QVC Bonus CD Tracklisting Revealed!

Looks like the QVC bonus disc for "On My Way Here" won't be that much of a bonus after all. QVC's tracklisting indicates that only one of the songs on the 5-track "bonus" disc will be new. The others were all combed from "Measure of a Man":

Clay Aiken's new release "On My Way Here" with BONUS 5 track enhanced CD-consists of 4 audio tracks and 1 video track.

Songs include:
"On My Way Here"
"Ashes"
"Everything I Don't Need"
"Something About Us"
"Falling"
"Where I Draw The Line"
"The Real Me"
"Weight Of The World"
"As Long As We're Here"
"Sacrificial Love"
"Grace Of God"
"Lover All Alone".

BONUS disc includes:
"When I Need You" -NEW
"Invisible"
"Measure Of A Man"
"I Will Carry You"
"This Is The Night(video)".

Total:51:38 Bonus 19:20.USA
Ship To Customer 05/17/08.

---------------------
There is NO current information about availability for ordering. While there is an item number assigned, it has not yet been Purchased or put into stock at QVC. I can't imagine they'd have a show with out the ability
to order it. What normally happens with New Releases of anything is that they'll conduct a pre-sale, but will not ship until the release date of the album.
There have been cases in the past where QVC has exclusivity and will pre-release (and ship) an album a few days to a week before the general release. No such info available, however, and it's unlikely I'd be able to wrestle that info out of someone before the show.

Clay To Drop by "Tonight Show" on May 12

Clay will be making a promotional appearance for his new album on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno on May 12, Corabeth confirmed with RCA's marketing department:

I just confirmed with RMD that Clay is taping Kimmel on the 15th (which then airs at midnight on the 16th for most)

Also, the Leno appearance is May 12th.

Clay's last appearance on Leno was all the way back in 2006 when he appeared to promote ATDW:

"On My Way Here" Being Released in South Korea

Two music retailers in South Korea are confirming that Sony BMG will release Clay's 3rd mainstream album, "On My Way Here" on May 6 - the same day as the U.S. and Canadian dates.

The Real Hero of American Idol! Clay Aiken

The American Idol who has been the most steadily loved
Sweet Voice Clay Aiken's fourth album 'On My Way Here'

Multi-platinum American Idol Winner Clay Aiken's fourth album after 'Thousand Of Different Ways'.
His First Single&Title Track 'On My Way Here' which is expected to be loved by Korean fans with beautiful lyrics, melody and Clay Aiken's appealing voice!

First "On My Way Here" Snippets Online at Slovenian Website!

Who would have ever thought that the very first listen of snippets from Clay's new CD, On My Way Here, would be, not at a U.S. website, but at a site in Slovenia! But its true, and we have Samarijan2000, at The Clayboard, who is from Slovenia, to thank for bringing this to us. Now this site is not in English, so for those of you like me who could not figure out how to play the snippets, read what Samarijan2000 has to say:

That is something really unusual.
In Slovenia I never heard anything about Clay even if you were google through Slovenian web pages.
Look what I found!

You can hear OMWH samples and order ring tone in SLOVENIA!!!

Here is the (snippet) link and look and hear for yourself:

HOW TO LISTEN:

Kupi- buy
Poslušaj- listen

So, click on the Clay song you want to hear, then at the new window, click on "Poslusaj" (listen). The snippets are great!

Samarijan2000 also sent us a link to a small article about Clay. Here is the link, followed by the article and picture. The English translation is bolded after its particular Slovenian counterpart.

Najboljše izjave zvezdnikov - The best statement from celebrities

Nazaj - back 23. 2. 2008, 09:15 S. O. Ni komentarjev- no comment

Zbrali smo deset najboljših izjav zvezdnikov iz prejšnjega tedna. Preberite si jih!- We choose the best ten saying from celebrities. Read them all! Nalaganje 6 od 10-loading 6 from 10



Clay AikenNe želim izgledati kul, ne želim izgledati moderen. (Clay o pristopu snemanja novega albuma)- I don't want to look cool, don't want to look popular.
( Clay about approach to his new album)

For those who were as curious as I was, here is a map of where Slovenia is as well as some of their beautiful scenery. It seems fitting that the snippets of Clay's beautiful new CD should come from a country with such beautiful scenery!



So who knows, maybe our American online sites will soon follow suit and make snippets available as well. Meanwhile, thank you Samarijan for making these available!

---

Update: Claynadian fans! These snippets are also up at Fido's MusicStore. If you are a Fido customer, you can download these at $3 a piece, for your cellphone ringtones!

OK! Interviews Clay

OK! interviewed Clay as he prepares to leave Spamalot and release a new album. The interview is at OK! Magazine's website.

