Tidbits 9/22

• More mentions of the GMA/People mag interviews. All this buzz seems to be helping ATDW sales.
• PR Inside PR Insider article #2
• United Press Int'l wire story
• Fox News/New York Post
  
• WTVD ABC Raleigh -- AP Wire story
  
• Crescent Online
• ABC Boston - AP Wire story
• Edmonton Sun (AP)
• Contactmusic.com - Clay looking to adopt?
  
• Very nice article from the Raleigh Chronicle about ATDW and Clay's Leno & GMA interviews.
• Ashbury Park Press mentions Clay's upcoming Red Bank, NJ Christmas concert
• OC Register's music reviewer "detests" ATDW, but says it isn't Clay's voice -- "let Clay be Clay" he says.
• A not-so-nice ATDW review from the Raleigh News & Observer.
• Wilimington Star -- "Aiken's good voice and a good-natured personality took him far on American Idol, but both are lost in the robotic blandness of A Thousand Different Ways."

• Foxes on Idol - waiting for ATDW numbers.
• Hits Daily Double is officially driving me insane. They now say Clay's on track to move more than 200k copies of ATDW this week.
• SecretlyLovesClay's GMA videos are now up. These were taken by SLC herself- not a TV cap. Get it at ClackUnlimited.
• About (Top 40/Pop) - Lists the Top 10 New Pop Albums (By Bill Lamb) - Clay's is listed as #1 and is the only album to have a picture. You can check out the review of his CD there as well.

• Something That Really Happened comments on this "interesting" week in the Clay nation.
• OOOOMMMYYYYYGOD! Thudlicious Friday photos from Southern Girl.
  

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, ATDW, American Idol, Without You, Invisible

The Insider: Buzz Surrounding Clay Generating Sales

Don't forget tonight's Clay piece on The Insider. A recap of the piece comes from the CH's snowdrop who has already seen the show. The Insider comes on after the evening news in most markets. Check local listings!

Clay is the top story once again on the Insider. Rolling Stone guy said all this publicity is going to affect his CD sales...positively! They say it's flying off the sales. Says it's Claymania. They are showing a bunch of CD Release parties (interviewing a guy who says he can sing.) Showing him on the View. Lara says she'll have more with her news breaking (I think? I was on the phone and desperate to get off the phone to hear the piece ;) ) interview later in the show, and he's going to sing too (shows "Without You".)

For whatever I think of the Insider other than Clay, he's been THE star on their show ALL week

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, ATDW, American Idol, Without You, Invisible

Wal-Mart's "Clay Show" September 29 @ 7 PM

A Wal-Mart source has informed CDD that they will be broadcasting a "Clay show" at all its US stores tonight. Go to your local Wal-Mart's Electronics Department at 7 PM on September 29 to see a 40 minute Clay show which will air on the Electronic Dept.'s television sets. The CB's clayniac2 says:

The show will be on all store monitors PLUS all the TVs in the home electronics department...even the huge plasma HDTVs!!!!! It will include the Intro, Four Songs and the Interview (repeating them through the 40 minutes).

Let's have a WalMart party and cheer Clay on! It is a great time to buy the CD for $9.72 as well!!

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, ATDW, American Idol, Without You, Invisible

Larry King Interview - September 27

Clay will be interviewed by Larry King on CNN's Larry King Live September 27. This is Clay's first appearance on LKL since his appearance on a post-Hurricane Katrina Lary King episode last September (inset photo).

Larry King airs on CNN at 9 PM in most time zones. Check local listings.

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, ATDW, American Idol, Without You, Invisible

Hartford, CT Christmas Show Added

The official fanclub has announced another Christmas show. Clay is now scheduled to perform at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford, CT on December 12.

No news on ticketing, but tickets for almost every other scheduled Christmas show is now on sale. You can find out more at the fanclub's tour page.

