Clay To Return to Broadway in Spamalot

The fan boards and Broadway websites are all abuzz today! Clay is coming back to Broadway as Sir Robin! Did anyone see this coming?

Clay will begin another run on Broadway on Friday, September 19, 2008 through Sunday, January 4, 2009. Three Broadway websites have the story. Here is an excerpt from each of those sites about Clay's return.

Broadway.com:

Clay Aiken will return to the Broadway company of Spamalot this fall as Sir Robin, a role he played for three and a half months earlier this year...."Since leaving Spamlot in May, jokes have just not been funny," Aiken said in a statement. "Food has lost its taste. The grass is no longer green—the sky no longer blue. And babies WON'T stop crying!! I'm so excited about coming back to the funniest show in the world!"

Broadwayworld.com:

Clay Aiken will return to the scene of his triumphant Broadway debut in the Tony Award-winning Best Musical, Monty Python's SPAMALOT this Fall. Clay's debut on Broadway earlier this year was met with wild enthusiasm from both his legion of fans and the New York press. He will reprise the role of 'Sir Robin ' at the Shubert Theatre from September 19 2008 - January 4 2009.

When he made his Broadway debut in SPAMALOT at the beginning of this year, Newsday said "Aiken is a charmer" and the Associated Press said that "Clay Aiken deftly handles supremely silly.",...

Theatermania.com:

Clay Aiken will once again play Sir Robin in the Broadway production of Monty Python's Spamalot, September 19-January 4. He previously played the role from January 18-May 4.

Since appearing on the FOX-TV reality series American Idol, in which he was a finalist, Aiken has released numerous albums, including A Thousand Different Ways and Measure of a Man, co-authored a best-selling book Learning to Sing: Hearing the Music in Your Life, and played six sold-out concert tours..

Its a Boy For Clay And Jaymes

As most everyone knows by now, Parker Foster Aiken was born today, 08/08/08, at 8:08 a.m. to proud parents Clay and Jaymes. There is much excitement and conversation in Claynation as well as in the media everywhere.

We'll let Clay tell you himself via his blog at the Official Fan Club about Parker's birth:

08/08/08
Hello All...

I know it's been a while. I'm sure you know, it's been a full full summer. Sorry we haven't spoken in so long. But, I'm sure you know... I hate putting the cart before the horse. Not my way to tempt fate. But I wanted to stop by, if only for a second, so you could be the first folks I tell.... HE'S HERE!

My dear friend, Jaymes, and I are so excited to announce the birth of Parker Foster Aiken (No hyphens. One first name. One middle name. One last name.)

Parker was born at a hospital in North Carolina just this morning at 8:08 AM. Wow... 8:08 ..08/08/08

Weighed in at 6 lbs 2 oz and measured 19 inches

The little man is healthy, happy, and as loud as his daddy. Mama Jaymes is doing quite well also.

The Aiken family, the Foster family, and the Parker family are all thrilled.

We'll share more at some point in the future. Love to you all!

C

Here are a few of the articles posted online today about Clay's "little man's" birth:

The Insider:

Do you think Clay will make a good daddy? Speak out below and your comments may be read on "The Insider" on TV tonight! Give us your thoughts and watch the show to see if your comments make it on-air!

People.com:

Aiken's mother, Faye, first broke the news by telling Lynda Loveland of Raleigh, N.C., TV station WRAL about the birth. According to Faye, Foster gave birth at a North Carolina hospital.

Clay's mom also said that baby Parker has "dark hair" and that Clay is "smiling from ear-to-ear" about the news.

In May, it was confirmed that Foster, 50, became pregnant via in vitro fertilization.

Though they are not romantically linked, Clay and Jaymes plan to raise the child together. The two met when Aiken competed on Idol, and Foster – who is the sister of legendary music producer David Foster – has produced several of his albums.

TV Guide:

The Season 2 American Idol runner-up and longtime friend, record producer Jaymes Foster, welcomed a son Friday morning in North Carolina, he announced on his official Web site.... The birth was first confirmed by the singer's mother, Faye, who shared the joyous news with Raleigh, N.C. TV station WRAL.

Grandma Faye revealed that her new grandson came into the world with a head of dark hair, while her son is "smiling from ear-to-ear."

Parker is the first child for Aiken and Foster, 50, who conceived via artificial insemination. The pregnancy was first reported in May by TMZ, with sources stating that the two planned on co-parenting.

