News Articles About Clay Are Everywhere....Full Page Article and Picture of Clay in New York Newsday Added Here

Here are a few news articles about Clay that we've found for your reading enjoyment:

• ZZ4AikenHeart from The Clayboard gives us this news about a Sunday article in Newsday, a New York newspaper:

  For those who live in NYC. There is a 2 page Spread Article about Clay on Spamalot and One whole Page with Clay's Picture in the White tux. You can get it today in Early Sunday Edition of Newsday in Fanfare Page C16-C17.
  
  You can read the whole article online with Newsday.

• Ellenpoppy posted the following at The Clackhouse about a Clay article in In Touch Magazine:

  Speaking of hair preferences, the new In Touch has two pictures of Clay in the section where the magazine shows "before" and "after" pics and asks which looks better. I don't have the magazine with me. They're asking whether Clay looks better as a blond or brunette and use the much-maligned pic of Clay at the Jenna Bush party as the "before" and a flat-ironed, straight-haired pic of him at one of his TV interviews last week (either the Mike and Juliet one or the local NY station one) as the comparison one. Those pics take up the top half of the page. They decide that he looks much better as a brunette and that the blond hair is wrong for his coloring and washes him out.
  
  If only they had used the stage door pics--I just think the mussed hair, in that lighting, is much more flattering. In the bright sunlight pic that they used, he does look very pale.
  
  But it's still a good pic, he's smiling, and his two pics take up half the page, bigger than the other two celebrities on the lower half of the page. I can't remember if the write-up mentions Spamalot. But there's nothing wrong with mentioning that he's out there at a party for Jenna Bush and at a TV interview.

• The Columbus (Ohio) Dispatch - This is another Associated Press article to add to our ever-growing list. Its entitled Former Idol Suiting Up As Knight, and like many other articles, pictures Sir Robin holding the chicken. Its great to see the news of Clay's appearance in Spamalot continue to be spread across the country!

Clay Mention In David Hyde Pierce Video on Broadway.com

Broadway.com has so many good things you can find about Clay now that he is starring in Spamalot. And we've got another one to show you. At Broadway.com, there is a video of questions sent in to former "Sir Robin" David Hyde Pierce by his fans. As you know, he is starring in the Broadway musical, Curtains. Clay is not mentioned until the last question, but listen to the whole thing. Its very interesting.

The last question on the video asked of David is, "Any advise for Clay Aiken, now playing your part in Spamalot?" David's reply is as follows:

Advise for Clay, um, based on what I've heard about the audience reaction to Clay playing Robin, he doesn't need any advise from me. I hear they're going nuts over there, going crazy, they're throwing undergarments and things, I never got any undergarments....he's doing just fine. My only advise is the same advise I'd give to anybody in my show...have a good time.

Great comment from David to Clay!! Gotta agree with him, Clay is doing exceptionally fine!!

Take the link above and check out this video. You'll love hearing David's response to Clay!

Tidbits 2/2

• The Sweet Science - Boxing match places a Clay versus an Aiken!

  Clay-Aiken On Friday Night Fights
  
  By Mike Lynch
  
  I could hardly believe my own eyes: Clay-Aiken on ESPN2’s Friday Night Fights!
  
  But thankfully there was no lame singing. And give me Larry Merchant over Paula Abdul as far as possibly blitzed TV personas go. But Friday night, Joe Tessitore and Roy Jones, Jr. were calling the action in Monroeville, PA as Pittsburgh’s Monty Meza-Clay TKO’d Washington DC’s Eric Aiken in the 7th round of an exciting featherweight bout.
  

• Nothing here yet
  

BREAKING NEWS: NEW CLAY AIKEN ALBUM LISTED ON AMAZON

This is a Clay's Daily Double BREAKING NEWS ALERT.

===

A NEW CLAY AIKEN CD HAS BEEN LISTED ON AMAZON.COM. ALTHOUGH YOU CANNOT PRE-ORDER THE CD FOR THE TIME BEING, THIS IS A CLEAR INDICATION THAT THE NEW ALBUM CLAY IS PROMISING FOR A SPRING RELEASE WILL BE OUT IN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS.

New Release - 2008
Clay Aiken (Artist)
| More about this product

Availability: Sign up to be notified when this item becomes available.

# Audio CD
# ASIN: B00130973W

Shae Lynn Bourne Posts "Holiday Celebrations" Photos, Videos

Shae Lynn Bourne has posted some new photos and a video cap from Holiday Celebrations on Ice, which aired on NBC this past Christmas with Clay being the exclusive musical guest.

• "Don't Save It All for Christmas Day" video on Shae Lynn's website
• "Don't Save It All for Christmas Day" video on YouTube
• Photos on Shae Lynn's website
  

Aron Hall of The Bubel Aiken Foundation Thanks The Supporters of "America's Giving Challenge"

As we waited to see if The Bubel Aiken Foundation would end up as one of the top 4 charities in the "America's Giving Challenge", I'm sure none were watching so closely as those who work at BAF, including Aron Hall. Aron sent out an email twice to supporters of BAF to let them know about this contest. He stayed closely in touch with Claydreamer07, who headed up the fan's side of the supporters.

Now that the contest is over, Aron has posted a letter of thanks at The Bubel Aiken Foundation website to all those who contributed in any way to this contest.

Dear Friends and Supporters,

The Case Foundation and Parade Magazine presented an opportunity to non-profit organizations to not only reach out to friends and family and get them involved in what we are passionate about, but also to maximize the effect of our monetary donations. America’s Giving Challenge concluded on January 31. The four US-based charities that received the most donations ($10 minimum) will receive a $50,000 grant from the Case Foundation and coverage Parade Magazine.

Thanks to your support we were able to raise over $25,000. We are unofficially in 6th place - official results will be announced on or about February 21. Due to your efforts we will be able to provide at least 2 summer camps that are opening their doors to being inclusive.

Thank you for taking a tremendous opportunity to open doors for ALL children to participate fully in their communities!

And thank you Aron, and all those at BAF, for all you do to make a difference in the world of children with disabilities.

