Clay to present at the GLAAD Awards

From People.com

The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation just added two presenters to its 20th-annual Media Awards celebration: Clay Aiken and T.R. Knight.

Aiken will present the Excellence in Media award to Tyra Banks, recognizing her commitment to featuring lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people on both her talk show and America's Next Top Model. Knight will present the Vito Russo Award to Suze Orman, the best-selling author and CNBC financial guru.

GLAAD's awards will be handed out March 28 at New York City's Marriott Marquis.

Tidbits 9/6

• Via cuddles4clay03 at The Clayboard - Clay will be in the September 22 issue of People Magazine. Sarah Palin will be on the cover, and Clay will be in the Mailbag section. Here is the quote from the magazine:

  Congratulations to Clay Aiken. I always believed that he would make a wonderful father. It's just like Clay to march to the beat of his own drum.
  
  Vickie Davie
  Starke, Fla

• Broadway Cares Ebay.com Auction - The Broadway Spamalot Clay Aiken lobby board name slider is being auctioned in this Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS auction. The bid as of this writing is up to $265.00 Here is the description and picture of the item:
  
  

  LOT #9 - With AMERICAN IDOL SENSATION CLAY AIKEN’S name printed in white on a blue background, this authentic Broadway lobby slider let audience members know that Clay (rather than his understudy) would be playing Sir Robin in SPAMALOT, the long-running Broadway sensation now in its fourth year. Taking over a role originally performed on Broadway by David Hyde Pierce, Aiken played Sir Robin form Jan 18 through May 4 of this year, receiving rave reviews. Going, going…

Tidbits 9/02

• Heartsaiken4ca at The Clayboard tells us that a Clay mention will be in the September 8 issue of People Magazine. In an article entitled American Idol's New Judge, it says that "it says that new judge Kara DioGuardl...has written songs for former Idols Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood and Clay Aiken." Various online articles have mentioned this same thing.
• ASCASCAP (The American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers) has the song "Lover All Alone" listed in two places on its website.
  #1 ASCAP Site - "Works Written By"-Has Clay's name as "Aiken, Clayton Holmes".
  #2 ASCAP Site - This is listed by "title" of the song.
  
  Also at ASCAP, and found by Rainlover at The Clayboard, is a listing of a song called "Ooh Boy" that says "Performers: Clay Aiken". We need to keep our eye on that one!
  
• From claystheword at The Clayboard: There was a small mention of Clay on Jerry Lewis' telethon. Neil Sedaka was a guest and he sang. Tony Orlando, who was one of the hosts, said "and Clay Aiken reprised Solitaire."

Washington Post has "Six Questions For ... Clay Aiken"

Washington Post's interview with Clay, dubbed "Six Questions For ... Clay Aiken" is now up online. Read the full article at the Washington Post website... link above:

Six Questions For ... Clay Aiken

He's so pretty, oh so pretty ...

The 2003 "American Idol" also-ran and author and Broadway star, etc., has a new album coming out on May 6. It's called "On My Way Here." It's also the name of Aiken's new single. The singer called during a visit to his hometown of Raleigh, N.C.

In your new single, you sing that your "address has changed almost every year." Why don't you settle down and anchor yourself somewhere? Or is that lyric just a metaphor?
I didn't write the song, so I have to interpret it metaphorically. I have moved a lot ... but it's more about changing scenery, changing things in your life and trying to grow personally and professionally.

So it's not that you keep moving because you're afraid that your loony fans might bother you at home?
(Laughs.) No, no, they found me already. They know where I live. You can't beat 'em.

[...]

You've been playing Sir Robin in "Monty Python's Spamalot." How does the theater stage compare to the concert stage?
When I'm on stage in concert, it's usually my show and I can do what I want to do. I can't do that in "Spamalot." You have to stick to the script. You have to stand in the right place. But the biggest challenge for me was really having the fourth wall and not being permitted to break it down. We break it and respond to the audience and acknowledge their presence once or twice in the show, but not consistently. It's strange. When I'm in concert, I talk to the audience a lot, I make eye contact with people, and you can't do that here.

