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Saturday, October 30, 2004
Friday, October 29, 2004
UNC-Charlotte to offer course on 'American Idol'
http://newsobserver.com/news/nc/ncwire_news/story/1776941p-8065678c.html
The Associated Press
RALEIGH, N.C. -- Clay Aiken sang his way to a runner-up finish on the television show "American Idol." Last season, fellow North Carolinian Fantasia Barrino won a lucrative recording contract by claiming the title.
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte will now cement the show's legacy in the state by offering an academic course about the TV show.
Beginning in January, students at UNCC will earn three credit hours for the class "Examining 'American Idol' Through Musical Critique."
The class will watch the show twice a week and devise its own system for rating contestants.
Students will learn the history of different musical styles used as "Idol" themes, such as Motown and Broadway. The final project will be a paper on who should win and why.
The elective course was created by Jay Grymes, assistant professor of musicology, whose research on Hungarian classical composer Ernst von Dohnanyi is a bit more highbrow.
Grymes, 31, admits he's a huge fan of "Idol."
"It's been my dirty little secret," he said.
The show can be a springboard for serious discussion about the art of performing music and the craft of critiquing it, he said.
Grymes also is prepared to invite Aiken, a UNCC graduate, and Barrino, who lives in Charlotte, to the class.
AMA Commercial!
From flowers4Uall from the Clayboard:
I was watching "life as we know it" on ABC and last night and I saw a commercial for the AMAs..They showed the special guest and Clay's name was mentioned in the promo. He looked really good. Did anyone else see this?
Kimmel on the AI course being offered at UNC
From the CB:
I was just hanging out with some of my friends and we were flippin through the tv and Jimmy Kimmel was on! Well he started talking about UNCC and how they are making a course about American Idol, he was all now you can get a degree in Aikenomics!!!!LOL. I was like yup sure do already have that and oh how I would pass the course with flying colors. All of my friends we like yah, if you could take Aikenomics you so would get an A!!!!
Thursday, October 28, 2004
LTS Hardcover includes a bonus CD?
From the CH:
News from Borders Books I just got back from Borders where I was pre-ordering LTS. The manager got all fangirly and said that the November circular had just come in and Clay is featured. She ran to get it for me, she was so happy to have someone to gush with. The circular has an ad for The Polar Express film on the cover and then inside on the opening pages under New hardcover fiction is LTS prominently featured. The sales price will be $17.56 and here is the mystery part: the blurb next to the book says "The book includes a CD." What CD? I didn't hear about this, has there been any info on an accompanying CD with the book? It does not say anywhere on the page that the CD is a Borders exclusive. I am intrigued!
Clay on Ellen Degeneres Show November 7th
From the CB:
Heads up for fellow Claynadians and those who get the Star! channel.There will be a repeat of his first appearance on Nov 7th at 2pm ET. So if you missed it, be sure to set your VCR!
Two versions of "Touch" recorded- Clackhouse
From the CH:
His Aunt Frances said last fall that he recorded a "clean" and a "dirty" version of Touch. Clay preferred the clean version, RCA stuck the dirty version on the album against his wishes. A year later, there is only one song on the album that we have not heard live despite the fact that it is one of the more popular songs among the fandom.
News about Media Appearances
From MusicTap.net
I've had so much fun with the ladies over Clay Aiken news that I thought that I'd squeeze more attention from them by providing more depth on the upcoming Aiken holiday CD, Merry Christmas, With Love. I can't wait until news comes forth for the Aiken DVD. So, for you ClayMates:11 popular traditional Christmas songs. To support the CD, Clay Aiken will have a 1-hour TV special on network TV. He will also be on The Today Show, Oprah, American Music Awards, Larry King Live, Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Good Morning America, Late Night with David Letterman, Regis & Kelly, and The View. Clay will release an inspirational memoir. RCA releases on November 16. It's Clay season!
Help 3 Clay fans support our Military troops!!!!
Hi Everyone! I'm helping to spread the news about Operation Gratitude, a great organization that will be sending gift packages to our military troops for this holiday season. Their web site states their mission, a wish list for donation of items, and opportunities for involvement, among other things.
Their mission statement:
Our Mission
Hundreds of thousands of American troops are stationed or deployed indefinitely in remote parts of the world, including the Persian Gulf, Afghanistan, Africa, the Korean Peninsula and on ships throughout international waters. The physical conditions they must endure are difficult and they may be separated from loved ones for long periods of time. OPERATION GRATITUDESM, together with the
California Army National Guard, 746th QM BN, Van Nuys, seek to lift troops' morale, and bring a smile to their faces by sending Care Packages to service members overseas. OPERATION GRATITUDESM Care Packages contain food, toiletries, necessities, entertainment items and personal letters of appreciation, all wrapped with good wishes of love and support.
