Hannah Waddingham Sends Message to Clay Fans

NYCITYCLAYFAN at The Clayboard had a chance to talk with Hannah Waddingham this weekend in New York at Spamalot. Hannah sent a really nice message to all of Clay's fans and here, along with some additional comments from NYCITYCLAYFAN, is that message:

Yesterday I took my daughter with me to see Spamalot since we knew it was Hannah's last weekend (and next week David Hibbard and Jonathan Hadary leave). Anyway, we were waiting for some of my friends from work who were also attending and ran into Hannah on her way into Shubert Alley. We had met her earlier this Spring and she always stopped to talk to us. She was touched that we came to see one of her last performances and we told her she would be missed. We got to talking about her run on Broadway and her time here in New York and how much she missed Clay and his fans and the "energy" that we had as an audience.

She also asked me to post on whichever fan board that I post on and thank you, the fans, for voting for her for the Broadway.com award for Best Female Replacement! It really touched her that we voted for her and she was touched that we went out of our way to make sure she won. She also wanted to thank the fans for all of our suppport for her during her run in Spamalot and making her feel so welcomed and loved and she said she will miss us all and she wanted to send all her love to you, the fans, for that support.

Hannah and the whole cast of Spamalot were so talented. Though we went to see Clay in the musical, we found ourselves with a bond with the whole cast. Best wishes to Hannah in her future endeavors.

Clay at Spamalot Sunday Night

According to Notacanuck at the Clackhouse, Clay was in the audience at Spamalot on Sunday night. Here is what she said:

OMG!!!!! I'm on the phone with BJ & BFS!!!!! Clay was at the show tonight!!!!! He was sitting in row T in the center....Jamie was sitting with him and they also saw Jerome! Clay was wearing a plaid shirt and shorts....sunglasses in the V of his shirt!!!!!! His hair is a little darker!!!!!

They are outside taking pictures and Rick and David and Brad and the guy who plays Mrs. Galahad and Tom and some of the other cast have been out! They're still waiting for Hannah!!!!

brb with more update!!!!!!

ETA: Hannah was crying at the end!!!!! Chris Sieber brought out her roses!!!! BFS is getting lots of pictures!!!!

THIS POST MAY TRAVEL!!!!!

Here is another report from Okclayhoman at The Clayboard:

From butterflyshine at the OFC:

there was no press there....

Okay, back to recap the Clay sighting...my friend and I had been in standing room, at intermission we sat down in the last row, row t....the seats across from us were empty...all the sudden my friend nudged me, and said something i couldn't understand...i then realized it was Clay and Jamie...apparently they had arrived at intermission....and i guess he stood in SRO right behind me and my friend for a few minutes before taking the seats....So, SRO got a treat...Tyra from Tara was standing there, two of the McVargas girls and ConEd....He sat there watching the show until right after the King kisses the LOL in the wedding scene...and then he was gone...when we were at stage door....Jerome came out looking for one of the cast members who had just left and called him back...

I was so happy that Clay was able to see Hannah's performance...she was crying ....and Chris Seiber gave her roses....

Tom Deckman told us at the matinée that he would be a hot mess tonight...Hannah was truly loved and part of the Spamalot family...she will be so missed...she has such amazing stage presence and charisma.....

be back with some photos of the Steve Rosen....Bevedere...it was his last night as well, Tom, Rick, and David....

This was Hannah Waddingham's last night in Spamalot, so apparently he went to see her last show. No pictures have been released yet, but if there are any, we'll post them here at CDD.

Tidbits 6/14

• Rocky Mountaiun News - Spamalot mention ...

  A long run on Broadway is a marathon, where actors prove their mettle by giving fresh performances nightly. It provides a steady income and an opportunity to live at home, both of which Martin Moran enjoyed during his 22 months playing Sir Robin in Spamalot.
  
  The Denver native last performed in Colorado during 2004 in his autobiographical play, The Tricky Part. Since then he has seen the show performed around the world.
  