Meanwhile, Clay is defending himself from accusations from another Washington Post reporter that his busy schedule has prevented him from being active in the Presidential Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities, which he was appointed to in September 2006. People Magazine posted:

Work is keeping Clay Aiken busy – as he pointed out to a reporter in Washington, D.C., who asked him if he was doing enough as a member of the Presidential Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities.

The second-season American Idol runner-up and current Broadway headliner, 29, blamed his busy schedule when a reporter from The Washington Post confronted him. "The last time I had two days off in a row was October," said the crooner. "I was on tour throughout the country through Christmas, then I went straight to Mexico for UNICEF. [Then] I went straight to New York for Spamalot."

News Of Clay's New CD Has Hit The Web!

Yesterday at Clay's Daily Double, we told you that People.com had announced that Clay's new CD would be released around May 6. Now the news has flown to several other websites. Here are a few of those:

• The CB's angelcat4jc reports some FOX affiliates are picking up the story as well:

  They showed him at his CD signing for ATDW. They picked up on the article from People magazine. I think they said something about Clay's fans have something to look forward to. They talked about what was in the article, about his new album coming out and that he was starring in Spamalot. They mentioned the part where he said he learned alot in his 20's and that's what he wants his music to be about. (paraphrasing)
  
  I hope someone caps it if it is on someone else's local Fox station. It was the 9 o'clock news here central time after Don't Forget the Lyrics. (and my vcr just went off right before that! Darn!)
  

• AllHeadlineNews.com - "His fans, who call themselves Claymates, will be happy to know Aiken is in New York now recording his fourth album."
• Fox28.com - "Another Idol star is set to release a new album. Clay Aiken's new CD should hit stores in May."
• TVGuide.com This article, in the Great American Idol Blog, is entitled "Claymates Won't Be Achin' for New Album Much Longer", and check out the great picture that they used!
• RealityTVMagazine.com - In part, this article says:

  Clay Aiken has been a busy boy. While in New York City, appearing in the broadway production of Monty Python’s Spamalot, Clay has had a new album on his mind.
  
  Okay, more than just on his mind. He’s actually been busy laying tracks for his new album when not on the Broadway stage.
  
  The album, which is Aiken’s fourth, will not be, “going down any path that’s crazy,” he told People in a recent interview. “I’m not trying to be cool. I’m not trying to be hip. I’m not trying to do anything other than sing stuff that I’m good at,” he adds.
  
  Aiken has tried to theme the album around the self-awareness and learning that tends to happen to people as they grow through their young adulthood.
  
  Though he jokes that he could use his red Spamalot wig for a new image to go along with the album release, Aiken warns that this musical go-round of his will come with no new crazy styles, such as the dark and messy style he’s been known to sport in the past. This time, it seems, it’s all about Clay staying true to Clay.

  Bolding in this article is mine. I just love this statement!
  
  
• SeattlePI.com - "Season 2 American Idol runner-up Clay Aiken is eyeing a May 6 release for a fourth album that should appeal to his core fans."
• ETOnline - "CLAY AIKEN isn't letting a little thing like being on Broadway stand in the way of his next studio effort -- in fact his new album will likely be in stores in a matter of months!"
• TheInsiderOnline.com - More of what we've already read from other sites, but being on The Insider and ET Online is big!

We'll keep you informed of any news updates on Clay's new album.

Clay Tells People Magazine That His Album Will Be Released in Early May

We've known for a while now that Clay's album would most likely be coming sometime in the summer, but Clay has now officially told People.com that "We're hoping the next album will be out about May 6." Though "hoping" does not mean the date is definite, it is the first time that Clay has announced a date for its release.

Clay said that most of the songs have been picked for his newest album, which will be his fourth. In addition, he told People:

"Sonically, I don't know that we're going down any path that's crazy. I'm not trying to be cool, I'm not trying to be hip. I'm not trying to do anything other than sing stuff that I'm good at."

In other words, Clay is being true to himself and his own singing style. I like the sound of that! And the sound of his voice singing all new songs will be even better!!

Concerning the album, Clay also said:

• The theme of his songs will have to do with the things he has learned over the last five years.
• There will be no duets on the album.
• He will not intentionally go with a different or new look for the album, although there is always Sir Robin!!

Start planning those CD release parties, Clay fans. It will be here before you know it!!

