Durham Bulls Athletic Park Sings Clay's Praises

Clay is usually the one doing the singing, but several members of the Durham Bulls Athletic Park were singing his praises in a WRAL interview in 2007.

Thanks go to procjoiner at The Clayboard who brought this video to my attention. This is a great video, recorded in August 2007 by WRAL.com and shows Mike Birling, General Manager, Matt DeMargel, Promotions Director, and George Habel, Vice President, where they are remembering back to 2003 with many compliments. This was when Clay made his trip home during Top 3 week on American Idol. For part of that trip, he sang the National Anthem at a Durham Bulls game and threw out the first pitch of the game.

The men compliment Clay by saying such things as:

• "it was a once in a lifetime experience"
  
• "he was a phenomenon"
  
• "he didn't have any real idea just how popular he was"
  
• "the screaming from the fans was louder than the helicopter"
  
• "he sang the National Anthem and everybody just went crazy...that was just a real special moment...it was an incredible job"

For men of this caliber in such an outstanding organization to have such admiration for Clay after all these years says a lot. Clay is an amazing person and there are so many people who know this!

Check out the video at WRAL.com. And if you really want a treat, watch the youtube video below of Clay singing the National Anthem that day at the Durham Bulls ball game. Perfection!!

Its a Boy For Clay And Jaymes

As most everyone knows by now, Parker Foster Aiken was born today, 08/08/08, at 8:08 a.m. to proud parents Clay and Jaymes. There is much excitement and conversation in Claynation as well as in the media everywhere.

We'll let Clay tell you himself via his blog at the Official Fan Club about Parker's birth:

08/08/08
Hello All...

I know it's been a while. I'm sure you know, it's been a full full summer. Sorry we haven't spoken in so long. But, I'm sure you know... I hate putting the cart before the horse. Not my way to tempt fate. But I wanted to stop by, if only for a second, so you could be the first folks I tell.... HE'S HERE!

My dear friend, Jaymes, and I are so excited to announce the birth of Parker Foster Aiken (No hyphens. One first name. One middle name. One last name.)

Parker was born at a hospital in North Carolina just this morning at 8:08 AM. Wow... 8:08 ..08/08/08

Weighed in at 6 lbs 2 oz and measured 19 inches

The little man is healthy, happy, and as loud as his daddy. Mama Jaymes is doing quite well also.

The Aiken family, the Foster family, and the Parker family are all thrilled.

We'll share more at some point in the future. Love to you all!

C

Here are a few of the articles posted online today about Clay's "little man's" birth:

The Insider:

Do you think Clay will make a good daddy? Speak out below and your comments may be read on "The Insider" on TV tonight! Give us your thoughts and watch the show to see if your comments make it on-air!

People.com:

Aiken's mother, Faye, first broke the news by telling Lynda Loveland of Raleigh, N.C., TV station WRAL about the birth. According to Faye, Foster gave birth at a North Carolina hospital.

Clay's mom also said that baby Parker has "dark hair" and that Clay is "smiling from ear-to-ear" about the news.

In May, it was confirmed that Foster, 50, became pregnant via in vitro fertilization.

Though they are not romantically linked, Clay and Jaymes plan to raise the child together. The two met when Aiken competed on Idol, and Foster – who is the sister of legendary music producer David Foster – has produced several of his albums.

TV Guide:

The Season 2 American Idol runner-up and longtime friend, record producer Jaymes Foster, welcomed a son Friday morning in North Carolina, he announced on his official Web site.... The birth was first confirmed by the singer's mother, Faye, who shared the joyous news with Raleigh, N.C. TV station WRAL.

Grandma Faye revealed that her new grandson came into the world with a head of dark hair, while her son is "smiling from ear-to-ear."

Parker is the first child for Aiken and Foster, 50, who conceived via artificial insemination. The pregnancy was first reported in May by TMZ, with sources stating that the two planned on co-parenting.

"By the way she looks great, glowing and very happy," a rep for Foster said at the time. "She and Clay have been good friends for a long time."

WRAL.com:

Raleigh, N.C. — Clay Aiken became a father Friday morning with the birth of a baby boy, his mother told WRAL’s Lynda Loveland in an exclusive interview.

Aiken’s best friend, producer Jaymes Foster, gave birth at 8:08 a.m. at an undisclosed location in North Carolina.

Parker Foster Aiken weighed 6 pounds 2 ounces and was 19 inches long.

