Clay's Daily Double Welcomes Meghan to News Posting Team

As part of CDD's committment of making our website your #1 Clay Aiken news source, we're proud to announce a new addition to our news posting team!

Starting today, This is how I Measure a Man's Meghan will be joining CDD on a permanent basis.

Welcome Meghan!

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

Tidbits 8/13

• Grand Rapids Press' Colleen Pierson on how to cope with a severe form of American Idol 'addiction' -- "I knew I had issues when I took to bidding on Clay Aiken pillowcases on eBay. I had to stop when the price reached $59. It wasn't a pillow that Aiken had actually used -- it was just his face silk-screened on that sent me into a bidding frenzy."
• I think this is from last week, but it's popped up again- Florida Sun Sentinel answers reader's question about Clay. "Aiken might not have won American Idol but he has gone on to have the biggest career of anyone who has appeared on the show with the possible exception of the first winner, Kelly Clarkson."
• Canton Rep- Clay votes pour in when readers asked about which artist should perform at Canton's 'ribs burnoff': "Many agreed with my choices of Hall & Oates and Cheap Trick. Earth, Wind & Fire received a notable number of mentions, as did Peter Frampton and Clay Aiken."

• Chexxxy's -- it's time to party! ATDW release only a month or so away!
• There Was A Man's blog about CD Singles and how no one has come close to matching Clay's record.
• Clayigraphy- a facinating post about what "A Thousand Different Ways" could mean.
• Smithplanet (non-Clay blog) has a great Clay mention. In a today's post about why their local Radio Shack was closed on a busy Saturday afternoon, they wonder: "So I stop to see if Radio Shack has gone tits up or if it was just closed so the employees could go to the Clay Aiken concert."

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

MOAM Reinstated @ iTunes (well, sort of)

...well, it's a start. After being removed last month, MOAM has been partially re-stored at Apple's hugely popular iTunes music store. The version currently available does not include Invisible or This Is The Night and thus cannot be downloaded as an album (you must download all the songs individually). There were rumours of licensing issues with RCA, but that remains unconfirmed. Since MOAM is not available as an album, it will not count for SoundScan's album tracking charts.

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

Clay Mention on The N Channel

VisionsOfClayInMyHead reports that Clay was mentioned tonight on The N Channel (a teen channel):

I was just watching Degrassi on The N (a TV channel for teenagers) and they took clips from certain shows and made a funny caption for each. They showed a clip of a guy running away from these other guys with the caption "I didn't take your Clay Aiken CD!" And of course, I ran down here to post it.

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

Clay on E!'s Summer of Love TV Special?

Will Clay be mentioned on E! Channel's upcoming special "Summer of Love"?

Courtesy the CB's claikendee:

This morning (satuday) while watching E! channel weekend news, they showed a commercial for a show/special called "Summer of Love" and showed quick clips of people i'm guessing will be covered on the show and thought I saw a pic of Clay...did anybody else catch this commercial??
I'm guessing it's about all the hot things going on this summer.
They showed quick clips of all the hot people.
Didn't catch the air date or time.

As always, CDD will keep you informed on this.

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

Tidbits 8/12

• Very nice New York Times article about celebs stepping up and making a difference in Africa. Mentions Clay's 2005 trip to Uganda. The NYT has a full list of celebs who have visited Africa here.
  

  Beginning early in the decade with a trickle of celebrity fact-finding missions to strife-torn sub-Saharan nations (Bono in Ghana, Bono everywhere) that became a torrent within the last couple of years (Clay Aiken in Uganda, Jessica Simpson in Kenya), Africa has now been embraced by the masses.

• Lyrichord's Music Musings shares some non-Clay videos... Right Here Waiting (Nick Lachey/Richard Marx), If You Don't Know Me By Now (Simply Red)
• There Was A Man compares CD singles by the numbers - Clay still tops the list.

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

Countdown to September 19 and ATDW Release! - DAY 37

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

Countdown to September 19 and ATDW Release! - DAY 38

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

PA Christmas Concert Tickets Featuring Clay Onsale Monday

We were a bit confused about the Williamsport, PA "Clay Aiken Christmas" concert that popped up last month. Well, Clay's blog today explained it all -- he'll be making guest appearances at symphony Christmas concerts across the nation this winter (so no JNT2006).

Tickets go on sale on Monday (August 14) at the box office, Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster.com and by phone. Whether it's worth the money to go see Clay perform a only few songs is up to you; a full tour is expected in the spring.

More information about this concert.
Visit the Williamsport Community Arts Center's website for more info.

