Clearwater, FL Christmas Concert An Instant Sellout: Venue; 2nd Concert Being Considered

From the CB's Rainlover:

A friend just called me. Tickets for Clay's Christmas concert at Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater, FL on Friday, December 30th went on sale this morning, but she couldn't seem to access them at Ticketmaster. It said "Not Available". She called Ruck Eckerd Hall to see what was going on. The lady there said they sold out instantly. Said she had never seen anything like it. She said they were working on getting a second date (tentatively 12/28) and took my friend's phone number in case they get the second date set up. She said they already had around 600 requests on the second date!

Interview with CTV's E-Talk Daily Soon

CTV (Canadian Television) trucks were spotted at the Molson Amphitheatre in Toronto on Thursday before the concert and CTV just announced that an interview with Clay will air 'soon' on their daily entertainment show, E-Talk Daily (airs at 7 PM/10:30 PM CDT) on the main CTV Network.

From the CH:

I caught e-Talk Daily (or the last part of it at least), the entertainment/talk show that is on at various times during the early evening in Toronto. Ben Mulroney announced that he did an interview with Clay and that it would be shown "soon" (no actual date mentioned). They must have discussed Uganda because Mulroney said Clay had told him that the only music he heard while in Uganda was traditional tribal music and Shania Twain (BWAH). Now that's an interesting combination of music considering the locale. I'm going to watch it again later to see if there was anything I missed. (There was not one word of Clay's appearance for the JBT on e-Talk BEFORE the concert that I am aware of. And the same could be said for the other TV entertainment shows.) If there were, I totally missed them.

Clay Debuts New Song "Tears Run Dry" in Toronto

Clay debuted another song to thousands of excited Canadian fans last night in Toronto. As with Just You and 1000 Days, Tears Run Dry is a slow ballad. MP3s and Audios of this new song is available at AllThingsClayAiken.com.

Tears Run Dry
Tears Run Dry
Caught in a moment that won't let go,
Trying to find my way out.
When you're alone at a dead end road, might as well turn back around.
And I'm in the dark
Completely alone [could be "a complete unknown"]
Like a shadow thats turned to stone...
Trying to figure out
How two become one thing ever so alone

I'm broken. Wide open. You shattered all we had.
And I'm through with hoping, somehow I'm gonna put the pieces back.
I've cried me an ocean, now there's nothing left inside
I'm here not knowing.
Where do you go when tears run dry?

I close my eyes and I breathe you in,
Always and ever the same
How did we end up strangers again,
When I'm still dreaming your name.
And I'm calling out
Are you hearing me?
I don't know where I belong.
Now it's so clear
Why do I wish you here,
When I'm already gone?

Ooh yeah...

Chorus

Maybe I should run away
Maybe I should disappear
Maybe I should find a place where no one knows I'm there
Anywhere but here...

[Chorus]

Where do you go when tears run dry.....
Tears run dry....
Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhh
----
Courtesy claymarie

Clay Announces Joyful Noise Tour 2005 Kicks off Nov. 2 in Vancouver

Clay announced to the 7500 strong Canadian audience last night at the Molson Amphitheatre in Toronto that the Christmas tour will kick off in Vancouver, BC on November 2nd. No venue/ticket info have been announced.

Interview with Toronto's 680News Now Online

680News has just uploaded an interview with Clay conducted yesterday. The interview is available on it's website.

HE'S THE NERD WHO BECAME A POP STAR ON ONE OF TV's BIGGEST TALENT SHOWS "AMERICAN IDOL" AND ON THURSDAY NIGHT "CLAY AIKEN" IS PERFORMING AT THE MOLSON AMPHITHEATER. CLAY AND RUDY CHAT ABOUT HIS NEWFOUND SUCCESS.

LISTEN TO THE COMPLETE INTERVIEW BELOW

LISTEN

Summary courtesy the CB's pamforclay:

It's in Quick Time, I think and it is a lengthy interview. The runner-up on AI thing was mentioned, we covered the hope for Nerds thing, the planning to be a teacher, "karma"...good for Clay, bad for people who picked on him earlier in life, Rudy Blair said he is the MOST SUCCESSFUL person out of Idol which Clay countered with compliments to Ruben, Kim L. and Kelly C, (whatta guy!), mention made about not being fully preapred for the "business" end of his profession (parapharasing) as he was planning on being a teacher but the jist was that he was more business savvy now, Fame does not necessarily equal success, being played on the radio is not an indication of success (paraphrase), JNT mentioned, New CD/Jaymes Foster-Levy mentioned, Christmas tour upcoming (successful last year), B/AF mentioned.....maybe someone with more than a few short hours sleep can help me out.
Nice, respectful interview and, like RedBay said, the girlfriend/Raleigh mention was there as well.

