Clay & Raleigh in May 26 Issue of OK!

Clay and Raleigh are featured in the May 26 issue of OK! Magazine, hitting newsstands this weekend. Check out the scan courtesy the CB's claikendee:

Tidbits 4/1

AmericanIdol.com jumped on the Clay Aiken bandwagon with a nice write up for the new CD, "On My Way Here", out May 6.

• Happy April Fools! Raleigh Chronicle's article is hilarious:

  CLAYAIKENVILLE, NC - According to Mayor Charles Meeker, the City of Raleigh has now been officially renamed "ClayAikenville", after the famous singer.
  
  In a press conference near the Capitol building which was announced today about 10 minutes before it started, ClayAikenville Mayor Charles Meeker said that the name change for the city would help create a fresh new image.
  
  The city council stood behind him, applauding after the announcement.
  
  "Naming the city after Sir Walter Raleigh is so 16th century," said the mayor. "I mean, does anyone here actually know what Sir Walter Raleigh did for a living? I know I don't and I'm the mayor."
  
  "Clay Aiken on the other hand is a person who can lead us into the 21st century," added Meeker.
  

• Boston Herald - The Edge - former Idols receive the "Idol" boost -

  Similarly, season two contestant Kimberley Locke recently performed the song “Fall” from her latest CD. Locke’s run on “Idol” was five years ago, so some kids who watch the show might not remember she finished third behind Clay Aiken and winner Ruben Studdard.

• Detroit News - Josh Gracin's "crazy ride" -

  He finished fourth on "Idol," behind Kimberly Locke, Clay Aiken and winner Ruben Studdard. After the show, he signed with Disney-owned Lyric Street Records -- home to one of Gracin's favorite acts, Rascal Flatts -- and released his debut album in June 2004. Success followed, and Gracin played concerts with Brad Paisley, Trace Adkins and more.
  

• All About Jazz - We think this is another April Fool's Joke, but it's not as obvious, so correct us if we are wrong:

  Since the quartet Fourplay released its first CD in 1991, it has become known as a solid, if rather uninspiring, smooth jazz band, playing mostly R&B-flavored pop while incorporating minimal jazz content.
  
  This session, recorded for a brand new label, may surprise their longtime fans, as they've gotten a little more adventurous with their choice of material, though guest vocalist Clay Aiken isn't that far from their mold. Keyboardist Bob James composed three of the tracks, with two each from guitarist Larry Carlton and bassist Nathan East and drummer Harvey Mason penning “E. D. Blues.”
  
  The set list is sort of a suite, representing a single guy heading out on the town for the night looking for companionship. James' “Night on the Prowl” has an urban swagger, while Carlton's tender ballad “Do You, Miss September” will appeal to female listeners, especially with Aiken's vocal.

• Taking A Moment - Britney Spear's April Fool's letter to Clay Aiken -

  Hey Clay!
  
  It’s me, Britney! I haven’t seen you IN, like, what. SO LONG. I mean, GAWD, sometimes I think I’m NEVER going to get my present.
  
  Did you see me on your tv the other day, tho? I don’t mean actually SITTING on your tv, haha, but I would if you wanted me to. I had a guess-star roll on How I Made Your Mother. It was real good. I haven’t actually WATCHED it yet but I heard I was real good.
  

Clay Spotted At Raleigh Japanese Restaurant

Clay was spotted dining with 4 friends at a Japanese restaurant in Raleigh, it was reported on the message boards:

Clay sighting in Raleigh . . .

DS#2 told me last night that his friend/college roommate (who knows I'm a Clay fan) text messaged him on Sunday night to say that he just saw Clay with two girls and two guys eating at a Japanese restaurant in Raleigh. He said that they were there from about 5:00 to a little after 6:00 and were having a very good time. The friend said that the manager escorted them out when they were leaving and he heard Clay tell the manager that he never goes out anywhere without at least four friends with him.

The Perfect Ending Landing - Claymates Fly Home With Clay ... (well, kind of)

Some lucky Claymates lucked out when they found out that they were flying back to North Carolina on the Delta Airlines same flight as Clay. Now there's a ticket money can't buy!

Clayversity's Cindydoe and NCClayFan fill us in:

Clay was on our flight home!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

Where is that hyperventilate emoticon when you need it??? As we sat on the plane, NCClayfan had just said to me, "As long as that door is open, there is still hope." 10 seconds later, there he is! Of course, we didn't say anything, but he had to notice the difference in cabin pressure as the three of us gasped for breath at the same time.

I'm sure I'll have a bruise on my arm and leg tomorrow from the two Mary Ann's. He sat 4 rows behind us and across the isle with Jamie. He was in the window seat. We did not turn around to stare, that was hard ya'll!

