ClayManiacs

Multi-platinum selling singing sensation Clay Aiken is poised to release his first album of original material since his double-platinum debut, “Measure of a Man.” This eagerly anticipated new CD, “On My Way Here,” is set to release on May 6, 2008. Reserve your copy before it hits the stores, and receive a special 5-track Bonus CD  created especially for QVC. He'll win your heart again, as Clay performs select songs from On My Way Here.Release date subject to change without notice.

INFO: I just spoke to a supervisor at QVC. The item # for "On My Way Here" with 5 track bonus CD is: #FO5428. HOWEVER, they haven't priced it yet, and thus we can't reserve it until they do so. The gal said there was a possibility they would run out, so we should check back several days before the 28th.

Tune in to see Clay Aiken on The Tonight Show (5/2), The View (5/8), Jimmy Kimmel (5/23).

Album advertised on Facebook.

^(clickable)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v239/ILClaymate/Media/th_ClayAdd-1.jpg) (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v239/ILClaymate/Media/ClayAdd-1.jpg)

^{Source: gibsongirl27 @ CV}

All times are eastern for airtimes so he is on from 700 to 730 then in california it would be from 400 to 430

I was told that if it is an exclusive item for QVC they do not usually have it available until the show that
way they will not run out of preorders..So I think QVC will not have the item up on the website before the show.
__________________

I just talked to a customer service person at QVC..With something like this that is exclusive she told me that they
will only have the item online a few minutes befow air time..She told me that this is do to the fact from experience..
They did have an experience like this where it was on exclusive for QVC and it was sold out online before it aired
so they will not put it on the website until she said maybe 5 10 minutes before it airs.

Clay Aiken's new release "On My Way Here" with BONUS 5 track enhanced CD-consists of 4 audio tracks and 1 video track.

Songs include:
"On My Way Here"
"Ashes"
"Everything I Don't Need"
"Something About Us"
"Falling"
"Where I Draw The Line"
"The Real Me"
"Weight Of The World"
"As Long As We're Here"
"Sacrificial Love"
"Grace Of God"
"Lover All Alone".

BONUS disc includes:
"When I Need You"
"Invisible"
"Measure Of A Man"
"I Will
Carry You"
"This Is The Night(video)".

Total:51:38 Bonus 19:20.USA
Ship To Customer 05/17/08.

---------------------
There is NO current information about availability for ordering. While there is an item number assigned, it has not yet been Purchased or put into stock at QVC. I can't imagine they'd have a show without the ability
to order it. What normally happens with New Releases of anything is that they'll conduct a pre-sale, but will not ship until the release date of the album.
There have been cases in the past where QVC has exclusivity and will pre-release (and ship) an album a few days to a week before the general release. No such info available, however, and it's unlikely I'd be able to wrestle that info out of someone before the show.

In Slovenia I never heard anything about Clay even if you were google through Slovenian web pages.
Look what I found!

You can hear On My Way Here samples and order ring tone in SLOVENIA!!!

Here is the link and look and hear for yourself!!!

IFUN.SIMOBIL.NET (http://ifun.simobil.net/ifun/ui/ifun/template/web,PublicLibrary.vm;jsessionid=AB1DFADFA1F35B14740AA5A3E9552094?top_id=15&cat_id=626)

This Wal-Mart exclusive CD includes bonus track "Forget I Ever Knew You".
By T Johnson

Show: Clay Aiken - On My Way Here
Network: (QVC) QVC
Date: Monday - April 28, 2008
Time: 7/6c PM
Duration: 0:30


About: Clay Aiken - On My Way Here
Multi-platinum selling singing sensation Clay Aiken is poised to release his first album of original material since his double-platinum debut, "Measure of a Man." This eagerly anticipated new CD, "On My Way Here," is set to release on May 6, 2008. Reserve your copy before it hits the stores, and receive a special 5-track Bonus CD created especially for QVC. He'll win your heart again, as Clay performs select songs from "On My Way Here." Release date subject to change without notice.

Album Notes from the ITunes page - Nice!

Album Notes

The fourth studio album from Clay Aiken kicks off with the title track, an emotionally threadbare vocal showcase that was written in part by OneRepublic's Ryan Tedder. It's not hard to see the song, which details the emotions and experiences that shape us into the people we are at this moment, as an inspirational powerhouse that is destined to be played at every Homecoming dance or graduation ceremony from here to Calcutta. Sprinkled with electronic touches and upbeat pop, this is Aiken's most wide-reaching album to date. Of course his voice is main attraction, but the greater attention paid to addictive pop songwriting is just as impressive.

QUOTE
From RCA Marketing-still on vacation.

The ringtones were supposed to be released simultaneously with the album but Slovenia jumped the gun!

Some bigger TV appearances so far noted below. He said this list does not include the obvious like ET, Insider, etc.

4/28 QVC

5/7 GMA

5/8 The View

5/12 Leno

5/15 Kimmel

5/19 Ferguson


I asked him about Kimmel and not performing and he said "instead of a performance, he's going to do something fun"

So the Kimmel appearance is definitely an album promo date but they have something else up their sleeve.

