Tidbits 8/30

A new photo of Clay and the gang at the Cary, NC tour shop earlier this month. This was taken by the symphony's stage manager. Click to enlarge.

• Lake County News Sun - naughty Clay writes manager's phone # on Genesse Theatre's wall of fame ... Clay will return to the Waukegan, IL venue for his 2007 Christmas tour -

  Naughty by Nature: Clay Aiken, who was born on Nov. 30 and appeared at the Genesee last Dec. 1, wrote "Thanx Genesee Theatre for a marvelous holiday (and birthday)." He also wrote his manager's name and phone number with the phrase "for a good time call," but the joke was later painted over.

• Charlotte Observer - NC home to a diverse range of musical talents -

  From bluegrass and jazz to rock and R&B, the Carolinas are rich in musical history.
  
  John Coltrane and Nina Simone were born here. James Taylor and Alabama have musical roots here. Jodeci, Anthony Hamilton, Angie Stone and Calvin Richardson grew up here. Doc Watson and Superchunk grounded careers here. And "American Idol" alums Fantasia, Clay Aiken, Chris Daughtry and Kellie Pickler still call Carolina home.
  

• 5th Grader mentions -
  
• Great American Country -

  Kellie is one of several celebrity contestants scheduled to compete on Fox-TV's "Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?" during the November sweeps period. Others set to appear include fellow "American Idol" alum Clay Aiken, talk-show host Regis Philbin, skateboarding legend Tony Hawk, Miss America Lauren Nelson and Billie Bush of "Access Hollywood."

• 2007 Christmas tour mentions:
• Lake County News Sun
  

• Carolina On My Mind - "smart men turn me on" ... Clay and how he did on "Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader" (obviously... SPOILERS!)

  Clay Aiken's episode for the Fox show "Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?" was taped Tuesday afternoon. For those unable to attend the taping in Los Angeles, a CA message board was the place to be.
  
  Clay's winnings have long been earmarked for The Bubel/Aiken Foundation project entitled "100 Let's All Play Camps in 2008." Prior to the singer's appearance on the show, the foundation sponsored a "Fifth Grader Challenge" in which supporters pledged money for each of Clay's correct answers.

• Southern Girl - Clay playing for TBAF on "Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?"

  Today I'm happy about something that I'm not even going to see until November. During November sweeps, FOX will air a celebrity edition of Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader? and guess whose pretend boyfriend will be playing? ;)
  
  That's right! It's Clay Aiken and he's playing for The Bubel/Aiken Foundation, the foundation he founded that, as its mission statement says:
  

  ...serves to bridge the gap that exists between young people with special needs and the world around them. We support communities with inclusive programs and together create awareness about the possibilities that inclusion can bring.
  

  One of the things TBAF does is set up camps where both children with disabilities and those without them can interact, and Clay has set a goal to raise $1,000,000 for the foundation's "Let's ALL Play" project so 100 such camps can be set up in 2008.
  

Clay's "5th Grader" Taping Time Listed at Website

The "Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader" website has listed the time when Clay's show will be taped.

Clay will tape his show on Tuesday, August 28, at 11:00 a.m., followed by Kellie Pickler. Then Regis Philbin will follow Kellie on Tuesday at 3 p.m.

Just a request to those who will be attending the taping, please mark any posts with a great big "SPOILER" so that none of us will find out how Clay did. In fact, it might be even better not to reveal anything on the boards more than what he wore and what his hair looked like. I think most people, like myself, are looking forward to finding out when the actual show is shown.

Good luck to Clay. Here's hoping he wins the million!!

Tidbits 4/22

• TV Squad - In an article about how the losers on American Idol can still have great careers, it says, "Besides Hudson and Daughtry, Clay Aiken, Kellie Pickler, Tamara Gray, Josh Gracin and more are all enjoying successful careers -- despite losing Idol."
• Victoria Times Colonist - nice article about William Joseph who opened for Clay during JNT2005:

  Joseph has since toured with Josh Groban and Clay Aiken, and has been in concert with artists such as Barbra Streisand, Natalie Cole, Kenny G., and Peter Cincotti around the U.S. He has a hit CD, and will appear in Victoria on Tuesday to open for Il Divo.

• A Step To Gold International Ballroom announces that Faye Parker will be one of the contestants on Raleigh's version of "Dancing With The Stars". Last year's runner-up, Mario Lopez will judge the event to be held in Raleigh on April 29.

• The ConCLAYve - Clay thanks his UNICEF supporters
• The ConCLAYve - Last day for UNICEF donations.
  
