To see the full calendar, go to CDD's page at Google Calendar:
A full list of upcoming events is also available at the CDD Claytracker.
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With Christmas almost upon us, Amazon.com is offering us some great incentives to get even more copies of ATDW and MCWL to fill our Christmas stockings.
Clay accepting 2003's Fan Choice Award at The American Music Awards. Clay presents tonight.
Kelly said that Clay was disprespectful the whole show. And that he never once thanked her. I guess she missed these on-air comments:
"Thank you it's good to be here."
"I'm thrilled, I'm thrilled to be here not only to be with you but because it's a great show."
Another twist in what is now being called "Kellygate" is making Ripa look more and more like a complete idiot.
On this morning's The View, Rosie O'Donnell defended Clay saying: "It was outrageous, it was out of line, it was unprofessional, and he wouldn't have done it to you because there's a respect." Rosie, a gay rights activist, accused Ripa of making a homophobic attack against Clay, referring to the gay allegations Clay faced earlier this year.
Think it ends here? Well, being the diva she is, Ripa immediately phoned The View and told Rosie:
Rosie, I love you dearly [but] I have to strongly, strongly disagree, I think what you said is downright outrageous. He reached across and covered my mouth with his hand and I have three kids [and] he's shaking hands with everyone in the audience -- I mean it's cold and flu season, that's what I meant and to imply that it's anything homophobic is outrageous Rosie and you know better, you should be more responsible. I'm sorry it came off that way to you but what I'm saying is I respect all people regardless... it never even occurred to me that would be, and I apologize to you if you felt that way...., and I absolutely love how Ripa tried to end the conversation: "I am not angry with Clay Aiken -- I took issue, I said what I had to say. It is in the past, I forgive him -- even if he doesn't apologize I forgive him, I don't care." The irony here is that several different people backstage at Live with Regis & Kelly heard Clay personally apologize to Kelly after the show on Friday.
Here's proof we aren't the only ones now aware that Mr. Clay Aiken needs to have a talk show of his own. In a review of Clay's Live with Regis & Kelly co-hosting, the Miami Herald's Angela Henderson says:
Clay was funny, flirtatious and just plain fabulous. If you watch “Live,” you know that Kelly Ripa rarely lets anyone get a word in edgewise—including Regis. But Clay confronted that head-on, taking shots at Kelly whenever he could and even putting his hand over her mouth at one point so he could ask Emmitt Smith a question.Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, ATDW, All Is Well, Merry Christmas With Love, Invisible
Ryan Seacrest might want to watch his back… if the singing career fizzles, I think he’s definitely got something to fall back on.
OK... Let me begin by saying that this is not satire and these are actual 'claims' made by whiny Kelly Ripa who co-hosted Live with Regis & Kelly with Clay on Friday.
Live on air this morning, Ripa complained to Regis about not being treated "respectfully". In a story picked up by Associated Press, she said she felt Clay wasn't "respectful in any way" and that Clay violated her space by putting his hands over her big blabbering mouth.
So, let me get this clear. You ask the producers to play an insanely stupid impersonation of Clay Aiken, while the man is there sitting beside you, and you expect him to be all cheery and happy about it?
What is wrong with this woman? How low and unprofessional can she go? As one AOL TMZ user posted: "It's about time someone shut Kelly Ripa up. That self-centered diva needs more than a hand over her mouth. I hope Regis shoves his foot in her mouth when he gets the chance."
I strongly recommend you read this blog from Debunking the Myth of Claymates:
Speaking of disrespectful, I admit I am confused. I seem to recall a time when Kelly dressed up as Clay for Halloween. In fact, she showed this on the show Friday. But only part of it. She didn't show the part where she, as Clay, kissed Regis, who was in costume as Bo Bice.
What a respectful way to portray Clay! Except NOT.
But that's not all. On Friday's show, with full knowledge that Clay doesn't like cats, in fact, has a phobia of cats, she still waved a cat photo in his face, on the air, on purpose. Even made a threatening statement about it. But I assumed she was kidding. You know, made a joke.
Sort of like when Clay put his hand over her mouth. I guess humor is often lost on the fanatical.
I am not saying Clay was right in trying to surpress Kelly's interview with Emmitt and Cheryl so as to be able to speak to them. But she insulted him right at the top of the show by airing that (partial) video of her mocking him.