Clay as Sir Robin Featured in People Magazine

A picture of Clay as Sir Robin in Spamalot is featured in the February 4 issue of People Magazine with Heath Ledger on the cover. The picture is in the "Star Tracks" section of the magazine. The caption under the picture says:

Ham a Lot
New York City, January 18
Clay Aiken makes his Broadway debut as Sir Robin in Monty Python's Spamalot

Thanks to Clay Sugar and Pinkpollyanna for posting pictures of the magazine at The Clayboard. You can buy People Magazine at your local grocery store, Walmart or Target, or bookstore. What great PR for Clay and for Spamalot!

Our sincere sympathy goes out to the family, friends, and fans of Heath Ledger.

Spamalot and Clay Online Articles APlenty: People.com; ConnieTalk.com, Variety.com

It seems that Spamalot and their newest cast member, Clay Aiken, can be found in articles and pictures all over the web. Here is a sampling of what is out there:

People.com - This is the second Spamalot photo of Clay that has been in People.com. The first can be found in the January 17 issue of People.


This week's photo and mention is as follows:

GETTING SPAMMED
Making his Broadway debut, former American Idol star Clay Aiken adds some razzle-dazzle to the cast of Monty Python's Spamalot at the Shubert Theatre in Manhattan, on Friday.

ConnieTalk.com - Labeled as the "Hottest News Blog", along with a photo of Clay as Sir Robin, the article mentions Clay's fans:

Had you any idea he had so many fans?

On January 18th, Clay Aiken joined the Broadway cast of "Spamalot," the musical that dubs itself as "lovingly ripped off from the motion picture 'Monty Python and the Holy Grail.'" "Spamalot" turns into a Broadway musical the 1975 fictional comedy film of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table and their quest for the Holy Grail.

The play is going on at the Shubert Theatre in New York City. Clay debuted to a crowd of screaming - and we mean screaming - fans on opening night. The video below doesn't even show what a sea of Claymates there were! Apparently the Season 2 "American Idol" runnerup has some very...erm...dedicated fans.

In addition, there is a video taken by a fan of Clay signing autographs by the stage door and the entire segment of Clay on The View.

Variety.com - An article in Variety by Gordon Cox entitled "Broadway box office bounces back: 'Spamalot' surges in post-holiday upswing", Clay is given credit for benefiting Spamalot's increase in sales:

After a rough post-holiday frame that saw receipts plummet, Broadway sales got a welcome uptick last week. Grosses rose by about $700,000 to an estimated $17.5 million for 31 shows on the boards -- a tally that also compares favorably with the $14.7 million for 28 shows reported over the same week last year.

One of the largest week-to-week gains was seen by "Monty Python's Spamalot" ($797,390), which looks to have benefited from the debut Jan. 18 of "American Idol" alum Clay Aiken. Both "Spamalot" and "Legally Blonde" ($668,409), seemingly correcting a bit after steep dips the prior sesh, rose by $138,000 each.

We will keep you posted as more articles are posted online.

People Magazine Covers Clay's "Spamalot" Debut

People Magazine has pushed out its own article about Clay beginning his Spamalot run tomorrow:

Clay Aiken Aches from Prepping for New Role
The Idol star of Broadway's Spamalot says rehearsals nearly waylaid him

THURSDAY JANUARY 17, 2008 11:15 AM EST

Clay Aiken as Spamalot's Sir Robin

It may be a long leap from Raleigh, N.C., to the kingdom of Camelot – with a memorable stop on American Idol in between – but Clay Aiken is apparently ready to take his seat as Sir Robin at the Round Table. The singer, 29, officially joins the cast of the Tony-winning Monty Python musical Spamalot on Friday, having told Newsweek that he was so sore from the arduous rehearsals to prepare for his Broadway debut that he "couldn't even get off the toilet the other day."

Tidbits 11/10

Clay is #17 today on People Magazine's Top 25 Celebrity Hot List today! His appearances on "5th Grader", "Holiday Celebrations on Ice" and upcoming role in "Spamalot" contributed to this ranking.

• ClaySpots on why Clay Aiken is the best entertainment out there-

  I mean, seriously, where else could one find so much fun and entertainment? There are message Boards, concerts, TV appearances, speeches, charities, news groups, interviews, MySpace pages, montages, YouTube videos, Clack, the list is endless. One of my favorite saying is this: You can't get better entertainment for the price of the internet!

