IDOL POLL: Who Sang The National Anthem Best

At musebay.com, you have the opportunity to vote for your favorite Idol rendition of the National Anthem.

When you get to the musebay.com website page, first read the instructions on the left side of the page. Then, as you scroll down the page, you can click on video screens and listen to about 10 of the Idols who have sung at football and baseball games, sports car races, and a show we might remember called "A Capitol Fourth"!

The rules are important. You must include your name, email address (it will not be shown), your state and country, and then you TOP TWO choices for best national anthem. Last, you must say why you chose those choices. If you fail to do any of this, your vote won't count. If you vote more than once your vote won't count.

As of the writing of this article, the vote count is as follows:

Fantasia Barrino - 0
Diana Degarmo - 1
Elliott Yamin - 1
Ace Young - 1
Josh Gracin - 5
Bo Bice - 7
Kelly Clarkson - 4
Carrie Underwood - 12
Anthody Fedorov - 4
Kellie Pickler - 4
Alden Wynn - 0
Jessica Sierra - 0
Clay Aiken - 66
Ayla Brown - 0

Clay is way out in front with 66 votes, with his closest competitor being Carrie Underwood with 12 votes. Go check it out. Not only do you get to vote for Clay, but you get to hear him sing the National Anthem again! Now that's a treat worth heading over there for!

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, American Idol, Invisible

Rosie O'Donnell Matches Claymates' $47,000 UNICEF Donation

Incoming The View star Rosie O'Donnell said she will match the $47,000 Claymates donated to UNICEF. When told of the Claymates' tremendous efforts on her Ask-Ro blog yesterday...

Did ya hear? Claymates united and raised over $47,000 in less than 24 hours for UNICEF in Clay’s name for kids of Lebanon. He challenged us and we came thru in a BIG WAY! He is true measure of a man.

...she replied saying: "and i will match that amount, 47,000 dollars"

Like Clay, O'Donnell continues to provide a voice disadvantaged for children. Her foundation "Rosie's For All Kids Foundation" has worked to "provide financial support for non-profit programs serving economically disadvantaged and at-risk children and their families" since its founding in 1997.

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, American Idol, Invisible

Tidbits 7/29

• Claymates respond (in force) to Parade Magazine's question from last week: "American Idol runner-up has lost his boyish charm and allowed himself to be overstyled. Readers: What do you think?" Okclayhoman said:

  He just looks so stylish and so cool...awesome..and he is undoubtedly the best voice ever to come from American Idol.. His heart is as big as his voice....and I could not be more proud to be a fan of his.....He works tirelessly for all of his charities and is a remarkable Ambassador for Unicef..... All of Claynation is just clamoring for this new cd.....its gonna rock!

• Taking A Moment: "When I See You Smile" (read our post from yesterday for a bit of background)
• Shadylil from ClaySpots returns (I've been wondering where you've been!)... she lost her internet connection for 5 days.
• Marhaven- recap of this week's Clay blogs and more scrapbooking! >> (photo courtesy Marhaven)
  
• There Was A Man updates us on Clay's UNICEF efforts.
• Invisible Kingdom: Today's Treasure: Clay sings "Unchained Melody" (THUD)
• A blog called MuseBay wants to know which Idol Star Spangled Banner rendition you like most. Leave your comments and make sure everyone knows you love Clay's 2004 Capitol Fourth version.
  

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, American Idol, Invisible

CD Universe, Tower Records List Clay Aiken TBD Album

PLEASE DO NOT ORDER NOW...
WE WANT CLAY TO BE #1 AT THE #1 MUSIC STORE --
AMAZON.COM.
Stay tuned to CDD for updates.

CDUniverse.com became the first retail store to offer ATDW to its customers. At around 11:30 PM EDT last night, CDUniverse listed:

Tbd CD Clay Aiken
Regular Price: $15.55
Sale Price: $13.29 SALE
Pre-Order Now Add to Wish List
Scheduled to release Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Format: CD
Detailed Information
List Price $18.98 (You save $5.69)
Category Rock
Label Rca Contemporar
CDU Part# 7266744
Catalog# 78846
Discs 1
Street Date Sep 19, 2006

You can now pre-order ATDW at the site for US$13.29, but I'd wait to pre-order from bigger chains such as Amazon, Circuit City, Best Buy, FYE, Borders, etc.

Shortly after CDUniverse's listing popped up, Tower Records also listed Clay's CD on their website. They will begin offering pre-orders August 22.

Clay Aiken 3
Clay Aiken

Genre: Rock/Pop

Sorry, this title is not currently available.
This item will be available to order 8/22/2006.

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, American Idol, Invisible

Reliving Jukebox 2005: Uncasville, CT, Mohegan Sun Arena

After performing in Toms River, NJ for his opening Jukebox Tour show, Clay headed 200 miles to Uncasville, CT to perform at the Mohegan Sun Arena. The Mohegan Sun is a leader in the entertainment business, having such stars as Aerosmith, Rod Stewart, The Eagles, and of course, Superstar Clay Aiken!

