American Idol Extra Interview: Video

A YouTube cap of Clay's American Idol Extra interview is up. The piece, mostly about Spamalot, aired last night on the FOX Reality Channel:

Tidbits 4/4

• Playbill's National Magazine has the "It Takes Two" article about Clay (that was in the Spamalot Playbill) in their March 31 magazine. Clay is also mentioned on the cover as "Idol no More". You should be able to find one at a bookstore in your area.
• Florida Times Union - Josh Gracin giving free concert in Florida tonight -

  Meanwhile, Josh Gracin plays a free concert tonight at The Jacksonville Landing. Gracin came in fourth in Idol's second season (the Ruben Studdard/Clay Aiken year.) Stacey was in the Navy during his Idol days; Gracin was in the Marines. Gracin got out soon afterward, and his self-titled debut album went to No. 2 on the country charts. His second CD, We Weren't Crazy, was released this week.

• Crossville Chronicle - AI transforms "some average American" into stars -

  Maybe it is just nice to see that some average American can become America's next biggest star. Just look at what the vehicle known as American Idol has done for Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Chris Daughtry, Clay Aiken and Jennifer Hudson, just to name a few.

• USA Today grades the Idols -

  Clay Aiken
  
  •Evaluation: Ruben Studdard's runner-up enjoyed huge popularity initially with early singles and debut album Measure of a Man, but sales have steadily fallen. While mainstream support has eroded, Claymates remain ferociously loyal, and the geeky popster's odd projects and antics keep him in the headlines (a memoir, Spamalot role, in-flight tiff).
  
  •Needs to improve: In his easy-listening niche, he'll always be second banana to Barry Manilow unless his songs and performances vastly sharpen. A new album arrives May 6
  
  Sales: A+*
  Airplay: C-
  Artistic merit: C-
  Celebrity value: B+
  Overall: B-
  *Grade predates alarming dropoff

• Anew and Afresh - Wednesday wanderings includes updates on new album
  

Media Covers New Album Release

Today's press release for the new album from RCA has brought many mentions in the press:

• Reality TV Magazine -

  Looks like the little Clay Aiken we fell in love with during season 2 of American Idol is all grown up now. With more successes under his belt than we can even count, Aiken’s journey has already been long and fruitful. Now he’s using it, and what he’s learned along the way, to inspire the theme of his new CD, On My Way Here.

• USA Today -

  Music: Aiken is well on his way to new CD
  
  "I would like to have signature songs," Clay Aiken says, "songs that are identifiable as mine as opposed to 'Clay Aiken sings such-and-such.' " That's why the American Idol Season 2 runner-up conducted an intensive search for songs he could connect with.

• E! Online -

  Cue the Claynation celebration.
  
  Clay Aiken has finally set a release date of May 6 for his first album of original material in five years.
  
  For those keeping score, On My Way Here is technically Aiken's fourth studio release. But it's only his second to feature new songs. Since releasing the multiplatinum smash Measure of a Man following his runner-up finish on 2003's American Idol, Aiken has failed to match the success with his subsequent albums, compilations of Christmas carols and cover songs, respectively.

RCA Announces "On My Way Here" as Lead Single; To Debut on Monday

RCA Records issued an awesome press release for Clay's new album today, confirming that the title track, "On My Way Here", will be the lead single. Written by OneRepublic's Ryan Tedder, the song tells "how the lessons we learn while growing up shape us into who we become as adults".

"On My Way Here" will officially debut as the single through AOL Music on Monday, RCA said.

Here is the press release in its entirety:

Clay Aiken to Release Brand-New Album, On My Way Here, on May 6th 2008
Friday April 4, 12:30 pm ET
EAGERLY AWAITED COLLECTION IS THE POP SUPERSTAR'S FIRST ALBUM OF ORIGINAL SONGS SINCE 2003

NEW YORK, April 4, 2008 /PRNewswire/ -- Multi-platinum selling pop singer Clay Aiken will release his fourth album, On My Way Here, on RCA Records/19 Entertainment on May 6th, 2008. The collection is the 29-year-old Raleigh, NC, native's first album of original songs since his 2003 chart-topping, double- platinum debut Measure of a Man.

On My Way Here chronicles Aiken's experiences over the past five years, ascending from popular contestant on the second season of American Idol to pop superstar. The album's theme came to Aiken when he and his executive producer Jaymes Foster fell in love with a song written by OneRepublic frontman Ryan Tedder called "On My Way Here." The message of the lyrics -- how the lessons we learn while growing up shape us into who we become as adults -- struck a very deep chord with the artist. The title track "On My Way Here" will be the first radio single from the album to be released later this month. Additionally the single, "On My Way Here" will premiere as an "AOL First Listen" on Monday, April 7th.

"I thought if we could find songs that relate to what's gone on in my life over the past five years and address what I've learned from my experiences, it would be a great concept for my album," Aiken says. "Since I got into this business, I've learned so much about myself. I think this album covers how far I've come, personally and professionally."

The chance to record new material was an opportunity Aiken didn't want to miss. His previous two albums, 2004's Merry Christmas with Love (which went platinum within six weeks of its release) and 2006's gold-certified A Thousand Different Ways, featured 10 cover versions of well-known songs popularized by Celine Dion, Elton John, and Dolly Parton. Aiken's vocal performances on songs like "As Long as We're Here," about not waiting until it's too late to tell someone you love them, and "The Real Me," about being in the public eye, resonate with the kind of emotion that can only come from someone who's experienced this firsthand. "Although," Aiken says, "it was important to me that the songs be interpretable in all kinds of ways. People should be able to find their own meaning in the lyrics."

