Tidbits 2/13

• Idolator - Clay invites Cowell to, uh....
  

  Clay Aiken invites Simon Cowell to kiss his butt the next time the salty Brit dismisses a hopeful as being "too Broadway," since so many former American Idol finalists have gone on to Great White Way careers that have been much more challenging--and rewarding--than serving as cogs in the Clive Davis/Simon Fuller machine. Which is, y'know, kind of a valid point. Also: Please note that Aiken actually said "butt," and not "ass," so as not to offend the Claymates' oh-so-delicate ears.
  

• American Idol mentions:
• Variety -

  So we see a bunch of good singers, then a bunch of bad singers, then some singers who rock while playing instruments then some who should never be allowed near a keyboard or drum kit again. And then a terrifying promo to the local news station’s interview with Clay Aiken, who is starting to look like an old woman.

• Huffington Post -

  Kyle Ensley -- the geeky guy playing the Clay Aiken card. No idea why he got to Hollywood (though he seems like an amiable guy). He's dreadful the first time and then sings Josh Groban the second time and to me sounded like the male equivalent of a beauty contestant (gets through the song and hits some notes).
  

• Canada.com / CanWest News Service -

  There was a striking moment on American Idol last week. A Clay Aiken lookalike -- but without Aiken's talent and ability -- recalled that he had auditioned two years earlier alongside an unknown called Carrie Underwood, "my audition buddy."

• Chicago Sun Times -

  Several singers pulled ahead from the pack. Sixteen-year-old David Archuleta was the best of the night. Former "Idol" runner-up Clay Aiken may have his "Claymates," and we're guessing Archuleta's fans will embrace "Arch Angels."
  

• CBS Showbuzz - Spamalot changes "Britney Spears" song lyrics -

  Britney Spears is out, Posh Spice is in - as a lyric for the Lady in the Lake in the Broadway musical "Monty Python's Spamalot," currently starring "American Idol" finalist Clay Aiken.

• Something That Really Happened highlights that great Broadway.com article/interview -

  Wow! Imagine that. An interview where someone actually asks intelligent questions, listens for complete answers and actually reports it respectfully! Kathy Henderson from Broadway.com conducted a very informative interview with Clay Aiken covering how he joined SPAMALOT; and his thoughts about being part of the cast and performing on Broadway. I am posting some of my favorite bits, but you will want to read the entire article here.