QVC to Offer Specially Packaged Version of Aiken's On My Way Here with Bonus CD/DVD

WEST CHESTER, Pa., April 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Clay Aiken has been capturing the hearts of music fans everywhere since he shot to pop superstardom nearly five years ago. Since then, Aiken has sold more than six million CDs, authored a best-selling biography, performed on Broadway and has left fans "Aiken" for more. The multi-platinum artist will once again be exciting fans when he makes his QVC debut on Monday, April 28 at 7 PM (ET).
Scheduled to appear on QVC's QSessions Live, Aiken is scheduled to perform songs from his much-anticipated new album On My Way Here, giving viewers exclusive insight into the inspiration behind the album. QVC shoppers will also have the opportunity to order On My Way Here, with a bonus CD/DVD created especially for QVC, eight days before its scheduled release.
"We are excited to offer our viewers this specially packaged CD, with a bonus CD/DVD that is only available through QVC," said Rich Yoegel, director of merchandising for QVC. "Fans will love that in addition to being able to order this one-of-a-kind release before street date, they can watch Clay Aiken perform live."
On My Way Here is Aiken's first collection of original material since his 2003 double-platinum, break-out album Measure of a Man. In 2004, the pop star released Merry Christmas with Love, a Christmas CD featuring classic holiday favorites, and two years later he followed up with A Thousand Different Ways, a cover CD featuring his version of Top 40 ballads. Most recently, he's been performing nightly in the Broadway hit Monty Python's Spamalot in New York.
"Starting my career on national, live television, it seems fitting to be unveiling my new album live on QVC," said Aiken. "To be able to connect with QVC's viewers and broadcast my performance to over 93 million households is an amazing opportunity."
Clay Aiken's On My Way Here with Bonus Five Track CD/ DVD will be available through QVC at 800.345.1515 or http://www.qvc.com/ while supplies last.

Big events and contests are only part of "Rachael Ray's" biggest May
Sweep ever. The show is also welcoming V.I.P. celebrity guests; including,
Barack and Michelle Obama, Regis Philbin, Maria Shriver, Patrick Dempsey,
Valerie Bertinelli, Clay Aiken, Mario Batali, Ty Pennington, Michael Buble,
Gordon Ramsay, "Ugly Betty's" Eric Mabius, Mary J. Blige, Elisabeth
Hasselbeck, Carrie Ann Inaba, the Jonas Brothers' mother and chef Ming
Tsai.

Big events and contests are only part of "Rachael Ray's" biggest May
Sweep ever. The show is also welcoming V.I.P. celebrity guests; including,
Barack and Michelle Obama, Regis Philbin, Maria Shriver, Patrick Dempsey,
Valerie Bertinelli, Clay Aiken, Mario Batali, Ty Pennington, Michael Buble,
Gordon Ramsay, "Ugly Betty's" Eric Mabius, Mary J. Blige, Elisabeth
Hasselbeck, Carrie Ann Inaba, the Jonas Brothers' mother and chef Ming
Tsai.

YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The radio station I listen to, Lite 100.5 WRCH just played On My Way Here. I am in Connecticut and it is a Clear Channel station.

And they announced that he was going to be on QVC today. I have been trying to call the station, but I can't get through, so I emailed to DJ to let him know that its not today, but Monday. They also talked about Spamalot and that the CD was coming out on May 6th.

=================================
the DJ's only had positive things to say.

They also talked about his appearance last night on AI. From there it went into talk about his career, talent, new CD and then the actual playing of the song.

I emailed the DJ on now to annouce about QVC and asked her to play the song again because alot of people didn't hear it since he never gets any radio play and we all listen to his CD in the car instead of the radio.

I will let you all know if I hear from her or hear the annoucement on the radio.

I JUST GOT HOME FROM WORK AND I SEE THAT EVERYONE IS EXCITED ABOUT THE KMART "EXCLUSIVE FREE POSTER WITH PURCHASE". I WORK FOR THE BIG K. (please no tomatoes, I'm allergic lol) WE RECIEVE OUR ADS TWO WEEKS AHEAD OF TIME AND I'M LOOKING AT IT RIGHT NOW!!!!! LET ME TELL YA FIRST THING, THE PICTURE ON HIS MYSPACE PAGE ISN'T THE ONE IN THE PAPER AD. THE PAPER AD IS THE (profile pic) AND IT LOOKS LIKE THE POSTER IS JUST A FULLER PICTURE, YOU CAN SEE HIS ARMS MORE. WE HAVEN'T RECIEVED THE POSTERS AS YET, BUT IF THEY ARE IN FACT THE PIC WERE SEEING ON HIS MYSPACE PAGE, I WILL LET YOU KNOW AS SOON AS I CAN. THE AD ALSO HAS HIM ON THE OPPOSITE PAGE ON ALL THE TV'S THAT ARE ON AD THAT WEEK. THREE DIFFERENT SIZES OF CLAY I WOULD SCAN THE AD FOR YOU SO YOU CAN SEE, BUT I DON'T KNOW HOW TO WORK THIS DAG BALSTED PRINTER, BEEN TRYING TO COPY/SCAN, BUT NO LUCK. JUST WANTED TO LET YOU KNOW, CAUSE I KNOW ALOT OF YOU HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE DOWNLOAD EXCLUSIVE WITH HIS LAST CD. LET ME TELL YA, I MADE SURE THAT THE HIGHER UPS KNEW ABOUT THE PROBLEM.

