Tidbits 12/2

• WALK-FM in Long Island, NY interviewed Clay yesterday. You can download the fantastic the 17 minute interview at WALK-FM's website or at SendSpace. Clay talks about ATDW, the Christmas Tour and his charity work. Thanks to Southern Girl for the heads up.
  
• The Insider has an article about WRAL's Clay house tour.
  

  Clay Aiken: On Kelly!
  
  The kitchen! The dining room! The private screening room! On tonight's "Insider," we go inside CLAY AIKEN's brand new 9,000-square-foot North Carolina mansion! But the cute crooner not only opens the door to his home -- he also opens up about the now infamous KELLY RIPA incident with WRAL-TV anchor LYNDA LOVELAND.
  
  "I've talked to Kelly since and we've both come to terms with each other," Clay tells Lynda, referring to the scene that recently played out on "Live with Regis and Kelly" when Clay put his hand over Kelly's mouth. "I've apologized to her and she's apologized for any drama that was caused. So we're on perfectly good terms now."
  
  As for the singing sensation's private retreat, Clay admits his biggest obsession seems to be the kitchen.
  
  "Everything has to be ordered and lined up. I'm really very OCD about the kitchen, which is strange because I really can't cook," jokes Clay. "So I don't know how to do anything in here, but everything must be blue or silver."
  
  Meanwhile, his African-themed guest bedroom is filled with souvenirs from his UNICEF tours.
  
  "We've got the mosquito net," says Clay about the netting that serves as a canopy over the bed.
  
  Speaking of guests, Clay has already hosted fellow "American Idol" alumni KELLY CLARKSON and RUBEN STUDDARD.
  
  "They both came over and everyone competed," says Clay. "We had an 'Idol' night. Ruben and Kelly played a pool tournament."

• NY Post- Chris Daughtry joining the ranks of Clay Aiken, Kellie Pickler as successful North Carolina idols.
• BBC America - "The UK's answer to Clay Aiken, pop star Will Young, has proven equal the diva. "The Pop Idol winner refused to take to the stage during a South African charity gig because he 'doesn't do rain.'"
• Christmas tour mentions:
• Chicago Sun Times
• Northwest Herald
• Socialite's Life
  
• Philadelphia Inquirer - random Clay mention.
• Inside Edition - Kelly Ripa/Clay... (can we please stop now?)
  

• Nothing here yet.
  

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, ATDW, All Is Well, Merry Christmas With Love, Invisible

New Photos From WRAL Photographer!

WRAL photographer Courtney Davis blogged shared her thoughts and photos from this week's tour of Clay's new Raleigh house which Clay granted exclusively to WRAL.

I have to give a lot of credit to this guy. I remember the days leading up to that Idol finale. You guessed it. Lovely and I were in LA for that too. But in those days, weeks, months before Idol, I remember thinking 'What's going to become of this kid when it's all said and done?'. Fortunately, I can tell you he's still the same playful person he was, but with a lot more responsibility and lot more eyes on him. Way to go Clay. Keep up the good work and Happy Birthday.

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, ATDW, All Is Well, Merry Christmas With Love, Invisible

Clay Aiken: He's Back!

Blustry, snowy... what a perfect way to kick off Clay's 2006 Christmas Tour. The near sold-out Genesse Theatre in Waukegan, IL played host to Clay's first Christmas concert last night!

Thanks to Invisible926, zippy888 and ImFeelingItDawg for these gorgeous photos from last night's concert.

Recaps, photos and clack links are now up in our Christmas Tour blog.

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, ATDW, All Is Well, Merry Christmas With Love, Invisible

Waukegan Show A Rousing Success!

Every Clay fan has been waiting with excitement for the first concert of Clay's Symphony Christmas Tour, and after reading The Clayboard Cellcert, I must say that it was definitely worth the wait!

The cellcert reporters all gave us our money's worth tonight...reporting the songs Clay sang, the audience's reaction, and the the interaction with the audience from the much chatty and snarky Clay!! Yes, not only do we get to hear 14 beautiful Christmas songs sung with both feeling and emotion by the most gorgeous voice I have ever heard, but we get to take part in a never ending flow of humor coming from a Clay who was most definitely comfortable and happy to be with his fans! It is forever obvious that not only do Clay's fans adore him, but Clay also adores his fans to the nth degree!

