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.
  

Tidbits 6/7

• David Archuleta signs record deal -
  
  • Washington Post -

    Archuleta, 17, lost to "Idol" competitor David Cook by 12 million viewer votes on the show's season finale in May, yet still earned enough fans to impress 19 Recordings/Jive Records, where Archuleta signed a contract earlier this week. He joins Jennifer Hudson, Chris Daughtry and Clay Aiken, other "Idol" also-rans who leveraged their appearances on the show into film, recording and Broadway opportunities.

  • eFluxMedia -

    The 17-year-old now joins the list of singers who became famous after participating in “American Idol” such as Chris Daughtry, Jennifer Hudson and Clay Aiken. In a statement, he expressed his enthusiasm concerning the release of his major-label debut and his admiration for the other American Idol alumni.

  • Artist Direct -

    David Archuleta has signed a deal with 19 Recordings/Jive Records, following in the steps of such fellow "American Idol" runner-ups as Chris Daughtry, Jennifer Hudson and Clay Aiken. The 17-year-old singer plans on releasing his debut before the end of the year.

  • ez-Tracks -

    With the signing, Archuleta joins a talented group of Idol also-rans who went on to stardom, including Chris Daughtry, Jennifer Hudson and Clay Aiken. American Idol averaged 27 million viewers a week this season.

  • Reality TV Magazine - "The 17 year old is following in the footsteps of other successful finalists, including Jennifer Hudson and Clay Aiken."
  • Showbiz Spy -

    The 17-year-old's contract with 19 Recordings/Jive Records mirrors the paths of former 'Idol' stars Chris Daughtry, Jennifer Hudson and Clay Aiken, who all lost in past seasons but have successfully launched careers in the film, music and theatre arenas.
    

Tidbits 6/5

• American Idol runner-up David Archuleta inks record deal:
  
  • Internet DJ -

    Archuleta could potentially join other "Idol" losers who have gone on to reap huge success from their time on the show. Chris Daughtry, Jennifer Hudson and Clay Aiken lost in their season, however they have all gone on to solid music/entertainment careers.
    

  • Reuters -

    With a record deal in hand, 17-year-old crooner Archuleta joins past "Idol" also-rans such as Chris Daughtry, Jennifer Hudson and Clay Aiken who have leveraged their stardom on hit television show "Idol" into record, film and Broadway fame.

  • PW Torch - "Over the past several years, we have seen losing "American Idol" contests come back to make an impact on popular culture. Clay Aiken became a successful recording artist. Chris Daughtry is a rock star. Kimberley Locke even had a successful Christmas album."
  • TV Squad on American Idol's very restrictive recording contract -

    American Idol has a notorious contract. Clay Aiken was able to get out of his, but only with the help of a tough attorney. And remember Mario Vazquez? He was Top 12, but then quit the show reportedly because of the contract that, among other things, wouldn't let him sign any deals until at least three months after the winner was crowned.
    

• SW Iowa News - article about "the Greenest Show on Earth" -

  Show director Amy Tinkham, who has worked with Madonna, Jamie Lee Curtis, Aerosmith and Earth, Wind and Fire and staged music tours and videos for Dixie Chicks, Clay Aiken, Backstreet Boys and Maria Carey, has created an extravaganza for the entire family.

• Miami Herald - QVC shopping channel broadening out - "Bob Mackie, creator of feathered headdresses and bejeweled Barbie gowns, has been selling a low-priced collection exclusively on QVC, the televised home shopping network that also boasts Hulk Hogan and Clay Aiken among its vendors, since 1992."

• Anew and Afresh - Clay garners Broadway honours

A Billboard Debut #1 We Overlooked

During the week of the debut of On My Way Here, there was so much excitement going on. Spamalot had just ended; CD Release parties all over the country had been planned and were being attended by fans; Everyone was buying their CD's and listening to them over and over again. Keeping up with all the fan comments, reviews, and appearances kept everyone busy.

The next week we were checking on chart numbers from Hits Daily Double and Billboard. But there is one number that was overlooked, at least by some. Probably not everyone, but definitely by some. And that is another #1 for Clay reported at Billboard by Fred Bronson. Read on for what Fred has to say:

177 AND COUNTING: It might not be long before the Davids -- Archuleta and Cook -- have their own No. 1s on the Billboard charts, adding to the grand total of "American Idol" No. 1s racked up since 2002. But even without their contributions, the total increases by one this week, as Clay Aiken's "On My Way Here" (19/RCA) debuts at No. 1 on Top Internet Albums. That is the 177th No. 1 for the "Idol" franchise, counting all national, domestic charts compiled by the Billboard Information Group.

How I overlooked this I'll never know. But this is an amazing number for Clay to debut at the #1 spot on Top Internet Albums.

Here's another accomplishment that Clay took a part in. Check this out in that same Fred Bronson article:

ALL BY MYSELF: Take a careful look at the top 10 albums on The Billboard 200. Notice anything? No? All right, here are the 10 artists in this week's top 10: Neil Diamond, Toby Keith, Madonna, Clay Aiken, Mariah Carey, Leona Lewis, Gavin DeGraw, Josh Groban, Dierks Bentley and Luis Miguel.

How about now?

Sharp-eyed Chart Beat readers will have noticed that every album in the top 10 is by a solo artist. There are no groups, soundtracks or multi-artist collections.

How rare is it for the top 10 albums to be by 10 different solo artists? So unique that our chart department hasn't been able to find any other album chart like this one yet, and they've already checked back to 1963.

Clay and the fans can feel extra good about these two accomplishment made during OMWH's debut week. If you already knew about this, well, enjoy reliving this recent memory. If you didn't, then this is something to smile big about until we hear from Clay again.

Tidbits 5/24

• American Idol:
  
  • The New York Times - "Similarly, in 2003, he announced that only 130,000 votes separated the winner, Ruben Studdard, from the runner-up, Clay Aiken."
  • The Morning Call -

    But the matchup between Cook and Archuleta evidently proved irresistible. In fact, the two-hour episode was the third-most-watched ''Idol'' finale, after the 2006 showdown between Taylor Hicks and Katharine McPhee (36.4 million) and the 2003 face-off between Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken (38.1 million).
    

  • The Ontarion / University of Guelph -

    Allowing American Idol to have an ideal balance between skill and the element of luck within popularity, argues Amegashie.
    
    When it comes to the issue of winning, Amegashie said it doesn't even matter in American Idol since contestants such as Clay Aiken and Jennifer Hudson have been able to make careers even though they have fell short of first place.
    

  • New York Post - Popwrap -

    Ruben Studdard couldn't do it, Taylor Hicks couldn't do it, even runner-ups Bo Bice and Clay Aiken have had trouble hitting the highs of their female counterparts (check out Clay's recent sales figures if you don't believe me).

  • eFluxMedia -

    The two-hour show marked the third most watched episode of the competition, after the 2006 battle between Taylor Hicks and Katharine McPhee, with 36.4 million viewers, and the 2003 showdown between Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken, with 38.1 million viewers.

  • CentralOhio.com -

    This is the first time since Ruben Studdard that an “Idol” won that I’d actually been rooting for since the show’s beginning. All I can surmise is that America knew Cook would have a bit more buying power then Mr. Archuleta once their albums dropped. But, hey, this may ultimately end up just like the Aiken/Ruben Showdown of 2003, in which Clay wiped the floor with Ruben in terms of CD sales. Let’s hope things turn out better for the newly crowned rocker.

