Clay Updates Us On UNICEF Fundraising, ATDW - 14 Tracks Long

UNICEF
Clay updated us again on Claymates' UNICEF fundraising efforts. In less than a week, Claymates have raised over:

$70,665.42

Congratulations!

ATDW
Clay also said that "official word" on ATDW will be coming in the "next few hours". The album will have 14 songs.

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, American Idol, Invisible

"A Thousand Different Ways" Is Available at Barnes & Noble.com

"A Thousand Different Ways", Clay's sophomore CD which is due to be released on September 19, is available at Barnes & Noble.com for preorder. There is no picture at the site yet. However, you can preorder it!!

Here's the info at the Barnes and Noble website:

A Thousand Different Ways
Clay Aiken
Format: CD
FROM B&N
List Price: $18.98
B&N Price: $15.18 (Save 20%)
Member Price: $13.66
Available for Pre-Order
This item will be available on September 19

If you are anxious to go ahead and preorder your CD(s), go ahead and preorder from Barnes and Noble now! We will let you know when they are available online at Amazon.com.

The excitement is starting to boil over! I can feel it in the air, and this is just one more thing to add to that excitement!!!

UPDATE: Now available on Amazon.com/.ca -- More info

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, American Idol, Invisible

Tidbits 8/2

• Good bad? Clarion Ledger interviews E!'s Chelsea Handler. "Q: If you were dining with these celebs, you'd be laughing so hard you wouldn't be able to finish your meal. A: The three I'd have trouble keeping a straight face with are Clay Aiken, Paula Abdul and Tom Cruise's baby."
• WOW-- here's how BAD 19 Entertainment is-- $5 million fines for Idols who break from their contract. Sun Sentinel article notes: "But Clay Aiken, the season two runner-up, got a lawyer to free him from his contract."
• Kidsational, Inc. - Concerning acts that have performed at Toms Riverfest, "Last year the Festival attracted 70,000 fans to see such artists as Kelly Clarkson, Maroon 5, Keith Urban, Clay Aiken, Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes and Jesse McCartney."
• Antimusic - (warning: objective comments on this site's other articles) "Mailbag: Let Them Hear Pop" - In this article about how Clive Davis does not always make the album that the fans want, Clay's name is mentioned: "If they had wanted a pop singer posing as a rocker then they would have voted that Constantine guy into the finals. Though they were on the same show, Bo Bice fans are not necessarily Clay Aiken fans."
• Ruben Studdard article @ The Celebrity Cafe mentions Clay.
  

• Casper and Lyrichord's Music Musings remind us of tonight's ET exclusive.
• Bunch of ATDW related blogs... since they're all pretty much the same, I'll bunch them together today.
• Something That Really Happened - Promosquad/I Want To Know What Love Is
  
• Southern Girl - order from Amazon NOW

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, American Idol, Invisible

Countdown to September 19 and ATDW Release! - DAY 48

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, American Idol, Invisible

Richard Marx's "Right Here Waiting" Confirmed For ATDW

Another song can be added to the rapidly expanding ATDW tracklisting.

On tonight's Entertainment Tonight, a snippet of Clay singing Richard Marx's "Right Here Waiting" is played as a teaser for an exclusive Clay Aiken interview which will air on ET tomorrow.

Right Here Waiting hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 on August 12, 1989.

Tracklisting update (more info):

• When I See You Smile
• I Want To Know What Love Is
• Right Here Waiting
• Without You
• Thousand Days
  

Lyrics to Right Here Waiting:

Oceans apart day after day
And I slowly go insane
I hear your voice on the line
But it doesn't stop the pain

If I see you next to never
How can we say forever

Wherever you go
Whatever you do
I will be right here waiting for you
Whatever it takes
Or how my heart breaks
I will be right here waiting for you

I took for granted, all the times
That I though would last somehow
I hear the laughter, I taste the tears
But I can't get near you now

Oh, can't you see it baby
You've got me goin' CrAzY

Wherever you go
Whatever you do
I will be right here waiting for you
Whatever it takes
Or how my heart breaks
I will be right here waiting for you

I wonder how we can survive
This romance
But in the end if I'm with you
I'll take the chance

Oh, can't you see it baby
You've got me goin' cRaZy

Wherever you go
Whatever you do
I will be right here waiting for you
Whatever it takes
Or how my heart breaks
I will be right here waiting for you

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, American Idol, Invisible

Exclusive Interview With Clay on ET Tonight & Tomorrow

TV ALERT: Clay will be on Entertainment Tonight tonight (8/1) and tomorrow (8/2).

