Clay Spotted In Beverly Hills

LiesAngeles.com spotted Clay in Beverly Hills yesterday. Check out that sweater! Looking fab, Clay!

ElitesTV Raves About Summer Tour

We're giving ElitesTV top marks for their new review of Clay's Los Angeles concert last month. The review is actually 2 reviews bundled into one article - the first half deals with Clay's concert at the Greek Theatre in LA and the second half talks about Michael Bubel's concerts at the same venue. Check out some of the great things they have to say about Clay's show:

I saw Aiken first. It was different than past concerts for the former AI star. This show sported no frills, bells or whistles (except those that went off in the minds of the Claymates of course). Unlike Clay’s last tour (Jukebox) that had him running from one era of rock n’ roll to the next while he ran from one end of the stage to the other , this was a really bare bones presentation. This time Aiken rested on his laurels and relied on the pure power and clarity of his voice to carry the show.

Did it work? You betchya! If there’s anyone who can pull off a show of this kind, Aiken can. He does it by simply singing. The only extras we got were his southern boy gift of gab and somewhat corny/dork sense of humor coming out in a medley that spoofed the fact that he is not “cool.”

Clay is clever enough to make his country boy image still work, and more than ever, he seems to be happy with who he is and what he’s about. He still wears his heart on his sleeve and it’s this fact and a down to earth demeanor that are so obviously infused into his pop persona now. Early Aiken showed a bit of a struggle with how he should present himself, but it’s clear now who he is--what he gets from his music, his fans, and his life’s work.

Mainstays Quiana Parler and Angela Fisher were there as always to back him with vocals and then take center stage to do their own solos. They continue to add beauty, fun, and talent to any evening with Clay. The two women also help the artist get a reprieve each night for just a few minutes when they become the featured soloists and Aiken gets a chance to rest his voice.

The highlight for me was when the artist performed a song he wrote the lyrics to: “Lover All Alone.” Producer David Foster wrote the music and the collaboration resulted in a piece that should draw serious attention for Grammy consideration. Will it though? Probably not—it was recorded only on a bonus track for Aiken’s last CD entitled “A Thousand Different Ways” and hasn’t been heard much. Still, if a tree falls in the forest. . .?? Yes, for me, it does make a sound. And trust me, the sound of Aiken singing “Lover All Alone” is something else.

Speaking of David Foster, here’s another commonality that Buble and Aiken share. Foster produces Michael Buble. So there you go!

Los Angeles: Looking and Sounding Gorgeous at the Greek

Photos

• Clayboard photo thread - LA
  

Clack

• ClackUnlimited.com

MORE LA AND TOUR COVERAGE AT THE CDD TOUR BLOG

Japanese Claymates Attend West Coast Shows

A contingent of about 20 Clay fans from Japan have made the long (and costly!) journey to California where they attended Clay's concerts in San Diego, Pala and Los Angeles. The fans are now moving on to Cary and Asheville where they will watch Clay perform live in his home state.

The CH's spotlightlover, who spends hours collecting and uploading clack for fans like the Japanese Claymates who don't have easy access to Clay in person, met the group in LA and posted this recap on the Clackhouse:

As we were preparing to leave the venue, I noticed that 20 or so Japanese ladies had gathered at the front of the stage in their kimonos. They had taken the set lists from the stage and were "oohing" and "aahing" over them. I took a little footage of them and then asked if anyone spoke English. A couple of tentative nods; then the woman who was serving as translator introduced herself.

I told her I had a big souvenir of the entire concert, and there were a few gasps. We exchanged cards and I said I would be in touch. Then I talked a little more with a few of the women who spoke English. I asked if they were on the Internet. One of them replied, “Clack Unlimited?” So I told them my board name. And the eyes of these wonderful women from a far country widened with recognition because they knew who I was.