Kelly Ripa's bias against Clay is well documented, and goes way back. She thought Clay was the person she portrayed that Halloween two years ago. Her lack of knowledge about who Clay really is? That's on her, not him. Her rant this morning made her look petty and small. And most of all, silly.
Kelly Ripa, you lost a fan today.
I'm not saying two wrongs make a right. But I am saying this...
Respect is a two way street. You can't treat people like dirt and then expect them to kiss your ass.
What host with any class rips into a previous guest on her show, especially when there was no bad press about it or any serious altercation to begin with? The answer has something to do with ego and an exaggerated sense of self worth.
What is the deal with her? Was she mad because Clay was cuter than she was? Is she mad because Clay has more fans than she does? Is she mad because Clay put his hand over her mouth? Doesn't she know he acted all contrite and everything? Does anybody think Clay was hankerin for a spankin? Is all he has to do is act combative in order to get a spanking? Did I need to take a moment when he said that? Does a bear download in the woods?
Georgia Girl has posted some awesome shots taken inside the Live with Regis & Kelly taping last Friday.
Raleigh News & Observer - Days of our Lives mention - "We're not forgetting about Aiken. NBC has booked the Raleigh singer for a Dec. 22 episode of the daytime drama "Days of Our Lives," which airs at 1 p.m. on WNCN."
I should just make this into a hair blog. Lately, all we’ve been discussing are people’s choice of hair cut! HA! What do we think about Clay Aiken’s new, long hair? I think I like him better with short. But this cut doesn’t offend me. At least he was out doing charity work for UNICEF right?
For the second year, we are starting a birthday card of sorts for Clay. It's hard to believe that 4 years has passed since Clay first auditioned for American Idol in Charlotte. At that time, he was only 24. On November 30, Clay celebrates his 28th birthday and we want to send Clay our best wishes.
I am currently arranging to have all birthday wishes left on this post to be sent to Clay during the Christmas tour as we did last year.
Please leave your birthday wishes for Clay using our commenting system:
No better way to change the world and promote peace than to save the children...
The local ABC affiliate in Raleigh, WTVD, interviewed Clay in New York after Clay's appearance on Live with Regis & Kelly yesterday. Raw footage of the interview is now available on the station's website.
Clay talks about the upcoming Christmas tour, A Thousand Different Ways, and what it was like to co-host Regis & Kelly with Kelly Ripa. He still insists that he really wants a talk show of his own (my goodness... give the man his own talk show PLEASE... look at him - he's a natural!).
Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, ATDW, American Idol, Without You, Invisible
The Tyra Banks Show posted this cute preview of Clay's upcoming appearance on her show. You can now watch the preview here. Tyra calls this interview one of her "favorites".
Mario López ("Secondest Man Alive"): In the grand tradition of American Idol number two's Katherine McPhee and Clay Aiken, the runner-up in this fall's runaway smash run of Dancing with the Stars now knows first-hand just how hard it is to try and thwart charisma with competence.
Since there is so many TV appearances coming up soon, here's a master list for you to copy onto your Claylendar:
According to the Clayboard's linlas, Clay stopped by Good Morning America's studios yesterday morning after his Live with Regis & Kelly appearance to tape performances of "Mary Did You Know" and "O Come O Come Emmanuel" which will be aired sometime in December.
Thanks to bigappleclay and ncsupack88 for these photos.
Video clips courtesy bigappleforclay are now available at ClackUnlimited.
E! Online has posted a video clip of Clay being interviewed by Ryan Seacrest on his LA KIIS FM Morning show earlier this week.
Watch it here.
Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, ATDW, American Idol, Without You, Invisible
The BAF announced the kick off of Wrapping For Inclusion, one of the foundation's most successful projects.
Each holiday season, the foundation recruits Clay fans like you and me to help wrap up Christmas gifts in malls across America. All proceeds raised benefit the Bubel Aiken Foundation and all important projects such as Our Friend Mikayla, Let's All Play and the Clay Aiken "Able to Serve" award.
If you are interested in helping out, be sure to visit BubelAiken.org where you can find out more about this exciting project.
Here is the full text of the BAF's press release posted to Yahoo! earlier today:
Clay Aiken's Foundation Sends Out Call to WrappersTechnorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, ATDW, American Idol, Without You, Invisible
Friday November 17, 11:28 am ET
RALEIGH, N.C., Nov. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Calling all Wrappers -- gift wrappers that is. The Bubel/Aiken Foundation (TBAF), co-founded by Clay Aiken for children with developmental disabilities, is asking for volunteers to help spread the word and raise funds this holiday season through their annual Wrapping for Inclusion event.