When the stewardess came with drinks, we jokingly and quietly asked her if we could have Clay Aiken's cup. She said, "So that was him! I thought it looked like him!" Hee..
We wondered if he would be at baggage check, what should we say to him, if anything. We decided we would get off the plane as usual and give him his privacy. But, we did write a note on our Delta napkin:
It read:

Thanks for the tour, it was " Off the Chain!"

We got off the plane and asked the stewardess if she would give it him, she said she would. We got to where he couldn't see us, and peeped though a tiny window and watched as he stood in the door of the plane and read "our" note.

Yes, we are 12 years old!

He was wearing cargo shorts(shock, I know) and a white polo shirt, and clean fluffy hair.

That was certainly the icing on our sweet cake of a weekend!!!

One ticket to see Clay Aiken -- $100.00
4 days of CLAY in Florida -- Over $1000.00
CLAY AIKEN on your return flight home -- PRICELESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

He was on our plane....He was on our plane.....

We breathed the same air for 2 hours.......

PERFECT ENDING TO A PERFECT TRIP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My heart is still racing.
I kid you not, I looked left toward cindy to I say, 'As long as that doors open, there's still a chance." I looked back towards that door and THERE HE WAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I gasped so deep my chest hurts.

I was looking out the tiny peep hole giving a play by play, "He's in the doorway. She handeded it him. He's reading it" After he read it he looked up and I am pretty sure I saw a smile. He held the note in his hand as he went over to claim his bag that was on a rolling cart beside the plane. As he headed out to the awaiting car, he still had it in his hand.

A Hometown Thank You: Clay Performs "Because You Loved Me" in Cary

There are always memorable and touching moments created when Clay performs in Raleigh. Let's start off with this... I'm sure all of you remember this moment fondly:

... and here is a clip of Clay singing "Because You Loved" me at the show in Raleigh last night:

Tidbits 8/11

• As disappointed as the Cary fans were last night, Mary ... Clay's tour manager ... blogged on Clay's OFC blog explaining why Clay wasn't allowed to walk the bus line after the show in Cary, NC last night: "for security reasons that some of you already understand, we can't allow Clay to 'walk the line' tonight."
  
• Broadway World - "Idol: The Musical" officially opening in NYC tomorrow...

  Idol: The Musical, a satire on the worship of former "American Idol" finalist, Clay Aiken, opens Sunday, August 12 at 8:15PM off-Broadway at the 45th Street Theatre (354 West 45th St).
  

• Tour mentions:
• Naples News - "You know the name. Now hear the man. Clay Aiken. He will perform at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall"
• Atlanta Sunday Paper -

  WED 15
  SECOND-PLACE SUCCESS: Singer CLAY AIKEN may not have taken home the title during the second season of “American Idol,” but he won the hearts of countless fans who continue to support his career in music. Aiken performs with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra tonight at 8 p.m. at Chastain Park. Tickets are $28$79. 404-249-6400. www.clayaiken.com.

• Northwest Herald - Christmas tour ... Waukegan
• NBC 17 Raleigh - fans camp out for Clay Aiken -

  "The main reason we're here is for Clay," said David Strickland, who got in line around 9AM. "It's worth the wait and the heat."
  
  Clay Aiken fans hoping to catch his show at the Koka Booth Amphitheater Friday night sweated it out through the worst of it. Most seemed prepared for the grueling wait.
  

• IGN - reviewer doesn't like Constantine Maroulis, nor Clay very much...

  Those fanatics will claim that I am being unfair to the singer because of his appearance on Idol and that I live only to bash the hit-making factory that churns out so much waste product on the musical landscape. But my defense is the positive review I gave Daughtry's debut release. Take that fact and the fact that I was unable to actually sit through even one song of Clay Aiken's debut release and you have to know that I know my Idol singers.

• There Was A Man on Clay's hometown performance of BYLM:

  Clay Aiken has been ending his summer tour with "Because You Loved Me" as a thank you to his fans for their support. A lot has happened in the fandom over the four years, but the fans that have stayed for the ride on the rollercoaster are steadfast in their admiration and appreciation of a fantastic singer and a really good man. As a response to Clay's thank you, the fans decided to wave glowsticks as an expression of their love and support. It's always a moving end to the show, but none so poignant as when he sang to his hometown crowd (along with many of his travelling fan posse) in Cary NC on August 10th.

• Carolina On My Mind - Cary, NC show a "family reunion" of sorts

Tidbits 8/8

Video of Jerry Aiken and Aron Hall's appearance on UNC-TV's N.C. Now is now up on ClackUnlimited. What great exposure for the TBAF!

• Clay is #9 this week in the Lycos 50, as you will see in the Lycos PR issued today (scroll down... it's near the middle of this post). He moved up 5 spots from #14.
  