Aiken’s mother, Faye, said the baby has dark hair and that her son is smiling from ear-to-ear.

Mom, dad and baby all are doing fine.

Aiken and Foster will raise the child together. They met when Aiken appeared on American Idol. Foster has produced several of his albums.

Reporter: Lynda Loveland
Web Editor: Kelly Hinchcliffe

Tidbits 4/21

• We've heard some pretty weird Clay mentions in the past 3 years of running CDD, but this one has got to be one of the best ones we've encountered. From the CB's tiggy52winkle:

  I work as a cataloger for a large public library system and came across a book titled, "5-Star Baby Name Advisor" by Bruce Lansky this afternoon. It's a book about the meaning of names you might choose to name your baby. Of course, I had to look up Clay and this is what I found. "First impression: People say Clay is a talented musician who's confident, calm, kind, and cute, much like American Idol winner, Clay Aiken."
  
  You just never know where his name will pop up! Did you catch the phrase AI WINNER? Love it!

• The CB's snarkystripes reports that OMWH was promoted on-air at Syracuse, NY's Y94-FM. The Y94 FM website has a button: "Clay Aiken is back!"
  

  I did not hear it, but my friend just called me and said she was driving in her car, had Y94FM on, and all of a sudden she heard a snippet played of "OMWH" and the promo simply said, "Clay Aiken has a new CD coming May 6....On My Way Here!"
  
  ON-THE-AIR PROMO, PEOPLE!!!!!!!!
  

• Standard.net -

  "He is going to be in the final three, hands down. If he doesn't win, he's going to have the Clay Aiken effect where he ends up selling a jillion records anyway."
  
  -- Todd Herzog, "Survivor" winner
  

• WRAL - WRAL reporter Lynda Loveland dances to support Clay's Bubel Aiken Foundation -

  WRAL-TV news anchor Lynda Loveland is among five prominent local personalities pairing with professional dancers for charity.
  
  Loveland, former WRAL News reporter Mark Roberts, radio DJ Brian Dawson, Miss North Carolina Jessica Jacobs and Elvis performer Keith Henderson will perform April 27 in the 2008 "Dancing Like the Stars" competition.
  
  All proceeds from the contest benefit the Bubel/Aiken Foundation, which was cofounded in 2003 by former American Idol alum and Raleigh native Clay Aiken. The nonprofit promotes the inclusion of children with disabilities in activities with children who are not disabled.

• Dallas Fort Worth Star Telegram - update on Idols -

  Clay Aiken (Season two)
  
  The latest Idol finalist to invade Broadway, Aiken (currently putting the finishing touches on On My Way Here, a new album due out in May) appears through May 4 in the Mike Nichols-directed Monty Python adaptation Spamalot as the hapless Sir Robin.
  

• TV Grapevine - American Idol ... being #1 isn't all that glorious, sometimes:

  Season Two – Reuben Studdard. This was probably the most controversial year because of the talent of the two finalists and the confusion regarding the votes. Reuben has had some success but was recently dropped by his record company. He will be in the touring national production of Ain’t Misbehavin’. Clay Aiken, the runner up, on the other hand has had two albums which was considered hits, been a guest host on many shows, and taken a turn on Broadway in Spamlot.

• El Dorado Times -article about singer ...
  

  After auditioning in New York City and Omaha, Neb., for FOX’s hit reality series – which has made bona fide celebrities out of former nobodies like Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood and Clay Aiken – Sidwell is now trying his hand at a different side of the “American Idol” rocket to superstardom.
  

• The Trades - ranking the AI7 idols -

  David Archuleta. Most like Clay Aiken, with a Disney Channel influence. David's fans remind me of the Claymates of Season 2, who went rabid over Clay's debut to a triple-platinum status. Clay's success hasn't lasted through his most recent release (2006's "A Thousand Different Ways"), but he's still a very saleable commodity.

• Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - selling yourself to America important in winning Idol -

  Selling yourself to an audience of mainstream Americans requires a little bit of repackaging. Think of how Clay Aiken remade himself back in the second season, and he just made it to second place.

• Melodika.net - Idol...

  Sure, Clay Aiken and Kelly Clarkson made us cheer and dial the phone until our fingers were raw (I nearly cried when my pick for 2004, Fantasia Barrino, won), but the real joy comes from watching those of you who don't have a chance.
  

