Clay calender ready for order at Calendars.com

ORDER HERE
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BuenaVista released Aladdin DVD Premiere Party Videos

CLICK HERE
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Manilow mentions Clay at Concert

From the Clayboard

I went to see Barry Manilow today in Boston and I was wondering if he was going to say anything. After he came out and sang his first song and started talking to the audience on e of the first things he mentioned was Clay. He said "Like I said, this is what Clay Aiken's going to look like in twenty years. I'd love to see him with an audience as great as yourself." Everyone burst into applause after they heard that. This shows Barry must have a LOT of respect for Clay. I think also a lot of people (mostly of the older generation) are coming to recognize who Clay is by relation to Barry Manilow because of quite a few similarities. I just thought it was awesome to hear that tonight... hoped all of you would enjoy hearing that.
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Clay in Disney Newsreel Magazine

COVER

ARTICLE
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Price of Christmas Album is now $13.99 at Amazon.com

The price of Clay's Christmas CD was just lowered at Amazon.
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New Beavers on Idol Article

Clay Has Come A Long Way: Thoughts on the Summer Tour
by Teresa Marconi (2004/10/02)

After seeing Clay in Lexington, Greensboro, Columbus, Indianapolis, Dayton, and Allegan this summer, I have come to a conclusion I would not have dreamed of coming to a year ago: I almost can't stand watching his American Idol performances anymore. It isn't that I suddenly find those performances bad, it's simply that Clay has improved so much since then. He has improved both vocally and with his stage presence. When I first reviewed the Independent Tour, I said that Clay's songs are better live. I stand by that statement, and judging by message boards such as ClayDream Believers, the Clay Board, Red Hot Topic, Measure of a Fan, Clay Aiken Please Click Here, That's the Clay, etc; many others feel the same way.

This is for a number of reasons. First and foremost, we can hear Clay's voice (the very thing that made us his fans) when he performs live. He isn't drown out by back-up singers and background music, due to poor mixing. Second, his back-up singers and band are far superior to what he has on his album. I've said this before and I'll say it again: Angela Fisher, Quiana Parler, and Jacob Luttrell are solid vocalists and compliment Clay's voice rather than distract from it. I've also got to give props to Danny Weisfeld on lead guitar, S'von Ringo (who became the music director half way through the tour) on keyboard as well as the rest of the band. We can't forget Jacob's superior Sax playing during Rosanna, Measure of a Man and Run to Me. Jacob truly enhances those songs. Rosanna, is a bit more fun and Run To Me and Measure of a Man are a bit more tear jerking.

While I did miss Kelly (Clarkson) on "Not a Tour" I have to say that Clay's set was much improved over his Independent Tour Set. Some say that he is growing into his songs. That is most apparent with his performance of I Survived You. It is my least favorite song on "Measure of a Man" but one of my favorites when he performs it live. On the CD, Clay almost sings it lightly, but he sings it in full force live. Every time I saw Clay sing it, his growl, which has made the women of ClayNation THUD like it ain't no thang became more intense. I may be bias but I have to say, his growl in my own town of Dayton (not to mention at my Alma Mater) was by far superior to all the others. Watch the clip at Airplay Central or What's Gonzo if you don't believe me. (Note: Clay has become a better dancer whether he admits it or not. He demonstrates perfect rhythm during When You Say You Love Me). Shine was not performed on the Independent Tour, but it is definitely improved over the album version. There is no production on the live version, just Clay singing and the band playing - with enthusiasm.

Clay somehow makes eye contact with thousands of fans simultaneously. The meaning of the song is made much more clear than it ever was in all the times I listened to the CD. Clay has improved on covers like Kyrie and All About Love are vastly improved from the last tour as well. Clay allowed Angela, Quiana, and Jacob to shine during the James Taylor Set. Clay sang Sweet Baby James Angela sang How Sweet It Is, Jacob sang Fire and Rain, Quiana sang Smiling Face and the four of them sang the best version of You've Got a Friend to date. The set was fun and it made a whole new generation appreciate the music of James Taylor, one of Clay's favorite singers/songwriters.

Perhaps the thing that has helped Clay improve the most since his days of AI is his relationship with he fans. On some level, he's gotten to know us and we've gotten to know him. It is an intangible level where he knows how to reach out to us. It's something that a lot of casual fans did not understand until they saw him live and became enthusiastic fans. He banters with the audience, back up singers and band. Even many critics (notably Stephanie Call of the Dayton Daily News who was Clayverted) noted the warmth and sincerity this added to the shows. Clay has mentioned reading the message boards a few times. While there are most likely things he won't do, he will do things that make his fans happy, such as the signature shirt tug and growl.

On final note, I have to say that Clay's physical appearance has vastly improved over the last eighteen months. Perhaps it's the fact that the AI make up artists often put too much on him, thus making his green eyes less prominent. Maybe it's that Clay has developed his own style. As a girl who went to Catholic schools where un-tucked shirts were punished by the Nuns, I love the way Clay has been dressing at his concerts. I have to note that his clothes fit him better than they have in the past, even on the Independent Tour, where they were often a few sizes too big. The final theory: perhaps Clay is growing into his new physical image just as he is growing into his songs and being a pop star in general. He is no longer just the Runner-up from American Idol.
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James Maguire article "Hits of the Week"

This Week's Hits: Eminem, Justin Timberlake, Clay Aiken
From James Maguire,
Your Guide to Top 40 / Pop.
FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now!

And the voting continues...
9/4/04
Eminem has a new rap tune that's making its way into America's ears, not to mention its iPods and hit music charts. Called "Just Lose It" the new track is really quite cool. It's bouncy and catchy. And it's Slim Shady at his best -- irreverent without being nasty, bouncing around as if it's all just for fun, but really creatively crafted.

One of his real innovations – and why he became so popular – is that you can clearly hear his lyrics. In this tune the words jump here and there, taking swipes at modern life (and Michael Jackson) and making wide ranging cultural references (like James Brown.) Eminem still has the stuff.

The best-selling album in America this week is Green Day's American Idiot, which hit No. 1 in its first week out.

Having built a fan base during the '90s, the art rock band is still blowin' strong, with its blazing guitars and rapid drum beats.
If you sit at Starbucks sipping an espresso and listening to Green Day on your iPod -- which millions of joyfully underemployed slackers are doing right now -- your heart rate resembles that of a humming bird. 1700 beats minute. I'm not sure it's healthy but it's oddly fun.

Right behind Green Day is Nelly's Suit, followed by country hunkster Keith Urban's Be Here. Urban has a sensitive but strong sound that really works.