Once again the fans were hyped up, ready for another cellcert. And this one ended up being 32 pages long! Clay fans love to talk about Clay's concerts. The energy is always high and gets higher as the cellcert progresses. The cellcerters were told that the venue was sold out. In actuality, it was 95% full, with 6,999 people. A very full venue for Clay's second show, as you can see from the picture above.

Clay's Performances
Its hard to describe Clay's performances at his concerts. They just take your breath away and leave you speechless! But a couple of the cellcerters at the show had this to say:

AT THE HOP SOUNDS AMAZING........
OMG - THE GREAT PRETENDER.....LUV IT!!
HE LOOKS SOOOOOO GOOD
Clay performed his heart out and was just amazing.
ROCK AROUND THE CLOCK ...HUGE SCREAMS
OMG MY ONE AND ONLY YOU - UNREAL
ONLY YOU - ONLY YOU CAN SING THIS NOW CLAY!!!
Just sang Unchained Melody now. Sounds awesome. Long sustained note on "still miiiiiiiiine" and perfect high note on "neeeeed your love."

As you can see, those at the cellcert "get their money's worth"!!

Its impossible to mention all the highlights from Clay's songs. The crowds always seem to go crazy over the 50's and 60's songs. The songs are so upbeat, and with Clay dancing around in that black leather jacket, white shirt, and those black jeans, well, you just hope that you don't hyperventilate! The videos taken by the fans give a great feel of how the crowd is feeling about any given song. People were really loving the dance moves in "Midnight Train to Georgia". Clay joined the backup singers for that one while Quiana sang the Gladys Knight part. The minute Clay did his first dance move, the crowd came unglued. And who could blame them? He was dancing up there as good as any of them! A favorite move was when the three dancers all traded places on stage in one smooth motion and then when they did the train whistle motion and sang "whoo-whoo"! You couldn't convince anyone there that night that Clay didn't know how to dance! What a showman he is!

During the song, "I Feel the Earth Move", Clay was sitting back on a bean bag pillow, tapping his hands on his knees and moving all over the place, very into the song! And then, someone got the thrill of their life -- he winked at someone and gave them a big smile! Maybe the video-taker or someone sitting nearby. It was enough to melt your heart though!

The Fans

As has already been mentioned, there was almost a full house to see Clay that night, and you could cut the excitement in the air with a knife! Fans said that it was a great show, and some even said it was the best show they had ever seen. One fan said, "Great crowd tonight!", but another said, "Clay knows how to drive us crazy! But come on people...half of you were not dancing!!! Usually at a Clay show everyone is on their feet. One fan said that "even the security guards or cops (not sure what they were) were jammin and dancing along!" Another fan said the man behind her kept asking her to sit down, but "There was man in Row A and he was dancing up a storm." So though not everyone there wanted to be up on their feet, there were a lot who were, and its always good to hear that the men are having a great time! Most fans were of this opinion, "I can honestly say I have never been to a more exciting show in my life!!!!"

Stump The Band
There was no "Stump The Band" at Mohegan Sun. Later on we'll have great STB memories for you!

Classic Clay Moments
It seems as though there is always at least one classic Clay moment at every concert, and this one was no exception. When it comes time to bring someone on stage to dance during "Carwash", Clay tells the audience that he's going to bring someone up on stage, and everyone starts jumping up and down and yelling. Clay says, "You think this is gonna be effective?" and he jumps up and down. "Its gonna take more than that!" Then Clay spied a familiar face....ETHEL! He brought Ethel, who is wearing a fan club t-shirt, up on stage. Clay asked her who that was on the shirt, and then Clay says, "He's sexy, that's all I know!" The crowd, of course, loved that coming from Clay!!

Another thing Clay said toward the beginning of the show was that if the crowd danced and behaved, and if he didn't see any Ruben signs, he would sing some songs from the future. Later, when he was about to sing songs from the new album, he asked, "Did anybody watch the Today Show?......If anybody did, there's the exit because I was on Good Morning America this morning!" Everyone always loves Clay's snarky sense of humor!

(Thanks to PJMain and PinayRN4Clay for recording these memories on the CB.)

Thank goodness Clay allows us to take photos, becauses its clack such as this that is what memories are made of:



Reactions
Girlposse.com - The 2 1/2 hour show absolutely flew by. Clay's rapport with the crowd was relaxed and humorous, and it seemed as if the crowd was having as much fun as the performers on stage.

Photos by Clayfully Yours and CrazyClayChick5

Links

• CDD Jukebox Archives: Uncasville, CT
  
• Photos from the Uncasville Show
• Uncasville Recaps
• CB cellcert thread
• MeasureOfAFan.com Concert Clack
  

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, American Idol, Invisible

80's Rock Hit "When I See You Smile" To Be On ATDW

Clay gave us another sophomore album tidbit today.