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, ATDW, American Idol, Without You, Invisible

Clay Fan's 32-Year-Old Son's ATDW Review

If you are like me, you love to read good reviews of "A Thousand Different Ways" from men. Male fans are few and far between it seems, and to read a good review from a guy is a great feeling.

2claylu4evr, a member of The Clayboard, posted her 32-year-old son's review of Clay's CD recently. She has given me permission to post it at CDD, and I think you will enjoy reading it.

First of all I have to say he really tuned in only to the music.. no distractions... he had the clear channel picture on at all times and rated each song 1 by 1 with head phones.... this is what he came up with... now this is only his opinion.....are you ready......BROKEN WINGS.... a very good attempt,and loved it...
EVERYTHING I HAVE...a very good song .. second best on album.. a great love song for this generation.a very good wedding song...THESE OPEN ARMS...best song on the album.best song clay ever did.. outstanding....WANT TO KNOW WHAT LOVE IS....very good..drowned out girl a little, but very good...BECAUSE YOU LOVED ME....clay is the only guy that should sing it.. celine is the only girl...great remake...EVERYTHING I DO FOR YOU.....nice flute work.. very impressed with this version...maybe better than original..could become his own...1000 DAYS...very good.. could get radio play..WHEN I SEE YOU SMILE...loved the original.. but surprisingly very good remake....the rest were just okay....

all in all from a guy with tattoos and love fast music I think this is an awesome review... plus he said he will buy it...

There may be some not so good reviews out there, but isn't it refreshing to read this from a guy who really listened and made an honest accessment of the CD!

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, ATDW, American Idol, Without You, Invisible

Help Clay's Sales and At The Same Time Send CD's To The Troops in Iraq

Are you wanting to buy more CD's to help boost Clay's sales but don't know who to give them to? Here's a perfect solution for you. Not only can you help boost the sales of "A Thousand Different Ways", but you can also take part in a wonderful project headed by Easterseal at The Clayboard by buying extra CD's to send to the troops in Iraq and other places overseas.

Easterseal has been working hard on this project, and she says the following:

Regarding concerns, I just received an email from Susan in Germany, who is in the Army or married to a soldier, she said that they really do appreciate receiving CD's and DVD's because many of the troops are stationary, even in Iraq, and a lot of them are women serving. I also have discussed this at length with the Lt Col of Family Services in Columbus and he assured me that the Cd's will get to the troops in care packages. They will go to Iraq and other places where our troops are serving, so be assured that this project is a very worthy cause.

I am trying to find out when the deadline is to mail these CD's to Easterseal, but have not received a date yet. I would suggest getting them to her within the next week or two, however. To get the address where you should mail the CD's, go to The Clayboard CD's For The Troops thread and PM Easterseal. She will PM you back and give you the mailing information.

This is a great way to support Clay and our troops. Why not buy a few extra and send them on to Easterseal!!

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, ATDW, American Idol, Without You, Invisible

Clay On The View Tomorrow

Don't forget that Clay will be on ABC's The View tomorrow to perform "Without You". The show was taped earlier today and we found this recap from the CB's mamarose10 who is in contact with newmie and Claydorkable, both at the ABC-TV studios in New York City:

I just got a report from Newmie and Claydorkable (not to be confused with ClayAdorkable) who were both at the taping of The View.

Clay was lovely...well...what else is new. He was CLEAN SHAVEN, wearing a grey suit with a grey tie and a dark black shirt.

Newmie said that Rosie was really great to Clay...told him something like half the country is on Paxil and it is nothing to be ashamed of. She told him people love him! (well ain't that the truth). He sang "Without You" of course. She said at one point they were all talking to him at once and he wasn't sure which way to look...it was a cute moment.

It was a short call...they were all getting into a taxi at that point. Hopefully she will call back later with more details.

...and another update from the CB's clayzedover:

Just heard from Claydorkable at The View. Show is over, and they think he waved to them from outside the studio in a limo. Can't be sure though...lol. Lots of excitement.