On My Way Here will be released just as Aiken finishes up his Broadway run playing Sir Robin in the Tony Award-winning musical Monty Python's Spamalot. Since January, Aiken has spent his days in the recording studio with On My Way Here's Grammy Award-winning British producer Kipper (Sting, Chris Botti), and his nights onstage in Spamalot. "I guess I'm a glutton for punishment," he says with a laugh.

For more on Clay Aiken, please visit his official website http://www.clayaiken.com.

Source: RCA Records

USA Today Mentions Clay's Single

Coming attractions: Achin' for some new Aiken? It's on the way is the great title of an article in USA Today which talks about Clay's upcoming CD and also mentions his new single. USA Today says:

"I would like to have signature songs," Clay Aiken says, "songs that are identifiable as mine as opposed to 'Clay Aiken sings such-and-such.' " That's why the American Idol Season 2 runner-up conducted an intensive search for songs he could connect with.

"I went through a bunch of songs and found On My Way Here by (OneRepublic's) Ryan Tedder, and it hit me in the gut," he says. "It became the catalyst for the whole album to be lyrically connected — most of the songs relate to lessons I've learned."

On My Way Here became both the title track and lead single for Aiken's album, due May 6 on RCA. The album, produced by Kipper, is Aiken's first collection of new material since his debut, 2003's Measure of a Man, which has sold nearly 3 million copies.

Aiken co-wrote one song on the new album, Lover All Alone. Musically, he promises the new album has "a little bit of something for everyone, from symphonic-type ballads to upbeat, edgy stuff."

Can't wait for both the CD and the single to be released and to see what Side 2 of the single will be!

RCA Begins Album Promotion

RCA is beginning promotion for Clay's new CD, "On My Way Here", due in stores May 6. The ad above appeared in this week's edition of Playbill.

TV ALERT: Clay on "American Idol Extra" Tonight

Remember that "American Idol Extra" interview Clay did a while ago about Spamalot. We're receiving word that this interview will air TONIGHT at 7 PM ET/4 PM PT on the FOX Reality Channel.

Time to Hit the Polls: USA Today Spring Album Poll

Claymates, it's time to hit the polls. USA Today is asking: "Which singer's spring album release are you most excited about?"

VOTE FOR CLAY at USA Today's website ... scroll down, the poll is on the left side.

Clay on Jimmy Kimmel 1000th Show Promo

Clay is on an ABC promo for Jimmy Kimmel's 1000th show. Jimmy, congrats on this fine achievement, and we look forward to seeing Clay return to your show!

Look carefully, and you'll see it! Clay is on the left hand of the "J".

Sony BMG/RCA To Release Album's Official PR Tomorrow

Corabeth at CH reports that Sony BMG/RCA is prepping an official press release for Clay's new album On My Way Here. The PR, including the announcement of the lead single, will be released to media tomorrow.

An update from RCA Marketing---posted with permission
The press release to announce the album release and the lead single will be out on Friday

There are definitely more webisodes coming
YAY!!!!! YAY!!!! YAY!!!

Tidbits 4/3

• Charleston Post Courier - Quiana and co. to kick off Charleston, SC's Wando Riverfront Music Series -

  On Friday, Quiana Parler and Friends, featuring Dudley Birch, will kick off the series at Children's Park along the Wando River. This nine-piece band features male and female vocals with a three-piece horn section. A previous contestant on "American Idol," Parler has toured with Kelly Clarkson and Clay Aiken and has opened for a variety of well-known jazz and R&B artists.
  

• Idol mentions:
• NewWest -

  Year after year, the show keeps cranking out these manufactured pop stars who somehow seem to have an album in the can the day after they’ve won the title. Some, like Carrie Underwood, Clay Aiken and Kelly Clarkson, go on to have bona fide Successful Careers. Others, like Ruben Studdard and Taylor Hicks, don’t even make it to the second album before they’re dropped from their record labels like a crack pipe when the cops walk in.

• Knox News - article about Josh Gracin -

  Undoubtedly, Gracin's first CD was boosted by the power of "Idol," where he came in fourth place during the show's second season (the same season in which Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard became stars).
  

• CurlTV.com - Grand Forks, ND venue to host curling event -

  Affectionately known as “The Ralph”, the facility opened on October 5, 2001, and has played host to such events as the 2005 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, a tennis match between Andre Agassi and Andy Roddick and many concerts from artists such as Tim McGraw, Toby Keith, and Clay Aiken.

• Lycos PR - Clay #6 on this week's Lycos50
  

• Carolina On My Mind - news of the new album is spreading fast
  
• Clay - The Man - Clay finding his "way here"
  
• Something That Really Happened - Clay isn't the only Idol alum releasing new albums this spring
• Chexxxy's Pearls - AI contestant Carly Smithson sings "Here You Come Again", a song Clay covered on ATDW.
  

What's Hot In Spamalot 4/02

After a few days off, "What's Hot" is back with lots of hot news and pictures for our readers. Sometimes real life gets in the way of writing for Clay's Daily Double. Something I wish would never happen. But, today I've got a lot of hot Spamalot stuff to report!

• Everyone would love to be the peasant called up on stage. Kd4clay from The Clayboard was lucky enough to be just that. Here's her expciting report:

  Peasant March 29th Matinee #645 [-]
  
  I hope I'm not too late with this. I'm a newbie to posting on boards. I'm not sure this is the correct area to post this. Could you please move it if I wrong?
  
