Tidbits 9/22

• Clay is back at #1 on the Lycos Top 50 search list. The reason given is his return to Spamalot.
  
  The report he has been on the chart for 458 weeks but of course that
  would be incorrect since that would come to 8.8 years. Actually he
  entered the list to my understanding on May 2003 and has not been off
  the list thus far. That would actually be 278 weeks on the chart.
  
  
• Broadway.com - How did we miss this one? Dated 9/19, on Clay's opening night, this article entitled All Hail Sir Robin as Clay Aiken Returns to Spamalot! is overflowing with praise as follows:

  If you were taking a cab across 44th Street on September 19, chances are it wasn't cheap. With Daniel Radcliffe appearing down the block in previews for Equus, the sidewalks got even more crowded with fans and onlookers, thanks to Clay Aiken's splashy return to Spamalot. After leaving the show in April (and becoming a father last month), the pop phenom reassumed the role of Sir Robin and brought down the house with his seemingly effortless performance and an ace rendition of "You Won't Succeed on Broadway." Aiken's signed on through January 4, so if you missed him the first time, here's your chance to be impressed. And trust us, the guy's pretty darn amazing.

  How great is it to hear a review that says, "Trust us, the guy's pretty darn amazing"!!

Tidbits 9/17

• The Clayboard - Tiggy52winkle from The Clayboard posted some great news about the Spamalot Playbill:

  I just got a call from my friend Fab4Clayton who is at Spamalot tonight with her hubby (they've been in NYC for ballgames). She said Clay's name is ALREADY in the playbill and the guy who is playing Clay's parts tonight is listed on an insert in the program (this is what they do when someone is substituting in a role). Woooo hoooo! They are ready for Clay's triumphant return!!! She also asked about the merchandise during Clay's run and was told that they will be selling the same items as last time: the shirt, magnet, button and poster in the program. Nothing new.

• AOL Home Page - The following title is on AOL's home page where Jennifer Hudson's photo is (her photo is on #8 of 8 items on the left side of the page). Look for this: "'Idol' Alum's Drawing the 'Line'
  Doesn't Want to Be Heartbroken (Again)". From AOL's page, click on the words "Doesn't Want To Be Heartbroken (Again)" and you will be taken to "AOL Sessions" and Clay's song, Where I Draw The Line. Or click on the words "AOL Sessions" above to go to AOL Sessions. Right now this song is #2 on the list of "Most Viewed" songs. Give it a hit and let's move it up to #1!

Tidbits

Playbill Issues With Clay's fan-written Bio

It is reported by Joy2talk2u at the Clayboard that the copy of the Playbill with the fan written bio will be made available to the Clay fans via a pre-sale at PlaybillStore.com. If you are interested in a copy please check at the website to see when it will be available and how you can purchase it.

Also the SPAMALOT Souvenir Program with Clay Aiken Insert While Clay Aiken was appearing in Spamalot earlier this year are available, however a very limited number of the Programs with the Clay insert are available, so be sure to order these soon as well. Please check for this at the PlaybillStore.com.

OT: Shrek with a surprise


For those that remember Christopher Siebert as Sir Dennis Galahad in Spamalot, when Clay started in Spamalot, well he has gone on to play the part of Lord Farquaad in Shrek, in a very unusual way. This is the review on his role as reported to Playbill.com by the Seattle Times.

The Seattle Times said the musical had heart, but that it had flaws, citing areas in costuming, scoring and staging that could be improved. But it was, overall, an encouraging review. Variety also said the show had flaws, "but none necessarily fatal." The best performance notices went to Christopher Siebert, who plays the evil, and short, villain Lord Farquaad entirely on his knees.

Ouch!! What was that Clay said about hurting after rehersals for Spamalot, wonder if he would like to play Sir Robin on his knees, LOL...

Tidbits 9/11

• Fredericksburg.com - Reference to Clay:

  STAFFORD POOCH IS NO. 2 BY THE NUMBERS
  
  Semi-finalist Andrew and trainer Laurie Williams came in second in the contest for "Greatest American Dog"...
  
  ...She doesn't know if she'll get any prize for being runner-up. But, with all the attention and support she's received as a result of the program, she said sometimes it works out just as well to come in second.
  