• There Was A Man - remembering AI2's top 7 & Clay's performance of "Tell Her About It"
  

Tidbits 4/12

• Salisbury Post - Article entitled "First Salisbury Idol contest offers $1,000 grand prize" says: "Maybe it's something in the water. Maybe it's the Carolina sunshine. Maybe it's the barbeque. Whatever it is, North Carolina has given the world more than its fair share of singing idols, including Clay Aiken of Raleigh, Fantasia Barrino of High Point and Kellie Pickler of Albemarle."
• The Hook In an article about Chris Daughtry, "If the names Carrie Underwood, Clay Aiken, Bo Bice, and Kelly Clarkson ring any bells, these artists can thank American Idol, this generation's version of Star Search."
• Lycos 50 - Clay dropped down one spot to #16 for the week ending 3/31/07. What does it say about Clay? "No longer watches Idol." He has been on the Lycos 50 for 197 weeks.
• As if there wasn't enough confusion surrounding Clay's canceled Dallas concert ... the Dallas Morning News seems to think it's still happening:

  CLAY AIKEN July 7 at 8 at Nokia Theatre at Grand Prairie. On sale Mon at 10. $39.50-$59.50. Ticketmaster at 214-373-8000 or 972-647-5700 or www.ticketmaster.com
  

• Azle News (India) - not sure when American Idol changed its name to "Dallas American Idol" -

  People in the U.S. can’t get enough of the TV show DALLAS AMERICAN IDOL which has unleashed Larry Hagman Clay Aiken on the world. DALLAS American Idol has become a national obsession with everyone wondering “Who Shot J.R?” “What’s up with Sanjaya’s hair?”

• Globe & Mail (major newspaper in Canada... Canadian equivalent of the New York Times) - review of a new musical being staged in Toronto called "We Will Rock You". The musical is loosely based on the career & music of rock band Queen ...

  The targets of his satire include not just the absurdities of mindless rigidity, but pop music itself -- icons like Madonna, Britney Spears and American Idol winner Clay Aiken, even Queen itself -- and, by extension, the mesmerized audiences who carry the flame for their overpaid, undertalented idols.

• Toronto Star - another Idol releated article -

  Former runner-up Jennifer Hudson just won an Oscar for Dreamgirls. Clay Aiken curiously remains on the public radar. Chris Daughtry, namesake of the lame rock outfit Daughtry, has already outsold the three competitors who finished above him during his Idol tenure.

• Newswire Today - new record label launched with artists who have appeared at "Clay Aiken release party" -

  Thompson, an eighteen-year old pop rocker/singer-songwriter has recently appeared in shows with Teddy Geiger, Brian Littrel of The Backstreet Boys and the Clay Aiken release party and is among the Nashville-based label's debut artists.

• ABC 4 - article about a AI2 semi-finalist- "She performed last on March 3, 2003, singing 'Because You Loved Me' made popular by Celine Dion, but lost out to a field that included Ruben Studdard, Corey Clark and Clay Aiken." Press release here.

We've got a whole bunch of blogs about Clay's trip to Afghanistan... I just love it when the Clay Aiken blogosphere comes alive like this:

• ConCLAYve: Clay Aiken's $100,000 in 10 days challenge
• Taking A Moment: Clay's UNICEF appeal | Press release shows how "proud" we are of Clay
• Southern Girl: Clay's UNICEF mission | Raising $100,000 in 10 days
• Something That Really Happened: Clay's $100,000 appeal
• Idle-Wandering: Clay takes trip to Afghanistan
• ClaySpots: Clay Aiken - a Humanitarian -

  He's in a country where he is, instead, surrounded by the constant reminders of decades long war, upheaval, and oppression. He's spending his days and nights in places where snipe attacks and suicide bombings are a fact of life.
  
  His famous face won't help him get to the front of a line....in fact, it's important for his own safety that he alter his appearance slightly, to blend in with the people he so desperately wants to help.

• Thistle Hut: Clay's a source of inspiration
• Hobbies: Clay Aiken visits Afghanistan
  

Tidbits 3/19

• Monsters & Critics - American Idol article ...

  Even with its pop focus, "Idol" has managed to churn out a diverse roster of talent, ranging from pop crooners Clarkson and Clay Aiken, R&B belters Ruben Studdard and Fantasia, country queens Underwood and Kellie Pickler and rocker Daughtry.

• American Chronicle ... another Idol article - "Remember Ruben Stoddard? He won the 2003 American Idol talent contest over favorite and runner-up Clay Aiken."
• Knox News Sentinel - AI6 article; Chris Sleigh:

  For starters, I was disappointed that Chris came out without his glasses -- the "Idol" makeover effect. It worked for Clay Aiken, but Clay was beyond geeky. Chris has his own style of cool geek, and he should stick with it.

