Tidbits 9/25

• The CH's Careless Whisper reports that Clay attended his 10th high school reunion in Raleigh recently -

  I got razzed today at work for being a "bad" Clay fan. Apparently, Clay attended his 10 year high school reunion over the weekend and when I was asked about it everyone was in shock that I didn't already know. Yeah, I was "outed" a long time ago. The daughter of a friend of my manager was at the reunion and said Clay was there, too. That's all I know. I didn't have time to check the board today and was wondering if I missed something. I'm glad that he was able to attend and I hope he had a good time.

• The Chicken Soup site has some more information about the new book, Chicken Soup for the Soul for the American Idol Lover. Several Clay stories are included in the collection of short (and true!) stories.
  
• Williamsport Community Arts Center's MySpace blog - and look who they quoted... CDD!

  THE RETURN OF CLAY
  Current mood: creative
  
  Magical Holiday Tour 2007: Williamsport, PA Christmas Show Confirmed
  
  Clay's return to the Community Arts Center in Williamsport, PA has been confirmed following months of rumblings that Clay was set to play another concert at the venue. Clay was last at the venue during last year's "Symphonic Christmas Tour".
  
  The show is scheduled for December 15 at 7:30 PM EST.
  
  ~~~~
  
  Dear Friends,
  
  As the House Manager of the Community Arts Center, I am so pleased to welcome Clay Aiken and his fans back to our beautiful venue. The entire staff of the CAC had such a wonderful experience with not only Mr. Aiken, but with his wonderful Claymates and Claymaniacs last year. I believe that myself and the rest of the staff were moved not only by his talent, but his kind and loving nature. Not only is he an very talented artist, but a gentleman as well!
  
  We really hope to see all of you again at the Community Arts Center on December 15, 2007. Please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns!
  
  Best Wishes,
  
  Lara Collins Breon
  
  House Manager

• Caller-Times - actress says she can't live without Clay's "Measure of a Man" -

  Desert island CDs: Clay Aiken's "Measure Of A Man," "Disney: 60 Years of Musical Magic," Ozzy Osbourne's "No More Tears."

• Orlando Sentinel - sports article on "faking it" -

  "I don't read the paper."
  
  If you've read it once, you've read it 1,000 times. Or maybe not, since that would mean you read the paper.
  
  That's like admitting you listen to Clay Aiken or voted for Larry Craig. It's apparently worse if you're a sports figure. For them it's admitting you read your own reviews and can't handle the bad ones.

• ClaySpots looks back at 4 years of Clay Aiken and what's next for him -

  Aiken is at a crossroad in his career. He released a pop album in 2003, a Christmas album in 2004, and a covers album in 2006. He's toured nine times and he appears on countless TV shows. He's definitely a TV personality and as an entertainer he's garnering an excellent reputation as a live act who can sell tickets and put butts in the seat. So, what's next?
  
  Clay has told us that he's working on a new CD and he has said that they are aiming for a Spring 2008 release date. His last CD was filled with cover songs, apparently a mandate from Clive Davis. From what I understand, Clay fought hard to include four original songs on the CD and two songs available by download only, 'If You Don't Know Me By Now' and the incredibly plaintive, Aiken-penned 'Lover All Alone'.
  
  From some of Clay's remarks in his meet & greets during this last concert tour, it will be a CD of originals and, so far, he and RCA are on the same page.