AIKEN NEWS NETWORK SEPTEMBER 21

[clayMaine-iac]

GOOD MORNING, EVERYONE!!!!

HERE'S A NEW ARTICLE IN THE WRITER'S CORNER:

CLAY WAS MY TEACHER

[clayMaine-iac]

Clay Aiken Performs 'Proud Of Your Boy' - Rare Deleted Song From Disney's 'Aladdin'

    BURBANK, Calif., Sept. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Walt Disney Home Entertainment
today announced that AOL(R) Music will debut the exclusive world premieres of
two brand new music videos that will appear on the forthcoming "Aladdin
Special Edition" DVD release.  Multi-platinum recording artist Clay Aiken
performs "Proud Of Your Boy" and multi-talented stars Jessica Simpson and Nick
Lachey perform "A Whole New World."  The song "Proud of Your Boy" is written
by the legendary Academy Award(R)-winning* Disney songwriting team of Howard
Ashman and Alan Menken, and is a deleted number from Disney's original
Theatrical release of "Aladdin."  The song "A Whole New World" is a
contemporary Disney standard and Oscar(R)-winning song from songwriters Alan
Menken and Tim Rice.
    Both of these music videos will be featured on the new "Aladdin Special
Edition" DVD available on October 5.  These online premieres are part of AOL
Music First View, AOL's popular program, which regularly debuts new videos
before they air anywhere else.
    AOL members can access the exclusive online premiere of Clay Aiken's
"Proud Of Your Boy" music video beginning Tuesday, September 21 at 12:01 AM
(EST), and the "A Whole New World" music video beginning Tuesday, September 28
at 12:01 AM (EST) at AOL Keyword: First View.
    The AOL Music First View program debuts new videos by the biggest names in
music, before they are available anywhere else.  Since the program's launch,
AOL members have had the opportunity to see world premiere videos from top
artists, including Usher, Madonna, Avril Lavigne, Outkast, Toby Keith, Sting
and more.
    AOL Music is a leading online destination for music, reaching over
16 million music fans each month through a rich array of programming, products
and services that make it easy to discover, experience, listen to and buy
music online.**  AOL Music's offerings, which include original programs and
special features for AOL for Broadband, are available through the AOL(R) Music
Channel, aolmusic.com, the AOL Radio Network, Netscape(R) Music, CompuServe(R)
Music, AIM(R) Music, ICQ(R) Music, Winamp(R) and SHOUTcast(R).

    About Clay Aiken and "Proud Of Your Boy"
    Disney's animated classic ALADDIN is available as the fourth title in
Disney's acclaimed "Platinum Edition" collection as a 2-Disc SPECIAL EDITION
DVD on October 5.  Never before available on DVD and unavailable in any form
for over ten years, this double Academy Award(R)*** winning magic carpet ride
is presented for the first time in a digital format with the best possible
picture and sound quality.  This magical 2-Disc set boasts a huge menu of
bonus features that are accessible to all ages, for both families and the most
devoted DVD connoisseur.
    The deleted song "Proud Of Your Boy" was originally composed for Aladdin
and was recovered from the Disney vault.  It came from a completely different
storyline -- a fascinating look into the story before it evolved into the film
that we know today.  Never before released on DVD, this song is a rare
treasure available in this landmark special edition.
    Howard Ashman and Alan Menken collaborated on Academy(R) Award winning
music for such timeless classics as The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the
Beast.  Alan Menken calls this beautiful ballad quite simply "one of my
favorite Ashman-Menken songs."
    Multi-platinum selling artist Clay Aiken has become part of Disney's
animation legacy with his performance of "Proud of Your Boy."  Buena Vista
Home Entertainment has become the title sponsor of Clay Aiken's first tour.
    Disney's sponsorship will also support the efforts of the Bubel Aiken
Charity Foundation, Make-A-Wish and Disney Hands charities at the concerts and
via exclusive one-on-ones for kids with Aiken.  The 38-date tour is
criss-crossing the country and concludes in Raleigh, North Carolina
October 18.

PRNEWSWIRE
THERE IS A LINK AT THIS SITE THAT ALLOWS YOU TO WATCH POYB!!

[clayMaine-iac]

HERE'S THE STORY OF JOHN'S WISH:

MAKE-A-WISH FOUNDATION

This bears repeating.

The Wish

The man that he had idolized
Stood by his side that night
And from within this tiny one
There glowed a brilliant light

The child, a perfect replica
Of he who stood so tall
So deftly mirrored every move
So rare for one so small

Each eye was fixed upon the pair
While holding back a tear
And in each face, the story told
That love was everywhere

And all the boy had suffered through,
The trials that lay ahead
Were on that night forgotten and
Replaced by joy instead

He shared the spotlight graciously
As only he could do
The gift he gave this little man
To Make A Wish come true!

by Marilyn Vice

[clayMaine-iac]

What's Hot Now (And what used to be hot)
   From James Maguire,

Music to consider adding to your collection
Shiney discs for your listening pleasure...(snip)

CLAY AIKENMeasure of a Man The debut CD by the American Idol star has sold 3 million copies, and hasn't stopped yet.