Funny thing is, right behind Urban is Nelly again -- yup, that's right, Nelly has both the No. 2 and No. 4 albums on the chart. He released them at the same time -- and they're both doing well. How's that for success?

And I almost have to chuckle as the Norah Jones CD vaults up the charts. Her second disc, Feels Like Home, has already moved 4 million units, and this week catapulted from No. 59 to No. 38. If this one keeps going -- like her first disc did -- every man, woman and child on the planet will have one.

The Top 40 chart has a new No. 1. The tune is "Goodies" by Ciara and Petey Pablo. It's music at its most disposable. Totally formulaic, made by machines not humans, it has a vague R&B groove. Though I shudder to sully the term "R&B" by associating it with this song.

On a lighter note, I still get a giggle out of the stage name "Petey Pablo." It's impossible to say it out loud without hearing how silly it sounds. Years from now, Mr. Pablo -- whatever his real name is -- will wonder what his manager was thinking.

Then again, the tune is also No. 1 on the Hot 100. So what do I know? He's laughing all the way to the bank. Jeez, I maybe I should change my name to Petey...

Right behind Mr. Pablo on the Top 40 chart is Maroon 5's "She Will Be Loved," followed by Avril Lavigne's "My Happy Ending." The tune keeps climbing. Avril's brand of to-hell-with-you unhappiness resonates with today's young women, which says something profound, if you think about it. I guess they need it.

Ms. Lavigne will sing the theme song to SpongeBob SquarePants in the animated movie about the popular character. I'm sure that when historians are trying to figure out our civilization 4,000 years from now, they'll be completely mystififed by Avril's rendition of SpongeBob. Huh? what's this? they'll ask.

I'm not even sure I get it right now. Asking a melancholic singer to render a light-hearted character's soundtrack? Maybe it will work out better than it sounds.

The most downloaded single in the universe this week is U2's "Vertigo." The tune has a pared down, hard-driving sound -- it's classic U2. But it won't be remembered as one of their better tunes. In place of a melody they just sort of jam. It's okay, just not too memorable.

Amazingly, Kelly Clarkson's "Breakaway" is at No. 7 in the popular download list. The tune has legs -- it won't stop. A major achievement for Clarkson.

Yes, it'll be a red letter day in the ClayNation. Due out this week -- on October 5 -- is the Aladdin DVD with Clay Aiken's "Proud of Your Boy" video. I've heard of no bootleg versions, so this will be a first glimpse (though concert goers got a sneak peek). Expect a sales tsunami as the disc flies off the shelves. Probably an even bigger blitz, however, will be when he does his marathon of talk show appearances in mid November, before his book release. He'll talk about his life for an hour with Larry King -- the longest interview ever by the mild-mannered tenor.

Justin Timberlake will act in the upcoming film "Alpha Dog," about the youngest drug dealers ever to make the FBI most wanted list. Timberlake looks pretty tough in the publicity photo -- well, sort of. At any rate he has now officially left behind his boy-toy image as a member of N'Sync. There's an image shift: from cuddly boy band member to hard guy actor. I guess we've all changed...

About poll: Who's your favorite artist -- this week? Go to poll

Choices: Eminem, Green Day, Kelly Clarkson, U2, Hilary Duff, Keith Urban, Avril Lavigne, Nelly, Clay Aiken, Justin Timberlake.
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Christian Rock group sang "Measure of A Man"

This is from way2old4clay From the Clayboard:

The small town I live in has a theater that has live performers come in every couple of weeks. This Friday night they had a Christian rock group there. When they came out for their encore . . . they sang Measure of a Man! I thought that is so cool! Clay is just around every corner these days.
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Amazon.ca Learning to Sing Editorial Review

Editorial Reviews

Book Description
"My mother prophesied years ago that my voice would take me places. She was certain that there was a reason I was able to sing. I am still discovering what that reason is, what it is that God wants to happen."
–CLAY AIKEN, from Learning to Sing

When he was a kid singing in his church choir, Clay Aiken never dreamed of becoming a pop music star. His ambition was to be a teacher, maybe even a high school principal. But Clay's mother was right, and the music that was Clay's joy in life was destined to lead him to unexpected triumphs.

In Learning to Sing, Clay details what his astonishing success has meant to him. He writes from the heart about his life before and since his instant stardom on American Idol, how he has changed, and how he struggles to adapt to life in the public eye. He speaks candidly about his lonely childhood: the father who abandoned him, the school bullies who tormented him, the mother who taught him to be strong, and the friends and teachers who–more than they ever knew–kept him going. He describes his new high-profile life in Los Angeles– the awards shows, the free clothes, the unfortunate presence of avocado on all the food. More significant, he reveals what he has discovered from diving into the white-hot center of pop culture: what it takes for him to stay true to himself and remember the lessons he learned growing up in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Clay shares his struggle to remain a man his mother can be proud of, and writes about the faith that sustains him today just as it did when he was an awkward, unpopular outsider. "I believe God has a direction for me. He did not give me this life just so I could buy a big house and an SUV. My job is to give back and to be a decent human being no matter how many people cheer my name."

Clay's friends–the old ones from North Carolina and the millions of new ones who love his voice–will hold this inspiring memoir as close to their hearts as they do his music. Learning to Sing reminds you that anything is possible. Like a perfect song, it will send your spirit soaring.

About the Authors

CLAY AIKEN was one of the two finalists in the 2003 American Idol season, and is undoubtedly the biggest star to emerge from that hit show. Aiken's debut album, Measure of a Man, hit number 1 on the Billboard 200 in October 2003, selling 612,000 copies during its first week. Aiken's single "This Is the Night/Bridge Over Troubled Water" won the 2003 Billboard Music Award for Bestselling Single. He was honored as the Fan's Choice winner at the 2003 American Music Awards. Also in 2003, People magazine named the North Carolina crooner one of its Top Entertainers of the Year and one of its Sexiest Men Alive, and he became TV Guide' s Fan's Favorite Reality Star.She (Allison Glock) has written articles for many magazines, including GQ and The New York Times Magazine. She lives in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Edited by clayisouridol to correct some weird symbols I am seeing.
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Aladdin Launch Party Pictures

HERE

and

HERE (password is iwillcarryyou)
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Zap2it.com gets it. FANTASTIC POYB REVIEW!

Aiken Debuts 'Lost' Song at 'Aladdin' Screening
Fri, Oct 01, 2004, 12:10 PM PT
By Mike Szymanski

LOS ANGELES (Zap2it.com) -- Clay Aiken didn't stay home to watch the presidential debates Thursday night (Sept. 30), but instead sang at a special "Aladdin" screening in Hollywood.