The Bubel Aiken Foundation Comes in 6th Place in "America's Giving Challenge", But Its All Good!!

Parade Magazine's "America's Giving Challenge" ended on Thursday, 1/31, with The Bubel Aiken Foundation in 6th place. As you know, the top 4 charities won $50,000 from Network For Good. But though BAF did not win the $50,000, everyone still came out a winner! Through the hard work and dedication of the fans, a total of $25,774 was given in donations by 1922 donors! This is enough for over two summer camps, and we are all very excited about that! In addition to this, the top 100 charities will receive $1000 from Network For Change.

The donor rankings will not be verified until later in February. According to Parade Magazine:

Our donation partners are currently analyzing results. We will announce the official challenge champions on or about February 21 - so be sure to check back soon!

But the best news of all is that The Bubel Aiken Foundation will be included in Parade's article about "America's Giving Challenge". LVClayCDparty at The Clayboard wrote the following:

The VP of Marketing for Network for Good said that they want to do the write up for Parade magazine of not only the top 4, but to include several of the others who did an awesome job with the fundraising, including The Bubel/Aiken Foundation!!! WOOHOOO!! I told her that when we thought we might lose the write up in Parade by losing that 4th spot, that was almost as bad as losing the $50K to us. Because the BAF is not well known and is still a relatively new organization, we were really wanting to get in the top 4 for the write up in Parade & that national exposure! She said that they were interested in more than just the top 4 getting that coverage in Parade magazine!! I would think that Aron will be glad to work on them with that!!

This will get the word out about BAF in a huge way! The readership of Parade is huge.

In conclusion, it was extremely encouraging to see so many people looking at the positive aspects of this fundraiser, in spite of our loss. Really we didn't lose. We all came out winners. BAF received $25,000 in donations, $1000 from Network For Change, and will be included in the Parade article. And the fans gave this their all and worked so well together in trying to make this happen for BAF. They encouraged each other and cheered each other on, asked others to donate, made banners and lists of people willing to donate for others, and never gave up. This has brought the fans closer together and shown that we not only care about Clay, but we care about his charity and the children it will help. To quote some of those from The Clayboard who took part in this wonderful experience:

Just think of all of the children whose summer we have made for this year. Way to go ClayNation... Clayncfan

We were in competition with 859 US based charities. We did a FANTASTIC JOB!!... annieg9

We sure made a valiant effort and raised over $25,000 in that short amount of time!... Claymama

Great news about TBAF getting in the PARADE writeup! This will give the foundation HUGE national exposure and who knows what wonderful things will come out of that alone? We have enough in donations to fund 2 1/2 summer camps even though we got a late start on this challenge, don't forget that! We are WINNERS in EVERY respect but the REAL winners are the kids that this money will help to learn, to grow and to accept others for the special people that they are no matter their abilities. We did well guys. Really well!... Tiggy52winkle

Those on this Board that just never gave up are the heros in this endeavor. I am so proud of the energy and tenacity you displayed. I will know more about "cards", etc. when we are given another opportunity. $25,000 is an admirable accomplishment and mainly just $10. 47 at a time. Those that won the $50,000 are to be commended and will take that money and do good in our world. It is all good!... Invisiblemmay

Alright everyone, its finally hitting me! All these late nights on the computer. All the conversations with so many of you helping to keep this outfront and in the limelight! I was hoping I could wait until I got off work.. I guess not.. Reading all your wonderful posts and how excited we all are with what we accomplished is truly melting my heart! My coworkers can't understand why I have tears in my eyes.. You all amaze me more than I can possibly say. It has been such a pleasure working with such a wonderful group of people. I feel so blessed to be a part of this GREAT CLAY NATION!! Thank you all SO MUCH!...Claydreamer07

Many thanks to those who led the cause: Claydreamer07, Foxylady, LVClayCDparty, and Rainlover who started the whole idea by posting about Parade's contest in the first place!! This was a most awesome experience. Everyone should be proud of their contribution.

Clay in "In Touch" Magazine

Clay has a "before and after" comparison in the latest issue of In Touch, according to the CH's ellenpoppy:

Speaking of hair preferences, the new In Touch has two pictures of Clay in the section where the magazine shows "before" and "after" pics and asks which looks better. I don't have the magazine with me. They're asking whether Clay looks better as a blond or brunette and use the much-maligned pic of Clay at the Jenna Bush party as the "before" and a flat-ironed, straight-haired pic of him at one of his TV interviews last week (either the Mike and Juliet one or the local NY station one) as the comparison one. Those pics take up the top half of the page. They decide that he looks much better as a brunette and that the blond hair is wrong for his coloring and washes him out.

If only they had used the stage door pics--I just think the mussed hair, in that lighting, is much more flattering. In the bright sunlight pic that they used, he does look very pale.

But it's still a good pic, he's smiling, and his two pics take up half the page, bigger than the other two celebrities on the lower half of the page. I can't remember if the write-up mentions Spamalot. But there's nothing wrong with mentioning that he's out there at a party for Jenna Bush and at a TV interview.

2006 Jimmy Kimmel "Invisible" Performance Up on YouTube

The full version of Clay's performance of "Invisible" on Jimmy Kimmel Live back in September 2006 was recently posted to YouTube. The full version of the performance was not aired on TV due to time constraints.

Tidbits 2/1

Check out Newsday's gallery of American Idol graduates ...

The Squabblers: Clay Aiken

Runner-up Clay Aiken reigned supreme after the conclusion of season two; his first album sold 613,000 copies in one week. This month, Aiken will join the ranks of other “Idol” participants and make his mark on Broadway playing Sir Robin in Mike Nichols’ “Monty Python’s Spamalot.” (Matt Sayles / AP)

• The Express Times - Clay takes time from busy schedule to speak with local media -

  We had no problem interviewing Clay Aiken. In fact, he called us. He's a very nice boy.
  
  On the other hand, whenever Clay Aiken makes the rounds, he actually gets in touch with the local media and makes time to answer our questions -- live and in person. That's the way to win fans, and that says something about the character of the man.