TOP 40
HOW LONG HAS IT BEEN SINCE I MENTIONED THAT I LOVE JAMES!!??  

[clayMaine-iac]

For The Record: Quick News On 'American Idol,' Metallica, Vanessa Carlton, Yellowcard, Mos Def, Television & More
09.20.2004 5:42 PM EDT
   

A November 4 release has been set for Ruben Studdard's upcoming gospel album, the start of a barrage of "American Idol" music. Clay Aiken's holiday record is due November 16, Fantasia's debut album is due November 23, Kelly Clarkson's sophomore set will follow November 30, and Diana DeGarmo's debut will round things out on December 7. ...

MTV NEWS

[clayMaine-iac]

GRATUITOUS MENTION OF THE DAY:

Some of the last-minute fair-goers yesterday were decked out in Clay Aiken or Hooters T-shirts and seemed intent on feasting on greasy goodies, playing one last midway game and taking the kids on one more ride. But for Figdore, Smith and Haag, the last day of the fair was all about red, white and blue decorations, political buttons and lollipops, which the Dems gave out to passers-by.

YORK DISPATCH

[clayMaine-iac]

Fair puzzles over dates for 2005

By Ollie Reed Jr.
Tribune Reporter

Even before this year's State Fair ended, fair commissioners were worrying about the dates for next year's fair show.

When to start it? How long to run it?

"We need to make a decision on the dates soon - before our next regular meeting (Oct. 18)," Commissioner Luke Otero said during an early morning commission meeting Sunday at Tingley Coliseum on the Expo New Mexico grounds.(snip)

Less bright was attendance at Tingley Coliseum concerts.

Country music queen Reba McEntire was the top draw, but she pulled just 4,000 into a venue that can handle more than twice that.

"Being that she is a country music icon, I thought Reba would do better," Otero said. "But for the people who were there, she put on a heck of a show."

Clay Aiken, popular "American Idol" TV show runner-up, drew 3,100. Hot country music sister act SHeDAISY, drew 2,600. A retro show featuring Chubby Checker, the Rascals and the Turtles attracted just 900, and a Sunday-night gospel concert turned into a free show for just 400 people.

In recent years, competition from entertainment at area casinos and at venues such as the Journal Pavilion have been blamed for the declining success of State Fair concerts.

ABQTRIB.COM

[clayMaine-iac]

HERE'S A LINK TO A FAN PERSPECTIVE:

THE IDEAL IDOL

[clayMaine-iac]

A year ago, the kid from Kingston won Canadian Idol. The singer talks about the pressures of fame, falling for Kelly Clarkson and his new record.

My Story by Ryan Malcolm

Two thousand and four was an amazing year for me. In less than a year, I have gone from a waiter and a policing student to a very busy 24-year-old kid from Kingston who's got a record contract. There have been tons of highs and very few lows. (snip)

You see, this question is a very touchy one, because some people believe that if you don't write all of your own music then you are not a real artist. So, OK, that's cool I thought. So what about Elvis and Aerosmith? Hey, even old blue eyes, they did not write a lot of their music. Of course, my response was nothing like that.

I think I said something like, "Well, look at Clay Aiken. He has sold over two million records and Will Young the Pop Idol from Britain has sold over three million. As far as I'm concerned, they are successful, whether or not they are artists doesn't matter. They have a craft, and that craft is singing and performing, so, actually, yes, they are artists."

THE IDOL ZONE

[Her]

  My turn ....and with donuts!

Have a great day Deanna and thanks!

[clayMaine-iac]

Pvt. Brett Parker joins brother Clay Aiken as ....'American Idol'

Submitted by:    MCRD Parris Island
Story by:     Computed Name: Lance Cpl. Justin Shemanski

MCRD/ERR PARRIS ISLAND, S.C.(Sept. 19, 2004) -- Volunteering their time and helping others is a large part of many Americans lives, but as they grow and mature, the way in which they choose to contribute to society can differ a great deal. Some do their part by making monetary donations to charities while others become members of their local police force or fire department as a way to give back to their communities.

Some even use their status as celebrities to help others in need, such as singer and American Idol finalist Clay Aiken, who is a part of the Bubel/Aiken Foundation, which serves to help young people with developmental disabilities become a bigger part of today's society. Brett Parker, Aiken's brother, like thousands of other young men and women across the country, felt that military service was the best opportunity to give back to not only their hometowns, but to their entire country.

When Parker saw the twin towers of the World Trade Center fall three years ago, it only helped cement his decision to enlist in the Marine Corps and it was a decision that led him to receive the coveted Eagle, Globe and Anchor pin from his drill instructors of Plt. 1072, Bravo Co., 1st RTBn. on the Peatross Parade Deck Sept. 09.
"Brett had been serious about going into the service since he was 14 years old," said Faye Aiken Parker, Clay and Brett's mother. "At first I thought he was just saying it to irritate me and I figured he would grow out of it and lot of others thought he was just doing it to get a little of the attention that his brother was receiving, but that's not the case at all. He did it to help others ... he did it for himself."

