Clay Mention In Music Connection Magazine

While at a store, OneSingerGirl from the CB, found the 3/13 - 3/26 issue of Music Connection with Clif Magness on the cover. Mr. Magness was a major producer from "Measure of A Man", and he answered a couple of questions where he mentions Clay. Here are those questions:

1) How many projects do you normally have going at once?

...I was producing Clay Aiken and Kelly Clarkson simultaneously in 2003....it was fun because of the variety of styles between the two of them, it kept me busy, interested, and focused. .....


2) What's the significance behind the fact that you've worked with 4 separate American Idols ?

...after those 2 songs (w/Kelly Clarkson), they trusted me to try a couple of Clay Aiken tracks...I enjoy working with the Idols. They come out of that show wanting to work hard and to do whatever it takes to make a great record....

Article With Lots of Clay Memories Is a Great Read

If you'd like to take a walk down Clay-Memory Lane, there's a great little article in the Juicee News Daily that will make you smile. "All About Clay Aiken", by Landon Howell, starts on a positive note..."Clay Aiken (born Clayton Holmes Grissom on November 30, 1978) is an American popular music singer who rose to fame on the American Idol television program, and who has become the most successful second-place finisher in that show’s history." Information about Clay, from his childhood days through the end of 2005 is great reading for all Clay fans.

If you are inclined to do so, you can leave feedback about this great and positive article! To read Mr. Howell's article click HERE.

Tidbits 3/11

• How to save the Olympics: Have Clay and Ruben on the bobsled team at Vancouver 2010: Myrtle Beach Online
• Lifetime TV will debut a new series called "Cheerleader Nation" which will follow America's young & aspiring cheerleaders. A TVgasm article about this show mentions "girls taking about Clay Aiken" (cute mention)
• Southern Studies: why so many southerners in Idol top 12's? All of the past winners/runner ups have souther nroots.
• Morning Call music article... small Clay mention.
  

Clay Aiken Still Red Hot At American Idol

Clay's photos from Season 2 of American Idol are occupying a huge chunk of AmericanIdol.com's top rated photos list. The only other contestant to chart on the list is last year's winner, Carrie Underwood!

Keep voting for Clay, go to AmericanIdol.com.

Tidbits 3/10

• Elites TV AI article -- Kevin Covais (negative Clay mention)
• South Coast Today-- another Kevin Covais/AI article.
• Cool video from the JBT: Clay Aiken singing with sign language interpreter (thanks to ClayReport for the heads up!)
• Article about music managers... small Clay mention.
• LA Times: Clay - a new Barry Manilow? (the link goes to pg. 2 of the 4 page article)
• "We're guessing Clay won't be on Ozzfest" -- DetNews.com.
• BogusGold AI article.
• BeaversOnIdol AI article.
• Clay's dropped off the MSNBC It List... don't even bother going to the site. It's a very negative mention.

Don't Forget To Search in Lycos

Last week Clay fell from #18 to #44 in the Lycos top 50 -- too close to the bottom for comfort. Right now Clay has been in the Lycos Top 50 for 141 weeks! However, if Clay falls out of the top 50, he will have to start completely over again at Week #1. We sure don't want that!

Please search Lycos several times a day. To go to the Lycos site, click here.

You can search by putting "Clay Aiken" into the search box, or by including with his name words such as "news", "photos", "songs", "lyrics", "American Idol"....use your imagination! But whatever you do...make certain you SEARCH!!!

Clay's Picture, Small Mention in "Carolina Idols" Article

The Raleigh News and Observer has an article called "Carolina Idols" in the front section of Thursday's newspaper which includes a picture of Clay and a small mention of him. The picture (see picture at right) is one taken at the American Music Awards, and we've been told it is a beautiful 5 1/2" x 10 1/4" color photo of Clay.

The article is about North Carolina's three idols who have, as of tonight, made the top twelve, However, Clay does get the following mention, "North Carolina's singing wannabes also can draw inspiration from 2004 winner Fantasia Barrino of High Point and 2003 runner-up Clay Aiken of Raleigh."

If you'd like to see the whole article, click here.

Barry Manilow-Clay Aiken Duet?

