Confusion Takes Reign

FOUR SHOWS... ONE PRODUCER... TWO STORIES. Confused Yet?

Today's news that Clay might appear on the American Idol finale has sent shockwaves not only through the Clay nation, but also through the mainstream media. As one Clayboarder put it: "Funny, the AI5 buzz is about Clay." Here's a wrap-up of the day's event:

• 7:00 AM EDT: WRAL-FM Raleigh reports that Clay is rumoured to be on AI this Wednesday.
• 2:15 PM EDT: Entertainment Tonight posts a story on its website which says: "CLAY AIKEN and CARRIE UNDERWOOD will be on hand for the crowning moment!"
• 4:34 PM EDT: The Insider is shown in select markets in the East Coast. They announced (these exact words): "We just confirmed the former Idol runner-up will make an appearance on Wednesday's show." Interview with producer Ken Warwick.
  
• 7:07 PM EDT: E! News says the Clay on Idol rumor is untrue. Another interview with producer Ken Warwick.
• 7:42 PM EDT: On the east coast broadcast of Entertainment Tonight, the reporter says that Clay is "rumoured" to appear on American Idol Wednesday.
• 11:30 PM EDT: Clay is the lead story on CNN's Showbiz Tonight. The odd thing is that they don't even mention this appearance and instead lavish him with praises.
  

Also consider:

• Some tabloid sites have been reporting this story.
• MSNBC reportedly said Clay WOULD BE ON Idol in an article this morning.
• The media outlets are being very selective about the use of the words "rumor" or "confirmed" and "appearance" or "performance."
• Ken Warwick seems to be contridicting himself. (see above Insider and E!)
• There has also been reports that Bo Bice accepted, then turned away, then re-accepted an invitation to AI. We're unsure whether this has been a factor in this strange story today.
  

So as you can see, a LOT of confusion. Either way, the buzz for Clay's CD is out there. ET even showed a nice graphic comparing Clay's sales to the rest of the idols (3.9 millions CDs sold, over $27 million in concert ticket sales).

We're in for a tight ride Claymates... hold on!

Update 5/23 5:05 PM: CLAY WILL BE ON AMERICAN IDOL TOMORROW, SINGING A DUET WITH CARRIE UNDERWOOD. CONFIRMED BY AOL, ET, FOX, INSIDER. More info.

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, American Idol, Invisible, ET, The Insider, E! News, WRAL