  • Chattah Box - "It was the third-most-watched American Idol finale behind the 2006 finale between Taylor Hicks and Katharine McPhee, as well as the 2003 finale between Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken."
  • The Oklahoman -

    Other contestants find success
    Rocker Chris Daughtry, a fifth-season finalist, was one of last year's top-selling artists. Clay Aiken's fourth album, "On My Way Here,” last week debuted at No. 4, and earlier this year, the second season runner-up joined the Broadway cast of "Spamalot.”

  • Washington Post - "Next in line is '03, when more than 34 million tuned in to see whether Clay Aiken or Ruben Studdard would become Idol 2, following Kelly Clarkson. "
  • Roanoke Times - both Davids are winners on Idol -

    Wednesday night's battle of the Davids may have been the most watched "American Idol" finale since the 2003 showdown between Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard.
    
    I wasn't a Clay fan, but I just knew he'd be crowned the next Idol. From where I sat all season, he was indisputably the fan favorite ... wasn't he?
    

• Vernon Morning Star - review of OMWH -

  A male Celine Dion. Is that enough, and can I go now, please? Yawn.
  
  All right, this is weird enough that perhaps something can be gained by listening to and reviewing the new disc by Clay Aiken, former Idol finalist. Was he a winner? I don’t remember, or care, but he’s still here, so here we go.
  
  First of all, the previous Dion reference is serious. I’ll stick by it. Aiken can’t rock out, and don’t let any “Claymates” tell you any different.
  
  The very existence of such fans should be evidence of wimpiness, but count for something — at least until they hit puberty.
  
  OK, enough, enough. The guy can sing.
  
  [...]
  
  His vocal is clear, precise and compelling on this song, although he doesn’t exactly draw any lines. Aiken, like Dion, could very well have a career doing Vegas — singing, that is.
  
  Everything is kept light and easy on this album — there’s not even a hint of extremity. Perhaps it’s just as well, because the music is so slack that it’s blander than bland, a whiter shade of pale, indeed! (My apologies to Procol Harum!)
  
  Aiken does rise to the pablum/funk bounce on Everything I Don’t Need and gives it some type of gusto but there’s clearly not enough jam to throw down to.
  
  And so it’s black to strings and schmaltz on the obviously titled The Real Me. This is one of the supposedly inspirational, deep, love ballads that cause the heart to soar. Not!
  
  Aiken, who displays that odd vibrato again, needs better material. If not better, maybe different.

David Archuleta's 2nd Place Finish Prompts Comparisions To Clay

It should come as no surprise that with the first all male American Idol finale since Clay and Ruben, there should be comparisons between Clay and this year's 2nd place finisher, David Archuleta. I'm not talking comparisons between how they sing or their personalities. But comparisons concerning how David A did not have to win to be successful. After all, just look at Clay and his success.

Here are what some of the online news sites have to say about this:

College On The Record (Penn State) - The title of their article is, "David Archuletta: Next Clay Aiken?"

The Improper - "But Archuleta is sure to get a solid career start out of the show as well, just like Clay Aiken before him."

STLToday.com -

In this first man-to-man "American Idol" face-off since the David-and-Goliath dust-up of Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken in Season 2, the franchise is getting its best shot yet at a male superstar winner.

WashingtonPost.com (The TV Column) -

Nearly 32 million viewers watched the two-hour coronation of David Cook on "American Idol" on Wednesday -- the show's third-largest finale crowd ever.

The singing derby's biggest finale audience remains the more than 36 million who watched in '06, when Taylor Hicks took the "American Idol" tiara. Ironically, Hicks is widely regarded as the show's least successful winning Idolette.

Next in line is '03, when more than 34 million tuned in to see whether Clay Aiken or Ruben Studdard would become Idol 2, following Kelly Clarkson.

Roanoke.com -

Wednesday night's battle of the Davids may have been the most watched "American Idol" finale since the 2003 showdown between Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard.

I wasn't a Clay fan, but I just knew he'd be crowned the next Idol. From where I sat all season, he was indisputably the fan favorite ... wasn't he?....

....Besides, I'm already convinced that David Archuleta is going to win the crown anyway.

And then something happens. David Cook wins. And I think about all those David Archuleta fans who at this moment must be feeling blindsided the same way ClayMates felt blindsided when Ruben took the gold that night in 2003. Like Clay, Little David held the popular vote and was considered the frontrunner most of the season ... wasn't he?

Deseret News -

Like Clay Aiken, runner-up for Season 2, Archuleta is every bit as popular as the winner and has nothing to be bummed about. In fact, this could actually work toward his advantage.....He'll be in good company. The label is home to several other "Idol" contestants (Chris Daughtry, Kelly Clarkson, Fantasia Barrino, Blake Lewis, Aiken, Jordin Sparks and Carrie Underwood), half of which were winners, half of which were not, but all have had great success at the label.

Tidbits 5/22

• Clay mentioned on the Today Show today during their segment about Idol. The CB's ClaysMyMidlifeCrisis recaps - "Hoda and Kathie Lee were discussing AI this morning and Hoda compared Clay and David A, something about both having great voices for Broadway, but I didn't catch it all. Maybe someone can cap it. "
  
• Entertainment Weekly - "On My Way Here" - week 2 sales: 21,000 -

  Among other second-week slides, Clay Aiken fell to No. 18, selling 21,000, a 78 percent drop, and Gavin DeGraw was down to No. 15 with 21,000, a decline of 67 percent.
  

• Idol mentions:
• Reality Wanted -

  I LOVED when the two Davids sang together. It gave me goose bumps! Their voices blended beautifully. There are two other duets I’d like to see these two perform with former Idol contestants. How about David Archuleta with Clay Aiken? Now THAT would be heaven! And how about David Cook with Chris Daughtry? It would definitely be brilliant!
  

• Roanoke Times -

  33.7 million: number of viewers who tuned in to the 2003 finale between Clay and Ruben
  24 million: number of votes cast for Clay and Ruben
  2004: The year Clay Aiken put out a Christmas CD
  
  [...]
  
  Wednesday night’s battle of the Davids may have been the most watched “American Idol” finale since the 2003 showdown between Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard.
  
  [...]
  
  And then something happens. David Cook wins. And I think about all those David Archuleta fans who at this moment must be feeling blindsided the same way ClayMates felt blindsided when Ruben took the gold that night in 2003. Like Clay, Little David held the popular vote and was considered the frontrunner most of the season … wasn’t he?
  
  Not this night.

• AOL TMZ - "David Archuleta ... His one shining hope -- turning out like Clay Aiken. That's dim."
• Taunton Daily Gazette -

  Former Idol finalists Clay Aiken, Phil Stacey and Josh Gracin have new albums and songs all over this week's Billboard charts, once again proving you don't have to win to make your dreams a reality.
  
  Aiken's new CD, "On My Way Here," debuted at No. 4 on Billboard's Hot 200 album's chart. The new album is his fourth album release since his runner-up status to Ruben Studdard on Season 2.

• TMCnet -

  By texting their votes this season, AT&T’s wireless customers helped crown Cook and made it possible for AT&T to capture a new text messaging milestone. The show, which has launched the careers of singers such as Kelly Clarkson, Clay Aiken and Carrie Underwood, will return for Season 8 in January.

