To see the full calendar, go to CDD's page at Google Calendar:
A full list of upcoming events is also available at the CDD Claytracker.
Note: CDD does not necessarily endorse or subscribe to the editorial opinions of these websites/blogs.
From the Clayboard
CLAY NATION NEWS this morning says in the newsletter that in the Nov. 11th issue of TV Guide, Clay will be on the cover and the book will have its "first" serialization for the public !Have I missed this somewhere else on the board ? What a huge introduction of the book a few days before it comes out !
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These better quality pics have surfaced up.
CLICK
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From the Clackhouse:
New Christmas Clack Alert!daisybumble just called me, purple_stapler called her from her local Target (Philly area) and she discovered a compilation CD titled "NBC Sounds Of The Season" and it has Clay's "Mary Did You Know" on it! I assume she bought it (she better have anyway!). daisy looked in her Target and coudn't find it, I'm going to check my Target in Brooklyn and also make calls to people who I know are near Targets. purple_stapler said its a Target exclusive.
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From the Troy Record.
Remember: 65 million people voted for the American Idol. But that doesn't surprise Kyle Walker, a 27-year-old Republican on the Board of Voter Registration. "The reason they vote is they watch American Idol and they are familiar with it," he says. "A large amount of (young people) are disinterested in politics, in the electoral process." So, if we paid half as much attention to what our darling candidates for president were saying as what Clay Aiken was singing -- or if we had Simon Cowell critique their debates -- maybe, just maybe, we'd vote.
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From People Magazine:
American Idol producers think they've found a female version of William Hung for the new season, which starts in January. "We met someone that makes William Hung look like Clay Aiken," says Idol host Ryan Seacrest.
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This was in the Sacramento Bee
Comment: The original lyrics to the opening song, "Arabian Nights," which some viewed as anti-Muslim, have been replaced in all versions included here. In the new music videos, Aiken sounds OK (if you can stand his overblown style) and Lachey sings surprisingly well, but Simpson's voice is weak compared to Lea Salonga's in the movie soundtrack. The DVD comes with the usual Disney huckstering, including onscreen promos for Disney DVDs, a booklet pushing the sequels "The Return of Jafar" and "Aladdin and the King of Thieves" and sweepstakes entry forms. Kids - and parents - don't deserve such sales pressure.
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Thanks to Zakus from the Clayboard:
A List loves Clay!!! He was on again tonight. Talking about Aladdin again and showed clip of POYB. Asked him his 3 wishes and he wanted health for him and his family, Brett to be safe and the third wish he would save in case something came up. He talked about it was always a dream to be a Disney character because he did not think they would let him sing
A list is a Toronto Station.
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Aiken Releasing Book, Album in November
Wed Oct 6, 4:47 PM ET
By Michael Paoletta
NEW YORK (Billboard) - "American Idol" graduate Clay Aiken (news) will deliver a double whammy Nov. 16 with the release of a new album and his first book.
The as-yet-untitled RCA set is a holiday collection, while the Random House inspirational memoir "Learning to Sing: Hearing the Music in Your Life" explores Aiken's journey from special education teacher to pop star.
Coinciding with both releases are a handful of TV appearances, including "Larry King Live" (Nov. 15), "The Tonight Show With Jay Leno" (Dec. 6) and Aiken's one-hour Christmas special on NBC (Dec. 8), to be preceded earlier in the day by a visit to "The Today Show."
The singer is scheduled to begin a five-week holiday tour with a full orchestra next month.
Reuters/Billboard
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Clay Aiken has yet another item about to hit the shelves. You knew about the holiday album and the book, but did you know about the calendar? Yup, it's coming out at the end of October. I'm assuming it will feature twelve different poses by the spiky-haired tenor. What will they think of next? And yes, he will be touring with a full orchestra to support the new holiday album.
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From the Clayboard:
MORE NEW PUBLICITY FOR CLAY AIKEN!
With his new book LEARNING TO SING: HEARING THE MUSIC IN YOUR LIFE and a new CD both going on sale 11/16/04, Clay Aiken has some exciting media lined up starting in November!
The publicity includes a national concert tour, The Today Show, Larry King, and his Christmas Special airs December 8th!
Both the book and CD will be mentioned wherever possible!
See below for the latest highlights!