Tickets for Clearwater Christmas Show Onsale Saturday

A reminder that tickets for Clay's concert in Clearwater, FL scheduled for Dec. 30 go on sale this Saturday at 10 AM EDT via Ticketmaster.com, and all Ticketmaster outlets. Ticket prices range from $55 to $62.50.

Oprah Repeat Friday

Clay's April appearance on Oprah's Wildest Dreams show will be repeated this Friday nationwide.

Clay Mention in Fred Bronson's Billboard Chart Beat Column

Clay is mentioned in this week's Billboard Chart Beat weekly column by Clay-supporter Fred Bronson.

>> JUKEBOX HERO

Dear Fred,

Just wondering if you have been able to see one of Clay Aiken's Jukebox Tour concerts? He is just so great and he sings the heck out of all of those songs. I really think that this is a concert that no one should miss if they love rock and roll!

Sue Brain
Sarasota, Fla.

Dear Sue,

With the tour concentrating on the East Coast of the United States, I don't think I'll be able to attend. I'm in production on a TV special and won't be traveling out-of-town for a while. I understand Clay has acknowledged using my books to help him choose the songs he is singing on this tour. He's selected hits from the 1950s, '60s, '70s, '80s, '90s and '00s, so I'm glad I was able to be a reference source.

AD: Essex Junction, VT (August 24, 2005)

No New Songs @ Merrillville

As we reported yesterday, Clay rehearsed 2 new songs yesterday in Merrillville but did not perform them during the actual concert.

Hold Me, Thrill Me Kiss Me & Brown Eyed Girl Sung At Merrillville

Clay performed Hold Me, Thrill Me Kiss Me & Brown Eyed Girl Sung at Merrillville last night during "Stump-the-band". Video is now up at MOAF.

Clay Spotted in Chicago on Monday

The Chicago Sun-Times reports that Clay was in Chicago on Monday:

Yes, that was ''American Idol'' star Clay Aiken at the Signature Room atop the John Hancock Center Monday night. ...

Clay Back At #1 at HOB.com

Clay is back at #1 on HOB.com's Most Searched Artists list. House Of Blues promotes some of Clay's concerts.

Cleveland Q104 Radio Interview Tomorrow

Clay will be interviewed tomorrow morning (August 24) by Cleveland's Q104 FM. Clay was interviewed last month by Q104, and MP3s of that interview are now up on Q104's Morning Show's website, MeasureOfAFan.com and AllThingsClayAiken.com. A transcript is available here.

This is from Q104's website:

The West Wing's Gary Cole tell us about being the vice president of the United States! CNN's Carol Costello gives us the latest in global news! Clay Aiken hypes up his huge show in Cleveland!

New Songs at Merrillville Soundcheck

According to reports from the Clackhouse, Clay rehearsed two new ballads earlier today at a sound check at the Star Plaza Theater in Merrillville, Indiana.

Clay announced minutes ago to the sold out Merrillville crowd that he had "something special" for them.

Access Hollywood Article on Clay Selling His LA House

This is an article similar to the one posted by the Raleigh News & Observer earlier today. Read the N&O one here.

Clay Aiken Says Goodbye To Hollywood
POSTED: 8:32 am PDT August 23, 2005
UPDATED: 10:21 am PDT August 23, 2005

Apparently, Hollywood just isn't for everyone.

Clay Aiken is selling his Los Angeles-area home to return to his North Carolina hometown.

The Raleigh native declined to tell The News & Observer of Raleigh exactly where he's building his new home.

"Whether this ride lasts for one year or 10 years, I want to have a home base," said Aiken, 26.

The pop star who soared to fame as a runner-up on "American Idol" in 2003 has rarely been at the Mediterranean-style, six-bedroom home he bought new last fall for $2.3 million, The Los Angeles Times reported.

The 7,800-square-foot home was new when the singer bought it and rests on more than an acre in a private, rural area of the San Fernando Valley that is zoned to allow horses, the Times said. The house has 61?2 bathrooms, a pool, a spa, a gazebo and a sports court.

Aiken listed the house in March for $2.5 million and expects to close escrow next month, the Times reported.

Aiken's mother, Faye Parker, decorated his California home with North Carolina furniture. The work won't go to waste despite the move, he said.