• Des Moines Register - "Juice" - tips for AI auditioners: "Wanna be the next Ruben Studdard? OK, maybe Clay Aiken?"
• New York Post - article about AI4 6th placer Constantine Maroulis -

  EVERYONE knows even losers are winners on "American Idol."
  
  Need proof? Take a gander at Clay Aiken and Chris Daughtry - both are chart-topping, platinum-selling artists, even though they weren't crowned "Idols" - and don't forget Jennifer Hudson's Oscar win and Katharine McPhee's McPheever.

• Atlanta Journal Constitution/Access Atlanta -

  First place is overrated.
  
  Just ask "American Idol" losers Clay Aiken or Chris Daughtry — or Miranda Lambert.
  
  The country singer from Texas placed third in the first season of the USA Network's "Nashville Star," "American Idol's" country cousin, in 2003. But like those other two runners-up, Lambert has climbed higher than most of the series' winners.
  

• Raleigh News & Observer - Raleigh rap artists looking to be the next big thing out of Raleigh -

  As Raleigh police hurried the video shooters and bystanders off the corner early in the day, Small World thought about why he'll follow Clay Aiken as the next big thing from Raleigh and why North Carolina rappers haven't made a dramatic dent in the hip-hop scene.
  

• United Press International wire story - top search terms at Lycos -

  The week's other most popular terms were MySpace, YouTube, Pokemon, Naruto, Paris Hilton, Britney Spears, Disney, Clay Aiken and WWE.

• Earth Times- Lycos Inc. PR -

  The Lycos 50(TM) Top 10 Search Terms for the Week Ending Aug. 4, 2007:
  9) Clay Aiken

• Entertainment Weekly interviews Simon Cowell regarding his "talent search" based movie... uh... I think I'll pass on this one -

  EW: Any plans to cast past Idols as judges or producers of the competition?
  
  Simon: I can't imagine Clay Aiken producing the fictional show in this movie somehow, no. [Laughs] Maybe a choreographer or something, I don't know.

• Foxes On Idol - article about "So You Think You Can Dance". Mentions Clay in these paragraphs about how people vote.
  

  What surprised me was that Sara joined him out the door, not Lauren! However, I think a little American Idol history can explain just why she went now. In the second season, the final five were Ruben Studdard, Clay Aiken, Kimberley Locke, Josh Gracin, and Trenyce.
  
  Josh was clearly the weakest at this point in the competition. Although the other four were all talented, Trenyce was seen as the weakest of them and everyone thought that after Josh left Trenyce would follow him.
  
  But Josh had fans that called and called and called to save him and Trenyce was sent packing instead. She wasn’t as memorable as Ruben or Clay and she split votes with Kimberley, who was considered better. And with Carmen’s departure a week earlier, her fans also became complacent.

• Houston Press - well... I completely disagree with this:

  There’s a lot to be depressed about during the holiday season: a smaller-than-expected Christmas bonus, in-laws coming to visit, Clay Aiken television specials.
  

• Tour mentions
• Knoxville Metro Pulse... what does "dark in there" mean? "Sunday, Aug. 12: Clay Aiken performs tonight at the Tennessee Theatre at 8 p.m. Just one question, Aiken: Is it dark in there?"
• Northwest Herald - Waukegan Christmas concert

• Taking A Moment's Jemock sure has a story she's been waiting to tell... LOL -

  SOMEBODY went and posted those pictures of Clay wearing some seriously and perilously low-slung pants. Gravity-defying britches, people. I don't know what's holding them up. Well, actually I know EXACTLY what's holding them up, but this is a family board, so cypher your own darn physics. I can't do everything, gosh. Oh, and he has his arms raised. Oh mama. Do you know the pictures I'm talking about? They're floating around all over the fandom, you can find them somewhere, I'm sure. Just make sure you have some bail money in your pocket, because these pictures are barely legal. And by "barely legal" I mean "awfully nice in an artistic and spiritual sense". What it is, is Clay's singing and dancing his big o'l heart out, and he's wearing a shirt with the tail untucked and the famously-ubiquitous undershirt has ridden way up somewhere around armpit level, and he's not wearing a belt and he's got some fine, fine hips on him, of which 90% of said hip is nekkidly visible

• Carolina On My Mind - Clay gains new fans in California
  

Raleigh N&O to Publish Special Clay Page on August 10

The Raleigh News & Observer will publish a special Clay page in their August 10 issue to celebrate "Clay Aiken's 'Symphony' concert in Raleigh."

Raleigh fans can purchase their copy of the paper on August 10, or can reserve their copy of the paper for pick up at the Raleigh News & Observer offices for 50 cents per copy.