  My wish came true. Yes, I was the chosen peasent, D101, for the matinee on March 29th. I knew the time would be approaching soon. I'd been to 2 previous shows. A girl sitting 2 seats from me asked me if I was excited. I tried to stay cool. My sister, Angela, had forgotten about the peasant seat. I wanted it to be a surprise for her, so I answered, Why? Now my heart is really starting to beat quickly. Well the grenade hit and sure enough there was D101. Still trying to stay cool!!!! Before I could think Patsy was coming down the aisle towards me. Told me to stand up. There was the "Grail" on my seat. Patsy told me to sit back down which I did. Clay says bring the peasant on stage. Everyone's clapping. OMG!!! Here we go!!! Up the steps, I hear King Arthur say something like "Oh what a beauty". Ok let's stay calm---searching for Angela. Yes, I can see her in the dark. Really can't see the audience. Then King Arthur says something like, "Dressed very nice for a peasant". I think I say "Oh well you know". What kind of an answer is that, I'm thinking. He asks me my name twice. I want to make sure he hears Dor ish. Sometimes people think I say George. Ok so far so good. I haven't fainted. Everyone on stage is hoping that I will be chosen for the award. I think King Arthur is giving me the middle finger of each hand. My eyes get wide as I'm looking at him. I'm presented with the "King Arthur Award". I remember rolling my eyes as I'm walking over to where Clay is. Eveyone is singing. I hold up the "King Arthur Award". Did I mention it's a foot with the big toe sticking up??? Clay is on his knee facing me. What the heck!!! I can't see his face. I'm thinking. Dear God, move your hands away so I can see your face, but he doesn't. The flash goes off. It's obvious where I'm looking on the photo and it's not at the camera. OK I did it!!!! My heart is returning to normal. I wanted to get to the stage door as quickly as possible. Dashed out and got a great spot. Someone comes out and says he's not coming out. Doesn't feel well. Oh well. That means another trip to NYC. Got to get the photo signed.
  
  I purchased my tickets in January. I had no clue of the peasant seat. This was a birthday present to me from my sister. Birthday 2/25. I searched to find a date that was convienent for both of us and also good seats.When D101 & D102 came up I grabbed them even though it was a month after my birthday. As time went on, I found out about the peasant seat. lgforclay kept a log of the peasant seats chosen. Everyone in my group(PAClayfans) had their fingers crossed. I still can't believe it!!!! It was meant to be. Did you know that the address of the Shubert theatre is 225, same as my birthday.

• From Lilred at The Clayboard:

  April 1
  from BFS at CV!
  QUOTE... back from the show...
  
  ....Lets start with stage door, it wasn't just raining when we came out it was pouring...torrential down pour and just minutes before according to some who were already out there it was barely misting, go figure...so what do the Clay fans do...they huddle under umbrellas hoping against hope that Clay will wave from the door or something. It actually did stop raining in fairly quick order, but by that time Clay had already left and security came out and took down the barricades ...don't blame Clay one bit it was raining hard and showed no signs of slowing ...
  
  Okay some random thoughts...
  
  tonight's peasant was AllyKat...she couldn't stop staring and this was her one and only show...she was too adorable...
  
  Had a substitute King tonight-Thomas Cannizzaro...I really enjoyed his performance...he is younger more sprightly version ....he is normally one of the French Taunters...
  
  Anyway instead of scatting with the Lady of the Lake he did ABCDEFG, I can't wait to sing...it was too funny...he is also a bit lighter on his feet than Jonathan...one really cute thing was when he did the whoa entering the Knights of Ni forest he did a cute slide and a whoa...it was very funny...and I squealed a bit ...from SRO...so if you were wondering who did the squeal it was me....sorry....
  
  Galahad...Bradley Dean...my first time seeing him and I was pretty impressed...He isn't Chris, but he is playing the role his own way...I think he plays a bit more gorgeous dude than Chris, but it was still very enjoyable...more later about his interaction with Clay...He did hold out his hair during the slo mo horse scene to make it look like his long golden locks were blowing in the wind...pretty funny
  
  Rick, Hannah and Tom are sheer perfection they are hysterical and Tom's Prince Herbert is so freaking hysterical with his little gestures and faces... I swear the man has jello for bones....
  
  Okay some Clay observations...my favorite kind...
  He has become so mocking in the coconut scene...he is so hysterical...tonight he calculated the air speed and velocity of the sparrow on his hand using his strap as the pencil...
  
  He continues to do the sing song...bored stiff anyway...which is hysterical...
  
  Slo-mo horse was gorgeous as ever...lots of tongue
  
  Clay had a slow and deliberate dismount from his pony tonight and his good steed got some extra petting tonight...
  
  Clay has perfected his lecherous looks and is now bending down so low that his hair almost hits the floor when he goes to look up the skirts....He is shimmying with the best of them ...and appeared very thirsty tonight drinking lots of his drink...
  
  When LOL came out and does her Knight striptease...after she throws her first glove...Clay says off mike...throw it to meeee...she didn't, in fact, sailed over everyone's head....
  
  Clay got a very nice reaction to Idol of the Ages tonight
  
  there were lots of NJU and at least one school group at tonight's show.
  
  Knights of Ni...did the red phone in the White House and then said ahhh, who cares you're not the President, you were the Governor of NY and you like spending $4000 a night to party with hookers/prostitutes....and he did a little dance and then said paid for by Eliot Spitzer...
  
  Clay has so perfected soiling his pants his gestures and motions leave no doubt in your mind what has happened and it is very funny...
  
  I think from what I have heard that Clay and Brad's guard scene has come a long way...tonight Clay was very taken with his Pike and was staring up at it watching it kind of catch the reflection of the light...which has the effect of slowing Brad down b/c he doesn't have Clay's full attention...at one point Clay was twisting the ribbons on his wedding decorated Pike...it was quite funny...
  