After careful analysis of Clay most recent blog, the consensus amongst Claymates is that the 1989 smash hit "When I See You Smile" (sung by 80's rock band Bad English and written by Diane Warren) will be on the sophomore album, A Thousand Different Ways (due out on RCA Sept. 19).

The song has a very distinct and edgy sound to it -- very radio friendly. So when Clay said "love songs", he wasn't only referring to ballads.You can listen to the original version on YouTube.

Here are the lyrics:

Sometimes I wonder
How I'd ever make it through,
Through this world without having you
I just wouldn't have a clue

'Cause sometimes it seems
Like this world's closing in on me,
And there's no way of breaking free
And then I see you reach for me

Sometimes I wanna give up
I wanna give in,
I wanna quit the fight
And then I see you, baby
And everything's alright,
everything's alright

When I see you smile
I can face the world, oh oh,
you know I can do anything
When I see you smile
I see a ray of light, oh oh,
I see it shining right through the rain
When I see you smile
Oh yeah, baby when I see you smile at me

Baby there's nothing in this world
that could ever do
What a touch of your hand can do
It's like nothing that I ever knew

And when the rain is falling
I don't feel it,
'cause you're here with me now
And one look at you baby
Is all I'll ever need,
you're all I'll ever need

Chorus

Sometimes I wanna give up
I wanna give in,
I wanna quit the fight
And then I see you baby
And everything's alright,
everything's alright

So right...

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, American Idol, Invisible

Claymates Open Their Hearts & Wallets to UNICEF

After making his plea for help 3 separate times yesterday, Clay says Claymates donated an astounding (get ready for this)

$44,000
Update 4:48 PM EDT: $47,556.96

to UNICEF during the past 24 hours. Congratulations Claymates! There is still more work to be done:

» Donate to .

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, American Idol, Invisible, UNICEF

OK... I Have A Rant... Why Is Everyone Ignoring "The Invisible Kingdom"?

This isn't something I post everyday, but I have a rant to make.

Out of all the Clay blogs out there, we are one of the only ones that link to Invisible Kingdom. WHY ARE PEOPLE NOT BLOGROLLING INVISIBLE KINGDOM? Invisible Kingdom is a fantastic blog and has been around for quite a while now.

So, to all the blogs out there, Clayblogs.com, etc... PLEASE add the Invisible Kingdom to your blogroll:

http://invisiblekingdom.blogspot.com/

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, American Idol, Invisible

Reliving Jukebox 2005: Toms River, NJ, Ritacco Center

Photos in this post courtesy Solitaire30.

It's hard to believe it's been one year, to the day, since the Jukebox Tour kicked off at the Ritacco Center in the southern NJ town of Toms River. The boards were buzzzing with activity and the cellcert was by far one of the most memorable - thousands of Claymates were glued to every letter of the cellcerters' reports. By the end of the evening we had crashed several servers and had an impressive 980 posts on the cellcert thread at the Clayboard -- ahh -- the power of Claymates!

The Performances

• Clay took the stage 30 minutes earlier than expected. The show, originally scheduled for 8:30 PM was moved up to 8:00 PM to allow the crew to relax before moving onto New York City in the morning for Good Morning America.
  
• 50's set - Claymates were surprised when Clay came out in a leather jacket... hotforclay says: "You guys WILLLL NOOOOOOOOTTTTTTT survive!!!!! He then starts killing us SONG AFTER SONG. NON-STOP dancing, shaking his BOOTY, shacking his KNEES just like ELVIS, HOLY CRAPPPPPP!!!!!! I stood there with my mouth OPEN and my hand to my neck and HEART!!!!"
• WDC: Clay shocked the audience when he came out in choir robes. Everyone had thought that Clay would do a Christian/soft song, but when WDC began to play, the crowd roared with approval.
• Ricky Martin set: hotforclay describes this set nicely: "We're all in ecstacy screaming and having the best time ever! Thought THAT was going to be the sexiest of all but NOOOOOOO!!! He comes out with La viva loca Ricky Martin!!! OMG!!!!!!! THE MAN IS SOOOOO FREAKIN' HOT (I know I've said that a billion times already but I'm not sure what other word to use!). He is on stage BY HIMSELF with a mic stand, his arms out stretched out and his BODY!!! OMG!!!! It's DOING THINGS IT SHOULDN'T BECAUSE WE WERE ALL PASSING OUT!!!!!!!!!!! HOLY COW!!! When he said he was in training to shake his YOU KNOW WHAT, he was SERIOUS!!!!!"
• Back For More & Just You: The lucky NJ Claymates were the first ones to hear Clay's new songs "Back For More" and "Just You". As the tour progressed, BFM became an anthem of sorts for the Clay nation. During my Toronto concert near the end of the tour, the entire venue sang along with Clay during Back For More.
  

Stump The Band
No Stump the Band during this concert.