For fans outside N.C., the Raleigh News & Observer will be selling these special issues with Clay's page at the following prices:

$3.00/ea Mailed within the continental US
$6.00/ea Mailed to Hawaii or Alaska
$10.00/ea Mailed outside US

Complete order details are available at the Raleigh News & Observer website.

The photo of Clay that will be published was taken by the CB's jtgranny and is being published with her permission.

Summer Memories: Clay's 2003 Homecoming

Someone on the Clayboard just posted a link to this YouTube clip of Clay coming home to Raleigh during the 2003 American Idol Pop Tarts tour. Have a look... he certainly has come a long way, hasn't he? ... especially in the hair department!

This Is The Night -- Remember Those First Few Performances?

As we all know, Clay's first single was This Is The Night/Bridge Over Troubled Waters. Do you remember those first few times he sang that song after American Idol was over? I know there are many more besides the three videos I have gotten off of YouTube for you to watch, but these will help bring back those great memories of the early days of Clay.

This first one is from Good Morning America. This was one of Clay's first stops after American Idol. There was a small group of fans in the studio, many holding signs, probably more even outside, to let Clay know how much they loved him. And I'll always remember that smile of his after the song was finished. It was as though he was thinking, "I can't believe they really like me!" Click on the video below to relive these memories.



Next we have This Is The Night on The View. A bigger audience, and an even bigger voice singing it here. Yes, he was in great voice here. And still, there was that smile of his at the end, that smile we've all grown to love so much.



Finally, and this is one of my favorites, this is when Clay sang This Is The Night on the AI Tour in Raleigh. Clay rises up onto the stage, and you almost can't hear him for all the cheering from the home crowd. You can feel the pride in that venue that night. The love they had for their home town boy!! The last 3 minutes of the video is almost all cheering, with an obviously touched and tearful Clay taking it all in. I challenge you to watch this part without breaking into tears of your own. I can't!



I think the many memories of Clay singing This Is The Night, whether on his first CD, on a television show, on the AI Tour, or on his Solo Tour, will always hold a special place in each of our hearts. If you haven't watched some of these older performances in a while, maybe this is the night when you can do so!

12 Year Old Boy Raises $1000 for BAF

We've got a very heartwarming update about Jonathan Bunzey - the 12 year boy from Raleigh who set up a lemonaid stand this past weekend in Raleigh to raise money for the BAF. Jonathan had initially set a target of $400, but by the end of the day, about $1000 had been raised.

Jonathan's mother commented to the Raleigh News & Observer that it was a "way for him to give back" to the foundation. The BAF provides Jonathan with an interpreter so that he can attend summer camp.

Raleigh Mayor Charles Meeker declared this past Saturday as Jonathan Bunzey day to honor the young man's achievements.

You can read more about Jonathan's fundraiser at the Raleigh News & Observer and the BAF's website. Here's a snippet of the N&O article published today:

At the end of his six-hour shift, Jonathan had more than $1,000 for a cause near and dear to him.

Proceeds go to the Bubel/Aiken Foundation, which was co-founded by "American Idol" star and Raleigh favorite Clay Aiken, to help children with special needs. The foundation provides an interpreter for Jonathan so he can attend summer camps.

Jonathan set a goal of raising $400, so the final tally was a pleasant surprise. "Wow," Jonathan said through sign language as his mother interpreted.

One person slipped in a $100 bill.

Fundraising is nothing new for Jonathan, a bubbly youngster who likes to play basketball and jump on the trampoline. He was recently honored with the Bubel/Aiken Foundation's Champion of Change youth award for his work.

Raleigh Boy To Raise Money For BAF

It's always heartening to hear stories such as this. A Raleigh boy is raising money for Clay's Bubel Aiken Foundation by setting up a lemonaid stand at Taylor's Fine Wine & Grocery (10005 Six Forks Road in Raleigh) between 9 and 3 this Saturday.

Here's a small report from the Raleigh News & Observer -

As part of the LemonAID Stand Off, Jonathan is challenging kids to have their own lemonade stand between Saturday and June 9 to raise money for the foundation, which singer Clay Aiken of "American Idol" fame co-founded.

For more information, go to www.bubelaiken.org. Click on "What's New" for details. Prizes will be awarded to the two stands that raise the most money.

Clay Supports Preservation of Raleigh Park

According to the Carolina Newswire, Clay has signed a petition showing his support for the preservation of open space in Raleigh and the development of a "world-class destination park". The petition was started by the Friends of Dorothea Dix Park, who is trying to preserve 306 acres in Raleigh.

Clay's comments about this were:

“I am so excited about the opportunity that we have to protect such an amazing amount of open space right here in the Triangle. It's an opportunity that won't likely ever come again. It is an opportunity that the over developed cities and towns around the country can only wish they still had, and that we are blessed with,” said Aiken.

