AIKEN NEWS NETWORK MARCH 23

[clayMaine-iac]

Good Morning, everyone!!

Search Term  Last Week Weeks on List
 1  March Madness
Sweet 16  #14 2
 
 2  Paris Hilton
PDA Invasion  #1  71  
 
 3  Pamela Anderson
China's Mad  #2  290  
 
 4  St. Patrick's Day
Until Next Year  #47 2
 
 5  Britney Spears
Off to Vegas  #4  290  
 
 6  Poker
Party Game  #3  52  
 
 7  Easter
Bunnies & Eggs  #22 2
 
 8  Star Wars 3
Revenge of the Sith  #6 4
 
 9  Clay Aiken
Unicef Ambassador  #5  94

LYCOS50

[clayMaine-iac]

Thousands rock for tsunami aid
Posted Tue, 22 Mar 2005

Tens of thousands of people rocked to raise money for tsunami relief at a star-studded concert late on Friday that was the biggest ever held in Malaysia, one of the countries battered in the December disaster.

US hip hop act Black Eyed Peas, soul singer Lauryn Hill, boy band Backstreet Boys, R and B stars Boyz II Men and rapper Wyclef Jean performed for 13 000 people packed into a stadium just outside Kuala Lumpur for the eight-hour event.

Crowds gathered three hours early to catch a glimpse of their icons as they arrived on the red carpet before a show that had Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi side by side with excited young fans.

"It is our honour, it is our duty to be here tonight, to do this for an important cause," Boyz II Men singer Shawn Stockman told the crowd.

Jean and Hill, of the now-defunct Grammy-award winning hip-hop group Fugees, teamed up for the night, sending screaming fans to their feet, dancing and waving huge orange pieces of hand-shaped foamboard in the air.

The mood momentarily shifted when the lights were turned off during one of Jean's songs and the crowd waved lighted mobile phones in remembrance of the more than 270 000 people killed in the tsunami across the region.

But it picked up again as the deafening roar from the audience reached ear-splitting levels when Backstreet Boys, the penultimate act, performed chart-topping hits including "Incomplete," the first single from their forthcoming album.

Hong Kong pop singer Nicholas Tse, action movie star Jackie Chan, Malaysia's jazz queen Sheila Majid and Indonesian singer Ruth Sahanaya were also on the bill.

Former Baywatch bombshell Carmen Electra, Joey Fatone and Lance Bass from boy band 'N Sync, "American Idol" judge Paula Abdul and former contestant Clay Aiken, Japanese actor Ken Watanabe and Chinese actress Bai Ling made brief appearances.

Razali Ismail, special envoy to Malaysia's tsunami aid efforts, said the concert organised by Malaysian charity Force of Nature, and timed to coincide with the Formula One Grand Prix race at the weekend, had raised more than 10 million ringgit ($2.63-million).

"When you hear the phrase 'force of nature' you think of a disaster, but we believe that the strongest force of nature is the will of the human spirit," he said.

"Thank you for coming and joining us to help the tsunami victims, those who are unable to pick themselves up and need our help."

Former Bond girl Michelle Yeoh said: "On December 26, a terrible disaster struck the area we call home. This has moved many of us to act, that is why we are all here tonight. We cannot let those faces in the headlines just fade away," she said.

Malaysia escaped the huge tsunami death tolls suffered by other Indian Ocean countries. Nearly 70 people were killed in the country, a fraction of the more than 200 000 people believed dead or missing in Indonesia alone.

ENTERTAINMENT.IAFRICA

[clayMaine-iac]

WHS Idol contest heats up

By Patrick Cronin
pcronin@seacoastonline.com  

HAMPTON - Move over Kelly Clarkson, take a seat Clay Aiken and eat a doughnut Ruben Stoddard because there can be only one Winnacunnet Idol.
A spin-off of the hit TV competition sponsored by the Winnacunnet High School student council kicked off Friday night when nine finalists went head-to-head in an attempt to win the coveted title.

SEACOAST ONLINE

[clayMaine-iac]

Did Mario quit because of ‘Idol’ contract?
Before we get to the questions, let's tackle a hot issue.
 
Nothing about Mario Vazquez's mysterious departure from "American Idol" makes a whole lot of sense — he first blamed family problems, which his mother denied; later, despite "personal reasons" for quitting, he appeared on David Letterman and other shows, so clearly those problems aren't too pressing.