Through Collection Drives, Letter Writing Campaigns and Donations of requested items or the cost of postage, OPERATION GRATITUDESM provides civilians anywhere in America a way to express their respect and appreciation to the men and women of the U.S. military in an active, hands-on manner.
OPERATION GRATITUDESM is a non-government 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, funded entirely by private donations and staffed exclusively by volunteers. For safety and security, the assembling of packages occurs at the 746th QM BN Armory in Van Nuys, California
The Wish List
Provide items from the Wish List (Unless otherwise noted, please provide new items only)
New DVDs, CDs and players
Disposable Cameras
AT&T Prepaid Phone Cards
Handheld electronic games
Puzzle, Word Game and Crossword books
Battery Operated Fans, Misty Mates or other cooling products
Commercially wrapped individual packets of Trail Mix, Beef Jerky, Nuts,
Cookies, Energy Bars, Sunflower Seeds, Candy
Ready To Eat Tuna or Chicken Salad kits
Boxes of Girl Scout Cookies
Packets of Powdered Cold Beverages
Commercially sealed Lip Balm
Individual packets of moist towelettes
Packets of Stationary
Novelty Items
New Knit Hats and Gloves
New T-shirts (sizes Large and Extra Large)
Travel Size containers of Foot Powder
Tobacco Products
Unsealed personal cards and letters
Two things I'd like to mention:
1) The lady who has been sending me the newsletters, and from whom I received permission to post info. about their group is a BIG fan of Clay Aiken. Quote: 'My daughter and I are in love with Clay Aiken!!!!!!!!!'
2) This organization is based in the San Fernando Valley in California. This is the same general area where Clay was renting his house for the past year. How about showing support to Clay's former and possibly still current neighbors !!!!
The following 2 messages will include 2 newsletters. The first has a description of a fund-raising program involving used ink-jet cartridges. The second message is the latest newsletter.
Thanks everyone!
Article on AMA's. Clay mention!
Reality TV Stars Will Perform and Present Awards RTVC To Give Away Home Entertainment System
Also scheduled to appear on the show as presenters are Clay Aiken, Pamela Anderson, According To Jim s Jim Belushi, Brooks & Dunn, Chingy, Ciara, Kelly Clarkson, Sheryl Crow, Carmen Electra, Macy Gray, Kathy Griffin, Billy Idol, Lil Flip, Teena Marie, MercyMe, Nelly, Life As We Know It s Kelly Osbourne, The Simple Life s Nicole Richie, Boston Legal s William Shatner, Desperate Housewives Nicollette Sheridan, KISS Gene Simmons, John Stamos, Switchfoot, tennis superstars Serena & Venus Williams, and Ying Yang Twins.
Wednesday, October 27, 2004
Barry Manilow on Clay's Christmas Special!
From burgaw01 from the Clayboard:
Just got a notice from the Barry Manilow Hotline that Barry will be a special guest on Clay's Christmas special (no news there!), and it's taping Monday. Didn't know if the Monday taping had made it to the Street yet. Also, the reference in the copy just said "Clay's Special"--not Clay AIKEN'S Special!
Here's what the Manilow Hotline says:
"Looks like it will be a Manilow Christmas!
Next Monday....Barry appears as Special Guest Star on Clay's upcoming NBC Christmas Special. As soon as we have the confirmed airdate on NBC, we'll let you know!"
Clay on Platinum Christmas II
Clay and Kimberley Locke's duet, "Silver Bells" will be a new Christmas release, Platinum Christmas II:
1. Josh Groban - O Holy Night
2. Michael Buble - The Christmas Song
3. Elton John - Step Into Christmas
4. Kalan Porter - Mary Did You Know
5. Kimberley Locke And Clay Aiken - Silver Bells
6. Christina Aguilera - Angels We Have Heard On High
7. Whitney Houston - One Wish (For Christmas)
8. Paul Mccartney - Wonderful Christmas Time
9. Bing Crosby & David Bowie - Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy
10. Kelly Clarkson - My Group Up Christmas List
11. Tamyra Gray And Ruben Studdard - Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
12. Ryan Malcolm - Let It Snow Let It Snow Let It Snow
13. Keshia Chante - Last Christmas
14. Newsong - The Christmas Shoes
15. Kenny G - Joy To The World
16. Jacksoul - Can't Wait Till Christmas
17. Luther Vandross - O Come All Ye Faithful
18. Gloria Estefan - Love On Layaway
Clay will be on ET Tonight! Keep an eye out!