For me, meeting these women was the most magical moment of the night. No, not because they knew who I was, but because across the vast Pacific Ocean, culture differences, and a language barrier, we have all become a part of this awesome phenomenon. I had shared something with them, not even knowing it; and that made us comrades from half a world away.

I think now, for me, that’s what this is really all about. It’s no longer just about a skinny kid from North Carolina with an incredible voice who got the chance of a lifetime. It’s how his effect on us has brought us together into a big family, and every concert is like a family reunion.

More about the Japanese Claymates:

• The New Clay Aiken (Japanese Clay Aiken fans HQ)
• Carolina On My Mind - Japanese Fans Meet Another 'Star'
  

Kelly Clarkson Spotted at LA Concert

Kelly Clarkson was spotted showing Clay her support at Clay's Los Angeles show last night. Reports indicate she was seated in a box seat about half way up. The photo above was taken backstage.

In July 2006, Clay and Ruben attended Kelly's show in Raleigh and spent some time afterwards at Clay's house... it's nice to see the two former tour-mates are still in touch!

Tidbits 8/2

• Apparently, today's KOST-FM interview we told you about yesterday was really boring... still, if you'd like to hear it, a cap is available at SendSpace.
• The CB's claysweetea heard Clay's "Without You" while holding on the phone for a customer service representative at Hartford Insurance ... I guess it goes to prove how Clay shows up in the weirdest and most unexpected places!
  
• Encore by the Nashua Telegraph - MEADOWBROOK CONCERT ... Claymates very protective of Clay -

  I’m a Clay Aiken fan. But I know now, I’m by far not the biggest Clay Aiken fan.
  
  For a series of reasons that are way too pedestrian to list, I not only didn’t get to meet Clay, I didn’t even get to see the orchestra rehearse. What I did get was permission to take photographs at the foot of the stage for the first two songs of the concerts.
  
  I, along with real photographers with real cameras, positioned ourselves in front of the stage and readied ourselves for Clay’s and, of course, the Nashua Symphony Orchestra’s appearance.
  
  Meadowbrook’s videographer warned me that when the music started, the fans in the front row would do their best to get us to sit down. I was prepared for some snaky remarks. But I was not prepared for the army of gray-haired women who found it their duty to tell me and the others with cameras not once, not twice, but perhaps 20 times that “the flash hurts Clay’s eyes.”
  
  For a second, I thought of asking them how they know this. I’ve been on Claymate sites. I have been to four Clay Aiken concerts. I didn’t know his eyes hurt. But these women who looked like maniacal grandmothers (I swear one of them had a rolling pin in her hand) fancied themselves Clay’s personal protectors

• We have a slew of tour related mentions today:
• California dates:
• Press Enterprise -

  INDIO Clay Aiken is scheduled to perform at 6 p.m. Sunday at the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, 84-245 Indio Springs Parkway, Indio. The pop singer, who rose to fame as runner-up on the second season of "American Idol," will perform in concert with an orchestra led by Coachella Valley band leader Ted Herman. Tickets are available for $39, $49 or $59 by calling 760-342-5000.

• O.C. Register ... and O.C. Register event listing -

  Clay Aiken: The popular "American Idol" singer performs at 8 tonight. Greek Theatre, 2700 N. Vermont Ave., Los Angeles. Admission: $35-$65. Call 714-740-2000 or visit www.ticketmaster.com for tickets.
  

• Other dates:
• Asheville Citizen Times -

  The estate’s Summer Evening Concert Series also features Kenny Rogers on Friday, Chris Isaak on Aug. 10 and Clay Aiken with the Asheville Symphony on Aug. 11.

• Bradenton Herald - "AUG. 17: Clay Aiken, 8 p.m., Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, Tampa; $55.50-$75.50"
• Augusta Chronicle
• Sarasota Herald Tribune
• Pollstar - Clay adds his voice to Griffith Park Reconstruction fund with LA charity auction (read more here) -

  Clay Aiken, Tony Bennett and Los Lonely Boys are adding their support to the effort to restore Los Angeles' Griffith Park, which was damaged by a wildfire earlier this year.
  