• Billboard Chart Beat - American Idol finalists who have made it on the Billboard charts -

  Season two: (four)
  Ruben Studdard
  Clay Aiken
  Kimberley Locke
  Josh Gracin
  

• Rediff - Celebrity horoscopes -

  Famous Sagittarians: Yuvraj Singh, Vishwanathan Anand, Dhirubhai Ambani, Dilip Kumar, Sonia Gandhi, Britney Spears, Katie Holmes, Brad Pitt, Clay Aiken, Richard Pryor, Steven Spielberg, Bruce Lee

• LA Weekly - Clay Aiken in California casinos -

  When California voters passed Proposition 5 in 2000, allowing the creation of Indian casinos, few foresaw the replacement of card parlors with huge resorts, shows featuring Clay Aiken and rows of glittering, clanking slot machines.

• Ticket News - Clay Aiken a big draw for Spamalot -

  Monty Python’s Spamalot rejoins the NYC Theatre rankings at number six shortly after Clay Aiken took the stage as Sir Robin. Aiken will likely be a big draw, though he is admittedly a stranger to acting and isn’t on much better terms with Monty Python. “It was, in my opinion, the stupidest thing ever produced,” he said when introduced to Spamalot. Strong words for someone made famous through American Idol.

• Island Packet - what could happen at "New Kids on The Block" reunion - "Clay Aiken could organize rival super group featuring Gerardo, Vanilla Ice and the surviving members of Color Me Badd."
  

• Nothing here yet for today
  

Tidbits 1/31

• Great Clay mention on Ellen today - From the CB's maidenfreckledpaleface -

  Haven't seen this anywhere on here ----- I'm not usually home to see Ellen but yesterday she did a game with 2 audience members---they had to guess different "grammy nominated" artists from her descriptions of them.
  
  One player had to guess Chris Daughtery --- Ellen's clue was something like "he didn't win American Idol, but he's done really well any way..."
  and the player automatically blurted out "Clay Aiken" (pretty enthusiastically I might add) She never did get the correct answer -- I think it was on the tip of her tongue after a couple more clues, but we all know what happens once you've thought of Clay, the train just sort of derails!!!!
  

• Los Angeles Times comments on American Idol -

  “Every season’s first episode brings a lurch to the stomach. We see these 24 unformed, rough talents and the question looms heavy in the ether: is there a Kelly Clarkson among this crowd? Can the next Clay Aiken be hanging over that railing before us?

• Buddy TV - American Idol top 24 partially leaked -

  Carly Smithson (formerly Carly Hennesy): This is the tattooed Irish lady. She tried out a couple of seasons ago, but was expelled due to visa issues. She recorded an album for RCA that sold very poorly in the U.S. One of the songwriters on her album has also written songs for Kelly Clarkson and Clay Aiken.

• Bluff County Newspapers - post-Christmas shopping spree! "The book has made me laugh out loud as Kathy meets her Clay Aiken-obsessed roommate and relives the Friday night keg parties. "
• Burlington Free Press - random mention ... sports ... "And your coach, Bill "Sacks, Lies and Videotape" Belichick, makes Tom Coughlin look like Clay Aiken."
  
• MTV - Clay tired of questions about his personal life -

  Former "American Idol" finalist Clay Aiken, who has faced questions about his sexuality since entering the spotlight more than four years ago, recently told New York magazine that not only is he sick of answering questions about his preferences, he's tired of thinking about something that he simply doesn't have time for.

• Buddy TV - American Idol winners fade quickly, except Kelly, Carrie, Chris and Clay -

  The judges have been doing this for six-plus years now, and aside from the money, they have no real reason to get out of bed. Look at the track record: Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood are the only two winners with any sort of legitimate career. Losers Clay Aiken and Chris Daughtry are the next closest.

• Nothing here today
  

Last Day to Donate to "America's Giving Challenge" - $50,000 at Stake for BAF

On Thursday, January 31, at 3 p.m. EST, the Parade Magazine America's Giving Challenge contest will come to a close. At that time, the top 4 U.S. charities, those who have received the most donations, will each receive $50,000. Will The Bubel Aiken Foundation be one of those charities? It all depends upon those of you who have not donated yet.

As of the time of this writing, BAF has slipped from 4th place to 6th place as follows:

4th Place - 1955
5th Place - 1942
6th Place - 1718 (BAF)

Our only hope to go back up to 4th place is for the people who have yet to give to make a $10.00 donation and for as many of our friends and family to be asked to make donations as well. What a shame to let $50,000 slip through our fingers. Let's make a last minute surge to the top!! Here is how you can donate:

• Donations only need to be $10, or $11 if you donate via Paypal so as to cover the fee plus donate the minimum of $10.
• IMPORTANT: In order to donate, you must click on the word "DONATE" on the BAF badge. This will take you to the information you need to fill out to make your donation. If you do not first click on the badge, your donation will not count.
• If you donate more than once, only your first donation counts. Only one donation of $10 is necessary.
• Donations MUST be made by 3:00 p.m. EST on Thursday, January 31. That's 3 p.m. in the afternoon.

Please spread the news to friends, family, fellow employees, teachers, anyone and everyone! We don't want to lose this opportunity to win $50,000 for The Bubel Aiken Foundation. $50,000 = 5 SUMMER CAMPS!! We only have until January 31. Let's get into high gear and make this happen for BAF and the children they serve!

CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE BADGE: BAF BADGE

You must click on the badge in order for your donation to count!!

IMPORTANT NEW INFORMATION: The Clayboard has list of people who are willing to be "donation sponsors" where someone who can't afford to donate will be reimbursed for their donation. For a list of those who are willing to reimburse you for your donation, go to this link: The Clayboard Donation Sponsors. A list of people along with a link to PM them is available at this site. All you have to do is make the donation and one of these people will reimburse you the $10.

Send Your Valentine Some Clay Aiken & Spamalot

Valentine's Day has translated into some great memories for the Clay nation in the last 5 years. Topping the list ... who can forget that sweet song Clay sang for Jimmy last Valentine's day?

