AIKEN NEWS NETWORK NOVEMBER 10

[clayMaine-iac]

Good Morning, everyone!!

HILARY DUFF AND CLAY AIKEN HELP LAUNCH WORLD CHILDREN'S DAY:  
Actress/singer Hilary Duff and music artist Clay Aiken "Give A Hand" for World Children's Day at McDonald's to be auctioned on eBay Nov. 10-20. Customer's can show their support by purchasing a $1 Give A Hand cut-out at their local McDonald's restaurant with proceeds benefiting Ronald McDonald House Charities.

PRN.NEWSCOM

CLICK ON THE LINK TO SEE THE PHOTO

[clayMaine-iac]

Awards shows: The new variety show
By Kevin C. Johnson
Post-Dispatch Pop Music Critic
11/10/2004

For the second year in a row, late-night talk show host, writer, producer and sports prognosticator Jimmy Kimmel will host the 32nd annual "American Music Awards," which will air live on Sunday.
(ABC/BOB D'AMICO)
 
Music award shows increasingly stress who's singing over who's nominated, making them come off as performance shows with awards rather than award shows with performances. And the venerable American Music Awards are no exception.

If you've heard anything at all about this year's AMAs, the 32nd annual for the show executive-produced by Dick Clark, you've probably heard that ubiquitous R&B superstar Usher and piano-playing singer Alicia Keys will perform their No. 1 duet, "My Boo," for the first time live. Or maybe you've heard that No Doubt singer Gwen Stefani will open the show with her new solo single, "What You Waiting For."

Usher leads the nominations with four. Producer-rapper Kanye West follows with three nominations. Jessica Simpson, Norah Jones, Prince, Jay-Z and Keys have two nominations each.

In addition to the duo of Usher and Keys (who'll be introduced by Janet Jackson) and Stefani, performers include Simpson, West, Kenny Chesney with Uncle Kracker, Fantasia, Josh Groban, Toby Keith, Lenny Kravitz, Maroon 5, John Mayer, Snoop Dogg and Pharrell, Twista, Rod Stewart and Pocahontas, Ill., native Gretchen Wilson.

Presenters include St. Louis rappers Nelly and Chingy, Clay Aiken, Kelly Clarkson, OutKast's Big Boi, Brooks & Dunn, Ashanti, Sheryl Crow, Switchfoot, Macy Gray, Michael McDonald, Carmen Elektra, Pamela Anderson, John Stamos, Teena Marie, Lil' Flip, Serena and Venus Williams, Billy Idol and cast members from "Desperate Housewives" and "Lost."

STLTODAY

[clayMaine-iac]

McDonald's(R) World Children's Day(TM) Kick-Off Features All-Star Line-Up: Hilary Duff, Haylie Duff, Serena Williams, Venus Williams, Clay Aiken, Alejandro Fernandez, Carl Lewis, and Randy Jackson
Tuesday November 9, 1:05 pm ET  
Includes World Premiere of Destiny's Child World Children's Day TV Commercial


OAK BROOK, Ill., Nov. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Stars of the entertainment and sports worlds are giving their hands in support of World Children's Day at McDonald's, a worldwide fundraiser for Ronald McDonald House Charities® (RMHC®) and other children's causes. Today's activities at a Los Angeles McDonald's restaurant kicked off the month-long initiative to build awareness for the annual fundraiser. This year, McDonald's goal is to raise $20 million dollars.
Kick Off Event

To launch the 2004 World Children's Day fundraising activities, music artist and actress sisters Hilary Duff and Haylie Duff, tennis champions Venus Williams and Serena Williams, multi-platinum recording artist Clay Aiken, Latin superstar Alejandro Fernandez, Olympic track and field legend Carl Lewis, and famed American Idol judge Randy Jackson, will literally "Give A Hand" by creating and donating autographed handprints. The handprints will be auctioned on eBay ( http://www.ebay.com/worldchildrensday ) November 10-20, with proceeds benefiting RMHC. Handprints from Brooke Shields, Lara Flynn Boyle, Blair Underwood, Andy Dick, Peter Boyle, Nick Carter, Trista Rehn-Sutter and Kwame Jackson, among others, will also be available for bid.

As part of the day's celebration, McDonald's debuted the new World Children's Day TV commercial featuring mega-star group Destiny's Child -- who will lend their support to the Charity's ongoing efforts. The TV spot, along with in-restaurant materials promoting World Children's Day, is the first phase of the global partnership with Destiny's Child announced last month.

Restaurant Components

Throughout November, participating McDonald's restaurants worldwide will offer two fundraising opportunities for World Children's Day. "Give A Hand" invites customers to show their support by purchasing and personalizing paper cut-out hands for $1, then posting the hands in the restaurant. Participating restaurants also will make donations from select menu items to help children. In the U.S., from November 18-20, a portion of sales from Happy Meals®, Mighty Kids Meals® and Extra Value Meals will be donated to RMHC and vital children's causes.