The second "American Idol" runner-up sang a "lost" song, "Proud of Your Boy," before the first all-digital screening of the 1992 animated film. The song will be featured on the "Aladdin Special Edition" DVD to be released by Disney on Tuesday, Oct. 5.

"Clay Aiken is the best person to sing this lost song, he's got a fantastic voice," says Alan Menken, who won the Oscars for "Aladdin's" music (best original score and best song for "A Whole New World) and co-wrote "Proud of Your Boy" with Tim Rice. "This was a song that was cut because of the way the story changed, and I think it's one of the most beautiful ballads we ever did."

Aiken's song was originally planned to be performed in a scene with Aladdin's mother, a character who was dropped during the script re-writes.

Aiken was on hand at the premiere and after party to accept a $50,000 check for his Bubel-Aiken Foundation www.thebubelaikenfoundation.org which helps children with disabilities.

The premiere was held at the historic El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood with about 300 special guests walking down a blue carpet and meeting the movie's characters outside the theater. At a party afterward, Aiken talked to fans, signed autographs and posed for pictures while kids rode motorized camels, made decorative fez hats and created magic carpets of their own.

The "Aladdin" DVD release also includes Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey performing "A Whole New World" and includes corrections and enhancements to more than 100 scenes in the film.
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Box Office Magazine's Review of the Aladdin DVD

Aladdin: Platinum Edition

****1/2 (Audio: A+, Video: A+, Features: A)

Voices: Robin Williams, Scott Weinger, Linda Larkin, Brad Kane, Lea Salonga, Jonathan Freeman, Frank Welker, Gilbert Gottfried, Douglas Seale. Directed by Ron Clements and John Musker. Written by Ron Clements, John Musker, Ted Elliott, Terry Rossio. Released by Walt Disney Home Entertainment. 1992. 90 minutes. Rated G.

Anamorphic, Dolby 5.1, audio commentaries, new music videos, Virtual DVD Ride, Inside the Genie's Lamp, The Genie World Tour, 3 Wishes Game, deleted song "Proud of Your Boy," featurette, pop-up fun facts.

At long last, Disney has released the animated blockbuster "Aladdin" to DVD, though it does not come without reservations for purists. Some may recall that certain Arab-American groups protested the lyrics to "Arabian Nights," specifically the words, "...where they cut off your ear if they don't like your face, it's barbaric, but hey, it's home!" Those lyrics were, on the video, subsequently changed to "... where it's flat and immense and the heat is intense... it's barbaric, but hey, it's home!" Well, much to the chagrin of those who believe movies should not be changed to appease special interest groups of any kind, the new DVD features those same altered lyrics. It's a shame, really, because they were written by the great Howard Ashman who died before "Aladdin" was completed, with Tim Rice completing the remainder of the songs. No matter how offensive -- or not -- it's a crime to mutilate the words of a lyricist like Ashman, particularly when the film was released theatrically with them intact. There's a solution, however -- get the CD, which has the original words -- and play it in synch with the film during that section. It's a hassle, but in the interest of free speech, this is the only solution that will send Disney and the special interests a much-needed lesson. Particularly during a time when people would be grateful to hear of just an ear being lopped off in the same part of the world.

But back to the DVD which, apart from that pesky issue, is magnificent. Some of the pop culture references don't quite work any more, but Robin Williams' genie is a comedic wonder just the same. The sheer mania alone more than makes up for anything that starts to seem dated. As a digital transfer, this is without a doubt the sharpest and most colorful that Disney has yet done, exceeding even "The Lion King." The audio has been remastered with the same attentive home environment focus as that on "The Lion King," so it sounds comparable. There are obviously different audio challenges here, but no one is going to quibble with a whit of it. And for those who do, the original theatrical 5.1 track is also available.

Extras are a virtual gold mind, starting with the rediscovered song "Proud of Your Boy." Why this song wasn't included is a mystery -- it's one of the best that Ashman and Menken ever wrote together, and it soars above most all the other songs present in the film. A beautiful new performance of the song by Clay Aiken underscores just what an unfortunate omission it really was. Also featured are storyboard drawings of how the song was to have been incorporated, further solidifying the feeling that the filmmakers made a mistake by cutting it. The downside to hearing this song and Aiken's performance of it is that it makes the new performance of "A Whole New World" by Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey seem absolutely dull. It's still a beautiful song and their performance of it is marvelous -- but it's not remotely the song that "Proud of Your Boy" is.
Other deleted material is less enthralling -- several other deleted songs and scenes that were more wisely excised in the first place. Rough sketches are used to give a sense of what the resulting scenes might have been like.

The remaining extras are divided into two groups -- those that will appeal to children and those that appeal to adults. For the kids there are sing-alongs, an ungodly number of games and activities (inside the genie's lamp, make wishes, ride a carpet... all only modestly funny or fun to anyone older than six). For adults there are two commentaries -- one with the filmmakers, the other with the artists -- which are both decent, but not stellar. Lots of technical information and modestly interesting anecdotes, enthusiastically related. Further information can be accessed via a pop-up fun facts track -- one of those textual "trivia" features that contains stuff that nobody really has any business knowing.

Documentary material is predictably cheery, with Leonard Maltin -- a Disney regular -- serving as a congenial host for nearly two hours of featurette fodder that's immensely pleasant to watch. Another piece on composer Menken is also quite good.

The double-disc release follows the same packaging approach as on "The Lion King" and most of Disney's other recent animated special releases -- two discs inside a slimline Amaray keepcase with a cardboard sleeve and fold-open guide to the feature set. As an added bonus, Disney is selling the disc as part of a holiday promotion that rewards the buyer of any three Disney DVDs or videos with a fourth title "free." Given the number of high profile titles Disney will have out by the time the holiday shopping season gets into gear, this strategy should pay off handsomely.-Wade Major

Collector Rating: MUST HAVE
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Boston Herald Review of Aladdin DVD

Aladdin' fans take ride that's pure magic
Review by Lauren Beckham Falcone
Friday, October 1, 2004

Three words of advice if you plan to buy the ``Aladdin'' DVD: Clear your weekend.

This two-disc set is so jammed with extras that it comes with both written instructions on how to navigate through the menus and Leonard Maltin explaining the machinations of finding games, videos and featurettes.

``Aladdin,'' starring the voices of Robin Williams, Gilbert Gottfried, Scott Weinger and Jonathan Freeman, was released in 1992, and it's a terrific movie, as most Disney fans know.