If you don't want to know the song program from the concert, stop reading right here. Otherwise here is the list in order of the Christmas songs Clay will be singing at all 18 of his shows:

2006 Christmas Tour Set List:

Christmas Waltz
The First Noel
Merry Christmas With Love
Winter Wonderland
The Christmas Song
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
Sleigh Ride
Mary Did You Know
Hark the Herald Angels Sing
Oh Come All Ye Faithful
My Grown-Up Christmas List
O Come O Come Emmanuel
Don't Save It All for Christmas Day
All is Well (encore)

Of course, each song was sung beautifully and received with loud applause. For songs such as Mary Did You Know, the audience became quiet and listened as Clay softly and reverently sang these songs from a heart of gratefulness.

Clay wore a gray pin striped suit, gray sweater, blue shirt, gray tie, and black boots. His hair was long and combed over to the side. In 3 words...he was gorgeous!

And did Clay ever give us lots of banter. I won't list it all, so be sure to check out The Clayboard Cellcert to enjoy all of the hysterical banter of Clay! At one point Clay apparently showed off his socks because "it was important to the boards"...the socks were striped--possibly green and black!

The cellcert reporters said that Clay was very animated during Winter Wonderland. Can't you just see him waltzing back and forth across the stage, having so much fun with that song!

Clay also took time to talk with a couple, Carol and Jim, who had driven 7 hours from Ohio to see the show. He asked them how long they had been married and they said "41 years", so he said he would do a special song for them. Clay also got onto someone for being on the phone during the show (probably a cellcert reporter)!

I got a kick out of 1inNebraska4clay who said, "My daughter (8) is mad, mad, mad!!! She just told her brother, 'Mom's mean!! She won't let me hear Clay sing too!'" Of course, what Claymate would give up her cell phone to anyone if she was listening to a cellcert!! :)

Clay took the time to thank the maestro and the orchestra, saying that they were so talented and professional.

Before singing My Grown Up Christmas List, Clay talked about Quiana singing it in the past, but then he said that he decided to steal it this year and sing it himself! I'm sure Quiana would have something to say to that!!

Clay also made certain to mention The Bubel Aiken Foundation and UNICEF and his work with them. He said that working with children is so important in this world and that it is good to think about giving not just this time of year, but to remember the children and give to our favorite charities all year long.

For Clay's final song, he came back out and put his jacket back on, and the audience went wild! Then all went quiet, and he sang All Is Well.

As someone said on the Clayboard, Clay was in good voice and a good mood tonight, and he was back in his element. It was a perfect concert with 17 more to go. Yes, all is definitely well.

CLACK LOCATIONS:

Pictures of Concert - The Clayboard-Pics From Tonight's Concert

MP3 of Concert - Clack Unlimited MP3

Video of Concert - Clack Unlimited Video

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, ATDW, All Is Well, Merry Christmas With Love, Invisible

Clay Kicks Off Christmas Tour in Waukegan, IL Tonight

In less than 2 hours, Clay will kick off his first and only tour of the year. The Christmas tour will open tonight at Waukegan, IL's beautiful Genesee Theatre at 8 PM.

As usual, the boards will be hosting cellcerts. Don't forget to tune into these cellcerts.

• Clayversity Cellcert/Reports/Media
• Clackhouse
• Clayboard Cellcert Forum

CDD will be continuously updating our special Christmas tour blog throughout the rest of the month. Starting tomorrow, we'll be featuring various goodies on the blog including:

• Concert recaps
• YouTube clips
• Photos/Photo albums
  

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, ATDW, All Is Well, Merry Christmas With Love, Invisible

"All Is Well" In Wal-Mart Circular

Thanks to the CB's ClaysMyMidlifeCrisis for a scan from this week's Wal-Mart flyer which features All Is Well.

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, ATDW, All Is Well, Merry Christmas With Love, Invisible

Clay Made It To Waukegan and Is "In Da House"

Tonight is the beginning of Clay's long awaited Christmas tour. It begins in Waukegan, Illinois in the Genesee Theatre, and according to BOUNCER15 at The Clayboard, butterfyshine at Clayversity has confirmed that "Clay is in da house"! Part of her conversation with a theater worker is as follows:

very nice lady: Hello, Genesee theatre

me: Hi, i know you must be answering this question all day long, but tonights show is still a go right....

very nice lady: (small laugh) yes, i have been answering that question all day, but yes he is in the house right now, the show will go on....

me: have you met him? you should he is a very nice guy

vnl: no, I am not allowed to do that

me: well, if you have the opportunity you should

vnl: laughs, I am not allowed....

me: thank you, i know you have answered that question 2 millions times today

vnl: laughs....at least that many....
me: well, thank you and have a nice night

vnl: you too, enjoy the show....