  Once again when Clay died his pike landed on the lights and Clay ever so carefully moved it out of the way...
  
  I must say it has been a joy to watch Clay continue to grow in his character and more fully develop it.
  
  And Clay's solo was excellent tonight...I especially like when he is taking a bow and then realizes that the piano is there and basically tells the audience to hold off on the applause and runs to the piano...
  
  His bottle dance is deliberate and very lethal in it's intensity...
  
  It was a fun night and I must say that i was very impressed by the Tom C. King...he was different, but very enjoyable...

• Craving Clay gives this report:

  Just got off the phone with Tiggy52winkle. She said Clay is really "on" tonight. Young guys in front of them are laughing like crazy. There are people in back of them from SC seeing the show for the first time. She thought lots of fans there. Looks pretty full but doesn't know if sold out.
  
  During the tower scene he held his helmet strap and kind of snapped it between his fingers when the other guard was talking about carrying the cocanuts on a line. During Find Your Grail, Sir Robin said, "Its the lake lady!"
  
  He yelled "stop it, stop it" to the can can dancers.
  
  He did a "major" horse dismount right in front of them. They are in Row C, left side on the aisle.
  
  The replacement for King Arthur is wonderful. Not sure who it is but NOT Anthony Holds. She likes the new Galahad although he doesn't have much of an English accent. Says he has very white teeth, even whiter than Sir Robin's.
  
  They got the Playbill with the CD ad.

• Bbandit31 came all the way from Singapore to see Clay in Spamalot. You can tell by her report how thrilled she was and how worth it it was to make the trip! Here's her great report:

  I'm back from my week in NYC and I'm missing Clay badly already. Someone said that we leave a little of ourselves with him everytime we see him. And I can't agree with that statement more. He has my heart and I love him dearly. I know many others played Sir Robin before Clay took on the role, but speaking personally, I can't imagine anyone else doing the role like our Clay. He was, for want of a better word, Phenomenal. I loved every move, every line, every expression, every note he sang. After reading so many recaps before I left to see the show myself, I went expecting Clay to blow me away with his performance. But nothing could prepare me for how much more in love I would be after I actually saw him with my own eyes. No recap, no clack, no photo can capture the true talent, beauty, sexiness of the man. Yes he is major major sexy. (Clay you can stop protesting.) Especially so when he dances. He flirts with the audience. You see it in his smile. When he does the dance with the coconuts, when he walks across stage singing "all for one", when he does his YDSOB dance, and especially in his white suit. WOW.
  
  The trip from Singapore is long...and expensive...but it is so worth every cent. I would do it all over again if I could. I would fly there right now. If you can get there but choose not to - just go. You won't regret it.....
  
  ...Stagedoor 27 March -
  Clay's sharpie had run out of ink while signing halfway and he asked aloud if anyone had an extra sharpie. Note the lady who gives him her sharpie. She stood in front of me on Friday 28 March and asked Clay a question about the tour and she got an interesting answer.
  
  Stagedoor 28 March -
  I was sitting in seat A1 again on my final night watching Spamalot. That's way over to the left which makes it really hard to get to the stagedoor and get a good spot. I found myself to the extreme right with hardly a view of our hawtsexysingerman. But I stuck my hand vertical and managed some shaky and blurry shots. ...I had one hand trying to film him, another holding out my playbill (which he missed) and the rest of me was trying to hear what he was saying to the lady in front of me (the sharpie lady from the previous night). After he left, I asked her what she asked him and what he said and she said she told him to come out west for his summer tour in july. He said something like - I don't know what you're talking about. She said your summer tour, it is all over the media. And he said - when's the last time you trusted the media?
  
  Now I don't know what to make of that. He didn't seem to be joking from what i saw of his face when he spoke to her. If you listen real carefully, you can barely hear him say the words "I don't know what you are talking about". But the rest...well...i can't hear it. So I can only report what she told me.
  
  I would like to thank all for your kind words. I hope my recaps and stagedoor video brought Clay closer to those who can't make it there. And for those who were there, I hope you enjoyed it as well.
  
  Special thanks to Clayharmony, Clayniac24, d4kkkks, NYcityClayfan for taking me under your wings in NYC. Claymates rock!!!
  
  ETA - someone upthread asked about the silver sharpie? Well i printed another copy of his CD cover and managed to get in front for him to sign. I held out the photo in one hand and the silver sharpie in another like he asked me to the previous night. But with all the people pushing playbills at him, he signed my photo with the black sharpie he had in his hands and missed my silver sharpie altogether. It doesn't matter. It may be hard to see his signature, but I know he signed it and that is all that matters. Besides, he spoke to me and that alone made my year. NO....made my century!!!

• From Wildcard24 (this report is long long long, but very interesting and informative. Don't miss reading it!!):

  Spamalot Recap: 3/27 (Thursday) and 3/28 (Friday) Sorry if it's long, I tried to shorten it. Feel free to scroll--
  
  The line-Tons of people in line. I got to the theater early on Thursday, a bunch of teenagers were in line, they're from a high school in Wisconsin on a field trip (nice to see this). I met 2 fans from Wisconsin next to me in line (not a part of the field trip). I also met Clazyglue and d4kkkks (the regulars). The theater doors opened at exactly 7:30 and 3 ushers placed a scanner at the table in front of the 3 entrance doors. The tickets scanned very quickly and the crowd got ushered in pretty fast (no wonder they only allowed 30 minutes prior to the show).
  