One of the theories about Vasquez's departure involves the show's notoriously restrictive contract. While Mario himself has denied that the contract had anything to do with his departure, all 24 semifinalists, including Mario, signed a contract preventing them from signing with another label or company until three months after the "American Idol" winner is crowned. But last week, Mario hired the lawyer who helped rescue Clay Aiken from under its clutches.

So what exactly is in the "American Idol" contract, besides language preventing finalists from trying to get signed now? Not much is known about this season's document, but sometime MSNBC.com freelancer Eric Olsen examined the first season's contract in detail for Salon a few years ago. He found a "restrictive" document that makes contestants' "careers ... literally not their own."

Essentially, their careers are owned by 19 Entertainment, which produces the series. Perhaps most significantly, Simon Fuller, the show's creator, also gets half of the money brought in by those signed to 19.

Entertainment attorney Gary Fine told the AP that the contract wouldn't be good for "an artist whose music was quirky and might take time to develop," but might work for someone "whose primary interest is fame and fortune."   —A.D.

MSNBC

[clayMaine-iac]

Against All Odds: The Journey of Clay Aiken
by Judy Simpson (2005/03/22)

Don't be fooled by the square, good-guy image; Clay Aiken is a rebel, a rule-breaker, someone who shatters barriers, destroys preconceptions, and defies odds. He has been criticized for not being "edgy" but, in fact, he is a rebel with a cause, and that requires having the courage to leap beyond the edge. The facts speak for themselves. If there existed an ultimate how-to rule book for achieving pop stardom, Clay Aiken would be the subject of a chapter entitled, "The Exception to the Rules." Yes, "exceptional" is the perfect word to describe Clay Aiken. I mean, if you retrace the steps that brought Clay to his current success, it would seem an impossible journey to complete, given the obstacles on the path he forged to arrive here. Against all odds.

To begin with, Clay has admitted he was "nagged" into auditioning for American Idol, all the while protesting that he did not fit the image of popular music stars. He knew that success is based on much more than having a good singing voice. In any event, he had set aside any youthful dream of a singing career in favor of becoming a special education teacher. He described his first audition as being, in his own words, "short and a waste of my time." Having tasted rejection, he found he needed to give it another try. He could just as easily have walked away at that point, satisfied that he had given it his best shot. When he stepped in front of the American Idol judges at his next audition, he did not fit the image of a pop star and was bluntly informed of this. It was his vocal talent that caught their attention and saved him from rejection. He could just as easily have been dismissed at that point. His attire, looks, and demeanor did not sell him as the guy most likely to cause women to swoon, scream in delight, or throw underwear on stage at his feet. Who knew the same fellow Simon claimed did not look like a pop star, Simon would later attribute to changing the face of American Idol. Against all odds.

After reaching the top 32, America voted and he was sent home. That could easily have been the end of his journey. But America voted him back as a wildcard. He underwent somewhat of a makeover, but rather than embracing his new, more trendy image, he declared that looks did not matter to him and did not change who he was inside. He saw nothing wrong with being viewed as a "nerd" or a "mama's boy." If he were to achieve success, it was clear it would be on his terms. Some may have viewed this as being unrealistic; others viewed it as being real... enough to keep him competing in the following weeks. Against all odds.

Instead of selling himself as a dazzling pop star personality ready to push the envelope, he stuck with solid, professional performances. He took Simon's insults in stride. He simply gave the best he had without compromise or apology. He never took for granted that he would last another week, candidly admitted he would have no problem returning to his first love, teaching, if he were sent home again, and wept for those who were eliminated. In a very competitive "dawg-eat-dawg" business, he offered a soft shoulder instead of a cold shoulder. Instead of rivalries, he forged friendships. Against all odds.

When asked what he would do if he won, Clay did not give the stock answer about fulfilling a life-long dream of attaining fame and fortune. Instead, he said he would use celebrity to provide a platform to make a difference and aspired to set a good example for youth. Say what? That sure doesn't sound like your typical pop star wannabe. Yet, he was sincere. He said he even felt guilty that he may have taken the spot of someone who really dreamed of attaining stardom. Something tells me this attitude would not be in that how-to rulebook for success, but obviously it endeared him to viewers and gained him a fan base he didn't even realize he had at the time. Simon persisted in declaring he did not see Clay Aiken as a pop star and did his best to convince his fellow judges and the audience. The judges are supposed to be authorities on this subject. So, what happened? Why didn't America listen? Why did so many embrace the "nerd" who didn't fit the idol image and who didn't appear hungry for fame and fortune? Against all odds.