• New York Daily News -

  Clay Aiken also argues against winning the competition as an end-all-and-be-all. While the singer came in second in A.I.'s sophomore year, Aiken has sold millions more copies overall than that season's champ, Ruben Studdard.

• Los Angeles Times -

  But the match-up between Cook and Archuleta evidently proved irresistible. In fact, the two-hour episode was the third most-watched "Idol" finale, after the 2006 showdown between Taylor Hicks and Katharine McPhee (36.4 million) and the 2003 face-off between Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken (38.1 million).

• Los Angeles Times, The Envelope -

  A silver medal performance by David Archuleta does not mean that he won't be seeing gold records in his future. Like second-season runner-up Clay Aiken, this 17-year-old is a power ballad singer with a growing legion of fans.

• Express Milwaukee -

  Archuleta's stardom starts and ends with televised competitions like "Idol." His adult-contemporary leanings make him a poor fit for pop radio, and within just a year or two, he'll be a smaller blip on the pop culture radar than Clay Aiken. There's a reason Votefortheworst.com rallied behind him.

• The Brazil Times -

  What do these names have in common?
  
  Justin Guarini, Nikki McKibbin, Tamyra Gray, Clay Aiken, Kimberley Locke, Josh Gracin, [...]
  
  They have all been contestants on American Idol.
  
  They have all released records.

• Starpulse -
  

  For Little Archie, Davis chose Elton John's "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me," an "American Idol" favorite sung by many contestants like Clay Aiken. Personally, I think he knocked the socks off everyone in the audience. Even the judges were blown away by his stellar performance. Simon Cowell stated earlier for both to bring it - and to prove they both were in it to win it. And David A. definitely was.

• The Spectrum - David Archuleta ... ""At least he made it this far," she said. "Maybe he'll be like Clay Aiken.""
• Digital Spy -

  This year's final between the two Davids is the first time two male contestants have competed for the American Idol prize since Ruben Studdard defeated Clay Aiken in 2003.

• TVNZ.co.nz - "The "Davids" duel is the first time two male contestants have competed for the "Idol" title since Ruben Studdard defeated Clay Aiken in the show's second season in 2003. "
• iF Magazine -

  But no worries for you Archuleta fans out there, I sense that he will have a very Clay Aiken career with the fan following he’s got. I have no doubt he will release an album and time will tell if it is any good or just a handful of sappy, suicidal tunes.
  

• St. Louis Post Dispatch -

  In this first man-to-man "American Idol" face-off since the David-and-Goliath dust-up of Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken in Season 2, the franchise is getting its best shot yet at a male superstar winner.

• SheKnows.com -

  American Idol finale keeps improving
  "American Idol" begins with a spectacle. Hundreds of thousands of hopefuls line stadiums dreaming of making it as the next Kelly Clarkson or Clay Aiken. As the field narrows over the months, it draws to a crescendo with the Final 12 through the finale.

• OC Register - "Looking at their futures in "Idol" terms, where Cook seems the next Chris Daughtry, Archuleta would seem likely to be the next Clay Aiken. "
• Los Angeles Daily News -

  As for Archuleta, he's got every opportunity for big-time success with season two runner-up Clay Aiken the most obvious model for him to emulate.
  
  We already know that winning isn't everything for an "Idol" finalist. In addition to Clay, Chris Daughtry finished fourth a few seasons back and went on to dominate the sales charts and be nominated for a Grammy.

• Business World -

  The "Davids" duel is the first time two male contestants have competed for the Idol title since Ruben Studdard defeated Clay Aiken in the show’s second season in 2003.

• Deseret News - "Like Clay Aiken, runner-up for Season 2, Archuleta is every bit as popular as the winner and has nothing to be bummed about. In fact, this could actually work toward his advantage."
• Blogcritics -

  My mistrust in this show runs deep, and it’s only been the rare gems throughout the years that have garnered some love in this mostly hate relationship. I still fondly recall Clay Aiken’s “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down on Me” and making Neil Sedaka cry with “Solitaire”, Bo Bice’s “In A Dream” [...]

• Santa Monica Mirror - "Even those who didn’t win but still found stardom, like Clay Aiken or Jennifer Hudson, seem to validate the Idol process."
  
• NDTV.com - May 21 in history -

  In 2003, Christie Whitman resigned as Environmental Protection Agency administrator. The most devastating earthquake to hit Algeria in two decades killed at least 2,200 people. Ruben Studdard edged Clay Aiken to win the second ''American Idol'' competition on Fox.

• Penn Live - this day in history ... May 21 -

  The final May 21 historical event listed is "In 2003, Ruben Studdard edged Clay Aiken to win the second American Idol competition." Come on, May 21! Is this all you've got? Granted, middle-aged female "Claymaniacs" across America went into mourning when the result was announced, but does this injustice rank historically with the Red Cross and the H-Bomb?

• MyFox Gulf Coast - Taylor Hicks heads to Broadway -

  Hicks' "Grease" Debut
  
  Hicks' "Grease" debut is June 6. He said he'll add a soulful flavor to the song "Beauty School Dropout." Several other Idol artists have performed on Broadway, including season 3 winner Fantasia and season 2 runner-up Clay Aiken.

• Philly.com - CD sales -

  Toby Keith's double-disc collection "35 Biggest Hits" debuted at No. 2. Madonna's "Hard Candy" fell from the top slot to No. 3. "American Idol" star Clay Aiken debuted at No. 4 with "On My Way Here," with a total slightly less than "Hard Candy."

• Clay - The Man - Clay is "still the one"
• Carolina On My Mind - montages galore for the Clay nation
  

Tidbits 5/21

Yahoo OMG asks: "Carrie Underwood was recently named the favorite "Idol." Besides the country crooner, who's your fave?"
VOTE NOW

• David Cook wins American Idol -
  • OC Register - "Looking at their futures in "Idol" terms, where Cook seems the next Chris Daughtry, Archuleta would seem likely to be the next Clay Aiken."
    
  • CBS ShowBuzz / AP wire -
    

    During the 2003 finale, "American Idol" ran into math trouble when Seacrest twice announced incorrect numbers for the close vote between winner Ruben Studdard and runner-up Clay Aiken. The first incorrect figure - 13,000 - was displayed on the TelePrompTer; the second - 1,300 - was written on a card given Seacrest.
    

  • The Improper -

    But Archuleta is sure to get a solid career start out of the show as well, just like Clay Aiken before him.
    
    Other idols, both winners and also-rans have had varying degrees of success. Although Clay Aiken lost to Idol winner Ruben Studdard, the boyish, and some insist gay, Aiken has had success both recording and on Broadway.
    

  • College OTR - Penn State -

    David Archuletta: Next Clay Aiken?
    
    Tonight is the season finale of American Idol 56 or whatever it is and it is down between David Archuletta and David Cook. Both are big tools, but the young, pristine David Archuletta is quite the character. Only 17 years old, I don't see how this greasy haired, yet-to-hit puberty kid is so popular. He sings all of these ballad songs and most likely is going to win American Idol because of his popularity. But I ain't buyin it.
    

  • Reuters -

    The "Davids" duel is the first time two male contestants have competed for the "Idol" title since Ruben Studdard defeated Clay Aiken in the show's second season in 2003.