  The show-Funny, funny, funny! Every detailed had been reported. It was my first show but in spite of all the recaps I read, I was still in denial that I was watching and listening to a new Clay Aiken. The man has flawless accent LOL Clay as Robin and the other tower guard was so indifferent to the king that they discussed the improbability of a swallow carrying a coconut instead of being impressed that a king was talking to them. The king and Patsy left exasperated, the other tower guard asked Robin how'd he knew that was a king. Robin responded something like, he didn't have sh*t all over him LOL
  
  The solo YWSBIYDHJ was awesome! Clay looked imposing, tall and strapping, dancing and singing solo onstage, until the ensemble joined him onstage. The stomping of his foot and the wriggling of his body just before the bottle dance was alone worth the plane fare to see him. If there is one thing that I could improve on this scene-that is for Robin to sing his 2 glorious notes in front because at this scene, he was behind all the people dancing and singing up front and I almost missed to watch Clay back there on top of the piano with all the fun commotion going on in front.
  
  Drunken guard scene-- made me laugh until tears were streaming in my eyes. I thought I would hyperventilate since I have a habit of covering my mouth when I laugh in theaters or movies. I failed to cover my mouth half the time because Clay was so funny in his facial expressions, I was laughing pretty much the whole time. Herbert's father wanted him to guard Prince Herbert but Clay as the drunken guard kept repeating the instructions incorrectly followed by a hilarious doubting facial expression if he got it right alternating with a smug look of I think I got it LOL For example, Prince Herbert Dad would say, and don't let anyone in except me, and Clay would repeat, and don't let anyone come in unless it's you or anyone else! complete with a firm nod of his head, a roll of his upper limber body (he's drunk) followed by a rolling eyes upward with his mouth puckering to the side. He'd done this with all the instructions with different facial expressions. It's my favorite scene, especially Prince Herbert (Tom) was equally hilarious in this part. When Lancelot killed the guard (Clay) he fell right in front of me, his face averted towards the stage so he wasn't facing the audience, his tunic flipped during the fall and folded to his stomach, and I didn't look at the rest of him, and look at his hand holding the spear instead
  
  The Peasant--Sir Robin was very enthusiastic when he told the king that maybe the peasant should be rewarded. D101 was a guy and he was wide eyed about the whole thing. At the stage door, he was let in at the end of the barricade to go to the backstage. Apparently one of the cast knows him, I couldn't remember who it was that came out and asked him in, it was too fast, I might be wrong but I think it was Rick Holmes who let him in.
  
  Stage door--D4kkkks got me a second row spot at the stage door and she left that spot as soon as I took it (what a darling she was!). There were tons of people there already even though I was able to exit quickly. I was able to shoot a pretty good stage door video with a few close ups but I don't know how to turn that into shareable clack.
  
  I went alone but sat between fans. I was in 2nd row center B103 right in front of Clay!!! To my right were 2 ladies from Boston, to my left were 2 from Indiana. Next to these ladies was Regaled by Clay whom I told that, omg I think Clay is an actor, a real actor! The lady from Indiana whom I abused by hitting her arm a few times didn't get mad at me because she was busy laughing as I was, and I think she got a kick seeing me laughing so hard seeing the show for the first time. The woman sitting beside me from Boston I think lost it. She laughed the hardest!
  
  The second night 3/28 I find as enjoyable as the first night. I couldn't say which night was better as a nuance I saw the first night that wasn't in the second were replaced by other small nuances present that were not in the first. The scantily clad dancer who served Clay and Galahad a drink slapped Clay's butt on Friday but didn't on Thursday but Thusday Clay shimmied with that dancer and didn't on Friday so, just little things. The huge steel looking helmet worn by lady of the lake was tossed perfectly in front of the guy who picked it up the first night, and was tossed a bit on the right and rolled some towards the audience onstage the second night. Like I said, little things that would not make me choose one night over the other. I enjoyed both shows tremendously. Both nights were packed though I did not see a sold out sign on the ticket window.
  
  The other Peasant--Friday's D101 winner was another guy. The 2 men were seated while the narrator already begun. They looked like businessmen with their business long coats and their suits and ties. The guy who won removed his jacket before sitting. We were seated across him on the 5th row on the right. He absolutely looked like he didn't know he'll win the peasant of the night by sitting there. It was so funny the way they talked about the clue once it was uncovered. One said it was Die Oy! Lancelot said it was something you said when dumb like Doi! With another saying that was not doi but Duh! The king asked for a clue and a big hand pointing down at the audience came down from the ceiling. Patsy came down to D101 and ushered the confused looking guy in his late twenties to the stage, the king said he like peasant in tie, ask for his name and last name and they sang to him paused a second all looking funny to their right for a Polaroid shot, Clay handed the photo to the winning peasant and Patsy ushered him back off stage. Lucky guy!!!
  
  Saturday, I walked by myself around the theater district and Times square, and decided to check on Spam attendance. I went to the ticket window-there were only 4 left-one seat on the left box (no view of Clay as tower guard), 2 on the last row of balcony (obstructed view), and the very last seat of row T last row in Orchestra to the right. All for regular price!
  
