BREAKING NEWS: Clay's CD Release Date Taken Off RCA Website

The day after Clay's CD release date was posted at RCA's website, we have found that it has now been taken off. There is no news yet as to why the date has been removed. Just as soon as we hear something, we will publish it here at CDD.

Click here: RCA Website for further information on the CD release date.

clayisouridol's Update 3/26 Afternoon: I don't believe this is unusual. Keep in mind the release date was June 20 -- about 3 months off. It's too early for such an exact date and therefore someone at RCA revised it. Simple as that. I'm still confident we're on track to a May/June/July release. At least we can be thankful RCA gave us a ballpark figure.

Clay's "VIP" Busch Garden Visit in Tampa Bay Times

In case some of you missed this in our Tidbits section yesterday-- The Tampa Bay Times online has an article that mentions Clay's visit to Busch Gardens in Florida this past December. The article, "Living Like a VIP", describes how the "rich and famous" are treated when they come to Tampa. If you scroll down the page to the section titled "Guided Theme Park Tours", Clay is mentioned..."When Clay Aiken visited Busch Gardens recently, his tour guides had a clear itinerary. 'He loves roller-coasters," said park spokeswoman Jill Revelle. " So we made sure to plan a day for him with our tours department that was very coaster-heavy.'"

To read the article, click here. Scroll down over halfway to read the "Guided Theme Park Tour" section where Clay is mentioned.

The Buzz Department Is Up And Running!

Claymates- we have many reasons to be excited! The buzz factor around Clay Aiken is back, as we prepare for the June 20 release of the sophomore album!

Here's what Netscape said about Clay in an article today about post-Idol success:

Ruben Studdard's success has been eclipsed by that of runner-up Clay Aiken, who's become something of a modern-day Barry Manilow, and who was voted "Favorite American Idol" by readers of People magazine in February 2006. With two highly successful CDs ("Measure of a Man," 2003 and "Merry Christmas With Love," 2004), high profile concert tours, a stint in Vegas, his rabid fans (known as "Claymates") and his good-natured acceptance of gay jokes about him, Aiken is a phenomenon.

New Photos Up on Fanclub

Photos from the sophomore album photoshoot are now up on Clay's official fanclub for paid fanclub members only!

Once you are logged in, go to Media>Snapshots>New Album Photo Shoot.

Get the thudmat ready, then click here to go the the fanclub.

Tidbits 3/25

• Caledonian Record article about a student- mentions last week's Faye Parker dinner auction.
• Burlington Free Press: Underfood following Clay Aiken lead -- Musikfest concert.
• Charlotte Observer: Christian talent search looking for the next Clay Aiken
• Advocate.com: Barry Manilow was the 70's Clay Aiken
• Tampa Bay Times article about VIPs visiting the Tampa area -- mentions Clay's December 2005 visit to Bausch Gardens in Florida.
• Foxes on Idol weekly AI article.

BREAKING NEWS: RCA Lists Clay's CD Release Date

The release date of Clay's new CD is finally listed on RCA's website. The date is June 20. Now that we have a date, we can start planning CD release parties around the country!

To see the release date and pictures of Clay at their site, click here: RCARecords.com.

CDD has also checked into which other artists are releasing on that day -- CLAY IS THE ONLY MAJOR RELEASE THAT DAY! So Claymates, our mission is to make him #1 that week... spread the word!

Update 3/26: RCA has removed the release date from its site... Don't panic, read this post.

Clay's Daily Double Photos Coming Soon

Clay's Daily Double will be slowly phasing in our new layout in May 2006. And with it, comes our new interactive photo gallery. Users will be able to:

• Register and keep a personal lightbox of favourite photos
• Comment
• Send the photos as an e-card
• ...and as per popular demand, access all our CDD Ads in one place.
  

We are currently in beta mode and only a few photos have been uploaded, but we'll be working on it this spring and look forward to a May/June launch!

>>Take a sneak peek

AOL - Clay Aiken With Grillz

OK... before you start freaking out, this is a Photoshopped picture from AOL of what our favourite celebs would look like with grillz. Check it out on AOL.com.

Tidbits 3/24

• Celebrity Cafe's AI article-- mentions Paula's advice to Kevin Covais (see yesterday's Tidbits post)
• Metro West Daily News: TV column -- buy a Clay Aiken CD anyway!
• Long Island Press' idol article
• News 14 NC: NC idols still in top 10 -- mentions Clay, Fantasia
• One more act to be added to 2006 Ozzfest... "our bet is Clay Aiken" -- AntiMusic
• TimesOnline.com: Idol article
• Small, random Clay mention in a Washington City Paper article about lessons.
• VoteFair.org American Idol poll -- vote for Clay -- this gives accurate vote results using a special system.... and Clay is currently the most popular past contestant! The complete result is available on the CB.
• Just a reminder. MeasureOfAFan.com returns April 1st!
• Clay blogged on the official fanclub
  

Dare We Say: AN UPCOMING CLAY AIKEN CONCERT!!!!!