The Fans
Clay proved that men do come to his concerts! Not only were there wildly enthusiastic Claymates, but there were also lots of men in attendence. The family-friendly atmosphere was very noticeable. Toward the end of the show, kids were invited to sit in the front row and watch Clay perform his signiture song, Invisible. The Toms River Home News Tribune notes: "Looking around the crowd was a little like going to a family reunion. There were fans of all ages - from tots to teens to grandmothers - and everyone seemed to know each other. There was no hesitation to strike up a conversation with a complete stranger because there was always a common thread: being an Aiken fan."

Classic Clay Moments

• There was no denying Clay's voice was "dead on" during the concert. The HOT music and singing captured the essence of the summer night. Clay mixed the musical side of the concert with just the right dose of banter. During one point, Clay went out into the audience to find a man who would be asked to dance with him onstage.
  

Reaction

• The Ashbury Park Press: "Sure, Aiken is a made-for-TV superstar, but maybe the goofy fun of it all is a balm to viewers weary of war and terrorism."
• Toms River Home News Tribune: "Performing such well-known songs may have been overwhelming to some, but he managed to pull them off with ease, exuding confidence as he displayed powerful and rich vocals." (see scan on the right)
  

Links

• CDD Jukebox Archives: Toms River, NJ
• Photos from the Toms River concert
• Ashbury Park Press review
• Toms River Home News Tribune Review
• Recaps from members of the Clay nation
• MeasureOfAFan.com video downloads
• Clayboard cellcert: Part 1, Part 2
  

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, American Idol, Invisible

Tidbits 7/28

• TVGasm's Big Brother blog mentions Clay: "Then again, I should have known better than to think favorably of a man who still flat-irons his hair. Not even Seacrest and Clay Aiken flat-iron anymore."
• Pittsburgh Tribune Review: stacking the Idols up... (sales stats)
• Deadbolt: AI/AI5 article... "Since its U.S. inception in 2001 on Fox, American Idol has turned a variety of everyday "average Joe" types into household names, including such singers as Kelly Clarkson, Justin Guarini, Clay Aiken"
  
• Wizbang (has been negative to Clay in the past) -- AI5 finalists visiting White House. Mentions Clay:

  I was excited about this season of American Idol because there were three NC finalists this time. Past finalists, Clay Aiken and Fantasia Barrino, both of NC, finished in second and first places in previous seasons. This time, though, none of the NC three, Bucky Covginton, Kellie PIckler or my favorite, Chris Daughtry, made it to the season finale. They made it to the White House though.

• Hey! It's not Christmas, but Idle-wandering is asking you to caption the above photo (THUD)
• Idle-wandering also recaps all the sophomore album news we've been getting. Fantastic read. Some of the stuff there is new. It's best to treat everything you read there as a rumour.
• Several different posts from the blogs about Clay's plea for help:
• Southern Girl: Clay Aiken & UNICEF neeed help;
• Idle-wandering: Children in need;
• Taking A Moment: UNICEF in urgent need of $24 million;
  
• There Was A Man: UNICEF needs help;
• Invisible Kingdom: UNICEF needs help for Lebanese children;
• It's Friday... time for another Friday photo from Southern Girl. Remember last year's TV Guide cover which had us all drooling in front of the computer screen?
• Invisible Kingdom: reasons I LOVE WDC... "The moooooves. Clay has always said he can't dance. I humbly beg to differ." (includes video)
• There Was A Man blogs about Claymate's UNICEF donations (topping over $47,000 as of 5 PM EDT today)
  

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, American Idol, Invisible

Clay Makes A Plea For Help - Israel/Lebanon Crisis & UNICEF

(Updated information toward end of article)

Once again Clay has blogged. This time, however, it is not about photo shoots or CD's or contests. It is about something that is significantly more important than any of these. His blog was about UNICEF, all that they are doing for the children caught in the middle of the Middle Eastern conflict, and how we can help.

As Clay reminds us, and as UNICEF's website says, "A third of those already killed or injured by the conflict in Lebanon are thought to be children. And some 350,000 have been forced to flee their homes. In their hour of need, you can help."

Clay informs us that UNICEF's staff has been in Lebanon since 1948 and so they are able to determine just what is needed for the 350,000 children who have had to leave their homes. Just this weekend 38 tons of emergency supplies have been delivered and are being delivered to children and families where it is needed.

However, UNICEF still needs $23.8 million to "save and protect the children caught in this crisis", according to Clay.

Clay also tells us:

UNICEF is non-partisan and does not take sides in conflict situations, including the current Middle East conflict. In a situation such as this, I know that we all agree... no matter where your concerns lie politically or emotionally, the world's children are of primary importance and their safety and well being should be a number one priority. UNICEF's concern is the safety and welfare of all children, regardless of their race, gender, ethnicity, religion or nationality. In everything it does, the most disadvantaged children and the countries in greatest need have priority.

Please, check out the UNICEF website right now at www.unicefusa.org to find out how you can help!

Make a difference - donate to .

Watch during the upcoming days, as Clay says he will continue to keep the website updated with information on this on-going emergency and with donation information.