"By the way she looks great, glowing and very happy," a rep for Foster said at the time. "She and Clay have been good friends for a long time."

WRAL.com:

Raleigh, N.C. — Clay Aiken became a father Friday morning with the birth of a baby boy, his mother told WRAL’s Lynda Loveland in an exclusive interview.

Aiken’s best friend, producer Jaymes Foster, gave birth at 8:08 a.m. at an undisclosed location in North Carolina.

Parker Foster Aiken weighed 6 pounds 2 ounces and was 19 inches long.

Aiken’s mother, Faye, said the baby has dark hair and that her son is smiling from ear-to-ear.

Mom, dad and baby all are doing fine.

Aiken and Foster will raise the child together. They met when Aiken appeared on American Idol. Foster has produced several of his albums.

Reporter: Lynda Loveland
Web Editor: Kelly Hinchcliffe

Tidbits 8/06

• Lycos50 - Clay is #2 on Lycos top 50 for this week! that is up one from last week's #3 spot! The caption under his name says, "Continues work helping kids in Kenya and Somalia". I find it amazing and awesome that Clay even beat out the extremely popular movie, "The Dark Knight", which comes in at #5 on the list. Just another advantage of being one of King Arthur's knights! (*grin*)
• EOnline - In an article about the Top 100 turning the big 5-0, Clay is mentioned as follows:

  Taylor Hicks' "Do I Make You Proud" claims the dubious distinction of being the only No. 1 song to spend less than 10 total weeks on the Hot 100. The 2006 song debuted at No. 1, a feat accomplished by fellow American Idol stars Carrie Underwood, Fantasia and Clay Aiken and by no one else in nearly a decade.

• Clay is on the Yahoo Music Live homepage. At the top is a banner with a picture of Ruben and the caption, "In the studio-Ruben Studdard". Clay's picture is under that in the left column, and it says, "We brought Ruben into our studio, so its only fair that Clay get a shot in the Y! spotlight, right? Watch now and enjoy the rematch." A link to an exclusive interview and a performance of "Without You" is under the caption.

Let's Take a Fun Nostalgic Journey With Clay Via YouTube Videos

I thought while things have slowed down here in Claynation, it would be fun to take some time to enjoy a variety of YouTube videos over the next week or two. It will just be a hodge podge of interviews, tour performances and banter, talk shows, and whatever else I can find! We'll post two or three in each CDD article. Hope you enjoy this walk down memory lane.

Our first YouTube video is an interview from the early days of American Idol 2 with Jimmy Carter (not former President Carter!). This interview could be found at www.askjimmycarter.com at the time Clay was interviewed.




You gotta love this next one. This is posted at YouTube by "ElvisCentral", and it is of Clay singing "Invisible" in Grand Prairie/Dallas, TX during the 2004 Independent Tour. This was my first Clay concert ever. Watch him work that stage as he dances from one end to the other throughout the whole song!




And our last one for the day, posted by chacha3078, is from Jimmy Kimmel Live. The most enthusiastic audience in the history of Jimmy's show had to have been there that day! How can we ever forget the time that Clay taught Jimmy Kimmel a lesson that Jimmy has never forgotten!! And the rest of the show is even funnier. Remember, "He hit me with his cane!!"? Or how about Clay talking about the food in Ireland that was "still walking around on the plate"!! One of the best talks show interviews with Clay ever!! Betcha you'll laugh just as hard as you did the first time you saw it!



Are you through laughing yet? Okay, I'll give you a little more time....(Jeopardy music playing in the background)...Do I have your attention now? Okay, then stay tune for 3 more video coming in the next day or two. I'll surprise you every day or two with some great memories!!

Two New Clay Pictures Have Surfaced...From (1) Somalia, and (2) QVC

Two new pictures of Clay surfaced this past week, giving Clay fans a couple of new smiles to smile about!

The first picture is one of Clay at QVC the week he was there to talk about and sell his CD. Its a great picture of a happy smiling Clay! See for yourself:



Then, a new picture of Clay on his UNICEF trip to Somalia was found in OK Magazine. Thanks to lsdollylovesclay for posting a scan of the picture and to Gerwhisp for scanning a high quality picture of this one! Both posted their scans at The Clayboard.



This last picture is an especially wonderful one of Clay's beautiful glowing smile! You can tell that both Clay and the children are having a wonderful time and enjoyed being together. What a great work Clay does with UNICEF for children all around the world!

Tidbits 7/29

KOIN-TV via Entertainment Tonight -

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• TV Grapewine - American Idol news ...