He will be joining Jimmy Kimmel in the lead up to the AMA's on ET, tonight!
Listen to an authorized excerpt from LTS
CLICK HERE
You will find it on the right ("Audiobook Excerpt" link)
Taping of Xmas Special on Monday
As reported by Claymates in a previous post, Barry Manilow will join Clay on MONDAY to tape the Christmas special.
Tuesday, October 26, 2004
Barry Manilow: Clay has High Standards
From hippoga from the Clayboard:
Here is the Clay mention-
"Manilow's new "do" looks more than a little inspired by "Idol" alum Clay Aiken, who has been called the Manilow of his generation.
I sometimes get a little tired of the Manilow comparisons but one of the lines in this same article made me smile and not mind so much. The reviewer went on to say that-
"Whether you consider yourself a fan or not, the quality, quantity and high standards to which Manilow has aspired are increasingly rare today."
Clay definitely has the "quality" and "high standards" and I sure am hoping for the "quantity" in the years ahead!
Toys-for-Tots Foundation talks about Clay
"We are truly thrilled and honored to have Clay Aiken as our 2004 Marine Corps Toys for Tots Honorary Spokesman. He is not only a great entertainer, but an even greater human being," said Major Bill Grein, retired Marine and vice president of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. "The Marine Corps has always been looking for 'A Few Good Men', and we believe that Clay is just what we need to give our 2004 Toys for Tots Campaign a great push. Last year we were able to fulfill the Christmas hopes and dreams of nearly 6.5 million of our nation's neediest children. That was a lot of work, but we still ran out of gifts long before we ran out of children in need. We're hopeful that Clay, with the help of his many loyal fans, will help us reach even more kids this year. After all, every child deserves a little Christmas!"
BN.com review's Clay's CD
From BarnesAndNobel.com:
With the release of his album of holiday classics, Merry Christmas with Love, American Idol 2003 runner-up Clay Aiken continues to prove he's a champ. The disc includes the original title track, as well as heart warming renditions of "Silent Night," "Joy to the World," and "Winter Wonderland."
American Idol to American Role Model!
The little girls want to look like Britney Spears in their halter-tops and short skirts. The boys want to be just like their favorite athlete, who these days have enough tattoos and piercings to last an entire street gang for a year. And America wonders why our rates of teen-pregnancy, drug use, and dropouts are so high.
Role models are an interesting concept. In our society it seems, that there is confusion between role model and sex symbol. It seems that the people we idolize or make our role models are not necessarily people that we look up to as human beings, rather they are people we want to be or want to be with (No woman in the Western World can argue that Brad Pitt will be hot when he is ninety!).
Who do the kids have anymore? All of the role models of the past have sold themselves over to cults or sold themselves out to fame; until now.
It’s time to meet someone that parents will want their kids to admire. Clay Aiken is a breath of fresh air. With his squeaky clean image and good southern boy values what is not to love?
Since the beginning of his rise to fame Clay has remained true to himself. Always being the same person whether the cameras are on or off Clay captured the hearts of American men and women alike. A devout Baptist who is known to be a momma’s boy, Clay tops it all off with his passion for children with disabilities.
So whatever happened to that time when kids wanted to be their mom’s and dad’s? Now you are more likely to find a teenager searching for Madonna (“Esther”) at the Kabbalah Center than sitting in the church pew with their family.
It’s no secret that Clay has developed a following, and no matter what these fans (dubbed “claymates”) are searching for at his concerts they leave getting a little bit more than they bargained for. Nightly, during his summer tour Clay came out on stage in a white suit (and some never make it passed his appearance) to sing the cover of a song done by Christian Pop Group Avalon. As the words to the powerful ballad “You Were There” came forth from his lips hands began to rise in worship of God. Clay has said that he sings this song for himself and God and that the audience just happens to get to hear it.
This man has got to be to good to be true, there has got to be something on him that people are dying to leak. He has an illegitimate child somewhere (because what twenty five year old man is still a virgin?), he has drug problem, he has a sever alcohol addiction… something. Despite these accusations, he always has a powerful faith based defense. “WWJD” bracelet aside, this man is for real.
Maybe it is not that he is too good to be true but rather that he is exactly what America needs at this point. The mom’s love him as much as the daughters, as much as the sons, as much as the fathers and the grandmas.
Maybe true admiration can be found not in the Kabbalah Center but in the testimony of Clay Aiken who has truly gone from “American Idol” to American Role Model.
To Clay, if he ever does get to read this, “thank you.” Thank you for having the courage to stand up for your faith and to give credit where credit is due, no matter who might be watching.