  "It's kind of a Ruben Studdard," she said, referring to the American Idol contestant. "He won, but Clay Aiken got the better recording contract."
  

• The Northerner - Even in the presidential elections Clay gets mentions:...
  
  

  It seems every year the presidential election is one step closer to being nothing more than an Olympic-sized popularity contest, with voters choosing candidates like American Idol chose its Rubin Studdard (even if everyone believes Clay Aiken should have won).

  
  
  
• USA Today - Emmys, Josh Groban will salute TV theme songs
  
  Does this sound familiar???
  
  LOS ANGELES — It's the story of a man named Groban, who is singing ).
  TV theme songs we all know. In a musical tribute, singer Josh Groban will perform bits of memorable themes at the 60th Primetime Emmy Awards on ABC (Sept. 21, 8
  Wonder where they got the idea, LOL...
  
  
• From Jesben and Lilred at The Clayboard, we learn that Clay was a clue during jeorpardy:
  
  From Jesben:

  Under the heading, "Celebrities' Original Names" - they gave the original, the contestants had to identify them as they are known now.
  
  CLAYTON HOLMES GRISSOM
  
  I answered. My husband said, "Who?" The lady in the middle got it right away (she won tonight.)
  
  Along with Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Tony Orlando, Roman Polanski and Tom Cruise.

  From Lilred:

  The clue read "American Idol HEARTTHROB Clayton Holmes Grissom"

  And the answer, obviously is "Clayton Holmes Aiken"!

Tidbits 9/10

• Yahoo News - In an article called "Shopping Channel QVC Sees Music Opportunities", Clay is mentioned as follows:

  So far this year, QVC has broadcast only two music shows -- for Clay Aiken's "On My Way Here" and Randy Travis' "Around the Bend" -- with a third one planned for September 12 on James Taylor's "Covers."...
  
  ...Aiken's QVC appearance seems to have inspired 25,000 scans through the nontraditional nonstore Internet/mail-order/venue category, which accounted for 27% of his album's first-week sales of 94,000 units in the week ended May 11, according to Nielsen SoundScan. Year to date, it has sold 150,000 units.

  
  
• GoodSearch.com - GoodSearch has a new page called "Who's Doing Good?" which, according to their site "feature(s) celebrities, musicians, athletes, and companies that are helping to make the world a better place." Today's celebrity is Clay!
  
  Click on Clay's picture on the homepage (link above) and you will be brought to the "Who's Doing Good?" page. Here'a little of what it says about Clay:

  As Diane and Clay’s friendship grew, it became apparent they both shared the same vision – a world where children of all abilities were offered the experiences of full inclusion. Their goal became to create TBAF and make this shared vision a reality.

Tidbits 9/9

• Fayclay at The Clayboard gives us some great news she received from her friend in Singapore. The news is in the form of a review of On My Way Here:

  The review is from a local Singapore mag called Life Style, August issue and a star album pick of the month.
  
  Life Style magazine is a mag send to union members monthly. It had been giving good review to Clay's all other cds as well as his book, Learning To Sing.

  
  
• There is a McDonalds commercial out right now that has a little boy who looks like Clay when he was younger. Watch this YouTube video below and see if you can pick him out. Here's a couple of pictures of Clay as a boy to help you:
  
  
  
  
  
• Freep.com (Detroit Free Press) - In an article called Check Out Our Baby Name Database, Clay and baby Parker are listed under Celebrity Baby Names :

  Here are some of the names celebrities picked for their new bundles of joy:
  
  August
  
  • Singer Gwen Stefani's son: Zuma Nesta Rock
  
  • Actor Matt Damon's daughter: Gia Zavala
  
  • Singer Clay Aiken's son: Parker

Tidbits 9/6

• Via cuddles4clay03 at The Clayboard - Clay will be in the September 22 issue of People Magazine. Sarah Palin will be on the cover, and Clay will be in the Mailbag section. Here is the quote from the magazine:

  Congratulations to Clay Aiken. I always believed that he would make a wonderful father. It's just like Clay to march to the beat of his own drum.
  
