Tidbits 4/23

• Syracuse Post Standard - MALE blog reader surprised at Clay's singing, sense of humor:

  I have to admit that he isn't what I expected. I looked around at youtube and there is a lot there of him. His voice is phenomenal. He's funny too. I'm going to try to find a concert near me. Mark, you really should put up more of these. Listen to this one.
  

• Foxes on Idol - In an article entitled "This Week in American Idol History: Halfway Home", Seasons 1-5 are discussed. Concerning Clay, it says:

  Songwriter Diane Warren was on hand as the top six performed her songs. This was the night that really defined the top three. Clay (“I Could Not Ask for More”), Ruben (“Music of My Heart”), and Kimberley (“If You Asked Me To”) were all exceptional that night and left Josh, Trenyce, and Carmen in the dust. Viewers recognized this as well, and sent Carmen Rasmusen home.

• San Jose Mercury News - Clay Aiken deserves more attention:

  A sigh of relief Sanjaya won't win "American Idol." Enough already!
  
  Not one word about UNICEF Ambassador Clay Aiken, who recently returned from Afghanistan. He requested contributions for classrooms, clean water and medical attention. His campaign aimed for $100,000 in 10 days. Pledges are now $145,000 in seven days, with Canada asking to be included.
  

• Los Angeles Loyolan - American Idol not American enough?

  During season four, incorrect phone numbers were shown for the contestants, forcing the show to discard those results and have a do-over. Somewhere out there, some fans still believe that Clay Aiken really won season two. The list of controversies goes on and on, but overall, none of these have proven anything close to fatal for the show.

• A few more blogs about Clay's UNICEF mission to Afghanistan:
• Southern Girl
• Chexxxy's