But the film is a mere footnote to this collection. The real treasures are the backstage extras, including deleted songs (``Proud of Your Boy,'' a Alan Menken/Howard Ashman collaboration, re-recorded by ``American Idol'' runner-up Clay Aiken), the ``A Diamond in the Rough: The Making of `Aladdin' '' documentary, deleted scenes and pop-up trivia facts. Games consist of ``A Magic Carpet Ride Adventure,'' a ``Three Wishes Game'' and a cute 3-D tour inside ``Genie's Lamp,'' among others. To secure the MTV set, ``Newlyweds'' Nick Lachey and Jessica Simpson add their own version of ``A Whole New World.''
For those with plasma TVs, the digital presentation and enhanced home theater mix will add to the magic carpet ride. But even if you're watching on an old 20-inch Panasonic, ``Aladdin - Special Edition'' is everything you could wish for.
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"Proud of Your Boy"--Clay Aiken Does it Again!

Los Angeles, CA

"Proud of Your Boy"--Clay Aiken Does It Again!

Special DVD Release -- Aladdin -- Walt Disney Productions

In Stores: October 5, 2004

by Dianne Austin

I'm not a reporting journalist, and therefore, don't deal much with items that are of the "breaking news" variety, but I couldn't resist this.

I had an opportunity to view Clay Aiken's "Proud of Your Boy" from the Disney special release DVD Aladdin, and felt it warranted some comments.

I've never been prompted to review a single song by any artist including Mr. Aiken in the past--this is the first time. And while there have been many renditions of songs this artist has produced that have affected me intensely; "Bridge Over Troubled Water", the acoustic version of "Measure of a Man", "Solitaire" and "You Were There" just to mention a few, I must say that this new addition to the Aladdin score is by far the best thing I have ever heard by Clay Aiken.

After I got over the initial impact and full effect of that voice paired with the stirring melody and heartfelt lyrics, it dawned on me that the Disney execs have got to be smiling and nodding at one another, because they now know what a gold mine they've found in this young man. Honestly, there never has been a more definitive sound to a voice for Disney animated movies. When you hear it, you'll know what I mean in an instant. If they haven't already signed him to do a full-length animated film at this point, I'm sure they're working on it.

Clay's voice is like no other and is naturally enhanced because of several other factors he exhibits that come into play on this recording. Besides power, amazing breath control, and unbelievable range, he has an element to his voice that, for the most part, cannot be described. The closest I can come is to say that it is pure and sweet, with a melodious quality that beckons you to go with him as Aladdin through those Arabian Nights, to find the genie he eventually liberates from the lamp.

Another ability the man has perfected is his phrasing. Clay has an innate talent for taking lyrics and grouping them together in a way that accents meaning with style and flare. He's an expert at it, and in this song his ability is proven beyond a shadow of a doubt.

As if all of this incredible vocal ability isn’t enough, just open your eyes and WATCH Clay’s delivery of the song. Here’s a man with such boyish innocence in his face that it enables him to pick you up at the start of the song, and drop you off at the end, while never relinquishing the tug he’s got going on the old heartstrings. Funny part about it is, you just love it when he won’t let go.

Here's one more reason why this music is "great" and not just "good". It's because after hearing it for just the first time, it becomes embedded in your mind as if it were familiar; a classic song that will live forever.

You know the kind of song I mean--that timeless piece that starts by forging a path for new material, then holds a place in each of our hearts forever. Those are the ones that make a mark in history, because the combination of song writer and singer become the representative musical style of what we have come to know and love in Disney movie scores.

Take my word for it, when October 5th rolls around, you’ll want to go and grab a copy of the new Aladdin DVD just to see and hear Aiken’s rendition of “Proud of Your Boy” that has been added to the music for the movie.

Believe me, it's quite amazing!

Editor: Michelle Arce
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"A Clay Aiken Christmas" from Renee4Clay

Clay #1 tour on VH1

It was posted a few days ago that the Clay Summer Tour was VH!'s #10 tour of the summer, but look at this:

CLICK

1.Clay Aiken
2.Green Day
3,Velvet Revolver
4Usher
5The Used
6Incubus
7R.E.M.
8Queensryche
9Good Charlotte
10Metallica
11Pearl Jam
12Avril Lavigne
13The Pixies
14Styx
15Anthony Hamilton
16Alter Bridge
17Social Distortion
18Joss Stone
19The Red Hot Chili Peppers
20John Mayer
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London Symphony part of Clay's Christmas CD!

Reported on WRAL-Raleigh!
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'The Power of Clay Aiken-Lycos Top50

The Lycos 50 Blog: Comments on Internet Culture and Search Trends
Wednesday, 29 September 2004

THE POWER OF CLAY AIKEN

There isn't a current artist with fans like Clay Aiken.


He has consistently been one of the top searches on Lycos ahead of Britney, Pam and even Paris.


This week he falls to number two only because of all the Hurricane trouble.

One of the more interesting fan sites is Clayton Aiken.com and you must check out Clay World with some of the wildest, most dedicated fans.
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Rumor Mill: Clarkson and Aiken Decline American Idol Hawaii Christmas Appearance

From the Clackhouse

"An interesting Clay blurb in The Honolulu Advertiser from Show Biz columnist, Wayne Harada: "Hawai'i won't have an 'Idol' Christmas." (Sorry I can't link it, the online section is still on Tuesday.) Apparently there were talks about an Idol Christmas concert at the Waikiki Shell scheduled to tape October 23 to air in December. It would have included the top two from the past three seasons.Quote:Show producers Nigel Lythgoe and Ken Warwick were very cognizant of Hawai'i's response to "Idol" mania, so they were eager to stage the holiday show here, but in the final wash, two holdouts--Clarkson and Aiken, two vital components necessary to boost sales--apparently declined participation. And without their presence, the hopes evaporated.The columnist goes on to talk about Clay's Christmas CD, his own Christmas concerts and that he does have aloha for the state (the lei given out at concerts). There's another mention of a promoter trying to bring him here and a cute picture of him that I can't place, but I know someone here could."
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New Clay appearances!!!!!