The Birmingham News - al.com

Feet of Clay? Not for Aiken, who's proved to be a malleable singer, Broadway actor

Mary Colurso's Blog and Column

Quote:
Posted by mcolurso April 25, 2008 00:56AM

The conversation starts with a subject that might be considered trivial, but is of great interest to Clay Aiken's fans.

His hair.

These days, he says, being adventurous with his hair is a given.
His newly blond hair, to be exact.

You can see it on the cover of Aiken's next CD, "On My Way Here," and in his most recent publicity photos. The color catches the light and shimmers with golden highlights.

And why not? The singer's geek-to-chic transformation was part of the reason he did so well on the 2003 season of "American Idol," coming in a close second to Birmingham's Ruben Studdard.

Most of the credit should go to Aiken's voice, of course -- the way his clean, clear tenor flowed through pop hits such as "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me" and "Bridge Over Troubled Water."

Looks and personality do matter, however.

In the five years since he graduated from reality TV, Aiken has developed his balladeer voice through recordings, concerts and TV appearances. At the same time, he has polished his wholesome-yet-trendy style.

So, the hair. Why go from dark to light, and why now?

"Oh, who knows?" Aiken says, laughing.

But when pressed a little, he graciously considers the question and offers a self-deprecating story. Seems that Aiken had decided to grow out his spiky 'do after "Idol," but had gained weight the first time he tried it and thought his face looked huge.

"So, I thought, let's try it again," he says. "Dark hair made me look old, I thought, and I wanted to get young."

Aiken, 29, jokes that he doesn't even remember his original hair color, anyway. Maybe, he says, he's simply trying to cover up the gray.

That's pretty much how it goes throughout an 11-minute interview. Aiken's at ease, in charge, poking fun at himself and not taking the personal stuff too seriously.

He's on the phone to spread the word about his new disc, which comes out May 6 on the RCA label. But in a series of brief chats with reporters, which are lined up like dominoes that morning, Aiken is willing to deviate from the script.

He's wearing a wig in the role of Sir Robin in "Monty Python's Spamalot," Aiken says, but that's no big deal. He'll leave the Broadway musical on May 4, just in time to promote his CD, and says it wasn't too difficult to develop a British accent for the show.

Aiken demonstrates that accent for a sentence or two, using a low-key murmur with a humorous edge. He doesn't get manic or "Python" silly -- no squawks of "what?" or shouts of "shrubbery!" -- but perhaps he's saving his voice for that night's curtain.

His time in "Spamalot," Aiken says, has been "phenomenal, without question," and has subtly changed his ideas about performing.

"Did I know how to be on stage? Sure. But this gives you a whole different perspective," he says. "It's just been a different experience for me. I'm sure I'll be slightly sentimental in a couple of weeks, when I have to leave. But I won't cry."

Aiken, after all, is likely to step right into a media blitz for "On My Way Here." It's his first album of freshly minted songs since 2003's "Measure of a Man" -- he released a Christmas CD and a covers disc in the meantime -- and Aiken says he selected its 12 tracks carefully.

They include "Ashes," "The Real Me," "As Long as We're Here," "Everything I Don't Need" and the title song, chosen as the initial single.

"I listened to the lyrics first," Aiken says. "Of course, I was looking for a good melody, not some kind of artsy thing I couldn't sing. But the lyrics had to be great. This time, I was much more aware of them."

For "Measure of a Man," Aiken says, producers tried to "fit a square peg in a round hole." They chose material for a radio niche and asked him to fit his voice and talents to it. That CD went double platinum, but its commercial success didn't bring him real artistic satisfaction.

"If I hear the term 'radio-friendly' one more time, I'm going to scream," Aiken says. "I did that on my first album, to my detriment."

Songs feel right to him, Aiken says, "when you don't have to think about it, when you don't have to try. It's organic and easy. You don't need to stretch."

He and executive producer Jaymes Foster convinced RCA to accept one simple goal, Aiken says: "To find songs I could do beautifully and do well."

No oldies. No dance tunes. No R&B crossover.

"Let's face it," he says. "I'm not right for something like 'SexyBack.' For Justin Timberlake, OK. For Clay Aiken, no."

OMG, you should see what's on My Space.  Click on anyone's (MySpace page) and the advertising at the top is Clay's new cd.   :yay

It changed to other advertising but came back to Clay's. 

Just talked to someone at the Kimmel show and she confirmed the date was changed to the 16th yesterday. Taping will be at 7pm Friday.