• Boston Herald - Kathy Griffin rants about Idol -

  “I’m not seeing the next Chris Daughtry, Kelly Clarkson or Clay Aiken here,” she opined. “And the ones who have won in the past are boring. Jordin Sparks is a yawnfest. Melinda really should have won.”

• Something That Really Happened - Clay preps for release of third album, with string of appearances
  

Randy Jackson Talks About Clay on WRAL

Randy Jackson had some nice things to say about Clay in his interview with Clay's hometown TV station, WRAL.

Linda: (...) Well as you know we are Clay's hometown.
Randy: That's right. Clay Aiken, what's up baby? What's going on? You are in New York, I know. What's going on?
Linda: Back on season 2. Yeah, we just went to New York and saw him on Spamalot.
Randy: Yeah.
Linda: (what she says is kind of fast for me to understand) ...you think Broadway was going to be his deal and...
Randy: You know, listen. Clay is a really talented guy and a really talented singer. I saw him about a year ago. He and I were hanging out in a studio with Michael Buble, so... You know, he can almost do anything he wants to do. I mean, when you've got that level of talent, so... I'm very proud of him.

Clay Gives WRAL Backstage Secrets of 'Spamalot'

WRAL had even more Clay today, as they broadcast some "backstage secrets" from Spamalot. Yesterday, WRAL aired a great 16-minute interview with Clay about his new album. The new "Spamalot" videos from WRAL are available at WRAL's website.

WRAL.com posted a new Spamalot article this morning:

Aiken Reveals Backstage Secrets of 'Spamalot'

NEW YORK — From singer to actor, Raleigh native Clay Aiken is taking a spin on Broadway in "Monty Python's Spamalot.” He plays several roles, but mainly Sir Robin.

Aiken goes through several costume changes during the play, but he keeps ripping one in particular.

“Literally, they’ve had to modify things to make it work for me, because they’ve never had someone dance quite as well as me,” he joked.

So, where is the rip?

“Right in the crotch, as a matter of fact,” he said.

“I’ve dropped a line here or there, and it’s always, you know, quite interesting when it just gets silent on stage. And I think to myself, ‘Is someone supposed to be talking? Oh! It’s me! I’m supposed to say my thing,’” he said.

Clay's big solo comes in the second half. Sometimes it's hard to breathe, he said.

“Whenever the male ensemble starts singing, I stop singing, because I have to breathe. And I can’t breathe if I keep singing, so I’m just mouthing it. The secret’s revealed,” he laughed.

“Everybody’s been really great. And not one person, and I’d tell you if there (were), I’d tell you their first, last name and address. And nobody has been anything less than wonderful,” he said.

Clay's Interview With WRAL Up At WRAL Website

If you missed Clay's interview with WRAL's Linda Loveland, fear not. You can watch it at WRAL's website. There are two videos that as of now are on the right side of the page under "Today's Video Picks". The link may not be on the home page by the time you get this article. So if they aren't, you can find them by clicking below:

Clay Aiken Spills The Beans About New Album - This is a great 15 minute interview with Linda Loveland of WRAL. You won't want to miss a word of this one!

In the Studio With Clay Aiken - This video is of Clay in the recording studio with his new producer Kipper and Quiana, who is singing backups. You get to hear a snippet of a couple of Clay's songs.

You can also download both of these videos listed above at Clack Unlimited. As many times as its going to be downloaded, anyone who can might want to consider leaving a donation for them.

Also, there is now an article at wral.com about Clay's new CD. This article says, in part:

The songs had to meet two qualifications.

"They have to be something I'll enjoy and that I can do well," Aiken said. "And at the same time, they have to kind of fit into this common theme of 'On my way here.'"

"On My Way Here" is one of the tracks and might end up being the album title.

Aiken was working on that song and another the day he invited WRAL's Lynda Loveland to the recording studio. The second is called "Ashes".

"Someone told me (that) what doesn't kill you only makes you stronger," he said. "(The song) talks about bad things that might happen to you. You know, there's been some stuff that's happened in the last five years that I would rather have not happened, but you learn from things like that."

NC Fans: Clay on WRAL Today at 5 PM

WRAL.com reminds us that Clay's exclusive interview with WRAL will air during their 5 PM newscast... don't forget to tune in if you receive WRAL. Look for caps and a video to be posted tonight on CDD.

Clay Aiken Offers Sneak Peek of New Album

Posted: Today at 7:07 a.m.
Updated: Today at 8:30 a.m.

New York, N.Y. — Clay Aiken’s new album has been coming to life inside a New York City recording studio.