National TV
• CNN- Larry King Live 11/15 (1 hour specifically for book)
• Electronic Press Junket: E!, Extra, Access Hollywood 11/15 (book/CD)
• NBC Today Show 11/17 (book/CD) and again 12/8 (TV special)
• NBC Jay Leno 12/6 (book/CD/TV special)
• NBC Christmas Special will mention book during show, 12/8
National Print
• YM- Mention of Book/ Jacket Shown 11/04
• TV Guide – First Serial of book/ Cover 11/11
• People Magazine – Celebrity Holiday Issue (details tk), 11/11
• Wall Street Journal – Date/details tk
Concert Tour
Clay will tour in the following markets:
• Los Angeles—11/20
• Pasadena—11/21
• Phoenix—11/22
• El Cajon, CA—11/23
• Costa Mesa—11/26
• San Jose—11/27
• Salt Lake City—11/29
• Sewell, NJ—12/2
• Providence—12/3
• Baltimore—12/4
• Lowell, MA—12/8
• New York—12/9
• Wallingford, CT—12/10
• Raleigh, NC—12/13
• Tampa—12/15
• Orlando—12/16
• Atlanta—12/17 &18
• Chicago—12/20
• Cleveland—12/21
• Pittsburgh—12/22
• Detroit—12/23
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Thanks to hobbitkitty from The Clayboard
I'm doing some housework right now and I have Jimmy Neutron on in the background. As the credits come on, I stop to watch the tv for a second and there is some guy dressed in a superhero costume. He's trying to get into some room and a security guard stops him and asks for ID. He acts like he's trying to find it then yells out, "Hey, is that Clay Aiken?!" The security guy turns around and yells "Where?!" As the super hero guy tries to get in the room, security guy turns back around and says "Nice try."
lol I love these random Clay mentions.
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Beavers On Idol
Beyond Idols
by Cindy Wagner (2004/10/08)
Having now seen four American Idol alumni headlining their own non-Idol concerts, I am pleased to report: It is not a competition. Not anymore.
Kimberley Locke
Kimberley Locke is the latest to venture out on her first solo tour. She hit Alexandria, Virginia's revered Birchmere Music Hall on a Monday night in early October. It was also very early in her tour, and she showed some signs of needing more preparation, fussing with the audio engineers during the show, glancing at her set list taped to the floor, and (most unforgivably) forgetting the names of her band members when she paused to introduce them.
Despite these stumbles, K-Lo was fetching, coquettish, and rock solid in her vocals. After her opening number Wrong, the current single off her album, she spotted one of her smitten admirers who came bearing a bouquet of two dozen white roses. (Hint to anyone wanting to be noticed in a dark concert hall: Wear a white shirt.) "I want them right now!" she demanded with an endearing twinkle. The love-struck fellow obliged and was rewarded with a generous smooch. (Another lucky gentleman, presenting red roses, was similarly rewarded later.)
With the theme of the night revolving around an ex-boyfriend and love affairs gone awry (as in You've Changed, the next single from her "One Love" album), it was inevitable that Kimberley would cover her own idol, Judy Garland, on The Man That Got Away. She definitely had the technical power to wrench the emotions out of the song, but for my money, a pretty 26-year-old with admirers showering her with roses can't convincingly conjure the underlying despair in that song.
K-Lo's fusion of R&B and pop power fit perfectly in the Birchmere's relaxed and intimate setting. She was more impressive, expressive, and persuasive on the numbers from her own album (I Could was a standout) than she was on the covers, which included a tribute to her favorite divas, Patti LaBelle, Whitney Houston, and Chaka Khan.
She also included songs that paid tribute to her Idol experience, such as the beloved Over the Rainbow and Band of Gold, which she explained was what she sang while auditioning alongside Frenchie Davis. "I was scared to death!" she confided. But she made few other references to the Idol experience. When she said she planned to take her bouquets home with her the next day, fans in the audience pointed out that it was her new house. "You know my life!" she cried with mock dismay. "The price of fame!" She then thanked her fans for making that new house possible.
Ruben Studdard
Back in March, Ruben Studdard, too, found the perfect venue for his "Soulful" tour in his swing through Washington, D.C. - the historic Warner Theatre, recently renovated and a true gem. This is an urban niche, and Ruben's set had the feel of a joyous downtown gospel revival. Even the Friday-night audience came dressed for church and ready to receive a spiritual uplifting from the Velvet Teddy Bear.