Clay and Sasha Cohen Picture in People.com

A new picture is at People.com of Sasha Cohen giving a skating lesson to Clay. The caption reads as follows:

SLIP 'N SLIDE
Struggling to keep his feet underneath him, Clay Aiken gets a lesson on ice from Olympic silver medalist Sasha Cohen on Tuesday. The two were on hand for a taping of the Capitol One Holiday Celebration on Ice.

I get the feeling that there is a little more "clowning Clay" in this picture than "struggling Clay"! Of course, Clay clowns so infrequently, who can be sure? (yeah right!!) Looks like they're having a great time, though, doesn't it!!

Be sure to give this picture at People.com a few hits. What a great photo!!

Tidbits 10/3

• People.com - A picture of Clay taken at the Jenna Bush Book Party is at People.com. By the picture it says:

  GOODWILL HUNTING - Singer – and UNICEF ambassador – Clay Aiken stops for pictures at the launch of First Daughter Jenna Bush's new book, Ana's Story: A Journey of Hope, at the New York UNICEF House on Monday.

• The Pittsburgh Post Gazette says Clay is in talks to join the New York broadway production "Spamalot" ... not exactly sure where their source is, but I don't see how Clay can perform on Broadway with him doing a Christmas tour and recording album #3...

  America's most popular "American Idol" runner-up, Clay Aiken, may be in talks to join the cast of "Spamalot," reports "Entertainment Tonight."
  

• MTV - no love for Idol losers ... except Clay Aiken:

  Paul Fischer, an associate professor in the recording industry department at Middle Tennessee State University, has a theory about why labels are reluctant to sign "Idol" runners-up.
  
  "The fact that they tried and failed on 'Idol' could be seen as a negative," he said. "For many, being on the show may truly be their only shot at a music career. For most music-star wannabes, there's no shortcut to success. You've got to hone your craft, play shows, get better, build up a network, maybe write some songs cut by others, and hope for a break."
  
  [...]
  
  "You have to be like Clay Aiken, who is a very distinct artist," she said. "What happens is the audience has to be so blown away and feel like there's nothing like them out there. All those R&B singers, they're a dime a dozen."
  

• Raleigh News & Observer - "Clay Aiken New York Calling": This article says:

  Even though "Idol: The Musical" was a huge bomb in New York City, Raleigh homeboy Clay Aiken has a pretty high-profile Big Apple gig coming up later this month.

  This is talking about Clay's performance at the Neil Sedaka: 50 Years of Hits tribute on October 26 in Lincoln Center in New York.
• Town Online also has a mention of the Neil Sedaka concert Clay will perform at -

  “I got a call just last week from Neil Sedaka about a show he’s doing at Lincoln Center on Oct 26, with Natalie Cole, Clay Aiken, the Captain & Tennille and others, to mark his 50th year as a singer and songwriter and to benefit the Elton John AIDS Foundation. I recorded Neil and Howard Greenfield’s first hit, ‘Stupid Cupid,’ and they also co-wrote ‘Where the Boys Are,’ so Neil said he couldn’t imagine celebrating this anniversary without me. I told him right away that I’d be there.”
  

• MovieWeb - American Idol Rewind returns with Clay Aiken as narrator -

  American Idol Rewind is back, and this time the popular syndicated series will highlight Season 2, the year that put American Idol on the map with legendary talent and unprecedented ratings. Premiering Saturday, September 29th in most syndicated markets nationwide, American Idol Rewind will feature an introduction from Season 2 winner Ruben Studdard, narration by runner-up Clay Aiken and the best never-before-seen clips and interviews to-date.

• New Orleans Time Picayune - article mentions songwriter who has worked with Clay -

  Enter Adam Anders. A songwriter-producer who has worked with Steven Curtis Chapman, Clay Aiken and the Backstreet Boys among others, Anders was hired by Fox to produce the opening "K-Ville" theme.
  

• JustJared has a small write up about Clay's appearance at Jenna Bush's book launch on Monday night -

  American Idol alum Clay Aiken arrives at the launch of Jenna Bush’s book Ana’s Story: A Journey Of Hope at NYC’s Labouisse Hall, UNICEF House on Monday.