This is from the RCA Official Website:

Nov 14: Clay Aiken - American Music Awards
(presenting)

Nov 15: Clay Aiken - Larry King Live (CNN)
(one hour special)

Nov 17: Clay Aiken - Regis & Kelly (ABC)
(interview)

Nov 17: Clay Aiken - Today Show (NBC)
(interview)

Dec 6: Clay Aiken - Tonight Show (NBC)
(performance & interview)
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VH1's Top Tour List

VH1 listed the top tours. The ratings reflect the interest of the dedicated vh1.com music fans.Here are the top 10:

1. Velvet Revolver
2. Green Day
3. The Used
4. Queensryche
5. The Pixies
6. Usher
7. Rob Stewart
8. Yellowcard
9. The Red Hot Chili Peppers
10. Clay Aiken
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Scooter's help desk now open

CLICK HERE
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Top 10 Book Pre-Orders at BarnesandNobel.com As of Sept. 18

1. London Bridges
James Patterson / Hardcover
Not Yet Released:Preorder Now
Our Price: $19.56
You Save: 30%

2. Hour Game
David Baldacci / Hardcover
Not Yet Released:Preorder Now
Our Price: $18.86
You Save: 30%

3. The Official SAT Study Guide
For the New SAT(tm)
College Board / Paperback
Not Yet Released:Preorder Now
Our Price: $13.96
You Save: 30%

4. Northern Lights
Nora Roberts / Hardcover
Not Yet Released:Preorder Now
Our Price: $18.16
You Save: 30%

5. Double Homicide
Jonathan Kellerman / Hardcover
Not Yet Released:Preorder Now
Our Price: $16.76
You Save: 30%

6. Learning to Sing
Hearing the Music in Your Life
Clay Aiken / Hardcover
Not Yet Released:Preorder Now
Our Price: $15.36
You Save: 30%

7. Metro Girl
Janet Evanovich / Hardcover
Not Yet Released:Preorder Now
Our Price: $18.86
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8. Shopaholic and Sister
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Clay performing at the premiere of the Aladdin DVD in LA Tomorrow

From the Clackhouse

I was listening to KOST this morning on the way to work. The discussion was about the Aladdin DVD premier at the El Capitan Theater in Hollywood tomorrow. First mention was that Nick and Jessica would be singing and second was that Clay Aiken would also be performing.
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Clay was in New York Monday

Clay was in NY on Monday at a Aladdin Movie Event, where he sang 'Proud Of Your Boy' Live.
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New Article about Clay's Management Team- THE FIRM

Clay is near the bottom of this article.

Kwatinetz/Azoff: Not such an odd couple after all.

Plans are for Azoff to head the company, overseeing a combined roster that includes Linkin Park, Korn, Dixie Chicks, Enrique Iglesias, Audioslave, Limp Bizkit, Snoop Dog, Christina Aguilera, Jewel, Van Halen and the Eagles, among others.


WILL KWATINETZ AND AZOFF TEAM UP FOR SUPERMANAGEMENT COMPANY?

Entertainment Moguls Ready to Combine Their Music Divisions, with Azoff in Charge

September 28, 2004

Jeff Kwatinetz is at it again, and this time he’s dancing with Irving Azoff. Sources inside both companies confirm that talks are ongoing to join their music management companies under one roof.

Plans are for Azoff to head the company, overseeing a combined roster that includes Linkin Park, Korn, Dixie Chicks, Enrique Iglesias, Audioslave, Limp Bizkit, Snoop Dog, Christina Aguilera, Jewel, Van Halen and the Eagles, among others.

The money men were reportedly up in Boston at Thomas H. Lee Partners, trying to hammer out a business model that would give the deal the proper economics. Kwatinetz had previously huddled with Lee and company about acquiring Warner Music Group before Edgar Bronfman Jr. entered the picture. Questioners questioning whether the financiers would entertain the possibility of rolling this new management entity into their reported plans to take WMG public. Kwatinetz also reportedly made a play for MGM’s film library earlier this year, though it ended up going to Sony.

Back in 2000, entertainment moguls Robert Sillerman and Haim Saban separately considered a play to consolidate the music management business, though, as a service industry that doesn’t deal in hard assets, but personalities, it never happened. Sillerman actually acquired 16% of The Firm for a reported $25 million as part of a $200 million deal to acquire the company in Nov. 2000 and fold it into his planned FXM super management entity. He ended up being sued by Kwatinetz for breach of contract and fraud to the tune of $1 billion, when he was forced out of the deal because of his non-compete clause with Clear Channel after selling them SFX. An out-of-court settlement was eventually reached, with Kwatinetz buying back the 16% of the company acquired by Sillerman for substantially less than he sold it for.

At the time, Sillerman was reportedly offering management companies six-to-eight times annual earnings, which was considered high for a service business. The other issue was the personal nature of management, and how binding artists’ contracts would be if their personal service representatives were to leave.

Rumor has it, if the deal happens, Irving will try to bring ex-colleague Howard Kaufman's HK into the fold, with a roster which includes Aerosmith, Jimmy Buffett, Lenny Kravitz, Chris Isaak and Fleetwood Mac, among others? Meanwhile, another possible target is Allen Shapiro’s Mosaic Media Group. In 1999, Shapiro acquired Atlas/Third Rail Management’s Pat Magnarella, Scott Welch and Charles Roven, with an artist roster that included Green Day, Alanis Morissette and Goo Goo Dolls, to his company, which repped Jim Carrey, the Wayans, Jon Stewart and Will Ferrell, among others, at the time.

Kwatinetz originally started The Firm in 1997 after ankling Gallin-Morey and Associates with Mike Green, Peter Katsis, Gayle Boulware, two assistants, Korn and actor Martin Lawrence, in a Malibu condo. Kwatinetz acquired Ovitz’s AMG in May, 2002, adding partners Rick Yorn and Julie Silverman-Yorn, and a client roster that included Cameron Diaz, Samuel L. Jackson, Leonardo DiCaprio, Vin Diesel and Martin Scorsese, among others. He brought on music managers Andy Gould and Rob McDermott (Linkin Park), Simon Renshaw (Dixie Chicks) and Jeff Rabhan (Michelle Branch). The Firm recently added Anastacia, Clay Aiken and Weezer to its roster. Last March, Kwatinetz linked up with ex-Disney TV and Comcast C3 Chairman Rich Frank’s Integrated Entertainment Partners, naming him to the newly created post of The Firm's Chairman.
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info@servage.net

Announced on KUDL-FM Kansas City today!

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WRAL Christmas CD Preview Tomorrow

From the Clayboard:
This morning Linda Loveland from WRAL TV said that she met with Clay in the recording studio and will have a preview tomorrow on the news of his Christmas CD. She said it was fantastic. Can't wait!
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BAF and Krispy Kreme announces Fundraising winner

RALEIGH, N.C., Sept. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Inc.
(NYSE: KKD) and the Bubel/Aiken Foundation joined forces in July to raise
awareness and funds to support the Foundation and its mission. The Bubel/Aiken
Foundation, created by RCA multi-platinum recording artist Clay Aiken, aims to
foster programs and activities that provide children with special needs full-
inclusion in all areas of daily life.
(Logo: www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/p...16/NYTH146 )
Krispy Kreme designated the week of July 19th as "A Special Week at Krispy
Kreme." During this week, participating Krispy Kreme stores nationwide
promoted the work of the Bubel/Aiken Foundation through activities in the
stores, including educational programs and Kids' Day events.
In addition, the Company assisted with fundraising efforts for the
Foundation throughout the month of July as many groups and organizations
responded to the "Fundraising Challenge" from Clay and Diane Bubel. The fan
who raised the most funds for the Foundation was to be awarded an all-expense
paid trip for two to meet Clay in person and attend an upcoming concert.
The Bubel/Aiken Foundation and Krispy Kreme Inc. are proud to announce
that Leslie Janaski from Milwaukee, Wisconsin raised $1,300 for the Foundation
and will receive the special trip. In total, the partnership between The
Bubel/Aiken Foundation and Krispy Kreme raised more than $12,000 thanks to
generous, hardworking volunteers.
For more information on the Bubel/Aiken Foundation,
visit www.bubelaikenfoundation.org . For more information about Krispy
Kreme, visit www.krispykreme.com .