Brett will also say that he did it simply because of his respect for the Marine Corps. He said it was what the Marines have been through and the wisdom that the Marines before him have to share that helped make the Corps the obvious choice between the other branches of service, giving him the best opportunity to serve his country in a far different way than his brother Clay.

"We just found out the other day who his brother was," said Gunnery Sgt. Arthur Lacewell, senior drill instructor of Plt. 1072. "We were at Recruit Photo paying bills when the photographer said he heard Clay on the radio talking about his brother graduating from Bravo Company."
Drill instructors will often use information like this against a recruit, but Lacewell saw it differently.

"It shows he has a great sense of patriotism in his country," said Lacewell. "He joined because he felt it was something he had to do, no matter what his brother was doing. He was also one of my better recruits too. If I needed something done throughout training, I called on him quite a bit and knew I could depend on him to get it done."
But even though Brett and his brother may have their differences, they still show strong support for what one another is doing.

"I broke the news to Clay when we were out to dinner in Charlotte [N.C.]," said Brett. "At first he tucked his head to his chest, but then he looked up and said, 'I knew it.' Since I was in 10th grade I've been really serious about the military, but I think my family just prayed I would grow out of it. But they all became really supportive when they came to terms with my decision and realized it wasn't just a phase."

Brett could clearly see the support of his brother during training, by the number of letters he received from him.

"My brother wrote me more letters than anyone," said Brett. "His letters were good because his letters were about everything. He didn't just talk about the big things that happened, but the little things too that no one else would have written about. It was like talking to him on the phone and it brought me that much closer to home."

Brett even has the support of Clay's fans, dubbed the "Claymates." They have been handing out yellow ribbon pins at his concerts in support of Brett and the rest of the troops and according to Faye, they plan to patriotically decorate the Parkers home to welcome him home to Raleigh, N.C.

"The lord has blessed both of my children in completely different ways and they are both using what they were given to help others," she said. " Clay does a lot of charity work and now Brett is proudly serving his country. Of course I have my worries and concerns for both of them, but I couldn't be prouder of them.

USMC
THERE IS A NICE PICTURE OF BRETT AT THE LINK

[clayMaine-iac]

MORNING BUDDY!!! Thanks!!!

I needed that coffee!!!!

     
Deanna

[HavinaClayAffair]

Good Morning Everyone!!

I hope that anyone with AOL Broadband will watch the video of Proud of Your Boy. I have Time Warner....DARN!! Tried to watch but can't so give it some hits- AOL members!

Dirty dogs- teasing me like that!  Clay sells...maybe some without broadband will switch! That's what they are counting on!

Lora-Ohio

[clayMaine-iac]

Lora,

Pamela has a couple of other links posted in this thread:

POYB THREAD

[Pamela]

Some of the last-minute fair-goers yesterday were decked out in Clay Aiken or Hooters T-shirts

I'm sorry, but that's just funny!  

That's a great article about Brett isn't it?  Don't forget to do your GOOD DEED!  

From Clay Nation News.
Kerry Mathieson at WSRS in Worcester wants to hear your impressions of the show if you saw Clay over the weekend at the Big E. This is a great opportunity to focus on the voice, live performance and upcoming Christmas album. Studio line: (508) 792-9777 and email: kerrymathieson@clearchannel.com.

If you went to the Big E (Greg, Lorraine, Tammy, Angela...who else went?)
this is a great opportunity to tell Clear Channel the main message...that Clay sings like NO OTHER!  His voice is fabulous!  He should be on the radio!  Clay LIVE is amazing!  He loves his fans!  He makes you smile with  I Will Carry You and makes you weep with This is the Night!  

Good morning everyone!  Thanks for the news to the Divine Ms D!

I need some  ... or maybe not!

[houstonclayfan]

Lora,

Pamela has a couple of other links posted in this thread:

POYB THREAD

THANK YOU so much Pamela and Deanna !   One of those links worked and I dont have AOL.  You guys rock !  and so does Clay !      

I need some     too.  Have a great day!   I love you guys !

[HavinaClayAffair]

Houston.....YOU are right! I found it a few minutes ago! I told PAM I think I love her!!

I have no AOL but I got to see POYB and I AM PROUD OF OUR BOY!!!

Way to go CLAY!!

Lora-Ohio

[Pamela]

NEW MISS AMERICA ON HER BIG NIGHT

"I was thrilled to be in the top two and just thought whatever happens happens," Downs said. "I remember him calling my name pretty clearly, but walking down the runway, it became a blur. There was confetti everywhere, and Clay Aiken was singing `There she is, Miss America.' It was all kind of surreal."

ALABAMA.COM

[Pamela]

Clay is #1 at Lycos this week!  After 70 weeks on the chart....#1 !!

Of course, he's always #1 here.  

LYCOS

[Her]

Clay is #1 at Lycos this week! After 70 weeks on the chart.... #1 !!

YIPPEE......GO Clay, Go Clay!!!!