Clay at Capital Awards night in NC Monday

This past Monday night, Clay presented the award for Outstanding Musical at the second annual Capital Awards for High School Musical Excellence. It was the North Carolina Theatre's version of the Tony Awards, recognizing outstanding high school musical productions and performances in 17 categories.

Here are a few photos from the event:





Photo Credit: Raleigh Downtowner

Clay at Rosie's Broadway Kids

Clay recently taped a segment to be shown at the Rosie's Broadway Kids event. He mentored children regarding their performances and did a wonderful job as usual. Here are a few more photos from the video at the event.

Clay to Perform With David Foster

From Mandalay Bay.com

David Foster and Friends

Location: Mandalay Bay Events Center

Date: May 9th, 2009
Price: $134.25, $81.75, $55.50


Back by popular demand, a concert celebration featuring music’s premier songwriter and producer David Foster will take place Saturday, May 9 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center. The event will pay tribute to the 15-time Grammy winner and will feature Clay Aiken, Philip Bailey from the chart-topping band Earth, Wind & Fire, Brian McKnight, Peter Cincotti and Oprah Winfrey’s protégé, Charice. Foster also will perform some of the hits he has written or produced during his 40-year musical career. The event is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m.

Tickets are still available. You can also purchase tickets to the after party at

Vegas Uncorked

Clay Spotted In Beverly Hills

LiesAngeles.com spotted Clay in Beverly Hills yesterday. Check out that sweater! Looking fab, Clay!

Clay Aiken Receives Award From Family Equality Council

Last night, Clay received the Equality Circle award from the Family Equality council at Tavern on The Green in NYC. You can see his acceptance speech via Youtube.

Here's a wonderful video from mustbeeme



Here are a few photos on the red carpet from before the special awards dinner, A Night At The Tavern from Isdollylovesclay

Date Set For Champions Of Change Gala

SAVE THE DATE!!! The 2009 Champions of Change gala will be taking place October 17th 2009 in Raleigh, NC!

For ticket information and other information regarding the event please visit:

http://www.bubelaiken.org/Portals/0/skins/bubelaiken_self/documents/copy/TheVoice-March09.pdf

Clay To Appear At Rosie O'Donnell's Bway Kids Event

On Martha Stewart's TV Show, Rosie announced that Clay would be taking part in her broadway kids event taking place April 27th in NYC.

For more information regarding tickets and the event, you can visit Rosie's Broadway Kids site.



http://www.rosiesbroadwaykids.org/rbkidslatest/2009/03/26/april-27-benefit-concert/

Clay on America's Next Top Model Mention

You can find this in the April 6th copy of In Touch on newsstands now!

Everyone make sure to set your DVRs for America's Next Top Model on April 8th!

Here's a larger version of the photo of Clay and Paulina Porizkova.

Clay on ANTM UPDATE

From TV Guide

Recently during an interview with TV Guide, Tyra spilled some Top Model secrets on what we can expect this season.

TVGuide.com: How does this season differ from past seasons?
Tyra Banks: Well, we are back in NYC for Cycle 12, and this season is fiercer than ever — seriously! The girls are actually put up in an apartment on the Upper East Side — which is so Gossip Girl! We have a really strong and unique mix of girls. There's also some very special celeb appearances — Clay Aiken, a close friend of mine, will actually pose as a designer, and Ciara will be making a cameo as well. And the final runway is beyond exciting — let's just say it was the most slippery walk-off yet.

Clay to present at the GLAAD Awards

From People.com

The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation just added two presenters to its 20th-annual Media Awards celebration: Clay Aiken and T.R. Knight.

Aiken will present the Excellence in Media award to Tyra Banks, recognizing her commitment to featuring lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people on both her talk show and America's Next Top Model. Knight will present the Vito Russo Award to Suze Orman, the best-selling author and CNBC financial guru.

GLAAD's awards will be handed out March 28 at New York City's Marriott Marquis.

Clay At NY Airport Featured in Popeater's Hottest Pics

This week on Popeater, Clay was featured in the "PopScene" celebrity photo section featuring this week's hottest pics. He's shown as 1 of 30.

Clay To Appear On NBC's 30 Rock!!!!

