Melbourne Concert Sells Out in 30 minutes

Clay Aiken Show Sells Out in 30 minutes
BY BREUSE HICKMAN
FLORIDA TODAY

Kristiana Strickland was among the first in line Friday morning to buy tickets to see Clay Aiken perform Dec. 16 in Melbourne.

Kristiana Strickland, 30, and her sister Kelly Strickland, 28, both of Vero Bach, got to the King Center in Melbourne at 3 a.m. to be the first in line for tickets to the Clay Aiken concert Dec. 16. Tickets went on sale at 10 a.m. for the "American Idol" alum's performance at the King Center for the Performing Arts. They sold out in a half-hour.

Strickland, 30, arrived at the ticket office at 3 a.m. Friday with her sister Kelly, 28.
"I knew this was a smaller venue and that we needed get here early," said the Vero Beach resident, adding that she wasn't a fan until Aiken released his CD "Measure of a Man."
"I never even watched him on the show," she said. "Then I heard the CD and I was hooked."
But Lola Iasell, 62, has been a fan since Aiken first made his appearance on the Fox talent show two years ago. She drove from Fort Lauderdale to get tickets.

"I love his voice," said Iasell, adding that she's seen him twice before in concert.
"I'm going to get his book and his DVD as soon as they come out." she said.

By 10 a.m. more than 100 people -- mostly women -- stood in line waiting for tickets to go on sale.

Stacy Heslin, 19, of Rockledge also has seen Aiken perform live and arrived several hours before tickets went on sale.

"I wasn't really an 'American Idol' fan until he came on the show," she said. "One night I had it on in the background and heard this beautiful voice. I turned around and here's this scrawny little guy singing. I couldn't believe it."

Susan Dike, 41, of Melbourne came to the ticket office at 9:30 a.m.

"Women my age love him," she said. "He started as the underdog and we all saw this nerdy little guy become this huge star."

TV Guide Cover

Clay to perform at Charity Gala tomorrow, Sun. Nov. 7

FULL ARTICLE

Note: This gala will take place in Chicago on Sunday, Nov. 7

MCHONORS: Danny Glover hits town Saturday to pick up an Award of Excellence at the 20th annual Ronald McDonald House Charities gala at the Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont -- an event also honoring renowned medical anthropologist Dr. Paul Farmer and McDonald's franchise owners Wendy and Rick Lommen. All are being lauded for their work to improve the lives of children, with Glover and Farmer each receiving $100,000 and the Lommens receiving $50,000 for their favorite kids' charity. The entertainment at the gala will include a performance by none other than former ''American Idol'' finalist Clay Aiken.

New Photos from AOL Music

Clay with Beyonce

Clay with Jessica Simpson




Clay with a High School friend

Clay with his mom, Faye Parker

Clay and Raleigh

Clay Aiken adds more stops to his Joyful Noise Tour-Article

Nov 5, 2004 11:34 AM
Clay Aiken (news | tickets | CDs) has filled in a few blanks on his Joyful Noise Christmas tour, which is now set to visit about 20 cities in November and December.

The outing will support Aiken's upcoming holiday album, "Merry Christmas with Love," which is due in stores on Nov. 16. The collection includes the singer's take on standards including "Sleigh Ride," "The Christmas Song," "Winter Wonderland" and "Joy to the World," among others.
Aiken, who has parlayed his runner-up status in the 2003 season of the Fox-TV talent show "American Idol" into a thriving career, will be backed on the tour by an orchestra.

Among the recent additions to Aiken's itinerary--which is below--is a stop at Meymandi Concert Hall in his hometown of Raleigh, NC. Tickets will go on sale on Nov. 16, and--reportedly at Aiken's request--efforts will be taken to restrict ticket sales to North Carolina fans. The Ticketmaster system reportedly will allow only phone and Internet purchases with a credit card attached to a North Carolina ZIP code, according to The News & Observer. (Ticketmaster is liveDaily's parent company).

On the same day that Aiken's Christmas album reaches stores, Random House will release the Aiken memoir "Learning to Sing: Hearing the Music in Your Life." According to the publisher, the book tells how faith was integral to Aiken's rise from an aspiring teacher to stardom on "American Idol."