Ruben responded by turning up the heat the moment the lights hit him. There is a special glow that separates the true stars from the glitter. There was no doubt of this performer's star power and command of the audience: We were in the Church of Ruben, and we believed. His set seamlessly, joyously, blended album support, idol tributes, spiritual inspirations, and, in between songs, an affection for his audience that just can't be faked. He sheepishly described his winner's anthem Flying Without Wings as "cheesy," but defended it proudly and performed it as an earnest thank-you to his adoring fans.
One advantage that Ruben had over Kimberley was the support of a band he'd been working with for much longer. This allowed him to relax and connect easily with the audience. (With dimples you could spot from Row R, that wasn't hard.)
Ruben's appearance in Washington came exactly one week after Clay Aiken and Kelly Clarkson stormed through another part of town, the huge MCI Center, for their co-headlining "Independent Tour"- clearly named to declare this pair's intention to move beyond American Idol, whatever its connotations.
Kelly Clarkson
Kelly Clarkson has become a true star in the beyond-Idol world, having succeeded in the realms of radio, music video, and movie soundtracks. In concert, she came completely prepared vocally, and she enthralled a packed arena with a presence that seemed bigger than life and yet familiar and approachable. She rocked the joint on Miss Independent, which could be the national anthem for Idol survivors. And even fans who were there to see Clay were mesmerized by Kelly's Beautiful Disaster, which she turned into a haunting torch song - a far different and infinitely more satisfying interpretation than the version on her album, "Thankful."
Clay Aiken
Clay Aiken isn't just the Idol class president - he is in a class all by himself. Though I love all four, Clay deserves special recognition not just because of his prowess as singer on a stage, but because of the qualities he brings to the world stage as human being: an unremitting positive spirit and fierce conviction that everyone should be treated fairly.
On the Washington stop early in the Independent Tour, Clay was battling a sore throat that prevented him from speaking with fans during the meet-and-greet before the show. And yet earlier in the day he had gone to Capitol Hill to press for support for one of his many youth initiatives.
Did this illness and extra exertion affect his performance? Sure it did. He tripped on a step as he popped on stage during his entrance with Kyrie. His voice cracked disastrously on the acoustic introduction to When Doves Cry. But in both cases, he laughed at himself and moved on, endearing himself further to an audience already enamored. By the time he got to what was the surprise sensation of the tour, the dance sequence for When Doves Cry, Clay had warmed up to a white-hot revelation.
Clay Aiken wouldn't let anything stop him from giving his whole heart and soul to the audience that wanted to see him, that had paid to see him, and that had voted for him a year earlier, thereby not just predicting his future success, but creating it.
He also showcased his band, his backup singers, and the not-yet-released album of Kimberley Locke, for which he recorded the duet Without You. After singing it with a backup singer, Quiana Parler, during the Independent Tour, Clay continued performing the song on his Summer tour, choosing audience members to sing with him. Each night that he paid tribute to his fellow Idol survivor, he demonstrated a graciousness that will stand him in good stead as he negotiates his way through a world of celebrity not known for nice manners. (K-Lo, I should note, never mentioned either Clay or Ruben, with whom she is performing in November in Atlantic City.)
Between his Spring and Summer tours, Clay returned to Washington, D.C., several times for non-tour events, such as the White House Correspondents' dinner. In May was the America's Promise to Our Youth gala, where Clay oversaw the distribution of several scholarships from his Bubel/Aiken Foundation in the company of Washington luminaries such as Hillary Rodham Clinton and Colin Powell. Here, Clay performed Measure of a Man as a solo and Bridge Over Troubled Water backed by the show choir of the Duke Ellington School for the Performing Arts. I was fortunate to catch a glimpse of Clay rehearsing with the talented Duke Ellington teens and was impressed with his rapport with them, chatting and giving each one attention and a handshake or hug. Crew members reported that he'd flubbed some lines of Bridge during the rehearsal, but no flaws showed during the performance.
Another stop in Washington was for the Independence Day celebration to be aired on Public Television. He arrived a day early and spent a hot afternoon at the pre-rehearsal rehearsal to work on the Star Spangled Banner, Measure of a Man, and God Bless the U.S.A. and to practice the brief scripted segue between the latter two songs. A small but loving group of fans were on hand to cheer him on, but Clay was focused strictly on preparing for what was clearly an important event for him. On his second run-through of Measure of a Man to let the engineers check sound levels, Clay hummed almost the entire song, sending chills over the sweltering audience. Washington fans could almost forgive him for not including the nation's capital on his Summer tour.