  Aiken, who will perform August 4 at the venue, has donated an array of autographed merchandise, including a limited edition poster, an autographed book, a T-shirt, CDs and more, which will be offered as a package during a silent auction to be held in the Greek Theatre plaza prior to his show. The winner of the auction will also receive hospitality passes to the Greek Theatre's VIP Deck after the show.

• Argus Leader - Chris Daughtry article... American Idols quick to become tabloid targets -

  The success has put Chris Daughtry on the same level as “Idol” favorites like Kelly Clarkson and Clay Aiken. But with the looming fallout over Clarkson’s recent public flap with record mogul Clive Davis and the scrutiny over Aiken’s romantic affairs, it’s hard to forget that “American Idol” darlings can quickly turn into tabloid targets.
  

• New York clubs fined for illegally playing Clay Aiken music (copyright issue):
• Gothamist - "The other New York club that got hit is Fusion 215 for playing Usher and Clay Aiken (actually, there should always be a fine for playing those two)."
• New York Post - "FUSION 215 - “When I See You Smile” - (unclear if Bad English or Clay Aiken version)"
• Jaunted - has some air travel tips... makes reference to Clay's "plane incident" from last month -

  Making it through an overnight flight with your sanity intact is a delicate art. Sure, there are lots of uncontrollable variables that can throw an already unpleasant travel choice into a tailspin -- Clay Aiken's feet, an overexcited geek podcasting next to you, or simply having a middle seat.

• All That Is Clay Aiken has a great collection of tidbits collected from the various Meet & Greets that has happened over the past month... my favorites are:

  • I could smell Clay. He smells of fresh linen. It's very comforting and sweet. He just smells clean. It's quite refreshing.
  • Clay said All is Well is his favorite of everything he's recorded - that he really loved doing that EP.
  • Clay said that it would be really difficult for him to tour between the albums because he is not on TV and is not as visible. He said last year’s xmas concert sold really well because he was on TV and had the controversy with Kelly Ripa. Clay joked that he was going to have to create another controversy like putting his foot on someone’s armrest or slapping his hand across someone’s mouth. He mentioned that this summer concert series while doing well, wasn’t doing as well as the Xmas tour, and he attributed that to his lack of visibility.
  • I then followed up with: Does RCA have anything to do with the fanclub and he said yes, they do with Clayaiken.com. He said with respect to clayonline.com the better question would be: “Do they even know it exist?”
  • Clay said that it is too early and since he doesn't have the songs picked he could not say whether the new album will be more like MOAM or more like ATDW or a combo. He also stated that the the sound is developed toward the end of the album process. He said hopefully it will be all originals and then he said, it will be all originals.
    

• Taking A Moment's Jemock takes a break from moving to update us on her status:

  I've been so busy moving all my Clay shrines to my new house. That's back-breaking work, let me tell ya. All those heremeticallly sealed (and by "hermetically sealed" I mean "empty") Clay clothing containers, striped sock archives, Clay ebay snotty tissue displays, authentic turkey baster replicas and whatnot are a pain in the butt to relocate. But just you wait until you see the new Jemock Clay Aiken Endowed Museum. Wait, that doesn't sound right. But you know what I mean.

• There Was A Man - Clay thrills Newark fans
  

Autographed Clay Items To Be Auctioned Off in LA

Nederlander Concerts will be hosting an auction at LA's Greek Theater on August 4 to benefit the Griffith Park Recovery Fund. Clay has donated some autographed items that will be auctioned off before his concert at the Greek Theater this Saturday.

Details about this auction are available at Vinyl Word:

In June, Nederlander Concerts announced their plans to create a series of concerts and special offers at The Greek Theatre benefiting the Griffith Park Recovery Fund (GPRF) which supports the reforestation efforts needed after more than 800 acres were scorched in the May fires.