Congratulation Leslie Janaski! Leslie is a Clayboard member.
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General Advertisement 09/28

Starlight Foundation reacts to generosity of Clayfans

"I am completely amazed at the fund raising done by Clay Aiken Fans. We never expected you to be able to fund a 2nd fun center this fast. Donating 2 units in this short period of time is just amazing. Please convey my personal appreciation for all they are doing to help provide these units to the hospitals. Clay certainly has some wonderful fans. I have never seen anything like this. "

He asked how many were members of the internet community of Clay fans. I explained that this board alone had over 10,000 members. He was truly surprised. I also told him about all the fundraising activities others do to raise funds for The Bublel/Aiken Foundation. I told him about the "Ticket Project', "Penny Lane" among others that the fans are involved in and that fans donated to both The Starlight Fun Center Project as well as OCS at the same time they were donating to Bubel/Aiken fundraisers. He was quite surprised that the Fun Center Project was not the ONLY project the fans were donating to which impressed him even more that we were able to donate another fun center this quickly. I informed him about the Operation Christmas Spirit project and that they would also be recipients from this project also. He was so impressed with all the different projects that Clay's fans are involved in.

He informed me that the 1st unit has now been shipped to Batson Hospital. I explained we all were quite anxious to find out when the first unit will be presented. He stated that it will be very very soon and that he will give us a 2 week notice as to exactly when the unit will be presented. He has also promised pictures of it. He has promised that he will provide complete details to us regarding the date, and who will be in attendance for the presentation. We WILL have pictures. I know all of you are looking forward to actually seeing the results of your generous donations and what better way than to provide you pictures of the unit WE donated in actual use at a child's bedside.

The Team promises to keep you updated regarding presentation of the 1st unit as soon as we receive the information. As you can see, the foundation paperwork does take some time so information regarding the 2nd unit will not be available immediately. I do promise to post as soon as Clay has chosen a hospital for the 2nd unit. Congratulations to all of you for your wonderful support. Now, on to Fun Center #3!!
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Ebay: Front Row Tickets for Raleigh Show sells for $3500!

The tickets sold this morning. Was talked about on various local Raleigh media outlets (WRAL-TV-FM...)
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Clay is AskMen.com's Man Of The Week!

CLICK HERE FOR WEBSITE!
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POYB #5 on AOL Music

Continue to stream it! HERE
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Lycos Search

Clay was number 2 on the Lycos search for the week of Sept. 27 - Oct. 3. Number 1 was Airline Flight Tracking.
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2nd Show in Raleigh Sells Out

Aiken tickets sell out again
9/27/2004 3:53 PM
By: News 14 Carolina Staff


Clay Aiken

Once again Clay Aiken proves to be the hot ticket at this year's State Fair.

Originally the “American Idol” runner-up was scheduled to perform only one concert on October 18th. Tickets to that show sold out in about 10 minutes.

Because of the overwhelming demand, fair organizers were able to convince Aiken to add a second show.

Tickets for that show went on sale at noon Monday and before 12:15, they were gone.

Only 6,000 seats were available for each show at $15 dollars each.

Rumors: A NEW Unreleased Song to be on Charity CD

From the Clayboard's njlovesclay

I was requesting "the new Clay Aiken song" today at WAYV in Atlantic City and speaking to dj Heather Deluca (a big Clay fan), who told me that they don't have the new one in yet, but should have it soon. I told her they played 'I will carry you" at the time of his AC concert and she said "oh, no I mean the new song". It's going to be on some sort of compilation cd being sold for a charity or something. A previously unrecorded song not on his cd and not from the Christmas cd."

Has ANYONE heard this???? I really hope she wasn't just making it up, I mean, why would she..

Help!

Clayboard's Isseme published in new BLADES MAGAZINE!

From the Clayboard's ISSEME:

I don't know how many of you saw the letters to the editor after Clay's five page spread in Blades Magazine a few months ago. I've subscribed to this magazine for years and was just appalled when I saw a letter from someone who slammed the mag for publishing the Skate With Clay article (she considered it a non-skating related story) and said something about "stupid American Idol" and that she would cancel her subscription if it happened again. I never write letters to mags but this one just incensed me. So, here was my response:

"I have been a Clay Aiken fan for a little more than a year. I was thrilled to see your coverage of Clay and his Bubel-Aiken Foundation and Skate with Clay Day. However, I was totally disgusted at the letter you published from *********** of Riverhead, NY. I am thankful you did not publish her email address because I would have literally lambasted her. How dare she say"stupid American Idol." First of all, I would say a man with a degree in Special Education is not stupid."

I had written more but they edited it. There was also another letter decrying her comments that ended with "anyone who has a dream/goal in life, works hard and achieves that dream is by no means stupid."

Clayboard's Mamarose Hits her big 1-0-0-0-0!

Here is her 10,000th post:

I have done some thinking the last few days as I realized I was approaching 10,000 posts. When we passed 10,000 Clayboard members not too long ago, I reflected on how huge that number seemed, how hard it was to wrap one’s mind around. Thinking of that number in relationship to MY POSTS was no less amazing to me…actually quite a bit more amazing. How did I get to this point? (please don't answer I talk to much...LOL).

Of course, as always happens, this personal milestone made me stop and take stock, look at my files and think about where I have been, where we have all been with Clay. And always when I do that I am drawn to one song that speaks my heart more than any other. How the words of that song seem to tie together so many memories for me, memories of Clay and memories of my time on The Clayboard. If you have a moment, I hope you will enjoy sharing with me just a few of the memories I found.

“I could not ask for more than this time together…”

From Sept. 2003 (having been printed out and attached to my kitchen bulletin board.):

Mom’s ClayDo List (Important Clay Dates)

A must read for informed Claymates or those who live with or care for them!

Saturday, Sept 20th - Miss America appearance
8:00 pm EDT on ABC. Clay should be on in the first hour.