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

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

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

Great Clay/Somalia-Kenya Trip Mention On Eco-Friendly Blog

You never know where you are going to see a mention of Clay. I found a great mention on a blog, Ecorazzi, by meganr, who bills herself as "a part-time blogger, part-time ‘Green’ crafter, and full-time Eco-Mom".

Ecorazzi, "The Latest in Green Gossip", has quite a variety of articles, all having to do with stars who are taking care of the earth in one green way or another. For example, did you know that Johnny Depp is going to power the Caribbean island that he owns with Solar Hydrogen Tech? Click on Johnny Depp's name to read about that and to see his island (did you even know he owned an island!). You can also read about Miley Cyrus's eco song, Toby McGuire's vegetarian diet, oh, and of a course an article about Clay Aiken's trip to Somalia and Kenya.

This blog is a really positive one about Clay and his trip with UNICEF. Check out these comments from meganr's blog:

• "It seems like this guy has been focusing on more than just his music."
  
  
• "Here, he makes a touching statement about the importance of education and the work UNICEF is doing:"
  
  
• "Personally, I believe that education is the key to our future and the key to solving our environmental problems, so hooray for Clay for bringing some celeb status to these issues."

To read the entire blog, go to Ecorazzi. Let's give this one some hits!

Tidbits 7/25

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

SOMALIA/KENYA MENTIONS:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Other Tidbits:

• Pollstar.com - A small Clay mention:

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

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

Slow News Days ...

Hey guy... just a quick note. We're still here ... but we're just not finding any NEWS to post. Kind of a problem, huh? Hang in tight. CDD is here for whatever Clay has up his sleeves next.

Thanks,
clayisouridol
CDD

Tidbits 7/23

• Charityfolks.com - A Broadway Cares/Easter Bonnet Competition poster has been signed by various performers from the Easter Bonnet show, including Clay. Bidding is up to $700 and ends on Thursday, July 24 at 3 p.m. EST.
• From The Clayboard - Of all places to find a Clay mention...in an article about Barack Obama. The story at one time was on Yahoo's home page, but it is no longer there. Here are the pieces of the story that lead to the Clay mention:

  Obama tour staged for political pop
  
  Wed Jul 23, 5:42 AM ET
  
  JERUSALEM - Barack Obama doesn't travel light. Halfway around the world, the Obama campaign machine appears as sprawling and seamless as it is on its home turf. As the presumptive Democratic nominee tours five countries in five days, he brings an entourage that would make a pop star envious.
  
  A dozen top foreign policy advisers are either traveling with Obama or doing groundwork ahead of his arrival in each country. This group is supplemented by his usual contingent of almost a dozen traveling aides, including chief campaign strategist David Axelrod and communications director Robert Gibbs, and too many advance staff to count. With layers of Secret Service agents, they zipped through Amman Tuesday in a motorcade of 20 vehicles....
  
  ...But when the Arizona senator (McCain) traveled to Mexico and Colombia last month, he mobilized only eight staff members, including two foreign policy advisers, two press aides, two advance workers and two assistants to Cindy McCain, said campaign spokesman Brian Rogers.
  
  "Who does he think he is?" Rogers asked of Obama. "Clay Aiken?"
  Fenn said the Obama's traveling contingent was appropriate.
  "With such a high-visibility trip, with so many countries covered and so many press people covering the trip, the number of staff is not out of line," he said....

Clay's Last UNICEF Blog Tells of Visit to Kenya

As you know, Clay visited Somalia with UNICEF earlier this month and has blogged twice about his visit there. What we didn't know until now is that after this trip, he also made a trip to Kenya. In his third and final blog, posted at UNICEF's Field Notes site, he tells us all about the education situation for the children of Kenya and what UNICEF is doing to make a difference:

UNICEF Ambassador Clay Aiken recently visited the East African countries of Somalia and Kenya, where UNICEF provides children with health care, education, nutrition, clean water and sanitation. This is the last in a series of blog posts he has written about his experience in the field.

In early July, after visiting Somalia, I traveled to Eldoret, in Kenya’s Rift Valley, to visit camps for internally displaced people. This is where some of the worst violence took place following the Kenya elections in early 2008. Thousands of children were made homeless by the unrest.

Everywhere we went, there were the charcoaled remains of homes, schools and shops. We drove for hours and everywhere we went, we saw people trying to get their lives restored.

