Clayboarder Receives Huge Surprise In The Mail

The CB's ClaySchatz received a huge surprise in her mail yesterday. Here's what she posted to the Clayboard last night:

I received a huge Clay-surprise in the mail today. Indulge me if you would, please:

Several years ago, right after American Idol 2 as the contestants were touring, I sent Clay a letter, telling him how much I loved his singing and how much my aging mother enjoyed his performances on AI. She is German like me, doesn’t speak any English, but she always recognized him and said that the “tall cute teacher” had the best voice of all.
Anyways, I sent along 4 large pictures I had printed off my computer for him to sign (at his leisure) which I was going to share with my mom. I enclosed a self-addressed envelope and sent it to his mom’s house, where he still officially lived at that time.

Well guess what? The signed Clay-Photos came in the mail today, and they are without a doubt his signatures. Imagine the surprise when I saw that envelope in the mail with my handwriting on it and with a Raleigh, NC return address.
Could this day get any better? I don’t think so. The sad part is that my mom passed away 1 year ago, but I know she’s smiling up there and thanking Clay for taking the time to make a fan happy.

As I look at the pictures now, I am a little embarrassed because they are not the very best quality, there are much better pictures floating around now, and I am much more computer-literate (thanks to Clay). He probably laughed when he saw them, but he signed them nevertheless

Christmas In March - spotlightlover's Cute Montage

So what if it's not Christmas. Check out spotlightlover's new montage of Clay performing "Sleigh Ride" during last year's "Not A Joyful Noise" Tour.

Clay Mention On Letterman

Clay was mentioned during last night's edition of The Late Show with David Letterman. Certainly not the best mention, but it's better than some of the stupid jokes Conan makes. Here's a short recap from the CB's fancynails4:

I feel asleep during Letterman while hubby and I were babysitting our grandson. He told me #7 of the Top Ten (Why Your Team Will Not Win During March Madness)was: While getting ready, your team listens to Clay Aiken.

Coincidentally, Clay hasn't been one Letterman since 2003, but has made numerous appearances on both Leno and Kimmel. Hmmm...

Tidbits 3/3

• Variety - American Idol is pissing us off ... "Similarly, with so many news outlets lobbying for a seat aboard the gravy train, few in the media dare identify "Idol" for what it is -- a karaoke sing-off designed to create and build up equity in bland pop acts such as Carrie Underwood and Clay Aiken."
• SF Gate - concert review of a rock band Snow Patrol says they are "veering dangerously close to Clay Aiken territory." ... whatever that means.
• The Futon Critic ... article related article... I think this is a synopsis of the Idol press conference they had recently... "Paula notes that there hasn't been anyone quite like Ryan Starr since season one. Other favorite water cooler moments: the "panther" from this season, the kid who sang "Like a Virgin," the Clay Aiken look-a-like getting surprised by the real Clay Aiken."
• Access Hollywood - another Rosie/Clay/Kelly thing - "This is not the first on-screen fracas for Rosie. The outspoken host previously engaged in a war of words with Kelly Ripa (over Clay Aiken) and Donald Trump (over Miss USA Tara Conner)."

• The ConCLAYve on how Clay is much like Red Sox player Jason Varitek -

  And in the Dead of Winter, Clay beckons.....with a summer tour. Clay Aiken's fanclub announced today that he will be releasing information about a summer tour in a few days. Good thing I gave up that raise for an extra week's vacation. I'd like to think Clay's going to have some old players and some new players too.Clay is a lot like Varitek. He's very good at his job, he is smooth when talking to the media or being on TV and he has an even snarkier sense of humor. He can't throw though. Varitek has a rifle. That's OK, I've seen enough pictures and video to tell me that Clay has a.....sword.

• Too Much - getting set for a summer with Clay ... "Whoo hoo! I am so ready for a full tour of all his songs, not just Christmas. And to hear him talk. And to see him smile. And waste all my money on the road."
  

Team Clay Make It Official: Summer Tour To Kick Off In July

COMPLETE TOUR COVERAGE - CDD 2007 ATDW TOUR BLOG

The 2007 ATDW Summer Tour is now official. The Official Fanclub posted this brief message on the fanclub homepage earlier tonight about the tour. Time to bring out those cameras, t-shirts, signs and god forbid, credit cards! No word yet on whether Canada will be included during this tour, but count me in as a Claynadian praying for that to come true.