CLAY AIKEN SPAMS A LOT

Clay Aiken challenges me to a trivia game he’s reading off the menu when we meet upstairs at Planet Hollywood in Times Square. (Help! I only had a free movie pass from 2005-2007.)

[...]

“I’ve never been before, but is that Spamalot on the TV now? Look at that! It’s very busy. It’s a very excitable place. There’s a lot of memorabilia that I’ve never seen before. I didn’t really know the importance of it, but now that I see everything else they have hanging here, it’s an interesting honor to have my hands put beside some much bigger names than mine.”

The North Carolina native, 29, is in work mode now that he’s wrapping up his run in the Tony-award winning musical May 4. His fourth album, On My Way Here, will be released two days later on May 6.

[...]

Since Spamalot is the topic du jour, why did this American Idol finalist have to have this role?

“Well, the reason we chose to do this show is because it was so different from any other Broadway show out there,” he tells me. “It’s silly, it’s more about acting than it is about singing, it’s about pushing me out of my comfort zone. That’s what made it exciting.”

How does he compare to his zany character Sir Robin?

“Oh gosh. Hm. Probably in more ways than I care to admit. I’m very timid in a lot of situations. I don’t think I’m quite as dumb as he is, and I’ve never soiled my own pants, but [coughs] I’m timid in some ways but the character of Robin is very cartoonish in general. All of them are.”

Moments after we chat, Clay sticks his hands in wet concrete. With mouth agape, he poses for photos with sticky residue on his hands.

“I’m blind!” he exclaims after flashes pop. “Am I going to fall?” he says, as he stumbles into the Spamalot sign.

Should he tumble, hundreds of Claymates are clamoring to catch him — including one former OK! staffer who stepped out to greet him during her lunch hour.

Clay is grateful for the love of his fans.

“They’ve been very supportive. Some of them have been many times, and still laugh at it every single time.”

Catch Clay in Monty Python’s Spamalot, which takes place at Broadway’s Shubert Theatre now through May 4.

Tidbits 4/18

• Sony BMG Music Store's email featured "On My Way Here"
• In an interview with Access Hollywood, David Foster says American got it wrong when they picked Ruben over Clay during American Idol 2
• Deseret News - AI2 finalist Carmen Rasmusen says not all Idols are treated equally:

  One day, as I was waiting downstairs for my private singing lesson, Clay Aiken was in the music room. I could hear him going over and over his song, dissecting it.
  
  Finally, after about 30 minutes, the door opened. It was my turn. I walked in and sang my song about three times before being dismissed. Hardly the personal one-on-one attention Aiken had just received.

• The DeadBolt - Kristy Lee Cook eliminated from Idol - "Will Kristy Lee Cook become a star like Daughtry and Clay Aiken? It’s hard to say."
• Cornell Daily Sun - American Idol seasons 1 - 7 in recap:

  American Idol started with a boom. A summer series at first, the show launched Kelly Clarkson into the pretty substantial career she currently has. One season later, the show revamped itself a little (changing the Top Ten to the Top Twelve, a move that has stuck with Idol since then), and Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard captured the hearts of millions. But there was Fuller’s first folly. As sad as it is, America only has room for one idol at a time, no matter how skinny Aiken is. Ruben took home the title, but his fame was diluted by Clay Aiken’s pathetic attempts at bringing a Broadway voice to airwaves with stalker anthems like “Invisible.”

BAF's Champions for Change Gala Set for Oct. 18 in Raleigh

The Bubel Aiken Foundation's 2008 Champions for Change fundraising gala event will be held on October 18 in Raleigh, TBAF's Aron Hall confirmed in an email.

CDD's coverage of the 2007 Champions for Change gala is available here.

The Bubel/Aiken Foundation Board and Staff are excited to announce the 2008 Champions of Change Gala.

The gala will be held on Saturday, October 18 at the Marriott - Raleigh City Center located in the heart of downtown Raleigh, North Carolina. We are excited to be one of the first major events to be hosted in this brand new facility. We are also happy that you will be able to stay in the same place where our gala will be held. Click here for more information or copy and paste the address into your web browser: www.marriottraleigh.com

The Foundation will look once again to honor those around the country who are opening doors for inclusion. There will be food, entertainment, and auction opportunities.

More details about the program and ticket sales will be coming soon.

We look forward to seeing you there!
Aron Hall
Director Services

Clive Davis Given The "Polite" Shove

Clive Davis has been demoted by Sony BMG in a corporate reshuffle at the world's second largest record company:

Clive Davis replaced by Barry Weiss as BMG head

By NEKESA MUMBI MOODY – 21 hours ago

NEW YORK (AP) — Legendary music executive Clive Davis has been replaced by Barry Weiss as chairman and chief executive officer of the BMG label group.

