A Special Night In Raleigh

Last night, Raleigh was lit up by Clay's concert at the RBC Center. Here are some news tidbits from last night's concert. Read the recaps for full info. Go to our Joyful Noise 2005 coverage.

• Clay sings a new Christmas song called 'Beautiful Star of Bethlehem'
• According the ncsupack88, the RBC Center put the words "We Celebrate You Home, Clay Aiken. Merry Christmas With Love from your fans" on it's arena marquee.
• Attendance was strong. About 8000 of the 10,000 seats were filled.
• Most of Clay's family and friends were in attendance. Clay sang the new song (see above) to his Grandpapa Aiken who has Alzheimers.
• A few of Clay's music teachers were spotted.
  
• Jumbotrons were used.
• 11 year-old JNT actor Gregory Ellis returned to the show (he fell ill last week) and got a extended round of applause from the Raleigh crowd.
• During 'Don't Save It All For Christmas Day', when Clay asks the audience to hug Clay, Gregory goes and hugs Clay. The CB's Rainlover notes that no one has ever hugged Clay before during the song.