  • TV Squad -

    Ruben Studdard vs. Clay Aiken (2003) - This was a real showdown. Just like last night's finale with the Davids, Ruben and Clay couldn't have been more different from each other. Ruben had a gospel background and the man never, ever missed a note. Never! But Clay was the comeback kid. He started out as a super-nerdy contestant with a shockingly spectacular voice and ended up as only a slightly-nerdy/Barry Manilow-style contestant. It was hard to watch Clay sing because of his corny facial expressions, and perhaps that was what caused him to lose (that, or the fact that the state of Indiana didn't get to vote). This was one of the best showdowns because it was not obvious who would win. Either man would have made a fine American Idol. It came down to 130,000 votes between the two, with Ruben barely on top. There's still controversy over this finale because of alleged technical problems with voting that night. In summary, this was and probably still is the best American Idol finale (unless David Cook pulls out the upset tonight).

  • Idolator - "Archuleta's magic is a more fragile thing, one that requires a royal handle in order that he may some day walk with cartoon animals. Yes, he may wind up a resentful queen like Clay Aiken."
  • Los Angeles Times, The Envelope -

    Season 2 runner-up Clay Aiken has enjoyed commercial success if not critical acclaim. Although he has won three Billboard awards and was fan choice at the 2003 American Music Awards, he has yet to pick up any Grammy nods. Will his first new studio album in five years -– the recently released "On My Way Here" -– change that?

  • Post Bulletin - ""You don't have to win this to be a big star," he said. "Look at the year Clay Aiken finished second, and he's a much bigger star than Ruben Studdard, who won it.""
  • Associated Content -

    Everyone's a winner on American Idol. This has been true of the show from day one. Take Clay Aiken as an example, he was the runner up during season two of American Idol and he now has a great career. He lost to Ruben Studdard during the second season of the show and has actually done better than Ruben has.

  • Crosswalk.com - Live blogging the AI7 finale -

    Laura Mac says: Well, I hope the fans of Clay Aiken and Josh Groban and any other diveauxs (that's the plural of the male version of "diva," mind you) are happy now. 'Cause their next member is about to join the ranks. And in three years, The Archuleta will be hawking his CDs on QVC. Mark my words.

  • Los Angeles Times -

    Archuleta, on the other hand, went deep inside tonight, completely focusing on those ridiculously short performances, letting the world slip away. When he started to sing "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me," selected for him by Clive Davis, it seemed slightly ridiculous. One of Elton John and Bernie Taupin's most stentorian ballads, a favorite of Clay Aiken when he wanted to pull out his big gospel notes, the song expresses the despair of a tired, endangered lover, not a 17-year-old kid who murmurs "gosh!" when surrounded by cheerleaders.

  • Entertainment Weekly -

    During the first ad break, the Davids came in for a hug — and not even the bro kind! — and then Debbie the stage manager had them wave to the audience as the Idol band played them off the stage with a fairly random rock riff they thankfully avoided the rest of the night. Nigel trundled over to what I first thought was the row of ex-Idols but turned out to be the seat of one Clive Davis, and gave the golden-eared music guru a thumbs up. As in, "Thank you, Clive, for choosing two songs so perfectly suited to their respective singers that you may have single-handedly elevated this ratings-challenged season into the Ruben/Clay stratosphere."
    
    [...]
    
    the chipmunk from Utah had to tackle a song that Clay Aiken had so memorably soared through way back in season two. (And, I'm sorry, but I've got to link to this rendition as well.)

  • Huffington Post - "This sets a boxing theme for the night, which is amusing. It certainly wouldn't have worked for Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken but it works here."
  • Entertainment Weekly -

    Or, alternatively, as the round in which Clive Davis continues his ongoing love affair with Elton John's ''Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me,'' the same song he chose for Bo Bice on top-three night in Idol's fourth season. Seriously, Clive, I know it's a pretty ballad, but after spending almost six decades in the music business, don't you know a few thousand great songs that you haven't already foisted onto an Idol contestant? (And maybe one that hasn't been covered on the show by Justin Guarini, Clay Aiken, and Jasmine Trias, as well?)

  • Long Beach Press Telegram -

    "I think it's going to be the smallest margin of victory in `Idol' history," Justin said. "It's the first time we've seen two guys go head-to-head since Clay (Aiken) and Ruben (Studdard) and that was very close. Like in season two, their differences make the competition that much more exciting."

  • Federal News Radio -

    Do they speculate whether David or David will be the next American Idol? Are they happy (or ignorant) of how much weight Ruben has lost and what really happened to Clay? Or do they talk about how much money they are going to pledge to PBS?

  • The New Straits Times -

    The first time was in Season 2 when Ruben Studdard met Clay Aiken. David Cook is one of only three American Idol finalists who has never been in either the bottom three or bottom two.

  • Detroit News -

    Archuleta and Cook were seen as the most evenly matched final two since "Idol's" second season, when Clay Aiken went head-to-head with eventual winner Ruben Studdard.

  • Detroit Free Press -

    Post-fight: The show runs long to keep viewers from flipping to the “Dancing With the Stars” finale. Finally, some dirty fighting. Season two winner Ruben Studdard shows up to sing “Celebrate Me Home,” this season’s ballad for kicked-off contestants. Ruben reminds everyone why he beat Clay Aiken.

  • Philly.com - "And the thing is, we don't want him to suffer the jinx of Clay Aiken - that other big cornball belter - who's done okay but will forever be remembered as an "also ran.""
  • Zap2it.tv -David A's DLTSGDOM not as good as Clay's
    

    Singer: DAVID ARCHULETA
    Song: "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me"
    My Take: Bono's tough, but Little David's challenge is also monumental since he's got to conquer both Elton John and Clay Aiken. The Claymates will be glad to hear me say that as solid as Archuleta is, he lacks the revelatory quality that Clay brought to this one. I'm a cold-hearted man, but Clay stirred something in me.

  • USA Today - Regie Hamm's song "Time of My Life" is this season's American Idol winner's song. Hamm also co-wrote "Something About Us" on Clay's new disc "On My Way Here" -

    Born in Nashville, Hamm traveled the country with his Pentecostal preacher father and played drums in the family band. He wrote his first song at age 9. Influenced by Elton John, Stevie Wonder, Don Henley, Merle Haggard, Randy Newman and the Gershwins, he switched to piano and enjoyed some success writing and recording. On Thursday, his gospel/country Starlight EP hits iTunes. He co-wrote Something About Us, which is on Clay Aiken's new CD. (Attention, conspiracy theorists: Hamm also co-wrote the ballad In the Name of God with Scott Krippayne, who co-wrote 2007's winning Idol song.)
    

• Seattle Pi - article about AI6 runner-up Blake Lewis -

  When it was released in December, "Audio Day Dream" popped at the No.10 position on the Billboard charts, selling more copies than the debuts of two "Idol" runners-up (Justin Guarini and Diana DeGarmo) but fewer than others (Clay Aiken, Bo Bice, Katharine McPhee). Since then it has dropped to 166th, with sales hitting a plateau around 284,000 copies.

• Marketing Vox - Carrie Underwood, Clay and David Archuleta most popular Idol contestants on the internet -

  Popularity Contest
  
  The most popular American Idol contestant, according to Hey! Nielsen's online panel, is Carrie Underwood, followed by Clay Aiken and David Archuleta - Season 7's most popular contestant.