It is great to know that Clay made it safely there, and now let's hope that all those attending the show will arrive safely as well.

Stay tune for lots of clack tomorrow!

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, ATDW, All Is Well, Merry Christmas With Love, Invisible

Tidbits 12/1

Thanks to the ClayReport for a heads up on this wonderful "Happy Birthday, Clay" montage from rcknrllmom.

• Nice Clay mention from Meghan Mullally during the KTLA Morning Show this morning. The CB's annieg9 says:

  Megan Mullally was a guest on the show with Sam Rubin and the news team. They asked her if she'd met good people on the show that she HADN'T KNOWN WELL BEFORE. She said "Yes, Clay Aiken. He is the nicest person. I really enjoyed getting to know him."
  

• INQ 7 Philippines - who should become the Philippines new Idol? ~ nice Clay mention-- "I don’t think he’ll have a problem becoming successful. Look at Clay Aiken"
  
• Dose.ca - Clay Aiken visiting Days of our Lives.
• AOL Music press release - AOL Music to offer CD listening party for Merry Christmas With Love.
  
• Christmas tour mentions:
• Greensboro News Record
• The State SC
  
• Hometown Annapolis
• Northwest Indiana News
• Northwest Indiana News - article #2

  Next up, the 3,400-seat Merrillville venue plays host to pop music sensation, Clay Aiken. The former "American Idol" finalist performs an 8 p.m. show on Saturday that blends tunes from his hit albums -- "Measure Of A Man" and "A Thousand Different Ways" -- with holiday songs from his 2005 holiday album, "Merry Christmas With Love," while accompanied by a full symphony orchestra. Tickets: $49.
  

• Dallas Fort Worth Star Telegram - random Clay mention in Dixie Chicks/Rosie tidbit.
• Raleigh News & Observer - Daughtry making respectable debut...

  The numbers for Daughtry, who finished fifth on "American Idol" last season, were also less than half of what Raleigh "American Idol" runner-up Clay Aiken scored with his 2003 debut album. "Measure of a Man" sold 613,000 copies its first week to propel Aiken to No. 1 on the Billboard 200. But it tops the 205,000 first-week copies Aiken sold with his second album, "A Thousand Different Ways," when it debuted in September.

• Foxes on Idol - another Daughtry mention.
  
• YouTube - Kelly Ripa says she didn't even know Clay before "Kellygate" ... hmm... really?
• YesButNoButYes - "If I had to cast the three ghosts for a live action Magoo's Christmas Carol, I'd pick American Idol's Clay Aiken, a cryogenicallly preserved Jerry Garcia, and Georgia Senator Zell Miller." (what the heck is this???)
  

• Carolina On Mind - don't forget to check out Carolina Clay's weekly roundup... always top notch!
  
• Some more birthday wishes for Clay from across the Clay nation's many blogs:
• There Was A Man:

  All day I have been trying to come up with something worthy of Clay's 28th birthday. I haven't blanked out so badly since the 'Statement of Financial Position Cash Basis' problem on the CPA exam. Luckily the very eloquent Rockys Mom of Clayversity wrote a lovely post which went right to the heart of wanted to say, but could quite get out.

• ... and the one and only Jemock @ Taking A Moment ... uh... LOL--

  Happy birthday to yooooooouuuuu
  
  Happy birthday to yooooooouuuu
  
  You look like a Monkeeeeee*
  
  With your brand-new hair-doooooooo!!!
  

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, ATDW, All Is Well, Merry Christmas With Love, Invisible

Inside Clay's House With Insider, Inside Edition and ET

The official Clay Aiken MySpace says The Insider, Entertainment Tonight and Inside Edition will all air a tour of Clay's Raleigh area home. We got the first glimpse at the huge 9000 sq. ft. house (location still unknown) earlier this week when Clay invited WRAL's Lynda Loveland.

According to reports from the Clayboard, the question for tonight's Insider poll will be: "What is Your Favorite Room in Clay's House and why?" (isn't this funny?). Text in your thoughts along with you name and town to 55888.

Check local listings and make sure to tune in!

Update: ET video now available @ SendSpace. Thanks to gerwhisp.


Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, ATDW, All Is Well, Merry Christmas With Love, Invisible

OLMass' Clay Aiken Christmas Parodies

It's time to bring out the CB's OLMass' cute Christmas carol parodies.

Deck the Halls with Aiken's Raleigh
Deck the Halls with Aiken's Raleigh,
Fa la la la la, la la la la.
Not the city but the dawgie,
Fa la la la la, la la la la.
On the road with Clay she's working,
Fa la la, la la la, la la la.
Has the other dawgies flurking,
Fa la la la la, la la la la!

See what Raleigh does before us,
Fa la la la la, la la la la.
Doesn't want to make a floor mess
Fa la la la la, la la la la.
Don we now the leash and collar,
Fa la la , la la la, la la la.
'Cause where Clay goes, Raleigh follers(?),
Fa la la la la, la la la la!

Do You Thud Like I Thud
Said the Claymate to the Studdard fan,
Do you thud like I thud
Deep down in your heart, Studdard fan,
Do you thud like I thud?
For Clay, for Clay, I'm thudding every day
With the gals there's no other way!
With the gals there's no other way.

Said the Claymate then to the critic man,
Do you see what I see
Up there on the stage, critic man,
Do you see what I see?
A star, a star, was born on AI2
He is loved by Christian and Jew.
He is loved by Christian and Jew.

Said the Claymate next to the DJ Ma'am,
Do you hear what I hear
Ringing through the hall, DJ Ma'am,
Do you hear what I hear?
A song, a song, filled with angel sound
From That Voice so big and profound,
From That Voice so big and profound.

Said the people all to the Idol King,
Do you know what we know
In your ivory tower, Idol King,
Do you know what we know?
A man, a man, starting as a nerd
Is the voice that now must be heard!
Is the voice that now must be heard.
The man, the man, singing in the night
He's the star that's shining so bright,
He's the star that's shining so bright!

The Twelve Days of Christmas
On the 12th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me:
12 Clay Aikens dancing,
11 Claymates thudding,
10 ladies fainting,
9 panty throwings,
8 claymates panting,
7 songs Clay's singing,
6 concerts seeing,
5 DEEP KNEE BENDS!
4 red glow sticks,
3 Aiken shirt tugs,
2 aiken winks,
( all together now...)
AND MY 19TH CLAY AIKEN CD!!!

Clayton, the Red-Haired Aiken (Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer)
Clayton, the red-haired Aiken,
Had a voice like no one heard.
And when first time you saw him,
Bet you thought he was a nerd.

All of the Idol judges,
Wondered was he right for fame.
They chose Kim Locke and Ruben,
Tossed him from the Idol game!

Then one wondrous Wild Card Eve,
Voters called to say,
Clayton with your voice so right,
Won't you sing for us tonight?

Then how the people loved him,
And they shouted out with glee,
Clayton, the red-haired Aiken,
You'll make music history.
You'll make music hi...sto...ry!!!

These are a Few of My Clay Aiken Things
(These are Few of My (Wife's) Favorite Things)
Guys who are nerdy and wear funny glasses,
Then become sexy and turn on the lasses,
Shirt tugs and knee bends and angels that sing,
These are a few of my Clay Aiken things.

Randy and Paula but no one named Simon,
Those who see mountains and then start a climbin'
Guys who teach children with love on their wings,
These are a few of my Clay Aiken things.

When the boss bites, when the news stings, when I'm feeling sad,
I simply remember my Clay Aiken things and then I don't feel so bad!

Clayton Aikenland (Winter Wonderland)
Clayton sings, are you listening?
Hum along or start whistling
To the beautiful sound, the one that we found,
Singing in a Clayton Aikenland.

Gone away are the old tunes,
Here to stay are ones he croons.
You know that I'm right 'cause 'This is the Night,'
Singing in a Clayton Aikenland.

In the morning when I am arising,
I start to sing a Clayton Aiken song,
And in the evening when I am reclining,
To Clayton's music I still sing alo-o-ng.

Later on, I'm still listening,
In my dreams, I'm still whistling
To the beautiful sound, the one that we found,
Singing in a Clayton Aikenland.
Singing in a Clayton Aikenland.

