Tidbits 3/7

• Raleigh News & Observer - In an article about rising home values in the Raleigh area, there is a comment on Clay's home:

  "If we can figure out where Clay Aiken bought, and there are more houses around it for sale, we might sell them for 14 percent appreciation," said Kathy Sims, a top seller for ReMax United in Cary. But local appreciation "averages 5 percent and it's been like that for four years."

• LAist - In another article from Tony Pierce about Idols who have sung The National Anthem, Tony says, "And who on Earth would have thought that Clay Aiken would still be on people's radar?" Not sure what this guy has against Clay, but I mark him off as a reporter who just doesn't have an inkling of a clue.
• Beacon News - In an article called Idolatry 101, Mike Danahey, Staff Writer, said,

  "Cowell consistently tells contestants to be "distinctive and unique." Sure, some people from the show have gone on to have best-selling albums and to win Grammy Awards, but we dare you to point out anything original about the music of say, Clay Aiken, or the vocal stylings of Carrie Underwood."

  I think Merv Griffin answered this one really well:

  "...If you can turn on the radio and say oh that’s Clay Aiken, oh that’s Barbra Streisand, oh that Frank Sinatra, oh that’s Tony Bennett…they’re a star, if you can identify them immediately by their sound. That kid has his own sound…he’s got energy, he’s got soul, he’s got, oh that voice pours out of him. And that’s the problem with most singers today…oh no, I’m not criticizing anybody….”

• Bella Online quotes Clay in an article about pop music ... “It’s not the money. It’s not the fame. It’s the influence.” ~Clay Aiken
• Los Angeles Times - Can AI find the next Clay? "Can the next Clay Aiken be hanging over that railing before us? It certainly is no longer necessary to win “American Idol” to become a star; losers from past top 12’s have gone on to produce bestselling albums (Clay Aiken), receive Oscar nods (Jennifer Hudson) and hold microphones on red carpets (Kellie Pickler)."
• USA Today ... reader opinions on American Idol. One reader says: "American Idol isn't just a reality show. The show has become a career launching pad that has led to very profitable paths. Just look at Jennifer Hudson, Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson, Clay Aiken or Fantasia."
• A few more AI6 related articles:
• Dallas Fr. Worth Star Telegram (negative)
• Wichita Eagle:

  Which brings me to Sanjaya. Oh, Sanjaya. Can someone please, please explain this kid to me? Although I didn't think it was possible, his appointment with the flat iron -- and his revelation that he's an amateur hula dancer -- made him seem creepier than ever. I suspect he's seduced the whole Clay Aiken contingency, what with his completely nonthreatening girlish good looks, but please, people, can we stop the insanity? Do not give this boy Phil's spot in the top 12!

• Actress Archives - "While Clay Aiken couldn't grab the Idol crown in Season Two, he still became a household name and sold millions of album."
• Idaho Statesman - Will Antonella Barba be kicked off AI for racy photos? "Remember Frenchie Davis, who got kicked off in the Ruben Studdard/Clay Aiken year for her own set of racy photos?"
  
• BYU News Net - article mentions Jacob Luttrell, who toured with Clay in 2004 & 2005 ... "professional performer Jacob Luttrell, who has spent much of the last three years touring with multi-platinum recording artists Kelly Clarkson and Clay Aiken."
  
• NY Daily News on the hand-over-mouth Kelly Ripa incident last November ... ""Dancing With the Stars" hottie Mario Lopez was in NYC Monday to play guest host with Kelly Ripa on "Live With Regis and Kelly." That should definitely make up for the Clay Aiken incident."

• The ConCLAYve - celebrating the big 50 with Clay Aiken ... "For those of you out there who have yet to reach this milestone, I can tell you that I am living proof that the popular adage is true: “50 is the new 30.” And Clay, pretty much…it’s all your fault."