Jan Westmark - Celebrity News Service
Los Angeles, CA (CNS) - "American Idol" second season runner-up Clay Aiken has had a successful career since leaving the reality singing show. The singer, who is now starring in "Spamalot" on Broadway, says he still isn't used to people wanting to know so much about his personal life.

Aiken, whose new album "On My Way Here" is due out May 6, appears on Friday's "Access Hollywood." Interviewer Billy Bush asked Aiken about the frequent speculation on his sexuality, and Aiken replied by saying, "I think for the most part... people who are living in Omaha or in Charlotte or wherever, they don't want stuff like that pushed in their face."

He said at first he had a tough time dealing with the public interest in his private life. He said, "It can be difficult, especially initially. I think when you get into anything and you're not used to people scrutinizing this that or the other, it bothers you."

Now, he has learned to live with the attention. "After a while, you kind of just say, forget this, this is not who I am, this is not about me," he says. "What I want to do is be a singer, want to be an entertainer, and forget all that stuff."

May 03, 2008

CHUCK TAYLOR

During its six previous seasons, TV juggernaut "American Idol" has launched countless music careers—but the caveat is maintaining staying power. Season-two runner-up Clay Aiken continues to trump the odds. His third RCA album, "On My Way Here," due May 6, follows his 2003 double-platinum debut, "Measure of a Man"; 2004's platinum "Merry Christmas With Love"; and 2006 gold covers album "A Thousand Different Ways." In May, he'll wrap a five-month Broadway stint in the Tony Award-lauded musical comedy "Spamalot."

On the new album, his first of original material since "Measure," Aiken worked with Grammy Award-winning producer Kipper (Sting, Chris Botti). The singer talks about the road ahead and his journey to this point.

You call "On My Way Here" a thematic reflection on life lessons, a sort of road map of your last five years. What do you hope listeners will take from the collection?

When [executive producer] Jaymes Foster and I came across the song "On My Way Here," written by OneRepublic's Ryan Tedder, I really connected to it lyrically. It sums up how the experiences we go through make us who we are. As I'm knocking on the door to 30—and it's knocking hard—this decade has been about figuring out who I am. That set the tone for the album; they're all about things I've learned or universal lessons.

Once we had that road map and knew what we were looking for, the songs started falling in our laps. In the past, I'd sing about dog food and sunshine, as long as it was catchy and had a great melody, so it's the first time I've paid close attention to lyrics. I'm not Alicia Keys or Norah Jones when it comes to artistic lyrics, but I like what these songs are saying—and they're still pretty.

Knowing that we probably weren't going to get radio made the process even easier, so we just made an album that is me—songs written for me or whose meaning I connected with, and songs that I sing well.

"The Real Me" was written by Natalie Grant, who comes from the Christian world but is popular at AC. Her songs tend to explore life's challenges and offer a positive spin.

We first looked at that song as one of four originals on the last album. The thing I love so much about "The Real Me" is that when I listened to it, I thought, "It's about God." Jaymes heard a romantic song. Other people think it's about their mom. Everyone is able to take their own message. Natalie was kind enough to change a little bit of the lyric so that it fits my life even better.

You've managed to achieve success, as you noted, without a lot of radio support. You have 32,000 friends on MySpace. What vehicles are you looking at to help get the word out, particularly in the digital frontier?

The record label surprised me by saying they think this record is radio-friendly. Maybe that came as a result of not trying so hard, but we don't count on it. Look, some people that come from "Idol" are meant for radio—Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Daughtry. I think they'd have been successful at some point without the show. I'm a TV star. That's where I came from, so that's where I look to spread the word. I do blog in places and we've got the Web site, but a lot of the digital thing is aimed at teenagers. TV is just as big as digital, and it's always been my best vehicle.

Will you tour again to support the record?

I haven't had two days off since October, so I'm just not going to worry about a tour right now. This time, we're going to let things sit, see how the album does and put it together when and if it's right.

"Spamalot" is pretty silly. Your public persona is not. Why did you choose to make your Broadway debut with this show? And are you funny?

That's pretty much the very reason. We had offers from other shows and I'd looked at doing Broadway for years, but I wanted something totally different. I was drawn to this because it was a way to branch out. And [director] Mike Nichols—who is so talented and another reason I wanted to do "Spamalot"—made it pretty clear to me at the start: "Clay is not funny. The script is funny." So I play it pretty dry and it seems to have worked. I've had a great time and worked with a lot of really talented people, who have become my family in New York.

You probably knew this was coming: Even though you're onstage at night, have you caught any of this season's "American Idol"?

I watched the season with Carrie Underwood, but I haven't seen a lot of the show since. Listen, I am emphatic that I will always be appreciative of "Idol"—it gave me this opportunity, I know that—but I kind of equate it to high school. Just because I went to high school doesn't mean I still go back to watch the team's football games.

