AIKEN NEWS NETWORK MARCH 30

[Pamela]

Is it Friday yet?     Just kidding!

Thanks to Marilyn, all the good stuff has been posted already!  But, here's what I found anyway.

From a blog by a member of the traveling Spamalot troop.

Travels with Tallulah Blog

Clay Aiken drove down from North Carolina (where he lives) to see the show that night - he is friends with Merle, who plays the Lady of the Lake - they did “Spamalot” together on Broadway. It was very surreal to see him backstage after the show with Richard Chamberlain - sometimes this business just makes me smile. Who would have ever imagined that combo?

Atlanta Take 2

[Pamela]

From the Clackhouse etc, a transcript of Clay's speech honoring Tyra Banks at the GLAAD Awards.  (Thanks to GBB and laughn, smittenwithclay and dianap at CV.)

Transcript of Clay's GLAAD Speech

Very few women in media ever reach the esteemed level of single-name recognition: Madonna, Celine, Dolly, Cher -- all also gay icons. Tonight we honor with the Excellence in Media Award a woman who fits into both categories, Tyra. [inaudible] breaking down barriers from the very start of her career. She made history on the covers of some of the fashion industry's most influential magazines. Who among us didn't want to be with her or ... be her (laughter) when she graced the cover of the Sports Illustrated Edition as the very first African American in that position. Her model portfolio has been surpassed only by her extensive multi-media portfolio. Her transition from runway and print to broadcast brought some of America's favorite guilty pleasures in the form of America's Next Top Model -- which has a very good episode next week [points at self] (laughter). It's a show that she both created and executive produces, and she uses it as a platform, not only to help young women achieve their dreams, but also to reinforce the value and importance of hard work and determination in achieving success all the while celebrating outer and inner beauty.

That show is nominated tonight in the category for outstanding reality programing in large part due to Tyra’s refusal to shy away from including diverse models and judges in its cast. Her Emmy award winning talk show The Tyra Banks Show has expanded on her opportunity to speak to a large and influential audience about self-image and self-worth and countless other causes important to society.

This year that show has garnered 3 of the 5 nominations for outstanding talk show, bringing its total nominations to 7 in just 3 years. No one would expect less from a woman who has been a trailblazer from the start: model, TV host, creator, executive producer. She's one of the hardest working people in the entertainment industry and she is justly recognized for it. She was honored by the Hollywood Reporter as one of the 100 most powerful women in entertainment. Entertainment Weekly called her one of their 25 Smartest in Television, and Glamour magazine named her one 2008's Women of the Year alongside Hillary Clinton. And tonight the GLAAD Excellence in Media Award.

This award is given each year to a media professional who increases visibility and understanding of the LGBT community, folks like past recipients Glenn Close, Billy Crystal, Diane Sawyer and Phil Donahue. But knowing Tyra, I know that she probably doesn’t think she deserves a recognition like this. Sure, her American’s Next Top Model showcases folks like Miss Jay, Jay Manuel, Isis King -- or that guy on next week's show. Yes, her talk show gives air time to some of the issues that our community cares about most, like marriage equality, gay and lesbian people of faith, and transgender people, but Tyra doesn’t necessarily do these things just to make a statement. She doesn’t just address these issues for the impact they have. She includes, embraces and celebrates because that’s just how she lives. Because she knows it’s right. She doesn’t marginalize, she normalizes. She never sensationalizes or exploits, she just cherishes the value of every human being. Because the only thing bigger than her influence is her heart. Her deep respect for the value of all people has led her to make it part her mission to educate the mainstream public about the lives of gay and transgender people, reaching millions of young people nationwide with her message of inclusion and acceptance.

[Pamela]

Clay Aiken Looking Better!

Clay Aiken is looking good! Don't you think?

As a matter of fact....yep!

Seriously? OMG! WTF?  click for pix!

[Pamela]

Cute Clay Aiken Honors Tyra Banks

Saturday night’s 20th Annual GLAAD Media Awards were held last night in New York City, one of the big winners Miss Tyra Banks, presented the Excellence in Media Award by a suddenly sexier Clay Aiken, Suze Orman, who received the Vito Russo Award from T.R. Knight, and Phil Donahue, who, along with The Laramie Project: Ten Years Later, earned a special recognition award. Also on hand last, Keith Olbermann and the unsinkable Michael Urie.

Suddenly?  Where has this person been.   

The Time of My Life Blog

[Pamela]

click for pix!

Clay & Tyra & unfortunate watermark

Clay & Tyra II

Clay & Tyra III

Lots more pix HERE and HERE!

From PhotoLink Online.com

Anyone is always welcome (and encouraged!) to post any news items or photo links for all to enjoy!  Have a great day!

[Marilyn]

Family Equality Council Event: Night at the Tavern 2009
Posted by LFC on Sunday, March 29, 2009 ·

Night at the Tavern, Family Equality Council’s annual New York City event will be held Tuesday, April 21, 2009 at Tavern on the Green in New York City. The event brings together LGBT parents, friends and allies to celebrate the progress we have made as a community of loving families towards full equality. In 2009, Night at the Tavern will feature a cocktail reception, a full-course seated dinner, live entertainment, a silent auction and the opportunity to mingle with old friends and meet new ones. At the event they will be honoring Platinum Recording Artist Clay Aiken and Director of Center Kids at the LGBT Center in New York Terry Boggis and will have a special guest performance by Linda Eder.

FAMILY EQUALITY

[lucrezianoine]

Family Equality Council Event: Night at the Tavern 2009
Posted by LFC on Sunday, March 29, 2009 ·

Night at the Tavern, Family Equality Council’s annual New York City event will be held Tuesday, April 21, 2009 at Tavern on the Green in New York City. The event brings together LGBT parents, friends and allies to celebrate the progress we have made as a community of loving families towards full equality. In 2009, Night at the Tavern will feature a cocktail reception, a full-course seated dinner, live entertainment, a silent auction and the opportunity to mingle with old friends and meet new ones. At the event they will be honoring Platinum Recording Artist Clay Aiken and Director of Center Kids at the LGBT Center in New York Terry Boggis and will have a special guest performance by Linda Eder.

FAMILY EQUALITY

  Yay! can't wait to see the pictures from this one.

Thanks again for the news and awesome pictures girls!

Jules