The CB's jslenon received this from the Walton Center Arts Society of Marion, Indiana. According to the the society, Clay is scheduled for a concert in Marion! No date has been announced and the venue is the Marion High School or the F. Ritchie Walton Performing Arts Center (TBA).

Here's the text of what jslenon received:

The Walton Center Arts Society
Presents Shows for 2006
Coming to the F. Ritchie Walton Performing Arts Center in
2006

Proceeds to benefit the Arts education of Marion Community Students

A Complete and full season of shows including:
TAP KIDS - NEW YORK STAGE ORIGINALS - featuring one of Marion Indiana's own,
Kylie Williams - a masters class for dance students, convocation for Marion High School and a Saturday evening show for the public
As well as possible bookings of:
BALL STATE UNIVERSITY OPERA DEPT - Children's program - in school education AN EVENING WITH GROUCHO - featuring Frank Ferante THE FOUR TOPS - oldies show during James Dean Weekend BROADWAY SPECTACULAR - songs and dance from several Broadway shows PURDUE GLEE CLUB - an evening of great entertainment CLAY AIKEN - an evening of great music A FESTIVAL OF CHOIRS - IWU, TAYLOR and ANDERSON featured choirs singing individually and coUectively - incorporating MHS students in a finale number CHRISTMAS ON ICE - Professional skaters in a holiday ice show
or
A CHRISTMAS STORY - a musical drama presentation of Dicken's great writings. A NUMBER OF GREAT ART EXHIBITS 4 or 5 great shows and exhibits for the public
Sponsorships and Partnerships for the entire year of shows:
To be recognized with logo in all print advertising, and in the program received by 1000 to 1500 patrons who come to see these shows and exhibits at each scheduled event.

$ 5,000 Sponsor - you wiD be listed with your logo as a Full Sponsor of all 2006 shows on our Sponsor Board and in all advertising media and induded in a full page sponsor recognition with your logo, in the program for aU 2006 shows and receive 8 season tickets and get a web banner ad on our web site OR
$ 2,500 Sponsor - you wiD be listed as a Co-Sponsor of all 2006 shows on our Sponsor Board and in all
advertising media and induded in a full page sponsor recognition with your logo, in the program each show and receive 4 season tickets and get a web banner ad on our web site OR $ 2,000 Gold Partner - you wiD be listed as a Gold Partner in the program for the 2006 season and be listed on our web site as a Gold partner and receive 2 season tickets for the 2006 shows. OR $ 1000 Platinum Co-Partner - you wiD be listed as a Platinum Partner in the program for the 2006 season and be listed on our web site as a Platinum partner and receive 1 season ticket for the 2006 shows.

The Venue is in Marion, Indiana at Marion High School

Heartwarming Story from the Daily Tribune

Don't foget a box of Kleenex box when reading this heartwarming story about the Marvin family who just lost their son Jimmy after his battle with cancer.

Jim's father "Jim recalls that after Jimmy learned he was dying from his cancer, his first thought was to have his brother order concert tickets for his mom, who wanted to see Clay Aiken," the article goes on to say.

Bubel Aiken Foundation Helps Launch New Program

Clay's Bubel Aiken Foundation in co-operation with the Hobart Family YMCA and Cerebral Palsy of Northwest Indiana Inc. announced today the creation of a brand new "pilot program [that] will welcome preschool children of all abilities to a two-week day camp using all YMCA facilities, including the gym and swimming pool."

Spokeswoman Diane Bubel, speaking with the NWiTimes said that "[the] program promotes the inclusion of children with and without disabilities," in accordance with the foundation's long term mission statement.

The NWiTimes article goes on to say that "twenty campers, ages 3 to 5, including 10 children with disabilities, will attend from 9 a.m. to noon weekdays on July 17 to 28, with staff members also serving as role models." and that families would only pay a $80 camp fee.

New IWCY Clay Club Website Goes Live

The NEW IWCY Clay Club website is now officially up and running. I (clayisouridol) designed most of the pages and the site is hosted by our affiliate ClayReport!

So, go check it out!

New features include:

• A message board
Online membership sign-ups
• Member list, sorted alphabetically
• Cool new extra features and stunningly thudlicious wallpapers
• Claydreamer's M&G recaps (awesome photos with Clay too!)
• An improved layout
• ...and more!

