Tidbits 3/2

• Zap2it.com - Listing their most memorable Idol moments, Simon referenced Tamyra Gray's surprising elimination, Randy the transformation of Clay Aiken, Ken Warwick celebrated last finale's meeting between Aiken and the deluded Aiken wannabe, while Cecile Frot-Coutaz remembered the first time Kelly sang "Respect."
• The Trades - interview with Katharine McPhee -

  Q: Clay Aiken seems to be all over television, and I think everybody knows about Jennifer Hudson's Oscar. Would they have been able achieve these accomplishments if they had been tied to the first place contract?
  
  A: I don't know if they would have. I guess I would say no. I definitely don't think the Oscar for Jennifer Hudson. I think that was something that she got because she was right for it and deserved it.

• Foxes on Idol - "American Idol promotes fierce competition among fan bases. For example, even today, I regularly get mail from Clay Aiken fans who are still out to prove he was the American Idol of all times."
• Denver Post - article on David Foster... Clay mentioned:

  Interestingly, David Foster, who has composed songs and produced albums for the likes of Celine Dion, Josh Groban, Andrea Bocelli and Clay Aiken, also is an advocate for organ donation; his David Foster Foundation has raised millions for the families of children in need of organ transplants.

• Raleigh News & Observer article mentions the BAF gala being held in Raleigh on Mar. 31... they always have to put some sinister spin onto their article, don't they? Clay's multi-platinum days aren't over... selling 500k copies of a covers album with next to no label support is remarkable!
  

  Raleigh's hometown "American Idol" star has never been a critical favorite, and it's hard to imagine he ever will be. Aiken's multiplatinum days seem over (last year's "A Thousand Different Ways" was his first album to sell fewer than 1 million copies), and he has weathered a storm of personal-life rumors. None of which matters a whit to Aiken's beyond-rabid following of "Claymates," who are some of the most feverishly loyal fans in the music business.
  
  To his credit, Aiken is still using his clout to do good works. This show is a high-priced charity gala for his Bubel/Aiken Foundation, which works with special-needs kids.
  

• National Ledger on Rosie O'Donnell's weird antics the past 6 months...
• We Love Celebs - another Rosie O'Donnell/Clay mention.
  
• Anti Music - random Clay mention.
• Southern Voice - more trash from this crappy website about Clay and his fake for-fun "Build A Scandal" contest. At least this reader has it right:

  Dish is right, Aiken not only is taking the high road but Aiken’s message was on his fan site to his fans. A site where you pay to be a member. You neglected to mention that. That shows you the level of obsession that his haters-stalkers-gossip mongers have with him. They pay a fee to be on his fan club board. They immediately notified one of the internet tabloids most obsessed with trashing Aiken.

• Charlotte Observer - random Clay mention in sports article.

• Carolina On My Mind - March memories with Clay Aiken ... AI2 wildcard round.