• TV Grapevine forums - forum poster says Taylor vs. Chris Daughtry isn't a case of Clay vs. Ruben ...

  Re your question about Chris, or Taylor vs. Katharine, I am sure there were many discussions early on, just as there were many fans unhappy about Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard. I really believe Taylor won because he was different from the pack, and the audience wanted someone different. Katharine, Taylor and Chris are all talented in completely different genres.

• Foxes on Idol - remembering Idol's top 11's ... American Idol 2:

  It was movie night for the second season’s top 11 and Gladys Knight was the guest judge. Corey Clark sang “Against All Odds,” and Ruben did “A Whole New World,” earning a heaping helping of praise from Simon. Trenyce did a fabulous job with “I Have Nothing,” and after Clay sang “Somewhere Out There,” Simon said he was the “one to beat.”
  

• Delco Times - hypocrite Kelly Ripa a good "TV talker". Needless to say, I beg to differ...

  All of the hosts will play well off of Ripa who is engaging on her own and could probably do "Live" solo if she must. That isn’t, however, the show’s format, and in all instances when Regis has been absent -- all but one unfortunate time with Clay Aiken when Kelly was right to react -- Kelly has both led the show while including and interacting well with her host.

• PR Newswire- the obligatory Clay mention in another StubHub PR.
• Antimusic has posted dates for Clay's 2007 ATDW Summer tour.

• Nothing here yet.
  

Tidbits 2/21

The CB's 1inNebraska4Clay has re-written her 2006 photo essay called "Clay Changes" ... make sure you head over to the CB to check out a revised 2007 version... very nice!

• Let's begin with another dose of AI related articles...
• Blogcritics - Chris Sleigh the Clay Aiken of AI6? "I think that, similar to how he felt about Clay Aiken years ago, Simon knows that the guy can sing, but he sure as hell doesn't fit the American Idol mold."
• Blogcritics -

  Regardless of whether one of my front-runners wins the title or not, I agree with Nigel. During our teleconference he said, "I think this is going to be a great season where there isn’t a Kelly Pickler, a Carrie Underwood, or a Clay Aiken, that you know is going to really steal everybody’s votes."

• Beacon News - "At this point in the competition, the group of semifinalists can forge an identity for themselves and help spring a music career even if they aren't the winner -- such as former contestants Chris Daughtry, Kellie Pickler and Clay Aiken."
• Foxes on Idol panel critiques last night's performances on Idol:

  Tyler: I've heard a lot of people compare Rudy to Clay Aiken, and they said the same about Top 24 reject Patrick Hall. Much like Patrick, Rudy had a good, yet problematic first performance. His cheesy dancing, cheesier demeanor, and uber-cheesy rendition of a classic rock song compromised the impressive vocals. Along with performing so early in the show, he could also share Patrick's fate. Vocals: 20. Performance: 8. Other: 4. TOTAL: 32.
  
  Kathy: While I agree the song choice was kinda cheesy and dated, I did like Rudy’s voice. He’s very strong in his upper register and has a Steve Perry-like sound. I’d like to see him tackle a Journey ballad in the future (“Faithfully”, perhaps?). He seemed comfortable and confident, but if he wants to move on, he needs to lose the Clay Aiken facial expressions.
  

• Yesterday's sports article from ABC is now being carried by ESPN (also owned partly by Disney).
• Smoky Mountain News on Clay's acting debut, 16 years ago:

  While directing a production of “1776” about 16 years ago, Mann found himself frustrated trying to position an actor on stage who didn’t seem to be interested in his role. The actor turned out to be none other than American Idol sensation Clay Aiken.

• This is probably more interesting to us here at CDD and our fellow blogger... Webweaver offers some tips on using the new version of Blogger.
• Idle Wandering - there's no beating Clay when it comes to "I Could Not Ask For More" ...

  Tonight on American Idol some guy named Phil sang "I Could Not Ask for More." Not a good idea, unless you can sing it better than Clay did. Simon said Phil's performance didn't match up to someone who had sung it previously, and bit his tongue before the words "Clay Aiken" came out of his mouth.

• Too Much - shopping with Clay over the loudspeaker.

Tidbits 2/18

WELCOME HOME BRETT!
We were delighted to hear last night that Clay's brother Brett Parker made it home safely after his tour of duty with the U.S. Marines in Iraq!