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

Clay Blogs: Get Ready for the ATDW Blitz, 2007 Tour

By CDD's J4Clay

Clay blogged today, to let us know about some of the upcoming plans for the remainder of the year. One of the main reasons for the blog it seems was to let everyone know he will not be performing on GMA on September 1. What a sweetheart he is, letting us know this so we will go to no expense to go there to see him. Apparently he does plan to be on GMA as part of the CD promotion, and he said he will let us know when that is.

Alas, there will be no Joyful Noise Tour, and it appears that in 2006 there will be no solo tour either. In place of the JNT, Clay will be performing with symphony orchestras around the country that have invited him to sing with them -- we already know about the Williamsport, PA concert. We'll just have to wait and see where the other concerts spring up around the country.

The reason for no tour is that Clay will be spending most of his time in these next few months promoting his CD. We can assume that this means TV appearances, magazine articles, and radio interviews. Something good to look forward to. But sadly, I already miss not having the tour. But Clay and his team know best, and we can at least look forward to a great tour next year!

Blogs about this:

• Southern Girl
• On The Boardwalk

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

Planning a CD Release Party?

If you are planning a CD Release party for the September 19 release of A Thousand Different Ways, be sure to get your message out at the Clay Aiken CD Release Parties board.

Let's hope this release will be as big, if not bigger, than MOAM's release in 2003.

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

Clay on Last Night's ET Canada

Clay was the subject of Entertainment Tonight Canada's EQ question of the day. They asked: "'American Idol' runner up, Clay Aiken, covers which Bryan Adams song on his upcoming album?"

CDD Video: Clay on ET Canada 8/10
Courtesy the CB's Gerwhisp.


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

Clay Makes Big Jump on Lycos50

All the ATDW buzz has been healthy for Clay's Lycos50 ranking. Clay comes in at #17 this week, up from #32 last week. It marks the 161st week Clay has been on the list. Amazingly, Clay has never fallen off the chart -- not even once!

Please keep searching -- Lycos.com.

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

Tidbits 8/11

• Lumino Magazine-- AI article: "Want to be the next Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard, Fantasia Barrino, heaven forbid, Clay Aiken?"
• Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Film teacher often confused with Clay Aiken... "Clark said with a chuckle that he's sometimes mistaken for "American Idol" contestant and fellow North Carolinian Clay Aiken."
• From the Clayboard: Daniel Pearson, who was the bass player for Clay during parts of NAT, JNT and JBT recorded with Clay according to Pearson's MySpace: "Hey Bro, All's well on this end. Did a taping with Clay and the trio gig with Tariqh this week. Both went well....."
• ATDW is mentioned in MSNBC's weekly quiz -- "What is the name of Clay’s CD?"
• 4 new heartwarming stories have been posted at the Bubel Aiken Foundation's website.
• USA Today Idol blog talks about Idol CD single sales... "So we see Clay is still the champ, although for some reason he benefited less from the download revolution than did Kelly."
• Foxes On Idol article about CD sales mentions ATDW/MOAM/MCWL: "The buzz is definitely beginning. Clay’s CD is just the first of many that will be dropping this fall. I thought it might be interesting to take a look at Idols’ album sales so as to get a better idea of what to expect when the floodgates open."
• Daily Press' article on Elliott Yamin mentions Clay -- 'Under normal circumstances, this column is an "American Idol"- free zone. It's not like you depend on me to fill you in on the ups and downs of Clay Aiken.'
  

• Carolina on My Mind has a nice roundup of the week's biggest news stories.
  

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

It's Time For The 4th Annual Claymmy Awards

Its my pleasure to tell you that its that time of year again. Yes, the 4th Annual Claymmy Awards are upon us! Clayscowchick, aka Lisa, has announced the Claymmys at the 4th Annual Claymmys Clayboard thread. Click on the link at this thread, and it will take you to 4th Annual Claymmy Awards website. A list of categories, including avators, blends, concert pics, fan art, and many others are listed at this site. You can enter up to 4 entries in each category. Check out all the rules and other information at this site.

This should be great fun for everyone. Good luck to everyone who enters.

My only question is....will we have our own red carpet for the awards?? ;)

clayis' Update: Yes we will. I've entered CDD into the Claymmys for the 2nd year. We'll be keeping you updated, so please come back on September 21 to vote for us!

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

Use "Good Search" To Make Money For TBAF

Want to do something very easy to make some money for The Bubel Aiken Foundation? For every web search that you do through Good Search, BAF earns one penny. That doesn't sound like much, does it. But, so far for the month of August, $597.42 has been raised, with a total August goal of $745.19. With all the Clay fans that are online, those pennies add up very quickly.

The Good Search thread at the Clayboard explains what you should do in order to search:

In "I Support" box, write "Bubel-Aiken Foundation", Click "Verify", and put your Clay search in upper Search Box. MAKE SURE that this box is filled in, and Verified, before you search.