  Vickie Davie
  Starke, Fla

• Broadway Cares Ebay.com Auction - The Broadway Spamalot Clay Aiken lobby board name slider is being auctioned in this Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS auction. The bid as of this writing is up to $265.00 Here is the description and picture of the item:
  
  

  LOT #9 - With AMERICAN IDOL SENSATION CLAY AIKEN’S name printed in white on a blue background, this authentic Broadway lobby slider let audience members know that Clay (rather than his understudy) would be playing Sir Robin in SPAMALOT, the long-running Broadway sensation now in its fourth year. Taking over a role originally performed on Broadway by David Hyde Pierce, Aiken played Sir Robin form Jan 18 through May 4 of this year, receiving rave reviews. Going, going…

Tidbits 7/29

KOIN-TV via Entertainment Tonight -

Dad-to-be Clay Aiken got a chance to practice his kid skills this summer as he spent five days touring Somalia observing UNICEF programs.

The UNICEF Ambassador spent time with Somali children, and got to see first-hand programs to improve child health, safe water, sanitation and hygiene, primary education, child protection and girls' empowerment.

Clay said about his tour of the country, "It's truly remarkable that UNICEF is still able to make a difference in the health, education and overall well-being of Somali children."

• Idolator blogs about Canadian Idol ... Clay mention: "Mark Day—Canada's Clay Aiken!—knows what's up, taking on a Sugarland track in the midst of the band's hype bubble. "
• Web Devil - American Idol auditions are back -

  We may not be Kelly Clarkson or Clay Aiken (thank God), but trying out for American Idol when it came to Phoenix last week would have been fun all the same. We'd get to mingle with Ryan Seacrest; impress Paula, Randy and Simon; stand in a line with thousands of other hopefuls and possibly humiliate ourselves. Sounds like fun to us.

• Loveland Reporter Herald - story about songwriter Ben Glover, who has written songs for Clay -

  The Backstreet Boys, Trace Adkins, Clay Aiken and Avalon are some of the musicians on a long list of those Glover has written songs for or whose music he has helped improve.

• TV Grapewine - American Idol news ...

  Clay Aiken will be a father in just a few short weeks, but he is still an UNICEF ambassador. He recently returned from Somalia and Kenya and has blogged about the importance of getting the children into a normal routine. He wants a solid education for all!

• Deseret News - Clay Aiken made American Idol a show about personality: Simon Cowell -

  "I honestly think (Season 2 runner-up) Clay Aiken has changed this competition forever.... It's becoming incredibly personality led now," Cowell said — explaining Season 5 winner Taylor Hicks.

Tidbits 7/25

The news is definitely slow these days, but somehow I managed to find a few tidbits to write about.

SOMALIA/KENYA MENTIONS:

• Koin News (Koin.com) - In an article about his trip to Somalia, they say:

  The UNICEF Ambassador spent time with Somali children, and got to see first-hand programs to improve child health, safe water, sanitation and hygiene, primary education, child protection and girls' empowerment.

• News4jax - Same as above mention. Both Koin and News4jax got their news stories from ET Online.
  
  
• JustJared.com - Another great Clay mention at JustJared:

  UNICEF Ambassador Clay Aiken recently visited the East African countries of Somalia and Kenya, where UNICEF provides children with health care, education, nutrition, clean water and sanitation.
  
  The 29-year-old American Idol alum has written a series of blogs about his experience in the field....Read all of Clay Aiken’s blog entries at UNICEFUSA.org. (Hint: Click on the “Permalinks” to view the full entries.)

• People.com - A great mention about Clay's UNICEF trip here:

  Aiken, 29, recently visited Somalia and Kenya, and has been blogging about the trip on the UNICEF Web site.
  
  In his final posting, Aiken writes how violence during the country's election earlier this year left thousands of children homeless. And even though the unrest has decreased, many of the kids have not returned to their schools.
  
  "Getting children back to school is vital for their protection, and helps build a sense of normalcy in their lives," Aiken writes. "The re-establishment of schools in the most difficult circumstances is a testament to the commitment of UNICEF and to Kenyans."
  