  Moran left Spamalot in December (Clay Aiken replaced him) to write a screenplay based loosely on the book of The Tricky Part.

• Nothing here yet
  

A Great Interview With "Backstage" on CN8

Here's another great interview, this time by "Backstage with Barry Nolan". This is the first time for this writer to hear of this news show, but if this interview is a reflection on them, then they are a good show to watch!

The interviewer starts out saying that though Clay came in second on American Idol, his career hasn't skipped a beat. Then Spamalot and On My Way Here are mentioned. The interviewer calls the album "deeper and edgier" and Clay discusses how the album came about. She continues throughout the interview with positive questions. Even when she talks about the tabloids, its to ask him what he has learned and whether or not he has had to develop a tougher skin. To that last question, Clay says that its just about understanding what your job entails and not developing a tougher skin.

The interview is available for download at Clack Unlimited and at YouTube.

Here is the YouTube video:

Four Songs From OMWH In AOL's Top 20 Most Played Songs

Clay's CD, On My Way Here, has four songs in AOL's Music Section top 20 Most Played Songs. The songs and rankings are:

#1 - On My Way Here
#3 - Ashes
#5 - Everything I Don't Need
#20- Falling

Keep listening, and don't forget to go to AOL Sessions and watch the five songs that are there.

Positive News Site Gives Us a Refreshingly Positive Article

Hold on to your seats. You don't see this every day. A media site that calls themselves "Your #1 Positive News Source"!! Did I read that right? Yes I did, and The Happy Herald, "South Florida's Positive Living and Entertainment Guide", stays true to its description with a wonderful article about Clay.

When you take the link to this article, be sure to click on the "Zoom" button at the top right of the page. This will enlarge the article so you can read it. And you will be glad you did. In addition to talking about Clay's appearance in Spamalot, his new CD, On My Way Here, and his philanthropy efforts, there are many mentions of Clay's positive spirit. Clay talks about the importance of having faith in yourself and, "when faith wains, it is important to have a strong group of family and friends to draw upon." The article also mentions Clay's strong resilience and how people with positive spirits help get him through the day. In addition, Clay says he "trusts his gut" when determining what to "invest in emotionally, spiritually, and energetically". "If something smells like fish, it probably is," Clay says.

This is not only a must read article about Clay, but if "The Happy Herald" truly is "Your #1 Positive News Source", then this is a must read site to lift our spirits!

New Biography Up at the Official Fan Club

An impressive and thorough biography is now on the public side of Clay's Official Fan Club. Go to the OFC's home page and click on "Biography" for a drop down of the lengthy biography. And actually, we've saved you the trouble of clicking on "Biography". Click on our link above and you will go straight there!

This is an awesome read. It covers his tours, TV appearances, CD's, Spamalot, his philanthropy work, and even talks of his value system and his fans, going into great detail on each of these items. About the fans and his value system, it says:

He has done all of this while maintaining an enviable humility and down-home charm. Appealing to both kids and parents, Aiken is that rare find — a celebrity with integrity.

Aiken's clear and unshakable value system was formed during his often challenging childhood in Raleigh, North Carolina, where, in church and in his southern home, he learned the importance of hard work, self respect, and good manners....

....This accessible, genuine personality, along with his powerhouse voice, has given Aiken a legendarily loyal fanbase. In 2005, TV Guide readers voted Aiken "the most-loved reality star of all time." In February 2006, People magazine readers chose Aiken as their favorite American Idol. While slightly embarrassed by the attention and unbridled devotion of his so-called Claymates, Aiken remains gracious and appreciative of their continued, unwavering support — even the ones who throw their panties onstage. ("Especially them!" jokes Aiken.)

Those who read this will see "the real Clay", and the real Clay is amazingly talented, giving, full of integrity, and down to earth. From the loyal fan to those who have never heard of Clay, you can't help but be extremely impressed with the person that Clay is and his many accomplishments in the last 5 years.