Let's all be thankful for and proud of Clay for the wonderful work he is doing with UNICEF. His example should inspire us all!

UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE!!!
Since the first part of this article was written, Clay has blogged twice, giving us an update on how we can donate to UNICEF for the children in the Middle East.

UNICEF has now set up a special link I am calling Clay Fan Donation Page that will take you to a special donation page for Clay's fans. This page DOES NOT have Clay's name on it and does not mention anything about Clay or his fans. However, the link which Clay lists in his blog:

http://www.unicefusa.org/site/lookup.asp?c=duLRI8O0H&b=1859535&msource=0706LClay

has his name at the end of the link. The page also says "Support UNICEF's Emergency Relief Efforts in Lebanon" in pink writing at the top of the page. I'm going into some detail to describe the page because some people were not sure they were on the right page since Clay's name was no where on it.

Clay has told UNICEF what great fans he has, so they agreed to set up this so they can keep track of the donations we send in. The only reason he's doing this is just that he's so proud of us, his fans!! Now if that doesn't put a smile on your face, I don't know what will! Of course, if you are unable to give, Clay understands that. But if you can, give what you can. These children need it more than I need another eat-out or two this week!! No matter what size donation you give, whether small or large, it will be extremely appreciated and will be used to help the children in Lebanon as they face a crisis that is beyond our comprehension.

Let's show Clay what we're made of and how much we care!

Link again: Clay Fan Donation Page.

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, American Idol, Invisible, Israel, Lebanon, UNICEF

Tidbits 7/27

• Springfield State Journal Register highlights the 2006 Indianapolis State Fair. It mentions Clay's 2005 appearance at the fair: "[Carrie] Underwood already has outsold Clay Aiken, the only other "American Idol" contestant to perform at the fair. It's not so much that she won the Fox show's title where Aiken placed second as it's that country fills more Grandstand seats."
• St. Petersburg Times article about a JNT2005 backing vocalist. Small Clay mention.
• Pittsburgh Tribune article about American Idol's current Season 5 tour. Mentions Clay & the season 2 tour:

  Several years ago, she attended a concert at the Mellon Arena that featured finalists from the second season, including Clay Aiken and 2003 winner Ruben Studdard. It gave her a different perspective on the performers.
  
  "That (live format) was just so much more natural for Clay," she says. "He was almost the facilitator, almost like the master of ceremonies. Ruben was talented, but he didn't have that personality."

• Richmond Times-Dispatch mentions ATDW: "Speaking of former Idols, Variety says Clay Aiken's third album is scheduled to hit stores Sept. 19"
• Also from the Richmond Times-Dispatch: Elliott Yamin fan has common 'charitable' roots as Clay -- "Lynch is heavily involved in charity work, some of which she and Clay Aiken, "American Idol's" second season runner-up, had in common."
• Coolfer- upcoming Sony BMG releases. Includes Clay.
  

• Marhaven issues another scrapbook challenge - photoshoots.
• ConCLAYve: "A thousand different way" to cure a phobia part 2.
• Ramblestrip (non-Clay blog) has some nice words for Clay: "I'm not a rabid Clay Aiken fan, not by any stretch of the imagination. But I still like to watch and hear him sing - he's a fantastic live performer and has one of the best voices I've ever heard."
  

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, American Idol, Invisible

American Idol Worship Article - "Giving Clay His Due"

American Idol Worship has sent out an apology "for its previous remarks about Clay Aiken that some fans have taken exception to." I was unable to find a previous article which had these remarks. But this article they have written, "Giving Clay His Due" does make up for whatever they said.

After reading what they previously said, one fan suggested they "highlight Clay’s charitable work", and this they have done beautifully, discussing his work with The Bubel Aiken Foundation, Ronald McDonald House, Toys For Tots, and UNICEF, among others.

American Idol Worship starts out the article by saying:

Apart from his music career, Clay has dedicated himself to education and children’s causes across the world. Few people can match his amazing record of giving and we feel all American Idol fans should be made aware of it, as he is helping make the world a better place.

After discussing all of his work, they end it perfectly:

Aiken continues to devote his time and energy to some of the world’s most important causes and we at American Idol Worship would like to commend him for his efforts. You da man, Clay.

You couldn't ask for a better apology. Be sure to read the whole article yourself. It'll remind you of some of the many reasons we love Clay (as if we needed reminding!).

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, American Idol, Invisible

Clay's Contribution to David Foster's Foundation

Clay was among the many celebrities who helped with music producer David Foster's 2005 River Rock Gala held last year in Vancouver, BC. Proceeds raised help pay for organ transplants for Canadian children.