Show: Entertainment Tonight
Episode: (#6950) - 2008/05/02
Network: (SYN) Syndicated
Date: Friday - May 2, 2008
Time: 7/6c PM
Duration: 0:30

May 30. Mark your calendars - that's the day the "Sex and the City" movie finally lands in theaters. The rumors have been flying (Does Carrie marry Big? Does a main character die?) ... tonight, ET gets the inside scoop from the ladies of the much anticipated flick! Also: Paula Abdul's got a secret message for a recent "Idol" cast-off ... and ET's in the studio as Clay Aiken lays tracks for his latest album, in stores next Tuesday.
--------------------------

Show: Jimmy Kimmel Live
Episode: 2008/05/16
Network: (ABC) ABC Television
Date: Saturday - May 17, 2008
Time: 12:05/11:05c AM
Duration: 1:00

About: Jimmy Kimmel Live: 2008/05/16
TV/radio host Ryan Seacrest; musician Clay Aiken; musical guest Kate Nash.

Interview:


When Clay Aiken and his executive producer Jaymes Foster began the search for songs to record for Aiken's first album of original material since his 2003 chart-topping debut Measure of A Man, they both fell in love with a song written by OneRepublic frontman Ryan "Alias" Tedder called "On My Way Here." The message of the lyrics - how the lessons we learn while growing up shape us into who we become as adults - struck such a deep chord with Aiken that it wound up inspiring the theme (and title) of his new collection.

"I thought if we could find songs along those lines, that deal with my life over the past five years and what I've learned from my experiences, it would be a great concept for an album," Aiken says. "Since I got into this business, I've learned so much about myself and about life and the world. I'm nowhere near an expert, but this album has taken on the form of addressing how far I've come in those five years and how I feel like I've found myself."

As Aiken's millions of devoted fans around the world already know, it's been a whirlwind journey. We had the honor of sitting down with the multi-talented artist to talk about his upcoming album, the future tour, Spamalot, his ever-changing hair, and so much more! He's the most charming star we've interviewed to date. Here's what he had to say:

From Clay Aiken’s mouth to your ears
By Gary Dinges | Monday, April 28, 2008, 08:27 AM

Picture this: Clay Aiken, in his jammies, getting a haircut and chatting with little ol’ us on the phone from his Raleigh, N.C., home.

Try not to be too jealous, Claymates.

In our brief conversation we learned more about “On My Way Here,” his upcoming CD — and a variety of other things.

“It’s the first time we’ve done new stuff in five years, so I’m excited,” Clay told us. “It’s stuff that’s mine.”

The album’s not out until May 6, but you can hear the title track, in its entirety, right now on Amazon.com. And, if you’re so inclined, you can scoop it up for half price. Not bad at all.

This CD clearly comes straight from Clay’s heart. Each song has a deeply personal meaning for him, but he’s quick to point out they’ll likely mean something entirely different to his many fans out there. And that’s perfectly fine.

Take “The Real Me,” for instance.

“Sometimes I feel like people know who I am because of what they see on TV or what they’ve heard or what they’ve read or this, that and the other … and it’s not really who I am,” he told us.

See, Clay’s a complex guy.

Anyway, many of you were eager to find out if there will be a tour to accompany the CD’s release. Well, we’ve got some good — and bad — news. You’ll get your tour … but it won’t be any time soon. Following the CD’s debut, and the obligatory media tour, he’s looking forward to taking a breather.

“It’ll be the first time I’ve had some time off — two days in a row off — since October, I think,” Clay said.

He’s anxious to chill this summer at his Raleigh home, but he’s “sure we’ll tour eventually.”

So there.

And what about starring in a movie or TV series someday?

“We try to stay open to every single thing, every opportunity that comes along,” he said.

But …

“I’m not seeking out a movie, no”

There you have it, Claymates. We didn’t get to ask every question you lobbed our way, but we darn sure tried. Hear the entire interview — all 10 or so minutes — by clicking here.

Then let us know what you think. We’ll be waiting.

May 13 2008 7:00P/EST
Playing guitar for Clay Aiken on the AOL Sessions Live

May 9 2008 7:00A/EST
Playing guitar for Clay Aiken on The Early Morning Show

CLAY AIKEN appears on QVC Monday night alongside host JACQUE GONZALES to debut his new album, On My Way Here, eight days before it hits stores. The pop superstar performed a number of songs, including the album's title track.

FROM RCA MARKETING

The Early Show is NOT booked, he's not sure why Wes has that.

AOL Sessions is not airing on the 13th, possibly taping live that day. 3-4 songs.

They think they sold around 15,000 in 30 minutes last night. They were never sure how many songs they would get in during a half hour so they were happy.

I just checked out the Mainstream AC "Adds" on AllAccess.com and On My Way Here is showing up with 5 adds as of yesterday...

WTVR-FM Richmond (#56)
KUMU-FM Honolulu (#64)
KWAV-FM Monterey-Salinas (#81)
WJKK-FM Jackson, MS (#120)
WHUD-FM Newburgh, NY (#139)

It is #6 on the list of Mainstream AC adds. I'm thinking that is fairly good since it isn't actually "going for adds" until this week.

The 7 day period ending 04/28/08 saw 10 spins for On My Way Here. On My Way Here is currently #79 on the Mainstream AC Chart with 10 spins. It also entered the Mediabase AC Jump Chart today at #29 with 4 stations playing and +10 spins. It picked up one new Format Starter, WHUD (Newburgh).