This Valentine's day, send your loved ones a Clay Aiken Spamalot Valentine's Day e-card, declaring: "I'm Robin your ♥"!

Tidbits 1/30

• Two more online news sites have posted the Spamalot Associated Press Article:
• CNN.com - The article includes two pictures of Clay: 1) the publicity photo in the beige sweater with the following caption:

  Bravely bold Clay Aiken was at first uncertain about taking on the role of Sir Robin in "Spamalot."

  2) Sir Robin holding the rubber chicken with this caption:

  Sir Robin, a luckless knight, was played by Monty Python's Eric Idle in "Monty Python and the Holy Grail."

• The Robesonian, a North Carolina Newspaper. NClayolina at The Clayboard tells us:

  The county where I live is called Robeson, (as in Robin-son!) which geographically is the largest county in North Carolina, and we fans here were very excited Sunday to see a big, beautiful layout on Clay being in Spamalot in our local newspaper, The Robesonian!

• Lycos press release - Clay #7 on this week's Lycos50 - "7) Clay Aiken"
  
• Ticket News - Broadway ticket sales sink -

  Overall, ticket sales sank to $14,451,085 this past week compared to $16,271,060 in the previous reporting period, a difference of $1,819,975. Spamalot took a 19 percent nosedive in spite of the refreshing Clay Aiken on stage. On a warm note, The 39 Steps had an increase of 15 percent. Attendance was still better this past week than the same period last season, 200,948 compared to 194,268.

• CNN Money/RCA Press Release -

  The RCA Music Group includes J Records, Arista Records and RCA Records. The J Records roster is home to platinum superstars [...] Clay Aiken, Kelly Clarkson, Daughtry, and more. RCA Music Group is part of Sony BMG Music Entertainment.

• Charlotte Observer - Charlotte Bobcats try to attract bigger acts, more people to the Charlotte Bobcats Arena, which Clay played in 2005 -

  Concerts kicked off in October 2005 with The Rolling Stones, followed by Elton John, U2, Dolly Parton and Clay Aiken by year's end. Since then, musical acts from Aerosmith to Stevie Wonder have played the arena, which also has featured such shows as Disney on Ice, Hannah Montana and "High School Musical."

• MSNBC comments on the New York interview -

  Is Clay Aiken really urge-free?
  Spilling the beans, or lack thereof, about his love life, Clay Aiken told New York Magazine, “I just don’t have an interest in … any of that at all.”
  
  “I have got too much on my plate,” the “Spamalot” star explained. “I’d rather focus on one thing and do that when I can devote time to it, and right now, I just don’t have any desire.”
  
  When asked if he had any of those, you know, human urges, he simply replied, “Ah think maybe I don’t! I mean, not really. I’ve just kind of shut it off, maybe. Is that bad?”
  
  It may not be bad, but according to OK! magazine, it may not be true, either. Apparently Clay has a certain someone in his life, but he’s just not willing to share the details.
  
  “He doesn’t like to talk about these things,” an insider shared with OK! “Saying he doesn’t date or have a sex drive is probably his way of trying to end the conversation.”

• Omaha World Herald - American Idol visits Omaha ... and finds nothing exciting -

  Sadly, the Omaha sessions did not provide an "Idol moment" on a par with the show's first footage of geeky Clay Aiken, who stunned judges and viewers alike with his big, showy voice. There were no sweet surprises like Carrie Underwood, who walked in looking like a mall shopper and then sang like a Nashville queen.

• Clay Aiken, always notable and quotatble!
• Louisville Courier Journal -

  Quote of the day
  
  "I was like, This is chah-urch, people! This is God’s house,
  not a meet and greet!" CLAY AIKEN, 29, on returning home to the Southern Baptist church he attended as a child in North Carolina only to be stared at by his fellow churchgoers throughout the service, to New York magazine

• Press of Atlantic City -

  Not cool
  
  "Let's not fool ourselves. ... There are people like Justin Timberlake, males who are cool on radio right now, and then there's me. If I heard myself in a dance club? If I went into a dance club - which I never do - and I heard Clay Aiken come on, I'd roll my eyes and get out." - Clay Aiken on his reputation for being a bland artist
  
  www.people.com
  

• Clay - The Man - getting ready for Valentine's Day with Clay, and Spamalot!
  
• Something That Really Happened - America's Giving Challenge ... DONATE MINIMUM OF $10.47 NOW ....

  Okay folks, we are down to the wire. The Bubel/Aiken Foundation is currently in 5th place and the charity in 6th place is hot on our heels. The Foundation needs to be in 4th place to qualify for the $50,000 donation and a feature article in Parade Magazine.

• Carolina On My Mind - Clay nation celebrates 5th anniversary ... Half a Decade! Wow!

  Aiken Fans Mark Five Years
  
  Every year at this time, Clay Aiken fans stop and commemorate the anniversary of The Vox. On Jan. 28, 2003, American Idol telecast Season 2's Atlanta Auditions in which the North Carolina singer's glorious pipes were first heard in homes throughout North America.
  
  For countless fans, now known the world over as Claymates, the beautiful strains of "Always and Forever" were just the beginning. Many have been riding the Clay Train ever since.

Wallpaper by Fountaindawg

AMERICA'S GIVING CHALLENGE - Less Than 2 Days To Move Back Into 4th Place...Your Help is Needed!!

The Parade Magazine America's Giving Challenge is down to its last day and a half. At 3:00 p.m. EST on Thursday, January 31, the contest will be over and the top 4 charities will win $50,000. Whether BAF is in that top 4 is up to you, the fans, and your friends, family, and co-workers who you might be able to encouage to donate.