In the end he lost, graciously, the American Idol title. That should have been the end of his journey. However, something had been set into motion that could not easily be stopped. Something bigger than anyone anticipated. A corner had been turned, and Clay was on his way. However, where most aspiring pop stars on the threshold of success would have followed the directives of those in the business of making stars, Clay refused to change to fit someone's else's vision. He did not fit in. He rebelled. And his instincts proved correct. He was embraced by fans to the point of exceeding all expectations. The music industry still hasn't come to terms with this phenomenon. Heads are still shaking in disbelief over what he achieved. Against all odds.

Obviously, the prescribed formula for success did not apply to Clay Aiken. Clay is still writing his own destiny, along with a best-selling book (also against all odds). Now, at the height of his popularity, instead of rehearsing for his next concert, recording his next CD, or launching his own clothing line, he has been off raising money for his foundation, speaking as an educator on behalf of those who need a voice for change. Also he assumed the duties of ambassador of education for UNICEF, visiting Banda Aceh, Indonesia, the site of a devastating natural disaster, to assess the educational needs of children in its aftermath. In addition, he was a guest speaker at the Pacific Rim Conference and at the Forces for Nature benefit concert in Malaysia, where he also addressed the audience in their native tongue. Is this any way for a fledgling pop music star to hold onto his fans? Indeed it is if that star is Clay Aiken. His fans expect no less, and they expect Clay will continue to entertain them as a pop music star while, as an educator, make a difference that will have a profound effect on the future of a countless number in need. If anyone can do this, they know Clay Aiken can, and you can bet on it... against all odds.

BEARVERS ON IDOL

[clayMaine-iac]

Anthony Fedorov, "I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)"

Randy - "That song is near and dear to my heart... good choice, and good job... Anthony’s back tonight!"

Paula - "I’m so proud you came back, you came back strong... you did George and Aretha proud, way to go!"

Simon - "It was an okay performance... (boos) the only problem I have is you trying to do a kind of sexy routine (Paula asks the girls if Anthony is sexy. They seem to think so)... it’s like Randy Jackson trying to do Baywatch!" (Randy challenges Simon to take his shirt off!)

Sting7 - Choosing a George Michael song was pretty smart for Anthony, because they have similar tones and phrasing. And it was definitely not a song Clay Aiken would have chosen. I mention that because Anthony needs to separate himself from that comparison as much as he can. That said, I am falling between judges here. Anthony did a better than average job, but it was not a great job

RNO

[clayMaine-iac]

Have a great day, everyone!!!

I have a big presentation to do at work at 6:30 am today!!!

I need lots of       today!!

But, I am still willing to share:
     

   

[Her]

Thanks for the delicious     and news!

Good luck with your presentation M.B.!!!

[HavinaClayAffair]

curlio.com

American Idol puts up wrong numbers for 3 contestants

American Idol displayed the wrong telephone number during the recap of the contestant's performances. One very observant viewer pointed this mistake out to us, and we're quite grateful. I'm usually too busy making notes to actually watch the show anymore for these little details.

The telephone numbers put up for Mikalah Gordon, Anwar Robinson, and Jessica Sierra were wrong. As you can see in the pictures, the upper number is correct, but the lower numbers are wrong. Mikalah's number is supposed to 1-866-IDOLS-09, but the lower number was displayed as 1-866-43657-01, which was Anthony Fedorov's number. Anwar's upper number was correct, 1-866-IDOLS-10, but the lower number was listed as 1-866-43657-02, which was Carrie Underwood's number. And finally, Jessica's number was 1-866-IDOLS-11, but the lower number given was 1-866-43657-03, which was Scott Savol's number.


The guest who pointed this out wondered if this was really a mistake or if it was yet another way for the producers to lead the voters. I think it truly was mistake, as they've been promoting Anwar heavily anyhow, so to do it to him would be odd to say the least. The producers have less obvious ways of leading the voters anyhow, such as background music being too loud or microphone troubles, and of course the most obvious influence - the judges. Randy and Paula are there to be nice. Simon is there to occcasionally be the one to lead the voters, such as his insistence that Carrie will win. I'm glad to see I'm not the only one getting bothered by it, as it troubles our observant viewer as well. I did enjoy her performance tonight, but I'm also tired of having her crammed down my throat as "the next American Idol." She's good, but she's not that consistently good. There are others who are better and more consistent.