On. Mr. Foster's foundation website, a 'thank you' note reads:

Very special thanks to all those who played a part in making the 2005 River Rock Charity Gala a reality:

143 Records
24 Frames Film & Video
Air Canada
Andre Agassi
Beau Photo Supply
Canada Wide Magazines and Communications Ltd.
Clay Aiken
(continued)

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, American Idol, Invisible

Angela Fisher: Clay tour "before the end of the year"

The Clay nation's most 'famous' concertgoer, Ethel, got a chance to talk with Clay's backing vocalist Angela Fisher at last night's Kelly Clarkson concert. Currently on tour with Kelly, Angala informed Ethel and the CB's FanPower that she will be touring with Clay "before the end of the year". FanPower posted this on the CB today:

Last night at the KC concert, I saw Ebony Lady ie Ethel and we talked to Angela for over 25 minutes. When asked what she was doing after the last KC show, Angela stated she "would be touring with Clay before the end of the year" and that she was looking forward to being with her son before school starts in September.

Yesterday, a rumour surfaced about Clay performing in Pennsylvania this December.

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, American Idol, Invisible, Kelly Clarkson

Globetrekking Clay Aiken Racking Up Frequent Flyer Miles

Clay seems to be everywhere! Earlier this month, we told you about Clay's visit to Sweden where he attended a Michael Buble concert. Last week, Clay visited the Raleigh YMCA. Now, we have a report [via Chexxxy's Pearls] that Clay was spotted in Seattle and Vancouver, Canada.

mee2u also posted these new photos of Clay arriving at LAX from Raleigh on July 5. We posted a smaller version on Monday.

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, American Idol, Invisible

Tidbits 7/26

• Edmonton Journal's Canadian Idol article mentions Clay: "American Idol has also proven contestants in the top 10 can get their crack at success without landing the top spot in the competition. Season 2's runner-up, Clay Aiken, whose album went on to surpass sales of the eventual winner, Ruben Studdard."
• Reality TV Calendar: Writer of Clay's The Way scolds hopefuls on ABC's The One: Making A Music Star.
• Weird Clay mention in Redback Network Inc's press release about their earnings. (I'm really baffled at this one) - 'Redback said only that the third quarter would be "up." Kind of the way Shaquille O'Neal is "tall" or Clay Aiken is "annoying."'
• Billboard's Geoff Mayfield tells Singapore's Electric New Paper: "With the exception of Clay Aiken, the other finalists who have got albums haven't really been a big deal."
• TV Guide is airing a special series called "Reality Trailblazers: Where Are They Now?". The show includes a clip from Clay's Feb. 2004 appearance on "On-Air With Ryan Seacrest" where Clay is talking about fame. Check local listings for repeats. [courtesy OneSingerGal]

• There Was A Man blogs about ATDW and Clay's album photoshoot. "Clay might not be the most muscular looking man on the planet. Heck, muscular is not a word associated with Mr. Aiken, but his slim build is pefect for making clothes look really good. His body type coupled with his photogenic features, Clay is one sublime model."
• A bit of Wednesday humor and voclaybulary from Jemrock at Taking A Moment.
• A blog called American Idol Worship is apologizing to Clay after making a 'distasteful' comment last week. They gave Clay 'his dues' by publishing a fantastic post about Clay's charitable work and sophomore album, ATDW.
  

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, American Idol, Invisible

Phil Swann Song "The Season For Romance" Possibly Recorded By Clay

According to Rainlover at The Clayboard, 43dudleyvillas posted the following at Clayversity:

Just a small, probably Christmas-music-related note:Phillip Swann seems to be under the impression that Clay recorded a song that he wrote:

www.philswann.com/bio.html
QUOTE (from Phil Swann's website)
"As staff songwriter and producer for DreamWorks SKG, Phillip Swann’s songs have been heard in both television and film and recorded by such major label artists as Clay Aiken, Lee Ann Womack, Lee Greenwood, John Berry, The Kinleys, Lisa Brokop, Keith Norris and Kristin Garner."

Swann co-wrote "The Season For Romance" (the title track for Lee Ann Womack's 2002 holiday album), which Clay sang during the JNT05...so maybe Clay recorded the song?

Is it possible that we might get another Christmas CD from Clay this year...to go with another Joyful Noise Tour? We'll just have to wait and see, but I like the sound of that!

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, American Idol, Invisible

Clay Visited the Raleigh YMCA on July 19

According to Karebear65 who posted the photo you see on the left, it was taken on July 19 when Clay was at the YMCA in Raleigh. Apparently Clay went to the "Y" to talk to the administration about the summer camps and also stayed and played with the kids for about an hour. Also, one of the counselors working with the kids was a student when Clay was working there. How time flies! It seems that Clay's work at the "Y" has been an inspiration to the kids he taught. Another generation reaching out, just as Clay continues to do.

Karebear65 also tells us:

"The kids did not recognize him because of the hair. Clay told them he was "Clint" Clay's twin brother. LOL! Don't you just love him!?"

Doesn't that sound like Clay! I guess his cousin, Trey, wasn't available to be there!

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, American Idol, Invisible

JNT2006? Christmas Concert Scheduled for Dec. 9?

Everything you read below is RUMOUR and has not been verified by CDD.