As of the writing of this article, BAF is still in 5th place with 1321 donations. That is 135 donations behind 4th place. And 6th place is only 33 donations behind us!! We need lots of donations. Here is what you and those you know can do to help:

• Donations only need to be $10, or $11 if you donate via Paypal so as to cover the fee plus donate the minimum of $10.
• IMPORTANT: In order to donate, you must click on the word "DONATE" on the BAF badge. This will take you to the information you need to fill out to make your donation. If you do not first click on the badge, your donation will not count.
• If you donate more than once, only your first donation counts. Only one donation of $10 is necessary.
• Donations MUST be made by 3:00 p.m. EST on Thursday, January 31. That's 3 p.m. in the afternoon.

Please spread the news to friends, family, fellow employees, teachers, anyone and everyone! We don't want to lose this opportunity to win $50,000 for The Bubel Aiken Foundation. $50,000 = 5 SUMMER CAMPS!! We only have until January 31. Let's get into high gear and make this happen for BAF and the children they serve!

CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE BADGE: BAF BADGE

You must click on the badge in order for your donation to count!!

IMPORTANT NEW INFORMATION: The Clayboard has list of people who are willing to be "donation sponsors" where someone who can't afford to donate will be reimbursed for their donation. For a list of those who are willing to reimburse you for your donation, go to this link: The Clayboard Donation Sponsors. A list of people along with a link to PM them is available at this site. All you have to do is make the donation and one of these people will reimburse you the $10.

The ClayReport Is BACK!

The ClayReport, noticeably absent from the Clay nation for the past 6 months, is back!

ClaysBadGirl decided to return to help the Bubel Aiken Foundation win $50,000 from America's Giving Challenge.

If you haven't been following our coverage the past few weeks, THURSDAY at 3 PM EST is the deadline to make your $10.47 donation to the BAF in order to help them win $50,000 from the challenge, sponsored by Parade Magazine.

David Hyde Pierce Sent Clay a Note on Opening Night

David Hyde Pierce, who held the role of Sir Robin in Spamalot before Clay took over earlier this month, sent Clay a note on opening night, according to an article from New York Magazine:

By now, we could see our breath in the arctic freeze he was emitting, but, like Admiral Peary, we forged on: Did he perhaps give Clay some tips over the phone? "No. I sent him a note on his opening night saying, 'Hope you had a good time.'" So what was the secret to playing cowardly knight Sir Robin that Clay had to know? "It sounds like he's doing pretty well in it," he said. "I don't think he needs any advice from me. He's got a lot of people coming to see it, and I think they're going nuts for him."

Yeah, we said, Clay's the kind of guy that screaming women throw their underwear to! Had anyone ever tossed underpants at David Hyde Pierce? "No," he replied. Then, in a voice so dry our lips chapped: "I'm still hoping." —Tim Murphy

New Spamalot Blog from Clay

Clay has answered another question on his Spamalot blog:

1.28.08: Describe your most embarrassing moment on stage.

I try my best not to let anything embarrass me on stage. I find that when I mess up (and that’s plenty) or when something goes wrong, it’s far more entertaining to point it out and laugh at it myself. I don’t think any audience expects me to be perfect. And, I suppose years of being picked on as a teenager (and, heck, as an adult) taught me that you’re better off to laugh at yourself before someone else has a chance to.

Tidbits 1/29

Celebrate the 5th anniversary of the Clay nation with LBFCA - in photos & in words!

• FlowGo.com - this is so cute... check out Baby Idol - "Baby Idol is the cute counterpart to American Idol. Watch Baby Clay Aiken, Ruben Studdard, Justin Guarini, Kelly Clarkson, and even William Hung perform for the little versions of Simon, Paula, and Randy. There's even a young Ryan Seacrest hosting the show."
  
• Lo Hudson Journal News - Clay Aiken a fan favorite -

  About halfway through my recent countdown of the Top 20 “American Idol” Contestants of All Time, I created a Remote Access poll that asked readers to vote on the series’ most significant contestant from the first six seasons. The poll was open for two weeks and the Remote Access readers’ choice, by a landslide, was Clay Aiken.
  

• Columbus Dispatch ... Clay Aiken fans -

  Do you love him? Depends
  
  Turns out that Clay Aiken fans cover all age ranges. Some throw panties onstage; others are more creative. The American Idol runner-up recently told In Touch Weekly, "We've had ladies throw Depends that say, 'Your older fans love you, too.' "
  

• ABC News asks "Could 'American Idol' Star Clay Aiken Be Asexual?" following the New York Magazine interview -

  "American Idol" runner-up Clay Aiken recently told New York Magazine that he "just doesn't have any interest" in a romantic relationship. Sexologists told ABCNEWS.com that there's a fine line between being too busy or tired for a sexual relatoinship and actually being asexual.
  
  Former "American Idol" runner-up Clay Aiken apparently has less of a social life than one might think, given his time in the spotlight and his large teenie-bopper fan base.
  
  In a recent interview with New York magazine, Aiken said that he has never had a romantic relationship and has no interest in finding one, either.
  
  "I have got too much on my plate," Aiken told the magazine. "I'd father focus on one thing and do that when I can devote time to it, and right now, I just don't have any desire."
  
  And when asked whether he ever has sexual "urges" or "needs," Aiken responded, "I mean, not really. I've just kind of shut it off, maybe. Is that bad?"

• The Oregonian -

  Clay Aiken: I'm no Timberlake
  
  Clay Aiken is adjusting to being on his own in New York City.
  
  "I almost cried on the first day on my way to rehearsal," Aiken, 29, told New York magazine about starting his new role in the Broadway musical "Spamalot." "I've never lived alone before."
  
  Asked if his reputation as, well, the kind of kid who'd be the last one picked for the school sports team might hinder his social life, Aiken says, "Let's not fool ourselves. . . . There are people like Justin Timberlake, who are cool on radio right now, and then there's me."
  

• MTV -

  Former "American Idol" Clay Aiken, who has faced questions about his sexuality since entering the spotlight more than four years ago, recently told New York magazine that not only is he sick of answering questions about his preferences, he's tired of thinking about something that he simply doesn't have time for. Aiken told the magazine that his social life is "nonexistent, really I'm not a nighttime person." While he's in New York performing in "Spamalot," he does not plan on dating anyone and is not involved with anyone. "Heck, no," he said, adding that his only companions are "my dogs." Not only that, but Aiken, 29, claims that he's never had a romantic relationship, unless you count the girls he took to dances in high school. "I just don't have an interest in ... any of that at all. I have got too much on my plate," he told the magazine. "I'd rather focus on one thing and do that when I can devote time to it, and right now, I just don't have any desire." ...