He also said that the park would contribute to the quality of life in Raleigh, and he is encouraging others to also sign the petition. The Friends of Dorothea Dix Park are excited to have Clay as a supporter, and of course, rightly so. Its not surprising to me, however, that Clay would take such a positive interest in the town he calls home and loves so much.

If you would like to sign the petition go to the Dorothea Dix Park website.

Update 3/30: The Raleigh News & Observer has also posted an article about this:

Count American Idol’s Clay Aiken among supporters of turning the Dorothea Dix Hospital campus into a park.

Friends of Dorothea Dix Park — a group pushing for the creation of an urban park on the 306-acre Dix grounds near downtown — touted Aiken’s support in a news release today. Aiken has signed a petition for the group.

“I am so excited about the opportunity that we have to protect such an amazing amount of open space right here in the Triangle,” the news release quoted Aiken as saying. “It's an opportunity that won't likely ever come again. It is an opportunity that the overdeveloped cities and towns around the country can only wish they still had, and that we are blessed with.”

Bubel Aiken Foundation Issues PR For Upcoming Raleigh Gala

The Bubel Aiken Foundation has issued a press release for the upcoming Raleigh BAF "Champions for Change" gala to be held on March 31.

Mar 31: The Bubel/Aiken Foundation Hosts Champion for Change Gala at Raleigh’s Cardinal Club (Raleigh)


Raleigh, NC- The Bubel/Aiken Foundation (TBAF) will be hosting its annual Champion of Change Gala, Saturday, March 31, at the Cardinal Club in Raleigh. The Gala honors individuals and groups who have created opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in all that life has to offer.

The event will feature a special performance by multi-platinum recording artist Clay Aiken as well as an exquisite three-course dinner from Executive Chief Fred Leach, compliments of the Cardinal Club. Lynda Loveland, local news anchor for WRAL-TV, will serve as mistress of ceremonies. Champion of Change awards will be given to State Farm Insurance, Coach Jim Johnson, TBAF’s Voices of Beta Alpha volunteers and Youth Honoree, Jonathan Bunzey.

“I am proud to celebrate the accomplishments of our honorees. State Farm Insurance’s corporate commitment to seeing communities become places where all children can participate, our own Beta Alpha volunteers’ passion and dedication to raising awareness all across the country, Coach Jim Johnson’s decision to include a child in an event that in turn gave hope to countless people, and Jonathan Bunzey’s willingness to take the benefits from his own experience and turn it around to help others should inspire all of us to use our voices to make a difference in our own communities for inclusion”, said Clay Aiken, co-founder of TBAF.

State Farm Insurance has teamed with TBAF to provide much needed funding that will spur the development of an educational curriculum focused on teaching social and life skills to children of all abilities. The Bubel/Aiken Foundation’s K-12 Inclusive Community Service Project is designed to address factors that impede the successful inclusion of children with disabilities both in school and in the community. With State Farm’s help, the Inclusive Community Service Project will create awareness about the abilities of all young people. We will be able to change the attitudes and behaviors that stigmatize and exclude children with disabilities from all that life has to offer. Together, State Farm and The Bubel/Aiken Foundation will foster real life experiences that promote the positive role full inclusion will play in all our lives and the lives of generations to come.

In July 2006, The Bubel/Aiken Foundation formalized its volunteer efforts in an initiative called the Voices of Beta Alpha. Over the course of several months, Beta Alpha chapters have been established in twenty states and on nine message boards. Chapters have been actively doing fundraisers ranging from jewelry sales to trivia nights raising significant funding to support the Foundation’s mission of full inclusion.

On February 13, 2006, Champion of Change Honoree, Coach Jim Johnson made the kindhearted gesture of inserting his team manager who has autism, Jason McElwain—now known to the world as J-Mac—into Greece Athena High School’s final home game, which the Trojans won 79-43. J-Mac scored 20 points in just over four minutes, including six three-point baskets, to become an instant national celebrity. Johnson is being honored as a Champion of Change for his commitment to including everyone on his team and making a decision for inclusion that has brought to light the possibilities that including children with disabilities can bring not only for the particular child but also for an entire community.

For the past four years, Jonathan Bunzey, the Champion of Change Youth Honoree, has worked on the We Build People Campaign at the A.E. Finley YMCA in Raleigh, NC. He raises money for kids with special needs to be able to have the same, fun camp experience at the YMCA that he has had. In his first year with the campaign, he raised around $700. Three years later, Jonathan challenged himself and raised $6400.