Parent company Sony BMG announced the move Thursday. The 74-year-old Davis will become chief creative officer of Sony BMG. Two other BMG executives also departed in the label shakeup.

The 49-year-old Weiss oversaw several labels as president and CEO of the Zomba Label Group. He helped grow Jive Records from a small imprint to a major force with such blockbuster acts as Britney Spears, Usher, the Backstreet Boys, Justin Timberlake and 'N Sync. Recent successes include teen sensation Chris Brown and singer-songwriter T-Pain.

As head of BMG, Weiss will oversee RCA Records, Jive, J Records, LaFace, Arista, Volcano, Verity, GospoCentric and Fo Yo Soul.

Sony BMG said that Davis will continue to work with top artists in his new position as chief creative officer Sony BMG Worldwide.

Buy "On My Way Here" from QVC and Receive Free 5-Track Bonus CD

Wow. So much for Wal-Mart and iTunes' single bonus tracks on their editions of "On My Way Here". Clay will appear on the QVC channel, in person, on April 28 to sell QVC's edition of "On My Way Here" featuring - wait for it - 5 BONUS TRACKS! Wow!

CLAY AIKEN -ON MY WAY HERE/GADGETS & GIZMOS
Monday, April 28, 2008
07:00 - 08:00 PM ET
Multi-platinum selling singing sensation Clay Aiken is poised to release his first album of original material since his double-platinum debut, "Measure of a Man." This eagerly anticipated new CD, "On My Way Here," is set to release on May 6, 2008. Reserve your copy before it hits the stores, and receive a special 5-track Bonus CD created especially for QVC. He'll win your heart again, as Clay performs select songs from On My Way Here. Release date subject to change without notice

RCA Advertising "On My Way Here" at Facebook

RCA has been exploring a number of interesting formats to promote Clay's new CD, and the latest we've spotted is advertising for the new album on Facebook.

The Climmel Reunites: May 15

Clay and Jimmy Kimmel will reunite, once more, on May 15 as Clay returns to Jimmy Kimmel Live on ABC. The show, being taped on May 15, will air at 12:05 AM May 16 in most time zones.

Show: Jimmy Kimmel Live
Episode: 2008/05/15
Network: (ABC) ABC Television
Date: Friday - May 16, 2008
Time: 12:05/11:05c AM
Duration: 1:00

About: Jimmy Kimmel Live: 2008/05/15
Actor Josh Holloway; musical guest Clay Aiken (panel guest and performance).

Amazon.com Posts Video of Clay Recording "On My Way Here"

Amazon.com posted a cool clip of Clay singing "On My Way Here" in the recording studio. Watch it at Amazon's item page for OMWH.

Wal-Mart's "On My Way Here" to Have Special Cover Art

We told you yesterday that Wal-Mart will be including an unspecified bonus track on its edition of "On My Way Here". WalMart.com posted the cover art for this special edition of the CD and it appears it will be different from regular OMWH CD's.

The Wal-Mart artwork is shown above, and the regular artwork is shown below:

Tidbits 4/17

Yahoo TV highlights Clay in their special feature on American Idol success:

Clay Aiken is the reason why so many "American Idol" also-rans dream of the "wild card" policy being reinstated. The skinny pencil-necked kid with the unexpectedly mature voice was eliminated early on in Season 2, but he was invited back to the show as a wild card contestant. After that, he never landed in the bottom three, becoming a massive fan favorite and making it all the way to the finale. He eventually lost to Ruben Studdard, but given all the attention he received after "Idol" (he made the cover of "Rolling Stone" before Ruben did, for instance), he was clearly Season 2's REAL winner. Still the top-selling "Idol" runner-up of all time with 5 million albums sold, and now a hit on Broadway in "Spamalot," Clay is readying his first album of all-original material in five years, "On My Way Here." And with a title track penned by Midas-touched hit-maker Ryan Tedder of OneRepublic, Clay's new CD is sure to carry on his "wild" success.

• ClearChannel Music on Demand - you can now stream Clay's "On My Way Here" single on the main ClearChannel and affiliated ClearChannel radio station websites.
  
• Real Television - At this site is an article about On My Way Here. Here is an exerpt:

  The message of the lyrics — how the lessons we learn while growing up shape us into who we become as adults — struck such a deep chord with Aiken that it wound up inspiring the theme (and title) of his new collection.
  
  “I thought if we could find songs along those lines, that deal with my life over the past five years and what I’ve learned from my experiences, it would be a great concept for an album,” Aiken says. “Since I got into this business, I’ve learned so much about myself and about life and the world. I’m nowhere near an expert, but this album has taken on the form of addressing how far I’ve come in those five years and how I feel like I’ve found myself.”