The CB's ClayOracle reports that Clay is doing a duet with Barry Manilow for the sophomore album. Interesting, but until it's confirmed, treat this one as a rumor.

A Barry Manilow fan that I met at the Wolf Trap JBT this year said that Clay was recording a duet with Barry Manilow today. She's been a fan of Barry's for many years and has met him, gone to many concerts, etc. Has anyone heard of this - or am I just late in learning about it? She was quite confident that it was true and the Manilow fans seem to be aware of it. She was also sure that it would be a great duet.
I'm not trying to start a rumor - just wondering if I missed a posting of this.
Thanks.

Today's Christian Poll

Today's Christian magazine wants to know if you've ever purchased an American Idol album! Clay should win this one easily. Come on Claymates!

Vote here.

Clay was featured in last November/December's issue of the magazine.

Tidbits 3/9

• US military holds Idol style competition in Tikrit, Iraq. Idol has spawned the likes of Kelly, Clay, etc... Blackanthem Military News
• Article about the Sony BMG Class Action Lawsuit about Sony BMG's spyware- CDs. (MCWL is an affected CD): ARS Technica
• Pat Boone -- Clay Aiken's Granddad? TV article from the Toronto Sun.
• AI article... Albany Times Union
• The truth about tabloids -- an expose from MSN Slate (doesn't mention Clay directly, but you probably know what we're talking about!)
• New artist James Blunt matches Clay's Billboard Hot 100 record -- Billboard ChartBeat ("Claymate" Fred Bronson) Update: The Clay part seems to have been edited off for some reason. However, it did say this a few hours ago:
  

  IT'S A 'BEAUTIFUL' DAY: He's been No. 1 on Billboard's Hot Digital Songs, Adult Top 40 and the Pop 100 charts, but this week James Blunt takes the big prize as his debut single, "You're Beautiful" (Custard/Atlantic), advances to No. 1 on the Hot 100. It's the first song by a U.K. artist to top this chart in eight years and two months, since Elton John had a 14-week reign with "Candle in the Wind 1997" / "Something About the Way You Look Tonight."
  
  Blunt is one of only four solo male artists to achieve pole position on the Hot 100 since that Elton John hit without also appearing on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs tally. The other three are Ricky Martin ("Livin' La Vida Loca" in 1999), Enrique Iglesias ("Bailamos" in 1999 and "Be With You" in 2000) and Clay Aiken ("This Is the Night" in 2003).

• Continuing the tradition set by Clay, Fantasia: AI5 top 12 could be 1/4 NC: Raleigh News & Observer
• Kevin Covais did a better job with Vincent than Clay (FYI: AI screwed up Clay's background track, no wonder he 'screwed up'): Steel Kaleidoscope blog.
• Kid Rock makes fun of Clay Aiken at concert: Daily News
• Houston may be America's fattest city, but they're still #1 in music-- small mention from the Houston Press

New Book Features Bubel Aiken Foundation

A new book called "Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs : Raising the Bar of Expectations" by Judy Winter devotes part of a chapter to the Bubel Aiken Foundation. The book focusses on parenting and children with disabilities. The CB's TDIBanshee met her 2 years ago through a friend who was volunteering at a summer music Winter had set up in memory of her son, Eric who had cerebral palsy. Of course, the two Claymates introduced her to Clay and Clay's work with Bubel Aiken.

The highly acclaimed, 288 page book is now available through Amazon.com for about $10.

April 2006 Issue of Popstar

There is a Clay mention in the Gossip column of April's Popstar Magazine. True or not? You decide. Personally, I think it's all bluff. Either way, pretty funny and not a bad picture either! Thanks to the CB's ClayGalzxy for the scan. It says:

Clay Undercover!
When stars check into hotels, they can't really sign their real names -- think of all the fans calling and showing up to bother them. Mr. Almost- American Idol Clay Aiken thought he was tricking his Claymates when he cooked up a fake name at the Madison Hotel in New York City. Problem is he chose the name Jimmy Carter, which belongs to a very famous President of the United States.

President of his fanclub?