Great show. Clay sang Without You beautifully, had full band, backups and string section. Elegant set with upholstered furniture.

Wore gray pinstriped suit and black shirt/tie? Clean shaved, black boots.

Rosie O'Donnel called him a "cutie patootie" Told him the panic attacks are understandable, she has had them, and admired him for getting help.

They discussed the Paxil stuff and she was very good to him on the air. During breaks she came into the audience and talked him up big time. Said told the audience during breaks how much charity work he has done and how she admires him. Some had cameras and will have pictures up.

Clay giggled a lot.

Had the new HDD projection to give them, so they spread that around to other fans, and were on their way to seek out the new People Mag.

One more update from the CB's strollynn63:

UPDATE FROM LSDOLLY AND MARIALUVSCLAY........The girls on THE VIEW LOVED CLAY, KEPT PATTING HIM, LOVED HIS SONG......BEFORE THE SHOW STARTED, LSDOLLY GAVE ROSE A ......CLAY IS HOT PIN AND SHE PUT IT ON, WENT BACKSTAGE AND ASKED CLAY IF SHE COULD WEAR IT, HE SAID YES.

SANG....WITHOUT YOU, SOUNDED AND LOOKED BEAUTIFUL, ABOUT 20 CLAYMATES IN THE AUDIENCE, BUT THE REST OF THE PPL LIKED HIM TOO.

THEY WERE SUPPOSED TO ALL GET A CD, BUT, RCA DIDN'T SEND IT.....grrrrrrrrrrr.

ROSIE WAS TELLING THE GIRLS...LINDA AND MARIA IN THE LINE HOW MUCH SHE LOVES CLAY, AND ANYONE WHO DOESN'T LIKE HIM......SCREW THEM....

ASKED ABOUT HOW HE DEALS WITH THE PANIC ATTACKS, .....SAYS HE JUST RUNS FROM THE ROOM....OMG...!!!WHEN HE IS BACK IN RALEIGH PEOPLE STARE AND WHIPSER, HE JUST WISHES THEY WOULD COME UP AND SAY HELLO.....

ROSIE INTRODUCED HIM AS......CUTIE PATOOTIE!!!!

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, ATDW, American Idol, Without You, Invisible

Tidbits 9/21

• Several articles today about Clay's GMA/People Interview. The media's spin on this story is pathetically sad. Whatever happened to journalistic integrity???
• Associated Press wire article about Clay's GMA/People interview
• AOL TMZ (mouth taped shut)
• Kansas City Star ... uh... what?
• Inside Entertainment (Canada)
• Star Pulse
• Celebrity Cafe
• The Insider
• Chicago Tribune
• 24 Hours Vancouver
• Teen Music Canada
• Detroit News
• Philidelphia Inquirer
• andPOP Canada
• Oh man...this is media spin at its best - PR Inside: Will Clay be Tom Cruise's next 'taget'?
• Pittsburgh Post Gazette
• Access Hollywood
  
• Long Island Press - what's on TV mentions Clay's Sept. 26 Jimmy Kimmel Live appearance
• CHUD - weird Clay mention in review of ABC's "Invasion" DVD
• AZCentral - New releases making this Fall's CD crop the best of the year
• Calvin College Chimes- Clay sings "souless" version of BOTW (what planet did this writer come from?)
• Richmond Times Dispatch questions ATDW's purpose - reminds us about Clay's The View appearance tomorrow
  
• Electric New Paper Asia article about Sony BMG/Idol mentions Clay.
• New York Magazine interviews a restaurant server who served Clay: "One New Year's Eve about two years back, Clay Aiken made a reservation. I was given instructions that he had about twelve allergies. I ran down the list and let him know what he could and couldn't have."

• Graphics In Mind and Carolina On My Mind celebrate ATDW's release.
  

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, ATDW, American Idol, Without You, Invisible

Clay: My Personal Life Isn't Your Business

Bravo Clay for standing up for yourself. In part deux of his interview with Good Morning America's Diane Sawyer, Clay stated his firm belief that his personal life is "nobody's" business.

