AIKEN NEWS NETWORK FEB 23

[clayMaine-iac]

Crazy for Clay
It's safe to say Clay Aiken has no regrets about only being a second-place 'Idol.' Watch his special Sessions performance and see why this runner up became one of the show's biggest stars.

Watch Clay perform live in studio
 More song & videos

MUSIC.AOL

[clayMaine-iac]

From the Clayreport:

UNICEF ANNUAL REPORT 2005

[clayMaine-iac]

An 'Idol' mind
By Matt Aiken 
 
I haven't heard the question in a while. But a couple of years ago I couldn't escape it.

For example, let's say it's 2004 and I need to visit the bank.

Well I'd walk through the door, fill out my deposit slip, and present it to the teller.

There the teller would take my slip, look at me, look back at my slip, look at me one more time, and then ask me the question.

"Are you related to Clay Aiken?" she'd say with an excited grin.

That was the question

Read more:
DAHLONEGANUGGET

[clayMaine-iac]

CLAY'S OFFICIAL ONLINE STORE SPRING SALE

[clayMaine-iac]

When we opened this place, I swore I'd never do karaoke," said Dave Sheets (aka Discount Dave from the furniture store commercials). "I've never seen 'American Idol' in my life, honestly."

He's one of the few that haven't. "American Idol," the musical competition on Fox, has become a ratings juggernaut for the network (even beating out the Winter Olympics last week) and a pop culture force, launching the careers of recent Grammy-winner Kelly Clarkson, Clay Aiken and Carrie Underwood. It's stardom determined by consensus with the judge everyone loves to hate, Simon Cowell perpetuating a cutthroat harshness during the heat of competition.

HUB.LSJ

[clayMaine-iac]

Couple's Grandson on 'American Idol'
BY MATTHEW MORIARTY: Staff Writer

Judith and Loren Swearingen of Seven Lakes have more than a passing interest in tonight’s episode of the popular television show "American Idol" broadcast on Fox.

One of the contestants, David Radford, is their grandson. Radford is the young crooner with the thin arms, wide smile and curly brown hair.

He’s a senior in high school in Crystal Lake, Ill. At 17, he’s one of the younger male contestants, who compete tonight to remain in the running to be the next Idol.

“We’re happy, excited and proud,” Judy Swearingen says. “We hope he keeps going.”

The show, a ratings juggernaut, has brought massive fame and success to some former contestants.

Idol winners and runners-up have put out top-selling albums. Kelly Clarkson this year became the first winner to receive a Grammy. Runner-up Clay Aiken, who is from Cary, sings to ravenously loyal crowds who call themselves “Clayniacs.”

THEPILOT

[clayMaine-iac]

Make no mistake: Ebersol's job is to lure the detergent- buying American public to their television sets, not their computers.

It was about the only tack he could take after the Olympics drew 16.1 million viewers in the 8 p.m. time slot Feb. 14, compared with 26.3 million for ``American Idol.'' This week, News Corp.'s Fox will run five hours of ``Idol'' to compete against figure skating, usually one of the biggest Olympics ratings draws.

``American Idol'' is, at its core, a talent show that gives a nobody like Clay Aiken or Kelly Clarkson the chance to become rich and famous.

It's what the Olympics used to be.

BLOOMBERG

[clayMaine-iac]

We'll Be The Judge of That! - American Idol 5, February 22
by Foxes on Idol Judging Staff -- 02/23/2006
(snip)

Immediately after Patrick said he wanted to separate himself from Clay, the very first few notes out of his mouth reminded me of… Clay. And it continued through the song – there are definite similarities in their voices. Clay Patrick did a good job overall, though not great. I would say a bit above average, though with him being the first performer, it’s hard to say what “average” really is for this group.

Read the rest:
FOXESONIDOL

[ANGELA]

HELLO DEANNA & EVERYONE ELSE 
DEANNA, THANKS FOR THE NEWS & I HOPE YOU & EVERYONE ELSE HERE ENJOYS A WONDERFUL DAY. 

TAKE CARE,
ANGELA

[clayMaine-iac]

Good Morning Angela!!

To all my news buddies:

Have a Terrific Tuesday!!
Here ya go:

[Her]

Good morning!

[stargazer]

GOOD MORNING CLAYMANIACS.

[shaikeninseattle]

GOOD MORNING CLAYMANIACS.

Good morning everyone! Here's to a day I hope is filled with Clay! 

[lorraine]

GOOD MORNING DEANNA AND FRIENDS.  I LOVE COMING HERE BECAUSE I KNOW THIS IS WHERE IT WILL BE ABOUT MY HONEY.

HAVE A GREAT DAY AND LETS JUST CELEBRATE ANOTHER CLAYDAY.  ISN'T EVERYDAY A CLAYDAY

OH THIS GUY SAYS GOOD MORNING AS WELL.

HUGS
RAINEY

[NCSandhillsDeb]

Good morning everyone!!!

Lorraine, so glad someone taught you how to post pics, you have posted some great shots!!!!  Today's is very nice.

The Pilot is the local paper here and Heather and I got a chuckle out of Clay being from Cary and the Clayniacs name.  We wondered if we should write a letter to the editor!!! LOL  Not sure anyone else around here belongs to any of the boards but there are some obses...make that dedicated fans here.  Will watch for letters!!!!

Have a great day!

Debbie

[msbs4]

come on pactric didnt even come close to sounding like clay,clay brings joy and love with the sound of his voice.there will be no one who will ever come close to sounding like clay. im a clay fan and a claymate and a claytrain.yes their are about four boys who are pretty good but never like clay.llets are stick by clay and make him the biggest idole ever.Love Marie

[msbs4]

i ment to put all not are. marie