Clay Mention During Richmond, VA Michael Buble Concert

Canadian crooner Michael Buble mentioned Clay at his concert last night in Richmond, VA. He showed the crowd his sense of humor by saying "You don't love me. Tonight, it's 'I love you, Michael!' and tomorrow it's 'I love you, Clay Aiken!'," referring to Clay's popularity.

Tidbits 3/8

• Slow and steady change on AI is best. "Imagine if they would have done Clay Aiken's makeover all at once?" TV Squad.
• Maryland dancing group's Clay Aiken gig (JNT 2005). Brief Clay mention in the Maryland Gazette.
• Today's Caregiver magazine PR-- magazine turns 50 - mentions Clay (Clay was on the cover last year)
• Clay Aiken, Kelly Clarkson making singing class popular again: Christian Science Monitor.
  

MTV Online Article Mentions Clay

In an MTV online article entitled, "American Idol: No Love for Idol Losers", by Corey Moss, we read about something most of us are already aware of...being an Idol finalist is not a guarantee for success. However, in discussing this point, Mr. Moss makes two very good Clay mentions.

First, Mr. Moss tells us how many CD's have been sold by 3rd through 12th place finalists and then goes on to say, "Compare that to sales of Kelly Clarkson's Breakaway (4,811,000), Clay Aiken's Measure of a Man (2,740,000),..."

Next, talking about how difficult it is for the winners to get radio airplay, Mr. Moss, wondering where that leaves other finalists, quotes songwriter/producer Kara DioGuardi who says, "'You have to be like Clay Aiken, who is a very distinct artist," she said. "What happens is the audience has to be so blown away and feel like there's nothing like them out there. All those R&B singers, they're a dime a dozen.'"

Clay, a distinct artist who blows his audience away? I think we would all agree with Mr. Moss's article on that!"

Announcement From clayisouridol

Hello CDD visitors!

I would just like you all to know that I will be moving at the end of this month and therefore, we will be experiencing several service disruptions here at Clay's Daily Double.

These services will not be updated between March 28 and mid-April-ish. Their webpages will still be available:

• CDD Clay News Weekly Newsletter
• CDD Charts/Stats
• CDD Claytracker
• CDD Poll
• CDD Infocenter
• CDD Video On Demand
• CDD Ads

We are pleased to announce that the main news operations will not be affected thanks to Jan (a.k.a. J4Clay), who has graciously steped up and volunteered her time. If you've noticed, she's already done quite a few top-notch news posts! So, welcome Jan!

These services will continue to operate as normal:

• CDD News
• CDD Clay Today Newsletter

We hope to resume all our services sometime in April with a brand new layout!

Thank you for your patience and thank you for your loyalty!
clayisouridol -- contact us

PS. I'd also like to personally thank all of you who have sent me e-mails wishing me well. It's people like you who keep me running and it's proof once again that Claymates are the best. So, thank you.

Clay Tidbit in New TV Guide

There is a short Clay mention in the new issue of TV Guide. Thanks to the CB's clay44mate for this:

This isn't much, but in the new issue of TV Guide (Dated March 13 - March 19) there is a very brief Clay mention...but any Clay mention these days is a great thing, right?

The TV guide has an area called "Idol Chat" and at the very beginning of the article it says..."Remember Clay Aiken's geek to chic makeover?"

Clay in WA State Newspaper

Clay showed up on today's Kennewick, WA Tri-City Herald. Thanks to the CB's jaybobeth for this summary:

Clay's cute color photo with good hair and glasses was on the front page and Life section of yesterday's Tri-City Herald in Kennewick, WA. Front page says 'They may not be the hottest celebrities, but their fans still love 'em.' by Clay's solo photo. (None of the others in the article were pictured on front page.)

Then, on the front page of the Life section there's a huge oval mirror - 'Mirror, mirror, on the wall... and below the mirror 'who cares who's fairest, after all?' In the mirror there are photos of Clay, Adrian Brody, Owen Wilson, Michael Richards, Steve BusCN, Benicio del Toro, Mick Jagger, Oprah, Barbra Streisand, and others.