WRAL Anchor Lynda Loveland recently traveled to the Big Apple and was granted behind-the-scenes access to some of his new work.

“(The songs) have to be something I’ll enjoy and that I can do well,” Aiken said. “And, at the same time, they have to kind of fit into this common theme.”

Find out what the album’s theme is, and hear exclusive cuts of Aiken’s new songs before anyone else, tonight at 5 p.m. on WRAL News.

Exciting News! Clay To Be On WRAL Wednesday, 2/27, at 5 p.m.

We have some very exciting news, which by the time this is out in print, most of you will probably already know. Clay's interview with Linda Loveland of WRAL in Raleigh will be on television Wednesday, 2/27, at 5 p.m. According to ClaytonClayniac at The Clayboard, a short clip was shown today:

They just showed a short clip of Clay in the recording studio in NY - he sang just a line or two from one of the songs on the new CD he's working on! Said Clay invited Linda Loveland to NY, and that interview will be shown tomorrow at 5pm! Also said that he will reveal the secret about his music that he hasn't told fans until now!!!

And now those clips are available online at Clack Unlimited! To download both video clips from tonight's news, go to Clack Unlimited.

Of special interest on these two clips are the following items:

• Clay said that 90% of people have not heard the songs that will be on his CD
  
• Clay's producer said, "I'm very optimistic that we'll have a record where people will go, 'Is that Clay...is that Clay Aiken?'"
  
• WRAL tells us that those watching their 5 p.m. news on Wednesday will get to hear exclusive cuts of Clay's new songs before anyone else.
  
• WRAL also says we will see what his new songs say about his life and his secret about his music that he has kept from his fans until now.

One more thing (and if you don't want to read the words to one of Clay's song...STOP RIGHT HERE!), on one of the clips, you can hear Clay singing part of one of his songs. The words he sings are, "...all worked out, faith has conquered fear..." Apparently this is a song written by Ryan Tedder, and here are the words (don't know for sure that this will end up on Clay's CD, but don't the words sound like him?).

NEW 2/28: You can listen to Ryan Tedder's version at this link.

On My Way Here
by Ryan Tedder

I turn my first step
On that black and white kitchen floor
I sometimes wonder if that house
Is even there, anymore
I had my first glimpse of love
When I was five
I watched two people split apart
But still the three of us survived

I’ve seen the best
I’ve seen the worst
I wouldn’t change what I’ve been through
I’ve touched the sky
I’ve hit the wall
But I did what I had to
Ooooohhhh

CHORUS:
On my way here
Where I am now
I’ve learned to fly
I have to want to leave the ground
I’ve fallen hard
But I’ve been loved
And in the end it all works out
My faith has conquered fear
On my way here.

Oh yeah yeaaah

My address has changed
Almost every year
I've found that standing still
Can quickly make a lifetime disappear
I'd rather try and fail
A thousand times denied
And this, whenever you feel pain
It lets you know that you’re alive

I’ve been a fool
I’ve been afraid
Yeah, I’ve been loved
I've been lied to
I've been wrong
And I've been right
I stood up when I had to

Yeah Yeahhhh

On my way here
Where I am now
I’ve learned to fly
I have to want to leave the ground
I’ve fallen hard
But I’ve been loved
And in the end it all works out
My faith has conquered fear
On my way here.

No guarantees
I believed that I would find
An open door or a light
To lead me to the other side
I guess that is why

On my way here
Where I am now
I’ve learned to fly
I have to want to leave the ground
I’ve fallen hard
But I‘ve been loved
And in the end it all works out
My faith has conquered fear
On my way here

Yeahhhh
Oooooohh

Stay tuned for more information tomorrow after the Linda Loveland piece is televised!

What's Hot From Spamalot 2/21

What's hot today? Well, let me tell you, we have lots of really hot news for you today from Spamalot. No new pictures, but the news makes up for it!

• First, a little news from my son, who is in New York on business right now. I reminded him that he should go see Clay in Spamalot. He loved "Monty Python and the Holy Grail"...thought it was absolutely hysterical, especially the Knights that say "Ni"!! He told me that he has driven by the Shubert Theater and there are big signs all over with Clay's picture. I love it!! Now if I can just talk him into going to see the show!
  