From NY Daily News

What do Mary J. Blige, Clay Aiken and Elvis Costello have in common? All three are the latest celebs to make cameos on “30 Rock.” According to a spy, the trio was on the show’s set Wednesday, hanging out with Tina Fey and company. “They were psyched to meet Tina,” our insider reports. “But it was Alec Baldwin who had everyone cracking up — that guy is hilarious!”

No date has been announced as to when Clay will appear on the show.

Clay Leaves RCA

It's finally been confirmed. Clay has left RCA Records. Here's more information from
People.com

The rumors started when his likeness was removed from his record's Web site and now Clay Aiken is setting the record straight: the former American Idol has parted ways with RCA Records, Aiken's rep has confirmed exclusively to PEOPLE.

"We were unable to come to terms in a recent contract negotiation, and decided that it was best to move on," the rep, Cindi Berger, said Friday.

The buzz about Aiken's exit was fueled earlier this week when his picture disappeared online and Billboard, citing unnamed sources, reported Friday that Aiken, 30, had been dropped by the label.

According to Billboard, Aiken’s 2008 album “On My Way Here” sold just 159,000 copies in the U.S., compared to his 2003 debut album, “Measure of a Man,” which sold 2.78 million copies.

Aiken ended a stint in January in the Broadway run of Monty Python’s Spamalot, and told PEOPLE in December that he looked forward to returning to his native North Carolina with his son Parker, born Aug. 8, following the show. "I want to spend time with Parker," Aiken said. "He's still uber-dependent. I'm ready for him to start talking. I'm ready for a little action!"

Aiken also said he was looking forward to some downtime: "We'll take a little bit of time, we're not quitting or anything, we're just going to take it slow for a month or so and recollect once I get back," he said. "I may never have any free time once Parker starts walking and talking!"

Celebrity Educational Activism: Spotlight on Clay Aiken

From Edupinion.com

These are difficult times for K–12 education, with the economy and state budget cuts jeopardizing what were already severely compromised programs. Although active parent communities can help keep some offerings afloat, few have the financial resources to effect change on a larger scale.

Many celebrities, however, include education in their philanthropic activism. A relatively recent newcomer to this arena is former American Idol singer Clay Aiken, who has been unusually active in furthering educational missions. As he explains on his website, "My music career has allowed me to do the same thing I was doing before—work with kids. It has just given me a bigger stage, so I can enact change on a grander scale."

Before Idol, Aiken was pursuing a degree in special education and tutored a boy with autism. After successfully launching his singing career, Aiken quickly formed the Bubel/Aiken Foundation, which "serves to bridge the gap that exists between young people with special needs and the world around them" through inclusion and other programs. The foundation has been awarded grants to "create, test and launch a national model for an innovative K–12 Inclusive Service Learning curriculum which teaches social and life skills to children of all abilities while helping to dispel stereotypes and stigmas about disabilities."

From 2006 to 2008, Aiken served on the President's Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities. Since 2004, he has also served as a goodwill ambassador for UNICEF, enabling "all children in the world to obtain a primary education" and helping children who have survived disasters, live in deplorable conditions, and must have education restored quickly. "School provides stability and hope when little else can," Aiken explains on his website. "Just to have someplace safe and meaningful to go can mean so much to children in tragic circumstances."

Through the generosity and activism of celebrities like Clay Aiken, important aspects of and initiatives in education can progress. As our schools continue to struggle with shoestring budgets, assistance from celebrities and others with the wherewithal to effect change and galvanize people into action may increasingly be key to the survival of important educational programs.

Ghosts of American Idol's Past

Fresh from Tyra's Website!

There's a great little Clay mention on her site. Here's a larger version of the picture and the great caption underneath.










"Call him the "Comeback Kid" — Clay was voted off, but America voted him back onto the show. We loved Clay even before there were "Claymates"!"


If you want to go leave a comment or check out the other Idol photos, check out

Tyra's TV Show Website

TBAF Grant to program in Monterey County, California

From The Californian.com

Grant broadens after-school fun for disabled kids



Staff report • February 10, 2009
A new grant announced today will give disabled kids in Monterey County a chance to learn and play with their peers in an all-inclusive social setting.
The Bubel/Aiken Foundation awarded $15,000 to the Special Kids Crusade to introduce Let's ALL Play, a recreational after-school program being developed in partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County.
The grant will allow children with developmental disabilities to enjoy a social recreational experience in an inclusive setting.