Atlanta Radio!
Thanks to WATCHERTWO from the Clayboard:
This morning the DJ's were discussing Christmas and said Entertainment Weekly gives Clay Aiken's CD an A. Did we know this? Great Clay mention especially here in Atlanta.
Lip Synching...Great Clay Reference
Extract:
The Ashlee Simpson fiasco on SNL was inexcusable...but her "excuse" was the best...the band started playing the wrong song!!!! Ummm, didn't they rehearse 2 songs? I have no respect for "artists" that are successful because of studio recording enhancements and cannot perform live... Now....have you been to a Clay Aiken performance? The kid is better live than on any of his recordings. How many others can stake that claim? Gloria
Editor's Response to Gloria: Yes, I have seen Clay Aiken perform in concert and I agree completely. Clay is easily the best Pop vocal talent of his generation.
Monday, October 25, 2004
Sunday, October 24, 2004
Clay was on CBS this morning
They did a small piece about ABC dropping MAP, and they mentioned Clay.
Clay is the official Spokesperson for Toys for Tots 2004
From the CB:
Toys for Tots 2004 Celebrity Spokesperson will be CLAY AIKEN!!
Clay has already finished taping some Public Service Announcements and there will be much more to come.
We will shortly, through the wonderful assistance of Major Bill Grein and the “Entango” Corporation be able to put up a very special fund, the Clay Aiken Fans Toys For Tots Fund, designed by Entango, and accounted for by Toys for Tots.
Updates will be given on a regular basis as the to the amount in this very special fund. ALL DONATIONS TO THIS FUND WILL BE TAX DEDUCTIBLE. All donations over $250.00 will receive a “hard copy” receipt also in the mail approximately 2 weeks after the donation is made.
The technical details are being designed at this time, and the links should be up by mid week. In the meantime, starting tonight at 8:00 pm, ALL DONATIONS TO THE OCS FUND WILL BE DEPOSITED INTO THE SPECIAL CLAY AIKEN FANS TOYS FOR TOTS FUND AS SOON AS THE LINK IS UP. Links will be provided at The Clayboard, The OCS Website, The ClayDawgs Website and Clayaikenworld.
THE OPPORTUNITY TO DONATE TOYS WILL BE ANNOUNCED SHORTLY. THERE IS A SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY FOR THE FANS TO DONATE ACTUAL TOYS IN THE WORKS AND WILL BE ANNOUNCED BY THE ADMINISTRATORS OF THE BOARD.
More info, HERE.
EW Web page article about tour
FROM EW WEB PAGE, first article under NEWS:
Clay Aiken is getting ready to deck the concert halls. Billboard reports that the American Idol star is preparing a five-week tour, backed by a full orchestra, to promote his upcoming Christmas album. Dubbed the Joyful Noise Tour, the trek will begin in San Jose, Calif., on Nov. 27 and take him to Sewell, N.J.; Baltimore; Lowell, Mass.; New York; Clearwater, Fla.; Melbourne, Fla.; Atlanta; and finally, Cleveland on Dec. 21. Along with the yet-untitled holiday album, Aiken also has a book coming out on Nov. 16, an inspirational tome called Learning to Sing: Hearing the Music in Your Life, and a holiday TV special, airing Dec. 8 on NBC.
Clay's pals, Idol winners Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard, and Fantasia Barrino, have a Christmas special of their own coming up on Nov. 24 on Fox. Ruben has a holiday CD of his own, called I Need an Angel, due in early November, while Kelly and Fantasia both have CDs due at the end of November.
More Clay, Please
More Clay, please
In response to a recent blurb titled "Feats of Clay" (Oct. 9) regarding RCA recording artist Clay Aiken, I have to say that no, it's not "enough already."
According to many of his fans, Aiken has not been getting the exposure he rightly deserves -- especially in Pittsburgh, where I have heard him on the radio once. Not to mention two out of his three cross-country tours didn't even make a stop in the city!
To whomever decided that the publicity and appearances for Aiken are "enough," I challenge you to attend a concert without coming out of it more respectful of Aiken and his enormous talent. In addition to his voice, his stage presence and his popularity, Aiken refuses to conform to the cookie-cutter pop star by going against his beliefs. All of that is reflected in the way he performs and captures his audience -- which, yes, is mostly female, but there's a large grouping of men who call themselves ClayDawgs and respect and admire Aiken as well. His talent spans the sexes and the generations.
He is truly an "American Idol," and I say the more exposure he gets, the better. Bring it on!
Sarah Reck
Baldwin
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