Toward the end of tonight's show, ET shows a teaser for an exclusive interview with Clay airing tomorrow night (8/2).

The teaser offers a first look at Clay's recent ATDW photoshoot as well as a snippet of Clay singing Richard Marx's "Right Here Waiting".

CDD Video: ET's "Clay Aiken Exclusive Interview" Teaser 8/1

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, American Idol, Invisible

Cover of Air Supply's "Without You" Added to Promosquad

Sticking with the theme of 80's love songs, Clay's cover of Air Supply's 80's hit "Without You" was added to Promosquad.com's Jukebox today (not to be confused with Clay's duet of the same name with Kimberley Locke)

Yesterday, a duet of "I Want to Know What Love Is" and "Thousand Days" was also added.

To summarize, these songs are now almost certainly on the album, to be released on Sept. 19.

Covers

• When I See You Smile (by Bad English)
• I Want To Know What Love Is (by Foreigner)
• Without You (by Air Supply)

New Songs

• Thousand Days

Download links to 3 songs (no d/l of When I See You Smile available):

» MegaUpload.com link to download Clay's I Want To Know What Love Is.
(once at MegaUpload enter the 3 letters displayed and click Download)

» MegaUpload.com link to download a longer version of I Want To Know What Love Is.

» MegaUpload.com link to download short version of Thousand Days (Promosquad's studio version)

» MegaUpload.com link to download the full studio version of Thousand Days, leaked several weeks ago.

» MegaUpload.com link to download the Promosquad version of Without You.

Lyrics to Without You:

Well, I can't forget this evening
And your face when you were leaving
But I guess that's just the way the story goes
You always smile, but in your eyes your sorrow shows
Yes, it shows

Well, I can't forget tomorrow
When I think of all my sorrow
I had you there, but then I let you go
And now it's only fair that I should let you know
What you should know

CHORUS:
I can't live, if living is without you
I can't live, I can't give anymore
I can't live, if living is without you
I can't live, I can't give anymore

Well, I can't forget this evening
And your face when you were leaving
But I guess that's just the way the story goes
You always smile, but in your eyes your sorrow shows
Yes, it shows

[guitar solo]

CHORUS 3 times

I can't live, if living is without you.

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, American Idol, Invisible

BREAKING NEWS: Clay @ NYC's Bryant Park Friday?

Read update below.

According to a report from WPLJ-FM in New York, Clay will be 'at' Bryant Park 'this' Friday. Bryant Park is where ABC's Good Morning America hosts their Summer Concerts every Friday.

Nothing confirmed. We'll keep you posted as this story develops.

FYI: This Friday's GMA Summer Concert slot is occupied. There is a slot open for Sept. 1.

Update 12:23: The park manager at Bryant Park confirmed to Claymates that Clay will NOT be performing this Friday. Sept. 1 remains open.

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, American Idol, Invisible

Rock Star: INXS' Suzie McNeil Duets With Clay

Yesterday Promosquad posted a new duet of Clay singing "I Want To Know What Love Is" with an unidentified female artist.

Thanks to the fantastic detective work done by Claymates and the heads up from CDD visitor MrsDM, we now know the female voice is that of Suzie McNeil, the last female contestant to be eliminated on CBS' Rock Star: INXS last year.

A Thousand Different Ways is scheduled for release September 19.