The Bubel/Aiken Foundation has been developing its Let's ALL Play Program since 2004.

Today, the Foundation supports 29 recreational programs across the country.

Through the Let's ALL Play Program, the Foundation supports recreational programs in their efforts to implement inclusion by providing a program model, funding, and training.

Let's ALL Play helps bring an inclusive recreational experience to children with disabilities.

It gives children with developmental disabilities the same experience as those without.

Children with disabilities and their peers who are typically developing come together to participate in recreational activities such as games, arts and crafts, physical fitness, science and technology, and more.

Online: www.specialkidscrusade.org

Broadway Bears Raises Over $150,000 for BC/EFA; Spamalot Bear Is King

From Playbill News

For the second consecutive year, the Spamalot bear — signed by former "American Idol" finalist and Spamalot star Clay Aiken — raised the most money at the annual Broadway Bears fundraiser, which was held Feb. 15 at the B.B. King Blues Club & Grill on West 42nd Street.

The Spamalot bear brought in $16,000 for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Broadway Bears XII — hosted by Bryan Batt — earned a total of $152,116 for the charitable organization.

Other top money-makers were Alan Strang with Nugget from Equus ($10,000), Glinda from Wicked ($7,000) and Growltiger from Cats ($5,500). Lorna Kelly was the evening's auctioneer.

The yearly event features a host of teddy bears dressed as famous Broadway characters, many autographed by the original stars who wore the original (human-sized) outfits. Among the bears that were auctioned this year included Sir Thomas More from A Man for All Seasons, Be Our Guest Eggbeater from Beauty and the Beast, Gabriella from Boeing-Boeing, Growltiger from Cats, Nugget with Alan Strang from Equus, Mama Rose "Some People" from Gypsy, Mama Rose "Rose's Turn" from Gypsy, Mimi Marquez from Rent, Sir Robin from Spamalot, Wendla from Spring Awakening, Glinda from Wicked and Elizabeth from Young Frankenstein.

Last year's auction, also hosted by Batt, brought in $127,000 for the charitable organization. The Spamalot bear — signed by Clay Aiken and David Hyde Pierce — was the top-selling bear, bringing in $17,000.

Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS is the nation's leading industry-based, nonprofit AIDS fundraising and grants making organization. By drawing upon the talents, resources and generosity of the American theatre community, BC/EFA raises funds for AIDS-related causes and other critical illnesses across the United States. Since its founding in 1988, BC/EFA has raised over $150 million dollars for critically needed services for people with AIDS and other serious illnesses.

For more information about Broadway Bears XII or Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, visit the BC/EFA website at www.broadwaycares.org or call (212) 840-0770, ext. 268.

Broadway Bears Update

With 1 day and 16 hours left on the Spamalot Sir Robin bear and a total of 36 bids so far, the leading bid at the moment is $7500! As you can see on the site, the auction ends Valentine's day. This bear could make the perfect gift for your special someone or yourself!

You can keep watch on the auction too by visiting this link:

Spamalot Bear Signed By Clay Aiken Auction

Clay Blogged!

CLAY BLOGGED!!!!!

I know everyone is very excited. For all of you that are OFC members, be sure to hurry on over and check it out.


ALSO REGARDING MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL:

The date for membership renewal has been changed to February 20th.
They are also asking that no one renew a membership until it is posted on the OFC site.

If you're not a member, keep checking back to Clay's Official Fan Club site and sign up!

www.clayonline.com

Jaymes Interview on WRAL FM Duke Radiothon Today

Today WRAL FM held a radiothon for Duke University Medical Center. Part of the radiothon was to discuss stories about the hospital. Linda Loveland announced that they would play a pretaped interview from Jaymes giving her account of Parker's surgery and her praise for Duke.