• Roald Dahl's Willie Wonka Junior - This blog tells of a possible new stylist for Clay:

  Wednesday, April 16, 2008 Hmm..... Hmmm.... what's everybody up too? I'm bored right now. I guess I write about that a lot, but I havent been bored all day. That's an improvment isn't it? So yeah I've been hanging out with my grandma and my uncle Tommy who came in from New York. He's really cool. He's a model and his girlfriend is Nicole Schniedier (I did not spell that right) who is a stylist. She'll be working with Clay Aiken soon which is kind cool. So yeah I'm hanging out with him and my uncle and yea thats kind of it. My birthday is in 2 weeks so I'm excited about that. I'll be 15!!!!! HAZAH! YES!!
  TTYL
  Posted by Broadwaydude93 at 1:39 PM

• Clay's MySpace - There is a new message from Clay at his MySpace site. Just look where the songs are listed, and it is below

  On My Way Here

  . Go to the site and check out what Clay has to say!
• Roanoke Times doesn't get the obsession with AI7 finalist David Archuleta -

  Isn’t it the same for David Archuleta? Beyond his voice, I just don’t see the appeal. I don’t get why girls scream for him every time he takes the stage. It baffles me the way the judges drool over his performances, even the not-so-good ones. Where’s the "it" factor? He’s a timid, awkward teenager blessed with a good voice.
  
  The whole phenomenon reminds me of America’s fascination with Clay Aiken during season two. I never understood that one, either. (Sorry, Claymates!)

• Lycos 50 PR - Clay #4 this week
• Entertainment Weekly - AI -

  What's next? I start watching Dancing with the Stars? I buy a Clay Aiken CD? I stop being totally creeped out by all these group numbers in which the Idol contestants sing about God and praying?

• Alamogordo Daily News - random mention ...

  What has now taken place is that the ACLU has pinned pointy ears on our deputies and turned them into Clay Aiken elf wannabes with no power other than to sing magical chants in the hope that one day the rule of law will return to the kingdom.

• MTV Asia grades the AI7 contestants on Mariah Carey night -

  David Cook
  Song: "Always Be My Baby"
  Verdict: Goo Goo Balls
  
  Songwriter Mariah was like a proud mama when she heard David strum "Always Be My Baby." "He could have a hit with that song!" (She immediately began celebrating by frolicking in a nearby fountain.) I'll admit, I rolled my eyes when I first heard him practice in front of Il Diva. I'm starting to grow tired of David's "I'll sing pop songs slowly and angrily" shtick.
  
  (It also got us thinking about past "Idol" season-stealing performances from Kelly Clarkson, Melinda Doolittle, Blake Lewis, Clay Aiken and others.)
  

• Nothing here yet
  

What's Hot From Spamalot

The hottest news from Spamalot today is the $200 pictures and the mega bidding for two chickens!!

• First, people were lining up to have their pictures made with Clay, Tom, and Rick as well as autographed for a mere $200 donation to Broadway Cares. Read on to hear about this exciting news from Spamalot:
  
  From The Clayboard:

  marialuvsclay just called everyone had the opportunity to go on stage and have a pic with Clay, Rick, and Tom for $200.00 for Broadway Cares...the whole audience is doing it..LOL

  From CV>>>>>>>smittenwithclay post
  
  Elied Called..
  
  she said they had to cut it off, they couldnt get through everyone..she thinks they may do it for the rest of the time (just a guess, nobody told her that)
  
  She said that the king said they would be doing this until Clays last day and they were really dreading that (awwwwww)
  
  You had to line up to get your picture taken, and many many people lined up...she didnt have an estimation, but they didnt get through everyone. Eleid didnt get her picture taken, she is hoping they do it tomorrow (she got the impression that they would) because she has to ask her husband..she said and I quote "when your married honey, you cant just spend 200 dollars like that without checking with him" haha
  
  she said people were trying to take pictures of the picture taking and security was kind of irritated
  
  she said he was great, dancing was cute..
  
  claymeanslove got her picture taken!
  
  it was the poloroid camera, and they all autographed the pic
  
  no stagedoor

  From d4kkkks at The Clayboard:

  Except cash, they accept credit cards and personal checks for $200. My Friend without hesitation agreed and she got group Polaroid size picture of Sir Lancelot, Sir Robin and Prince Herbert inserted in already autograph card by 3 of them. It's not meet and greet. No hugging, only picture taking. Only Spamalot official photography are allowed. I think there will be no future SD until this Broadway cares fund raising is over.

