not Christmas music) or time limitations.

According to Fox, "As a consolation, Joshua was allowed to sing 30 seconds leading a group sing-along. He also got to go backstage to meet and get a picture with Clay." Also according to Fox, Clay's "people" cancelled the extra performances because Clay wanted to do a longer set. This is a lie, as his set for this show was exactly the same as the other 17 shows. Fact checker please!

If this did happen, it's unfortunate for those involved, but hey, that's show biz, kids!

The Songwriter
When we got the cover art and photos from the photo shoot we got Ooh-la-la, one hot, sexy man. Dang, he grow-ed up real nice. When the song list was released, I admit I was not thrilled with some of the song selections, but when I heard the album, I was instantly sold. Clay did something different to the songs plus his vox was intoxicating as ever. I loved the ethereal quality to "Broken Wings". We learned later that the arrangement was his vision. He also had a writing credit on "Lonely No More" my second favorite song on the album, but the very best did not make the album. For some strange reason it was part of a iTunes exclusive. "Lover All Alone" was a beautiful, haunting song written by Clay with music by David Foster. We have David Foster to thank for giving Clay the music, and David's sister Jaymes who executive produced the album for nagging Clay to write the lyrics. The song talked of someone having a lot of love to give someone, but not finding that right person to give it to. Something to which many can relate. Why wasn't it on the album? Another mystery. It wasn't like the album was only songs of happy love. There were also songs of heartache like "Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word" and “Without You”. “Lover All Alone” should have been on this album. At least now we know that Clay Aiken can write, and write beautifully. Clay has a talent for songwriting, now he needs to be able to open up and share his inner feelings. I hope he is ready to do that soon. With all the people and causes he is passionate about, I think he has a lot to say.

Our Year End Thoughts and Wishes

What a wonderful time we've had posting on The ConCLAYve. So many voices. Once again, our members (and guests) are sharing their thoughts. Share yours. We love your comments. Here's Part I . . . more to come . . . from us and from Clay Aiken.

Newest contribution from Shadylil:

We're at the end of year 2006 and as I reflect back, my thoughts turn to my internet friends, the friends I made on the message boards because of Clay Aiken.

I think back to what he went through via the tabloids and what WE went through, too. Because, you see, when you love someone, their pain is your pain. And I can't imagine that the tabloid rumors didn't hurt Clay deep inside.

The fans and friends on the message boards stayed strong and we banded together because we were tired of hearing all the negative crap about Clay, a guy who is just trying to live his life the best way he can.

2026 – A Year In Review

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Raleigh, North Carolina. The ballustrade of the Governor’s Mansion is decked with festive boughs of holly, pine and collard greens. The famous Hall of Trees is alight with the twinkling of 350 frasier firs, decorated with ornaments sent from all fifty states—the ornaments now number in the thousands, according to Faye Parker, The First Mom and Secretary of the Interior (Decoration). She says “It’s such a blessing for Clayton to have such dedicated constituents. So many of these ornaments were made by hand and lovingly shipped here to the Governor’s Claymate Mansion. We appreciate each and every one, and even though I usually put the ugly ones on the backs of the trees, each one is a precious gift, and a reminder that not every Governor has his own paying fan club.”

Saturday, January 06, 2007
What's Next?

What's Next? Jed Bartlet used to ask that all the time on The West Wing when he was ready to move on. The first of the year seems like a good time to ask What's Next?

What's next is that some of the better TV shows are finally returning from Christmas hiatus next week. House is back although if they drag this damn cop story out any longer, I may foreclose on my TIVO season pass. David Morse's character is starting to deserve that rectal thermometer that House “forgot” to remove. Most detectives don't have the kind of time he is spending on this case, so it is moving past the believable stage. I predict he had a younger sibling or something that was a drug addict and he couldn't save them so he's got a bug up his ass about it. Maybe the bug got irritated by the thermometer.

So last night while attempting to explain Battlestar Galactica to my sweet non-nerd wife (No, you see, you can be a Cylon without knowing you’re a Cylon, because Cylons are robots and they can be programmed to think they’re human. Get it?) when I checked the comments on my last post. It seems I ended last night’s entry with a subtle dig at ol’ Clay Aiken.

Whoops.

Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Steve Rhatigan from President Council's Gives Clay Aiken Response

Steve Rhatigan, a member of the President's Committee on People with Intellectual Disabilities, responded to my post about Clay Aiken being appointed to the committee...

Second favorite genre is the crooning ballad genre, such as Tony Bennett and Clay Aiken. That's right, Clay Aiken!! And if you have a problem with that, you can go kiss it where the sun doesn't shine.

Books Clay Aiken, Learning to Sing

Now I Love Clay Aiken Again
Posted by Wm. Steven Humphrey at 04:15 PM

I’m not sure when or why I stopped liking CLAY AIKEN... but as of this appearance on The Jimmy Kimmel show from last night, he is now my absolute FAVE American Idol winner, as well as the recipient of the “Good Sport of the Year” award.
P.S. Not only do I want a recording of his love song to Jimmy, I MUST HAVE THAT T-SHIRT.

Clay Aiken on Jimmy Kimmel - Valentine’s Day

I don’t know why, but I find it so amusing every time Clay Aiken visits The Jimmy Kimmel Show. I really don’t think Clay takes himself too seriously, and he knows that he’s the punchline to more than a few jokes. That’s why I think it’s always a good time when he comes on Kimmel, because he just has fun with it.

hey
I wanna ask... does anyone know what's clay blog?
thx