"I've gotten to a point now where I, A., am tired of trying, and B., I feel it's kind of invasive, you know?" Clay told Sawyer in his most revealing interview to date. "It's one thing to try to be open and talk to people and try to share as much as I can and, and of course I want to," he said. "But at some point it becomes just really rude, you know? I'm not spending my time with this anymore".

• Reading ABCNews.com's article about this interview.
• Downloads @ ClackUnlimited
  

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, ATDW, American Idol, Without You, Invisible

"Clay's The Man" Says Insider's Spencer; Interview TOMORROW

The Insider's Laura Spencer did another fantastic piece on Clay today which you can stream from The Insider's website. They posted this article along with the video. Don't forget to tune in TOMORROW (Friday) to see more of The Insider's exclusive sit down interview with Clay.

Clay's the Man!

CLAY AIKEN may be getting a lot of coverage in the tabloids, but he's always happy for the chance to sing, and grateful to his devoted fans who call themselves Clay-mates!

"It was hard to deal with at first because I was like, 'What? Clay-mates?'" he reveals to our LARA SPENCER. "But, you know, you gotta love 'em. They're very loyal and supportive, so I'm very grateful."

The once-gawky Raleigh kid who debuted three years ago on "American Idol" has a legion of fans, better known as the "Clay Nation." But he modestly says he has "no idea" why they adore him. Could it be the new hair?

"I don't recognize myself right now," he says about his new bangs. "I still haven't gotten used to this whole thing. It's a process. The whole transformation from ugly to not-as-ugly happened very slowly," he jokes.

But Clay gets serious when talking about his journey since "Idol."

"It's hard to do this business without maturing a little. I'm much more savvy now. I'm much more aware of my surroundings, of business. I was showing vacation pictures, and there comes a point where I've realized, you know, give them an inch, they'll take a mile!"

Part of that is the public fascination with his sexuality, which he addresses in the new issue of People, on stands tomorrow.

"What do you say [to that question]?" he tells the magazine. "It's like when I was eight. I remember something would get broken in the house, and Mom and Dad would call me in and say, 'Did you do this?' Well, it didn't matter what I said. The only thing they would believe was yes. ... People are going to believe what they want."

To Lara, he says, "I understand 'Clay Aiken leads a really boring life' is not a good headline and you have to sell a paper. I'm trying to get to that point where I just don't care anymore. You can't change people's minds, and I want to sing. That's what I like doing and I enjoy my job. I guess I hate to say it, but you gotta take the good with the bad, because sometimes it's baaaad."

Tune in tomorrow, for more of our exclusive sit-down with Clay!

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, ATDW, American Idol, Without You, Invisible

Much Higher First Week Estimates From HDD

Hits Daily Double has revised their ATDW first week sales estimates. Their estimate is now between 250,000 and 300,000 copies this week. This is significantly higher than their estimate of 199,000 from yesterday. That number is truely remarkable beating the likes of heavily promoted radio superstars such as Jessica Simpson and Paris Hilton who both released albums late last month. With this debut, ATDW is on track to be certified platium by Thanksgiving.

By contrast, according to our lemon-stand sales guru Mark Pearson, Clay Aiken’s just-released new album is projected to hit between 250k-300k in its first week, and there’s no serious radio play for his single.

Update 5:49 PM: HDD has re-revised their numbers to 190k-200k. I guess it's too early for anyone to firmly estimate first week sales.

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, ATDW, American Idol, Without You, Invisible

Clay: My Mother Taught Me To Be Tough

Scans from Clay's new feature inside this week's People Magazine have been posted on the CB. In the exclusive Sept. 22 issue interview, Clay talks candidly about the gay allegations he's been dodging since January. He also reveals details about the stresses of being a celebrity and his talks in depth about his various charitable works.

Let me say that I'm so proud of Clay for having the courage to be open on these sensitive personal topics. This article is a must read!