• Kane County Daily Herald - AI6 contestant Leslie Hunt vying for Idol crown ... "On the line is a chance to enter the next round of competition and possibly join the likes of Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood and Clay Aiken in the ranks of pop stardom."
• The DePaulia -what's wrong with American Idol:

  These days, "American Idol" (or "Karaoke Superstars," as I like to call it) has vocalists sing obnoxious pop songs that everyone knows they didn’t write. It is impossible to deny that singers like Clay Aiken or Carrie Underwood have impressive voices, but to put them on par with real songwriters or musicians would be ludicrous. Not only do the winners of the show hit it big, runners-up have been topping the charts as well.

• The Flint Journal - In an article about one of the Top 24 American Idol finalists, it says, "But winning isn't everything. Viewer favorites such as Clay Aiken and Chris Daughtry,...have enjoyed success greater than the people who beat them."
• Daily Herald - Yet another American Idol article says, "On the line is a chance to enter the next round of competition and possibly join the likes of Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood and Clay Aiken in the ranks of pop stardom."
• The Naperville Sun - And another AI article says, "At this point in the competition, the group of semifinalists can forge an identity for themselves and help spring a music career even if they aren't the winner - such as former contestants Chris Daughtry, Kellie Pickler and Clay Aiken."
• Blogcritics - article about rock band ABBA mentions Clay ... "This actually caused me to squirm in a way not at all unlike that of a teenage girl at a Clay Aiken (or back then, Shaun Cassidy) concert."
  

• Southern Girl - Britney Spears shaves her head and enters rehab, Clay sings a love song to Jimmy Kimmel... uh, no comment on the first one from us here at CDD :) ...
• A few blogs about Clay's surprise appearance with Steven Curtis Chapman last week...
  
• Southern Girl
• ClaySpots
  

TIdbits 2/15

• Progressive U - An article about American Idol being more popular than politics says, "Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Katherine McPhee, Clay Aiken, Jennifer Hudson? These people have all received stardom and then some (keep in mind not all of them were the first place winners either.)"
• WSOCtv.com - For the first time since its inaugural season, "American Idol" will hold a competition without any contestants from North Carolina...Fantasia Barrino of High Point won the 2004 competition, while Raleigh's Clay Aiken was the 2003 runner-up.
• Raleigh News & Observer - Same article as above
• Los Angeles Times - AI article ... "It certainly is no longer necessary to win “American Idol” to become a star; losers from past top 12’s have gone on to produce bestselling albums (Clay Aiken), receive Oscar nods (Jennifer Hudson) and hold microphones on red carpets (Kellie Pickler)."
• Buzzle.com - another AI article... "Even a second place finish can make a career, as evidenced by season two winner Clay Aikens moderate success."
• FOX 30 Online - nicknames already popping up for AI6 contestants -

  Phil Stacey's fans have even already given themselves a nickname. Just like Clay Aiken had the “Clay-mates”, and Taylor Hicks had the “Soul Patrol”, Phil now has the “Phil-natics”.
  

• Reality TV World - poor representation for Southern "Idols" on AI6 ... top 24 revealed last night:

  Although the South has traditionally been a hot bed of American Idol talent -- former Idol finalists Ruben Studdard, Bo Bice, and Taylor Hicks all came from Alabama and Clay Aiken, Fantasia Barrino, Chris Daughtry, Kellie Pickler, and Bucky Covington are all from North Carolina -- only a handful of Idol's sixth season semifinalists are from the southern part of the United States and neither Alabama or North Carolina are represented in this year's semifinals.

• Reality TV Magazine ... this is so similar to the preceding article, it makes us wonder whether someone plagiarized:

  Another Southern state which is typically well represented in the American Idol top twenty-four was also shut out. North Carolina has produced the likes of Fantasia Barrino, Clay Aiken, Chris Daughtry, Kellie Pickler, and Bucky Covington, but the state doesn’t have a single contestant in the top twenty-four for American Idol

• Blogcritics - AI article ... "Only those who were truly talented or unique enough can overcome obscurity — people like Clay Aiken and Bo Bice, neither of whom was featured at all during the early auditions."
• Los Angeles Times - article about a band called "Altar Boyz" and how one of the members is a "Clay Aiken type" (anyone care to tell me if this is in a good or bad sense?)
  
• Reality TV Magazine has also picked up the story about a possible "American Idol All Stars" special.
  
• ZNet - Celebs attacted to the power of Africa -

  Before the end of the year [2006], the continent somehow managed to attract the interest of big name stars – and therefore big media – beginning with Bono, then Clay Aiken, Jessica Simpson, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, George Clooney and a few others.

• Box Office Prophets - some random Clay mention in a music article.
• Since no one else is reporting this, this is probably just a typo. The Dallas Fort Worth Star Telegram says Clay is on Leno tonight.... they probably got confused with last night's Kimmel appearance.
  

• Nothing here today