“The Bubel/Aiken Foundation believes it’s time to include all children in community programs. We would like everyone to understand that inclusion benefits children with and without disabilities. The Foundation is committed to creating communities where ALL children can learn, live and play together. My sincere thanks go out to the Cardinal Club for embracing the mission of our foundation by hosting this gala. I’m grateful for everyone’s support and participation. My hope is that together, we can make our world a better place for ALL children”, said Diane Bubel, co-founder. Bubel will be speaking at the Gala.

The Cardinal Club is located on the 28th floor of the Wachovia Capital Center Building, 150 Fayetteville Street Mall. The event begins at 7 pm. Tickets for the event are sold out.

About TBAF: The Bubel/Aiken Foundation will serve to bridge the gap that exists between young people with special needs and the world around them. By providing services and financial assistance, TBAF supports communities and programs in creating awareness and opportunities for full inclusion where barriers break and doors open. It is their goal to create an environment for children where inclusion is embraced. To learn more about The Bubel/Aiken Foundation or ways to get involved visit their website at www.bubelaiken.org.

About Cardinal Club: The Cardinal Club provides an elegant gathering place for North Carolina's business and social communities. As a respite from a busy world, the Cardinal Club's atmosphere encourages Members to enjoy family and friends, foster new relationships and expand personal and professional horizons, all in a world-class setting of comfort, privacy and uncompromising quality. As an integral part of its community, the Cardinal Club is committed to Raleigh's development and prosperity and to being the employer of choice in the Raleigh area hospitality industry. Visit them on the web at www.cardinal-club.com

Tidbits 3/7

• Raleigh News & Observer - In an article about rising home values in the Raleigh area, there is a comment on Clay's home:

  "If we can figure out where Clay Aiken bought, and there are more houses around it for sale, we might sell them for 14 percent appreciation," said Kathy Sims, a top seller for ReMax United in Cary. But local appreciation "averages 5 percent and it's been like that for four years."

• LAist - In another article from Tony Pierce about Idols who have sung The National Anthem, Tony says, "And who on Earth would have thought that Clay Aiken would still be on people's radar?" Not sure what this guy has against Clay, but I mark him off as a reporter who just doesn't have an inkling of a clue.
• Beacon News - In an article called Idolatry 101, Mike Danahey, Staff Writer, said,

  "Cowell consistently tells contestants to be "distinctive and unique." Sure, some people from the show have gone on to have best-selling albums and to win Grammy Awards, but we dare you to point out anything original about the music of say, Clay Aiken, or the vocal stylings of Carrie Underwood."

  I think Merv Griffin answered this one really well:

  "...If you can turn on the radio and say oh that’s Clay Aiken, oh that’s Barbra Streisand, oh that Frank Sinatra, oh that’s Tony Bennett…they’re a star, if you can identify them immediately by their sound. That kid has his own sound…he’s got energy, he’s got soul, he’s got, oh that voice pours out of him. And that’s the problem with most singers today…oh no, I’m not criticizing anybody….”

• Bella Online quotes Clay in an article about pop music ... “It’s not the money. It’s not the fame. It’s the influence.” ~Clay Aiken
• Los Angeles Times - Can AI find the next Clay? "Can the next Clay Aiken be hanging over that railing before us? 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)."
• USA Today ... reader opinions on American Idol. One reader says: "American Idol isn't just a reality show. The show has become a career launching pad that has led to very profitable paths. Just look at Jennifer Hudson, Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson, Clay Aiken or Fantasia."
• A few more AI6 related articles:
• Dallas Fr. Worth Star Telegram (negative)
• Wichita Eagle:

  Which brings me to Sanjaya. Oh, Sanjaya. Can someone please, please explain this kid to me? Although I didn't think it was possible, his appointment with the flat iron -- and his revelation that he's an amateur hula dancer -- made him seem creepier than ever. I suspect he's seduced the whole Clay Aiken contingency, what with his completely nonthreatening girlish good looks, but please, people, can we stop the insanity? Do not give this boy Phil's spot in the top 12!

• Actress Archives - "While Clay Aiken couldn't grab the Idol crown in Season Two, he still became a household name and sold millions of album."
• Idaho Statesman - Will Antonella Barba be kicked off AI for racy photos? "Remember Frenchie Davis, who got kicked off in the Ruben Studdard/Clay Aiken year for her own set of racy photos?"
  
• BYU News Net - article mentions Jacob Luttrell, who toured with Clay in 2004 & 2005 ... "professional performer Jacob Luttrell, who has spent much of the last three years touring with multi-platinum recording artists Kelly Clarkson and Clay Aiken."
  
• NY Daily News on the hand-over-mouth Kelly Ripa incident last November ... ""Dancing With the Stars" hottie Mario Lopez was in NYC Monday to play guest host with Kelly Ripa on "Live With Regis and Kelly." That should definitely make up for the Clay Aiken incident."