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, ATDW, American Idol, Without You, Invisible

The Way We Make A Difference Accepting Tickets and Donations Again

Mamarose10 from The Clayboard has informed us that " The Way We Make A Difference.org is now accepting tickets and donations for Clay’s upcoming Christmas concerts."

The following explains what "The Way To Make A Difference" is all about:

For those who might not be familiar with us, by way of introduction, here is a little bit about TWWMAD:

"Inspired by The Bubel/Aiken Foundation’s vision of inclusion, hundreds of you have joined with us to make a difference. Thanks to your support, we have been able to work with many wonderful organizations to bring a concert experience to individuals who otherwise would never have this opportunity.

Because of your generous donations, 3,182 tickets have been distributed so that individuals with and without disabilities could share the amazing experience of watching Clay perform live in concert!"

For more information, we welcome and encourage everyone to visit our website at The Way We Make A Difference.org We are also accepting CDs to give out as an extra gift to our concert goers. Please contact Claydorkable at pam@twwmad.org for more information.

Thanks for helping us to make a difference, one concert ticket at a time.

What a wonderful Christmas gift this would make for someone who couldn't otherwise afford it.

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, ATDW, American Idol, Without You, Invisible

Clay's Interviews - Looking at Them as Positive Opportunities

There has been quite a bit of talk around the various boards today about Clay's Good Morning America interview and the People Magazine interview that will be out later this week. I've read both positive thoughts and negative thoughts about the content of these interviews. This was before I watched the GMA interview myself.

I would like to present to you a post that I made on The Clayboard after watching Clay's interview with Diane Sawyer. I believe that this interview presents itself as a wonderful opportunity and should be considered as such. I worried about the contents until I saw it for myself. Now I'm convinced all will be well and even made better because of it, both for Clay and for others. Below is my post, in its entirety.

I just watched the GMA interview for the first time and I was very pleasantly surprised! Surprised because I've read quite a bit of downer comments about it today. People who think its the "same ol same ol". People who think its an invasion of Clay's privacy. And on and on.

However, I am not looking at this OPPORTUNITY this way. Yes, I think this is an awesome opportunity and after seeing the interview finally, there's no doubt in my mind that Clay handled it in the most steller way possible. Diane couldn't have handled it better. Clay's answers were perfect. He spoke of things that needed to be spoken of. I think he needed to speak of them and that there is a load off his shoulders now. He got this out of his system and in a perfect way and the fact that a lot of people are talking about panic attacks, etc. now is a GOOD THING!! This is an opportunity to be used to make a difference in people's lives -- once again Clay will be making a difference in people's lives.

The only thing that upset me in the interview was when Clay cowered down at saying the word "Paxil" and not because of him but because of the people that have put those of us who have to take medication for mental conditions in the position where we feel we have to be ashamed. There's no need to be ashamed and I hope Clay will continue to find the support, even moreso after the interview, so that he won't be. And Diane's comment about getting hooked on the medications didn't thrill me too much. She wouldn't ask that to someone on insulin or an inhaler (aren't you afraid you might start taking 3 puffs of the inhaler instead of 2??). But people are beginning to understand better. Maybe Clay's interview will help even more.

The ball was in his court today. He had a chance to answer these questions just as he wanted to and he did it with style and grace, as did Diane in her asking of the questions. I think he will handle tomorrow the exact same way in talking about the tabloids. I think the things he will talk of, just from the little bit I saw and heard, need to be said. How very brave of him to talk about his panic attacks and come down on the tabloids as he apparently will. He will take the bull by the horns and "these old questions" will be made fresh with the answers he gives. Class act questions and class act answers. I always knew that Clay would make a difference by the person that he is, and continues to do so even in these interviews. No doubt!! I can't wait till tomorrow's interview!!

As you can tell, I am PUMPED. I am thrilled. This is an awesome opportunity. Let's look at it as such and support Clay with our hearts and our words and our actions.