  
• Here's some good information for those of you who want to try to get up close to the Stage Door, but are afraid to stay for the end of the show because you might not be close enough to get an autograph. I agree with the comments from people who say you should stay for the whole show so as not to disrupt the show by leaving early, plus you will miss some great Clay moments if you do leave early. Read on for some good thoughts on this. These are all from the Clayboard:
  
  
  • Starfishy2000 - I waited until the final curtain both nights and managed to get right up front. Clay is too fun in the end to miss. You just have to be ready to go, and not stop. And the crowd wasn't so bad. I didn't hear of anyone leaving without something signed. The other actors mainly came out after the crowd dispersed. A few sneak out while the craziness is going on, but if you wait around you ca catch a few others.
    
    
  • tiggy52winkle - I got right up front and I was in the first row and stayed till the curtain came down! You don't want to miss Clay jumping around and giving us his salute at the end of the show. Just go fast and go up the outside aisle when the show is over. Clay signs just about everything that is held out to him. Last show.....all bets are off. It will be a mob scene. I plan to stand back and just revel in his loveliness one last time at the stage door.....You can't use any exits but the ones in the back of the theater to go outside. We asked the ushers and they said NO, just the exits off the lobby where you came in. Just FYI. You can get out quickly though. Good luck to all of you being right up front at least one time!
    
    
  • Claymama - If you are in the front row and the crowd is 4 or 5 deep, there is no way you can move anywhere. And once Clay comes by, he does not come back that way again, so you need to reach out with your item to be autographed while he is still there.
    
    
  • Canuck2010 - I just want to chime in about the Stage door. I have only been to two stage door's but I stayed until after the final curtain went down as I wouldn't have wanted to miss a second of the show nor would I have wanted to disrupt the finale for anyone else. The finale is fantastic and Clay is sooooooooo cute! I was in row 1 and row 10 and didn't even rush out. I ended up about 3 people deep but was able to reach through and get my program and playbill signed plus passed one ahead for someone behind me. I'm short too but seemed to have developed a long right arm for those two occasions. : Clay signs as many as he possibly can. People in front can't move so that won't happen but it wouldn't help anyway because by the time they moved, Clay would have moved on as well.
    
    
• Here's some news from Joy2talk2U at The Clayboard -

  There are about 100 Marines there tonight in dress uniform. They saw them all go up to the mezzanine. The theater seems to be filling up nicely....According to CV the marines are students from a military prep school in Rhode Island. There are about 75 of them.

• Joy2talk2U also tells us that Linda Loveland from WRAL is at the show tonight:

  CV reports that Linda Loveland is there tonight. She interviewed hobbitkitty from CV for a story that will air next Wednesday....dance4me called me from the theater. She said she saw Linda Loveland and a film crew at the theater. She said they interviewed a fan and were filming the merchandise T-shirts with Clay's picture on them.

• ClayandKimfan from The Clayboard then gives us even more news about the fan who was interviewed by Linda Loveland:

  My best friend Lindsey aka Hobbitkitty from CV called me and said she was interviewed by Linda Loveland!!! She said the interview should be shown tomorrow I think. Im so excited for her like it was me hehehe!!

• And speaking of Hobbitkitty and Linda Loveland, here's an interesting tidbit from Eleid at The Clayboard:

  from CV: Hobbitkitty just called after finally making it to the train station after getting herded out of the theater like cattle as she put it....she told me something that Linda told her today that she forgot to tell me earlier to post... Linda Loveland said she was in the recording studio with Clay today!!!!!!!!!!

  Can't wait to see this video from WRAL and Linda Loveland!
  
  
• Now here's an interesting development near the Shubert Theater tonight. Apparently there is a crime scene taped off which will keep Clay from coming out the Stage Door:
  
  
  • Joy2talk2U:

    again from GBB at the Clackhouse...
    
    Talked to Corabeth at intermission. She said Clay is great! And that her seat is absolutely perfect for the slo-mo scene.
    
    Apparently some time this afternoon a piece of furniture was lobbed out of a 37th floor window directly across from the stage door. Broken glass is everwhere and the area is taped off with crime scene tape. So probably no stage door tonight.