  Aiken continues, "Every child has the right to an education. Education transforms lives and breaks the cycle of poverty that so many children are caught in. And an educated child will make sure his or her own children receive an education too."

The "Who does he think he is, Clay Aiken?" quote about Barack Obama's traveling entourage is making the rounds:

• Patriot Post US - The "quote" is mentioned on this site as follows:

  Obama traveled with dozens of his “national security advisors” selected from his staff of more than 300 (yes, that’s THREE HUNDRED) foreign policy advisors. There were dozens more—strategists, campaign gofers, makeup artists and court jesters—enough to create an entourage that looked genuinely imposing in transit. As John McCain’s campaign spokesman Brian Rogers quipped, “Who does he think he is, Clay Aiken?”

• KDBC News (El Paso) - This post was seen on Yahoo's news page. Its worked its way to El Paso, TX now:

  Democrat Barack Obama doesn't travel light.
  
  Halfway around the world, the Obama campaign machine appears as sprawling and seamless as it is on its home turf. As the presumptive Democratic nominee tours five countries in five days, he brings an entourage that would make a pop star envious.... "Who does he think he is?" Rogers asked of Obama. "Clay Aiken?"

Other Tidbits:

• Pollstar.com - A small Clay mention:

  Lunchtime on the Fresno Coast and we have new dates for Willie Nelson, Bill Cosby, Kris Kristofferson and Boyz II Men, plus links to items about Ry Cooder, Clay Aiken.....Clay Aiken stands up for Kenyan children - People

  If you click on Clay's name in the quote above, it will take you where you can sign up to be notified when Clay goes on tour.

Tidbits 7/17

• Tim Johnson Photography & Calligraphy-SmugMug - There are two pre-American idol photos of Clay from a wedding at this site with the following under the pictures:
  

  Clay Aiken Was Always A Talented, Kind Young Man, Becoming An Idol Was Just A Bonus. Here he is preparing to be the wedding singer in his pre-Idol days.

  
  
  
• Lalate Celebrity News - This site is an awesome site with some positive articles about Clay. Give it some hits! Lalate reports the following:

  LALATE’S Clay Aiken videos now are the most watched Clay Aiken videos on two of three of the top video websites in the U.S.
  
  “eLATED for Clay Aiken”, the premiere of LALATE’s third celebrity news TV program called “eLated”, now is the most watched Clay Aiken video on Brightcove and Daily Motion.
  
  “eLATED” for Clay Aiken was a biopic video premiere of Aiken’s career, produced in advance of his current album. It’s first aire date was May this on Daily Motion, but didn’t get deployed even onto Brightcove until June.
  
  Yesterday, LALATE was proud to learn that it has become the highest ranked celebrity news site for Clay Aiken. This month, Aiken has raised online $50,000 for the effort in Somalia.If you enjoy this story, and love Clay, start chatting about it now in the new chat!

  In addition, check out the following links to other articles in lalate about Clay:
  
  Clay Aiken Somalia Picture
  Clay Aiken Somalia II - In this article, lalate also asks fans the following:

  In other Aiken news, many LALATE readers have been asking if Clay will go on tour this year. So how about this - should LALATE start a petition to urge a Clay Aiken winter mini-tour?

  
  Hollywood Hottest Body 2008 (For men, Clay was chosen as the best "heart")
• Pasadena Weekly - An article called A Tribe is Born, by Kristy Lucero, which is about a hip hop dance group for kids, Clay is mentioned as follows:

  “They see what I do and they want to be professional dancers,” says Cain, who is an award-winning dancer and has choreographed shows for various hotels in Las Vegas, as well as for Clay Aiken’s “Invisible” video. “I’ve been there. I know what it’s like to be in this industry,” she says.

Tidbits 7/16

• Access Atlanta crunches American Idol winning single sales numbers -

  My numbers-obsessed friend Ken Barnes at USA Today posted the total sales of the various coronation songs here.. Given that back in 2002-03, most sales were CDs and now they are all downloads means a bit of an oranges to apples situation but Clay Aiken is at the top (and he didn’t even win!), followed by Kelly, Carrie and Ruben. Taylor is fifth but David Cook’s “This is My Time” will probably lapse it in a couple of weeks.
  