Sunday, Sept 21st You should have pre-ordered your CD by now to be sure of getting one (order either online or at a local store)

Wednesday, Sept 24th - Fox AI2 Tour TV special
time ???

Thursday, Oct 9th - ABC PrimeTime Live special
time ???

Monday, Oct 13th - Tonight Show with Jay Leno NBC

Monday, Oct 13th - Nationwide CD Release Parties

Tuesday, Oct 14th - CD is finally released

Wednesday, Oct 15th - Good Morning America

Friday, Oct 17th - CBS This Morning

Friday, Oct 17th - The View

Mid-October - People magazine

Other Upcoming Events

Any Day Now: Elle Magazine

"I could not ask for more than this time with you…"

From Fred Bronson (June 2003):

"The top two “American Idol” contestants capture the top two spots on Billboard’s Hot 100, as Clay Aiken’s “This Is The Night” (RCA) debuts at No. 1 and Ruben Stoddard’s “Flying Without Wings (J records) opens at No. 2. It’s the first time in the 45-year history of the Hot 100 that the top two positions are new entries.
Aiken’s “This Is The Night” is the first song to debut at No. 1 on the Hot 100 since 1998, and the first since chart rules were changed to allow airplay-only tracks to appear on the chart alongside commercially released singles…
Aiken‘s single sold nearly 393,000 copies and Studdard's single moved nearly 286,000 units, according to Nielsen SoundScan. “This Is The Night” boasts the biggest one-week sales figures since Elton John’s “Candle in the Wind 1997.”

“Every prayer has been answered, Every dream I have's come true”

From my Worcester, MA, Review, March 2004:

“Then it was cell-cert time. And then, as if it was ordained, as if it was planned and meant to be (which I firmly believe it was),. Clay made a BEELINE to the cell-phone of the FOUNDER of his largest and in my opinion most important, wonderful and outstanding site and board, CA.com and The Clayboard, our own ClayNation. He reached for CN’s phone and said hello to the board member on the other end of the line. He asked who was holding the phone for her and she replied (smart answer) ClayNation. Clay replied (paraphrasing) “It can’t be the ClayNation, who is it?” (meaning the whole ClayNation). Well I think that some 70 percent of that crowd that night in the Worcester Centrum Centre were members of our beloved board! Because from my vantage point at that moment it seemed a roar went up from the crowd!!!! They all seemed to know who was holding that phone. They knew it WAS CLAYNATION…now we needed to get it through to Clay. I believe he asked again, “who is holding the phone for you.” At this point, my mind had not yet reached complete meltdown stage, and my one thought was that Mamarose must make Clay see that he was indeed talking to our one and only ClayNation! I made eye contact with Clay and pointing madly at CN…I said “Clay…IT IS CLAYNATION!!!! Well, this all happened in seconds, but of course it seemed longer and I think perhaps we could have gone on for some time with this, sort of like an Abbot and Costello “Who’s on First” skit, but seeing that “resistance is futile (LOL)” our board member on the cell phone told Clay CN’s name and I also said it…and Clay continued to talk for a bit and then handed CN back her cell-phone. But not before our CN very casually placed her program, my program and my wonderful purple Sharpie at the big but beautiful feet of our young man. He bent, signed the programs, took my Sharpie (that’s okay Clay…I can share) and signed a couple more programs. It was not until later that I realized he had returned the Sharpie to CN. When she handed me the Sharpie at the show’s end I hugged her pretty tight!!!!”

“And right here in this moment, Is right where I’m meant to be,
Here with you, Here with me. . .”

From the Yellow Shorts story, Albany, August 2003:

“With my hand on the bathroom door I stop dead...at the same time the young man is walking towards me up the hall my mind again takes in the security guard, and a sign that says "Authorized Personnel Only" and then again the young man...and it suddenly hits my consciousness with a bolt of lightning that the man walking up the hall is CLAY! Oh My God, it is Clay! I would know that walk anywhere and the closer he comes...the more I know. This is all happening in seconds...and silly me...I start to go into the bathroom and then I stop with the door half open, handle still in my hands and I think...what in the name of God are you doing? Stay still, enjoy this sight, do not move. So I take it in not moving. I just stare, frozen. Clay does not really see me...he does not look down the hall at me. He stops at a door and is intent on either knocking on it or opening it...so I just stand and watch. The security guard keeps reading and has not looked up either. Clay, oh Clay, is wearing a white, plain t-shirt and tiny, cute little boxer type yellow shorts...it is hot...HE IS HOT. He has no shoes on I think...but Lord I am not looking at his feet. I pause for a moment...and then the responsible mom in me kicks in. I am supposed to be here to use the handicapped restroom in an unauthorized area. They were nice to let me do so. Don't invade Clay's privacy before show time in his somewhat state of undress. So as Clay gets in his door, almost...I go into mine...I am shaking my head and smiling ear to ear. What a wonderful world...what a moment I will never forget. Not a meet and greet, but somehow feels so intimate and special to me. I will cherish it.

And I still do. But I like to add that I am very glad now, in light of the feelings Clay has expressed about sometimes missing his lack of privacy, that I entered that rest room and let our Clay be Clay!”

“These are the moments, I thank God that I'm alive,
These are the moments, I'll remember all my life,”

Moments….The Clayboard is all about moments…little moments that somehow make you smile so joyfully from their simplicity that you never forget them.

Posted by luv4clay2007 on my Good Morning thread on July 8, 2004:

“I just made coffee for the first time in my life!!! sorry im just a little excited!”

My reply:

Luv4clay2007,
For some reason this comment brought tears to my eyes...not sure why. Somehow I am always going to remember that on the first day of Clay's SOLO TOUR, luv4clay2007 made coffee for the first time!!! LOL. It is just too cute!!! Too Clay...too The Clayboard. Congratulations sweetie!!!!!


“I've got all I've waited for,
And I could not ask for more.”

Written to Clay in a note that accompanied his tin of cookies, Christmas 2003:

"...But I also have to thank you for another reason. You have brought together such a wonderful group of people at The Clayboard at Claytonaiken.com. We are there because of you...so we have you to thank for the wonderful friendships that we have forged. As I said, we have become a family. We have our ups and downs, we get silly, we even argue from time to time, but we are first and foremost there to support you and stand by you in any way we can...be it BAF fund drives, radio countdown and TRL voting, CD release parties, attending concerts, requesting, watching TV appearances...you name it. And in doing all of that it seems we have found that we are there to support each other as well. You are never far from a hug when needed at The Clayboard. It is a pretty special group of people and I am proud to be one of them..."