Summary
Kimberley, Kelly, Ruben, and Clay are all finding their own post-Idol niches, so they are no longer competing with each other. That said, I think Clay's niche may be larger and more complex than the others', as his ambitions and talents seem at this point uncontainable. Already there is a book, a Christmas album, and more television appearances in his immediate future, and more concerts in which to renew his love affair with live audiences.
For the long-term future, I feel safe forecasting success of varying degrees for these brightest of the Idol alumni. Maybe it's partly wishful thinking, but I could easily see Clay Aiken becoming a beloved American institution, idolized for a humanity that goes beyond Idol talent.
Till then, I'll see you in Charlotte.
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Thanks to claycycle From the Clayboard
I posted this on Media page but thought maybe I could put it here too. Clay is advertised to be on Evening Magazine after the Presidental Debate tonight on Channel 5, KING TV. Don't want anyone to miss this.
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In some (rare, BTW) packages of the new Aladdin DVD, there is a Aladdin Disk, which is really the Wilkes-Barres AI Concert from Summer 2003 in its entirity, with Clay's TITN! Check yours today!
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CRAZY FOR CLAY
ClayNation, rejoice.
It's going to be all Clay Aiken all the time as the singer readies a new album, a book, and a prime-time Christmas special, plus all sorts of promotional stops along the way.
November 16th will be Clay day. with the release of the still untitled holiday album and the memoir titled "Learning to Sing: Hearing the Music in Your Life."
To support the cd and book, Aiken will appear Nov 15th on Larry King Live, Dec. 6th on "The Tonight Show" and Dec. 8th on "The Today Show". His one hour Christmas special also airs Dec. 8th on NBC.
It's going to be a very special Clay Christmas.
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Within the next 24-48 hours, the General Forums [AI/WI, Entertainment & Other Music, Off-Topic] will be "closed for renovations". Please stay tuned for more information. Additionally, in an effort to help us keep the cost of our Gold community down, the General Forums will only be open to ezSupporters. That change will not take place for at least another week.Thanks for your understanding and support as we make the changes to best serve our Clayboard community.Sincerely,ClayNation
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From Bolt
a friend of mine works with an entertainment company and she told me clay will be in ny dec 9 at madison square garden to do his xmas show......Computer/Web Hosting Services Provided by Blogger and HostDepartment.com. Thank you.
From the Clayboard's jlk1982
just walked in my living room to see Clay's face on TV. My sister had TRL on, which I never watch. I just happen to walk in at the right moment. There was a small picture of The Way/Solitaire cover in the corner with a little blurb under it about Clay's book...saying it was an inspirational memoir. That was a nice little surprise!
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From CDUNIVERSE
1.
Sleigh Ride
2.
Mary Did You Know
3.
Christmas Song, The
4.
What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?
5.
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
6.
Winter Wonderland
7.
Silent Night
8.
Joy To The World
9.
Hark The Herald Angels Sing / O Come All Ye Faithful
10.
O Holy Night
11.
Merry Christmas With Love
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Thanks to passionate from the Clayboard
Actually, it was Elizabeth who brought it up. She mentioned that Barry had been a judge on AI and that he had said in a concert recently that "This is what Clay Aiken is gonna look like in 30 years." They all laughed and they showed photos comparing Clay and Barry (but it was an old pic of Barry). Then Barry said "And if he's lucky he'll have an audience 30 years later!" (That was in reference to something Barry had said earlier in the interview about how he would have expected to be playing Chuck E. Cheese by now rather than filling arenas of 17,000.)
Then Barry said that Clay is good and the ladies all agreed. Barbara Walters even said "He has your talent."
Same old joke, but great mention!!!
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Updates:10-1-04 :: New TV appearances have been added to the Tour/TV
Appearances section!
10-1-04 :: Clay's holiday album will
be released on Nov 16th!
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Dear Clay fan,
Thanks for your e-mail and for listening to WJBR-FM. Clay's "Solitaire" did not do very well on the charts and his record company stopped supporting it soon after it's release, which is why you saw it disappear so quickly. His new single, "I Will Carry You" is doing somewhat better and yes, we are currently playing it. We appreciate that you're a big fan of Clay's and appreciate the fact that you've told friends that we're the only station in the area that plays his music on a consistent basis.