• Nothing here yet
  

Clay Gets A Puzzle Clue in People Puzzler

Clay is featured in a special publication from People Magazine called "People Puzzlers".

The special issue is a compilation of People Magazine's best crossword puzzles. Clay is a clue, as you can see in the scan above, for one of the puzzles. If you look carefully, the puzzle contains many other subtle mentions of Clay related terms including:

• When ___ ___ You Smile
• Measure of _ ___
• Merry Christmas with ____
• The ______ Noise Tour
• ____ Is The Night
• A Thousand Different ____
• Right ____ Waiting

Thanks to the CB's angelcat4jc for the scan. You can pick up your copy at newsstands before October 29.

Clay Mention in People Magazine

Clay's mentioned in the May 25 issue of People Magazine. There's a small tidbit about Clay's shirt being auctioned off as part of the Kimberley Locke & Idol Friends charity auction at ClothesOffOurBack.org.

From People Magazine - Everything You Need To Know About Clay Aiken

Want to read some Clay Aiken news from the past? How about Clay's appearance on Dr. Phil's show...or maybe about Clay Aiken, the ultimate idol champ...maybe back when Clay got his college degree...or how about when Kelly and Clay went on tour together.

Well you can read about those and more...a total of 23 articles and 34 photos which are at Clay's Celeb section in People.com. Everything People Magazine online has had to say about Clay. Check out the photo of Clay and Jimmy at the Virgin Megastore CD signing. See Clay giving a geography lesson to students in New York. Reminisce about the Top 3 on American Idol 2. Plus 31 other photos.

In addition, there is a biography section, snapshot section, special feature, and a few fun facts. Its an especially fun place to visit when the clack is slow.

Check it out and see if you don't enjoy the great Clay info at people.com.

Tidbits 4/4

• Great Clay mention on The Morning Show with Mike & Juliet this morning, says the CB's CB's lsdollylovesclay:

  The Mike and Juliette show is featuring a segment on Panic attacks..they have an expert on who is talking about causes and cures...They showed some video clips of celebrities who have battled with the attacks and Clay was one of them..showed him singing A Thousand Days...it was quick...very interesting segment.
  

• TV Watch - ABC promoting Kimmel with new ads - "In either case, it's nice to see those funny clips - Clay Aiken beating up Kimmel, or a wrestler beating up on Kimmel."
• OC Register - mention of Clay's People interview from yesterday under celebrity news article - "Presumably a good thing. ... People.com also reports that this season's "American Idol" is the first one that Clay Aiken hasn't watched religiously. Make of that what you will."
• A few mentions of the Summer Tour:
• Palm Beach Post - (West Palm Beach, FL) - "Country superstar Kenny Chesney, pop star Clay Aiken crooning with an orchestra, a double bill of Ziggy Marley and the Neville Brothers and comedians Sinbad and the "Last Comic Standing" tour are among the upcoming concert attractions announced this week."
• 411Mania - article about Saturday Night Live -

  Season Twenty Nine was similar to the prior season in regards to bringing in fresh musical acts to the main stage. John Mayer opened the season with Justin Timberlake, Missy Elliot, Jet, G-Unit, Clay Aiken, The Black Eye Peas, Maroon 5, NERD, and J-Kwon all performing.

• Entertainment Weekly blames the American Idol Idol "Finger Wiggle" on Clay -

  One thing about American Idol contestants that continues to annoy me no end? When they wiggle the corresponding number of fingers on their hands to match the number people are supposed to call to vote for them. I blame this all on Clay Aiken, who first invented the Idol Finger Wiggle back in season 2. It has since evolved into a full-blown epidemic.

• Foxes on Idol - a bit of American Idol Top 9 history ...

  Simon didn’t “get” Clay’s “Everlasting Love,” while Paula and Randy loved it. Trenyce sang “I’m Every Woman,” and Simon said it was “okay.” Then it was Ruben’s turn. He sang “Can’t Get Enough of your Love,” and while the judges praised it (Simon said he thought Ruben should win the competition), Sting7, who recapped that season, wasn’t as impressed. “I just didn't feel like he ignited like he usually does,” he wrote.