Although many schools were re-opened, far fewer children are turning up for class than before. And classes are taking place in schools that have been completely destroyed. I saw children sitting on rocks and bricks—which used to make up the foundations and roofs of their schools—using them now as desks and chairs.

Fortunately, this was not the situation everywhere. In most IDP camps, UNICEF has provided classroom tents and School-in-a-Box kits, along with teaching and learning materials, and even desks and chairs.

Getting children back to school is vital for their protection, and helps build a sense of normalcy in their lives. The re-establishment of schools in the most difficult circumstances is a testament to the commitment of UNICEF and to Kenyans. Many displaced parents told UNICEF that getting their children back to school was their top priority.

Every child has the right to an education. Education transforms lives and breaks the cycle of poverty that so many children are caught in. And an educated child will make sure his or her own children receive an education too. This is just another one of the many amazing ways UNICEF is helping children today, while also building a safer Kenya tomorrow.

These blogs have been so informative and have shown us the great need in Africa for education and health improvements for the children there. If you would like to help UNICEF continue to make a difference in the lives of so many children overseas, go to UNICEF's Donation Page. Every little bit helps. Just as Clay has brought some joy and sunshine into these children's lives and put a smile on their faces(see picture above), we too can put a smile on their faces by making a donation.

Clay Sighting At Raleigh Area Restaurant

Yes, Clay fans, we have a Clay sighting!! And of all things, it was found in the most remote of places....someone's blog who isn't even a fan!! I'm in the dark as to how people are able to find such things! But I'm glad they did!

I found this tidbit at The Clayboard, and it was originally at Clayversity and The Ideal Idol. The blog is called "The Wyatt Times" and is just a typical family blog, until you get to the part about Clay:

After church, we went to Smithfields BBQ, and guess who was there? Clay Aiken. He was sitting outside in the shade with a couple people, not drawing any attention to himself. It was kind of fun to see someone famous, even if it was just an American Idol guy.

Then a friend commented back to her something nice:

How cool was it that you saw Clay Aiken at Smithfields? Was that the one in Morrisville or Rocky Mount?

Its obvious from her comment that she's not a Clay fan, but I thought her comments and her friend's comments were very nice about it being "fun" and "cool" to see Clay. And, of course, its great to know that Clay is enjoying his time off with friend and family.

Tidbits 7/20

• San Diego Weekly Reader - celebrity riders -

  Wherever Clay Aiken performs, his dressing room requirements include a basket of green apples (“preferably Granny Smith”), a jar of applesauce, a case of room temperature water (“anything but Evian”), and – big surprise – a loaf of white bread. In addition, “One meal must be prepared for Clay that does not have the following in it: nuts, mushrooms, coffee, mint, chocolate and shellfish…this truly is very, very serious.” Finally, he wants a 6-pack of Mountain Dew (“caffeine free”) and four containers of yogurt (“fruit on the bottom, please”

• Dallas Morning News - comments from an editor of Learning to Sing: "I edited an inspirational autobiography by pop singer Clay Aiken."
• Reuters India talks to Cathy Dennis, who co-wrote "I Will Carry You" -

  She also signed with "American Idol" producer 19 Entertainment, delivering hits for Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood and Clay Aiken.

• San Francisco Chronicle - the road to Idol success isn't an easy one to follow -

  And for the extremely rare few that survive the whole ordeal - Hollywood week, Simon Cowell, the embarrassing song and dance routines for the sponsors, the whims of voters, the demanding "American Idols Live!" tour - true success will most likely still lie out of reach. For every Clarkson, Jennifer Hudson and Clay Aiken, there are countless other high-ranking finalists who have long been relegated to rehab, singing at county fairs and the butt of pop culture trivia jokes (Hello, Sanjaya!).

• Lycos50 press release - Clay #3 on this week's list
• Mullet Wrapper - Taylor Hicks stars in Broadway - "Fantasia Barrino starred in The Color Purple, while Clay Aiken nabbed a recent role in Spamalot."
• Lake County News Sun - Josh Gracin performs at county fair -

  Grayslake "Idol": Country singer Josh Gracin, who made it to the Top 4 in season two of "American Idol" (with Clay Aiken, Kimberly Locke and Ruben Studdard), will perform July 26 with opening act Ashton Shepherd.
  