Check out this biography, and share it with those who maybe haven't seen the extraordinary person, Clay Aiken.

Tidbits 6/13

• Songwriter Universe Magazine:

  Although the name of Grammy-winning songwriter/producer Dennis Matkosky may not be familiar to many of those outside the music industry, his work can be found in practically every genre of music and film. His production and songwriting credits are included in over 50 million records sold. Working with such artists as Michael Sembello (“Maniac”), Diana Ross, Clay Aiken,.....Matkosky co-wrote Clay Aiken’s new single, “I Will Carry You” for his triple-platinum album, Measure of a Man, with writers Jess Cates and Lindy Robbins.

• Songwriter Universe Magazine:

  ...songwriter extraordinaire Kara DioGuardi always asks herself one simple question: “From a fan’s perspective, do I want to listen to it ten times in a row?”......Her other credits include “The Way” for Clay Aiken’s triple platinum debut,...

Clay and "The Real Me" Mention on Natalie Grant's Blog

One of the most beautiful songs on Clay's CD, On My Way Here, is "The Real Me". This song was written by Natalie Grant, a Christian music singer, who has won the GMA Dove Award for Female Vocalist of the Year three consecutive times.

On Natalie Grant's blog is a mention of Clay's CD:

”The Real Me,” penned by multi-Dove Award winning Curb singer/songwriter Natalie Grant, has been recorded by Clay Aiken on his best-selling new RCA/19 Recordings release, On My Way Here. The album debuted at #4 on The Billboard 200 for the week of May 24.

In addition, there are some really nice comments, some which are obviously from people who are Natalie's fans. Here are a a few:

Lindsay
May 19th, 2008 at 5:18 pm
When I heard this, I was like…someone else singing Natalie’s songs? And a GUY, at that? But I saw his performance of it- it was really good! I think he did the song justice…even though Natalie’s is still the best I think I’ll buy it on iTunes?

just.. me!!
June 3rd, 2008 at 5:58 am
i love the original song.. i cried the first time i heard it..Natalie dilivers her songs like no one else..
i also liked Clay Aiken’s version.. Natalie has done some changes to the lyrics..and he puts lots of emotions in it.. i can see why clay relates to it!!!

Michelle
June 12th, 2008 at 6:55 pm
Natalie from the first moment I heard this song it just spoke to my heart. I cannot tell you how many times I have played this song and spoke the words as if a prayer. I’m thankful that God gave you such an amazing gift to take the feelings in your heart and put words to them. All your music moves me. Clays version is beautiful as well and dear to my heart. May God continue to bless you as you listen for His voice and find the music in your heart.

Lien
June 12th, 2008 at 8:11 pm
Beautiful song sung by 2 beautiful voices. Would love to hear you do a song together.

Check out Natalie's blog and read all of it as well as the rest of the wonderful comments.

The Real Me

Foolish heart looks like we're here again
Same old game of plastic smile
Don't let anybody in
Hiding my heartache, will this glass house break
How much will they take before I'm empty
Do I let it show, does anybody know?
[Chorus:]
But you see the real me
Hiding in my skin, broken from within
reveal me completely
I'm loosening my grasp
No need to hold back my frailty
'Cause you see the real me

Painted on, life is behind a mask
Self-inflicted circus clown
I'm tired of the song and dance
Living a charade, always on parade
What a mess I've made of my existence
But you love me even now
And still I see somehow
That you see the real me
Hiding in my skin, broken from within
Reveal me completely
I'm loosening my grasp
No need to hold back my frailty
Oh, cause you see the real me

Shadows are shattered dreams
They follow me they've hunted me
But you've taken the broken peices
Of my life and helped me to believe

'Cause you see the real me
Hiding in my skin, broken from within
Reveal me completely
I'm loosening my grasp
No need to hold back my frailty
Oh, cause you see the real me

Tidbits 6/12

• David Archuleta inks record deal with 19/Jive Records:
  • SheKnows.com -

    Our bets are that Archuleta will be a pop star akin to Clay Aiken, another number two finisher, compared to his winner, Ruben Studdard.