The club also announced a pins contest... so to all you graphic designers out there, click here for more contest info.

Tidbits 3/23

• Judge Paula Abdul mentioned Clay on AI last night. Ryan asked her about Kevin Covais' future and Paula responded by saying that even runner-ups ("look at Clay Aiken and Bo Bice") have had tremendous success.
• Constatine from AI4 splits from his band -- is he planning a Clay Aiken-like career?
• Red and Black -- Univ. of Georgia newspaper: article about AI2 finalist Josh Gracin
• NY Daily News: AI/Barry Manilow article... Kevin Covais
• Charlotte Observer AI article -- AI ratings
• Curlio: AI article... mentions the Paula Clay mention (see 1st bullet, above)
• Mercury News: Clay is excited to see Barbara Steisand back... (I don't get this?)
• Newsday: AI article

Want To Have Some Fun with Clay Acronyms?

Dediclaytion at the CB has come up with a very long list of acronyms for songs that Clay has sung. What a great way for a Clay fan to spend some time while waiting for Clay's new CD, along with a dozen or so new songs, to come out!!

Here's the list. Hmmmm, I wonder how many Clay could figure out!

1KD
AAF
AAL
AIT
ANL
ANMHE
ANSUN
ATCA
ATM
BEG
BFM
BMUBC
BOTW
BSS
BV
CBML
CIH
CIMM
CMH
COF
CS
CTT
CW
CYFTLT
DBC
DDB
DL
DLTSGDOM
DSIAFCD
DVC
EL
EOTR
FAR
FHYTL
FOG
GALB
GBOF
GBTUSA
GMA
GN
GP
GTD
HBH
HMTMKM
HSII
HT
HTAE
HTHAS
HYAMLC
IBT
ICHFILWY
ICHM
ICMYLM
ICNAFM
IFTEM
IINKY
IKHTRF
IKYWW
INO
INSTLYA
ISL
ISY
IT
IWBH
IWCY
JB
JBG
JBT
JHR
JNT
JTTW
JY
LBFCA
LDB
LLVL
LMT
LOML
LWLHD
MAP
MAY
MCWL
MDYK
MG
MGUCL
MOAF
MOAM
MTK
MTTG
NAT
NGGYU
NMSS
NOB
OA
OC
OCAYF
OFC
OG
OHN
OMC
OTWOL
OV
OWAN
OY
PD
POYB
PRoC
RHT
RR
RRRYB
RTM
SB
SBJ
SES
SM
SN
SOT
SR
SS
SSB
SSD
SSY
STO
TBAF
TBTD
TBWY
TCB
TCS
TGIM
THA
TITM
TITN
TLS
TMH
TMM
TOC
TOML
TRD
TTC
TTNA
TW
UM
WAMLAW
WAYDNYE
WDC
WINY
WISYSF
WNPC
WTBE
WTSHNN
WTWNNIL
WW
WY
WYSYLM
YGAF
YLTLF
YWT

Quiana Doing Backing Vocals on New CD

The CH's Cotton reports that Quiana Parler, Clay's backup vocalist will be featured on the sophomore album coming out this spring:

I have a tidbit of news.

Found out today that Quiana is IN LA!!! (She told me on Valentine's Day that she would be singing backup on the cd - so-o-o-o!) I did NOT talk to her. But - the person I did talk with did say that Clay was having some (we talked on top of each other and I missed exact words) 'issues'. I said "With the label?" Answer, "no, with arrangements/arrangers/musicians or something to that effect, wanted to re-work some things on the cd! Wanted to get them right. The way HE wanted cuts to sound." EEE!

Quiana will be back in Chas. for rehearsals Tues and ShineinNC and I will see her on March 31! Although I hope by that time we have heard from the man himself, I'll bring whatever I can share from that meeting. She has a lot going on that weekend, so we won't get to spend as much time with her as we had hoped, so I don't know if we'll get anything other than a wonderful evening of music!

The person and I also talked a bit about the 'mess'. I said I didn't for a minute think that Q would work with the man "those people" were describing and contact agreed she would not. "People are just jealous." this person said. Talked about religion being important to Q and what a sweet girl. Talked about her losing weight with her pregnancy - "The Best diet Ever", according to her, source said, laughing. Sounded like contact knew and respected her a lot. And by extension, Clay. I think that's what started my anticipatory thinking!

I told you it was just a tidbit.