"Ronald McDonald House Charities was founded more than 20 years ago in honor of our founder Ray Kroc because he believed that McDonald's had a responsibility to give back to the community," said Charlie Bell, McDonald's CEO. "World Children's Day embodies that spirit and demonstrates how Ray's philosophy still remains an integral part of McDonald's culture."

"Given the ever-increasing needs of children around the globe, McDonald's has made a tremendous effort to increase awareness and funds for World Children's Day by promoting many events throughout the world. Our goal is to raise $20 million this year," said Ken Barun, president and CEO of RMHC. "We hope 2004 will be our most successful World Children's Day yet, and through increased fundraising, RMHC will be able to improve the health and well-being of even more children worldwide."

World Children's Day 2002 raised $12 million. In 2003, the effort raised $15 million. Past celebrity support of World Children's Day includes: Clay Aiken, Nick Carter, Celine Dion, David Foster, Josh Groban, Dustin Hoffman, Paul Newman, Jessica Simpson, Linda Thompson, and Justin Timberlake. Hundreds of children's organizations worldwide have benefited from this global fundraiser.

McDonald's is the leading global foodservice retailer with more than 30,000 restaurants serving nearly 47 million people in more than 120 countries each day. Approximately 80 percent of McDonald's restaurants worldwide are owned and operated by independent, local businessmen and women. For nutritional information, please visit http://www.mcdonalds.com .

Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC), a nonprofit, 501(c)3, creates, finds and supports programs that directly improve the health and well being of children. Its programs are grassroots-driven to enable the Charity to offer help where children need it most; right in their own communities. RMHC fulfills its mission by creating programs that address targeted needs, and by supporting these programs through its global network of more than 180 local Chapters in nearly 50 countries. RMHC and its local Chapters have awarded more than $400 million in grants and program services to children's programs around the world. For more information about Ronald McDonald House Charities its programs, visit http://www.rmhc.org .

BIZ.YAHOO

[clayMaine-iac]

Spend the holidays with Clay

Raleigh concert restricted to N.C. residents only

Clay has managed to squeeze a hometown stop in his Joyful Noise Christmas tour visiting 20 cities in November and December.

Aiken will perform at Raleigh's Meymandi Concert Hall and - at his request - efforts will be taken to restrict ticket sales to North Carolina fans. According to Raleigh's The News & Observer, Ticketmaster will allow only phone and Internet purchases with a credit card attached to a North Carolina ZIP code.

The holiday tour supports his upcoming holiday album, "Merry Christmas with Love," due in stores on Nov. 16. The collection includes the singer's take on standards including "Sleigh Ride," "The Christmas Song," "Winter Wonderland" and "Joy to the World," among others.

Aiken will be backed on the tour by an orchestra.

On the same day that Aiken's Christmas album reaches stores, Random House will release the Aiken memoir "Learning to Sing: Hearing the Music in Your Life."

Aiken will make many television appearances to tout the book and album, including Nov. 15 on CNN's "Larry King Live," Nov. 17 on ABC's "Live with Regis and Kelly" and NBC's "Today," Dec. 6 on NBC's "The Tonight Show," Dec. 9 on ABC's "The View," and Dec. 10 on ABC's "The Early Show." According to his website, he'll also appear as a presenter on the Nov. 15 American Music Awards.

CHARLOTTE.COM

[clayMaine-iac]

November 08, 2004
Clay Aiken Comes to Phoenix
Clay Aiken is probably the most popular star to NOT win on a reality TV show. I have gotten several emails wanting to know if Clay Aiken is coming to Phoenix, and, as it turns out, he will be making an appearance at the Dodge Theatre in downtown Phoenix on November 22nd, at the early end of his Christmas tour this year. If you think you are already in the holiday spirit, The Joyful Noise Tour will consist of Clay and an orchestra performing all holiday music. I checked with Ticketmaster, and there are still good seats available.

PHOENIX.ABOUT.COM

[clayMaine-iac]

Here are the top 50 searches on Lycos for the week ending November 6, 2004:
 
 

Search..Term..Change..Last Week..Weeks on List
 1  2004 Presidential Election..New...1
No Pregnant Chads
 2  Clay Aiken..#1...77
Christmas Tunes  

50LYCOS

Hey, Pamela, you will be happy to see that the election was #1

[clayMaine-iac]

Tickets on sale Friday for Clay concert
11/9/2004 8:46 AM
By: News 14 Carolina Staff    
 Clay Aiken is returning to the Triangle.

His Joyful Noise Tour is coming to the Meymandi Concert Hall at the BTi Center on Sunday, December 12th at 8 p.m.

Tickets for the concert go on sale this Friday at 10 a.m. Prices range from $47.50 to $75.

You can get your tickets at the auditorium box office, online at Ticketmaster.com or call Ticketmaster at 919-834-4000.