Just got back from shopping at Target and staring at Clay's picture at the top of the endcap under " coming soon"

I read over at the CH that Clay is on the recommended this week banner at Barnes & Noble and rushed over to see it!

There is an album teaser (commercial?) up at Clay's YouTube station.

May 6th, 2PM
 Meet Clay Aiken!
Join us on Tuesday, May 6th at 2PM at the Virgin Megastore Times Square to celebrate the release of Clay Aiken's new CD "On My Way Here." The first 300 people to purchase "On My Way Here" beginning at 12:01 AM Tuesday May 6th, 2008 Virgin Megastore Times Square location ONLY will receive a wristband that allows you to get in line to have your CD signed by Clay Aiken! Remember, there is only one wristband per person so please arrive as early as possible! Clay will be signing copies of his new CD only. 

New T-Shirt on Sale Tomorrow in the Store!
05/01/08

Hey There Clay Fans!

In anticipation of the CD release next week, we are celebrating with a brand new t-shirt! Check it out tomorrow in the store!

For more fun Clay updates, please…

RockOnTV update
Quote:
Show: Rachael Ray
Episode: 2008/05/16
Network: (SYN) Syndicated
Date: Friday - May 16, 2008
Time: 9/8c AM
Duration: 1:00

About: Rachael Ray: 2008/05/16
American Idol's Clay Aiken is stopping by with a preview of his new music video, and his predictions on who will take this season’s title! Then, Ace of Cakes star Duff has made some cakes out of some unusual ingredients. But can he make a high end cake using Rachael’s pasta dish as the main ingredient? And you’ll fall in love with pasta all over again with one bite of Rachael’s roasted caprese spaghetti!

Jimmy Kimmel may be in NYC ........ or at least will be tomorrow. DS says he is scheduled to do Letterman tomorrow nite.

Frannie-Jimmy's on Letterman tomorrow, not Clay. I watch him everynight and I haven't heard or read about if he'll be doing shows in NY.

CBS Interview (http://www.cbs.com/thunder/player/tv/video.php?pid=btc_lHv1ZrgjhjdM__gzQqwb9BTns7e6&auto=1)

Really, really nice!

On My Way Here - Clay Aiken

Under the tutelage of producer Marc ‘Kipper’ Eldridge, Clay Aiken finally breaks out of his shell to deliver his best record to date.

It has been 5 years since Clay Aiken was runner-up to Ruben Studdard in the second season of American Idol. Since being propelled into the spotlight in 2003, Aiken has released 3 full length studio albums, including a Christmas CD, authored a New York Times best-selling book Learning to Sing: Hearing the Music in Your Life along with Allison Glock, and has recently made his Broadway debut playing the role of Sir Robin in Monty Python's Spamalot in January, 2008.

On My Way Here, released on the RCA label, is the singer’s 4th record and perhaps his most authoritative. The album recounts Aiken’s experiences, positive and negative, over the past 5 years. The title track, “On My Way Here”, was originally written by Ryan Tedder (One Republic) and immediately caught Aiken’s ear. It conveys the infinite trials and tribulations of growing older and depicts new challenges that arise as adults, a theme clearly relevant to Aiken’s recent past.

Catch Clay Aiken on his U.S. summer 2008 tour to promote the new album.

Favorite Songs: “On My Way Here”, “Ashes”, and “Where I Draw the Line”

-Jim, Tower Pulse 05/06/2008

5/12
Soldiers Of Misfortune
Filter

5/13
On My Way Here
Clay Aiken

I got a copy of Clay's On My Way Here earlier this week and thought I'd revive the old track-by-track semi-review method I've used on some past Idol albums.

Most of you won't be jolted to learn that Clay's favored style of music is not mine. Musically, he has a preference for the big soaring, orchestrated pop ballad; lyrically he seems to like songs about overcoming struggles or general inspiration, or songs about the difficulties of finding a perfect relationship, or celebrating it when you do, or resolving trust issues once you're in a relationship. You have to be careful about reading too much into the song choices (they could well be songs he just likes singing), but I can imagine his fans becoming a little concerned about his happiness.

Much of this sort of thing in general can veer into the mawkish or overly sentimental or cliched, and the songs Clay chose to do here are not exempt from those problems.

Yet it's good to see him being able to fulfill his vision through songs tailored for him, as opposed to the cover format dictated on his last album. And there are definitely aspects of the album I liked, including the singing -- Clay has a fine instrument in his voice and deploys it skillfully throughout, so that even when I'm thinking a song is pretty mushy, I also realize it's well-sung mush.

OK, before I dig myself any deeper, the track-by-track look follows.

On My Way Here: Co-written by songwriter-for-hire of the moment Ryan Tedder, of OneRepublic fame. This is the song that set the tone for the album, according to Clay, and its overcoming-obstacles theme clearly resonates with him. Musically, though, it's not the kind of song that will convert non-fans, sounding ballad-generic and on the soppy side.