• More commentary about the New York Magazine interview -
• Reality TV World -

  "Don't ask me why. Ah wish I knew. Women -- middle-aged women -- like Clay Aiken," he told New York magazine. "Let's not fool ourselves. The truth is? There are people like Justin Timberlake -- males who are cool on radio right now -- and then there's me. If I heard myself in a dance club? If I went into a dance club, which I never do, and I heard Clay Aiken come on, I'd roll my eyes and get out. But you know what? I'm fine with being kind of vanilla! It's oh-kye!"
  
  Even if a romantic relationship did come knocking for the single 29-year-old, Aiken didn't sound like he'd jump at the opportunity to explore it.
  
  "I just don't have an interest in... any of that at all," he told New York magazine. "I have got too much on my plate. I'd rather focus on one thing and do that when I can devote time to it, and right now, I just don't have any desire."
  

• Buzz[Killed] - "In the article Aiken admitted to never having a romantic relationship and to also having no interest in finding one. Sorry Claysminion, looks like your poem is never going to come true…"
• MTV Canada -

  CLAY AIKEN LACKS THE DRIVE. It looks like Clay Aiken is currently living a solitary life. The singer tells New York magazine that he's not dating, doesn't plan on dating and that he doesn't even have any urges. He said, "Ah think maybe I don't... I mean, not really. I've just kind of shut it off, maybe. Is that bad?" The former American Idol now stars on Broadway in Spamalot, but is he enjoying the city that never sleeps? He revealed to the periodical that he's not that much of a nighttime person and that his only real loves are his dogs.
  

• Philadelphia Magazine - race horse's "spirit" lives on -

  Although Barbaro’s been dead for a year now, his haunting spirit still lives on in the form of an online community so devoted and earnest, they make Clay Aiken’s Spanx-tossing army of middle-aged moms look inert by comparison.

• Star Pulse on why some American Idols succeed, while others fade -

  It was a similar situation with Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken. Studdard won the second season of "Idol," however Aiken was the star who took over the public eye once the season ended.

• Philadelphia Inquirer -

  "I am convinced this city [New York] is going to crack Clay Aiken like an egg."
  
  So prophesies journo Ariel Levy in an acerbic New York Magazine profile of the star of the Broadway hit Spamalot that will have many a Clayhead break into tears.

• New York Post - "stalker" songs ... Invisible

  * Clay Aiken, "Invisible"
  
  This guilty pleasure makes your skin crawl for a multitude of reasons.
  
  Best stalker line: "If I was invisible, then I could just watch you in your room/If I was invincible, I'd make you mine tonight."

• The ConCLAYve - "Clay Aiken: Day One, Year Six: The Singer, Diane and Mike"

  On January 28, 2003, millions of people heard you sing for the first time. I was one of the people who met you at “Take.”
  
  Five years later, you are still here and showing a more wide-ranging talent than ever before, performing before enthusiastic and appreciative audiences while appearing in your debut on Broadway. (I’ll be in that audience later on in your run.)
  
  [...]
  
  This is a full circle moment for me, too. Five years later, you are still here and your career is growing in ways I had not imagined. You’ll have “Spamalot” at the Shubert in New York through May 4, and you are also busy working on your next album, one you have said will be a true reflection of you. Beyond that, there will be tours, television shows, and more of your service to UNICEF and The Bubel/Aiken Foundation. So this is the last time I will formally commemorate that moment, five years ago. It is dear to me, but your future is bright with promise. I prefer to bask in the warmth of your limitless potential.
  
  [...]
  
  And thank you, Clay Aiken, for a wonderful five years that is only the beginning.
  

• Hobbies - donate to Parade Magazine's America's Giving Challenge for the Bubel Aiken Foundation
  

Parade's "America's Giving Challenge" Ends Thursday, 1/31 - Your Help Is Desperately Needed!

We've been telling you about a wonderful opportunity to win $50,000 for The Bubel Aiken Foundation. That is through a contest that Parade Magazine is sponsoring called "America's Giving Challenge". In order to win the $50,000, BAF needs to be one of the top 4 U.S. Based Charities, and this is determined by the number of donations that are given to BAF. NOT the total amount of donations, but the total number.

As of the writing of this article, BAF has dropped to 5th place and is behind 4th place by 67 donations. We have 1133 donations to 4th place's 1200. It is imperative that many more donations be made to put us back in 4th place and further away from 5th place. And here is what you can do to make a donation:

• Donations only need to be $10, or $11 if you donate via Paypal so as to cover the fee plus donate the minimum of $10.
• IMPORTANT: In order to donate, you must click on the word "DONATE" on the BAF badge. This will take you to the information you need to fill out to make your donation. If you do not first click on the badge, your donation will not count.
• If you donate more than once, only your first donation counts. Only one donation of $10 is necessary.
• Donations MUST be made by 3:00 p.m. EST on Thursday, January 31. That's 3 p.m. in the afternoon.

Please spread the news to friends, family, fellow employees, teachers, anyone and everyone! We don't want to lose this opportunity to win $50,000 for The Bubel Aiken Foundation. $50,000 = 5 SUMMER CAMPS!! We only have until January 31. Let's get into high gear and make this happen for BAF and the children they serve!

CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE BADGE: BAF BADGE

You must click on the badge in order for your donation to count!!

IMPORTANT NEW INFORMATION: The Clayboard has list of people who are willing to be "donation sponsors" where someone who can't afford to donate will be reimbursed for their donation. For a list of those who are willing to reimburse you for your donation, go to this link: The Clayboard Donation Sponsors. A list of people along with a link to PM them is available at this site. All you have to do is make the donation and one of these people will reimburse you the $10.