• There Was A Man - montage for the "Olympic Dream"
• There Was A Man - Clay calls for attention to Somalia on his UNICEF fact-finding mission
  

Tidbits 7/17

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jimmy Kimmel Sports Clay Aiken Cap For Q & A

Thanks to fan Starfishy2000's eagle eyes, she caught a quick clip on The Insider of Jimmy Kimmel wearing a Clay Aiken cap and posted it on The Clayboard. After seeing the post, Clayscience videoed the spot and posted a screencap along with a link of the Q&A where Jimmy wore the hat.

The event was a Q&A session with the ABC Entertainment president. An Associated Press article entitled, Kimmel, ABC get laughs out of Leno's future gig, By Lynn Elber, has all the information about the Q&A.

Yep, Jimmy's a Clay fan for sure!!

OMWH Used in Olympics Promo in Korea

Clay's "On My Way Here" was used on a TV promo for the Olympic games, which aired on South Korea's MBC-TV network. The CB's Bloomingclay provides us with this transcript:

The captions are pretty nice-it starts with how MBC staffs caught the precious moments of Olympics like
"Kim Chang-bae,cameraman,participated 3 Olympics,15 Gold 25 Silver 15 Bronze'
'Park Kyung-chu,announcer,participated 2 Olympics,17 Gold 22 Silver 19 Bronze'
'Cho Duk-hyung,engineer,participated 3 Olympics,33 Gold 27 Silver 32 Bronze'

and then goes like
'28 times of Olympics,186 moments of glory, and the sweat and tears of 3108 people
and we recorded all those moments although we're not the ones who play, sweat and shed tears.
Now we're preparing for the 29th stage to experience again with you'

Tidbits 7/16

• Access Atlanta crunches American Idol winning single sales numbers -

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

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

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

• Washington Post -

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

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

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

  • FlippinBirds
  • The ConCLAYve -

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

  • There Was A Man -

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

    
    

UNICEF Posts Clay's Second Field Note Blog

Clay's second field notes blog has been posted at UNICEF's Field Notes site. In addition, there are two wonderful pictures of Clay and the Somalian children (see above). What strikes me in each of these pictures is one of the most joyful and shining smiles I've ever seen on Clay, as well as on the children. Its as though none of them have ever enjoyed such a moment as much as this one. This is the kind of photo that pulls at your heartstrings...a "kodak moment" of enormous proportions!

While Clay's blog emphasizes the seriousness of the children's situation in Somolia, he also sings UNICEF's praises for all they have done there. Read what Clay has to say in his blog:

Somalia: Keep spreading the word

UNICEF Ambassador Clay Aiken recently returned from Somalia, where UNICEF provides children in the war-torn nation with health care, education, nutrition, clean water and sanitation. This is the second in a series of blog posts he will write about his experience in the field.

For children in Somalia, the situation is dire. But, it's just amazing to me that UNICEF is still able to make a difference in children’s lives in one of the most dangerous places on earth.

For instance, while I was in northwest Somalia—where 45 percent of the population are children and women—I observed how UNICEF improves water, sanitation and hygiene conditions for everyone in the region. One of the ways they do this is by drilling "borewells" so that clean drinking water is easily accessible and readily available. Without these borewells, children would have to walk hours to fetch water instead of going to school and getting an education.

I also visited health clinics where women waited patiently in long lines to get insecticide treated bed nets to prevent malaria. With an estimated 700,000 cases annually, malaria is a major public health problem in Somalia. One bed nets used to cost a Somali family about $4—an enormous sum in one of the poorest countries of the world. But UNICEF now provides them for free.

UNICEF also provides much needed support to the education system in Somalia with teacher training and the funding of school supplies. Every child I met wanted to be in school. And because of UNICEF, these children—who would probably never have had any type of education—can go to school and learn in a safe, clean environment.

Educating children is much easier when teachers are trained and school facilities exist. And, providing healthcare is more easily done when aid workers do not have to worry about their security. I applaud UNICEF for doing whatever it takes to make sure children get the healthcare and education they deserve, even in Somalia.

And, I applaud you too. Since my previous blog post, you have donated over $50,000 for children Somalia. On behalf of these children, I can't thank you enough. But I also challenge you to not stop now... encourage your friends and family as well. Ask them to learn more about UNICEF's work in Somalia and around the world, and cheer them on to help out too!

Tags:Clay Aiken education field visit health care hygiene malaria sanitation school School-in-a-Box Somalia water
Posted by Clay Aiken, UNICEF Ambassador on July 15, 2008 5:45 PM | Permalink

Its exciting to know that $50,000 has already been donated by Clay's fans and others. But more is needed to be able to continue to improve their education, health, and overall situation. If you'd like to donate, go to UNICEF's donation page. Your donation will make a difference, and just might put a smile on your face as big as the smiles in the pictures posted above!