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, American Idol, Invisible

Countdown to September 19 and ATDW Release! - DAY 49

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, American Idol, Invisible

Tidbits 8/1

• Fox Life - 'American Idol': Another Star Bolts - Scroll down past the story about Mel Gibson to get to this story about Fantasia leaving 19. Concerning Clay, the story says, "Clay Aiken, the contest’s second series runner-up, got out as quickly as he could."
• EURweb: FANTASIA FREES HERSELF FROM 19 ENTERTAINMENT - In another article about Fantasia leaving 19, it says of Clay, "Former contestants Clay Aiken, Mario Vasquez and Kelly Clarkson resorted to hiring high-powered attorneys to get out of their ironclad contracts with 19 Entertainment. Most of their discontent had to do with the company’s manager, Simon Fuller."
• Idols on Fox - Idol Thoughts, August 1: Ms. McPhee Goes to Washington! by Donna Reynolds Comment about Clay - "As usual, critics in various papers have taken their shots at this show. Some of these reviews are downright mean! I remember reading that during the second season’s tour, Clay Aiken read the reviews each morning and acted as a filter, passing along any good comments and ignoring the bad. I hope they’ve got someone doing that this time around!"
• Buddy TV - Apparently the singer who sings the duet with Clay on "I Want To Know What Love Is" is Suzie McNeil. It says on Suzie's buddytv page, "Suzie has been featured singing a duet on INXS’ 2005 release; “Switch”, as well as a duet with American Idol finalist Clay Aiken on his upcoming album release."

• ClayKat blogs about ATDW's now confirmed Sept. 19 release date. (Thanks for crediting us!)
  
• Southern Girl was among the first bloggers to reveal the identity of Clay's "I Want to Know What Love Is" duet partner Suzie McNeil.
• Idle-wandering also breaks the yesterday's ATDW news.
• More ATDW news from This is how I Measure a Man.
  

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, American Idol, Invisible

Countdown to September 19 and ATDW Release!

Clay will help us countdown everyday until we get to that most wonderful date of September 19, starting today.
Thank you Clay. We'll look forward to seeing you tomorrow and seeing what you have in store for us then!

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, American Idol, Invisible

BREAKING NEWS: Clay Confirms September 19 Release Date; UNICEF Update; New Clay Songs @ Promosquad

IT'S FINALLY OH-FISH-AL!!!
ATDW INSTORES SEPTEMBER 19.

Release date announced
The ATDW fever continues. Clay confirmed via his blog today that the September 19 release date of "A Thousand Different Ways" reported by many music retailer is finally OFFICIAL.

UNICEF update
Clay also updated us on Claymates' UNICEF fundraising efforts. In the past 4 days, Claymates have collectively raised over $66,723.12 for children affected by the current Mid-East conflict. I'm speechless -- Congratulations fellow Claymates!

New Clay Songs @ Promosquad
Another indication of how close we are to the release day: Promosquad has added 2 new songs under Clay's name. "1000 Days" is not new, but a duet of Foreigner's 80's hit "I Want To Know What Love Is" is new; Clay sings with an unconfirmed female singer. (Some Claymates think it is Kelly Clarkson while others think it is Quiana or Joss Stone.) You can sign up with Promosquad to listen and rate music. Once you've signed up and logged in, locate the Jukebox and begin listening. It may take a while for Clay to come up.... OR, you can download a ripped copy here:

» MegaUpload.com link to download Clay's I Want To Know What Love is.
(once at MegaUpload enter the 3 letters displayed and click Download)

» MegaUpload.com link to download a longer version of I Want To Know What Love Is

» MegaUpload.com link to download A Thousand Days (Promosquad's studio version)


As mentioned, I Want To Know What Love Is was originally done by 70's NYC rock band Foreigner (listen to their version @ YouTube). It achieved Billboard Hot 100 #1 on February 2, 1985 and also topped the charts in the UK a month earlier (January 1985).