As for requests, that is far from the only factor that determines what gets airplay on WJBR-FM. Sales, research and other factors determine what we play and how often we play it. Not to bore you with how the decision making process goes, suffice to say that it's a lot more scientific than it appears.
Again, thanks for listening and for writing to us!
Sincerely,
Michael Waite
VP/Operations
WJBR-FM
NextMedia Group
(302) 765-1160
(302) 765-1193 (fax)
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Statement from ImFeelingItDawg (Brandon)
The ClayDawgs would like to announce that we are leaving the Clayboard as a group and are migrating to our own board. We decided that in order for us to grow and achieve all of our goals, it was in our best interest to spin off of the Clayboard. I cannot say enough about the Clayboard. They have been amazing to us and have given us a home when we needed it badly. Frankly, without the Clayboard, the ClayDawgs would not exist. This is not a reflection AT ALL on our feelings for this board. In my opinion, this is the best board in all of Clay Land. In fact, we have almost all the same rules and regulations in place on our board as the Clayboard.
We still plan to have a presense here on the Clayboard in some capacity and are going to work out those details with ClayNation. I know I speak for many Dawgs in that we don't plan on just leaving this board all together. I personally plan to be back everyday reading Clay news and chatting with all the friends I have been fortunate to make here.
I would like to personally invite everyone to check out our new home at www.theclaydawgs.com/phpbb In order to post, you much register and then you will receive approval as quickly as we can. We are only going that route so that we can minimize the occasional "kid" trolls that sometimes hit this board.
We have set aside a whole forum just for the Claymates called The Neutral Zone, so I think all you Flurkers will really enjoy that. We also have a number of other forums that are open to all (Operation Christmas Spirit, TechieDawg, Clay Happenings, etc). You can find out which ones are open to whom on the main page under each forum title.
So, please, come on over and check it out, register if you want to participate and then have fun. And don't forget to tell those men to join us!!! Once again, thank you from the bottom of my heart to the Clayboard. You are the best!!
Brandon
The Claydawg's new board can be found here:
http://www.theclaydawgs.com/phpbb
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Thanks to Spartus90 from the Clayboard!
Watch Fox News in your area. Sometimes when it is on here in San Diego, they run a similar segment in other areas.
They did a segment with Clay this morning with three newscasters. Ran an interview (which I think we have seen before) and played POYB. Afterwards, these were the comments:
WOW That song is worth the price of the dvd.
WOW
I got chills
I did too
He is cool
He continues to be the guy that we saw on American Idol
He's a real guy
He's incredibly talented
That song is right up his alley
This song will hook you. It's one of those that will stay in your head
Back on American Idol, the judges said that he could do musical theater. More wows from all.
It was a fairly long segment and the three of them were practically gushing over Clay. Excellent review.
I didn't get everything but they were talking faster than I could write!
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1. Christina Aguilera (+50) -perfect score!
2. Mariah Carey (+49.7)
3. Michael Jackson (+49.5)
4. Celine Dion (+49.2)
5. Johnny Gill (+48.6)
6. Whitney Houston (+48.5)
7. Beyonce (+48)
8. Alicia Keys (+47)
9. Avril Lavigne (+44.1)
10. Usher (+44)
11. Dixie Chicks (+42)
12. Amerie (+39.8)
13. Enrique Iglesias (+39.5)
14. Mary J. Blige (+39.4)
15. Clay Aiken (+39.3)
16. Le Ann Rime (+37)
17. Alanis morissette (+35)
18. Faith Hill (+34.4)
19. Pink (+34.2)
20. Dru Hill. (quintet) (+31)
21. Kelly Clarkson (+30)
22. Backstreet Boys (+29.7)
23. Slik (+29.4)
24. Lenny Kravitz (+27)
25. Nelly Furtado (+26)
26. Angie Stone (+25)
27. Michelle Branch (+23)
28. Stevie Wonder (+21)
29.Daniel Bedingfield (+20.7)
30. Sheryl Crow (+20.1)
31. Ashanti (+18.8)
32. Aaliyah (+18.7)
33. TLC (+15)
34. Brandy (+14)
35. Kylie Minogue (+9.8)
36. Jewel (+9.5)
37. Shania Twain (+9.4)
38. Chad Kroeger (+9.3)
39. *Nysnc (+9.22)
40. Toni Braxton (+9.20)
41. Tamia (+9.19)
42. Garth Brooks (+7)
43. Sting (+6.8)
44. Elton John (+6.7)
45. Mario (+6.69)
46. Anastacia (+4.8)
47. Blu Cantrell (+4.65)
48. Ruben Studdard (+4.60)
49. Paul Mcartney (+2)
50. Cher (+1.57)
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Billboard Bits: Aiken, Osbournes, Simpson, Galactic
As tipped here in August, Clay Aiken will deliver a double whammy Nov. 16 with the release of a new album and his first book. The as-yet-untitled RCA set is a holiday collection, while the Random House inspirational memoir "Learning to Sing: Hearing the Music in Your Life" explores Aiken's journey, from special education teacher to pop star.