"All the stuff, curtains, fabrics and whatever else is coming, too," Aiken said.

AD: Atlantic City (August 23, 2005)

Interview with Toronto's 680News Delayed To Thursday

Today's scheduled interview with Toronto's 680News (reported first yesterday) has been delayed to Thursday, according to a 680News e-mail. The station's online stream can be accessed from their website. More soon...

We're on the Move! (8/23 Update)

We are in the process of moving 500 posts from the old site of Clay News Service (before we merged it with the main Clay's Daily Double Ads site). You should now notice that a ton of news from Aug. 22, 2004 to Nov. 17, 2004 are now present in our archives. We hope to finish transferring before the end of the month.

8/23 UPDATE: This process is now complete. CDD/Clay News Service now has over 900 news postings and about 200 ad postings, (total of around 1150) in our archives!

Originally posted Aug. 13, 2005

Clay Building New Home in Raleigh Area - Raleigh News & Observer Story

Two articles (that are essentially the same) about Clay moving back to Raleigh appeared in today's Raleigh News & Observer. The latter is from the Associated Press wire which means it will be picked up by media outlets nationwide.

Article 1

Claymates, your guy's coming home
Singer's L.A. digs are up for grabs

Clay Aiken is keeping his furnishings, all from Carolina.

By MATT EHLERS AND WETA RAY CLARK, Staff Writers

For the connoisseur of Clay, this could be the ultimate souvenir.
Clay Aiken is coming home -- and his 7,800-square-foot California home is on the market. The house in Los Angeles County has six bedrooms, 6 1/2 baths, a swimming pool, massage room and "sports court." He's asking $2.495 million.

Fans got a peek inside this week, by way of a virtual tour set up by the real estate company. On the Web, voyeurs could see pictures of Aiken's bedroom, living room and bathrooms.

But -- sorry, Claymates -- the link was disabled late Monday.

Aiken, 26, who soared to fame on "American Idol," is building a home in the Triangle. But during a backstage interview before his recent concert in Cary, he wouldn't say exactly where.

He hopes his next home is a bit homier. "Whether this ride lasts for one year or 10 years, I want to have a home base," he said.

Aiken's mom, Faye Parker, decorated his California home, which he bought in September. But once a Carolina boy, always a Carolina boy: All of the furniture came from North Carolina, he said, except a Virginia recliner, "which fell apart."

Despite the move to new digs, Mom's work won't go to waste.

"All the stuff, curtains, fabrics and whatever else is coming too," Aiken said.

Article 2

Singer Clay Aiken selling L.A. home, moving back to Raleigh

The Associated Press

RALEIGH, N.C. -- Crooner Clay Aiken is selling his Los Angeles-area home to return to his North Carolina hometown.

The Raleigh native declined to tell The News & Observer of Raleigh exactly where he's building his new home.

"Whether this ride lasts for one year or 10 years, I want to have a home base," said Aiken, 26.

The pop star who soared to fame as a runner-up on the TV series "American Idol" in 2003 has rarely been at the Mediterranean-style, six-bedroom home he bought new last fall for $2.3 million, The Los Angeles Times reported.

The 7,800-square-foot home was new when the singer bought it and rests on more than an acre in a private, rural area of the San Fernando Valley that is zoned to allow horses, the Times said. The house has 6 1/2 bathrooms, a pool, a spa, a gazebo and a sports court.

Aiken listed the house in March for $2.5 million and expects to close escrow next month, the Times reported.

Aiken's mother, Faye Parker, decorated his California home with North Carolina furniture. The work won't go to waste despite the move, he said.

"All the stuff, curtains, fabrics and whatever else is coming, too," Aiken said.

PopCulture Radio Interview with Clay

There is a new interview with Clay conducted by PopCulture Radio.

You can listen to it here. (large download-high speed only)

From Clayscience21:
I just had the chance to listen. This is indeed one of the best interviews I've heard. He really addressed the BAF - WRAL - MSNBC issue well. I think this Pop Culture show is syndicated? So it may have been heard on various stations around the country.

Summary from DarDar:
Talks about what he does on time off - slept off & on - stayed in hotel room - napped, watched CNN, napped - said he's old & boring - talks about "sexiest crooner" vote - he laughs "...I think it's sad..." - he doesn't really get it - he acts cocky about it, but there must be sexier singers than him - favorite reality star winner - he laughs & says "...that one makes SENSE!" :laugh - doesn't think anyone in his high school would have said either - she/interviewer says "Well, screw 'em!" :lol

Frustrated by people always trying to dig up dirt on him - thinks it's more of a story if they can find something negative about a good person than for someone who does bad stuff all the time - she talks about TBAF controversy - how frustrating it must be for him - he discusses the genesis of the story - how WRAL did complete story & cleared TBAF - upset that other news outlets (MSNBC, etc.) only printed half the story to sensationalize the story - this sort of thing disappoints him in regards to his work w/TBAF & UNICEF - gets "bummed out" & "ticked off" by the misinformation.