Aiken will make many television appearances to tout the book and album, including Nov. 15 on CNN's "Larry King Live," Nov. 17 on ABC's "Live with Regis and Kelly" and NBC's "Today," Dec. 6 on NBC's "The Tonight Show," Dec. 9 on ABC's "The View," and Dec. 10 on ABC's "The Early Show." He'll also appear as a presenter on the Nov. 15 American Music Awards, according to his website.

Last October, Aiken offered up his debut album, "Measure of a Man." The set--which debuted at No. 1 on The Billboard 200 album chart--spawned 2003's top-selling single, "This Is the Night," as well as the hit "The Way."



Tour Itinerary

[Note: The following tour itinerary has been provided by artist and/or tour sources, who verify its accuracy as of November 05, 2004 11:34 AM. Changes may occur before tickets go on sale. Check with official artist web sites, ticketing sources and venues for late updates.]

Buy Tickets

November 2004
21 - Pasadena, CA - Pasadena Civic
22 - Phoenix, AZ - Dodge Theatre
23 - El Cajon, CA - East County Performing Arts Center
26 - Costa Mesa, CA - Orange County Performing Arts Center
27 - San Jose, CA - San Jose Center for the Performing Arts
29 - Salt Lake City, UT - Aravenal Hall

December 2004
2 - Sewell, NJ - Commerce Bank Arts Center
3- Providence, RI - Providence Performing Arts Center
4 - Baltimore, MD - Meyerhoff Symphony Hall
8 - Lowell, MA - Lowell Memorial Auditorium
9 - New York, NY - Theater at Madison Square Garden
10 - Wallingford, CT - Oakdale Theatre
13 - Raleigh, NC - BTI Center Meymandi Hall
15 - Clearwater, FL - Ruth Eckerd Hall
16 - Orlando, FL - King Center
17, 18 - Atlanta, GA - Symphony Hall
21 - Cleveland, OH - Palace Theatre
22 - Pittsburgh, PA - Heinz Hall
23 - Detroit, MI - Masonic Temple

DVD listed on Amazon.com

CLICK HERE TO VIEW

Kenny G on Christmas Special?

From the CB:

I just read on another board that the CH is reporting that Kenny G will be on Clay's special.

New Pics from LTS

Scans from Christmas CD

Clay mentioned on Leno

From the CB:
Strangely enough, he mentioned Ruben being on the show and then told a Clay joke. Said they'd uncovered some uncounted votes in Ohio....and Clay Aiken may be the real winner!!!!!!

Clayboard chooses Webcricket's design as designated Tour pass!

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE WINNING ENTRY

Christmas CD Animated Ad

ET on MTV and VH1

Rumor that Clay and Kelly will be on this weekend. Could be somthing about AMA's. Check local times!

Entertainment Weekly

From the Hit List in the new Entertainment Weekly:

College in North Carolina will offer course on American Idol:

Lesson 1: How to sing like Clay
Lesson 2: How to get robbed like LaToya
Lesson 3: The art of Dunkleman

Clay Will Participate in McDonald's World Children's Day Fundraiser Kick-Off

McDonald's World Children's Day


McDonald's(R) World Children's Day Kick-Off Features All Star Line-Up: Alejandro Fernández, Hilary Duff, Haylie Duff, Serena Williams, Venus Williams, Clay Aiken, and other Artists

--(HISPANIC PR WIRE)-- Advisory for Tuesday, November 9, 2004

WHAT: Stars of the entertainment and sports worlds are giving their hands in support of World Children's Day at McDonald's, a worldwide fundraiser for Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC(R)) and other children's causes. Activities at the Los Angeles McDonald's restaurant will kick off a month-long initiative to build awareness for the annual fundraiser. This year, McDonald's goal is to raise $20 million dollars. Media will have the opportunity to be up close with Latin superstar Alejandro Fernández, celebrity music artist and actress sisters Hilary Duff and Haylie Duff, multi-platinum recording artist Clay Aiken, tennis champions Venus Williams and Serena Williams, Olympic track and field legend Carl Lewis, and famed American Idol judge Randy Jackson, while they literally “Give A Hand” by creating and donating autographed handprints. The handprints will be auctioned on eBay (http://www.ebay.com) November 10-19, with proceeds benefiting RMHC.