  LMD12 at The Clayboard tells about her experience getting her picture taken with Clay, Tom, and Rick:

  I had my picture taken with Clay, Rick and Tom last night. It was so much fun. Thankfully they did accept credit cards. It does go pretty fast but when I was walking toward them Rick said "what's you name?" and held out his hand to shake mine. I said "Laurie" and he said "Hi Laurie" and I just replied "Hi". Clay then put out his hand to shake it and said "Hi Laurie" and I said "Hi Clay". I then stood between Clay and Rick with our arms around each other and they took the picture. Tom was on the other side of Clay. They all said "thank you" and I was handed my picture. I was then very happy to notice all 3 signatures on the card they insert the photograph into.

• In addition to raising money for Broadway Cares by selling the pictures, an auction to purchase Clay's rubber chickens took place the other night. Read on to see what took place: Claylily tells us that Clay auctioned off his chicken!

  Just got a call from my friend at the theater tonight. Clay is auctioning off his chicken - it's up to $3200. He's going to hug and kiss the winner. They're also going to do the pictures tonight but the cost is $300. Wow, there are two people bidding so he's going to sell 2 chickens for $3500 each!!!
  
  Chicken auction is over - cast now singing "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life".

  Clayshines tells us this about the "chicken auction":

  from the CH -
  
  More on tonight from dksfriend at CV:
  Quote:
  
  On the phone with my friend again. There are about 25-30 people in line for pictures - she got hers and she loves it! Now she is waiting in line to pay. It was quick but everyone (Tom, David and Clay) was very sweet, friendly and grateful for the contributions. Clay told another friend (who was bidding on the chicken but didn't win) that she has to "try harder" next time there's an auction!! They were also selling the signed Playbills and signed posters again tonight.
  
  On the phone with my friend again. The two chicken winner ladies just went up on stage to get their signed chickens and to pose for "cheek to cheek" photos with Clay. One of the chicken winner ladies was in SRO; as she was bidding she walked up to the front closer to the stage. At one point she said to Clay (paraphrasing)- "I'll give you $2000 for the chicken if you give me a hug too". Clay agreed and Rick said something like "I'll do whatever you want to that chicken for $2000!" Needless to say the bids went up after Clay agreed to include a hug!!
  
  My friend was just chatting with one of the "Laker Girls" - she was AMAZED that two rubber chickens sold for a total of $7000!!!

  More from the CH -
  
  

  From CV...
  Quote:
  My friend just remembered something else about the chicken auction. After the one woman offered $2000 if Clay would give her a hug, he said something like "for $3000 I'll give you a hug AND a kiss". There was some hesitation among the bidders, so Clay started licking his lips. Needless to say, more bids quickly followed. The rest of the cast was laughing SO hard at Clay's antics during the auction!!!!
  
  Quote:
  After the lady bid 2500 and asked for a hug and Clay said "if you bid 3000 Ill give you a hug and a kiss"
  
  Trying to tease them with the chicken, put his index finger like he was brushing is teeth like he was getting ready for the kiss
  
  Quote:
  ...she could tell the cast was amazed at him working the crowd.
  He was really playing up the kiss possibility to get them to bid higher...smacking his lips and stuff

CosmoGirl's Q&A with Clay

CosmoGirl recently conducted a short Spamalot interview/Q&A with Clay, which can be found at CosmoGirl.com:

SO WHAT WAS IT LIKE PREPARING FOR YOUR BROADWAY DEBUT?

It was completely tiring and exhausting. I'd come home every night and I'd lay on the hardwood floor because it was cool and it'd be something to kind of relax to — probably one of the hardest things that I've ever done in my life was just trying to learn the show.

[...]

WOULD YOU RATHER WIN A GRAMMY OR A TONY?

I don't have any desires to get either one, to be completely honest. If you think about it, there are plenty of people who are considered the best actors or performers of our time who never won an Academy Award, never won a Grammy, never won a Tony. So I don't think awards are necessarily something that I aspire to so much as just doing what I enjoy doing.

Wal-Mart to Include Bonus Track on OMWH

Seems to us that everyone is vying to get a bonus track onto their versions of "On My Way Here". iTunes will carry a bonus track to those who pre-order the disk before the May 6 release date, and today, WalMart.com is listing its version of "On My Way Here" with an exclusive bonus track.

No word yet on whether the iTunes and Wal-Mart bonus tracks are the same.

"On My Way Here" #1 Song at AOL Music This Week

Wow! 57,000 plays in one week! Clay's new single, "On My Way Here" skyrocketed to #1 on AOL Music's top songs list for this week.

Keep streaming the song at AOL's PopEater blog.

Tidbits 4/16

• Reality Wanted reviews the American Idol 7 top 7 -

  David Archuleta ~ WHEN YOU BELIEVE ~ I had a Clay Aiken moment during David’s performance. What does that mean? Well, Clay Aiken makes me cry when he sings. Both of these young men possess the voice of an angel which is probably why my soul is deeply touched when I hear either of them.