• Dayton Daily News - OMWH review -

  Clay Aiken: ON MY WAY HERE
  
  If Neil Diamond was just getting started today, he’d probably be Clay Aiken. Which isn’t necessarily a compliment to either of them.
  
  Aiken’s newest album finds the former Idol-man still caught up in a strange sort of puppyish earnestness and inescapable preference for songs about his feelings (typical line: “Has anybody else but me / ever felt this way before?” Gosh, d’ya think?).
  
  You almaost have to feel sorry for somebody who gets more irritating the harder he tries to please — but then again, considering that Aiken has found a way to turn his drippy style into a pretty profitable career, maybe not. Key to success: Make older women want to hug you!
  
  To which point, it’s a bit surprising that a few cuts from “On My Way Here” punch up the pop-rock a bit. And it’s even more surprising that it’s the uptempo cuts with a little edge (note: little) are the ones on which he sounds most assured, at ease and in command of his material. “Ashes” and “Falling” work particularly well on that score, the latter turning out to be a darn good song for anybody — even Clay Aiken.

• Voice of America - Clay charts with 4th studio album -

  Clay Aiken earns his fourth Top 5 debut, coming in at Number 4 with his fourth album On My Way Here. Its title track, co-written by OneRepublic's Ryan Tedder, is the album's first single.

• Mediacaster Magazine - article about Vancouver news personality -

  Broadcaster and speaker Laura-Lynn Tyler Thompson is a rising talent on the Vancouver entertainment scene. She has hosted the locally produced series The Big Picture, Retro and Coffee Shop Girl, and has interviewed some of the biggest names in show business, from Clay Aiken to Dog the Bounty Hunter.

• Beaver County Times & Allegheny - review of the new Indiana Jones flick -

  Poor Shia LaBeouf (“Transformers”), who Spielberg seems to have hired due to the boyish 21-year-old actor’s appeal to teen girls, proves out of his league fighting next to Ford’s rugged character. In early scenes, LaBeouf rides a motorcycle and wears a black leather jacket, making him look about as dangerous as Clay Aiken.

• Nothing here today
  

Tidbits 5/20

Clay's interview with Kiwibox.com

• Reuters -

  Other former contestants who have capitalized on their fame include Chris Daughtry, who has a successful recording career; Jennifer Hudson, who won an Oscar for the movie "Dreamgirls"; Fantasia Barrino, who starred in "The Color Purple" on Broadway; Clay Aiken, who appeared in "Spamalot" on Broadway; Taylor Hicks, due to appear in "Grease" on Broadway, and Tamyra Gray, currently appearing in "Rent" on Broadway.

• Press of Atlantic City -

  For the first time since Ruben Studdard beat out Clay Aiken in Season 2, the finale will be a mano-a-mano contest pitting Utah teen David Archuleta against Missouri rocker David Cook.

• Associated Content - David Archuleta to sing "Don't Let The Sun Go Down on Me"?

  Rumor also has it that David Archuleta will be singing Elton John's "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me." I like this song choice. It's more upbeat than the slow inspirational ballads he likes to sing. The song is not too "big" for him, and it will give him a chance to show a lighter side. My only concern is the Clay Aiken comparisons that could potentially follow.

• phillyBurbs -

  So, what does Idol have to show for itself on the cusp of tonight’s finale? Well, on the one hand, we have a younger, less talented, more robotic Clay Aiken who will have a difficult time finding radio play in the real world and who will probably be racing cars with Malcom in the Middle in five years’ time. On the other hand, we have the producers’ great white hope for the New Daughtry, who has a very nice voice but picks really crappy songs when left to his own devices. And who has come to be a one-trick-pony over the past few weeks.

• Grand Rapids Press -

  "Archuleta seems robotic to me, like a Stepford Son," said DeSelms, adding his voice is unquestionably solid. "It's like the only album of Clay Aiken's I would listen to is his Christmas album, because I like Christmas music. I don't know that I would listen to a David Archuleta album."

• KCCI - "But a second-place finish doesn't necessarily signal defeat. The runner-up usually gets a shot at a record deal, too, and in the case of singers like Clay Aiken, goes on to great success."
• Reality TV Magazine -

  Hicks is just the latest in a line of American Idol participants to score a gig on Broadway, post-Idol. Fantasia Barrino starred in The Color Purple, while Clay Aiken nabbed a recent role in Spamalot. Diana DeGarmo had a run in Hairspray, and Constantine Maroulis got a Broadway gig in The Wedding Singer.

• Kansas City Star -

  Archuleta’s career path seems pre-ordained. After proving himself to be strong balladeer of romantic and inspirational songs (and not much else), he looks headed for a career that resembles Clay Aiken’s and Josh Groban’s.

• MidWest Voices of the Kansas City Star -

  David Cook, the heartthrob of Blue Springs, is about to make a ton of money -- even if he doesn't win "American Idol" tonight. Maybe especially if he doesn't win.
  
  Cook could follow in the footsteps of other musicians who didn't win the ultimate title, but still have done well in the industry. They include Clay Aiken and Chris Daughtry.

• New Jersey Star Ledger -

  Meanwhile, David Cook was unexpectedly pulling off a brilliant Clay Aiken impression, complete with an outstanding makeover and a consistent streak of giving the most -- and sometimes only -- memorable performance each week.

• OC Register -

  The season that started in January with the usual assortment of horrendous auditions and promising newcomers has winnowed down the talent until we are left with the first all-male finale since Ruben Studdard beat Clay Aiken in the second season.

• Montreal Gazette -

  Then there were two on American Idol (Fox, CTV - 8 p.m.): David vs. David, Cook vs. Archuleta, man vs. boy, the rocker vs. the balladeer.
  
  Some music critics are saying the final may be the most intriguing karaoke showdown since Clay Aiken faced Ruben Studdard. Potentially even greater, though, since Aiken and Studdard were both balladeers. "Archie," as David A.'s detractors call him, and David C. couldn't be more different.

• Calgary Herald -

  And so, it has come to this on A merican Idol: David vs. David, Cook vs. Archuleta, the 25-year-old vs. the 17-year-old, man vs. boy, the rocker vs. the balladeer.
  
  Music critics - well, some of them, anyway - are saying the final has the potential to be the most intriguing karaoke showdown since Clay Aiken faced Ruben Studdard five years ago to this day (May 20, 2003).

• Daily Vanguard -

  Regular comparisons between Cook and former American Idol contestant turned wildly successful frontman Chris Daughtry all seem appropriate and are telling of what trajectory Cook's career could take. (Archuleta is more reminiscent of the apparently still popular, but easy-listening Clay Aiken.)

• Philly.com -

  Saving David A.
  
  I haven't forgotten the Davids, the latest rivals to divide the two "Idol"-watchers in our household.
  
  My younger son, whose fondness for David Archuleta appears to be as deep as his early (and ongoing) devotion to Clay Aiken and Taylor Hicks, doesn't care to talk about my preference for David Cook.

• Detroit Free Press -

  Winner: Broadway musicals, which have become a career opportunity for "Idol" alums like Fantasia, Clay Aiken, LaKisha Jones and (soon in the "Grease" revival) Taylor Hicks. Most likely to join the list next is Syesha Mercado, who was practically dragged to the exit by the judges and flown to a "Rent" audition.