“I could not ask for more than this time together,
I could not ask for more than this time with you”

Original post date…not sure:

“I think the excitement and the love of Clay and The Clayboard at CA.com is all STILL here. I think it is a bit like a marriage (at least for me). Sure in the beginning, those courting days, everything was REALLY EXCITNG AND NEW. But as we have adjusted and come to know each other, faced some foes and battled hard, conquered some mountains together for and with Clay, had some thrilling highs and some really painful lows, our love for him and our love for this board and our board family has deepened, changed, developed and grown.
I have always said that The Clayboard and our board family and our amazing roller coaster ride with Clay is an incredible WORK IN PROGRESS. It is just like a marriage...complete with all the highs and lows, ups and downs, discoveries, disappointments, thrills, chills, spills, crying jags, laughing sessions, joys, tears, hilarity, anger, times for making up, times for making out, changes and growth. As we change...I feel we always move forward. But as with any successful marriage...and I feel with our very successful board...one thing remains...and that is the LOVE. Perhaps we have come to a deeper, more abiding, calmer, loving place...but those of us in it for the long haul are still here...loving The Clayboard...loving Clay...as we have always been...and I daresay we always will be.
So I guess perhaps there are times when the fever pitch of our early glory days is just a little bit missing, but if it is ...it has been replaced by something deeper. The strong, educated, experienced passion of knowing that we are here for each other AND for Clay and we always will be.”

“Every prayer has been answered,
Every dream I have's come true,”

Posted to Clay following his “Solitaire” performacne on AI3 (March 2004):

“I know you know that the world knows now, once and for all and forever, just who the ONLY AMERICAN IDOL is. Tonight you (with us by your side) firmly closed the door on any doubt of that, as "the three stooges," as someone called them, cowered, unable to utter a word for fear their lips and tongues would betray the fact that they had just been served and dined on a heaping helping of fresh, juicy crow!!!!!!
I am happy to report to you that I am breathing now...and truth be known...I was actually able to breathe throughout the performance...because I have come to have such infinite trust and faith in your ability to always "bring it" when needed. I depend on you, my dear, and you never disappoint your Mamarose.
I go to bed very happy, having once and for all shed that last vestige of faded regret over the outcome of AI2. You have taken us so far beyond that event that it is now totally unimportant. We have YOU and our future is the brightest it has ever been.
Good night, and Clay, as always, I love you!"

“And right here in this moment, Is right where I'm meant to be,
Here with you, Here with me. . .”

From Billboard Magazine (Oct. 25, 2003):

“Clay Aiken’s “Measure of a Man” is the best pop album of 2003. Every song , every note is brimming with ambition and glory…. “Measure of a Man” is an utter triumph of art and commerce” - CT.

October 2003:

“Measure of a Man,” Clay Aiken’s much anticipated debut album, is already double platinum and had an extraordinary first week at retail, with sales of 613,000 copies and a smashing debut at No. 1 on The Billboard 100. Aiken has the third highest first week sales figure of 2003, and the second highest first week total of any debuting solo artist in the Soundscan era.”

Posted by WOWpoc (Oct. 23, 2003):

“Mamarose, you wrote something to us on Oct. 8 (2003). I‘m sure you may not remember your exact words, but I was so impressed I printed out your message and kept it with the Time magazine article. As I was listening to Clive Davis make his presentation yesterday stating that what Clay had done was not normal in the music industry and that he never had presented double platinum for a one week in his life, I thought back to your message.
And I quote:
“On Tuesday, October 14, we need to show Clive Davis and the folks at RCA, especially those who are snidely snickering behind backs, the true power and wishes of the so-called “Mom and Pop Walmart shoppers.” On that date, we are going to create an explosion for Clay the likes of which the music industry has never seen. We will not just cause naysayers to sit up and take notice, we will blast them off their complacent, holier than thou fannies. …We will move mountains, even mountains as supposedly entrenched and well-established as RCA. So let it be written, so let it be done.”
Mission accomplished Mamarose. We are waiting for our next assignment.”

“I could not ask for more than the love you gave me,
'Coz it's all I've waited for . . .”

My Clayboard 1 year anniversary (May 2004):

“I could write a million words about Clay and still not put my fingers on just....well...you know the rest. But this is not my Clay anniversary, this is my Clayboard anniversary. So I tried to think of just how to put into words how I feel about this place we all call our Clayboard home. I have heard the phrase "I came for the man, I stay for the people." How very true that is. For the people is what The Clayboard is all about.

I love the interweaving of the people that takes place on this board....such a huge and diverse group, yet held together, crossing paths, mingling, sharing, caring and yet still going our separate ways, seeking out the places where we most feel we belong...yet all of us somehow always bound together in this special place.

Some of us choose to mostly dwell in the city, spending our time walking Clay Street, while others of us gravitate to the more laid back camaraderie of the suburbs, Calling all Clay Fans. Some of us choose the even quieter and more spiritual paths in the Prayers and Encouragement Forum, while others seek the deep philosophical discussions raging in the Clay Street Cafe. Some of us call Inspir-Aiken home base, while others like the cozy closeness of the BAF Forum. And our guys can now be found talking guy talk in their own new ClayDawgs Forum.

But whether you raise a cup of coffee on the street in the early morning hours or hoist a more potent libation over in CAC late at night, you know you are never alone. I love the knowledge that though I may not "see" good friends here on The Clayboard for some time, I know they are still here...and I can usually find them when I need them. We are always HERE, not all in the same place, not necessarily walking the same paths...but together nonetheless. And I love the knowledge that any time we meet...we will speak the same language, share the same past, remember the same special moments, understand the same 1,000 inside jokes and references and know that we know what we know! Be we Sistahs or BAFers or Number Buddies or Dawgs or whatever...we are all the same because we are all valued members of one and only Clayboard!!!!!

I am very proud to be a member of The Clayboard. I have often called it a work in progress...it is a GLORIOUS work in progress. It is a special and wonderful gift to us. I thank God for that special day that I searched the name Clay Aiken and found my way here. It all comes down to these words for me:

Now I know how the river feels,
When it reaches the sea,
It finally finds the place,
It was always meant to be,
Holding fast, home at last,
Knowing the journey's through,
Lying here with you,
I know how the river feels…

And I could not ask for more,
I could not ask for more.

"Holding fast, home at last”

And ending with my siggy:


~ Keeper of Clay's yellow shorts!
~ Member of the Society of the Positive Bumpers!
~"I can't put my fingers on just what it is that makes me love you..."
~"Think I lost you in another life....a part of me that I left behind."
~"Have a wonderful day in the Clay neighborhood!"

Clay in new Songbook from Warner Music Publishing

CLICK HERE TO SEE COVER
AVAILABLE HERE (FOR EASY PIANO)