• There Was A Man - Spamalot contributes to "Broadway Cares" campaign with Clay items being auctioned off for charity
  

Autographed Clay Aiken Set on the Auction Block for Charity

An autographed Clay Aiken set is on the auction block at eBay, in support of singer/songwriter Miranda Lambert's "Cause For The Paws” event for the Humane Society of East Texas.

Clay Aiken fans will LOVE this autographed gift set. It includes: 1 "A Thousand Different Ways CD", 1 TV Guide with Clay on the cover and 1 Magnet (not autographed). All autographs are clearly legible and the items are in excellent (new) condition.

This item was donated by Clay to be auctioned in conjunction with Miranda’s first charity event “Cause For The Paws”. All proceeds from this sale will be added to the incoming funds from her charity concert, live auction and silent auction on April 20th, 2008. We ask that you make payment for this purchase through paypal instantly or by phone credit card payment on Saturday April 19th. 10AM - 5 PM (903-882-9305) so the funds from this sale can be added to final event tally. The event will benefit The Humane Society of East Texas (former home of Miranda’s precious tour partner, Delilah – pictured). The Miranda Lambert Store and Beverly Lambert host this sale. Thank you for your participation in helping us care for abused, abandoned and unwanted animals.

Billboard Interview Coming Soon; FanBolt.com Looking for Questions for Clay

A new interview with Billboard is coming soon, according to Murah15:

Billboard Interview Coming this week
Just wanted to give everyone a heads up....this weeks edition of Billboard should have an interview with Clay regarding OMWH. Fingers crossed its better than what we saw for ATDW....

Along the same lines, FanBolt.com will also interview Clay soon, and it is looking for questions. You can post your questions for Clay to the Clayboard, where Emma, the editor of FanBolt.com, started a thread:

Hey guys!

My name is Emma and I'm the head editor at FanBolt.Com. I'm going to be interviewing Clay, I originally thought it was going to be today but now it looks like it will be the first part of next week, and I was hoping you guys could suggest some questions for me to ask! I have 15 minutes with him and I want the interview to answer questions that his fans really want to know! I'll be sure to mention these boards to him in the interview as well!

Thanks!
Emma

Broadway Cares: Spamalot Auctions Include Dinner with Clay

Spamalot is pitching in to Broadway Cares by holding several eBay auctions with some pretty attractive items up for sale:

• Tickets to SPAMalot and Champagne toast with Clay Aiken
• Dinner with Clay Aiken and SPAMalot cast members
• "Assistant" Drummer in SPAMalot
• Clay Aiken's costume from Broadway SPAMalot

Tidbits 4/15

• Access Atlanta - Atlanta Journal Constitution - "Idol"'s most shocking eliminations -

  2- Clay Aiken, runner up, season two. Clay fans are still peeved about this one and his post-“Idol” sales at least gave them some solace. His success also proved that victory isn’t necessary to do well after “Idol.” Interestingly, Nigel Lythgoe, the producer, said Clay was far ahead of the others in votes throughout the season. One technical issue may have made it closer than it could have been and may have tipped the balance for Ruben: busy signals. So many fans couldn’t get through that the lines were packed with votes the entire time, thus ensuring a very very close final vote count. This was also before texting was a regular phenomenon, which might have helped Clay. I do believe Clay would have won if there had been more phone lines available. Nonetheless, Ruben was a force to be reckoned and few could deny his skills.
  

• Seattle Pi - Idol prone to misdailed votes -

  As much as it is a nuisance for small businesses and private citizens, the misdialing can also lead to incorrect results. The article cited the extremely close race between Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken, where the big guy won by only 130,000 votes. The next day, a phone company reported that it had errantly received 240,000 Idol calls during the voting period. Yikes, let's hope America listens to Ryan's dialing warnings so we don't have a recount debacle on our hands.

• Nothing here today
  

What's Hot From Spamalot

What's Hot From Spamalot has taken a little vacation, but is back today.

• Here's a Clay mention at a blog by Budohatkid:

  so, i FINALLY saw Spamalot last night.....BUT....i still enjoyed the show immensely and just about peed myself laughing during the Herbert/Lancealot scene. AND...CLAY AIKEN WAS INCREDIBLE!!! i'm serious...i mean, obviously his voice is just out-of-this-world...but he was HILARIOUS. sometimes, it seemed he was the only one who cared...the only one who was enjoying himself. he was the best person on that stage and he made it ALL worth it if anything!!! i was so happy to see that he truly is talented...and beyond what i expected!!

  Go to the blog site to read the rest of her Spamalot comments.
  