• Desert News -

  But there was some controversy over the voting, which would later see the voting procedures changed, Studdard went up against the super-popular Clay Aiken. Aiken, surpassed in sales by only Clarkson and Carrie Underwood, has become the most successful male and most successful runner-up in "Idol" history, and he made his Broadway debut this year in "Spamalot."

• Desert News - "Clay Aiken, Season 2 — Starring in Monty Python's Spamalot."
• Austin360.com -

  The Associated Press believes the contestants are to blame, calling them “good but not memorable.”
  
  We have to agree. Where’s the Sanjaya? The Clay Aiken? The Fantasia? You get the idea.

• Daily Herald -

  For the most part, the six previous "Idol" champions have been embarrassments. Attempts to launch Ruben Studdard and Taylor Hicks as established talents have flopped, and what records they sell -- along with Clay Aiken and other "Idol" also-rans -- have largely been due to "Idol's" own self-promotion. Jennifer Hudson might have an Oscar, but ask yourself, would you go out and buy an album by her on the day it was released?

• Hartford Courant -

  The action moves to the larger Nokia Theatre in Hollywood for the final performances by the finalists on "American Idol" (Fox, 8 p.m.), pitting young David Archuleta against Midwestern rocker David Cook in the first all-male finale since Ruben Studdard vs. Clay Aiken in Season 2 — and the first all-David finale. The winner will be announced Wednesday.

• meeVee -

  Some observers say rocker Cook would be better off if he loses to teen ballad singer Archuleta, because then Archuleta would have to spend the next year singing whatever crap the "Idol" brain trust puts on his plate, while Cook would be free to craft his own career, a la Daughtry and Clay Aiken. The two previous male "Idol" winners, Ruben Studdard and Taylor Hicks, haven't exactly lit a fire artistically or on the charts compared to those two also-rans.

• USA Today -

  Archuleta and Cook are locked into the tightest sing-off since Season 2's Clay Aiken-Ruben Studdard bout, Idol's most-watched finale and the only other to feature two male finalists.
  

• Belleville News-Democrat -

  But few rose to cult favorites, and none of them had the “it” factor – positive or negative – of former contestants such as Ruben Studdard, Clay Aiken, Kellie Pickler or Fantasia Barrino.

• Orlando Sentinel -

  How do you like those insights? It isn't always about winning, is it? And we have the fine examples of Jennifer Hudson, Clay Aiken, Chris Daughtry and Kellie Pickler to remind us that the "Idol" crown isn't everything.

• BuddyTV -

  Season 2 runner-up Clay Aiken has sold nearly 5 million albums with his four records, while that year's winner, Ruben Studdard, is at just under 3 million with three albums. Head-to-head, Clay's debut album outsold Ruben's by nearly one million copies. Season 5 winner Taylor Hicks sold just over 700,000 copies of debut album, which doesn't even put him in the top 10 for American Idol contestant record sales.
  

• Foxes on Idol - Clay Aiken charts with new album -

  Clay Aiken’s fourth album, On My Way Here, hit the Billboard charts this week. The CD, which is Clay’s first album of original material since Measure of a Man, sold 94,000 copies and debuted at #4 on the Billboard 200, #3 on Top Digital Albums, and #1 on Top Internet Albums.

• redOrbit - Taylor Hicks going to Broadway -

  The Alabama-born crooner's run ends Sept. 7. He'll be the latest "Idol" to hit Broadway, following runs by season-three winner Fantasia Barrino ("The Color Purple") and a host of also-rans including Clay Aiken ("Spamalot"), Diana DeGarmo ("Hairspray") and Constantine Maroulis ("The Wedding Singer").

• Something That Really Happened - some thoughts on OMWH -

  After spending the last two weeks listening to Clay Aiken's new album "On My Way Here", I can truthfully say that I am still very impressed with it. His vocals are stunning. The production features and showcases it beautifully. The songs are varied in tempo and style... and are just really great songs in of themselves. Truly a very enjoyable album.

Tidbits 5/18

• THOnline.com - top albums this week
• Associated Press write up about Idol -

  Lythgoe maintains that even before Sanjaya Malakar became a topic of discussion, he and fellow producers realized the show was "losing focus" and needed to give precedence to the contest and follow-ups on past finalists like Barrino and Clay Aiken.

• Lawrence Journal World & News - is it time for Idol to call it quits?

  But falling in love was such an easy thing ˚to do. Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken were my first, my last, my everything. I laughed at all of Ryan Seacrest’s jokes. My love he didn’t need to coax. I even saw Simon Cowell in my dreams once. (But he wouldn’t stop insulting me, so it was more of a nightmare. He’s so vain, he probably thinks this column is about him.)

• The Murfreesboro Post definitely needs to hire a fact checker. It's Taylor Hicks and Clay didn't win!

  Taylor Swift and Clay Aiken, were winners and now very successful. Simon Cowel is a curmudgeon-y judge.

• Zanesville Times Recorder - winning Idol isn't a guarantee of success -

  Winning the title is no guarantee of success. Ruben Stoddard, who won in 2003, has been far less successful than Clay Aiken, the runner-up that year. Cook probably would be a bigger star on his own terms than if he were managed by the "Idol" brain trust.
  

• Denver Post -

  The biggest post-show winner on the male side is Chris Daughtry, who nailed down a mammoth base of fans with his mainstream FM rock band Daughtry in the past two years. Clay Aiken remains popular with the Claymates — err, his fans — and others who appreciate his earnest, if tepid, vocal compositions.
  

• Denver Post - another one ...

  But what about "Idol's" role in creating the next great pop music artists? Are Kelly, Clay, Ruben and Jordin the next John, Paul, George and Ringo? Or are they merely the next, well, Paula Abdul?
  

• OCALA - it's David vs. David on Idol 7 finale this week -

  "Archuleta is as cute as a button," Blakeslee said. "He has a huge voice, and he will certainly go far, particularly with his high energy and sincerity." Judge Randy Jackson called Archuleta "the one to beat." Archuleta may be the most appealing and likeable "Idol" finalist since Clay Aiken.

• andPOP - Taylor Hicks headed to Broadway -

  The Alabama-born singer isn't the first "Idol" alum to take on Broadway. Season three winner Fantasia Burrino had a critically acclaimed run as Celie in "The Color Purple," while Clay Aiken and Constantine Maroulis have done "Spamalot" and "The Wedding Singer," respectively.

• the Star Online -the collision of two Davids -
  

  And that’s why – at the great risk of being called a wuss by all and sundry – I really would like to see David Archuleta win. And if he doesn’t ... well, you know, Clay Aiken is far more famous than Ruben Studdard ever was.

• Inquirer.net - Idol...

  In Johns’ case, he’s very definitely a potential singing star, despite his unexpected defeat. Some fans even think he had a good shot at the title, so his departure came much too soon for comfort. Well, other “rejects” like Jennifer Hudson and Clay Aiken have bounced back in a big way, so Michael Johns can still make it on his own. Ditto for Smithson and Amanda Overmyer, who have niche (rock) appeal going for them.

• Columbus Dispatch - this week in entertainment history - "2003: Ruben Studdard barely beats out Clay Aiken to win Fox's second American Idol competition."

• Clay - The Man - Clay still "the best"
• The ConCLAYve - some thoughts on Clay's "Sacrificial Love" -

  When Clay Aiken released his latest album called On My Way Here, I had it on constant repeat. It's easily his best work and one of the best pop albums I've heard in awhile. There are great uptempo numbers but there are a couple of ballads that immediately created a DWTS picture in my head. A rhumba to Something About Us and a beautiful waltz to Sacrificial Love. The song is heartache personified.
  