I do feel that should Mikalah be the one to go, as I feel she will be, then her fans will scream bloody murder that it was foul play. A similiar thing happened in the finals of American Idol's season 2, with Clay Aiken's home state having a very hard time voting. I believe that almost no one from his home state got to vote. If the American Idol producers didn't do anything about that, you can bet they won't do anything about this. Beyond that, I think that it won't effect the outcome anyhow, as most people don't pay attention to that bottom number, they read the top number instead.

Photos at link...more reaction at link.

Lora

[HavinaClayAffair]

nj.com

Clay Aiken back at Musikfest
Wednesday, March 23, 2005
From staff reports

An "American Idol" star returns to Musikfest this year to see if he can make history with back-to-back record ticket sellouts.

Clay Aiken will perform Aug. 10 at the Straub Chrysler Jeep RiverPlace stage.

 
Last year, Aiken sold out the 6,500-seat venue in less than 48 hours, a record according to then-marketing director Sharon McCarthy.

Aiken, who was runner-up on Fox TV's 2003 "American Idol" competition drew audiences from hours away. Last year, the Musikfest crowd went wild for the performer, with Aiken tickets selling out faster than any other performance in Musikfest history.

Since appearing on "American Idol," the Charlotte, N.C., native has been capturing hearts worldwide with his wonderful voice and boy-next-door looks. The "Idol" runner-up's debut album, "Measure of a Man," was released in fall 2003 and quickly climbed to the top of the Billboard Top 200 charts. His album "Merry Christmas with Love," also did very well with sales, though he has yet to release a full follow-up to his debut album.

Tickets for the concert are $25-$39 and will go on sale to Club Musikfest members 10 a.m. April 13 and to the public 10 a.m. April 20. For information visit fest.org or call 610-332-FEST.

Lora

[HavinaClayAffair]

ruggedelegantliving.com

American Idol IV Contestants Deliver Billboard No. 1 Hits



This week on American Idol, the contestants were invited to sing a Billboard #1 Hit from Fred Bronson's fifth edition of The Billboard Book of Number One Hits. The Top Eleven finalists, Anthony Fedorov, Carrie Underwood, Scott Savol, Nikko Smith, Vonzell Solomon, Constantine Maroulis, Nadia Tuner, Mikalah Gordon, Anwar Robinson and Jessica Sierra, each received a copy of Bronson's latest book of Hot 100 songs from 1955 to present.

While the American Idol IV contestants had Kelly Clarkson and Clay Aiken to choose from they instead chose songs written or performed by Jim Croce, Cyndi Lauper, Phil Collins, Sisqo, The Emotions, Heart, The Partridge Family, Taylor Dane, Chaka Khan and Bonnie Tyler.

All day long, there seemed to be a countdown to American Idol. "Only twelve more hours 'til American Idol my daughter said to us on the way to school this morning." Only four more hours I said to myself at 4pm. Of the five of us in this household, one of us would blurt out when the spirit moved them, wherever they were in the house, "Only forty minutes until American Idol." Who knows what got into us today, but the fever was high for our favorite family show. And tonight the show did not disappoint.

Paula kissed Simon about three times. Simon delivered the honest truth, as usual. And Randy gave great kudos to nearly every contestant, and deservedly so.

Almost every contestant put forth his or her best performance.

What a shame that the telephone numbers printed on the screen were incorrect for Mikalah, Anwar and Jessica when it was time to vote.

Photo and information about Fred Bronson's Billboard Chart Book at this link.

Lora

[Her]

Thanks Lora....I didn't notice the numbers......I wonder if anyone will have to leave because of the number fiasco????

[Tammy]

I JUST HEARD ON GOOD MORNING AMERICA THAT THEY MIGHT DO THE SHOW OVER.. NOT SURE EXACTLY WHAT THEY WILL DO... I GUESS WE WILL HAVE TO STAY TUNED..

[KSChristian4Clay]

I taped it last night, so I just went back and checked. Sure enough, it was wrong!! That's weird! Thanks for pointing that out, Lora.