  
• Here's a good review from ChrispyCreme at The Clayboard

  To start off a new week, especially for those who are going the first time, I hope I can add some things about the show that haven't already been reported. Myself, Claymate Peggie, and KalideoscopeGirl, saw the show on 8 and 9 April.
  
  Our seats were in the middle of the 6th row. A great view of everything. The theatre is very small and compact. We were literally wedged in between a lot men, shoulder to shoulder. I could not tell for sure if it was sold out, but it appeared to be packed.
  
  I have never seen a funnier show. I know I went through at least ½ pack of Kleenex because the tears were streaming down my face. I don't have to tell you Clay did a marvelous job of his roles. However does he keep such a straight face when everyone in the audience is losing it?
  
  At the end of the first show, I almost caught the bouquet. The man beside me really tried to get it for me, but it fell just short of his hands. I am sure he did that because I spent some time telling him all about Clay before the show. He was familiar with him, but of course, not as knowledgeable as we are. He thought Clay did a great job. I did get an autograph scribble at the stage door. Strangely, 5 of the men in row left during intermission. Curious.
  
  It was our second day that is the most memorable. We started by trying to exchange our tickets for better ones, as we had been told, at the box office, the day before we could do that. However, when we tried, we were rather rudely rebuffed. The man just could not understand why we would want to move when all the seats are good. Poor clueless soul!
  
  So on Wednesday morning, we approached the same man a little differently. We asked if he had any really good seats available for 3. He came back and very nicely told he had 3 in the first row, almost centre. (The other man in the box-office said to him, 'Oh, you are being nice now'). We debated for a bit about the cost of new tickets, decided we might not get to NY again and bought them. I was almost in shock by this time. But, now, we needed to sell our original seats which were rows 2 and 3 on the sides.
  
  We went to the theatre a little early and asked various Clay fans if they would like to upgrade at a discount. One seat sold pretty quickly. After asking several people about my seats, I found that nearly everyone I asked was already in the first 2 rows.
  
  Then, a couple approached the doors looking a little confused. They said they were Python fans from Utah and wanted to see the show, but the website said it was SOLD OUT…After a bit of convincing, I assured them the seats were legitimate and they bought them. Whew. At intermission, they came and found me and said how glad they were that they had taken a chance and that Clay was fabulous. I made sure to direct their attention the new CD ad in the Playbill.
  
  As has been said, Faye, Quiana, and Angela were all in the audience. Clay was really, really "on" that night. The audience seemed more enthusiastic also. In the 1st row, our noses were almost on the stage and we could see Sean in the orchestra pit. He is all business during the show. Once, I looked over my shoulder at Faye and saw that she was just beaming with pride in her son. We also noticed that Angela put her hands over her young son's ears at some of the racy dialogue.
  
  A couple of times I saw Clay break character for just a few seconds as he scanned the audience. I doubt he could see beyond the 1st or 2nd rows. Also, when the audience cheered some his antics, he got a little smirky smile at the corners of his mouth. He knew we were there for him. During the scene with Tim the Enchanter, Clay was mouthing the dialogue, but trying to be casual about it and the cast member playing Tim was looking to him. The first night, it was done by Anthony Holds in place of Rick Holmes. I forgot to look at the blue board the next night.
  
  When Clay took his bow, we gave him a huge standing "O". It looked like this occurred at least 4-5 rows back, and he received the loudest cheering and applause.
  

• Sandiclay gives us this review:

  Just got back from the matinee into Baltimore. The show was FANTASTIC today. I have seen it quite a few times but today topped them all. I guess it was partly due to my second row center seat and seeing Clay so close and right in front of me So HOT! As has been said in the past, you can hear him sing away from the group when seated so close. No need to repeat every move he makes, just that he is so perfect for the part as we all know. Boy is Spamalot/Camelot going to miss Clay Aiken!!
  
  I did see Kevin Bacon there with his adorable son and wife Kyra. Kevin is much smaller than I thought he we would but very nice looking. As someone else mentioned, he was purchasing a t-shirt for his son when I almost bumped right into him.
  
  Back to Spamalot!! Clay looked oh so hot in his finale number but was pulling down on his pants a few times to straighten them out. I did notice a lining in them down to his knees. I guess wardrobe fixed them. I do not remember seeing the lining in the past. However, maybe it was always there, alot of white pants have them.
  
  Sir Galahad has gotten better since his firt night. I did see him leaving from the stage door. He is very tall and handsome with curly black hair! I did not see any of the other actors come out however. Jerome came out to our dismay and stated Clay would not be out because of the timing-I heard of no meeting as was previously stated. LOTL was also magnificent today-man she has a big voice to match her chest!!! She is so tall and beautiful. Once again Prince Herbert and Sir Lancelot make such a cute couple and the tower scene gets better each time. I think Rick had a haircut. The friend I brought along thought King Arthur was hot so there is someone and something for everyone in this show!!!
  
