Tidbits 8/31

• Ashbury Park Press - AI/Elliott Yamin article ...

  Yamin, who has been touring in support of his self-titled debut CD, hopes to follow in the footsteps of Clay Aiken, Chris Daughtry, La Toya London, Kellie Pickler and Bo Bice, who all have parlayed finishes in at least the top six into successful record deals.

• Variety - September sees big album releases... ATDW flopped? For a covers album with little promotion... 500k is a great achievement, if you ask me:

  September 2006 saw a mix of Grammy contenders and discs by name acts with the potential to sell well through the holiday season. Three September releases performed extraordinarily -- Beyonce's "B'Day," Justin Timberlake's "FutureSex/LoveSounds" and Fergie's "Dutchess" -- while a pair notably flopped: Janet Jackson "20 Y.O." and Clay Aiken's "Thousand Different Ways."
  

• Christmas tour mentions:
• Northwest Herald -

  One of “American Idol’s” most beloved contestants, Clay Aiken will perform a Christmas concert on Nov. 29 with a full orchestra, playing up his close rapport with the fans he lovingly calls “claymates.”

• Wichita Eagle/Kansas.com - "Clay Aiken Christmas Show, with Wichita Symphony Orchestra musicians, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 26. Tickets $30, $35, $40, on sale Thu."
• Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader mentions:
• 411mania -

  Fox announced plans for a celebrity version of Are You Smarter Than A Fifth Grader for November Sweeps. Attempting to raise money for their favorite charities will be Regis Philbin, Billy Bush, Tony Hawk, Miss America Lauren Nelson, and American Idol alums Clay Aiken and Kelly Pickler.

• Country Hound - "GACTV.com reports that Kellie’s fellow American Idol alum Clay Aiken, talk-show host Regis Philbin, skateboarding legend Tony Hawk, Miss America Lauren Nelson and Billie Bush of Access Hollywood will also participate."

• Nothing here today