  Stage door the 2nd night was packed before I exited even though I was lickety quick. There were people there already before most of the audience got to exit. I found a place in 3rd row deep in the crowd, more people piled behind me later on, the tall guy and his wife in front of me moved as soon as they got their playbill signed but accidentally caused a commotion when both left and the woman in red coat lightly leaned on the barricade due to the movement-that little movement was enough for Clay to put his hands up and skipped the rest of us wanting his autograph. The guy meant well by leaving so others can be upfront but movement like that in a packed tight space was not good. The only reason I mentioned this is so that those who have not gone yet can tell the people in front of you not to move, being still is more helpful so the people behind can extend out their playbill and Clay usually reach for those and sign. Out of the 3 of us, one got an autograph so we were happy. I called joyclay as soon as I arrived home Sunday evening and told her that we got her an autograph. She wasn't able to go so we did this for her. She was happy!
  
  It was a great show and the walk at Times Square at night plus the city tour with my clayfriends made our trip another one to file under my Fun Fan Events! Cheers!

• And last but not least, Zippy888 (who was peasant one night 2-3 weeks ago) caught the bridal bouquet when The Lady of the Lake through it into the audience! Here's her report:

  I'm back from the matinee show this afternoon for a bit. Want to know what happened? I caught the bridal bouquet! Catching the bouquet was the last thing on my mind, functioning with only less than 3 hours of sleep! It went straight up into the ceiling and came right down into my hands! I squealed and screamed with delight amidst crowd cheers and applause. I waved the bouquet at Hannah during the ALOTBSOL sing-a-long and she did a finger wave back at me and acknowledged my bouquet wave. I saw Clay smile when I was waving the bouquet in the air!!

USA Weekend Interviews Clay: No Tour In The Works After All

USA Weekend interviewed Clay for the second time in as many months, and Clay burst the bubble, so to speak, when he confirmed that contrary to press reports, there is currently no plan for a summer tour. "I'm taking a break," Clay said.

Here is an abridged version of the interview. Please head to the USA Weekend website to read it in its entirety. A shorter version of the interview will appear in the May 11 print issue of USA Weekend.

Clay Aiken talks music, acting and talk

ACTING: "I enjoy being myself more than I enjoy being somebody else." In other words, he has enjoyed working in Spamalot but he's not looking for another Broadway role, nor is he looking to do movies, as some of you wanted to know.

TOURING OTHER COUNTRIES: Those of you who want him to come to Australia, Norway, Singapore and more are out of luck. Why? Clay says his record label doesn't release his albums in those places.

TOURING IN GENERAL: "I'm taking a break," Clay said. He knows that you all want to see him again, and acknowledged that there were some press reports that he would tour this summer but "we never said we were planning on touring this summer. Do we plan on touring for this (new) album? Yes. But not this summer."

TALK SHOW: Now, here is something he clearly would like to do. "We put feelers out for this, that or the other...we make known what we think we're interested in doing," Clay says, using We meaning He. And he says they've made it known that talk is something he's interested in doing. But, like Spamalot, he says, sometimes it's a matter of ideas and opportunities coming together at the right time. Bottom line: nothing in the works right now.

THE NEW ALBUM: "I know a lot (of the fans) like to like everything I do," Clay says, but on the new album there will be something everyone won't like, but also something everyone WILL like. A lot of you want Clay to rock out, or as he calls it "do rockin' songs" — and he says on the new album he does — but it's hard for him to find such songs. "I can't find one I'm comfortable with." He was reluctant to pick a favorite or signature song from this album but eventually said the song Something About Us could be it.

Look for my shorter print piece on Clay in the May 11 issue of the magazine, and you can read about my previous interview with Clay here.

Tidbits 4/2

New poll at AmericanIdol.com
"Which Idol alums would you like to see follow Clay on Broadway?"

• American Idol articles:
• Reuters wire story - Idol contestant hospitalized after show -

  "American Idol" pits singers against one another in a months-long competition for a professional recording contract. Past winners including Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood have gone on to music stardom, as have some runners-up like Clay Aiken.

• E! Online - it's David vs. David on American Idol 7 -

  Bottom line, both guys have proven themselves enough to have wildly successful stand-alone careers after the show ends, regardless of who wins (the loss didn't hurt Chris Daughtry, Jennifer Hudson or Clay Aiken), and if you ask me to choose between my Davids, I won't. The'yre both too good to make the call.

• TV Fodder - American Idol top 9 recap - "Singing sixth was David Archuleta, who performed “Smoky Mountain Memories.” His voice was great and he completely nailed that last note. He’s like Clay Aiken Version 2.0 with the way he can sing any ballad they throw at him."
• Roanoke Times -

  David A. Oh, David A. I agree with Dolly that David "has the voice to become a great, great singer." But, I'm just not feeling it's his time yet. He does have a solid voice and he performed the heck out of "Smokey Mountain Memories," but I don't know. I'm just over him, I think. Again, his will be the CD at Starbucks or on adult contemporary stations. Or on Broadway with Clay Aiken. Not that that's a bad thing at all, but I just don't want him to steal the limelight from someone who deserves to win.

• My Fox - Gulf Coast -

  David Archuleta, "Smokey Mountain Memories:" Oh man, this kid is back in the game… he picked one of Dolly's favorite songs, and she tries not to cry when he sings it. He reminds me a lot of Clay Aiken, even though they don't sound a like. But they both have that (slightly fake) "Aw, shucks," innocence about them. Randy thinks that was the best performance of the night, Paula says he's glorious and Simon says the song choice was spot on.

• Boston Herald - celebrities have specific demands from the hotels they visit -

  Some requests, such as buckets of “clean” ice, seem reasonable. Luxury hotels must occasionally get rusty water in the ice machine for this stipulation to be so common. Others, such as the mandatory cereal schedule for Clay Aiken’s backup band, go off the silliness charts.