  • Associated Content - why David Archuleta got signed to Jive instead of RCA -

    RCA and Jive Records are part of the same conglomerate Sony/ BMG.. While RCA works well with more established artists, Jive Records is a better fit for younger artists. American Idol's Kelly Clarkson, Clay Aiken, and Chris Daughtry are signed with RCA while Jordin Sparks is signed with Jive Records. Reigning American Idol David Cook is signed with RCA.
    

• Post-Tribune - Aiken's TBAF funding summer camp for 20 children this summer -

  Let's ALL Play Hobart camp
  
  Through the generosity of popular entertainer Clay Aiken, 20 Hobart children, ages 3 to 5, will enjoy a fun-filled day camp through the Let's ALL Play initiative.
  
  This "inclusive recreational model" has camps set up nationwide each year to serve children with special needs. This year, there will be 20 camps, including Hobart.
  
  For the second year, 10 children with disabilities will join 10 children without at the Hobart YMCA for swimming, arts and crafts, story time and to learn that they are not that different.
  
  The Center for Possibilities (Cerebral Palsy Center) and Hobart YMCA took advantage of a grant set up by the Bubel/Aiken Foundation to make this possible.
  
  In a recent booklet, the Hobart camp was said to be a "model worth copying."
  

• Broadway World - Clay performs for President Bush earlier this month at the National Theater in Washington D.C.:

  Actor Hal Holbrook, Trisha Yearwood, Clay Aiken, Michael Lanning, Gene Miller, Brandi Burkhardt, Cheryl Freeman,Lauren Kennedy, Capathia Jenkins, Ray McLeod, and Maya Angelou were some of the main performers and artists present. The musical was directed by Jeremy Roberts, the orchestra was conducted by Kim Scharnberg, and the gospel choir was conducted by Dave Clemmons. Jeff Calhoun directed the performance.

• American Chronicle explores our "obsession" with celebrities -

  Obsession with celebrities has gotten out of control, and shows like Celebrity fit club and dancing with the Stars reveal how truly absurd this phenomenon has become. Who would you rather be stranded on an island with, Clay Aiken or Marilyn Manson? Obsession with celebrities makes us dumber as a society. In line at the store all you see is Star and People Magazine promoting celebrities.

• There Was A Man - Clay's AOL Sessions performances
• Something That Really Happened - two Clay videos charting at AOL Music -

  At this moment, Clay now has two videos charting on AOL's Top 11 Music Video Countdown Show. "Ashes" is currently #2 in the countdown and "Everything I Don't Need" is #7.
  

One Year Ago This Week...Clay Was Riding High....

June 10, 2007, and Clay was riding high...on a horse that is! This time last year Clay made a grand entrance on Jimmy Kimmel Live on a horse to the surprise of everyone in the audience and those watching at home.

Jimmy introduced Clay in this way:

Our first guest tonight is one of the most intimidating figures in pop music; he's the head of the Claymates, one of the most dangerous and powerful music cartels in all the world, on July 4 he kicks off his Symphony Tour in Dallas, Texas. Please say hello to my best friend in the whole wide world...Clay Aiken!

And in comes Clay smiling, talking, and waving at the crowd! The crowd loved it! And Clay, in spite of having a bit of laringitus, was quite talkative that night.

Clay talked quite a bit about his UNICEF trip to Afghanistan and what his role is as an ambassador. We learned that he ate raisins and rice and lost 10 pounds while over there, about him growing a beard and wearing the native dress to fit in with the culture and then finding that no one over there was dressed like that! Jimmy showed some great pictures of Clay in Afghanistan.