  I will miss seeing this show with Clay in it. It is such a fun show for everybody and everyone seems to enjoy it. Today the audience was on fire and laughing pretty much through out the entire show.
  
  Try and see this show if you can get to NYC. You will not be sorry. Thanks for reading.

Finally, we have some really great pictures of Clay sporting the "windblown" look! Enjoy!!

Tidbits 4/14

Broadway World now has its own exclusive "Webisode" RCA is releasing for Clay's new album.

BroadwayWorld brings you this special exclusive webisode featuring American Idol and Broadway Star - Clay Aiken as he talks about Spamalot and recording his latest CD.

Multi-platinum selling pop singer Clay Aiken will release his fourth album, On My Way Here, on RCA Records/19 Entertainment on May 6th, 2008. The collection is the 29-year-old Raleigh, NC, native’s first album of original songs since his 2003 chart-topping, double-platinum debut Measure of a Man.

• Computer World - article about Apple's Time Capsule backup machine mentions Clay! Wow!

  But being able to add a Time Capsule to an existing network like my mom's means she may luck out when her birthday rolls around in May. Right now, she has to plug in a USB drive to back up all the Clay Aiken songs, videos and pictures she's accumulated on her laptop.
  

• What Goes On - Chris Daughtry article - "After his elimination from American Idol in 2006, Daughtry's self-titled debut album sold more than 1 million copies in just 5 weeks. Daughtry is the fourth most successful American Idol contestant in history, behind Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, and Clay Aiken."
• Pilot Tribune - students experience fine arts in NYC - "The group had three celebrity sightings while in the city. Many of them caught quick glimpses of Donald Trump and Clay Aiken, and Marie Osmond was spotted at one of the Broadway plays"
• antiMusic - Clay's new CD coming out on MusicPass format -

  Clay Aiken's new album, On My Way Here will be released on May 6, 2008 on CD and through digital music stores. In June, the album will be released in a new music format called Musicpass.
  
  You may have already seen these cards at local retailers. They look like gift cards - but instead of giving you credit in a store, they give you access to purchase a digital version of an album, along with some bonus music or video.

• Anew and Afresh - Clay at Planet Hollywood in NYC
  

New "Webisode" Up at ClearChannel Radio Websites

ClearChannel is the latest company to post a Clay Aiken "webisode" in support of Spamalot and his new album. You can download it at 4Shared.

"Forget I Ever Knew You" - Possible New Song

Songwriter Grey Critchley posted on his MySpace page information about his song "Forget I Ever Knew You", which Clay recorded but did not make the cut for OMWH:

Greg Critchley - songwriter
from his MySpace Bio:
QUOTE
Cuts so far in 2007 include Clay Aiken ("Forget I Ever Knew You"), Brett Ryan, ("She's Beautiful" CAPITOL USA), Stradio ("Stay" UNIVERSAL), One Life To Live ("A Night To Remember")

from his MySpace blog date 8/7/07:
QUOTE
I took "FORGET I EVER KNEW YOU" down because it is now officially on hold with Clay Aiken, who just finished recording it. This is amazing news for me, and it's also positive feedback on my journey, since it was written entirely alone.

Tidbits 4/13

• New York Times - American Idol phone voting doesn't often go as smoothly as planned -

  Even with that many votes, a few thousand errant dialings could affect the results. In the 2003 finale 130,000 votes separated the winner, Ruben Studdard, from the runner-up, Clay Aiken. Days later a Midwest phone company said it had received 240,000 misdialed calls during voting.

• Southeast Missourian - AI2 alum Josh Gracin ready to release new album -

  Undoubtedly, Gracin's first CD was boosted by the power of "Idol," where he came in fourth place during the show's second season — the same season in which Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard became stars.
  

• Edmonton Sun - unfriendly skies? Reference to the July 2007 "plane incident" Clay was involved in ... while he was sleeping, as the Sun conveniently ignored:

  More recently, country singer Gretchen Wilson of Redneck Woman renown became verbally abusive with cabin staff after refusing to put her dog back in its carrier; and American Idol runnerup Clay Aiken picked a fight with a female passenger by propping his foot up on her arm rest.

• Rhode Island Catholic -

  Over the past 25 years, the Bay View Players have taken their shows to the Providence Performing Arts Center, the American School in Paris and the former Warwick Musical Theatre. The students have performed with Judy Collins and Clay Aiken and traveled to Italy in 1992 to perform in Florence and in Rome in a special performance for Pope John Paul II.

• Nothing here today