According to a rumour from LBFCA, Clay will be playing a concert at Williamsport, PA's 2200-seater Williamsport Community Arts Center on December 9 (Christmas concert, according to the CB's. Members of LBFCA, who were at the venue today, spotted a poster promoting the concert. The venue staff informed the Claymates that Clay is being brought in to replace LeAnn Rimes who recently cancelled. Staff pointed out that all 250 venue member-only tickets have been sold. If you are in the area, you can contact the box office to inquire about this rumoured show (contact info is included below). Tickets are scheduled to go on sale to the general public at 10 AM EDT, August 14, 2006. Prices will range from $40 to $65. All this information comes despite the venue's warning that "details are not in place right now", which leaves us a bit confused. More puzzling is the fact that we also don't know whether this show will "normal" or "Christmas" themed.

CDD wants to stress that this is a rumour. This kind of concert announcement is very unusual. Team Clay is almost always the first to make concert announcements via official communication channels such as ClayOnline.com, RCARecords.com, Ticketmaster.com or ClayAiken.com. We also don't know whether this means another Christmas tour is forthcoming. Team Clay, via the official fanclub, said earlier this year that a "tour [is] in the works for later in 06."

For more information, please contact the venue's box office:

Box office
220 West Fourth Street
Williamsport, PA
17701
Phone (570) 326-2424
Toll-Free (800)432-9382

Update 7/26: The venue is backing down today saying the concert is "unconfirmed". Very unprofessional, if you ask me.

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, American Idol, Invisible

Striped Socks For Album Photoshoot

Clay blogged earlier today to tell us that the ATDW album photoshoot has been completed. According to Clay's blog, he wore 'striped socks' for the 12-hour long shoot held at a "posh LA mansion" [Chexxy]! Clay also mentioned last week's 1000 Days leak. Clay says he joined us in downloading and listening to that "bad bootleg copy" (Clay's words!) -- LOL... doesn't he crack you up? He's becoming his own Claymate!

[Via Southern Girl's blog]

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, American Idol, Invisible

Tidbits 7/25

• Another new photo from CH... This is a photo of Clay taken in July at the YMCA in Raleigh. More info.
  
• SOHH Soulful - In an article entitled, "It's Taking Too Long To Make A Band", this comment is made, "Fantasia, winner of the third cycle of "American Idol" made a splash. But it doesn't compare to the impact made by Kelly Clarkson, Clay Aiken or Carrie Underwood."
• The usual Clay mention in today's StubHub PR. Not related to Clay.
• Clay's the #2 Idol at IdolRising.com blog. Kelly Clarkson checks in at #1.
• Raleigh News & Observer Music blog: Chris Daughtry blog mentions - "Older women make up a large segment of Clay Aiken's fan base." (really??????)
• Variety Magazine - Idol CD article mentions, "Clay Aiken's second non-holiday album is due Sept. 19. His debut, "Measure of a Man," released Oct. 14, 2003, sold 2.8 million copies."
  

• Jemrock at Taking A Moment has a wild Clay dream (hilarious post!) -- "Clay, give me some bedroom eyes for this shot, and moisten your bottom lip just a bit."
• Southern Girl blogs about the ATDW photoshoot.
  
• ConCLAYve tells us about an exciting new musical project called the Music Genome Project by Pandora. It hopes to categorize every song every recorded and then recommend them to you based on your musical taste.
• The Electric New Paper - In an article called "Hicks vs McPhee vs Pickler, which is about their three CD's coming out on the same day, Clay is mentioned as follows, "With the exception of Clay Aiken, the other finalists who have got albums haven't really been a big deal."

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, American Idol, Invisible, Chris Daughtry, Kelly Clarkson

Prayers and Thoughts for Coalition Troops in Iraq, Afghanistan

Clay's brother Brett Parker was recently re-deployed to Iraq. As violence continues to escalate in the region, please keep Brett & ALL coalition troops serving in the area in your thoughts and prayers. Their sacrifice continues to pave the way for peace & freedom -- THANK YOU.

Brett returned from his first 6 month tour of duty in Iraq last September.

Raleigh Clay Fans is accepting message for Brett. Post your thoughts there.

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, Iraq

Release Date Confirmation, Track Listing This Week?

renybc, a reliable Clay nation source, says "something" major is scheduled to happen later this week. She didn't reny didn't go into specifics, our guess is that the "major" event will have to do with Clay's sophomore album, A Thousand Different Ways. The release date is rumoured to be September 19.

Wait and see (some more)! It shall be an exciting week here at CDD!

7/25 Update from renybc: Nope! Not a PR. It's something else "Clay has already done this month". Hmmm....

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, American Idol, Invisible

Tidbits 7/24

I've never seen this photo before! It was taken shortly after May 2003's AI2 finale. Discovery credited to our friends over at Clayversity.

• Parade magazine wants to know who had the best celeb transformation. Vote for Clay!
  