Lyrics:

I gotta take a little time
A little time to think things over
I better read between the lines
In case I need it when Im older

Now this mountain I must climb
Feels like a world upon my shoulders
I through the clouds I see love shine
It keeps me warm as life grows colder

In my life theres been heartache and pain
I dont know if I can face it again
Cant stop now, Ive traveled so far
To change this lonely life

I wanna know what love is
I want you to show me
I wanna feel what love is
I know you can show me

Im gonna take a little time
A little time to look around me
Ive got nowhere left to hide
It looks like love has finally found me

In my life theres been heartache and pain
I dont know if I can face it again
I cant stop now, Ive traveled so far
To change this lonely life

I wanna know what love is
I want you to show me
I wanna feel what love is
I know you can show me

I wanna know what love is
I want you to show me
And I wanna feel, I want to feel what love is
And I know, I know you can show me

Lets talk about love
I wanna know what love is, the love that you feel inside
I want you to show me, and Im feeling so much love
I wanna feel what love is, no, you just cannot hide
I know you can show me, yeah

I wanna know what love is, lets talk about love
I want you to show me, I wanna feel it too
I wanna feel what love is, I want to feel it too
And I know and I know, I know you can show me
Show me love is real, yeah
I wanna know what love is...

We also learned last week that Bad English's When I See You Smile will also be on the album.

So the 'semi-official, semi-confirmed' tracklisting currently stands as follows:

• When I See You Smile (cover) - rock ballad
  
• 1000 Days (original) - ballad
  
• I Wanna Know What Love Is (cover) - rock ballad
• Without You - ballad
  

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, American Idol, Invisible

Tidbits 7/31

• E! Online: Life is Great with Brooke Burke - Brooke Burke's show investigates the lives of the rich and famous. There are several clips at this site concerning various aspects of their lives. Clay's picture is by the clip entitled "Instant Fame", which is about reality stars. He is not, however, in the clip. Real nice picture of him, though!
• The New Music Tipsheet is listing the widely rumoured Sept. 19 release date for ATDW.
• FOX News: Fantasia Barrino ditches 19 Entertainment: "Clay Aiken, the contest’s second series runner-up, got out as quickly as he could."
• Online Newswire: "Online oddsmakers seem to believe the latest American Idol winner Taylor Hicks will outsell his runner-ups. However considering the success of runner-ups Clay Aiken and Bo Bice, while 2004 winner Fantasia struggled, assuming the official winner will be a bigger commercial success could prove costly."

• There Was A Man: Clay Aiken is Making A Difference - the Measure of a Man (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED) - ESSAY, PHOTOS, VIDEO.
  
• Reports from the blogs about Clay's UNICEF fundraising & ATDW's official confirmation (directly from Clay himself!). More info here.
• Southern Girl
• Marhaven shares some Clay and non-Clay shots with us.
• Southern Girl on why Clay is "Good News" -- "It may not be ALL about the Vox for me, but a large portion of it is, and yet I doubt I'd be here with such *focus* had I not seen something in Clay Aiken, something that spoke to me as a Christian almost immediately."
• Taking A Moment's Jemrock had me laughing out loud with this post on how to write a love letter to Clay: "Try to keep in mind that the object of your billet-doux is to convince Clay of the intensity of your desire for him. You don’t necessarily want to stun him senseless, though."
  

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, American Idol, Invisible

Reliving Jukebox 2005: Pittsburgh, PA, Chevrolet Amphitheater

Photos in this post courtesy & copyright 2005 Liandra.

A gorgeous, sunny day greeted Clay's first (of several) arrivals in Pennsylvania for the first time. The stop? None other than the Steel City, where American Independence was established beginning with the War of 1812. According to Wikipedia, the city produced "95 million tons of steel" during World War II. The city's open arms for Clay and his crew was equally impressive.

The Performances

• I Can't Make You Love Me was a showstopper... Clay's breathtaking vocals wowed everyone! The CB's maggithemagpie says: "it was very hot."
• Quiana, Angela & Jacob were excellent as usual. Quiana brought down the house with her bone-chilling rendition of "Midnight Train To Georgia"... The CB's Madame President said: "Quiana is simply magnificent. She got a standing ovation from the crowd, and she earned every single second of it. Whitney had better watch out. And, it's a shame that Quiana does not have a deal yet, or at least a CD out because she could grab some sales. She continues to win me over more everytime I see her."
• The Dancing: Clay certainly kicked the dancing up a notch from the previous concerts. Compared to the AI2 Clay, he was virtually unrecognizable... "It was so much fun watching Clay do the dance steps. He did them very well, and looked quite proud of himself. This is a very high energy show with a very quick pace, and Clay looked like he was thoroughly enjoying himself and totally at home on the stage," says Madame President.
  