Tidbits 1/28

• Reaction to Clay's big interview with New York Magazine:
• New York Magazine's own website has been flooded by Clay Aiken fans, expressing their opinions to the interview -

  The sleepy comments pages of nymag.com have exploded in the past 24 hours thanks to a single, indefatigable force: the power of Claymates. Anyone who has ever written anything about Clay Aiken knows that he is the Ron Paul of the entertainment world: Like Paul, Aiken is followed by a cadre of fans that will tirelessly seek out anything written about the man and instantly, and overwhelmingly, respond. (This innocuous Quote Machine from back in July, featuring Aiken, was the subject of the most e-mails Vulture's ever received about a single post.)
  

• People Magazine -

  There's an old saying that New York City can be the loneliest place in the world, and one new arrival to the crowded metropolis – Clay Aiken – may just bear that out.
  
  "I almost cried on the first day on my way to rehearsal," the American Idol favorite, 29, tells New York magazine about starting his new gig in the Broadway musical Spamalot. "I'm here until May 4, and I've never lived alone before."
  

• E! Online -

  Clay Aiken admits he's just not that into sex. The only relationship he has right now is with his dogs, and regarding sexual urges, he says, “Ah think maybe I don’t! I mean, not really. I’ve just kind of shut it off, maybe. Is that bad?” No, it's not bad at all, Clay. We prefer to think of you as asexual, anyway. It helps us sleep better.

• Hollyscoop -

  Clay Aiken is so busy with his Spamalot schedule that he has no time for anything else. And that includes going out in NYC, one of the best nightlife cities in the world.
  
  "The only reason people go to bars is to get drunk and have sex. To me, bars are what hell is like."
  

• National Post - "Do you want to read about Clay Aiken's sex drive (or lack thereof?) Of course you do, you sick puppy."
• OK! -

  In a new interview with New York Magazine, Clay Aiken speaks openly about his personal life. Well — sort of.
  
  The famously private Clay not only admits he isn't dating anyone, he also claims to not have carnal matters on his mind right now. “I just don’t have an interest in… any of that at all,” the Spamalot star explains. “I’d rather focus on one thing and do that when I can devote time to it, and right now, I just don’t have any desire.”

• Charleston City Paper - "Clay Aiken says he’s not Justin Timberlake. Honey, you ain’t kidding."
  
• MSNBC -

  There are still plenty of Clay Aiken fans out there, and they cover all demographics. Some throw panties on stage, some are more creative. The “American Idol” runner up recently told In Touch, “We’ve had ladies throw Depends that say ‘Your older fans love you, too.’”

• Variety - Broadway ticket sales down -

  Nearly every production saw receipts slide, with "Monty Python's Spamalot," down more than $200,000 to $591,045, getting hit hardest. The prior frame saw a hefty boost at "Spam" from the initial perfs by replacement star Clay Aiken, but it now appears Claymate biz won't provide quite the steady sustenance it first seemed it might.
  

• America's Giving Challenge getting down to the wire ... see how you can help out here.
• All That Is Clay Aiken - "IF we can inspire the most people, there is a chance The Bubel/Aiken Foundation can possibly win $50,000. The top 8 groups will win. Four from the U.S. based and four from Global based Charities."
• Something That Really Happened -

  The Bubel/Aiken Foundation has lost its hold on 4th place in Parade Magazine's "America's Giving Challenge". So far there are 1041 donations. If you haven't donated yet, now is the time as there are only three days left to the challenge!

• Chexxxy's Pearls
• There Was A Man -

  The Bubel Aiken Foundation is participating in America's Giving Challenge in a quest to receive a $50,000 donation. To do so, TBAF needs to be in the Top 4 of total number of donations received. Right now TBAF is is fifth place. Each $10 (10.47 to cover the Credit card fee) helps. If you can help, please click the badge at the right.
  

New York Magazine Chronicles the Rise of Clay Aiken

New York Magazine today published a new interview with Clay today - January 28, 2008 - exactly 5 years since American Idol first introduced us to Clay Aiken.

There's A LOT of stuff in the article, and it is written very well. The full interview is available New York Magazine's website. Here are some highlights from the interview/article, titled "The Happy Hickster":

• On his celebrity status:

  Ever since Aiken placed second on American Idol in 2003, he gets recognized everywhere, always. “Even in New York. I was always told people in New York don’t care, and I think they probably don’t that much, but there’s a little bit of a different thing about Idol. I was with the woman who runs the ambassador program for UNICEF”—Aiken was appointed an ambassador in 2004—“so she’s worked with Katie Couric, people who are very recognizable, and she was one of the people who said that to me. And it was funny because a minute after she said it, as we’re walkin’ down the street, no fewer than five people said something to me. Just screamin’ from across the street! She said, ‘Ah have never seen anything lahk this in my life!’”

• On starring in Spamalot:

  Although Aiken can depend on the adulation of strangers, he doesn’t know anyone in New York and is worried he will be lonely now that he’s moved here to take a role in the Broadway musical Spamalot, based on Monty Python and the Holy Grail. “I almost cried on the first day on my way to rehearsal,” he says. “I’m here until May 4, and I’ve never lived alone before.”

• On Clay's political views:

  I have to wonder if Clay Aiken is prepared for New York City. It’s not that he’s stupid. He’s actually well-informed, really into the elections (sad that Joe Biden dropped out; Aiken has become a Democrat), and quite the impressive little charity worker.

• On issues facing the global society:

  “And I visit middle schools after I go to Uganda or wherever with UNICEF, but I rarely say, ‘Donate.’ I usually say, ‘Read about what’s going on in the world! There’s a war going on for twenty years in Uganda!’ The media doesn’t talk about this because they’re more concerned with Paris and Britney and…”

• On being a sex symbol:

  And while it is true that he is wearing a green sweater with yellow trim on one sleeve and pink trim on the other over a white shirt with bright-green stripes, it is also true that Clay Aiken is beloved, a bizarre sex symbol. He has been in People magazine as one of its Sexiest Men Alive. Despite the fact that Aiken is so widely assumed to be gay that Rosie O’Donnell accused Kelly Ripa of homophobia when Ripa recoiled at having Aiken put his hand over her mouth during an interview, there are women—a lot of them—who absolutely lust after him. So many women threw their underpants onstage during his first tour that on the following two Aiken tours, he had commemorative panties for sale at the concession stand. The pace of the panties has slowed recently, but the occasional pair still flies Clayward as he belts out “I Want to Know What Love Is” or “Everything I Do (I Do It for You).”
  

