Clay Nation Bloggers Mark The End of An Eventful Year
As we wind down 2006, here are some year end thoughts from the Clay nation's blogs:
- There Was A Man - this is definitely one of the BEST blogs this year! Here's to looking forward to fresh start for 2007. I've chosen some of the best parts of the blog, but make sure you head on over to read the entire thing... it's magnificent!
2006 is finally at an end. It's probably not a bad thing in the Clay fandom.
The Ugly
If we only knew how good we had it in 2005. Starting the year was rough because we weren't sure when we would hear from Clay again. We had been waiting on news of an album for almost a year. We knew that he had been recording, so we were still in wait mode. We actually didn't have to wait to long to hear from Clay because on Jan 17th he blogged with a quote from the bible -- Isaiah 51:7. "Do not fear the reproach of others, and do not be dismayed when they revile you." At that time we didn't really know what he meant, but we didn't have to wait long before the crap hit the fan. Clay had become a target of a nefarious character looking to capitalize on Clay's fame by spreading vile rumors and lies about him. Vile because Clay was made to look like some desperate loser when we all know he is anything but. The one really positive that came out of this MESS was that the fandom and Clay grew stronger. Our bond is deeper than ever. Clay has proven to be a man of strength and character, a man worthy of admiration and devotion. If the plan was to divide and conquer the fandom, it was a dismal failure. You had only to look at the "Circle the Wagon" thread at the Official Fan Club to see hundreds and hundreds of messages of support for Clay. We weren't going anywhere.
The Look
At the the AI Finale in May, Clay unveiled a new look. No more spikes, instead there was a head of dark long hair with bangs hanging into the eyes very reminiscent of a young Paul McCartney. It was a bit of a shock at first, but many grew to love it. One thing is for sure, the man got a lot of buzz from that 3-minute appearance where he sang "Don't Let the Sun Go Down On Me". Every media outlook and watercooler were buzzing about him the next day. Taylor who? The look changed somewhat throughout the rest of the year, the hair lightened and grew longer. The bangs were eventually discarded for a side part, but it suited Clay's more mature look. His body and face had filled out. Gone was the boy next door. Welcome to the hawt sexy man.
The Humanitarian
As always, charitable endeavors were a big part of Clay's year. I'm sure we don't know everything that goes on behind the scenes, but what we do know is pretty impressive. Clay continued his work with UNICEF raising money for children in the war-torn Middle East, and even lighting the UNICEF star in New York. The biggest honor this year had to be being named to serve a two-year term in the U.S. President's Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities. The committee acts in an advisory capacity to the U.S. President and the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services on matters relating to programs and services for persons with intellectual disabilities. Clay also took part in the "David Foster and Friends Charity Gala" which raised money for children of organ transplants. Clay and David Foster raised $1 million for two performances in the auction. Teacher Clay was in full evidence at Nazareth Elementary where the authors of "My Friend Mikayla" were honored by a reading by Clay, and then the young authors were treated to a limo ride back to school.
The Comedian
The man loves his Christmas music without a doubt, so while there was no actual Joyful Noise Tour complete with band and back-up singers, there were spot dates with symphony orchestras for the month of December--eighteen dates in all. Due to the short timeframe, these concerts were concentrated on the East Coast and Midwest to the dismay of the West Coast (and Texas) fans. The image of a guest singer with a symphony conjures up images up beautiful, reverent singing done in tails or at least a tux. Leave it to Clay to never do what you think he will do. Yes he sang, yes he looked good in a suit, but who knew he would be so funny. His banter sections were almost as long as the singing sections. He engaged and played off his audience poking fun at them and himself. The audience loved it, laughing uproariously throughout the show. He even introduced some rather bawdy humor. I think he converted a male fan or two with this show. This was a whole other side of Clay Aiken.
The Future
Here are waiting again once again to see what the future holds. The end of the year seems to have shades of much beginning 2006, this time with a bratty kid who feels a sense of entitlement bashing Clay in the media with the usual scum and bottom-feeders in on the frenzy. Clay as always holds himself above the fray with dignity. Perhaps we have come full circle, and good things are in store for 2007. Our resident astrologers hint that it should be good year. Clay left a year-end audio message at the Official Fan Club where he said he hopes we all are ready for a "fresh start in 2007". Yeah, I am. - ... and more year end thoughts from Jemock at Taking A Moment... looks like she's decided to start predicting the future, like mamarose!
2026 – A Year In Review
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Raleigh, North Carolina. The ballustrade of the Governor’s Mansion is decked with festive boughs of holly, pine and collard greens. The famous Hall of Trees is alight with the twinkling of 350 frasier firs, decorated with ornaments sent from all fifty states—the ornaments now number in the thousands, according to Faye Parker, The First Mom and Secretary of the Interior (Decoration). She says “It’s such a blessing for Clayton to have such dedicated constituents. So many of these ornaments were made by hand and lovingly shipped here to the Governor’s Claymate Mansion. We appreciate each and every one, and even though I usually put the ugly ones on the backs of the trees, each one is a precious gift, and a reminder that not every Governor has his own paying fan club.”
Mrs. Parker walks through the Mansion, pointing out all the gifts received from the fans. “This mosaic of Clayton, made from human hair and nail clippings, is a favorite of his. This framed document here is a fan’s checkbook register, and you can see how every single entry in here reflects a purchase of one of Clayton’s 15 cds, concert seats, fan club memberships, ebay auctions, psychological counseling, divorce proceedings, liquor store bills and merchandise purchases, all the way down to the zero balance you see here at the bottom. Most of the artwork in the Mansion is indeed from fans, although that fringed ottoman over there was MY idea.”
Governor Aiken’s personal secretary, Clive, tells us that the Governor has pushed a few things around on his OFC calendar to give us a few minutes.
“Hey there! I’m Clay Aiken!!” The Governor strides into the office with a hearty giggle and a firm (not clammy) handshake. “I’m always happy to take time for the Raleigh media! Especially since I bought all the television stations and newspapers about 19 years ago! HAHA!!”
“Will there be anything else, Governor Aiken?” asks the timid Mr. Davis. “No, Clive, I think that’s all for now. You can go clean the bathrooms now, and then you can take a nap in your cryogenic chamber” “Oh THANK YOU Guv'nor Sir! THANK YOU! Thank you for the bathroom mandate!” said Mr. Davis. “Clive has been with me for a long time now,” said the Governor. “Ever since I took over RCA, he’s been really great to have around. He can put a mean spitshine on a shoe, let me tell you.” - ConCLAYve - year end thoughts:
September, 2006 saw the release of the new CD, a CD of covers (with four originals). The boards exploded with varying opinions about the CD, the song choices, the promotion, and Clay's appearances to promote the CD, but the one thing we all agreed on was that we were so happy to see him. Finally. At last.
His fans flocked to his TV appearances, watched him light the UNICEF star, and attended his annual Christmas Tour, where he sang backed by a full symphony orchestra and where he did at least four shows riddled with vertigo. He didn't cancel, he didn't give a lackluster performance, in fact, this tour was the best I've ever heard Clay sing.
I think all of the fans are looking forward to seeing what 2007 has in store for Clay and ourselves. A new year and a new start, for both of us. Bring it, Clay, we have your back, always and forever.
1 comments:
Thank you so much for your kind words about my blog, There Was A Man. I'm not a writer, but the words just sort of poured out my brain onto my keyboard this week. *g* Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for the link from your fabulous and informative blog.
VV
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