• When Doves Cry continued to cause droves of Claymates (especially those in the first 10 rows) to thud. His 'behaviour' during When Doves Cry continued to surprise Claymates. maggithemagpie's reaction: "I was like, 'Whoa...what are you doing Clay?!!!'"
• There were some sound issues at the venue. At times, the singing could bearly be heard.
  

Stump The Band
No Stump the Band during this concert.

The Fans
The Pittsburgh fans were great! However, what was impressive was the representation from outside the area. Fans travelled from as far as Quebec, Canada to see Clay live in Pittsburgh! As usual, Clay invited a guy up to dance on stage. Clay took him backstage during the 20 minute intermission before the 70's set and brought him back on stage when the concert resumed with an awkward "bright pink boa" costume. As embarassing as it may have seemed, the guy was very enthusiastic and danced along with Clay & band during the 70's set's opening song, Carwash.

Classic Clay Moments

• During the 70's banter, Clay said: "But the best thing to come out of the 70s was.........me."
• Clay forgot the words to When You Say You Love Me. This wouldn't be a one-time incident as Clay continuously forgot the words to that song throughout the tour. At one point, Claymates began bringing lyrics for Clay. Not knowing what else to do, Clay pointed the mic towards the audience and sang: "75 songs for this concert and I forget the words to mine."
  

Photos

Meet & Greet

• Madame President's meeting with Clay made her realize Clay is just like any other 20-something year old guy.

  As each person went up, Clay introduced them to Angela and Jacob who were standing behind Clay. He explained that they both had CDs and that he expected us to own them by the next tour. Ok, so it was shameless promotion, but that's ok. Angela and Jacob were very nice. I shook both of their hands, which is more than I can say for Clay.
  
  I have a handshake theory (I've been told I'm like Hank Hill in that respect), meaning that I judge people by their handshakes. At least a surface judging. And I didn't get to shake Clay's hand, which is odd, but things were hurried, so it didn't happen. I did get his arm around me twice, so I can deal, I guess.
  
  I was about the fifth or sixth person in line, and the line went quickly. I handed him my Clayboard pass from the IT tour to sign. It's a long story, but essentially I kept myself out of the meet and greet in Omaha by aruging with the security people that my Clayboard pass did not get me back there. Stupid right? When I told Clay why he was signing that, he looked at me and said, "well..." then he seemed to be thinking what to say, and finally concluded, "thanks for being honest."
  
  Nick took our picture. He actually took two because the first one didn't seem to work. In reality, it was a nice shot of my arm. The second one was good, and as a bonus it has Nick's voice on it saying, "Umm, I think that took." :laugh
  
  Some people report about meeting Clay, and it's a wonderful thing for them, a true highlight. I wish I could be as positive, and I suppose that's why I feel bad even talkingn about it. But, I think yesterday morning when I woke up, I was going to be meeting Clay Aiken. One stray delusional though of courtseing even entered my mind, quickly brushed away, I might add. But after meeting him, he's now clay aiken. And I know that's a subtle difference, and I'll try to explain it the best I can. Until now, Clay has always been this man who's larger than life (and in many ways he still is, I suppose). He was distant, unattainable, a superstar. Now, after having had my two minutes with him, he's just clay aiken. He's just a man. I definitely doesn't change my fan status (especially after that concert!), but I no longer have that "omg, it's Clay Aiken" feeling. I don't know. That probably made no sense.
  

Reaction

• Only one press review for this concert... The Pittsburgh Post Gazette raves: "Fans plunked down more than a few quarters to hear Clay Aiken on his Jukebox Tour Sunday night at the Chevrolet Amphitheatre. And they got their money's worth. It was a delight to see the entire group perform the songs in a manner true to the originals and not jazz them up for the sake of showmanship."
  