03/02/07 : Tour News Alert!
By Team Clay

Clay Aiken summer 2007 touring plans are close to being confirmed with dates that start in July all across the U.S. Keep your eyes peeled to clayonline.com for show announcements in the coming days, along with on sale and fan club presale information. Get your oil changed, and calculate those frequent flier miles...the summer tour will be here before you know it!

Clay's Concert Listed at San Diego Symphony Website

A page for the August 2 San Diego, CA concert announced yesterday has been set up on the San Diego Symphony website. There's no new information posted there, but it's a darn good looking page, no doubt!

Don't forget tickets are NOW ON SALE to symphony "Summer Pops" subscribers and they will go on sale to the general public on April 2. For more information on how to become a symphony subscriber, contact the box office at: 619-235-0804.

Memory Road - Clay Sings National Anthem in Raleigh

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

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

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

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

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

But they are all great.

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

"A Thousand Days" Is Featured Video on RCA

Clay's video, "A Thousand Days" is one of the featured videos at RCARecords.com.

I had not watched the video in the last few days (such a long time!) so it was great to hear it again and watch those Clay moves and those eyes he gives to the camera. Oh yes! And what a great song! Since starting this article, I've already listened to it four times! Can't get it off my mind now! Which is not such a bad thing.

Check it out again and give it a few hits. Watching it one more time (or 1000) is never too much!

Tidbits 3/2

• Zap2it.com - Listing their most memorable Idol moments, Simon referenced Tamyra Gray's surprising elimination, Randy the transformation of Clay Aiken, Ken Warwick celebrated last finale's meeting between Aiken and the deluded Aiken wannabe, while Cecile Frot-Coutaz remembered the first time Kelly sang "Respect."
• The Trades - interview with Katharine McPhee -

  Q: Clay Aiken seems to be all over television, and I think everybody knows about Jennifer Hudson's Oscar. Would they have been able achieve these accomplishments if they had been tied to the first place contract?
  
  A: I don't know if they would have. I guess I would say no. I definitely don't think the Oscar for Jennifer Hudson. I think that was something that she got because she was right for it and deserved it.

• Foxes on Idol - "American Idol promotes fierce competition among fan bases. For example, even today, I regularly get mail from Clay Aiken fans who are still out to prove he was the American Idol of all times."
• Denver Post - article on David Foster... Clay mentioned:

  Interestingly, David Foster, who has composed songs and produced albums for the likes of Celine Dion, Josh Groban, Andrea Bocelli and Clay Aiken, also is an advocate for organ donation; his David Foster Foundation has raised millions for the families of children in need of organ transplants.

• Raleigh News & Observer article mentions the BAF gala being held in Raleigh on Mar. 31... they always have to put some sinister spin onto their article, don't they? Clay's multi-platinum days aren't over... selling 500k copies of a covers album with next to no label support is remarkable!
  

  Raleigh's hometown "American Idol" star has never been a critical favorite, and it's hard to imagine he ever will be. Aiken's multiplatinum days seem over (last year's "A Thousand Different Ways" was his first album to sell fewer than 1 million copies), and he has weathered a storm of personal-life rumors. None of which matters a whit to Aiken's beyond-rabid following of "Claymates," who are some of the most feverishly loyal fans in the music business.
  
  To his credit, Aiken is still using his clout to do good works. This show is a high-priced charity gala for his Bubel/Aiken Foundation, which works with special-needs kids.
  

• National Ledger on Rosie O'Donnell's weird antics the past 6 months...
• We Love Celebs - another Rosie O'Donnell/Clay mention.
  
• Anti Music - random Clay mention.
• Southern Voice - more trash from this crappy website about Clay and his fake for-fun "Build A Scandal" contest. At least this reader has it right:

  Dish is right, Aiken not only is taking the high road but Aiken’s message was on his fan site to his fans. A site where you pay to be a member. You neglected to mention that. That shows you the level of obsession that his haters-stalkers-gossip mongers have with him. They pay a fee to be on his fan club board. They immediately notified one of the internet tabloids most obsessed with trashing Aiken.

• Charlotte Observer - random Clay mention in sports article.

• Carolina On My Mind - March memories with Clay Aiken ... AI2 wildcard round.
  