• On not being Justin Timberlake, bars & parties:

  “Let’s not fool ourselves,” he says with his eyebrows up in his arch, queeny way. “The truth is? There are people like Justin Timberlake, males who are cool on radio right now, and then there’s me. If I heard myself in a dance club? If I went into a dance club—which I never do—and I heard Clay Aiken come on, I’d roll my eyes and get out. But you know what? I’m fine with being kind of vanilla! It’s oh-kye!” In his book, Aiken says that it’s not just clubs but also bars he dislikes: “The only reason people go to bars is to get drunk and have sex. To me, bars are what hell is like.”
  
  He imagines his social life here will be “nonexistent, really. I’m not a nighttime person.” He does not plan on dating, and he is not involved with anyone. “Heck, no,” he says. “My dogs.” He has never had a romantic relationship with anyone, unless you count the girls he took to dances back in high school in Raleigh. “I just don’t have an interest in … any of that at all. I have got too much on my plate,” he says. “I’d rather focus on one thing and do that when I can devote time to it, and right now, I just don’t have any desire.”
  

• Reviewing Clay in Spamalot:

  In a Broadway musical, Aiken is perfect—he can throw that cheesy, octave-spanning man-voice of his around all he wants and hit all those honky gospel notes. It sounds great! He can slowly, slowly raise his arms in the air as he holds a note for 45 minutes. He can make his corny, cartoony facial expressions, and onstage, they’re utterly appropriate. Also, musical theater takes place in a land only slightly more erotically charged than Smurf Village, so here Aiken’s suppressed, indeterminate sexuality seems logical, usual, male. And he doesn’t seem hick. Partly because the twang is replaced by an equally theatrical Cockney and partly because he’s in a funny show. (The theme of his big number is “You won’t succeed on Broadway if you don’t have any Jews.”) Every joke gets a roar. “When I’m up here onstage, I’ll be the idol of my age,” he sings, and the women go crazy. You can almost feel them sucked toward him by some unholy mix of maternal yearning and abject horniness.

Tidbits 1/27

• AOL, which earlier this week had Clay in the Top 5 Video Clips of the Day, now have him in the Top 5 Video Clips of The Week. He is currently winning with 90% of the vote.
• Business Insurance ... not that great a mention -

  Ms. Thomas and her lawyer argued that downloading the 24 songs would have cost all of $23.76 on iTunes. Like I said, I don't know what Ms. Thomas shared, but paying even that much for the work of Britney Spears or Clay Aiken strikes me personally as excessive.
  

January 28, 2003: The Day The World Met A Superstar!

Tomorrow, January 28, marks the 5th anniversary of the TV airing of Clay's Atlanta TV audition. 3 albums, 1 New York Times bestselling book, 9 tours and 1 Broadway play later, we're still here, "always and forever".

Clay Aiken Makes "Spamalot" A "Must See": Idol Thoughts

"All in all, Clay and the cast have managed to make Spamalot a must-see once again."

Media reaction to Clay's new role on Broadway's Spamalot has been exceptionally positive. Here's another great review of Clay Aiken in Spamalot from Idol Thoughts!

Color Me Surprised: Clay Aiken Is Fantastic in Spamalot

If I'm being totally honest, I didn't go into today's matinee performance of Spamalot with the highest of expectations. Since it had been announced that Clay Aiken was joining the Broadway cast in the role of Sir Robin I've been dubious as to how good of a fit the American Idol runner-up and the Monty Python show would be.

Well color me very pleasantly surprised -- Clay was great!

His voice was, of course, fantastic, but it was his comic timing and his dancing that shocked me the most. From the moment he appeared on stage, he was totally, and delightfully, in character, and he maintained that commitment throughout the entire show. He delivered his lines like an old pro, and completely embraced his character's often quirky movement, footwork, and comic bits, even when they required him to make fun of himself.

Best of all -- he appeared to be having the time of his life. The often irreverent humor of the show seemed to fit him like a glove, and he imbued each of his scenes with what appeared to be a genuine sense of joy.

All in all, Clay and the cast have managed to make Spamalot a must-see once again.

Miss America Winner A Clay Aiken Fan?

Miss Michigan Kirsten Haglund, who was crowned as Miss America last night, might be a Claymate, according to a note posted to her blog. The CB's DancinINThaStreets posted:

The new Miss America, who is from Michigan, could be a possible Claymate! As a Miss America fan I wanted to learn more about the woman behind the crown and stumbled upon her blog. Too bad she is 10 years younger than Clay. Either Miss America is really young or Clay is getting older than I like to believe! Here is an clip from her blog. The rest can be found at: http://www.missmichigan.org/2007/kirstens_blog.html

Later that day, Terri Dooge, my traveling companion, and I had a very interesting experience at the Berkley parade. :-) So it is 4:50 pm, we are sitting in the, at this point, warm, closed-top convertible, chatting about Clay Aiken (who else?), waiting for the parade to commence. The parade in front of us starts to move, and so we launch into gear, and the driver presses the button to put the top down so that I can sit atop the backseat. Natural, normal, parade procedure. However... This brand new, I think it was a Pontiac, convertible will NOT maneuver the top down in less than 32 degree weather. Uh oh. The display annoyingly reads 'Top Too Cold!' The parade in front of us was heading out now onto the parade route and a quick decision needed to be made. I was wearing nice boots, so I figured, 'Hey, why not walk?' I love to walk and be outside so it didn't seem to be that big of a deal. I said, 'Not a problem' and hopped out of the car, Terri alongside me. I thought we were brave then, since it was very, very cold.