G-d Rest Ye Weary Clay Aiken
G-d rest ye weary Clay Aiken, how tired you must be,
Been on the go since AI2, it's time for AI3,
When Randy, Paula, Simon's power will pick a choice, but see,

O, no one is quite as good as Clay, better than Clay,
O, no one is quite as good as Clay,

On AI2 in old L.A., a brand new star was born,
He said his name was Clay Aiken, he took the world by storm,
And now the sun shines brighter on the music world's morn,

O, no one is quite as good as Clay, better than Clay,
O, no one is quite as good as Clay.

From G-d, our heavenly Father, he blessed Clay with that voice,
And though the votes did not show it, he is the people's choice,
Now let me say it loud and clear, CLAY IS THE PEOPLE'S CHOICE,

O, no one is quite as good as Clay, better than Clay,
O, no one is quite as good as Clay.

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, ATDW, All Is Well, Merry Christmas With Love, Invisible

WRAL Interview @ YouTube, ClackUnlimited

Clay's interview with WRAL, first aired on their 10 o'clock news cast last night, is now available on YouTube thanks to trapsvm15. Clay showed WRAL's Lynda Loveland around his Raleigh area house and joked about the now infamous "hand over mouth" incident.

• YouTube - Clay on WRAL Part 1
• YouTube - Clay on WRAL Part 2
• ClackUnlimited - downloads.
  

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, ATDW, All Is Well, Merry Christmas With Love, Invisible

ATDW Featured in KMart Circular

ATDW is featured in this week's K-Mart circular. Thanks to the CB's lsdollylovesclay for the scan.

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, ATDW, All Is Well, Merry Christmas With Love, Invisible

Tidbits 11/30

• Entertainment Tonight wishes Clay a happy birthday in their daily birthdays segment. Clay is in Waukegan, IL tonight prepping for the debut of the 2006 Christmas Tour tomorrow. | Chicago Sun Times - birthday set for Nov. 30
• AmericanIdol.com - poll: whose exit was the most shocking?
  
• The Bolingbrook Sun has a short mention of tomorrow's Waukegan, IL concert:

  Pianist Jim Brickman, Johnny Mathis, the Vienna Choir Boys, Anne Murray, Clay Aiken, the Chicago Children's Choir and the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra are among the artists scheduled to stage holiday concerts in the suburbs and Chicago.

• A few other Christmas tour mentions:
• Toledo Blade
• Lake County News Sun - Waukegan (interview):

  The "American Idol" star, who celebrates his 28th birthday today, is also learning to pace himself through life on the road. Friday night's appearance at the Genesee Theatre will be the first of 18 shows in 22 days, culminating Dec. 23 in Greensboro, N.C.
  
  How will he pull off singing at the top of his register that often over that period of time? "Don't ask me how, because I've never done it before," he said. "When I did the first 'Idol' tour, we did, I think, 50 shows in about 60 days, so typically you do about five shows a week. This is six shows a week or more."
  
  Adding to the challenge, Aiken said, will be performing at each stop with a local symphony. At the Genesee, he will be working with the FullScore Chamber Orchestra.
  
  "Oh, my gosh, I'm going to tell on myself here, but we won't be doing any rehearsing ahead of time," he said. "We do have the same conductor who travels with us, but we're going to fly by the seat of our pants. (We'll) cross our fingers and hope it goes well."
  
  Aiken then joked that "people will hear that and be like, 'Oh, I can't wait to see that train wreck.'" But he added that he will have the advantage of working with familiar material, having spent the last three Christmas seasons conducting some type of holiday tour.
  
  "The first year, December of '03, I spent quite a bit of time leading into Christmas doing 'jingle jams' and (promotions) for radio stations. That did not feel like Christmas at all," he said. "But the last two years (with the Joyful Noise tours) and with a tour like this, people are in the Christmas spirit and we're doing all Christmas music, so it's kind of exciting.
  
  "What I'm really excited about is that usually you just tour with a band; this is a full orchestra, and we're really going to focus on just the music," he said, adding that he has a tough time nailing down a favorite holiday song. "It's tough because every year it becomes something different. This year, I like 'Merry Christmas With Love' and 'Don't Save It All for Christmas,' which I close the show with. And then 'Oh Come, Oh Come Emmanuel' is probably my favorite standard."
  

• The HUB
• Citizen's Voice
  
• Alabama.com - Ruben article... the usual Clay mention.
  