• Mullet Wrapper - Taylor Hicks follows idol footsteps to Broadway - "Fantasia Barrino starred in The Color Purple, while Clay Aiken nabbed a recent role in Spamalot."
• The Liberty Papers on why American Idol democracy doesn't exactly work -

  How have the results turned out? Well, not so stellar. Of all the American Idol alumni who are releasing records, the top two sellers are Idol winners, Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood. The next two highest on the list, Clay Aiken and Chris Daughtry, are non-winners. Being from different seasons than the above two, one can’t claim that they were “overshadowed” by the winner’s success. Following these two, in 5th and 6th place, are season 2 and 3 winners, Ruben Studdard and Fantasia. Given the length of time between their seasons and now, one can be sure that their album sales won’t climb much in the future– unlike Daughtry above them, who is still on an upward path in his career. In the case of Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard, Aiken– who finished runner-up to Studdard– has sold over 2 million more albums and his follow-up albums have peaked far higher on the charts than Studdard’s non-debut albums.
  

• Washington Post -

  Washington Post music critic J. Freedom du Lac is online every Tuesday at 2 p.m. ET to talk about the latest on the music scene: alternative, country, alt-country, pop, hyphy, harp-rock, reggae, reggaeton, R and B and whatever it is that Clay Aiken does.
  

• Clay's appeal for Somalia:
  • Something That Really Happened -

    Clay Aiken has been blogging about his recent trip to Somalia. So far, he has posted two blogs. The situation is dire. My heart goes out to the children. Here are some excerpts from the blogs, but be sure to click on the links for the blogs to read the rest of what he has to say as well as to see more pictures:

  • FlippinBirds
  • The ConCLAYve -

    UNICEF Ambassador Clay Aiken is continuing his work to promote support for the children of Somalia, following his recent trip to the northwestern region of Somaliland.
    
    In a blog entitled Somalia: Keep spreading the word, Aiken thanks donors for raising $50,000 for Somalia's children in the last six days, and challenges UNICEF supporters to take action in advocating for children.

  • There Was A Man -

    In light of Clay Aiken's recent trip to Somaliland on behalf of UNICEF, I would like to feature a 2005 documentary of Somaliland produced by BBC journalist Simon Reeve. Somaliland is a breakaway state that no one in the world recognizes as a legitimate land.

    
    

Tidbit 7/12

• From the Clayboard - Hwee tells us some great news about On My Way Here in Singapore:

  Finally OMWH is been introduce as a new song by Singapore's radio, Power 98fm. When I was driving home from work I got a real pleasant surprise, Our radio station playing OMWH. dj encourage request and vote for the song to go into their daily top 10 and weekly top 30 countdown. So excited that I can't wait to get home to sms clayfans.

• Lycos 50 - Clay is #3 on the Lycos Top 50 list this week. His listing says, "Clay Aiken-Visiting Somalia".

Tidbits 7/11

• Parade.com press release - a survey of summer pop culture -

  Speaking of American Idol, respondents' favorite AI songbird is Kelly Clarkson, who won with 53% of the vote when pitted against Carrie Underwood (47%). Chris Daughtry (51%) is the better rocker by a hair when compared to current champ David Cook (49%), and the better balladeer award goes to Clay Aiken (84%) over David Archuleta (16%). The clear winner in the soulful category is newly married Ruben Studdard (85%), who triumphed over Fantasia (15%).
  

• The Windy Citizen - random mention ... sports -

  Over at Bleed Cubbie Blue, commentors had plenty of ideas, but the best was probably Tom Selleck as Bob Brenly and Clay Aiken as Len Casper (even though that's somewhat unfair to Len). Now we just have to figure out who would play Pat Hughes and Ron Santo.

• Kennebec Journal - article about Neil Sedaka -

  Last fall, the Lincoln Center in New York City hosted a concert honoring him and his career. Guests included the Captain and Tennille -- the 70s duo that had a hit with "Love Will Keep Us Together" -- Natalie Cole, Connie Frances and "American Idol" champ Clay Aiken.