• Clay still turns up in the weirdest of places. The Dallas Ft. Worth Star Telegram has an article about RFIDs (little electronic chips that track the movement of object)... Clay's mentioned:

  Maybe you think that just because a clerk passes your new CD over something that goes "thunk" that its RFID tag is deactivated. Maybe the thing just goes "thunk," and the chip is still broadcasting. Maybe the chip is even playing nearly inaudible Theremin music as you leave the store. Maybe you suddenly have a strange urge to head back and buy yet another Clay Aiken album. If you think about it, that's the only way to account for his record sales.

• Raleigh News & Observer article about Martha, a competitor on So You Think You Can Dance. The Raleigh dancer is popular, but it "hasn't reached the pitch of 2003's Claymania, when hometown belter Clay Aiken made it to second place on Idol."
• A new Clay photo of Clay arriving at LAX last month (returning from Sweden). Clay looks ready for a good nap. Update 7/25: Rainlover says this is Clay coming back to LAX from Raleigh, not Sweden. Taken July 5. CDD cannot confirm this. >>>
  
• A manager from Best Buy in Baltimore called the CB's tiggy52winkle about the possiblity of hosting a Clay CD release party there... ATDW is so close!!! Post from tiggy:

  Just heard from the manager of a local Best Buy that I had contacted several months ago about the possibility of hosting our Baltimore CD Release Party there. He wanted to know if we were still interested (because they really are!!!) and if we had a date yet. I told him the unofficial date being tossed around in the media is Sept. 19 but stressed that that was not official or confirmed by Team Clay. I did tell him that we now had the name of the CD and he was very surprised that Jaymes Foster had been the one to tell us! Too funny!!! Anyway, he said as soon as I had the date to let him know. They are really excited about hosting the party! How cool is that when the stores start calling us???

• Chexxy tackles the continuing controversy over 'Claymate'... "The haters use the Claymate term like it's a bad word and I'm tired of it. Mates=friends and I'm definitely a friend of Clay's. I'm going to embrace the term and shout it loud and proud from now on."
• ConCLAYve's mostly non-Clay blog about birthdays.
• Oops.. .think I missed There Was A Man's Friday post about the studio version of 1000 Days.
• Wednesday's Child has a montage from Shades of Clay for us.
• Several non-Clay posts on Southern Girl's blog. Also a post about Clay in Parade magazine which we covered here on CDD last week.
  

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, American Idol, Invisible

Help Send 1000 Thank You's To Clay

Most all of us know Ethel from Clay's concerts. Well, Ethel started a thread at the OFC this past week because, since Clay's CD is called A Thousand Different Ways, she wants us to send 2000 thank you's to Clay!!! I guess 1000 thank you's for the CD and 1000 more because the first 1000 is not enough!

If you are a member of the OFC, after you sign in, go to "Community", then to "Message Board", then scroll down to "Dear Clay" and then to the "More Than 1000 Thank You's to Clay" thread. Be sure to enter into your message the next number in line (i.e. if the message before you is 500, enter 501 in your message).

IMPORTANT!!!

Once you enter your message and number, IMMEDIATELY go back and make certain no one has taken your number while you were writing your message. People are writing messages at the same time you are, so they may have taken the number that you had planned to use. That happened to me and I had to go back and edit the number I had first entered to the number that was now next in line. This will hopefully keep double numbers from happening.

Tell all of your groups about this. We want Clay to see how many ways we are thankful for him. Surely at least a thousand different ways!

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, American Idol, Invisible

Tidbits 7/23

• Raleigh News & Observer article about AI5 fourth-placer Chris Daughtry: ""American Idol" losers can wind up doing as well as the winners, and occasionally even better. Consider Raleigh's Clay Aiken, 2003 runner-up, who has surpassed that year's winner, Ruben Studdard." Also mentions ATDW: "CLAY AIKEN The runner-up beats the winner to the stores with the Sept. 19 release of his third album. The tentative title is "A Thousand Different Ways.""
  
• The Deadbolt: AI5 finalists going to the White House, but "President Bush hasn't been a fan of previous winners and popular idols like Kelly Clarkson, Justin Guarini, Ruben Studdard, Clay Aiken, Fantasia Barrino, Carrie Underwood or Bo Bice."
• Variety: get ready for a pile of Idol CD's this fall... "Clay Aiken's second non-holiday album is due Sept. 19. His debut, "Measure of a Man," released Oct. 14, 2003, sold 2.8 million copies. RCA Music Group insiders figure 400,000-500,000 copies are sold as a souvenir of the show; anything above that is evidence that the music is finding an audience." (Clay's got an audience!)
  

• ClayKat returns and blogs about the Kite Runner and the sophomore album. She mentions our ATDW ad.
• Rooting For Clay Aiken has an interesting blog about ATDW, astrology mixed together with some clack.
• A personal blog at Yahoo 360 -- Clay gets down and dirty with WDC -- video included.
  

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, American Idol, Invisible, Chris Daughtry