AIKEN NEWS NETWORK DEC. 14

[wvclayfan]

Voting places

Give Clay Aiken credit for taking a stand, although not for where he took it. The Triangle-area (more about that below) pop singer stood up, if intemperately, for his belief in a diverse Wake County Public School System by voting in North Raleigh at the October school board elections and, afterwards, by publicly disparaging the insurgent winners.

Celebrities tend to avoid local political controversies, so Aiken's involvement was notable, even if his name-calling was not, as he's acknowledged. The larger issue concerns his voting place. Although his mother lives in North Raleigh, Aiken has built a house in Chatham County - and that, the Wake Board of Elections decided after hearing a Republican-backed challenge, is where he really lives and should vote - not in Wake.

The parties involved seem satisfied with the low-key, no-penalty resolution of the case. Certainly Aiken's one vote didn't swing the election, but it's vital that people vote where they live, and that systems be put in place to avoid any possibility of voters casting ballots in two different precincts.

News & Observer

[wvclayfan]

From reality shows to the stage

Reality show refugees Syesha Mercado and Shane Sparks couldn't have reacted more differently to landing key positions in the national touring production of "Dreamgirls," which opens Wednesday in Baltimore.

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There have been one-shot wonders such as Taylor Hicks ("Grease") or Clay Aiken ( "Spamalot"). But they aren't likely to return any time soon; both "Idol" finalists have acting ranges that are limited at best.

Baltimore Sun

[wvclayfan]

American Idol Contestants: Who Made It

American Idol has turned regular people into superstars who have singing talent, a little luck, and millions of people rooting them on during the finals. The lasting impression that American Idol has left on the music world is indelible with award winners, multiple platinum records, and several artists making it big. Here are some of Idol's best and what they are up to now.

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Clay Aiken is another American Idol runner up who has been doing well. He has sold more than six million albums and has written a bestselling memoir. He has toured nine times and is currently taking a break, surely to spend time with his son.

Associated Content