• Clay Aiken returns from UNICEF trip to Somalia - Something That Really Happened, The ConCLAYve, There Was A Man
  

Tidbit 7/8

• New York Magazine - Regis Philbin -

  At a party fêting Kelly Ripa for being on the July cover of Hamptons (and in which she said that Clay Aiken would be "a great father"), Regis Philbin said his favorite bathing suit is a Speedo.

• Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Jonas Brothers take on their tween fans -

  Now working with producer John Fields (Mandy Moore, Clay Aiken and Pink) and Robert Schwartzman (a member of the Hollywood Coppola clan who fronts the band Rooney), the Jo Bros are making well-crafted power pop that pushes all the right buttons — in the right order.

• Reality TV World - Former Idols perform at San Francisco show -

  The Chronicle said also noted that while former "Idol" contestants Chris Daughtry and Clay Aiken remain the most successful non-winning finalists to date, other finalists from the series are taking part in an "Idols" tour taking part this summer.

• Clay nation blogs about the CNN/UNICEF TV Special that aired on Sunday night - Something That Really Happened, The ConCLAYve
• There Was A Man - spotlight montage: Hope: Rising from the Ashes
  

Tidbits 7/5

• Clay visits Somalia....
  • United Press International -

    NAIROBI, Kenya, July 4 (UPI) -- Pop star and UNICEF ambassador Clay Aiken, who just spent five days Somalia, is calling on the world to do what it can to help the African nation's children.
    
    "Unfortunately this is a region that's better known for conflict, insecurity, drought and floods," Aiken, who has been a UNICEF ambassador for four years, said in a statement Thursday. "It's truly remarkable that UNICEF is still able to make a difference in the health, education and overall well-being of Somali children."

• United Press International - Idols still enjoying success past their 15 minutes -

  The Chronicle said also noted that while former "Idol" contestants Chris Daughtry and Clay Aiken remain the most successful finalists to date, other finalists from the series are taking part in an "Idols" tour taking part this summer.

• National Post - American and Canadian Idol... is it better to lose?

  Take the advice of AI second season winner, Ruben Studdard (himself overshadowed by his runner-up, Clay Aiken) who warned original Canadian Idol winner Ryan Malcolm to “read the fine print” on his contract.

• Charlotte Observer - former Sen. Jesse Helms (R-NC), who passed away, mentions Clay in his 2004 memoirs...

  On Edwards’ 2004 vice presidential run
  
  “It’s always nice to see a North Carolinian in the national spotlight - like Clay Aiken and Fantasia Barrino but watching a nice man with so little experience or familiarity with national and international issues struck me as `overreaching.’.”
  

• ABC News - battle of hot dogs ... Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hotdog-Eating Contest in Coney Island ...

  In one of the most exciting finishes in hot dog eating competition history, defending champion Joey Chestnut today defeated six-time winner Takeru Kobayashi in overtime to keep the Mustard Belt, $20,000 and the world's fastest hot dog eater title.
  
  Both eaters downed 59 hot dogs in the regular 10-minute competition at Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hotdog-Eating Contest in Coney Island, forcing a speed-eating, five-dog overtime. There Chestnut, known to some as the "Clay Aiken of Bacon," proved to be the speedier of the two.
  

• OK! Magazine - stars on how the celebrate and celebrated the 4th of July - "Clay Aiken tells me, “I grew up going to the fireworks.”"
• San Francisco Chronicle - AI ...

  Actually, some of the also-rans are doing better than many of the winners. Season 2 winner Ruben Studdard may have just tied the knot, but Season 5's fourth-place finisher, Daughtry, was the hottest concert act of 2007, and Clay Aiken is keeping his career alive while he awaits the birth of his first child and his next hair appointment.
  

• Nothing here yet
  

Tidbits 7/3

• Zap2it.tv - misfits of sci-fi?

  Invisible, Clay Aiken: For Claude, the French Obi-Wan Kenobi to my emo Luke Skywalker. Although Obi-Wan never pushed Luke off a building to see exactly how strong the Force was within him.