  • krisnclay:

    Just saw this over at CV
    
    QUOTE(smittenwithclay @ Feb 21 2008, 10:27 PM) codmag report: no stagedoor (kind of figured after the last report) and the whole street is closed off, they are being herded out like cattle and the police are saying "closer, closer"

• And finally, a review of Spamalot from gailkent at The Clayboard:

  I went to see Clay in Spamalot on Tuesday, February 19 and this is the first time I had a chance to post since I was attending a job fair in New York so I had to organize my thoughts. It was a very cold and breezy evening Tuesday night and the line was very long waiting for the doors to open at 7:30. The place I would say was totally packed and standing room only. I of course was waiting for my first sighting of Clay and when he appeared in the tower alot of people in the audience gave a little shout out but nothing very disruptive. I have to say even though I read all the reviews posted here I was still blown away by how fabulous Clay was. He spoke in an excellent British accent and he never slipped once in keeping with that accent. He really did have alot of dialogue to learn besides all the dance moves. This show doesn't really highlight his singing ability but he sure proves Clay has great acting chops! The rest of the cast is excellent as well and received a standing ovation and I felt the audience was very responsive and laughed at all the jokes as well. I was a bit worried that perhaps Clay wouldn't come out since it was very cold and windy but I was so thrilled when he did. I did have a handshake during the bus line at Asheville but seeing Clay close up like this was thrilling as well and he did sign the book Our Friend, Mikayla published by his foundation and I think he spend about 10 minutes going all the way down the line signing things. Jerome did not seem very happy at all maybe he disapproved of Clay being out in the cold but I can tell you I was sure happy. I had a smile on my face for the longest time I definitely was on a Clay high! The girl next to me said" I have waited five years to get an autograph from Clay" and I said me too and we both had to give each other a hug because we finally have our prized possession an autograph from Clay! Did I mention he also looked adorable! I have a ticket for our spring break in March which I wasn't sure I could afford to go to NYC again but I have to since its a second row seat and I would love to see Clay do his acting gig again plus seeing him so close at the stage door is such a treat! What a memorable night!

  
  
  
• Here is one final review from tonight's show from d4kkkks at the Clayboard:

  It's Marine night. There are lots of Marines tonight. They are not in the Orchestra. Orchestra is sold out. Only 2 SRO spot not occupied. The audiences are from 6 years to Grandparents. What another great show and another great outstanding performance of Clay. He is in good spirit, good mood. I thought he is better and better every time I watch him. He is very animated. Every scene you can really watch him acting in every words he said. You can see his interaction with every one of them. If he is not acting he is dancing, and singing if not dancing. You'll never see him doing nothing. I did not leave until I saw his farewell salute.
  No backstage door. I saw Jerome earlier getting out from one of the exit door. As we are rushing through the side exit door, Jerome instructed us to use the front door because the alley is close. We were surprised when we get out and the Schubert Theater alley was cordoned of yellow sign. We come across Sean and he himself was also wondering what was going on. Sean asked me if how good is Clay. I excitingly seconded what he said. We overheard from the officer that there're falling glass in the building.
  
  At 6pm Linda Loveland of WRAL did an interview in the Schubert lobby. They interview a pretty younger fan Lindsay from Long Island and Eve a Professor from one of Philippines prestigious University. They were interviewed and asked to comment about Clay. They said the interview would be shown on Wednesday.

We will have all the Linda Loveland interview news right here at Clay's Daily Double after it is shown next Wednesday. That will be quite a treat!

WRAL's Linda Loveland Interviews Clay About Mexico Trip With Unicef

Linda Loveland of WRAL in Raleigh sat down recently and interviewed Clay about his trip to Mexico with UNICEF to work with the children there affected by the recent floods. In addition to a great article at WRAL.com, there is also a video of Linda's interview with Clay which shows footage of Clay with the children in Mexico.

Clay talked about how so many of the children do not have shoes and have to walk on contaminated ground; in fact, many of the children want nothing but shoes for Christmas. In addition one of the things that amazed Clay was as follows:

Aiken said one of the most amazing things he witnessed was when kids ran up to him, hugged him and pointed at his shirt – not because of who he was, but because of what was written on that shirt, “UNICEF.”

“How powerful that is, that kids all around the world know what UNICEF means, and they see that T-shirt,” he said.

After you enjoy the article and video of the interview, check out the slide show of 49 pictures that are also at WRAL's site. These include pictures from early in Clay's career as well as some from his recent summer concert in Cary.

Clay Talks About Quiana's "Dreamgirls" Role on WRAL

Clay appeared on WRAL's news today to talk about Quiana's new role on the Raleigh version of "Dreamgirls", which runs through January 20 at the N.C. Theater. A cap is up at ClackUnlimited.