[Her]

This answers my question...

Due to graphical errors, incorrect numbers were shown on screen for last night's contestants.
A one-hour show to include live elements and encores will air tonight in order to give the audience a chance to re-vote.

Results will be given on Thursday.

from Measureofafan from IdolonFox  BOTH SHOWS AT 9 PM EST

WOW!!!

[aikenseeker]

Morning Everyone!

It's a dreary, rainy Wednesday but hey, at least there's only one more day in the week!

Well, at least for me. WHee!

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

Quickie:
Face it: You've been on the defensive lately. Try to regain the upper hand.

Overview:
If it's anything even remotely close what was on your agenda, it's not what will be coming your way. Of course, if anyone is up for surprises, it's you -- this will probably also be a good surprise.

Daily Extended Forecast:
One of the best traits anyone can possibly possess, especially in times like these, is adaptability. You have that quality down pat, and it's certainly going to come in handy. The last thing in the world you were ever expecting is exactly what you can expect right now. Fortunately, you're always open to new and exhilarating experiences, so you won't mind at all -- but you may be called on to help a friend who isn't quite so flexible.

Daily Flirt:
It's not the time to make moves or take things to new levels. Try to just enjoy what you've got -- and think about what you'll do differently when the time is right.

Daily Couples:
Try gently leading your sweetie away from their safety net. With your confident self in charge, the sky's the limit. Take them into new arenas through sweetness, not ultimatums.

Daily Singles:
You're raring to go, but all the sudden it's a hurry-up-and-wait scenario. Think of it as a chance to look a little closer, analyze the details and perfect your master plan.

Daily Career and Finance:
No matter how crazy your coworkers drive you, try to keep a level head. Everybody has their weird little quirks. Try to be patient with your colleagues' eccentricities.

[GWENN]

I THINK IT IS REALLY FUNNY THAT THAT MAN SAID ANTHONY PICKED A SONG CLAY NEVER WOULD.   :duh  :duh  DIDN'T DO HIS HOMEWORK.  TOO FUNNY.

GWENN

[lorraine]

GOOD MORNING DEANNA AND FRIENDS.

THANKS FOR ALL THE NEWS AS ALWAYS DEANNA AND EVERYONE.  LOOKS LIKE A BIG NOREASTERN COMING OUR WAY HERE IN CT. LATE TODAY AND TONIGHT.  DO YOU BELIEVE IT.  DEANNA GET READY.  SPRING HAS NOT SPRUNG YET.

GWENN - I AGREE.  THAT PERSON DID NOT DO HIS HOMEWORK.  ANTHONY NEEDS TO START MAKING DIFFERENT CHOICES IN SONGS.  HE SAYS HE DOESN'T WANT TO BE A CLAY COMPARISON BUT WHAT HE SAYS AND WHAT HE DOES ARE TWO SEPARATE THINGS.  ANYWAY I REALLY DON'T CARE FOR HIM AT ALL.  HE IS JUST TRYING TOO HARD TO BE SEXY AND A CLAY II AND IT JUST ISN'T CUTTING IT.

HECK I AM SO GLAD THAT I DON'T VOTE.    NO BODY ROCKS MY BOAT AND THE GUY THAT DID TWO YEARS AGO IS STILL MOVING THOSE WAVES FOR ME.

WILL CHECK BACK LATER FOR UPDATES.

MUSIKFEST HERE US NEW ENGLAND GIRLS COME.        I JOINED YESTERDAY AND WILL BE ORDERING TICKETS IN A COUPLE OF WEEKS.  CLAY WATCH OUT FOR US.

[GWENN]

IF YOU GO TO THE CH PAGE 43, YOU CAN DOWNLOAD THE WRAL INTERVIEW FROM THIS MORNING.  VERY INTERESTING.

GWENN

[AdoringClay]

I was thinking the same, exact thing guys...

The whole time Anthony was singing IKYWW, I was thinking "Boy, he sure doesn't compare to Clay's version of the song!"  I thought Anthony's rendition was kinda boring.  Funny, all last weekend I had just been watching Clay (and the girls) singing it on some Clack from the summer tour.  What fun they all had singing it.  Our boy is so animated when he sings it.  

Anthony's a nice kid with a good voice, but he's NO CLAY!

Clay love to all...Sue g.