Part of article reads: 'American patrons of the music and movie industry are changing the school of thought by accepting celebrities who haven't graced People Magazine's Most Beautiful People issues''... 'Moviegoers and music lovers are seeking authenticity rather than polished and disingenuous performances' ... 'The proliferation of music on the Internet has led to a greater interest in grass-roots authenticity, giving more attention to sound instead of physical appearance.' ... 'Music lovers also are more savvy about what's worth listening to', said Alexandra Wagner, executive editor of the FADER, a lifestyle and music magazine in New York City.

'From quirky crooners like Lyle Lovett and Clay Aiken to oddball actors like Buscemi and Richards, it has always been easier for men than women to transcend physical attributes that are not considered classically beautiful', explained Peter Klaus, a youth marketing and pop culture expert with Fleishman-Hillard in Washington, DC. 'Kraus hopes society and Hollywood will continue to focus more on the importance of talent instead of physical attributes.'

'America's young people need reinforcement that achievement and dedication are the cornerstones of earning respect in a civilized society, if not a reality TV nation', Kraus said.The entire article can probably be found at the newspaper's website: tricityherald.com

Clay Was Season 2's Heartthrob

The Birmingham News declares Clay as its season 2 heartthrob!

Clay's hot because:

Elfin androgyny was a real turn-on for some viewers, along with coy looks at the camera and ability to nail the big ballads.

Tidbits 3/7

• Clay takes a big tumble on the Lycos50. Down to #44. Please keep searching!
• FutonCritic mentions the Scrubs repeat scheduled for next week.
• Clay/Ruben/AI mention in article about the film industry.
• Ventura County Star AI Coaching article.
• Univ. of South Alabama's Baybears deal flops... what could save them?

Items Autographed By Clay To Be Auctioned at EBay for Inclusion Group

Want to win a copy of "Learning To Sing" or a TV Guide that Clay has autographed? How about a RARE Collectible CLAY AIKEN CD, "Look What Love Has Done"? Then check this out:

A friend of Clay's family has posted on several of the boards that Clay has autographed his book and a TV Guide with him on the cover to be auctioned off on Ebay for an inclusion group in North Carolina. This group is made up of several young ladies with and without disabilities who are in a cheerleading competition. Also in the auction is the rare CD.

More information about these three items can be found on EBay. If you'd like to make a dream come true for a special cheerleader, head to EBay by clicking on the links below:

Collectible CD

TV Guide

Learning To Sing

Correction: Vacation In Europe

We have been posting that Clay has been blogging directly from his vacation in Europe.

This information is incorrect. All blogs were made last week in Raleigh AFTER he returned from his European vacation in:

• Ljubljana, Slovakia
• Budapest, Hungary
  
• Vienna, Austria
  
• London, UK
  

Sorry for any confusion. I'm not a fanclub member, so I never got a chance to actually read the text of Clay's blogs.

We will be sending out a correction to our CDD Clay News Weekly subscribers tomorrow.

AD: Sophomore Album

Tidbits 3/6

• Clay's vacation: Clay visited Budapest, Hungray. Check out his new blog on his official fanclub.
• Speaking of the blog, the blog hit 2 million hits on Saturday! WOW!
• USA Today's digest mentioned Clay's Scrubs episode being repeated next week on NBC.

American Idol Extra Debuts This Month

American Idol Extra which will include episodes and segments from previous seasons of American Idol.

The show will air on the FOX Reality channel starting Thursday March 16 at 6:30 PM EDT (repeats at 10:30 PM EDT and throughout the week). In a press release issued by 19 Entertainment and Fremantle Media, the show "Will Reveal Backstage "Aftermath" for the First Time Ever, along with Contestant Interviews, Visits with Previous Idol Finalists and more!"

Now word yet as to how much of Clay/Season 2 will be featured.

Clay Mention On E! Live

A great Clay mention was heard on E!Live as the were covering pre-Oscar activities today.

E!Live was interviewing Michel, the person in charge of the Los Angeles office of the charity, Clothes Off My Back. In the interview, Clay was mentioned as the male whose outfit was auctioned off for the most money -- $15,000 last year!! She also said that the Claymates are "all about charities".

What a great and positive mention for both Clay and his fans!

Tidbits 3/5

• Barry Bonds can do weirder things than impersonating Paula Abdul: Dallas Fort-Worth Star Telegram.
• ClayKat's blog: putting the scandal into perspective.