Coinciding with both releases are a handful of TV appearances, including "Larry King Live" (Nov. 15), "The Tonight Show With Jay Leno" (Dec. 6) and Aiken's one-hour Christmas special on NBC (Dec. 8), to be preceded earlier in the day by a visit to "The Today Show."
Additionally, the artist is scheduled to begin a five-week holiday tour with a full orchestra next month.
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Deleted Song "Proud of Your Boy" by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken
This documentary goes into great detail about how this song was developed and how it meant a lot of to the late Howard Ashman and Alan Menken. You get to see the original rough footage of the scene (and Aladdin's mother) and a rough track of the song with Menken singing. It's a good song, but it doesn't compare to those left in the film. Still, it's interesting because of the emotional attachment the creators seemed to have with it.
Clay Aiken Performs "Proud of Your Boy" – American Idol runner up Clay Aiken sings this version of the deleted song. His voice is perfect for the tune and in the behind the scenes footage with the video, Menken seems very pleased with the final result. Along with a music video showing Aiken singing in front of an orchestra, you also get a short "making of" feature along with it.
Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey perform "A Whole New World" – Barbie and Ken…I mean…Jessica and Nick sing their version of "A Whole New World". They do a decent enough job, but I'm so used to the previous versions that they have a hard time comparing. The music video is just a tad awkward as Jessica seems either uncomfortable or deeply concentrating on the lyrics. Nick seems to be having a little more fun. Like the Clay Aiken video, this one is accompanied by a "making of" feature.
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This is from Ernie Halters new Web site:
erniehalter4242
ezOP
(9/30/04 2:22 am)
Reply Re: Hey there Guys !!!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I started playing piano at about 8 when my mom forced me to take lessons. Really, she was the one who wanted to take them but I think she was living vicariously through me. I played for a few years and quit because my teacher was old and her house smelled like dog pee. In highschool I picked up the guitar and taught myself over the summer between my freshman and sophmore year. Nothing else to do and so I played until my fingers bled (sounds like a bryan adams song). Somewhere around 16-17 a friend talked me into my first gig at a coffeehouse in Newport Beach. I was scared to death. Shortly after I started performing (with the same friend) on the boardwalks down there by the water. We'd make a few bucks and I learned to get over my intense fear of performing at the same time. I met some dear friends during those times, friends that love very much. (This is way longer than my official bio by the way -- sort of my own E Hollywood Story... thanks for indulging me).
I got a scholarship to go to Berklee School of Music in Boston and never turned back. Graduated @#%$ Laude in 97 and moved back to LA (where I was born and raised). I got my first gigs playing again in coffeeshops and restaurants and anywhere else I could get paid to sing. As I started getting better gigs I realized that just music was as much as business as it was an art. Life was then, and still is, a balance between the gigs that I pay my rent with, and the gigs that I love. Sometimes I get lucky and I get gigs that are both.
Before attending the real Berklee, I went to this summer camp that Berklee puts on for highschool kids called Berklee In LA.... you live in dorms and study with Berklee faculty for a week and it was heaven. That's actually where I met Zach but it wasn't till years later that we reconnected through our friend Corrinne May (www.corrinnemay.com) who is an awesome songwriter I might add.
The Clay gig was definitely a great experience. Last October, I got the gig through Randy Jackson, who heard of me through another friend Laura Jane (www.sweetlaurajane.com) that sings with Enrique Iglesias. I auditioned for Randy and we spent most of that time just talking. That was it. I was on the gig and we began rehearsing a week later... and then I was off to NYC a week after that for some shows out there. Through experience I met a lot of really cool people, many I still keep in touch with.