(not sure if it was Clay or someone else had the idea of those [awlful] glasses)

Tidbits 8/14

• WRAL - the coolest places in and around Raleigh ... Clay's house is listed... but WRAL seems to have forgotten that Clay already gave their Lynda Loveland a tour of his house last year:

  Where Should We Go Next? Tell Us
  
  We’ve scoped out some more architectural and decorative gems, but we want you to tell us where we should knock next. Shoot us an e-mail and we’ll do our best to take Knock, Knock’s camera and crew inside.
  
  Here's some of our viewer suggestions to date: The Mormon temple in Apex, The Umstead hotel in Cary, homes on Lakeview Drive in Raleigh, River Mill condos off Falls of the Neuse, the American Tobacco complex, Gimghoul Castle in Chapel Hill, 318 E. Davie St. in Raleigh, and Clay Aiken's house in Wake County. Keep the ideas coming.
  

• Well, it appears "Idol: The Musical" is more popular than ever... after it was cancelled on its opening night:
• Reuters wire story -

  A musical inspired by the hit reality television show "American Idol" has been voted off the stage in New York -- closing one day after officially opening off Broadway.

• CBC.ca -

  It may be a television blockbuster but an off-Broadway musical inspired by hit TV singing contest American Idol hasn't won any fans.
  
  Sunday's opening night of Idol: The Musical was also its closing night.
  
  Dubbed a "satirical musical comedy," Idol: The Musical told the story of an eclectic band of high schoolers who are united by their passion for American Idol and devotion to past runner-up Clay Aiken. The misfits are delighted when they hear the pop crooner is set to visit their town during an Idol tour.
  
  The musical was scrapped following 47 preview performances and one regular show.

• New Yorker Magazine -

  Voted Off: An American Idol–themed, Clay Aiken–worshipping Off Broadway musical leaves the stage today after just one night at the 45th Street Theater. Producer Todd Ellis cites a “lack of advance ticket sales, a lack of positive feedback from audience members and critics and a lack of sustainable financial resources.” So apart from those things, it was a smashing success.
  

• More... but no Clay mentions: BBC News, ABC News Australia
  
• Ohio State University's The Lantern interviews AI6 idols -

  Since 2002, "American Idol" has been responsible for majority of the hits on the radio. From season one winner Kelly Clarkson dominating the charts, to Carrie Underwood, to even Clay Aiken.

• Naples News - another AI article -

  And you can’t get more famous than the contestants on "American Idol." Still a ratings juggernaut after six seasons, the show has created one legitimate star, (Kelly Clarkson) a handful of surprising success stories (Clay Aiken, Jennifer Hudson) and a fair share of flashes in the pan (Justin Guarini, anyone?).
  

• Livingston Daily - singer lists Clay Aiken, Kelly Clarkson as influences -

  Aside from Bennett, Mentley listed singers Clay Aiken, Kelly Clarkson, Judy Garland and Josh Groban among her other musical influences.
  
  ...
  
  Favorite singers: Judy Garland, Josh Groban, Kelly Clarkson and Clay Aiken. "They all have such powerful, rich voices," according to Mentley.
  

• New York Daily News - the "Kelly Ripa" fiasco from last year surfaces again... isn't it time to give it a rest??? -

  Hottie Enrique Iglesias was in NYC yesterday to guest-host "Live With Regis and Kelly" alongside Ms. Ripa. We're betting this more than makes up for the Clay Aiken incident.

• Carolina On My Mind - tour hits an emotional week in NC; Claymates continue sharing clack, reports through the so-called "Aiken network" (love the sound of that!)
  

Tidbits 5/26

Looks like RCA has set up an official YouTube channel for Clay ... check it out - Clay Aiken YouTube Channel!

• Clay's "The Way" is featured in a commercial for WRAL-FM in Raleigh, says the CB's ncsupack88:

  They were playing a promo of their "Best of the 80's, 90's and Today" and played clips from several artists. The only other one I remember was the song Thank You from Dido and then they say...and Clay Aiken and they play a clip of The Way. While that's all fine and dandy, I figured they would use a newer song seeing that The Way never got too far on their hit list. But promotion is promotion. This is the first time I've ever heard them include Clay in one of their promos of the music they play like this. So it's all good.

• Raleigh Chronicle has a write up about the Raleigh News & Observer's Clay cartoon they posted a few weeks ago.

  The News & Observer daily newspaper of Raleigh has posted another "spoof" cartoon by animator Grey Blackwell and this time, the cartoon focuses on Clay Aiken and other American Idol stars from North Carolina.
  