Now, multi platinum recording artist, Clay Aiken, along with the Goo Goo Dolls and Los Lonely Boys, has donated autographed merchandise which will be available during a silent auction prior to his performance on Saturday (Aug. 4) with all proceeds benefiting GPRF. Items range from a limited edition poster, to an autographed book, t-shirt, CD’s, and much more and will be available for bids in The Greek Theatre plaza beginning at 7:00 PM. In addition, the winner of this exclusive package will receive hospitality passes to The Greek Theatre’s VIP Deck after the show.

Clay To Be in Press Enterprise's "The Guide"

The Press Enterprise in California ran a promo for a Clay piece they will be publishing on Friday.

Local California fans can pick up the newspaper at newsstands on Friday. I love how they choose to use the photo of Clay singing "Sexyback"! Thanks to the CB's Ninamae for the scan.

Tidbits 7/31

• American Idol has a new poll is up on the American Idol Home Page: "Which runner up would you like to see return?" Choices are Clay, Katharine McFee, Diana DeGarmo, Bo Bice, and Justin Guiarini. Clay is in the lead over Katharine 41% to 31%. You can vote as many times as you want.
• LAist is giving away 2 tickets to Clay's LA concert... you can win them by submitting a Clay related Haiku. Enter by leaving a comment at their site... click the link above.
  

  Whether you are partial to the Annette Bening days, or a fan of the emo-beatle hair phase, everyone's favorite Presidential advisor and American Idol runner up is playing a show at the Greek this Saturday. LAist has one pair of tickets for one lucky person (or their lucky mom).
  
  Sincerely though, people are nuts about this Aiken fellow and far be it from me to begrudge them their fetishes. In fact, I encourage them. All ye devoted fans, let us now know the power of your love of Clay. Put it in poetry, punk. Register to comment and comment to win. Contest ends Friday 8/3 at 11am. Best haiku wins.
  
  Here's one to get you started...
  
  What did I once hear
  Some sort of message about
  Worshipping idols
  
  Clay Aiken
  @ The Greek Theatre
  Saturday, August 4th
  8pm
  

• Aiken Today (seriously... that's the name of the newspaper!) - American Idol kicks off audition tour -

  Thousands of hopefuls are expected to compete for a handful of openings on the series that has launched the careers of Clarkson, Clay Aiken and other "Idol" winners. In Austin, King found himself in a sea of 5,000-plus vying for 12 trips to Hollywood.

• Lycos50 - Clay #14 this week
  
• Dose.ca - bad Clay mention... don't bother... AI related.

• Nothing here today
  

Tidbits 4/24

• Lycos 50 - Clay stayed at #12 this week on Lycos 50. This is a total of 199 weeks in a row that Clay has been in the top 50. This week Lycos 50 says about Clay, "Was Rooting For Sanjaya"!
• Actress Archives - Idol plans on giving back in this week's special episodes -

  Whether it's Sanjaya or Daughtry, Clarkson or Clay Aiken, we just can't seem to help ourselves from tuning in and voting for our favorite singers. Now, American Idol is going to focus all that ratings energy and all its star power into a charity fundraiser that just oozes goodwill from every pore.

• KOST FM in Los Angeles gave away tickets to Clay's LA Greek Theater concert today. Congrats to Lorrie of Ontario, CA who snapped up the tickets. Apparently, the radio station also announced that tickets go on sale on Saturday. This on sale date has not been confirmed yet by Team Clay.

• Carolina On My Mind - Clay wraps up UNICEF fundraising, Kevin Bacon makes Six Degrees donation official
  

Clay arrives At LAX ... With A Beard!

Just Jared Buzznet has some new photos of Clay arriving at LAX in Los Angeles... "American Idol Season 2 runner-up Clay Aiken wears his trusty Burberry bucket hat to hide from paparazzi as he arrives at LAX airport. Clay, 28, traveled with his pet pooch(es) Raleigh and/or Durham (both Border Terriers), in a shoulder bag dog carrier."