• U of California Guardian - "Why do [kids] vote for 'American Idol' more than they vote for the president? They call up and vote for Clay Aiken and see it go from 83 percent to 84 percent …"
• Fayetteville County Review, Dallas Fort-Wth Star Teleg, Bay Windows, KanSan, E! Online- Kelly/Clay mentions.
• Winston Salem Journal's take on Kellygate:

  American Idol's Clay Aiken co-hosted Live with Regis and Kelly. Clay put his hands over Kelly Ripa's mouth to keep her from speaking. Getting Kelly to shut up wasn't such a bad idea, but Aiken could have done it with more grace. The moon says it's time to adopt a suave and sophisticated attitude. Hint: buying 50 rolls of toilet paper in bulk at the discount store isn't helping your image.

• InTouch asks: "Was Clay Aiken rude to Kelly Ripa?" (currently 89% in support of Clay)
  
• Zap2it- Chris Daughtry rocking the charts - '"Daughtry" moved nearly 100,000 more copies than the first week of Clay Aiken's "A Thousand Different Ways" earlier this fall.' ... the Winston Salem Journal also has a Daughtry/Clay mention (Chris is also from NC).
• Indianapolis Star- 'onslaught' of American Idol CDs not over yet.
• Thanks to CDD visitor Mary Anne who tells us Clay is in the new issue of ABC Soaps: "In the new Dec 19 issue of ABC Soaps, page 9 there is an article about Clay--Soap Is Achin For Aiken. It is two columns and talks about clay having a personal motive for agreeing to guest on DAYS. His best friend Kristy Tivos Days and watches it every night. A good article."
  

• Birthday wishes for Clay from Southern Girl and ClayKat.
  

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, ATDW, All Is Well, Merry Christmas With Love, Invisible

The Sound of Love -- From Clay's Voice to The Ears of a Child

Every once in a while I read something so heart warming that I want to share it with everyone. Just recently on The Clayboard I read just that, a story written by Cincy15 about her grandson who is autistic and the affect that Clay's music had on him. It always amazes me at how Clay's voice so obviously affects people, and it is especially obvious when it is babies and young children. They stop crying and/or sit still, and listen with every fiber of their being. There's something in that voice, something extra that God has given Clay, something that makes a person feel calm, soothed, and loved.

Here is Cincy15's story, and I think you will agree that it is very heartwarming indeed:

Some of you may know that I have a grandson who is autistic. I live in Ohio and he lives with my son and daughter-in-law in Minot, ND where his dad is stationed in the US Air Force. My daughter-in-law has become aware of Clay’s music directly because of his work and TBAF. She is not a Claymate or even a major fan like most of us here, but she does like his music and supports him because she supports “the man.” Like many, she does love Christmas music and couldn’t wait to get the All is Well mini-cd. She got it today and emailed me her and her son’s reactions to it.

As is the norm with her days, she will often do her own housework and class work while my grandson plays quietly nearby. His autism is characterized basically by difficulties with in the language development areas. Although he is now (thanks to speech therapy and an inclusionary pre-school environment) saying a few words, the better part of his life has been non-verbal when it comes to communication. When he talks, it is seldom more than two or three words strung together.

She put All is Well in the cd player while she was cleaning the kitchen. Mark was coloring in the dining room. When she stopped to take a look at him, the song All is Well was playing. What she described to me has had me reduced to tears of joy.

Mark had stopped in mid-Crayola and was listening intently to Clay’s voice during the song All is Well. She described the look on his face as almost angelic. He was smiling softly, yet a single tear was falling down his cheek. He noticed her looking at him and raised his head to her and said his favorite word. “Love.” She knelt to him and the two of them “communicated” in ways mothers and sons have been communicating since the beginning of time. With all the daily ups and downs of raising a child with autism, at that moment, she felt a calming sense of peace. A feeling that, at least for that moment in time, All most certainly was Well.

And that is what I think this song is all about. At least that is how the words will mean in our family. We know Mark will face many challenges in his life; all of our children will. Many of his challenges will actually be less than some of those faced by children who are not suffering from the learning challenges of autism. Whatever those challenge children and their parents may face, as long as there is “love”, the kind of love expressed and felt through Clay’s rendition of All is Well, there is much hope and cause for celebration.

So thank you, Clay, for this beautiful song. It proves again that although Mark cannot “talk”, he most certainly can hear. Although his mother may not “hear” him, she can in a meaningful way “listen.” So since Mark cannot traditionally use his voice, I will speak for him to bless you for these lyrics that say so much:

All is well all is well
Angels and men rejoice
For tonight darkness fell
Into the dawn of love's light
Sing Alleluia
All is well all is well

Thank you, Clay, for sharing your beautiful voice with us...for sharing the joy, love, and peace it brings to us all.