• Idle-wandering presents a montage to the tunes of "Here You Come Again" by Clay
  

RCARecords.com, ClayAiken.com Make Album Triple Official

More confirmation that Clay's new CD is now set for a firm release date of May 6. News about the news album have been posted to RCARecords.com and on Clay's official website, ClayAiken.com. There is also a short announcement at Clay's MySpace blog.

New Album!!!
Clay Aiken's new album, "On My Way Here" is OUT ON MAY 6! Watch a behind-the-scenes video of Clay Aiken discussing the recording process HERE! And stay tuned for an all new ClayAiken.com!

4/1/2008 - New Clay Aiken Album!
Clay's new album, "On My Way Here," will be out May 6th! You can watch a behind-the-scenes video of Clay discussing the recording process Here!

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.
  

Scrapping 4 Inclusion Announces New Program: "Let's ALL Scrapbook"

Scrapping 4 Inclusion, in partnership with the Bubel Aiken Foundation, announced their new program "Let's ALL Scrapbook". More information about the program and how you can get involved was made available in a press release:

Scrapping 4 Inclusion Announces the Let’s ALL Scrapbook Program in Conjunction with The Bubel/Aiken Foundation


NewswireToday - /newswire/ - Calgary, Alberta, Canada, 03/31/2008 - The Foundation was co-founded by Clay Aiken & Diane Bubel in 2003 to serve children with special needs and the goal of inclusion for ALL.


Scrapping 4 Inclusion is proud to announce its new Let’s ALL Scrapbook program. Let’s ALL Scrapbook is an inclusive arts & crafts program where children with and without disabilities get together and create a small scrapbooking project or other paper craft project.

The intention of Let’s ALL Scrapbook is to provide suggestions and instructions so that anyone can organize and offer this program to children in their community. Let’s ALL Scrapbook will take a simple idea and make it easy to follow with a goal that people just like you will take the initiative and go out to their community and get children with and without disabilities participating together in this activity.

Let’s ALL Scrapbook is a program that has been run in partnership with The Bubel/Aiken Foundation’s Let’s ALL Play program. It is intended to be an independently-funded and operated activity to promote inclusion. Therefore no application or approval is required to facilitate this program. However, it certainly can be offered as an additional activity for those who are offering the Let’s ALL Play program funded through the Foundation.

Kids’ crafts help to foster creativity and imagination. They give children a sense of accomplishment. By encouraging a child’s creative side, you will not only help to develop their imagination, but also improve the way they feel about themselves. Let’s ALL Scrapbook is intended to be a stepping-stone program to introduce inclusion to children and to members of our communities. It is designed to be run by anyone at any skill level. You do not have to be a teacher or an avid scrapbooker to make this program work. You simply need the desire to help bring inclusion to the children.

The Let’s ALL Scrapbook instruction manual is available for download on the Scrapping 4 Inclusion website. This manual has complete step-by-step instructions for operating a Let’s ALL Scrapbook program.

We encourage everyone to download their copy of the manual today and get involved. Get out in your community and scrapbook with the Kids.

About Scrapping 4 Inclusion
Scrapping 4 Inclusion (scrapping4inclusion.com) is an awareness and fundraising campaign where Volunteers across the USA will organize a Scrapbooking Crop in their community. A Scrapping 4 Inclusion Crop can be customized by each Organizer to fit with what they are personally able to manage and what the market in their community will bare. If you are interested in getting involved, we are always looking for additional volunteers to plan events in their own community. You do not need to be a scrapbooker to get involved; you only need the desire to help. The more volunteers involved the more voices there are to raise awareness.

For more information on Scrapping 4 Inclusion please visit their website.

About The Bubel/Aiken Foundation
The Bubel/Aiken Foundation (bubelaiken.org) provides services and financial assistance to promote the full integration of children with disabilities into the life environment of those without. The Foundation strives to create awareness about the diversity of individuals with disabilities and the possibilities that inclusion can bring. A step in the right direction, even if a small step, brings us closer to our goal. All children deserve to experience the fullness of a life lived without boundaries. Eliminating the stereotypes that have long been associated with physical and mental disability is the first step to erasing lines that divide us.

The mission of The Bubel/Aiken Foundation is creating communities where ALL children can learn, live, and play together. To learn more about The Bubel/Aiken Foundation visit their Website.

Tidbits 3/31

• antiMusic - new details about Clay's new CD (nothing we don't know already)
  
• American Chronicle interviews Debra Poneman, who was the editor of Chicken Soup for the American Idol Lover's Soul, now available at bookstores:

  Some of the proceeds from the sales of this book go to various charities. Can you tell us about them?
  
  Yes, as with all Chicken Soup books, a percentage goes to a charity or charities chosen by the authors. We chose three charities for this book: Ace Young´s High Roller´s With Heart that benefits the Children´s Hospital in Denver; Clay Aiken´s charity, The Bubel Aiken Foundation whose goal is to create an environment for children with disabilities where barriers are broken down and inclusion is embraced; and Idol Gives Back which raises money and awareness to benefit children and young people living in poverty in the US and Africa.
  

• After Elton- K-Lo and mention of new album -

  Kimberley Locke, "Fall"
  
  She was right behind Clay Aiken in the show’s second season, and American Idol invited Kimberley Locke to perform her new “Fall” single on Wednesday night. She’s slimmed down, but she still has that voice!
  
  Clay's back for more
  
  Speaking of Clay Aiken, check out the cover art for his upcoming, sophomore album, On My Way Here … and we’ve learned Claymates can’t take a joke…

• Quad City Times on the new American Idol video game -

  I tried four songs — “September,” “Save a Life,” “You’re Beautiful” and “It Ends Tonight.” As I sang, the words “Poor” and “Horrible” kept showing up on the screen. My friend sang like that little bore Clay Aiken and the game kept giving him props. I don’t get it.