• The ConCLAYve - celebrating the big 50 with Clay Aiken ... "For those of you out there who have yet to reach this milestone, I can tell you that I am living proof that the popular adage is true: “50 is the new 30.” And Clay, pretty much…it’s all your fault."
  

Memory Road - Clay Sings National Anthem in Raleigh

Remember back maybe 3 years ago when Clay sang the National Anthem at a Raleigh hockey game? Well, here's a chance for you to relive that moment again.

Clay's version is at laist.com. Now forget what the writer of this article wrote. Its not worth even reading. But read all the support in the "Comments" section. And I believe much of the support is not from Clay fans. One of my favorite comments is from a university orchestra/band director...

Being an Orchestra and Band Director/Conductor at one of our large University,I have heard hundreds of singers sing our National Anthem so I was curious to see how a singer from American Idol will fare. I am not really familiar with Clay Aiken so I watched the video. My verdict: Mr. Aiken has an awesome voice, pure in tone and clarity, great phrasing, and an exceptional vocal range. One of the best singers of our national anthem that I have heard in my life. Wow what a great performance. Thank you to who ever posted this. Posted by: wmharrison | March 1, 2007 5:05 PM

...and someone who states he is not even from America...

I am not even an American and I can appreciate how brilliantly and beautifully Clay sang your National Anthem. I don't get the joke and why is it even a joke that people want to hear Clay sing? He's got a beautiful voice and he is one of the most talented singers I have ever heard. I definitely would love to hear him sing more! NO JOKE!
Posted by: Roni | March 1, 2007 8:21 AM

But they are all great.

You will definitely want to go listen to this absolutely fantastic performance by Clay. It will send chills down your spine. And the comments will have you cheering. And whoever wrote the rude words? I think he is slinking away with his tail between his legs.

Tidbits 2/8

The Raleigh News & Observer has found a cool website called MapMuse.com that allows you to "map" American Idol contestants... "Type in "Raleigh, N.C." and a map appears with Clay Aiken's name." ... check it out here.

• Blender Magazine has a list of the "hottest women (and men) of American Idol"... Clay comes in at #3 on the list after Kelly Clarkson and Katharine McPhee.
• Clay Aiken The Ideal Idol - best Clay Aiken hairstyle? You vote!
  
• Zap2it.tv - poor first week numbers for AI5 runner-up Katharine McPhee... "That's not even getting into the 613,000 in first week sales for Clay Aiken's 2003 debut 'Measure of a Man.'"
• Variety Music - another Katharine McPhee article...

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

• Rolling Stone - Katharine McPhee CD review...

  If American Idol were a right-wing agenda, cornballs like Clay Aiken and Taylor Hicks would be Bush and Cheney, and Katharine McPhee would be an affable centrist: a little more square than you'd like, but not hopeless.
  

• Yahoo press release for the Yahoo/UNICEF UpClose promotion Clay participated in last week...

  Clay Aiken kicked off the campaign on January 30th with the question: “What can we do to get more Americans committed to supporting programs that help children?”, which received close to 6,000 answers from the Yahoo! Answers community.
  
  “We all need to work together to help the world’s children survive,” said UNICEF Ambassador Clay Aiken. “Online communities such as Yahoo! Answers give us a powerful forum to talk about the challenges UNICEF faces and discuss new solutions for saving kids’ lives.”

• Trans World News - AI6 article...

  While American Idol has obviously made big names for artists like Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Clay Aiken, Ruben Studdard, Fantasia Barrino and Taylor Hicks it is often the train-wreck auditions that bring out the biggest audiences. As the "Idol" sensation has taken hold of the U.S. it has also become a staple in several other countries.

• Channel One - just what is American Idol?? "Clay Aiken called it “boot camp” for the entertainment world."
• Denton Record Chronicle - runner-ups sometimes 'win' on AI --

  But losers have had their cake, too: Jennifer Hudson, who lost in the third season, was recently nominated for an Oscar for her role in Dreamgirls. Several others used the exposure to garner record deals with some releasing best-selling albums, including second season runner-up Clay Aiken and the fifth season’s Chris Daughtry.

• Des Moines Register - AI article...

  You can spin off a Kelly Clarkson, a Clay Aiken, a Carrie Underwood and have them find their own particular pop niche with whatever backing musicians suit them for the occasion. Or you can have a finalist like Chris Daughtry return to his band and pull them up with him.
  

• Daily Targum - negative Clay mention, AI article... "So remember what show was responsible for subjecting us to Clay Aiken and the countless butchering of American pop classics."
  
• Seacoast Online/Portsmouth Herald - article about a talent/singing contest...