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, ATDW, All Is Well, Merry Christmas With Love, Invisible

Happy Birthday Clay!

Dear Clay:
It still astounds me to know that we are entering our 4th year together. 4 short years ago, we met a young, bright singer "Clay Aiken" in Charlotte, NC. Over the years and 7 million albums later, we have watched you grow into the man you are today. Thanks for the memories and HAPPY 28th BIRTHDAY!

Read (or sign) CDD's birthday card for Clay - currently 178 birthday greetings.

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, ATDW, All Is Well, Merry Christmas With Love, Invisible

Happy Birthday Dear Clay

Birthday Wish To Clay

Sometimes we ask ourselves
What did we do to deserve someone like you.
Cuz with your kind heart, you never leave people blue.
You have given us so much from the beginning until now;
It almost seems like committing to a vow.
Though you've given us things that I don't think we earned;
You never ask us for anything in return.

So today in honor of your birthday
We’re giving you this gift where in your heart it will always stay.
We appreciate you for the kind of person that you are;
If you look in the sky, to you belong the brightest star.

Our Birthday Wish is that we may always be there for you;
After all that you have done, it’s the least that we can do.
On your birthday, we wish that you'll be really blessed;
Bless for always being the very best.

Now, this is from us to you
From the bottom of our hearts,
Happy Birthday To You!

Author Unknown


Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, ATDW, All Is Well, Merry Christmas With Love, Invisible

Christmas Tour Reminder From OFC

The Official Fanclub sent an email today reminding everyone of the 2006 Christmas tour which will kick off in Waukegan, IL this Friday.

Clay will be making some special appearances with a select number of symphonies and orchestras for special holiday shows in the month of December. These are not the Joyful Noise concerts of the past two years. For these shows, Clay is joining local orchestras for a special performance, many of which are part of the host orchestra's concert season. Each of these concerts in December will open with the host orchestra performing and then Clay will join them to perform the final hour of holiday favorites.

Date	Location	Venue
12.01.06	Waukegan, IL	Genesee Theater
12.02.06	Merrillville, IN	Star Plaza Theatre
12.04.06	Verona, NY	Turing Stone Casino
12.05.06	Engelwood, NJ	Bergen PAC Center
12.06.06	Baltimore, MD	Lyric Opera House
12.07.06	Norfolk, VA	Scope Arena
12.09.06	Williamsport, PA	Community Arts Center
12.10.06	Wilkes Barre, PA	FM Kirby Center
12.11.06	Easton, PA	State Theatre
12.12.06	Hartford, CT	Connecticut Convention Center
12.14.06	Greenvale, NY	Tilles Center for the Arts
12.15.06	West Point, NY	Eisenhower Hall
12.16.06	Red Bank, NJ	Count Basie Theatre
12.18.06	Detroit, MI	Orchestra Hall at the Max Fish
12.19.06	Grand Rapids, MI	Devos Hall
12.21.06	Jacksonville, FL	Moran Theatre
12.22.06	Charlotte, NC	Blumenthal Performing Arts Center
12.23.06	Greensboro, NC	War Memorial Auditorium

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, ATDW, All Is Well, Merry Christmas With Love, Invisible

Clay Surprises Fans With WRAL Inteview

Clay was interviewed by Raleigh TV station WRAL's Lynda Loveland today. RALEIGH FANS - THIS WILL AIR DURING THE 10 PM NEWS TONIGHT. (Clay predicted in a blog this morning that we'd have the clip all over the internet by 10:31 PM - LOL.) Looks like WRAL was a little jealous of WTVD, a competitor ABC station which flew their helicopter over Clay's Raleigh house last week!

WRAL.com has video of Clay showing off his Christmas tree decorated with ornaments from his fans. ClackUnlimited.com has the full preview clip, and even dail-uppers can download this small 3.0 MB file.

Here are some recaps from the various boards:

• My friend just called and said they did a promo for the piece about the upcoming house tour. It was Lynda Loveland and Clay outside his house. She's saying something about Clay deciding to give us an "Inside look at his house, including..." and he puts his hand over her mouth! BWAH! Then he says, "We'll save that for later."

  ~ cece @ CH

• I just saw a preview of our boyfriend on the news. He was in his beautiful kitchen. Had on a blue hoodie and it showed Raleigh or Durham, not sure which, eating! Clay was talking about how his kitchen has to be kept in perfect order which is odd because he doesn't cook!
  