Tidbits 3/22

• UConn Daily News: Idol article
• Norwich Bulletin: A Clay Aiken transformation may be what Kevin Covais needs.
• Delaware Daily Times: Article about contestant's image on American Idol
• Entertainment Weekly: AI article (negative)
• Citizen Times AI article
  
• TV Squad: Clay Aiken -- Barry Manilow's lovechild?
• AV Club: Kevin Covais more Clay Aiken than John Stevens
• AOL is featuring some old Clay articles and the Invisible video on AOL Entertainment and AOL Television.
• Clay is featured on Diane Austin's American Phenomenon series over at Entertainment World. Also, don't miss her "The Aiken Effect" article.
• RCA Records has promoted Clay's publicist, Roger Widynowski to VP of PR.
  

Video of Break TV Scrubs Piece Available for Download

Rainlover at the CB posted about a video that possibly some of you have not seen. The video is of a Break TV piece done on the Scrubs show on which Clay was a guest star. Included in the video are several of the cast members talking about the show, Clay talking about his part on the show, and cast members having their pictures made with Clay.

To check out this video, click here or here.

Tidbits 3/21

• Mediafiends: Elliot Yamin the closes thing to Clay Aiken.... and here's another one, pretty much the same thing.
• Idolthoughts.com -- several Clay mentions.
• TheTrades.com Idol article.
• LBFCA: Blog me up a buttercup!
• Clay drops from 37 to 41 on the Lycos50. Keep searching!
• German news website's Idol article (English)
• NY Post: Clay Aiken has transformed into 'heartthrob'
• SignOnSanDiego.com: Idol contining to grow.
• RCA Records' Anti-Flag comments on RCA spending money on Clay -- Pittsburgh Post Gazette
• IT tourbook on the auction block -- 101.5 The River FM Toledo.

Clay in Candorville Comic Strip

Clay is mentioned in today's Candorville comic strip by Darrin Bell. Cute!

Sony BMG Newsletter: Sophomore Album Scheduled for Late Spring/Summer

Sony BMG, owner of Clay's record label, RCA said in a survey-newsletter today that Clay's album will be out "late spring or early summer."

Here is the complete list:

NEW RELEASES
Later this
spring/summer...

Dixie Chicks
Pearl Jam
MercyMe
Tool
Jagged Edge
Harry Connick Jr.
5 Browns
Kelis
Live
Good Charlotte
Nick Lachey
Kelly Rowland of Destiny's Child
Clay Aiken
Lil' Flip
Three Days Grace
Frankie J.
Christina Aguilera
Five for Fighting
T-Bone Burnett
Too Short
Jessica Simpson
OutKast
Los Lonely Boys
Velvet Revolver

Clay in My School Rocks Magazine!

Clay is featured as the cover story in the March 2006 issue of My School Rocks magazine. The magazine is distributed to schools across North Carolina.

ou can read it at My School Rock's website, or click on the scans below:

Tidbits 3/20

• Neil Sedeka was enraptured by Clay's willingness to record Solitaire: LA Times blog.
• MSNBC reality TV Q&A: "What happened to Ruben Studdard"... "He doesn't get the same attention as Clay Aiken."
• Simon Cowell defends Clay -- gay allegations are 'only rumors' and are 'crazy'
• Communist government in China trying to eliminate Idol style shows with democracy: Jaunted. Short Clay mention in the article.
• Clay holds on to #1 at House of Blues.
• Small Clay mention on Today's Tony Danza Show. Danza asked an audience member who claimed to be an Idol expert this question: "When Clay Aiken, season 2, was called back to perform for the Wildcard segment, what Elton John song did he sing?" She did not know the answered. We all know however that it was "Don't Let The Sun Go Down on Me"

Tidbits 3/19

• eBay auction: Autographed copy of The Way/Solitaire being auctioned off for North Carolina 4-H Youth development fund. Auction ends tomorrow.
• Business Weekly: Audience won't find a Clay Aiken or Kelly Clarkson on Simon Cowell's ABC reality show "The American Inventor"
• Entertainment Weekly: Kevin Covais needs Clay's stylist for an Idol makeover.

US Weekly: AI5's Kevin Covais "The Next Clay Aiken"?

Kevin Covais of American Idol 5 was compared to Clay in the new issue of US Weekly dated March 27. Um... US-- not even close! And Claymates... don't rush out there to buy it. US has been, let's say not so nice to Clay recently.

It says:

For Levittown, New York high schooler Kevin Covais, 16, being likened to th Idol 2 runner-up "is an honour," he tells US. "Bu I think my voice is pretty creative." The video-game enthusiast, who has had diabetes for five years takes judge Paula Abdul's admission that he's an "unlikely sex symbol" in strides. "I have crushes on a lot of those (top 12) girls," he says. "Lis Tucker is a cutie. She's kickin't."

Thanks to the CB's Roxanne for the scan.