Tidbits 7/29

KOIN-TV via Entertainment Tonight -

Dad-to-be Clay Aiken got a chance to practice his kid skills this summer as he spent five days touring Somalia observing UNICEF programs.

The UNICEF Ambassador spent time with Somali children, and got to see first-hand programs to improve child health, safe water, sanitation and hygiene, primary education, child protection and girls' empowerment.

Clay said about his tour of the country, "It's truly remarkable that UNICEF is still able to make a difference in the health, education and overall well-being of Somali children."

• Idolator blogs about Canadian Idol ... Clay mention: "Mark Day—Canada's Clay Aiken!—knows what's up, taking on a Sugarland track in the midst of the band's hype bubble. "
• Web Devil - American Idol auditions are back -

  We may not be Kelly Clarkson or Clay Aiken (thank God), but trying out for American Idol when it came to Phoenix last week would have been fun all the same. We'd get to mingle with Ryan Seacrest; impress Paula, Randy and Simon; stand in a line with thousands of other hopefuls and possibly humiliate ourselves. Sounds like fun to us.

• Loveland Reporter Herald - story about songwriter Ben Glover, who has written songs for Clay -

  The Backstreet Boys, Trace Adkins, Clay Aiken and Avalon are some of the musicians on a long list of those Glover has written songs for or whose music he has helped improve.

• TV Grapewine - American Idol news ...

  Clay Aiken will be a father in just a few short weeks, but he is still an UNICEF ambassador. He recently returned from Somalia and Kenya and has blogged about the importance of getting the children into a normal routine. He wants a solid education for all!

• Deseret News - Clay Aiken made American Idol a show about personality: Simon Cowell -

  "I honestly think (Season 2 runner-up) Clay Aiken has changed this competition forever.... It's becoming incredibly personality led now," Cowell said — explaining Season 5 winner Taylor Hicks.