• Lycos PR - Clay #2 on this week's Lycos50
• Broadway World - article about William Joseph:

  Since the release of Within, William has been in-demand for a number of high-profile musical events, including a support tour with 143 Records’ label mate Josh Groban in 2004, a two-month tour with Clay Aiken in 2005 (plus a collaboration with him on his album A Thousand Different Ways), and supporting such artists as Barbara Streisand, Natalie Cole, Kenny G., Il Divo, and Peter Cincotti at select concerts around the world.

• TV Squad -

  Haysbert was then wrestled to the ground by his handlers and is now "recuperating" at the Clay Aiken Home for Delusional Celebrities

• Blog.PinkNews.co.uk - Ruben Studdard gets married -

  Ruben, a native of Birmingham, took home the top prize on American Idol in 2003, beating out Clay Aiken for the title.

• Zap2it.tv - America's Got Talent returns -

  That song needs to BUILD. Also, they sound a little like Clay Aiken, only not good, and that is saying something. Piers hated it, David tries to be nice and Sharon compliments Flossie but says it was dated.

• Associated Content - Ruben Studdard gets married -

  The ceremony reportedly lasted for about thirty minutes, with no singing coming from the sonorous singer who won the hearts of millions of Americans to capture the second season title as American Idol over Clay Aiken. Instead, a sting ensemble provided the music while vows were exchanged and prayers said for the new couple.

• The Street - tips to getting good event tickets -

  Your wedding anniversary is coming up and your wife is dying to see Clay Aiken in Spamalot. Unfortunately, tickets are sold out on that special night.

• There Was A Man, The ConCLAYve, Something That Really Happened, Hobbies - Clay visits Somalia
• There Was A Man spotlights the montage "The Journey"
  

Tidbits 6/28

AmericanIdol.com - Clay on this week's Idol poll - "Which former Idol would you like to see as a guest on the Summer Idols Tour?"

• Washington Post - mention of Learning to Sing:

  And, in an effort to bolster the company's bottom line, I acquired and edited an inspirational autobiography by the pop singer Clay Aiken, written and published in about four months

• San Francisco Chronicle - fans thank SF Chronicle for Clay Aiken interview (from May) -

  Thanks for the Clay Aiken interview. I thought Aidin Vaziri asked pertinent questions and Clay answered in total honesty. He is confident in himself, yet not cocky or puffed up. That and his charismatic character, not to mention that spectacular voice, comedy and yet untapped talents, draw many fans to him. A great role model. We don't need all the violence, sex and racism we hear and see in so many of the pop stars in the forefront that many young people are fed on. Clay is a breath of fresh air and just what middle America needs.

• Marhaven - taking a listen to OMWH through YouTube montages
• There Was A Man - Clay appeals for help in Somalia
• Clay - The Man - "Revisiting" Clay's journey
• Carolina On My Mind, The ConCLAYve, Chexxxy's Pearls - Clay calling attention to Somalia

Tidbits 6/27

• TampaBay.com - This story, A Clean Start For Violinist Stewart Kitts, by John Fleming, Times Performing Arts Critic, is about an exceptional concertmaster violinist who lost everything to a crack cocaine habit. He is recovering from this habit, and the story says,

  He played in the pit for a Camelot tour. He was concertmaster for The Nutcracker at Ruth Eckerd Hall. He played for Smokey Robinson, Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme, Clay Aiken, Mannheim Steamroller and Bernadette Peters.

• newsjournal-online - The article, about weekend best bets says:

  Bandshell Live!, a Friday summer concert series, will feature the Beu Sisters in concert at the outdoor venue at 8 p.m. today.....They also opened a 2004 tour by "American Idol" stars Kelly Clarkson and Clay Aiken.

• WLKY.com - An article entitled 'American idol Comes to Louisville' says, "Thousands of Kelly Clarkson and Clay Aiken wannabes will descend on the River City when Fox's "American Idol" hosts auditions in Louisville next month."
• Phoenix New Times Music - American idol: Entertainment or Evil? by Serene Dominic has this to say about Clay and his fans:

  The "in your face" shelf life of most Idol grads is two years after the show. That's all we tolerated of Taylor Hicks, Ruben Studdard, Mario Vazquez, and Katherine McPhee even without the ability to vote them off with anything but our indifference....The big exceptions have been Clay Aiken, whose Claymates still won't listen to reason after five years...