     NEWS14

[clayMaine-iac]

American Music Awards Welcomes Reality Stars

The American Music Awards will air on Sun, November 14th on ABC. Reality TV fans will be delighted a handful of your favorites will be performing and presenting. American Idol will be well represented with Kelly Clarkson, Clay Aiken, and Fantasia all scheduled to present awards. Fantasia is also scheduled to perform in her first network appearance since American Idol 3. Jessica Simpson, Newlyweds star will also perform. Other reality presenters include Carmen Electra, Nicole Riche, Kelly Osbourne and Kathy Gifford.

BELLAONLINE

[Her]

Good morning M.B.!  A very windy morning here in South Florida...it's been blowin' since yesterday without a rainstorm...Anyhow, thanks for the news...

I love it "Music Artist Clay Aiken" ---has a nice sing, I mean ring to it!!!

[clayMaine-iac]

Amazon.com has a new item for sale:

Clay Aiken: Holiday Special DVD

Availability: This item will be released on December 14, 2004

[clayMaine-iac]

Glen Roven, four-time Emmy winner, is one of the rare musicians equally at home in both Classical and Popular music.

Current projects include: NBC’s CLAY AIKEN CHRISTMAS SPECIAL, with Aiken, Barry Manilow, Megan Mullaley & Yolanda Adams; the debut at Carneige Hall of his new VIOLIN CONCERTO FOR ORCHESTRA AND NARRATOR, based on the children’s classic, THE RUNAWAY BUNNY, to be performed by Julianne Moore and Ittai Shapira (with Roven conducting); 4 symphonic concerts in Israel during December with the IKO. He also has two musicals for Broadway scheduled for production in January: DR. SEUSS’S THE 5000 FINGERS OF DR. T., produced by Producers4 and directed by Susan Schulmann, and PANDORA’S BOX, produced by Tony Adams and written with Maria Schlatter.

NORMANSARK.COM

[clayMaine-iac]

Clay will be on KIIS FM in LA with JoJo tomorrow night -- tune in if you are in their listening area.  They also stream live from their website...

JOJO AT KIIS FM

[clayMaine-iac]

Clay's back up singer Angela Fisher has a new website, and an EP coming out.  There will be an interview with her in the ClayNation News on Wednesday.  Check out her website and hear song samples HERE.

[clayMaine-iac]

GRATUITOUS MENTION OF THE DAY:

That means the Bears are -- Holy Hub Arkush! -- one game out of the playoffs right now. I refuse to buy into such shlock, but if you happen to believe in simple math, not since Clay Aiken has something so shaky had a shot of turning out well.

SUNTIMES.COM

[clayMaine-iac]

Good Morning, Buddy--

I think winter is trying to come early here.    

Have a great day!!!  

Count down:  less than a week!!!

  Deanna

[HavinaClayAffair]

A quick Good Morning to You Deanna! Thanks for the news...and I hope the CD is about the tour that was not a tour but most likely has something to do with Christmas?? I will cross my fingers..maybe AI2- JUST CLAY as it was in my eyes!! LOL!

Have a great day all that are awake- Great Good Morning to you Her!!

Lora-Ohio

[clayMaine-iac]

Good Morning, Lora!

I do not know for sure what the DVD is, but I am sure I will have to purchase it regardless!!  

Have a great day.  Stay warm.
Deanna

[aikenseeker]

What? A DVD?

Must go back and read the other page... LOL.

Good Morning Everyone!

Here's Clay's horoscope for the day from yahoo.com!

Quickie:
Answer simple questions with simple answers. Spare them your elaborate theories.

Overview:
Your determination will be running on high for weeks. You may not want anyone to know what you're doing, however -- with the possible exception of one very attractive person. (Which kind of gives the secret away!)

Daily Extended Forecast:
Attorneys are in their element. Even if you never earned that law degree, friends mistake you for a lawyer. They're seeking your advice or enlisting you as an advocate. Maybe you should charge for your services if this goes on. The scope of the story that you're witnessing drives some of the critical details out of your head, turning you into more of a spectator than a mover and shaker. It's a fine time for partners to check in and reveal their hopes and wishes.

Daily Flirt:
What's it all about? Now is a great time to look at the big picture and try to figure out your place in it. Poll your pals for stories and advice.

Daily Couples:
Your popularity could be running away with your time. Pull back from the social whirl for some more private time with your beloved.

Daily Singles:
Fun, laughter and flirting are in the cards, so deal 'em out. Up the ante with an outing to a funny movie with a group of friends, some comedy at the ice-skating rink or whatever else strikes your fancy.

Daily Career and Finance:
Legal issues might creep up on you and your coworkers, and most likely you'll be the one people turn to for answers. Keep fairness in mind and your advice will be flawless.

[clayMaine-iac]

Good Morning, Susan.

Hmmm, I do post the ANN so people can read it.

Thanks for the horoscope!!!
 

[Her]

Good morning Lora...have a wonderful Wednesday.

DVD, DVD....Yeah and one I didn't make!!!LOL