Ashes: Co-written by prominent Christian singer/songwriter Nichole Nordeman, but not overtly Christian-themed (more one of those ambiguous interpret-as-you-like songs that contemporary Christian pop artists frequently come up with). It's somewhat upbeat, with a polite brand of rock texture infusing it, and I liked it pretty well.

Everything I Don't Need: Co-written by producer Kipper and UK artist Judie Tzuke, whose For You I fondly remember from a while back. A very disillusioned love song, swathed in polite funk. Clay manages to smolder a bit, raising the game of a fairly ordinary song.

Something About Us: Co-written by artist/songwriter Regie Hamm, who's up for the 2008 Idol coronation song finals. Super-romantic, celebrating the kind of relationship everyone wishes he or she could have (and sometimes wishes everyone who has one would shut up about). Musically very slushy, not a favorite.

Falling: This song, another upbeat number, is one of the album's highlights, though lyrically it is far from cheerful, and you hope it's just a song and doesn't reflect Clay's mindset.

Where I Draw the Line: Semi-ballad with a more uptempo chorus, kind of a love-hate relationship theme, enjoyable.

The Real Me: Written by Christian singer/songwriter Natalie Grant, again ambiguously religious (could be about a signficant other, could be about God or Jesus -- certainly significant others in their way). Lots of key words like "charade" (referring to the singer's life) and "frailty." Musically an unremarkable ballad -- but the string arrangement in the bridge is rather exquisite.

Weight of the World: Co-written by Franne Golde, who wrote the hit From a Distance. Another tormented song about desperation and a frantic world "spinning much too fast." Has a bit of tempo and is quite catchy.

As Long as We're Here: Co-written by country singer Rebecca Lynn Howard. A generally happy love ballad but not without a bit of conflict and torment. Musically one of the lesser tracks.

Sacrificial Love: Whew, this one's tormented in a big way. Again, an ordinary ballad is raised up by tastefully arranged strings.

Grace of God: A vaguely faith-based song in which the singer expresses gratitude for not experiencing the disasters that are the lot of much of the world's population. A useful perspective after all the inward-looking anguish of much of the preceding songs.

Lover All Alone: Co-written by prominent producer David Foster and ... Clay. It's an older song, a bonus track from the covers album, and it may well be the best song here, a pretty tune, nicely sung. I remember when it emerged that fans were expressing regret that he couldn't have done a whole album of this sort of thing, and I can understand that sentiment now.

All in all, as I said, the songs are generally not to my taste, but it's carried off well enough that I'd probably give it 2 1/2 stars (out of four). It's the kind of album I don't like but I can respect.

On My Way Here
CLAY AIKEN
Producer(s): Kipper
Genre: AC
Label: RCA

Clay Aiken readily admits that despite massive retail and touring success, radio has never been a particularly tight ally. So he recorded "On My Way Here," his first new album of original material in five years, with an eye on simply finding songs that fit him—and lo and behold, the title track could well be one that AC radio embraces. First, it's co-written by OneRepublic's Ryan Tedder, who has worked with Leona Lewis, Natasha Bedingfield and dozens of other hitmakers. Second, the lyric offers that rare message you actually listen to: "I've seen the best, the worst/I wouldn't change what I've been through/I've touched the sky, hit the wall, but did what I had to/On my way here." Aiken was so moved by this song that it locked in an album theme about growing up and lessons learned. The singer might be accused of excess bravado in the past, but here, he delivers a restrained performance, still ever-emotive. Claymates—who proved tenacity by supporting en masse his just-wrapped Broadway run in "Spamalot"—will be reduced to tears, but even those who have dismissed Aiken in the past will find this "Way" convincing. —Chuck Taylor

Since he's spent the past 5 months strutting his stuff on Broadway, it comes as no surprise that the Ex-American Idol crooner's second set of original material comes caked with theatrics. On the title track (penned by Ryan Tedder of OneRepublic) Aiken chews over tough childhood memories as a syrupy string section saws away, while "Falling" finds him both holding on to and attempting to let go of a "never-ending dream". Yet you've gotta hand it to the guy: Nobody does overblown soft rock with more panache. C+

Micael Wood Download this: On My Way here

His success on the second season of American Idol shoots him to fame for these past 5 years and his ever-faithful Clay-Mates' prayers are answered at last as Clay Aiken has created another splendid album packed with soothing music.

"On My Way Here" depicts Clay Aiken's usual powerful and touching vocals so there is no surprise there but I have to give credits to the meaningful lyrics.

aNoThEr tAkE @ tHe aLbUm:

Well, besides "On My Way Here", Clay-mates will also be treated to Clay Aiken's wide variety of vocal displays, especially tracks like "Sacrificial Love" and "Something About Us".

"Something About Us" seems to contain...hmm...how to describe it...hmm...an antique feel which most old singers used in the past but Clay Aiken simply gels his vocals well with it.