Some of the other really fun gigs that I did were some of the musician sidelines -- that's where they need on-camera musicians for tv/film. Shows like Frasier, Beverly Hills 90210, Gilmore Girls, JAG, etc. The best was being an alien musician on Star Trek Voyager. If you check out the photos section you can see what I looked like. I got beemed up and everything. During the 5 hours it took to put on the makeup, I asked my guy if he would come to my house on halloween and he said he hated halloween. Go figure.
I feel very very fortunate to be doing what I do... and even though there is always something bigger and better out there I try to never lose sight of how lucky I am to do what I love and love what I do. *sniff*. I love you man!
P/S: On other if his comments Ernie says to fans how nice of a guy clay is and that he enjoyed working with him.
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Oct. 25- NBC - Radio Music Awards
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From the Clackhouse
Clay Aiken will be performing at the Orange County Performing Arts Center in Costa Mesa, California, on the evening of Fri/11-26, day after Thanksgiving.
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Video now up at Gonzo's Depot>TV
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Confirmed by venue.
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Clay Aiken on special DVD edition of "Aladdin"10/5/2004 2:32 PMBy: News 14 Carolina Staff
Clay Aiken at the "Aladdin" DVD premiere
Raleigh native Clay Aiken keeps climbing to new heights of success.
This time he's on an animated magic carpet ride.
Tuesday's DVD release of Walt Disney's “Aladdin” features Clay singing “Proud of your Boy." The song, originally intended for the film but cut from the theatrical version, is just some of the movie magic you'll enjoy.
WATCH THE VIDEO
Clay Aiken on special edition of "Aladdin"Raleigh native Clay Aiken keeps climbing to new heights of success.
The 2-disc special edition DVD includes a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the movie including rare deleted scenes from the original “Aladdin.”
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READ MORE
SEE CLAY'S BEAUTIFULLY PAINTED MASK
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click here to VIEW
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Barnes and Nobel has put Clay up for it's Featured Item of the Week!
CLICK HERE!
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Jessica breaks Clay's record with about 15,000 in attendance at the Springfield, MA venue, home of Clay's last summer tour stop except Charlotte and Raleigh, NC, both to come later this month.
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Thanks Rainlover for the heads up!
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CLICK ME!
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Disney News
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American Idol winner (My edit: don't you love these mistakes?LOL) Clay Aiken sings deleted song at DVD debut of Disney's Aladdin: Special Edition
Clay Aiken photo of performance of "Proud of Your Boy" at Aladdin DVD premiere
Hollywood, CA -- "Wishes were granted" at the El Capitan Theater in Hollywood, CA, when celebrities gathered for the worldwide DVD debut of Walt Disney Pictures' ALADDIN: 2-Disc Special Edition Disney DVD.
The new Aladdin DVD will be available on October 5, 2004.
American Idol star Clay Aiken performed the deleted song "Proud of Your Boy."
The song was written for the original film, and it is now sung by American Idol singer Clay Aiken and included on the Aladdin: Special Edition 2-disc DVD.
Those in attendance included: Richard Cook (chairman of The Walt Disney Studios), Robert Chapek, (president of Buena Vista Home Entertainment), Gordon Ho, (senior vice president of Buena Vista Home Entertainment marketing), talent from the film including Scott Weinger (Aladdin), Linda Larkin (Jasmine), Gilbert Gottfried (Iago), as well as special celebrity guests Beau Bridges, Ernie Hudson, D.L. Hughley, Amy Yasbeck and many more.
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Deleted Song "Proud of Your Boy" by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken – This documentary goes into great detail about how this song was developed and how it meant a lot of to the late Howard Ashman and Alan Menken. You get to see the original rough footage of the scene (and Aladdin's mother) and a rough track of the song with Menken singing. It's a good song, but it doesn't compare to those left in the film. Still, it's interesting because of the emotional attachment the creators seemed to have with it.
Clay Aiken Performs "Proud of Your Boy" – American Idol runner up Clay Aiken sings this version of the deleted song. His voice is perfect for the tune and in the behind the scenes footage with the video, Menken seems very pleased with the final result. Along with a music video showing Aiken singing in front of an orchestra, you also get a short "making of" feature along with it.
Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey perform "A Whole New World" – Barbie and Ken…I mean…Jessica and Nick sing their version of "A Whole New World". They do a decent enough job, but I'm so used to the previous versions that they have a hard time comparing. The music video is just a tad awkward as Jessica seems either uncomfortable or deeply concentrating on the lyrics. Nick seems to be having a little more fun. Like the Clay Aiken video, this one is accompanied by a "making of" feature.
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From Page 91:
The two-disc Aladdin: Special Edition is packed with extras, including a new music video from Nick Lachey and Jessica Simpson (a cover of "A Whole New World" , and Clay Aiken sings the unreleased ballad "Proud of Your Boy." It's genie-us!"
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Thanks demeter from the Clayboard
Boston Globe LINK
Extras: Deleted song newly performed by Clay "Ali Ababwa" Aiken
NY Daily News LINK
Disney's 1992 cartoon classic comes out on DVD in a two-disk set sporting filmmaker commentary, games, deleted sequences and Clay Aiken singing "Proud of Your Boy," a song written for the movie but not used.
Big News Network.com (Australia) LINK
includes the previously deleted song Proud Of Your Boy by Oscar-winning songwriters Howard Ashman and Alan Menken, sung by Aiken.
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clay aiken
Sometimes misfortune is a blessing in disguise. Such is true for 25-year-old Clay Aiken. Last year, more than 50 million viewers tuned in to the second season finale of American Idol to see who would take the title. With 24 million votes phoned in, competitor Ruben Studdard won by only 134,400 votes.
Although Aiken took second place that day, it didn’t take long for him to appear on the cover of Rolling Stone. He was also named one of People magazine’s sexiest men alive. Aiken’s first single, “This Is The Night,” backed with his cover of Simon & Garfunkel’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” was the only platinum-certified single of 2003. It spent 11 weeks at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 Singles Sales chart.
“It’s all very baffling to me,” Aiken once told the Houston Chronicle, regarding his fame. “I guess that’s why it’s so hard to wrap my mind around it when people are waiting outside the venue after a concert and cheering. I’m amazed that they’re actually doing that because I would never do it. I especially wouldn’t do it for some skinny little dork.”
A native from Raleigh, North Carolina, Aiken co-headlined a tour with Kelly Clarkson earlier this year, and is currently on the road in his first ever solo headlining tour in support of his multi-platinum Measure of a Man. This is the third time Aiken has toured the United States since last summer.
Aiken’s rise to stardom continues at a fast pace. He is currently recording a holiday-themed CD to be released for Christmas 2004, as well as a book of inspirational thoughts that he says has helped him reach a peaceful place in his life.
When asked once what his goals were, Aiken replied, “Success, happiness, stability. I would love to be known as a generous and selfless person.”
It seems the inspirational artist has succeeded. David Hiltbrand from The Philadelphia Inquirer wrote, “Whatever X-factor makes an ‘Idol’ an idol, Aiken obviously has it.”
Tune in to Clay Aiken this month on Right Here, Right Now IComputer/Web Hosting Services Provided by Blogger and HostDepartment.com. Thank you.
"For the Record":
You know that guy you saw recently in Raleigh, the one wearing the floppy hat, the one you thought could be -- well, you know, before you talked yourself out of it?
Well, it was.
Clay Aiken was in town last month to record vocals for a Christmas album scheduled to be released in November. He spent three days at Sonic Wave Studios in Raleigh working on the tracks, said owner Mark Cimerro.
"It has a very nice, sort of old-Christmas movie feel, but modern," he said. "I think it's going to sell like gangbusters."
Aiken previously has said the album would feature standards with a traditional feel, something that would hold up year after year.
But the real question is how did Aiken work in his hometown without his fans finding out? Cimerro said Aiken wore a "Gilligan" hat on his way to the studio each day. And if that weren't enough to keep the secret, Cimerro said he personally took pains not to tell anyone.
"I did not let the word leak at all", he said. "I was afraid that if anywhere from 20 to 200 moms and kids showed up in the parking lot, it would make everybody nervous."
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This is from The Los Angeles Sunday Times:
The low point is the music video of "A Whole New World" with Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey, which has a cutesy "making of" mini documentary.
The high point, though, is "Proud of Your Boy," a beautiful, haunting tune Aladdin sings to his mother. It was deleted when the film's focus changed.
The DVD features storyboard drawings of the song with Menken singing and a music video with Clay Aiken performing.Computer/Web Hosting Services Provided by Blogger and HostDepartment.com. Thank you.