  
  The hoodie he's wearing is one of his Clay Aiken hoodies!! And it's been in the 70's the past couple of days in NC. He must be mighty cold natured. Forgot to mention on the preview they also showed a shot of his formal living room and it has the same furniture in it that was in his LA home.

  ~ HappyClayDay @ CV
  

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, ATDW, All Is Well, Merry Christmas With Love, Invisible

Tidbits 11/29

Don't miss LBFCA's cute "Happy Birthday, Clay" post.

Well, Clay...it’s your birthday again. And I wasn’t sure what to get you for a present.

You used to be so easy. To shop for, I mean.

For your 26th, I lined everyone up to give you a most Broadly gift. You were hesitant at first, but you soon realized it was for your own good. ::snicker::

For your 27th, you gave lots of hints, then asked for "something a little different". The Broads obliged, and were still feelin’ it in the morning.

But this year, I’m stumped. No hints. No signals. No "presenting".

• Tomorrow is Clay's birthday! The usual birthday mentions in the AP wire today --"Singer Clay Aiken is 28."
• Clay holds steady on the Lycos50, coming in at #12 for the second straight week.
  
• Christmas tour mentions (can you believe it'll start this FRIDAY?):
• Scranton Times Tribune
• Daniel Island News - mentions Quiana Parler's concert and that she's just off touring with Clay Aiken & Kelly Clarkson.
  
• Appleton Post Crescent - AI makes 'defective' pop stars? (what?)

  It started as a cute little talent show featuring really untalented people, but “American Idol” has somehow become a pop music hit factory. Unfortunately, most of the product has been defective: Clay Aiken, Ruben Studdard, Carrie Underwood, and Fantasia are artists only under the broadest possible definition.

• DVD Verdict- as they say it- better late than never. DVD Verdict's review of Aladdin which featured Clay performing "Proud of Your Boy" was posted recently.
  
• Yahoo Canada press release - searches for Clay Aiken rose 343% last week following 'Kellygate'
• Dixie Sun- Invisible a stalker song? "“What you doing tonight? I wish I could be a fly on your wall.” The owner of that peculiar passage is none other than former “American Idol” runner-up Clay Aiken. You feel where I'm coming from now?"
  
• Your daily dose of Kellygate:
• ProgressiveU
• Windy City Times
• Detroit News (negative to Clay)
• Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog)

• ConCLAYve: Clay Aiken & his many hair styles examined.
• Southern Girl- Wal-Mart & AIW - one big adventure.
  

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, ATDW, All Is Well, Merry Christmas With Love, Invisible

Clay Blogged Again!

Clay blogged again today for the second time this week! Make sure to go check it out if you can.

The post is an update to what his "gift" that he blogged about last time. Apparently, there is going to be something on the news tonight in Raleigh, but Clay is sure that it will get out over the internet in no time.

You've just gotta love this man...You've just gotta! =)

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, ATDW, All Is Well, Merry Christmas With Love, Invisible

Clay on "The Insider" tonight!

The Official Clay Aiken Fan Club posted this news for everyone today:

11/29/06 : Clay Performing Tonight!By Team Clay
Tune in tonight to watch
Clay perfom "Without You" on The Insider! Check your local listings for channels
and show times.

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, ATDW, All Is Well, Merry Christmas With Love, Invisible

FOX News "Expert" Analyzes Kellygate

Since when was the entire "Kellygate" thing so newsworthy that it could fit into FOX News primetime lineup?

Anyhow, The O'Reilly Factor hired a "body language expert" (uh... yeah...) to "analyze" Kelly Ripa's reaction to Clay putting his hand over her mouth.

claysthe1 recaps: "Just saw O'Rielly. The little body language expert analyzed Ripacrit's response to the hand. Someone needs to let her know she shouldn't make assumptions. She said KR was probably more upset since she didn't know him before he appeared on the show. Someone give her a fact checker. Clay has been on the show with Ripacrit several times before."

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, ATDW, All Is Well, Merry Christmas With Love, Invisible

"All Is Well" - A Gorgeous Looking CD!

For those of you (including this poor Claynadian :( ) who haven't bought their copy of AIW yet, the CB's JesBen and MixnJude have posted some pictures/scans of the new CD.

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, ATDW, All Is Well, Merry Christmas With Love, Invisible