WHEN: Tuesday, November 9, 2004 at 10 a.m. PST.

WHERE: McDonald's restaurant 4348 W. Sunset Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90029

WHY: During the month of November, McDonald's, along with a roster of celebrities, will be hosting various events to raise awareness for World Children's Day at McDonald's. In the U.S., celebrities will participate in McDonald's Give A Hand program, which will directly benefit RMHC and children's causes worldwide. In addition, customers may also Give A Hand by purchasing their own paper cut-out hand to be posted in local McDonald's restaurants to show their support for World Children's Day. Finally, a donation will be made directly to RMHC for every Extra Value Meal, Happy Meal(R) and Mighty Kids Meal(R) purchased from November 18-20. By bidding on celebrity handprints or purchasing select items at participating McDonald’s restaurants, customers worldwide have the opportunity to help children in their local communities. Support from Alejandro Fernández, Hilary Duff, Haylie Duff, Venus Williams, Serena Williams, Clay Aiken, Brooke Shields, Yao Ming, Randy Jackson, and Carl Lewis, along with hundreds of Olympic champions, government officials and local talent are all a part of McDonald's ongoing initiative to raise awareness for World Children's Day and improve the health and well-being of children worldwide.

New Clay appearances!!!!!

Dec 9th :: The View (ABC)
Dec 10th :: The Early Show (CBS)

E- Coli found in NC. Could be connected to The Fair

Thank to hotclay from the Clayboard:

I think if we were affected we would know it by now. But I thought this was worth posting.

RALEIGH, N.C. -- At least 24 people, most of them children, have been infected with E. coli bacteria, and the outbreak might be connected to a petting zoo at last month's state fair, authorities said.

At least three of those stricken have developed a severe complication known as hemolytic-uremic syndrome, in which the number of blood platelets suddenly drops, red blood cells are destroyed and the kidneys shut down The syndrome can be life-threatening or cause permanent kidney damage.

The number of confirmed cases of E. coli infections rose to 24, and 14 more cases are suspected, officials at the state Department of Health and Human Services said Thursday.

Health officials are awaiting genetic tests on some of the bacteria to see whether the cases are related. So far, the most common link among victims is that some visited the petting zoo exhibit.

Of the 38 cases being examined, at least 15 have some link to the state fair, officials said. At least seven people said they did not go to the fair, and investigators were awaiting information from others.

"If it does turn out to be a petting zoo, there are thousands of people who were exposed, and they are widespread," said Dr. Jeffrey Engel, state epidemiologist. "People came to visit from other states."

The highly contagious E. coli bacterium commonly lives in animals. It can pass to humans who eat contaminated meat or contact animals, manure or contaminated surfaces.

Hand-washing is the most effective means of avoiding infection. The fair exhibit had hand-washing stations.

Clay on TRL on Nov.17

Roseviolet at Clackhouse posted:

Clay is going to be on TRL on Nov. 17

It says on the VH1 RockOnTV website:

Quote:
Featured Artists
Clay Aiken

About: 11/17/2004

Clay Aiken (walk-on for cd & book release).

Clay on EXTRA

Thanks to demeter from the Clayboard

Just watched Clay on Extra. 15 minutes into the program.
It's the Ruben weight loss segment.

Clay wearing Aladdin media junket shirt. Brief clip of Clay and Ruben and then a clip of Clay offering words of support.

Extra repeats here (Dallas) on the next day at 11:30 AM for those who missed it.

Popstar! Endorses Clay's Book

The current issue of Popstar! talks about Clay in its V.I.Q. (Very Important Questions) section.

Q: What is happening with the book Clay Aiken was supposed to write?

A: Clay's not the kind of guy to say he's gonna do something and then slack off. Nope, the always-busy American Idol hottie found time to finish his book even while he was working on his new CD! Clay's Christmas album is a ho-ho-hymn book of classics, but it's his book that's truly inspiring. Learning to Sing: Hearing the Music in Your Life just came out from Random House and it features Clay' memories of all his friends who influenced him from his days living in Raleigh, North Carolina, through the present. Popstar! strongly endorses Clay' music and his new book.