• MSNBC - AI article ... "By this time in the second season, Clay Aiken was becoming what he is today, whether you find that heartening or frightening."
• Houston Chronicle blogger plays April Fools joke ... "Yep. I'm a Claymate. Some people say he's only into guys but let's just say that my Tattoo-Clay gets to third base with me every minute of every day." Read follow up post here.

• Taking A Moment's Jemock, inspired by TBAF's Champions of Change gala, is launching her own gala & auction ... "Champions of Pocket Change gala" -- very clever!
  

Tidbits 4/3

• Lycos 50 - Clay stayed at #15 this week, same as last week. Under his name at the Lycos 50 site, it says "Bearded", with 196 weeks in the Top 50. Way to go!!
• Coverage of Clay's new interview with People Magazine (read here):
• Reality TV World -

  Since he was the runner-up on Idol's second season, Aiken has been busy with his music career, so it's a bit surprising he's had any time to watch previous seasons of the Fox mega-hit that made him a household name. He's released three albums with the most recent, "A Thousand Different Ways," being released last September. However ten of his most recent album's 14 tracks were cover songs, making Aiken eager to return to the studio following a tour this summer.
  

• AOL TMZ -

  Clay Aiken tells People that this year's "American Idol" is the first one he hasn't watched religiously, and that the program is "a drug of some kind ... Like you think you can't live without it..." Not, as he points out, that he's ever done any drugs

• Chicago Tribune interviews founder of VoteForTheWorst.com, a website which encourages Idol viewers to vote for the worst singer -

  Q: And it’s not as though everyone who does win does as well as Kelly Clarkson or Clay Aiken. Winning is not a guarantee of anything.
  
  A: “No, it’s not, especially since 19 Entertainment, the record label [winners are signed to], they’re just horrible at promoting their artists. Kelly Clarkson … made her new album with a competent record label and became a megastar.”

• C-Ville - it's not only about winning American Idol -

  Sure, a handful of “Idol” runners-up like Clay Aiken and Jennifer Hudson had managed to find a modicum of success (it would be another 10 months before Hudson would win her Oscar). But the odds were that Daughtry would slip back into obscurity like the Justin Guarinis, Diana DeGarmos, and Constantine Maroulises of the world.

• PopMatters - Idol article ...

  Now, I see a lot of records getting ground out of this current cast - if Bucky Covington can score one (due April 17), then so can Chris Richardson. But I don’t see anyone with a white-hot future ahead of them, like many of us did with Carrie and Kelly Clarkson and Fantasia. Left-field successes like Clay Aiken or Daughtry? Those are even harder to predict, but do you see any possibilities?
  

• Toronto Star - not so nice mention of Clay in a Neil Sedaka article -

  That means couples who danced to Connie Francis doing "Stupid Cupid" in 1958 saw their children do the same to the Captain and Tennille with "Love Will Keep Us Together" in 1975 and watched their grandchildren sigh over Clay Aiken's recording of "Solitaire" in 2004.

• 411Mania - random Clay mention ... movie article: "Luckily for Elliot, he and the Devil are invisible – Clay Aiken would be proud"

• Southern Girl - blog about the People Mag interview.
  

Clay Calls Idol a "Drug", Reveals Plans of New Album in New People Interview

People Magazine has published a new interview with Clay conducted last week at the Champions of Change TBAF gala. in the interview Clay says he's planning another album "soon". While this is certainly good news, I think it comes without saying that Clay's definition of "soon" is not exactly the same as ours. ;)

Here's an excerpt:

Have you been keeping up with this season's American Idol?
It's the first year I haven't watched it.

Why is that?
Just don't want to. Too much stress for me. I don't know, I just always get stressed out when I watch it.

Do you have a new album in the works?
We are going to be going out on tour this summer. And we're actually looking into making another album pretty soon. This time we're going to do something more creative. And so I'm excited about that, 'cause I'm looking forward to having a little more free reign than I've had in the past. Each time I've done an album, I've had a little more creative control over what happens.