Less Than 35 Beta Alpha Cookbooks Remain To Be Sold -- Proceeds Go To The Bubel Aiken Foundation

Via The Clayboard - Less than 35 of the "Cooking For Inclusion" Beta Alpha cookbooks are left to order. Cindy, the co-chair of the Beta Alpha Cookbooks, tells us, "As of Saturday, July 12th, 35 left - thank you so much!!"

When all 500 cookbooks have been sold, BAF will receive $5000!

Here is the information for purchasing the cookbooks. Get your order in fast before they sell out!

The Beta Alpha Joint Chapter Project

"COOKING FOR INCLUSION"
2008 VOICES OF BETA ALPHA COOKBOOK
TO BENEFIT
THE BUBEL/AIKEN FOUNDATION

Shipment in July 2008

Price: $20.00 (includes shipping)
Cost Breakdown: $10.00 goes to TBAF
$6.25 covers printing expense
$3.75 covers shipping
If you elect to pay by PayPal add .75 per book for PayPal Fee 22 Beta Alpha Chapters and the TBAF board, staff and family contributed favorite recipes from around the country to Use Their Voices as One in support of the inclusion mission of The Bubel/Aiken Foundation. You will definately want at least one of these cookbooks for yourself. It includes 461 recipes from the chapters, Faye Parker, Aron Hall, Kristy Barnes, Jerry Aiken and the rest of the TBAF board and staff. There is also a write-up about each chapter and what inclusion means to them. They make a great gift.

Each Beta Alpha chapter will get credit on their BAF scoreboard for the number of cookbooks ordered under their chapter. If you do not belong to a chapter, you can designate which chapter is to get your credit. To clarify, if you order 5 cookbooks and $50.00 goes to BAF, that $50 goes on your chapter scoreboard. Cindy will be doing all the recording and sending the money to TBAF and advising them which chapter gets the credit. TBAF is aware of this procedure.

Payment Information:

1. You must designate which chapter the $10.00 per cookbook credit goes to.

2. Checks can be made payable to: Cindy Skuce, 28 Sandra Circle, Coventry, RI 02816. She has to take out her $6.25 and $3.75 to recoup print and shipping costs, then the $10.00 goes to TBAF.

3. PayPal orders go to donskuce@att.net Please add .75 per cookbook ordered to cover PayPal fees. Indicate "cookbook" in your message and remember to provide your full name and address for shipping. If you have any questions on ordering, or the cookbook itself, please e-mail those to Cindy Skuce at cindyskuce@cox.net or Carol Erickson at musicfan427@hotmail.com. We will be happy to answer your questions.

Thanks in advance for your orders and for supporting this project. We can all make a difference in the life of a child and their family by supporting the Foundation and its' mission of inclusion.
Cindy Skuce/Carol Erickson
Cookbook Chairpersons

No Clay News To Report?? Well, This Time Last Year...

So its hard to find any Clay news to report on these days. Spamalot is over and our next Clay appearance apparently isn't until August. In fact, here are the next three appearances that we are aware of:

• August - Paula Deen's Party (Food Network)
  This series is scheduled to be shown on Friday Nights at 10:00pm EDT
• October 18 - Champions of Change Gala (Raleigh) - Marriott
  
• Monday, January 26, 2009 - 2nd Annual Golfing for Inclusion
  Mirasol Country Club, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida

We do expect to receive another UNICEF blog from Clay, but meanwhile, I thought it would be fun to look back at what was happening this time last year. Of course!! Clay's 2007 Summer Tour, The Soft Rock and a Hard Place Tour, was going on. He had already been to three different cities:

Wednesday July 4...Pizza Hut Park, Frisco Texas
Friday July 6...Jones Hall, Houston TX
Saturday July 7...The Brady Theater, Tulsa OK

Being from Texas I was, of course, beside myself, as were countless other Texas fans. And Oklahoma being just around the corner made for a nice trio of concerts! the weather even cooperated for the outdoor Frisco concert. It was somewhat cooler than normal July 4 weather in Dallas.

To think back on these three awesome concerts, here are some pictures and videos from each one. Enjoy and reminisce Clay's great summer tour of 2007.

FRISCO, TX, PIZZA HUT PARK - JULY 4








HOUSTON, TX, JONES HALL - JULY 6








TULSA, OK, The Brady Theater - July 7