Clay In People.com Runner-Up Article

Clay is once again in People.com in an article entitled, "American Idol: Revenge of the Runners-Up". People includes a page on each runner-up from Season 1 through 5. Clay's page has a great picture from Season 2 and a gorgeous shot of him from the American Music Awards this past year.

The article says about Clay:

Ask the "Claymates" and they'll tell you 2003's real Idol was not Ruben Studdard but Aiken, 28, who recently released his third album A Thousand Different Ways. Despite some bumps in the road (his Kelly Ripa encounter!), Aiken continues to hit the right notes. But there's something else he'd like to accomplish: starting a family. "I want to be a father so badly," he told PEOPLE in September.

Just another great Clay mention among the many. As I know all Clay fans do, I love seeing his face out there for others to see and not forget the superstar that he is!

Associated Content: CDD One of The "Best Clay Aiken Fan Sites"

Associated Content has named Clay's Daily Double as one of the best Clay Aiken fan sites on the internet. We're honored to be on this list. Thanks to each and every one of you for making CDD your choice for everything Clay Aiken and thanks to Kari Livingston at AC for putting us on the list!

Here's what Associated Content said about CDD:

Clay's Daily Double (www.cdd.blogspot.com/) is a frequently updated blog that consolidates most Aiken news on one site. The site also features polls, a photo gallery and a link to Aiken's chart activity. The site was voted the top Clay Aiken fan site for 2006.

Two Dates Announced For Clay's Summer Tour

Clay's summer tour is in the works!! We now have the first two dates announced for the tour.

The Chautauqua Institution's Online Ticketing System has Clay listed on July 27, 2007 at 8:15 p.m. Ticket prices are shown as $38. This is a New York concert.

Also, Clay will be appearing with the San Diego Symphony Summer Pops Series on August 2, according to an email that FedoraPrincess at The Clayboard received from the Symphony. According to her email:

Single tickets for the concert will go on sale Monday, April 2nd, but all new and renewing subscribers to Summer Pops 2007 have their choice right now of the best seats for what is sure to be the most talked about concert of the season.

I love the quote, "what is sure to be the most talked about concert of the season"! I know they have that right!!

We'll be keeping our eyes open for all newly added concerts and you can read about them here at Clay's Daily Double. Its time to get excited!! Tour time is just around the corner!

San Diego, New York ... Get Ready for Clay In Concert

The first concert dates on what appear to be a tour have been announced:

• July 20, 2007, Chautauqua, NY - to be held at the Chautauqua Institution, tickets $38 each go on sale April 2. | More info
  
• August 2, 2007, San Diego, CA - to be held at the San Diego Symphony; tickets go on sale April 2 to the general public; tickets are NOW AVAILABLE to symphony subscribers. To subscribe, call the box office at 619-235-0804

For the San Diego concert, we've been hearing that Clay will be backed up by both the symphony and his regular band... should be very interesting!

CDD will continuously post tour news on our CDD ATDW Tour 2007 blog. Check it out today!

Tidbits 3/1

• Wilson Daily - article about a songwriter... "Neil Smith is a song writer and has had songs published in Nashville, Tenn. Clay Aiken recorded one of Smith's songs before his "American Idol" days."
• LAist - Clay Aiken sings the national anthem (YouTube video)
• Record Online - AI article ...

  For all the focus on the winners, sometimes runner-ups have better careers. Clay Aiken and Jennifer Hudson proved that on "Idol," and so far the most notable talent to emerge from "Nashville Star" has been season one's third-place finisher, Miranda Lambert. Her song "Kerosene" received great critical acclaim and was a bona fide hit.

• USA Today - idol sales update... ATDW moved 1,100 copies last week.
• St. Petersburg Times - what if American Idol was more like dessert? "Clay Aiken's Secret Swirl"
  

• Something That Really Happened - blog about the Six Degrees fundraiser the BAF is taking part in.
  