Tidbits 5/14

• Los Angeles Times - AI article ...

  David Archuleta: In February, I predicted The Chosen One would finish in second place, citing his “strong appeal to 'Idol'’s most powerful voting block” (tween girls), while warning that his youthful persona might turn off everyone outside that demographic group. It seemed to me that, raised on "Idol," studying the works of Kelly Clarkson, Jason Guarini and Clay Aiken from his infancy, The Chosen One was the fulfillment of "Idol" Prophecies, the messiah of the unswerving voice forged to lead the show from its wayward, clumsy youth into a realm of perfection and vocal gymnastics at heights never before seen in the annals of competitive singing.
  

• TheDay.com - Idol ... David Archuleta -

  Round 2. David A. is wearing some sort of Roman t-shirt and plaid pants. He has chosen for himself With You by Chris Brown. This is what happens when they take his father out of the equation. The minute he sings “My boo” I start to laugh and then I can’t stop. His dancing is reminiscent of Clay Aiken on Neil Sedaka night. The performance would’ve been less uncomfortable if Little David had chosen an R. Kelly song.
  

• Jazz.com ... random mention: "By all means, let's enjoy and encourage jazz's latest developments. But enough already with the hype. Leave that to the pros who shill for Clay Aiken and Miley Cyrus. There really is gold in them thar hills."

• Yahoo debuts new video for "On My Way Here":
• Something That Really Happened
• Hobbies
  

Tidbits 5/10

• Clayboard - All4luv heard a Clay mention on the Jimmy Kimmel show Friday night. She says, "Jimmy mentioned how Clay will be on the show next week to "rekindle their love!!" Can't wait to see wha t those two have cooking!!!"
• According to CaliClayFan at The Clayboard, "Just saw that Clay's going to be on Good Day LA next week. They showed a clip of the Amazon video and said he'd be in studio next week."
• Clay was interviewed on 97.1 WASH FM in Washington D.C. today by one of their disc jockeys, Maureen. I must say that this was one of the best interviews I've heard in a long time. So positive and she really seemed to genuinely like Clay and his CD. Check out the interview for news about UNICEF, his visit with Rachel Ray, has Clay gone green, and his mother's day plans.
• Andecar at The Clayboard found the following information in her Sunday newspaper:

  I just received my Sunday newspaper inserts and comics and Clay is listed in the inside cover of the US Magazine. It's the question and answer section where there's a recent photo of Clay and the question is from a Brazilian fan who wanted to know what Clay plans to do now that Spamalot is finished. The answer was promote his new CD and relax at home in North Carolina.

• The Salt Lake Tribune - In an article about David Archuleta, Clay is mentioned as follows:

  That's why losing "American Idol" could be good, in the long run, for Archuleta's career.
  For one thing, only two of the previous six "Idol" champs, Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood, have attained superstar status. Meanwhile, several "Idol" also-rans (Jennifer Hudson, Clay Aiken and Chris Daughtry, for example) have fared better than their season's champs.

Tidbits 5/8

Clay, front and center, in Wal-Mart's email to customers.

• Clay returns with new CD -
• Herald Tribune -

  Clay Aiken: ON MY WAY HERE
  
  A common criticism of “American Idol” finalists is that when they get into the recording studio, their talent is overshadowed by poor material selection and overproduction. There’s not a hint of that on Aiken’s first album of original material since 2003.
  
  Hear here: tinyurl.com/3ena5p. Grade: A-
  

• Ventura County Star -

  Clay Aiken
  
  "On My Way Here," RCA
  
  In the Broadway show that is Clay Aiken's public life, he is, of course, the leading man. His fourth full-length progresses just like the Original Cast Recording, with character development songs early ("On My Way Here"), beatific love songs in the middle ("Something About Us"), and a dénouement of regret and lessons learned ("Lover All Alone"). Aiken, who debuted on the Great White Way this year in "Spamalot," sings like a theater veteran: almost too perfectly, with a self-aware showmanship. But that doesn't make pop-rock nuggets like "Ashes" any less catchy, or the ballads — on which Aiken's breathy tenor could break housewife hearts — ring any less true. With big American melodies, stock AC production and general inoffensiveness throughout, this should satisfy his army of self-dubbed Claymates.
  

• Blogcritics -

  American Idol Clay Aiken returns with On My Way Here. All American Patriot and sometime Ford Truck pitchman Toby Keith has a double disc of his 35 Biggest Hits, that also includes a new song, "She's a Hottie.

• E! Online asks - who's hotter? Clay or Josh Groban?

  Musically, of course.
  
  These two titans go head to head this week on the charts. While Clay Aiken has been enjoying a meaty role in Spamalot, Josh Groban surprised us recently with his deeply moving appearance in Jimmy Kimmel's video valentine to Ben Affleck.
  
  So what's it gonna be: Clay's On My Way Here (which is totally hot for your mom) or Josh's Awake Live CD/DVD (which is offering you 23 minutes of its epic awesomeness here).
  

• American Idol mentions:
• TV Squad - down to the final 3 --

  Now that we've said goodbye to so many other hopefuls we're down to a Final Three every bit as strong as Season Two's Kimberly Locke, Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard, though drastically different.
  

• Reality Wanted -

  As far as I’m concerned there is only one real winner and that is David Archuleta. If he doesn’t win I’ll be as disappointed as I was in Season 2 when Ruben Studdard won over Clay Aiken. But what the hey, who’s selling more records now????

• TV Fodder -

  David’s performance of the Ben E. King song was truly cool. He was made for songs like this. I see him eventually filling the shoes of people like Clay Aiken and Josh Groban, singers who have pure voices and sing mature songs.

• Boston Herald -

  “But after Clay Aiken in season two, it turned out that you didn’t have to win to have a career. Jennifer Hudson was the best example of that. She was voted off sixth from the end and she won an Oscar. Chris Daughtry was fourth from the end. It’s feasible that every single one of the top 12 this year could have a recording career. So I stopped getting emotionally attached to where everyone finishes.”
  

• Monsters & Critics -

  Clay Aiken went on record about the show that launched his unlikely career.
  
  He doesn’t watch American Idol anymore.
  
  Aiken revealed to Extra why he doesn’t watch the show that launched his career five years ago.
  
  “It’s just not the same thing. It’s like going back to your high school and none of your teachers are there. It’s just completely different,” Aiken explained.
  
  Aiken continued, “I feel like the show was very innocent for awhile when I was on it and I absolutely thank God for it…It’s just not the same show.”

• Extra - Clay no longer tunes into Idol -

  Claymate alert! Clay is aching to tell the world how he really feels about the show that launched his huge career five years ago -- and it isn't pretty! "I haven't watched an episode," reveals Clay, "it's just not the same thing. It's like going back to your high school and none of your teachers are there, it's just completely different."
  

• Clay on GMA:
• Los Angeles Times
• Vancouver Province
• Mercury News - Clay Aiken knows he's no Justin Timberlake -

  Clay Aiken knows he's no J. Timberlake
  
  Honey-voiced pixie Clay Aiken is pretty realistic about his niche in the musical landscape. "I'm not cool, you know what I mean? I'm not gonna lie," he said in a recent interview. "I'm not trying to be Justin Timberlake. Thank God we have him, but I'm not him. . . . I'm not gonna bring anybody's sexy back." Aiken embraces his pop-lite sensibility in "On My Way Here," his first album of all-new material in more than four years. The "American Idol" alum - he placed second to Ruben Studdard in the Fox show's second season - was the first non-winner to release a successful album, "Measure of a Man," which went double platinum in 2003.
  