  I'll quote the lyrics from Clay's song "Ashes" in response to the statement, "Claymates still won't listen to reason...":

  Looking back I can see
  How the voice of reason
  Kept reminding me
  I was never good enough somehow
  Try and remind me now

Tidbits 6/25

• AP Wire / ABC News - Ruben Studdard getting married
  
• Windy City Media Group - Kimberley Locke article ...

  Kimberley Locke became a part of the national consciousness when she was a finalist on season two of TV's “American Idol,” finishing third to Clay Aiken and eventual champion Ruben Studdard.
  

• GayWired.com - Ruben Studdard getting married - "Ruben, a native of Birmingham, took home the top prize on American Idol in 2003, beating out Clay Aiken for the title"
• TransWorldNews - another article on Ruben's engagement - "Studdard won season 2 of "American Idol," defeating Clay Aiken in the finals. His first album "Soulful" (2003) sold 1.8 million copies and has released two albums since: "I Need An Angel" (2004) and "The Return" (2006)."
• TBTV - Ruben - "It is interesting to note that under Alabama law marriage licenses are only valid for 30 days. So perhaps a lovely July bride? Maybe Clay Aiken will sing? And, more importantly, will Simon insult the band as they play at the reception?"
• All Headline News -

  Studdard won the hit reality talent contest in 2003, beating out runner-up Clay Aiken to the title. He is the second "American Idol" champ following Kelly Clarkson.
  

• Lycos50 PR - Clay #2 on this week's Lycos50
• Presse Meldungen - American Idol is "more popular than ever" -

  By the time Justin was allowed to release his own album, he was competing with the releases of the Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken, the season two winner and runner-up. His appearances on the newly syndicated show, American Idol Rewind, seem to be helping him gain more notice again.

• Idolator - does the New York Times have a double standard?

  Sure, we've all had a laugh when the ever-staid The New York Times has made second references to "Mr. Pop" and "Mr. Loaf" in its cultural reporting. But why, the Columbia Journalism Review wonders, are the stage names of hip-hop artists like Jay-Z, 50 Cent, and Diddy not given the same treatment? Instead, they frequently get their birth names swapped into stories right away—even though artists in other genres who hide behind aliases, from Alicia Keys (nee Alicia Augello-Cook) to Clay Aiken (nee Clayton Grissom), don't get the same treatment.

• SportingNews.com - random Clay mention ... "Shanahan is like a Clay Aiken autobiography -- impossible to read. "
• MasterClassLady.com features Clay's appearance on Jay Leno as "Video of the Day" -

  I just found this video this morning and it put a smile on my face. I happened to miss Clay Aiken’s appearance on Jay Leno, but, I have to say, this guy is a so funny and so talented.
  
  Check out the beautiful head voice that he uses at the beginning of his performance of his new single, “On My Way Here”. Stellar, just stellar! The whole performance was quite remarkable.
  
  

  
  

• Clay visit Somalia and appeals for help - Something That Really Happened, There Was A Man, The ConCLAYve.
• Chexxxy's Pearls - featuring "Forget I Ever Knew You" by Clay Aiken
• All That Is Clay Aiken - Clay's interview with Gather.com, from May 2008
• Clay - The Man - Clay's "entertaining smiles"

Tidbits 6/23

• Foxes on Idol - slows sales week for Idols -

  Clay Aiken’s “On My Way Here” moved up one spot to #28 on the Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks chart this week. Any upward movement is a good thing, considering the song is getting no airplay.

• Malaysia's The Star -

  Daughtry’s self-titled debut album was released in November 2006 and reached the No 1 spot for two non-consecutive weeks on the Billboard 200. Like fellow American Idol alumni Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood and Clay Aiken, the bald-headed North Carolina-born singer has found commercial success beyond the reality show.
  

• Just Jared - unprofessional Newsweek interviewer strikes again - "Newsweek also did a (stupid) interview with Vanessa. (It’s the same interviewer who was completely unprofessional with Clay Aiken.)"

• The ConCLAYve - exploring great music with Clay and Pandora radio ... part 2
• Something That Really Happened - new Clay biography at the official fanclub