Clay Mentions on TV - February 27

We had a few small Clay mentions here and there on TV. To conserve some space, we're summarizing them all into this post:

1. On Jimmy Kimmel Live, Jimmy talks about the questionable photos which surfaced of AI6 contestant Antonella Barba... Kimmel joked: "Tabloids report: 'Clay Aiken to star in Idol's Gone Wild! Caught making naked pizza delivery.'" | Clack @ ClackUnlimited
2. Family Feud - (from the CB's d4kkkks): "one of the question was "Who have the most fan mails in American Idol? The first contestant who got the first answer right " Clay Aiken" (4)"
3. On FOX News' Fox & Friends - (from the CB's claymate11): "I was watching F & F this morning an they were highlighting AI from last night. When featuring one of the male singers the comment was made that "he was no Clay Aiken"! Loved the positive mention ..."
   

Tidbits 2/28

• Lycos50- Clay is down one spot to #17 this week.
  
• Wilson Daily compares the popularity of a stage production to that of a Clay Aiken concert...

  It almost had the flavor of Krzyzewskiville tent city at Duke basketball games or fans waiting in line for tickets for the Clay Aiken concert at the State Fair several years ago, and no one could recall anything like this for a previous event at the Boykin Center.

• A few Clay mentions in articles about Antonella Barba, the AI6 contestant whose racy drinking and sexually suggestive photos appeared on the internet last week.
• Foxes On Idol -

  Antonella could dip into the library of music from former Idol contestants’ albums and sing tunes that apply to any of the categories mentioned above. For example, she has choices like Clay Aiken’s “Here You Come Again” and Ruben Studdard’s “Blow Ya Mind.” Of course, Clay’s “Measure of a Man” is also a possibility.

• Gambling911 -

  "American Idol is a family friendly show that should be enjoyed by individuals of all ages without blatant sexual overtones," O'Brien said. "Antonella Barba - like Carrie Underwood and Kelly Clarkson and maybe even Clay Aiken - are, by default, role models for today's youth."

• Billings Gazette - you don't have to win Idol to become successful - "Among them are Clay Aiken and Jennifer Hudson, who won the best supporting actress Academy Award on Sunday for her role in "Dreamgirls.""
• ChartAttack Magazine (Canada) - small mention of Clay winning their 2006 Reader's Choice award for best international album earlier this year.

• Springs TV Talk- what's up in the Idol nation - "Clay Aiken has a rabid fan base, but hasn't crossed over the way Clarkson has. He's sold nearly 3 million albums."
  

Picture of Clay in Sky Magazine From The United Kingdom

Kimfreeuk at The Clayboard, who is from the United Kingdom, has scanned a picture and write-up of Clay that was in Sky Magazine from the United Kingdom. She says, "We just dont get any mention of Clay over here in England unfortunately...Carrie, Kelly, Jennifer H....yep, but Clay, no. So imagine my delight when opening my Sky Magazine to find a tiny pic of Clay!!!"

The snippet about Clay says, "The nerdy North Carolina student is now a successful recording artist, his third album went into the US charts at number two."

Scans of the page can be seen here (and at The Clayboard):



Its always great to hear about Clay having publicity in other countries, and this is no exception.

Things Slow in Clackville? Then Head Over To The Clayboard's Picture Thread

As always happens about this time of year, the clack slows down to barely a crawl. Makes for long, long days and distraught Clay fans.

Ah, but we have a cure for at least some of those gloomy days! Head over to The Clayboard's "Official Clay Street Picture Thread (AKA: Drowning)". Need a lipbite picture to put a smile on your face? Want to drown in those gorgeous green eyes again? Dieing to relive the Elvis experience? This is the place for you! So far, 17 pages of picture after picture after picture. Here's a few to get you running over to the thread:

PAGE 1

PAGE 5

PAGE 16

PAGE 17

And there are hundreds more where those came from. I even found a new lipbite for my collection! There's bound to be a few pictures you've never seen before.

So head over there and check out the gallery of gorgeous pictures. I promise you, you will not be sorry you did!

New Mike & Juliet Fan Videos

dj4Clay, SecretlyLovesClay and claytonaiken4365 have provided us with some wonderful new clack from OUTSIDE the Mike & Juliet studios. These new clips can be downloaded at ClackUnlimited.com:

• dj4Clay & SLC's videos
• claytonaiken4365 & SLC's videos
  

Clay Mention in Malaysia's Galaxie Magazine

Malaysia's Galaxie Magazine published the above never-before-seen photo of Clay. Two additional scans are posted below. Thanks the the CB's CAP121 at Red Hot Topic for these scans.