  Contestants covered songs by artists like Bonnie Raitt and Candlebox, and American Idols Clay Aiken and Carrie Underwood. S Students gathered on the mezzanine to take in the two-hour show.

• Richmond Times Dispatch - music and the Super Bowl... how about an American Idol for Super Bowl 2008???

  They're easy to malign, but I would argue that among Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard, Clay Aiken, Fantasia, Underwood, Taylor Hicks and Katharine McPhee, there are a lot of demographics and musical styles being hit and obviously, people watch the show.
  

• Roanoke Times - photo caption contest winner... a photo of two women staring at a very ugly cake... "Those idiots at the bakery sent the Ryan Seacrest/Clay Aiken cake topper!"
• Cinematic Happenings - random Clay/Kelly Clarkson mention in this gaming article.
• Newsday - article about some comic cracking weird Clay jokes... I don't even get it! "I was on the Clay Aiken diet. That's where you pop in a Clay Aiken CD and try to keep food down."

• There Was A Man on Clay's GMA visit last week... some nice photos and a YouTube video cap.
  

Tidbits 2/4

• Raleigh News & Observer - article about Raleigh's history ... "With the possible exception of singer Clay Aiken, its most famous sons have been former Sens. Jesse Helms and John Edwards. "
• The Spoof (satire) - choosing the next President American Idol style? ... Paula says .. "Being a woman I'm kind of partial to Hilary, sorry Obama but when judging I'll try to be fair and balanced unlike Simon. Simon hates everyone except Clay Aiken but that's another story best left to be told by Simon and Clay."

• Nothing here yet today.
  

Clay's Interview With ABC News Now

After making his Good Morning America appearance on Thursday, Clay sat down with ABC News Now's Be Seen, Be Heard for an interview. The interviewer says "Clay was one of the nicest guys I've ever met!"

Clay talked about why he chose to join UNICEF, noting it was UNICEF who approached him about becoming a celebrity ambassador - "Well, they asked me which kind of sparked my interest. I was a teacher before I started singing. UNICEF has ambassadors who focus on different areas... different areas that UNICEF works in... they didn't really have an ambassador who was focusing on education, so there was there natural synergy for me to be that person." The reporter then goes on to show clips of Clay visiting Indonesia and Uganda in 2005.

ABC then showed some video questions submitted by fans. The first clip brought a smile to Clay's face as a sweet girl asked "What can kids do to help UNICEF?" Clay responded saying that it was important to "research, study and have an interest in what is going on [around the world]... I'm constantly amazed at the grassroots efforts the [Claymates] come up with to raise money... a lot of them are college students or individuals who do not have the ability to financially give. It's amazing when people are passionate -- they'll figure out a way."

The next question came from a Claynadian who wanted to know whether Clay was "inspired" by his UNICEF experience to write a song about it in the future. In response, Clay says: "I'm not the most creative... I think people have talents in different areas. Have I seen things that I think are inspirational enough to have a song written about them? Absolutely. I leave that to the experts - a friend of mine, Steven Curtis Chapman, is a prolific song writer."

The interviewer then moved on to Clay's Yahoo-UNICEF question - "What can we do to get more Americans committed to the cause?" - and some answers from ABC viewers and Yahoo readers. One suggested "more funding for exchange programs to allow our kids to visit these countries, work there, and see for themselves."

After dealing with the subject of UNICEF, ABC moved on and showed viewer questions about other "important" subject matters...

• On the 3 things he would need if he was stuck on a desert island: "my dogs... but that's two dogs and I've only got one thing left and I would probably die. Um... I really like Breyer's Peach Ice Cream, so I have to take that, my cell phone to talk to people - I'm a gadget person... but I don't have a charger! How about a helicopter and a manual on how to use it?"
• On his next tour and when he'd come back to Canada: "Well, I won't be taking a UNICEF trip to Canada. We were thinking of doing a concert tour in developed nations, or a UNICEF visit to somewhere like Bowsman, Montana and that's it... Oh! You mean a truthful answer... We're working on a tour, trying to get something together for the summer. As far as the next trip for UNICEF, there are a number of different countries we are looking at. We're in the process of looking at different possibilities."
• On his college grades: "I was a good, well, decent student in college. I got good grades in college. In high school it's a completely different thing. I always thought I'd go to college for music. My favorite subjects were social studies... maybe I wish I did better in high school."
• On Jennifer Hudson's success and his joke about being (possibily) the 2nd most successful runner-up now: "Oh my god... I'm so embarassed!"
• On a 2008 Clay Aiken Calendar: "We haven't found a camera that will take 12 pictures of me without breaking." (ROTFL!) ... "We're working on it, but we're only managed to get up to June. Maybe that will get us in gear?"

Watch the entire clip at ABCNews.com or download the clip at SendSpace.