Here's a recap from Clayscience21 at the CB:

Jaymes' account:

At 4 weeks, Parker started becoming very, very ill, culminating in vomiting. It became clear to them he wasn't getting nourishment. Doctor told them to go to Durham regional where they spent 8 hours in the emergency room with Parker. Durham suggest Duke Children's since Durham did not have pediatric ward. Jaymes mentioned that Clay was aware of Duke's reputation as a local resident but Jaymes was also aware of Duke even growing up elsewhere since it has a national reputation. The condition was diagnosed as pyloric stenosis, common in children. It's a muscle at the bottom of the baby's stomach that overgrows and obstructs the passage of food to the intestines. Doctors said surgery was urgent and needed to occur within 24 hours. It was terrifying for Jaymes and Clay. The thought of Parker under anesthesia was scary. Parker was in the hospital for 4 days and 4 nights. It was shocking to be in that situation. But doctors and nurses at Duke were calming and comforting. Parker was doing great now and just celebrated his six months birthday. The surgery was an instant fix with a fast recovery and with Parker able to take a bottle right away. He's very happy and healthy now.

Lynda followed up the taped interview with her comments about being in contact with Clay and Jaymes about this and that Parker was the cutest, happiest little kid.

The male DJ suggested that Claymates listening could donate online if they were interested.

You can download the interview by clicking on the link below:

Jaymes Interview On WRAL

Love Is In The Air

Valentine's Day is almost here. This February 14th, give a gift you and your valentine can both enjoy during your romantic evening together.


Give the gift of Clay!



You can purchase his new album "On My Way Here", as well as his others, at any store that sells compact discs (such as Wal-Mart, FYE, Best Buy) or make a purchase online with Amazon or iTunes.



If you're really feeling sweet, you can give the gift that keeps on giving.

Make a donation to The Bubel Aiken Foundation. Every little bit helps.

To make a donation and give a little bit of your heart this valentine's day. You can do so at the following website.

Click To Give Some Love To TBAF


Happy Valentine's Day To All Of You From C.D.D.!

Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS - Broadway Bears XII

Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS

Presents
THE BROADWAY BEARS XII
Sunday, February 15th, 2009
B.B. King Blues Club & Grill
237 W42nd Street



Broadway Bears is an auction featuring a cuddly chorus line of one-of-a-kind teddy bears, each meticulously outfitted in original, handmade costumes by Broadway’s leading costume designers and representing memorable characters from plays and musicals, past and present.

The skill and imagination devoted to the creation of these coveted collectibles has been recognized worldwide, from The Museum of The City of New York – where 10 bear alumni reside as part of the permanent costume collection – to media acclaim as far away as England and Japan. In addition, noted designers such as Bob Mackie have created original bears for these auctions.

BC/EFA is very grateful to the creative and talented artists who designed, outfitted, costumed, draped, frocked, dressed, shod, hatted, painted, armored, tattooed, stuffed, “lipoed,” wigged, bejeweled and feathered the Broadway Bears – and in doing so created truly one-of-a-kind, museum-quality pieces for auction. BC/EFA is also indebted to The North American Bear Company for generously donating now hundreds of bears – each of which went out a bare bear and came back a star!

SPAMALOT Bear signed by Clay Aiken!


























Click Here For More Information: Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids

Clay To Appear On "America's Next Top Model"

Yes it’s true! Clay Aiken will be appearing in the upcoming season of “America’s Next Top Model.” He will participate in an acting challenge with the ladies and serve as a guest judge on the panel. The April 8 episode featuring Clay will air on the CW as part of the series' 12th cycle that kicks off Feb. 25.

Golfing For Inclusion 2009

The Bubel Aiken Foundation recently had something to celebrate. The 2nd annual Golfing For Inclusion event took place at the Mirasol Country Club in Palm Beach Gardens on January 26th. While the economy is on the decline, TBAF still had an excellent turnout.

They had several great auctions all with wonderful end results. Here are just a few of the items that were up for bid that evening:






SRHP Autographed Stool - $5,500
Original POYB, signed score - $6,600
Dinner with Clay (anywhere, with bidder & 3 others) - $35,000
Clay Voice Message - $2,500




The grand total for the evening was a whopping $100,000, a great success for any night of auctioning. It was reported that about $15,000 will be donated to the Peter Blum YMCA in Boca Raton.



(Pictures by Susan Diane Photography)


If you would like to learn more about The Bubel Aiken Foundation or make a donation, please visit the following website.



www.bubelaiken.org