Wrapping for Inclusion is a nationwide awareness campaign where volunteers wrap gifts in exchange for donations at local merchants and malls across the country. Donations support TBAF's efforts to provide opportunities for inclusion for children of all abilities.
"We're looking for anyone no matter their level of 'present presentation' to help organize our Wrapping for Inclusion event in their area," said Kristy Barnes, President of TBAF. "This event helps raise funds that support our push to include children of all abilities in activities of school, community and recreation."
Since 2004, more than 1,200 volunteers have wrapped their hearts out in support of TBAF Let's All Play program -- a nationwide initiative to provide all children the opportunity to have fun together. Each year the event raises over $50,000. This year the Foundation hopes to raise record funds.
"It is so amazing what the efforts of this event afford the children and families we serve. It started as this grassroots campaign and grew into something that is making a huge difference. Every gift wrapped represents an opportunity for a child," said Barnes. "In fact, the Western DuPage Special Recreation Association applied for a grant and received one for its summer camp program because they found out about the Foundation at a wrapping location."
Volunteer roles for the event consist of a Volunteer Coordinator, State Coordinator, City Team Leader and Volunteer Wrappers. "We're looking for City Team Leaders to organize the event at their area mall or merchant location, or even school. This could be anyone interested in going out and finding a great location to set up a wrapping station and finding volunteers to staff it," said Barnes. "It's incredible what just a few people can accomplish; the difference they can make is astounding."
The Foundation makes it easier for volunteers with 'how to' guidance and even provides a Wrapping for Inclusion manual -- available at the Foundation website, www.bubelaiken.org -- to help organize event details. "It can be a relatively easy event to organize, that is usually not overly time consuming or demanding, but the results of having wrapping stations across the country would be tremendous," said Barnes. "It's a simple way to raise a voice and help make a real difference."
Information on how to join Wrapping for Inclusion is available on TBAF's website at www.bubelaiken.org where you can find all kinds of ways to get involved.
Can't wrap this year? Visit TBAF's website to find out where volunteers in your area are wrapping and support the effort and get your gifts wrapped at the same time!
One day after celebrating it's 2nd birthday, Clay's hit 2004 holiday disc, Merry Christmas With Love, entered Billboard's inaugural 2006 Holiday charts at #25. [via Foxes on Idol]
Don't forget MCWL makes a great stocking stuffer for everyone - although the music is now 'old' to us Claymates, MCWL is an album that will never get old with the general public.
Make sure you pick up your copies today at Amazon.com where it is on sale for only $11.99.
Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, ATDW, American Idol, Without You, Invisible
THE BIG KISS REVEALEDSomeone that has the freshest clean smelling breath is Clay Aiken. I know cuz he came on my show, and I had one of the most fun interviews with him that I have ever had. I am so in love with him. He is so funny, loving and just darn amazing. He even sang with me. Yes, we did a duet. I was awful. He sounded like an angel. Clay has the most loyal fans in the world. They call themselves "Claymates." I told Clay I am a "Clay-frican American," meaning that I am an African American that loves Clay Aiken. Get it? You gotta see how much fun we had. The show airs next Wednesday, November 22nd.
Season two's finale was a bit different. The R&B crooning Rubin Studdard beat out the shy and awkward Clay Aiken. Studdard hasn't done too much since claiming the title, but Clay Aiken is still out there, using his fame to support worthy causes and sell Christmas albums. In that respect, Clay Aiken is the Bono of "American Idol."
About.com - don't forget to join Clay for the lighting of the UNICEF Snowflake tomorrow in New York City.Lighting of the UNICEF Snowflake -- On Saturday, join Clay Aiken for the unveiling of the 16-foot Baccarat crystal UNICEF snowflake and the seasonal window displays at Tiffany & Co. Enjoy free cookies and cocoa while you admire the holiday bling.
We all knew who the better dancer was of the final two. But as if to parody the biggest reality show fiasco of all time—the Ruben/Clay debacle on American Idol--we were struck dumb once again with last night’s reveal, as the popular “big guy” took it over his obviously superior competitor and proved once again that reality often bites when it comes to determining true talent.