You can put a Goodsearch toolbar at the top of your screen, or you can make Goodsearch your Home Page.

Search For EVERYTHING on Goodsearch: Lycos, Google, Yahoo, etc. Clay Aiken, Search for Nuts and Bolts, Search for Vacuum Cleaner Bags, Search for Clay Aiken UNICEF, Search for Geneology, etc. THIS SITE EARNS A PENNY ON ANY AND ALL SEARCHES. And do it often, so those pennies will add up.

While you are on sites like Lycos etc., search for anything Clay Aiken. You have earned a penny for TBAF, and you have earned points on Lycos, Google, Yahoo, etc. for Clay Aiken.

Note this request at Good Search's site: "Please use this site honestly. Fraudulent searches will result in a charity being de-listed."

Also note that at the top left of CDD's blog page, we have a link to "Good Search" that you can use.

So try to make a few searches a day. Not just Clay searches, but anything that's on your mind! Right now curtains for my son's room are on my mind. And office supplies. Oh, and places like Amazon music. Hmmmm, I wonder why! Let's see if we can make more than the $745.19 total that we are trying to reach for August!

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

Countdown to September 19 and ATDW Release! - DAY 39

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

Sturgis Journal Brings Attention to Clay's Amazon #1 Status

Clay recent week long run on top of Amazon.com's bestsellers list is getting the attention of the mainstream media.

Here's what the Sturgis Journal had to say about it in their article titled "How to move beyond Idol".

Clay Aiken's "A Thousand Different Ways" is set to be released Sept. 19, but not without already making an impact on pre-sales on Amazon.com.

The album is currently ranked No. 1, giving the "American Idol" Season 2 runner-up his third album to achieve such a feat.

Ruben Studdard, who barely defeated Aiken to become the "American Idol," can't claim the same distinction. That doesn't mean Studdard's music isn't good, it just means Aiken was just as worthy of the title Studdard received.

Clay might always be known as the "American Idol" who didn't win, but did win. It's that photo-finish thing, considering the margin was so close.

He's proven he's a star. Aiken's even set a few singles sales records, but he'll likely always be linked to "American Idol," especially when his CDs are released in proximity to Studdards.'

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

Accolades for Clay from Chicago's Lumino Magazine

Lumino Magazine's Clay article is just too good for us to miss. We hope the folks over at Lumino don't mind us posting it in its entirety:

30. Clay Aiken, 26
Written by NICK POWILLS
© 2006 LUMINO MAGAZINE

Never in a million years would I have thought that the word cool and Clay Aiken would go hand-in-hand, however, after the last year, the cute little southern boy has grown on me, and seemingly, on many other people across the U.S. of A. No longer do people call him gay, but as each album and each TV appearance passes, people seem to become fond of him. But the transformation from hated to loved and dork to stud was not easy.

Aiken was born Clayton Holmes Grissom, before shortening his name to Clay and taking on his Mom's last name. Anyone with the middle name Holmes is cool in my book. Cool step No. 1.

Then, he got an amazing physical makeover. Cool step No. 2. Cool step No. 3 would have been getting a sexier, male voice, but his metrosexual dressing does the job.

Ultimately, Clay made being a dork cool. Millions of fans have jumped on the looney Claymate band wagon, so he must be doing something right. And girls and boys alike love this guy.

I have a feeling Aiken's 15-minutes of fame are starting to dry up, but I am along for the ride. If it's movies, or extreme dodgeball that he tries next, I am ready to support the coolest dork in the world.
© 2006 LUMINO MAGAZINE

Lumino also named last year's Merrillville, IN JBT concert in their Top 16 concerts of 2005 list. In their review of the concert, they said: "As illustrated by the sold-out crowds throughout the tour, people of all ages will-- and do-- enjoy Aiken's energetic yet intimate, empowering and humble performances."

Other top-name artists on the list include Coldplay and Gwen Stefani.

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

Star Magazine's ATDW Tidbit

Nice Clay mention in August 21's Star Magazine. On page 27, it says (courtesy the CB's ellenpoppy):

Clay Aiken's Hot New Look! ["Hot New Look" in larger red font]

Clay Aiken, 27, may have to shot to fame as the American Idol runner-up with the clean-cut Howdy-Doody look, but for his third album (due out Sept. 19), he's had an extreme makeover. So what do Star readers think? In an exclusive poll, 69% say they like his sexy new look better! And a whopping 67% (most of whom are female) say he now looks like hunky Jared Leto. Not bad, Clay!

Star's website also has a poll asking: "DO YOU LIKE CLAY AIKEN'S NEW LOOK?".
Click here to cast your vote.

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