Jan D

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, ATDW, American Idol, Without You, Invisible

ATDW Ad in American Airline's Official Magazine

WOW! Isn't this neat? RCA took out a full page ad for ATDW in the current issue of American Way Magazine which is distributed on all American Airlines flights. Scab courtesy the CH's suebee12.

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, ATDW, American Idol, Without You, Invisible

TV Mentions Today

Clay was mentioned on various infotainment shows as his People/GMA interview began leaking out into the mainstream media. Spotted sightings today:

• ET
• Insider - People/GMA story
• Inside Edition - People/GMA story
• ET Canada - mentioned ATDW release
  
• E! News Live - People/GMA story/ATDW

gerwhisp has uploaded video of most of these sightings. You can find links here.

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, ATDW, American Idol, Without You, Invisible

Clay On Track To Another Platinum Album

The wording on this Hits Daily Double article is awkward, but it looks like A Thousand Different Ways is set to sell 200,000 copies in the first week coming in at #2 on next week's Billboard 200. Although these estimated numbers are lower than that of MOAM and MCWL, this album has done well considering that it's a covers album and that sales in the record industry have been bad so far this year. Heavily promoted heavy weights like Jessica Simpson and Paris Hilton only managed to move less than 100,000 copies of their CDs in week 1, so this 200 K prediction is awesome news!

We would like to emphasize that these sales numbers are estimates and we will not receive final Soundscan numbers until next Tuesday at the earliest.

CONGRATULATIONS CLAY!

CLAYMATES OUT IN FORCE TO CHALLENGE JUSTIN
Clay Aiken Looks Like Next Week’s Biggest Debut, While Justin Continues On Top

September 20, 2006

The Claymates are out.

Clay Aiken’s J Records album, A Thousand Different Ways, is hoping to find at least 199k more in its opening week, based on one-day sales reports from our crack-addled retail contacts around the U.S. of A.

That would place him #2 to Justin Timberlake’s Jive/ZLG chart-topper, depending on how large that album’s second week drop-off is. How’s that for hedging our bets?

A&M/Interscope Black-Eyed Peas chanteuse Fergie’s The Dutchess will go head-to-head or should we say head-to-hat with Sony BMG Nashville country superstar Kenny Chesney’s live album, with both in the 130-150k range. Atlantic reggaeton rapper Lupe Fiasco is taking advantage of a long build-up for Food and Liquor with around 100k, followed by Capitol rapper Chingy, shy of 100k, Verve’s Diana Krall and Hollywood Records’ Jesse McCartney (both in the 50k range), Interscope’s Elton John (40-50k) and Geffen’s New Found Glory (40-50k).

Thanks to Timberlake and Mayer, overall sales were up more than 5.5% vs. last week, up almost a percent vs. same week last year and now down over 5% year-to-date.

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, ATDW, American Idol, Without You, Invisible

Associated Press ATDW Article

The Associated Press is distrubuting an ATDW article. Very good buzz for week 1 sales since AP stories are syndicated by virtually all major news websites. An abridgement appears below:

Aiken More Comfortable in Spotlight
After a year and a half away from the spotlight, Clay Aiken returns with an edgy new look, a far-from-edgy new album and a newly secure sense of self.

"I know it's a new chapter but it's kind of like a whole new book the sequel to my life before," says a casually dressed and scruffy-faced Aiken, sitting in an office at RCA Records, his label. "It's like we're starting out on something brand new where I'm really getting to be myself."

But not everything is brand new. On his new album, "A Thousand Different Ways," Aiken covers 10 classic love songs and introduces four original tracks. It was a "challenge" issued by music mogul Clive Davis, who oversaw the project and one that Aiken says he was initially reluctant to accept.

But despite his misgivings, he and his team of producers rearranged and reinterpreted each track, from Foreigner's "I Want to Know What Love Is" to Dolly Parton's "Here You Come Again," to make them Aiken's alone.