  He followed that up with two cover albums: "Merry Christmas With Love" and "A Thousand Different Ways."

• MSNBC writes about Clay's hair:

  Clay Aiken
  
  Remember Clay Aiken in his early “American Idol” days? He was just a sweet, scrawny kid with spiky hair and dark caterpillar eyebrows. Flash-forward through five years of mind-blowing makeovers and you’ll now see Clay’s own Spector-worthy bright blonde “Ode to Ellen” (even the caterpillars molted into matchy-matchy flaxen features). The big problem with this, and all of his other hair don’ts, is the tendency toward flat iron abuse. The man can’t stand a wave or fluff or anything resembling the natural state of human hair. If only Clay would go with the flow.

• Monsters & Critics - Simon Cowell unleashed ... comments about Clay:

  The mouth from Britain is dishing about Clay Aiken, Miley Cyrus, Hillary Clinton and Jason Castro, as Cowell sounded off to his girlfriend at Extra.
  
  Terri Seymour sat down with her main squeeze, American Idol’s Simon Cowell for The World According to Simon.
  
  Responding to a recent “Extra” interview in which American Idol alum Clay Aiken revealed he no longer watches the show.
  
  Cowell said, “So, that was Nancy Grace? That hair…I can’t listen to him…[But] to be fair to Clay, he was actually one of my favorite contestants in a way because he was so ambitious and so desperate to win.”

• USA Today - QVC redefining how it does TV shopping -

  Be more entertaining. QVC is getting out of the studio more often to broadcast from remote locations. It has sold hair care products from an upscale Manhattan hair salon, Yankee memorabilia from the team's famed stadium and National Football League merchandise from pro football stadiums.
  
  It's also airing live musical acts. On April 28, American Idol alumnus Clay Aiken performed songs from his new album On My Way Here. That day, QVC received more than 15,000 orders for the $19.38 CD — which also came with a five-track bonus CD/DVD.
  

• Prefix - Neil Diamond releases new album -

  Neil Diamond had his first hit 42 years ago, but he's never had a Number One album. Until now. That's what the stats are projecting, anyway; according to Billboard, the early sales figures for the new album Diamond released this week, Home Before Dark (his second in a row to be produced by Rick Rubin), show the 67-year-old to be outpacing everyone from Madonna to Clay Aiken.

• Reuters - Neil Diamond on track to #1 album -

  The current No. 1, Madonna's "Hard Candy" (Warner Bros.), may slide to No. 2 or No. 3 next week, while new entries from Gavin DeGraw, Clay Aiken, Toby Keith and Josh Groban look headed for top 10 bows.
  

• Clay bids farewell to Spamalot:
• Broadway World -

  Monty Python’s Spamalot marked its third anniversary on Broadway with a special 3-D performance. They welcomed American Idol alum Clay Aiken as well as London’s Lady of the Lake, Hannah Waddingham for a limited engagement with the show.

• Herald Dispatch - "Clay Aiken just ended his three-month run in Spamalot and will spend his downtime at home in North Carolina. "
• Entertainment Weekly -
  

  Catering to the last question, Idol has actually sent its talent straight to the Great White Way, including mama's fave Clay Aiken (Spamalot), Tamyra Gray (Rent), Constantine Maroulis (The Wedding Singer), LaKisha Jones (The Color Purple) , Diana DeGarmo (Hairspray) and of course, Fantasia.

• Salt Lake Tribune - it's not about winning anymore, on Idol -

  For one thing, only two of the previous six "Idol" champs, Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood, have attained superstar status. Meanwhile, several "Idol" also-rans (Jennifer Hudson, Clay Aiken and Chris Daughtry, for example) have fared better than their season's champs.

• The Daily Northwestern - review of OMWH... bleh... (also on another article ... "These are the people who truly make up our campus, so we hope you enjoy reading about them. And if not, there's always Social Diary, Anticipation Index and Clay Aiken's latest release to make you smile - or piss you off.")
  

  Clay Aiken
  
  On My Way Here
  
  When he wasn't starring in Monty Python's Spamalot, dissing Kelly Ripa or dodging gay rumors, Clay Aiken found the time to make an album. His second original work, On My Way Here, documents heartbreaks, regrets and growth since debuting as a nerdy Idol wannabe. Though he's sporting a heavier physique and longer hair, not much else has changed. Aiken's sound is the same - cheesy Top 40 pop that makes middle-aged women (his "Claymates") swoon. The title track, written by One Republic frontman Ryan Tedder, sets the mood with its simple piano and sweeping strings. Aiken sticks to what he's best at with ballads like "Something About Us" and "The Real Me"- clichéd love songs sappy enough to make Claymates toss their elastic-waisted Hanes. Although Aiken tries to switch it up with jazzy, funky beats and pop-rock guitar riffs, this one falls flat.

• Seattle Pi - Clay no longer tunes into Idol - "Well, not exactly. Extra has the scoop that American Idol alum Clay Aiken no longer watches American Idol. "It's just not the same thing," Aiken says. "It's like going back to your high school and none of your teachers are there. It's just completely different.""
  

• There Was A Man, The ConCLAYve, All That Is Clay Aiken - Clay performs "Ashes" on GMA - online edition
• Anew and Afresh gives a review of OMWH -

  For far too long Clay has been singing music chosen for him, according to someone else's idea of what sort of musical artist he is and all too often, they've tried to put him in a box that was too small for a voice as big and as versatile as his. With this new album, however, Clay's finally singing songs that come close to matching his talent. I've been listening to the entire album all day, and thus far I haven't found one song on it that I want to skip. When was the last time you were able to say that about any album these days? It's the first time I've been able to say it about any of Clay's albums.

• ClayKat - Clay is here with a new CD -

  Well here we are - May 6th! I needed a break from work and have many overtime hours anyway, so I left early this afternoon to go for a nice walk and pick up my copy of On My Way Here, then spend the evening enjoying it.
  
  I loaded the CD into my iTunes file on the computer, and lo and behold, something funny occurred: it decided the album is called On My Way There! Hilarious! I haven't corrected the mistake yet - who knows, if I'm the only one with this bug in the title, it might be worth something some day. ;-)

• All That Is Clay Aiken - thanking Clay for OMWH -

  This album is amazing. I really cannot put into words how I feel about it. I had heard the snippets from the different online vendors and knew it was going to be great. I had no idea how great it really was until I actually heard the entire CD. You can tell that Clay, Kipper and Jaymes put their heart and soul into every aspect of this work.
  
  Clay's voice has matured and is so much fuller now. Just by listening to him sing, you can tell this was a happy experience for him. This is the CD that Clay has been wanting to produce from the get-go. The worth the wait.
  It is very eclectic that it has something for everyone. In one interview today he said that his involvement with Unicef had some effect on a couple of the song choices. I would have been surprised if he had not had at least one inspirational song since he mentioned discovering one while on a trip with Unicef. Inspirational to R&B to mid-tempo. Some could even be cross-overs. I love all of the songs.