What would you recommend to Idol contestants about making the most of their fame?
I think that where I am today is a direct result of God's plan to put me in each place in my life. Find something that you are passionate about that gives back to your community. I think there's a misconception that really upsets me when people say, "If you're in the public eye you have an obligation to let me know when you're gettin' married, who you're gettin' married to and who you're dating." That's bull. But you do have an obligation to be a role model. From the beginning, I realize I got this only because God wanted me to be here. I think anybody who has any microphone to use who doesn't use it for the benefit of those around him is remiss.

The founder of EddieTheDawg.org who started the Six Degrees TBAF fundraiser was also contacted by People last week:

And I know you are having a great time with it! Until something became public, it was inappropriate for me to discuss it on the boards, but here is a little side blip to add to the People Magazine coverage of the Gala and Clay.

About a week or so ago, the New York People office contacted me to get in touch with whoever was running the Gala facility setup. She had one of my press releases that talked about the Gala and the SixDegrees.org competition. She had been out to the EddieTheDawg.org Website and asked me a few questions, and then she told me they were covering the Gala and she wanted to know if there was going to be a red carpet area for press. That would have been fun, I think! She said they were wanting to have a one-on-one with Clay and cover the Gala. I was not certain at that time if the one-on-one was already arranged. I gave her the contact information for TBAF and let her know that Aron Hall was the place to start.

The next day an assigned correspondent, Constance Richards, called me. She had gotten my contact information from NY. She had visited awAikening.org and was particularly interested in a feature I had on the home page entitled "What's New With Clay Aiken UNICEF Ambassador" -- so we briefly talked about Clay's humanitarian interests and I told her I would send her the links from any official Websites such as TBAF and UNICEF and the contact information for these organizations so she can complete her legwork. Yes...as I suspected from the first contact in NY, this was to be coverage of humanitarian Clay and anything else he mentioned during the interview.

Constance then sent me an email which I passed onto Aron. I was particularly pleased that Constance was assigned to this story, because I sensed from the beginning she would write an interesting and perhaps revealing and personal piece. In her email she said the one-on-one was already setup, and that she was to write about the Gala, TBAF and "other charitable endeavors." She needed TBAF to "enable People Mag. to cover the event and shine light on Clay's involvement with these worthy causes." She had not realized that Clay was a UNICEF Ambassador, which struck her in that she commented, "We hear about Angelina Jolie, why not Clay?"

To which I replied, "Well, you have that right!"

She has written much more than is online in the above article, so I am hoping there will be more, perhaps in the print publication or as future articles. If I hear anything that I can mention, I will let you know.

I have a lot of media visiting EddieTheDawg.org because it supports several celebrities and many foundations. I worked with People Magazine a bit during the AI Season 5 Live Tour when they spent days with the Yamin family and covered our Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation events in Richmond and Los Angeles. But they were a different group than the people who usually cover Clay, and Constance has never covered Clay before, usually she covers NC and SC. The person usually covering this beat was out on assignment and it was apparently important to NY that the Gala was covered.

The only other thing to add here is that she interviewed Clay upstairs I believe between dinner and the show. She did not come with a photographer. She was able to stay to watch all of the show -- how could she leave that early! -- and then she had only a few hours to meet her editorial deadline before driving home.

She and I talked while we were both enroute back home Sunday afternoon. She enjoyed the show, she loves what TBAF is all about, and I think her experience was wonderful. Isn't it always.

Clay To Be Featured on People Magazine AI Special

Clay will be featured in a new People Magazine special called American Idol: Where Are They Now? The Fame, the Shame & How Life Changed. The special issue goes on sale at newsstands on April 6.

Thanks to the CB's joycez for the scan above.

Clay In People.com Runner-Up Article

Clay is once again in People.com in an article entitled, "American Idol: Revenge of the Runners-Up". People includes a page on each runner-up from Season 1 through 5. Clay's page has a great picture from Season 2 and a gorgeous shot of him from the American Music Awards this past year.

The article says about Clay:

Ask the "Claymates" and they'll tell you 2003's real Idol was not Ruben Studdard but Aiken, 28, who recently released his third album A Thousand Different Ways. Despite some bumps in the road (his Kelly Ripa encounter!), Aiken continues to hit the right notes. But there's something else he'd like to accomplish: starting a family. "I want to be a father so badly," he told PEOPLE in September.

Just another great Clay mention among the many. As I know all Clay fans do, I love seeing his face out there for others to see and not forget the superstar that he is!