Links

• CDD Jukebox Archives: Pittsburgh, PA
  
• Photos from the Pittsburgh concert
• Pittsburgh Post Gazette review
• Recap of Clay's interview with 92.9 FM
  
• Recaps from members of the Clay nation
• MeasureOfAFan.com video downloads
• Clayboard cellcert
  

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, American Idol, Invisible

2nd Anniversary of Lil' John Singing With Clay on Solo Tour

Remember Lil' John? He sang This Is The Night with Clay in Atlantic City during Clay's solo tour. Well, today was the 2nd anniversary of that unforgettable moment!

I remember they dressed up Lil' John just like Clay. He had on a striped shirt and blue tie. And they even spiked his hair so he would look just like Clay! I'm not sure there was a dry eye in the house as people watched the two of them sing together as they walked down the steps on the stage.

Today, the tables are turned. John still looks like Clay, but this time Clay is copying John's hair style. When John saw Clay on TV, his comment was that Clay had his hair now! John is still a Clay fan today!

Thanks to Nicki503 from the Clayboard for giving us this great update on John.

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, American Idol, Invisible

Nominate Clay- AskMen.com's Top 49 Men of 2006

AskMen.com wants to know who your #1 man of 2006 is:

Who are the men that best exemplify what it means to be a man? Which famous guys do you consider to be the best representatives of our gender? Who are the top 49 ambassadors of male-kind?

Over the coming months, we will subject men from every sphere of public life to your evaluation. But the first step in doing so is deciding which guys deserve to be evaluated in the first place. So we're asking you, the AskMen.com reader, to submit your nominees for The Top 49 Men of 2006.

ClayDawgs, Claymates... head on over to AskMen.com to tell them we love CLAY AIKEN.

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, American Idol, Invisible

Clay To Perform at David Foster's Canadian Gala

According to a report from Global TV in Vancouver, Clay and Michael Buble will be the headliners during David Foster's 2006 Charity Gala.

Although Clay didn't perform at the event last year, it was revealed last week that Clay made a personal donation to the foundation last year.

The event will be held September 10, 2006 at the River Rock Casino Resort in the Vancouver suburb of Richmond, British Columbia, Canada.

I have actually been in Richmond and let me tell you- that city is one of the cleanest, most GORGEOUS cities in North America. Clay must love it too- it's his 2nd time performing in Vancouver. Last year's JNT concert in Vancouver was almost a sellout.

No info on tickets - but bet on it being extremely expensive. It's being listed as a "private engagement". Stayed tuned to CDD for updates on this event.

Update 5:31 EDT: canuck at CV contacted the station and the station said Clay will also be judging a talent contest on Sept. 9.

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, American Idol, Invisible

Tidbits 7/30

• We've been getting a ton of 'new' old photos. The CB's Martigyrl posted some new photos from the 2004 Independent Tour. See our post from yesterday for more stuff from 2005.
  
• Quite a few AI related articles today. Let's start off with this one from the AP wire (it'll begin showing up everywhere): "Speaking of Duke, North Carolina has enjoyed its share of Idol contestants with season three winner Barrino, season two runner-up Clay Aiken and season five finalists Bucky Covington, Kellie Pickler and Chris Daughtry."
• Fayetteville Online has a similar article, with an almost identical Clay mention: "As in seasons past, when Raleigh’s Clay Aiken and High Point’s Fantasia wowed viewers with their powerhouse voices, this year’s North Carolina contingent suddenly became household names."
  
• SC The State: blogger says, "Elliott was my Clay Aiken for 2006. He went from nerdish fellow with a good voice and small stage presence to a vocal powerhouse that owned the stage. I especially loved that he remained genuinely humble from start to finish."
• Reality TV Mag questions why Elliott Yamin wasn't offered a recording contract -- "If the record industry didn’t wake up after the success of Kelly Clarkson and Clay Aiken, then you would think that a grey haired soul singer winning American Idol 5 would have given them a clue. The American public is crying out for uniqueness, diversity, and quality in music, and Elliott Yamin fits the bill perfectly."

• Something That Really Happened blogs about the Bad English cover Clay will be doing on ATDW.
• ConCLAYve published a new essay from Berkley. In it, she talks about Clay's efforts to raise money for UNICEF.

  I love and admire Clay for living his faith through his compassionate actions and I am in awe of those who dedicate their lives to these critically important missions.
  