Enjoys touring - talks of genesis of JBT - talks about food at the fairs - tries to avoid the bad stuff (i.e. all the fried food).

This is about it; I'll listen again & try to pick up a few other points....

Radio Interview Alert: 680News Toronto

Clay will be interviewed on Tuesday (Aug. 23) by Toronto's 680 News. 680's online stream can be accessed from their website. We do not know the exact time of the interview, but 680 News says it will be posted on their site for those of us who miss it on late Tuesday or Wednesday.

Clay brings the Jukebox Tour to the Molson Amphitheatre on Thursday. The 9,000 seater venue is one of the largest on tour and Toronto is the largest city on this year's tour. This is Clay's first concert outside the United States since visiting Toronto's Air Canada Centre in July 2003 with the American Idol 2 tour.

Clay Mention on Today's Oprah Rerun

From the CB:
Not sure if this is old or if anyone saw Oprah today, but Lisa Marie Presley was on and she was talking about her music and writing songs and whatnot. She said that she didnt enjoy the music of today because most artists are just interested in getting hits, but every now and then you find a Clay Aiken! I just thought it was a really awesome comment, and it shows that Clay is unique about bringing his music across to everyone. Anyway, just thought I would let everyone know.

Claymates 'Touring' Clay's Former LA Home

In the process of selling his old LA House, Clay's real estate agent has set up an online virtual tour, available to anyone who has internet access. However, as MSNBC reports, some fans are taking it one step futher by requesting in-person tours of the $2.3 Million house.

From MSNBC:

Fans touring Aiken's home online
By Jeannette Walls
MSNBC
Updated: 1:22 a.m. ET Aug. 22, 2005

Clay Aiken fans are visiting his house by the thousands. Virtually.

Rabid fans of the "American Idol" runner-up have been emailing one another virtual tours of the singer's 7,800 square-foot San Fernando Valley house, which has gone on the market for $2,495,000.

The 26-year-old bought the 6 bedroom, 6.5-bathroom Mediterranean-style house last fall for $2.3 million, but has said that he doesn't like living in L.A. because he feels "lonely" there. In addition to taking the cyber tour, fans have been trying to visit their idol's home in person.

Clay's Tour Diet (article from Meadville Tribune)

The following article from the Meadville Tribune has some interesting info on what Clay and his crew eat on tour. If you recall, a similar article appeared in September last year during the 2004 'Not-A-Tour' Summer Tour.

On the other hand, when Aiken shows up, there are to be five dressing rooms with eight dozen towels and five cases of water.

Four vegetarian entrees are to be prepared for lunch and dinner. Reading between the lines, apparently there is one member of the crew with allergies. One meal is to be cooked with no nuts, mushrooms, coffee, mint, chocolate or shellfish. The contract emphasizes those meals must be cooked without any of the above ingredients touching the food.

Aiken's contract also calls for chocolate and white soy milk.

Breakfast for 30 people includes eggs, bacon, sausages and home fries, plus either french toast, pancakes, waffle or crepes, assorted cereals and fresh fruit.

Lunch is to be provided for 42 people and is to include hot soup, garden salad, chicken salad and one other salad (tuna, egg, pasta or seafood) and an entree.

Cookies, brownie or ice cream is also to be included as well as two meals with chicken breast or white fish.

Dinner for Aiken's group is based on what day of the week it is. Since the concert in Crawford County is a Sunday, it is to be turkey with all the dressings.

When the entourage pulls out, three bag lunches are to be ready for the truck drivers. They are to include two peanut butter and jellu sandwiches, one on wheat bread (preferably Wonder), an apple, candy bar and two bottles of water for each driver. Ten cases of water also are to be provided as well.

Also to be provided throughout the day are various amounts of varied types of soft drinks and juices.

Pop Tarts with no fruits and assorted Altoids and gum are to be provided as well. In addition, the board is to pay $150 per bus to restock the food and provide runners to buy it.

Click to enlarge:

Clay in Columbus Dispatch Online Poll Again

For the record, this is the 3rd time the Columbus Dispatch has featured Clay in it's weekly poll in the 'flipside' section of their site.