After talking for several minutes, Jimmy mentioned that he just noticed something...that Clay appeared to be on a horse! After coming back from the commercial, Clay had gotten down off the horse and Jimmy and Clay continued a great interview, including discussion of a pin that was given to Jimmy which included the term "Climmel". Jimmy seemed to approve.

Next topic was Clay's symphony tour. Jimmy covered a lot of topics with Clay and it was definitely an appearance that Clay fans will never forget!

And, in case you have forgotten, Clay's appearance on JKL made it on AOL's "TV's Top 5" for June 10. In addition, it was voted the best of the clips for that day by AOL's readers.

If you'd like to see Clay's appearance on JKL, check out Parts 1 and 2 by samtaycai at YouTube:

JKL Part 1, 5/10/07
JKL Part 2, 5/10/07

Here's a 50 second video from Claym8t at Youtube to whet your appetite for more:

Tidbits 6/10

• Rake Mag - Clay Aiken ruling the radio? (Really??)-

  Meanwhile, though Clay Aiken rules the radio and ‘Meet the Zohan' is on the big screens, the independent communities in film and music still seem to be thriving. If anything, the emergence of the Internet has only made the musical climate more diverse and interesting, providing heaps of content for reviewers. Whereas the alternatives to Stephen King (as Bayard would have it) are becoming ever scarcer.

• Something That Really Happened - Clay charts on AOL Music top 11 video countdown.
  

Two Songs From OMWH In AOL's Top 11 Videos

Two songs from On My Way Here are in AOL's Top 11 most popular videos for the week. Ashes is at the #3 spot and Everything I Don't Need is at #7. Both songs are from AOL Sessions.

Ashes views are much higher than the other four songs in AOL Sessions. However, AOL has taken the counter down, so there is no way to see what the count is today. Hopefully AOL will get it back up and running again soon. Meanwhile, check out the Sessions videos for a listen to some great songs by Clay.

LALate.com posts:

Good news to our ClayLate readers. Clay Aiken today is now the only singer to have two songs ranked as the top 11 most watch videos on AOL.The AOL chart ranks songs based upon plays of AOL-enabled videos.

So Aiken fans and news sites (like this one) that have embedded AOL enabed vids in their posts have been bringing Clay to the top. Aiken today Tuesday ranks #3 spot with Ashes and #7 with Everything I Don’t Need.

Ironically Aiken ranks behind Leona Lewis and Danity Kane with big budget music videos compared to his studio recorded AOL Sessions vids. To date, no tour has yet been confirmed to support his current album despite widespread fan request for such a tour.

Tidbits 6/9

• Bleacher Report - random mention -

  "I have thrown lots of people under the bus in my career," Guillen says, barely above a whisper now. "My players...My GM...the owner...The guy who washes the towels...the girl behind the counter at Taco Bell...my hairdresser...some homeless guy in Seattle...Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice...Clay Aiken...Lots of people...Lots and lots of people."

• red bank green -

  Well, it might not star Clay Aiken, or even Harry Connick Jr. (who toplined the cast in a recent Broadway revival), but George Abbott's 1950s musical The Pajama Game — with songs by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross — is a fun outing that's more than just a relic of its Mad-Men era.

• All That Is Clay Aiken - on "using your voice" -

  I read a very thought provoking statement a few days ago.It was in an interview Clay Aiken had with a Singapore newspaper called TODAY.
  
  “That’s what’s so great about America,” he said, laughing. “One of our valuable amendments to the Constitution — freedom of the press — is also one of the crappiest. You can write anything you want. You don’t need to have any proof or any truth to what you write.”
  

• Carolina On My Mind - TBAF ready to fund over 30 summer camps this summer -

  The Bubel/Aiken Foundation, co-founded by entertainer Clay Aiken, recently announced more than $500,000 in grants to support 30+ programs nationwide as part of the organization's Let's ALL Play program.

  
  
• Clay - The Man - different "perspectives" of Clay Aiken