• Something That Really Happened - Amazon.com confirms tracklisting for OMWH
• Carolina On My Mind - Clay nation abuzz with news of CD tracklisting -

  Clay Aiken often brags about the detective abilities of his fans, never more on display than this week's discoveries of the track list for his new CD, On My Way Here, as well as video and audio demos by songwriters.
  
  Some fans choose to remain "CD virgins." Not me -- I listen to every little snippet and link that comes along because I know these songs will be brand new when Clay sings them.
  
  Saturday morning a news story on the Ace Show Biz site confirmed the playlist CA fans had discovered through a music store a day earlier. From the track listing page, a click on more info takes the reader to OMWH's corner on Amazon.
  

One Year Ago on March 31, 2007 - Bubel Aiken Foundation Gala "Champions of Change" Took Place

Its always fun to remember anniversaries and events that happened one year ago to the day. An especially wonderful and fun event that happened one year ago from this Monday, March 31, was the Bubel Aiken Foundation Gala, Champions of Change. As we all know, the gala was a huge success, not only in the amount of money that was donated, but also in the vocalizing and support of BAF's mission of inclusion.

A news article can be found at The Bubel Aiken website's news archives, and reading it is a great way to remind yourself of the many good things that happened that evening. Just a few exerpts are as follows:

The very special gathering was to celebrate and recognize the achievements of "Champions of Change" and to support the Foundation's mission of inclusion.

Diane proved once again that she is a true advocate for inclusion, and she continues to inspire everyone who is lucky enough to hear her speak with passion about inclusion and her very special family. Clay’s speech about how we all can be Voices for Change was equally inspiring and passionate.

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Champions of Change awards. Awards of recognition for their efforts and continuous devotion to making a difference were presented to Jonathan Bunzey, the Youth Honoree ,Coach Jim Johnson, State Farm Insurance , and The Voices of Beta Alpha Volunteers. All the honorees graciously accepted their awards and showed a truly humble spirit in the midst of their incredible work to open doors for inclusion for children in their communities.

A Live Auction followed, and the generosity of the supporters was overwhelming. It was wonderful to see Clay Aiken interacting with the audience and the auctioneer in an effort that ended up surpassing all expectations. By the end of the auction, Clay announced that the supporters had more than paid for the Foundation’s “Let’s ALL Play” summer camps for the entire 2007 summer.... At the end of the evening, supporters had helped to raise $333,238.45!

And, of course, I think we can all remember how funny Clay was at the gala, auctioning off his ring and his shirt after making them even more desirable to be won than they already were!! Because of Clay and his shenanigans, the donations went way up and a fun time was had by all!

Congratulations to Bubel Aiken as we remember the great results of their Champion of Change Gala one year ago today!

Tidbits 3/30

• About.com - Clay Aiken ready to release new album -

  With the upcoming album On My Way Here, due in stores May 6, 2008, Clay Aiken fans will get what they've been looking for a long time, an album of original material. His last album, A Thousand Different Ways, disappointed many fans due to the fact it was loaded with covers of popular love songs. The albums sales were lackluster, and, with the assistance of producer Mark "Kipper" Eldridge, Aiken has decided to head in a different direction this time out.
  
  On his official web site, Clay Aiken discusses how a song from OneRepublic's leader Ryan Tedder set the tone for his new album. The song deals with the shaping of our adult lives by lessons we learn growing up. "“I thought if we could find songs along those lines, that deal with my life over the past five years and what I’ve learned from my experiences, it would be a great concept for an album." Check out the link below at AOL Music where Clay discusses working with his producer.
  

• Amazon.com - The listing of tracks for On My Way Here are now up at amazon.com. No snippets yet.
  
  
  
  
• For those who are inclined to vote, here are a few polls for you to vote in:
  
  
  • Votenumber1.com - Vote here for your favorite past American Idol. The top four vote-getters are now up at their site. Here are the poll results as of Sunday afternoon:
    
    Chris Daughtry - 27.69%
    Clay Aiken - 25.11%
    Carry Underwood - 24.07%
    Kelly Clarkston - 23.13%
    
    Note that though Clay is in 2nd place, behind Chris by just over 2%, he is listed as #4 on the voting list. You can vote once per day per computer. Only about 4.5% separates all 4 idols.
    
    
  • American Idol Music.com - "Whose your fav?" asks this poll at American Idol Music. Note that you have to scroll down inside the poll box to the last idol, who is Clay. He does not show on the screen until you poll down. Right now he has a huge lead with about 67% of the vote. Still a little extra cushion doesn't hurt, so get those votes in!
    
• Lycos 50 - Don't forget to search for Clay at Lycos 50. Clay dropped from #3 to #6 this past week. Let's keep searching and move him back up!
• Louisville Courier Journal - not really sure where this comes from ... but, "Will someone please finish one of these Joplin movies before rumors start flying that Clay Aiken and/or Bucky Covington will be playing the troubled legend?"

• The ConCLAYve asks why it took 5 whole years for RCA to get a new original album out from Clay -

  Clay Aiken is releasing a highly anticipated album of original material on May 6th. The album called “On My Way Here” is produced by Grammy award winner, Kipper who is best known for his work with Sting and Chris Botti. The core fandom and likely even the casual fans who first met Clay on American Idol five years ago have been waiting for an album like this for a long time. It is an album that reflects Clay and his journey. It is an album where he had more control over song choice and sound. So, why did it take so long to get this album? Well, to understand that, first let me tell you a story.