• San Jose Mercury News ... viewer response about the American Idol finale: " I will never watch American Idol again. First Clay Aiken, now Melinda Doolittle. American Idol is not a singing, or even a performing competition. It is a popularity contest; thus the word IDOL."
  
• Saskatoon Star Phoenix - random Clay mention in sports article ... "Then I'd probably get on Scott Niedermayer for his greying beard. 'Hey, Needs,' I'd say. 'You're looking like Taylor Hicks and playing like Clay Aiken.'"
• TC Palm - tour listing
• CinemaBlend comments on Rosie O'Donnell's brief time at The View: "Her tenure on the show—can you believe it’s only been 8 months?—has been more YouTube-able than any other show on daytime, including that time Kelly Ripa tried to shush Clay Aiken."
• CNN Headline News mentioned Clay this morning in a news piece about Rosie's departure from The View.
  

• Nothing here yet
  

Raleigh's WRAL At BAF Gala and Has an Online Write Up

According to several fans who were at The Bubel Aiken Foundation Champion of Change Gala, WRAL had cameras at the Gala. This could mean some video clack from the event.

Also, even as the Gala was still in progress, WRAL's website had already run a story about it. "Clay Aiken is sporting a new look these days, but he hasn't changed his favorite cause," the article starts out.

"We have a lot of different programs,” Aiken said. “We give out a lot of grants throughout the year to YMCA programs, Boys and Girls Clubs, you name it -- any community organization, educational organization, extracurricular activity organizations that are able to include kids with disabilities into their programs, we give out grants.”

The foundation also helps train organizations to build curriculums for children with disabilities.

This was the first time the gala was held in Raleigh. Organizers said they expect to raise more than $100,000 for the foundation.

While the article does not include an up-to-date picture of Clay, we understand that he has a full beard and moustache at the Gala and is looking better than ever! Just as soon as pictures from the Gala are posted online, we will have then right here at CDD for you.

Tidbits 2/7

The CB's Khrystah posted this stunning graphic/wallpaper by an unknown designer. If you made this beautiful creation, header on over to the CB to reveal yourself! You can also leave a comment on this post and I will credit you here and let Khrystah know.

Update: designer found... we've been informed that Katt45 is the designer of this beautiful masterpiece!

• Clayton Claniac at The Clayboard - "It was announced on WRAL-TV this morning that Lynda Loveland (Clay's favorite news anchor - and interviewer!) just gave birth to a baby girl! Congratulations, Linda!"
• Idol Star TV: Give Clay some votes in this poll -- "Who's Your Favorite All-Time American Idol Contestant?"
  
• WRAL.com - Lynda Loveland's blog at WRAL.com says, "Most Memorable Assignments: Definitely, Clay Aiken. I interviewed him before he went to Los Angeles to compete on "American Idol." I've followed him the whole way, even going to L.A. during the show's finals. It's amazing how far he's come!"
• Late Night TV Page lists Clay's Feb. 14 Jimmy Kimmel appearance. -- "We 2/14: Clay Aiken, Gabrielle Union, Madeleine Peyroux"
• Los Angeles Times, The Envelope - will Carrie Underwood win the Grammy for "Best New Artist"? Some industry experts think so...

  No "Idol" stars have ever been nominated for this award, not even notables Kelly Clarkson, Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard. Clarkson has been embraced by Grammy voters since -- indeed, she won Grammys last year for best pop album ("Breakaway") and female pop vocal performance ("Since U Been Gone") -- but it took a while for her to get the mainstream pop music industry to recognize her as a serious artist.
  

• Blogcritics - AI6 recap...

  Ashlyn Carr made it into the American Idol history books with her audition. A very pretty, fresh faced girl, Ashlyn has a very unique voice. However, like Clay Aiken used to do before he corrected it, Ashlyn makes awful faces when she sings, scrunching her nose and looking like she's angry.

• Variety - Katharine McPhee sees lukewarm first week CD sales...

  Among the five second-place finishers, McPhee is squarely in the middle of first week sales: Clay Aiken's "Measure of a Man" (613,000 sold) and Bo Bice's "The Real Thing" (227,000) have opened ahead of her; Justin Guarini's self-titled album (57,000) and Diana DeGarmo's "Blue Skies" (47,000) sold fewer.
  

• Southern Illinois University Daily Egyptian - (negative) mention in Katharine McPhee CD review.

• Nothing here today.