  There is one way I can choose to make a difference for the children, in this tragic situation and in too many others.

• ClaySpots... more memory lane blogs. September 2003 is our next stop (remember the Miss America TITN? THUD)
• "Clay nation takes action" .. Clay/UNICEF blog from Wednesday's Child.
• In this time of need, pixieglitter from The Invisible Kingdom reminds us of Clay's "Grown Up Christmas List".
  

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, American Idol, Invisible, Kellie Pickler, Elliott Yamin, Taylor Hicks, UNICEF

Reliving Jukebox 2005: Darien Lake, NY, Darien Lake Performing Arts Center

Clay riding the rollercoaster at Six Flags Darien Lake with Angela Fisher (her face is priceless)

Clay's performance, both on stage and off stage, wowed everyone at Darien Lake. The day started with Clay and the band 'skipping' rehearsals, instead opting to have fun at Six Flags Darien Lake which was home to the concert venue. Angela obviously didn't have a very good time on the rollercoaster, but Clay's magical touch made the night a very memorable one.

The Performances

• When Doves Cry still surprised concertgoers. The CV's DancesOfSpirit recounts her conversation with an 'inexperienced' Claymate from Canada: "At one point she said then I must know a lot of the songs that he would sing tonight. She was interested, so I told her a few. Then, as it was getting close to WDC, I asked her, 'Did you like WDC when you saw it previously?' Then she got all big-eyed and asked, 'Is he going to do that?' I said, 'Yes, just wait.'"
• The ballads, Unchained Melody, Solitaire, BOTW, Mandy: Clay's voice was especially powerful during the Darien Lake concert. Perhaps the day of fun had loosened him up a bit - "Solitaire was breath-taking, the best I have ever seen him perform it. So powerful and intense...he was so into it," said the CV's jspark007.
• Quiana & Clay, 70s Medley: 3 concerts in, Clay and Quiana seemed quite flirtious with each other. During the 70s medley, Quiana kept making "goggle eyes" at Clay, cracking him up in the middle of the song. Clay had a hard time keeping up with the song and had to stop singing for a moment.
• Elvis Medley: The leather jacket continued to bring Clay out of his comfort zone... "I never knew he could move like that," said jspark.
  

Stump The Band
No Stump the Band during this concert.

The Fans & The Venue
Claymates from both the Northeast as well as Canada descended on Darien Lake.Only a short driving distance from the border, the Canadian representation was very strong. During the concert, many more cameras could be spotted than at the 2 earlier concerts. The gorgeous 'resort-like' theme park was a gorgeous venue for the 3rd Jukebox tour concert. It was also the largest venue on the tour, with a huge seating capacity of 20,000! The venue was very lenient on cameras and even let some professional-quality cameras in. End result? Lots and lots of Clack!

Classic Clay Moments

• Before the intermission, when Clay ventured out into the crowd to find a guy to come on stage and dance with him, he encountered Erika, a sweet young girl who was left wheelchair bound by a drunk driver. Clay stopped the show for several minutes and talked to her. Erika told Clay that it was a 'miracle' that she was alive at all. It doesn't end there -- before the concert, Clay asked his security detail to drive (in Clay's golf-cart) young Erika to an off venue Claymate pre-concert gathering. WOW! Read more...
• As Clay was getting off the Six Flags rollercoaster earlier that day, he met a boy with Multiple Sclerosis. He spent 5 minutes talking to the boy and his family. How much sweeter can Clay get? Read more...
  

Reaction

• Buffalo News: "At the concert's end, fans walked away with smiles and filled with all the Clay Aiken they could have hoped for."
• Rochester Democrat & Chronicle: "But where does the adoration come from? The sex appeal? Why are the women screaming? The guy's a nerd. He looks like he spent all four years of high school gym class being held upside down by his ankles over a toilet by the team. And we're not talking the football team. The chess team could have handled the job."
  

Links

• CDD Jukebox Archives: Darien Lake, NY
  
• Photos from the Darien Lake concert
• Recaps from members of the Clay nation
• MeasureOfAFan.com video downloads
• Clayboard cellcert
  

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, American Idol, Invisible