Northwest Indiana and Illinois Times Previews Tour Closing Merrillville, IN Concert

The Northwest Indiana and Illinois Times posted a pre-concert preview article for Clay's last 2007 Christmas in the Heartland tour, tonight in Merrillville, IN. A great article to end the tour in style:

Clay it again
Friday, December 21, 2007 4:01 AM CST

BY PHILIP POTEMPA ppotempa@nwitimes.com 219.852.4327

Singer Clay Aiken isn't worried about any shortage of holiday songs to perform for his Christmas show Saturday at Star Plaza Theatre in Merrillville.

His first Christmas album, "Merry Christmas with Love," came out on Nov. 16, 2004, and immediately was hailed as a new holiday classic.

And that same season in 2004, Aiken hosted his first Christmas television special, "A Clay Aiken Christmas," airing on NBC and featuring him with special celebrity guests Barry Manilow and Meagan Mullally of "Will and Grace" fame.

In fact, when Aiken brought his Christmas concert to the Star Plaza last year, it easily sold out.


When Aiken is center stage on Saturday, surrounded by singers, poinsettias and Christmas trees, he says his mind will forget everything, including his favorite foods, and focus on his music.

"We'll do a nice mix of some old-fashioned Christmas favorite songs and also some spiritual Christmas hymns, which are always at the top of the list for requests," he said.

"We want to get everyone into the spirit of the season and get them singing right along."

As for Aiken's own holiday list of things to do, like Christmas shopping and sending out his Christmas cards to all his friends old and new, including those from his "American Idol Days," Aiken said his being on tour during December gives him an excuse to be a little late sending out his cards while "on the road."

And when it comes to holiday shopping, the timing of his tour actually gives him an advantage.

"When I'm traveling from city to city, I get to visit some of the best places all over the country for shopping," Aiken said.

"I'll have all my gifts bought in plenty of time."