It's an "odd move" to make a covers album so early in a career, says Craig Marks, editor-in-chief of Blender magazine. Marks describes Aiken's fans as "parents and grandparents who think he's wholesome and adorable and sings songs as though rock 'n' roll never existed."

When the album was completed, Aiken celebrated with a makeover. He's sporting a new shaggy-haired, more stylish look, a marked departure from the college campus look he sported before.

"We took so much time to make this album that we thought, `Let's come back with a bang and do something different,'" he says. "It's really a drastic change, I guess, but it's kind of exciting."

"I feel like maybe (people) think I'm a kid and I'm naive and I'm stupid," he says. "So I'm excited about being able to show my real self."

He says he's grateful for the opportunities the show has given him, but admits that singing isn't his dream job.

"I always thought I'd be a teacher and I still miss that to some extent," says Aiken, who taught kids with disabilities before trying out for "Idol." "I still have friends who teach and when they tell me about kids in their classes, I get kind of jealous."

Fame has its downside, too. Aiken has been the target of speculation about his sexuality. Tabloid reports earlier this year suggested he had a gay affair. Aiken has never directly addressed the rumors.

He doesn't have any grand goals for his career other than to "do stuff that I like singing and other people like hearing," he says. Still, he doesn't know what's next.

"Being open and trying new things has always been the policy for me," he says. "Maybe we'll do an album of all original stuff, maybe we'll find another concept and try to wrap great hit songs around another concept. Maybe we'll do all Bulgarian hymns."

For now, he's concentrating on the new record and his plans to support it with a tour in the new year. But will young fans respond to its slow, crooning style?

Executive producer Jaymes Foster says yes.

"You can't deny great songs," she says. "These songs have already proven to be No. 1 hit songs."

But he's quick to point out that the album wasn't inspired by any personal love affairs: "It was inspired by Clive Davis totally."

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, ATDW, American Idol, Without You, Invisible

Clay Talks To GMA, People Magazine About Personal Life

An interview with Clay will be published in the September 22 issue of People Magazine. Clay sat down the People to discuss his personal life- including the gay allegations made in the National Enquirer this past January.

Clay personally discussed these topics during a Diane Sawyer interview which aired this morning on ABC's Good Morning America. Part 2 of the interview airs TOMORROW on GMA (read ABC News story -- downloads @ ClackUnlimited).

(Scans from the magazine courtesy Inside Edition - they aired a small piece about this today)

People.com offered this 'preview' of the interview. Very intersting, but sad at the same time.

On whether he's gay: "What do you say (to that question)? … It's like when I was 8. I remember something would get broken in the house, and Mom and Dad would call me in and say, 'Did you do this?' Well, it didn't matter what I said. The only thing they would believe was yes. … People are going to believe what they want."

On the panic attacks he suffered after Idol: "I'd walk into a room and say to myself, 'I am not going to have a problem when these people stare at me.' … But then (in) that situation, my heart would start pumping, and I'd start sweating and looking around nervously and shaking. I felt like I was going to have a heart attack."

On taking the anti-anxiety drug Paxil: "I said (to my doctor), 'Listen, I don't want to go to a therapist. I have nothing against therapists. I want to think I can do this on my own.' And she recommended that I try a medication. … Now I can sit here; I can go into a store; I can handle a photo shoot. I'm able to get rid of all that stuff in the periphery. It makes everything easier."

On the future: "I want to be a father so badly. I want (kids) one day. Not now. … I would love to adopt. There's an orphanage not too far from my house, and I've been up before with church. I always thought, 'What happens to those kids who have the potential to go to college but just can't afford it?' I've been thinking a lot lately about finding a way to pay for one of those kids to go to college."

Many news outlets are covering this story:

• Entertainment Tonight
• Contact Music
• E! Online
• Zap2it.tv
• AOL TMZ
  
• UPI Wire Story
• UPI Wire Story 2
• Teen People
  

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, ATDW, American Idol, Without You, Invisible