You Tell Us
Who should replace Dave Kaylor as a WBNS-TV (Channel 10) anchorman?
(Choose one answer)

Kurt Ludlow

Jerry Revish

Bob Orr

Dan Rather

Clay Aiken

Mike Bubel Turns 15

Mike Bubel turned 15 years old today. Clay worked with the Bubel family prior to auditioning for American Idol in Charlotte and Atlanta.

"When A Man Loves A Woman" Sung at Meadville

Clay sang "When A Man Loves A Woman" as a special request during last night's concert in Meadville.

A download is available courtesy the Clackhouse: CLICK HERE.

Clay Wants 'Touch' Signs?

From the CB's MixnJude0:

Is it me or is Clay just goading us on to see how many people he can get to bring a "Touch" sign to the concert!

Well, we can't disappoint, so I am copying TOUCH! (in 100pt) onto 8 1/2 X 11 copy paper. I can copy a ream (500 sheets) and will hand them out to every person in the first 500 seats at Meadowbrook (my next concert)

Spread the word! Even if he doesn't sing it, I'm sure he'll get a kick out of it!

WRAL-TV Posts Extensive Claymania Coverage from Past 2 Years

Clay's hometown TV Station, WRAL has posted a complete listing of Clay stories onto it's website. Click the headline ("Claymania: Stories, Video and More!") to move to the WRAL.com Claymania page (page will open in new window for your convenience).

Claymania: Stories, Video and More!

The commotion over season two 'American Idol' runner-up and Raleigh native Clay Aiken continues.

CLAYMANIA MULTIMEDIA Claymania: Stories, Video & More! Photos: Triangle Crazy For Clay DISCUSSION Are You A Clayniac? Take Our Quiz Have You Bought Clay Aiken's New CD? Join The Clay Train! Show Your Support For Clay Aiken American Idol

The last two years have been a whirlwind year for Aiken -- and WRAL has been there every step of the way.Watch video clips of Aiken's hometown visits, his interviews with Lynda Loveland and photos from his journey to stardom. Aiken checks WRAL.com and said he watched an interview clip and laughed and laughed!Aiken launched the Bubel/Aiken Foundation to benefit special needs children. The address: P.O. Box 90307, Raleigh, N.C. 27675. To learn more about the foundation, click here.THE LATEST:
March 24, 2005: Clay Aiken Gives An Update On His Projects
March 23, 2005: Clay Aiken Talks About His Visit To Tsunami Sites
December 13, 2004:Fans Line Up For Aiken's Autograph
November 29, 2004: Aiken's Popularity Continues To Hit High Note With Book, CD
November 16, 2004: Aiken Christmas CD Hits Stores
November 12, 2004: Some N.C. Fans Left Empty-Handed For Clay Aiken Concert
October 18, 2004: Claymania Alive And Well At State Fair
October 17, 2004: Aiken Expected At Kimberley Locke's State Fair Concert Sunday
October 4, 2004: Raleigh School Hopes To Benefit From 'Claymania'
September 30, 2004: Clay Aiken Offers Sneak Preview Of New Christmas CD
September 27, 2004:Second Clay Aiken Performance Sold Out In Minutes
September 3, 2004: Aiken Concert At State Fair Sold Out
July 16, 2004: Kids Stars Of Camp Dreamed Up By Aiken
July 16, 2004: Catching Up With Clay: Tour, Book, CD On Way
June 8, 2004: Clay Hits Road For Upcoming Tour
June 8, 2004: Fairgoers Asked To Be On Lookout For Fake Clay Tickets
May 11, 2004: Aiken's Magical Ride Continues With Aladdin DVD
April 28, 2004: Clay Aiken To Perform At N.C. State Fair
March 2, 2004: Clay Aiken's Mom Reflects On Son's Fame, Security Issues
March 2, 2004: Check Out Clay's Clothes At N.C. Museum Of History
March 1, 2004: Concert Tour Brings Clay To Raleigh, WRAL
February 6, 2004: Clay Aiken Earns Johnston County Honor
January 2, 2004: Aiken Featured In National Cartoon
Aiken Story Archive

Copyright 2005 by WRAL.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Clay Crossword Puzzle in Sept. Issue of Celebrity Word Seek

From the CB:
Just a heads up that in the September Issue of Celebrity Word Seek Puzzles there is an entire Clay word seek. No picture....but just as a time killer, it's there for you. I was surprised to find that it even contained a work seek for Raleigh Boys Choir.

Thats my shpeil...
Erin