Other songs that are worth your listening time includes "Falling" (which seems to remind me of one of his hits in the past: "Invisible") and "Ashes" which showcases Clay Aiken's mastery over fast tracks.

cOnClUsIoN:
Clay-mates will surely enjoy this latest pop album by Clay Aiken.
Different styles are used by Clay Aiken here in this album and though there is not much surprises in this album, I guess your mind will instantly relax at the angelic voice of Clay Aiken.

Nonetheless, Clay Aiken should start working on making a breakthrough in his career because there are many great and popular singers like Mariah Carey, Justin Timbaland, Justin Timberlake, Madonna, whom Clay Aiken has to compete with in this business and he cannot keep relying on his usual touching singing abilities.

Maybe, he should look into having a 360 degree change in his next album.
That would keep the focus on him.

By the way, his new haircut makes him look more matured.

mr. JiE rates Clay Aiken's "On My Way Here" with ::: 3.5/5!!!

In his first album since 2006's A Thousand Different Ways, Clay Aiken has shed the comfort shield of covering other people's songs to bearing his soul and singing his heart out about his own life. All of the 12 tracks on ON MY WAY HERE are originals and even host some heartbreaking lyrics written by Clay himself.

You might wonder how long these American Idol castaways can ride the wave of pseudo-celebrity, but Clay Aiken is proving once again that he isn't planning to go away...yet. On his fourth album since Idol, Aiken sings about what he has learned, loved, and lost since his name became a famous one. He's older, maybe a little more cynical, and wiser -- and it comes through in his voice. "Everything I Don't Need," sounds like a lightweight version of John Mellencamp, with bluesy rock guitar, solid harmonies, tambourine, and hand claps. "Ashes" is upbeat with a modern sound, and "The Real Me" -- a sweet, sad confession about life in the spotlight -- shows Aiken's soft side that he's loved for. Some songs sound a bit Broadway-ish and over produced with Clay's theatrical flare and lilt, but "Claymates" will be happy to have their boy back with a solid follow-up to the chart-topper Measure of a Man.

For more softer sounds, check out Josh Gracin, Josh Groban, or Gavin DeGraw.

From Bill Lamb

****/5 stars

This Is Clay Aiken

First, if you are a serious Clay Aiken fan, you will be very pleased with On My Way Here. The production throughout this album is wisely toned down to make plenty of room for Aiken's warm, sweet vocals. The songwriting, while not spectacular, is solid throughout. However, if polished adult contemporary is not your thing, this is a collection to pass by. Clay Aiken is a master of this style, but you won't find him much on most mainstream pop radio stations. It's a wise decision to stop chasing what's out of reach and stick to what he does best.

Music for the Fans
A key element to Clay Aiken's success thus far as a singer is his impressive ability to connect strongly with his core fans. At his best moments, he demonstrates the ability to ignore critics and zero in on what it is his listeners most want to hear. The covers album A Thousand Different Ways, largely dictated by record label interests, veered a bit off that path. However, On My Way Here, filled with lush ballads and a few slightly funky workouts, exploits Aiken's strengths as an engaging vocalist. More than a few songs here are destined to become favorites for his devoted following.

Solid Batch of Songs
The songs here are solid. A number of the songwriters here have strong backgrounds in the Contemporary Christian arena. Other standouts include the work of OneRepublic's Ryan Tedder on the album's title cut "On My Way Here." Sweden's Martin Kaxe and Fred Alexander edge Clay Aiken into pop-rock territory impressively on "Falling." Music industry veterans David Foster and Emanuel Kiriakou collaborate with Aiken on the gorgeous album closer "Lover All Alone."

Top Tracks from On My Way Here

On My Way Here
Falling
Weight of the World
Lover All Alone

Clay Aiken Takes a Firm Hold of His Niche

Success in the mainstream pop arena can be a very enticing bauble for a pop singer to attempt to grab. However, adult contemporary fans and radio are more likely to embrace an artist over the long term with appreciation for a polished voice. Clay Aiken's fellow American Idol alum Kimberley Locke has proven one can build a very solid career at adult contemporary radio with almost no exposure from mainstream pop stations. This is clearly Clay Aiken's comfort zone and from time to time on On My Way Here he soars. This is his niche in the pop music industry.

With On My Way Here, Clay Aiken's first album of original songs since 2003's Measure of a Man, American Idol's most endearing runner-up continues to develop his own sound.

When you don't have to watch Aiken, or witness the ridiculously over-the-top reactions of his fans, it's easier to be overtaken by his utterly pleasant voice. It's well suited to the relentlessly upbeat messages on these 12 songs.

"My address changed almost every year," Aiken rhapsodizes on the lush, orchestral title track. "I found that standing still can quickly make a lifetime disappear."

Huh?

Oh well, the guy's on a roll. At various points, he's rising from the ashes, holding on to forever (but "stuck in yesterday") and coping with doubts about love, cushioned in a backdrop that makes it all sound grand.

Ferguson was cancelled when the performance was added to Kimmel. It seems you can appear on competing shows within a short period of time but you cannot perform on the competing shows within a short period of time.

Groban or Buble' did Leno and Letterman within the same window but I think it was at least 3 weeks apart so that may give an indication of the gentlemen's agreement/protocol.