OMWH Digest: Wal-Mart Bonus Track Revealed, iTunes Pre-Order Tomorrow

Wal-Mart has released the title of the bonus track to be on their editions of "On My Way Here". According to WalMart.com, the bonus track is "Forget I Ever Knew You". You'll also notice that Wal-Mart has a special cover art, different from the regular CD (see right).

Apple's iTunes music store will begin accepting pre-orders tomorrow for OMWH. If you order the album during this pre-order period, iTunes will give you a bonus track. We do not know what that bonus track is going to be, but apparently, it will be different from Wal-Mart's.

OMWH was mentioned on yesterday's VH1 Top 20 Countdown, says the CB's ClayandKimfan. The SendSpace download for the video cap is here.

I m watching VH1 Top 20 Countdown and just before they played One Republics Stop and Stare video the how mention how the lead sings been writining for different singers. And she mentioned he'll be working with Kelly Clarkson. Then she said theres another AI aritist hes wrote for. And she said Clays name and his CD cover poped up. She mentioned its out May 6 and that the title track was written by the One Rupublic lead singer. I keep forgetting his name. So exciting the promontion going on for this CD compared to ATDW. Way to go Clay!!!

What's Hot From Spamalot

Another weekend, and so with four shows, there is plenty of hot stuff to report from Spamalot. Let's start with a few recaps from fans. All recaps come from The Clayboard.

• Our first recap is from Kimberlyclay:

  Coming down from the Aiken fog. OMG I have never laughed soooooooooooo hard in my life. I took my mom, sister and aunt with me to see the show Friday night and they are still laughing and singing the songs today! There wasn't a scene in this play that you did not laugh at. When Clay appeared in his first scene as the guard going on about the coconuts, I was a goner. Whenever he soils his pants, it's priceless!
  
  The "YWSOB" scene is incredible. When that leg stretches out for the bottle dance - WOAH!!!!!!!!! Then together they glide across that stage and your mouth just drops open and you find yourself saying "oh baby".
  
  My favorite scene was when he played the drunken guard. I don't know what set off the other guard, but he could not stop laughing. When he notices the ribbons and he looks at them with such fascination, my sister and I were crying we were laughing so much.
  
  But, you know what makes this gratifying? The one thing that Simon criticized him for every week is what makes his characters funny - that's his FACIAL EXPRESSIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  
  As you all know, he did not do the stage door. But while we were waiting, we talked to so many nice NJU's and Claymates that it felt like we were all old friends. But that just goes to show you "one man can make a difference!!!!!!!! Anyone that has a show coming up - YOU ARE GOING TO HAVE THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE!!!

• Clayola8 tells us:

  I am not very good at writing recaps but I just had to post how much fun my hubby, SingToMeClay (my daughter Katy), and I had at the matinee yesterday! Clay was simply amazing! My daughter and I never took our eyes off of Clay for a second. Oh, I take that back. Katy noticed the large hand holding the Grail that was being held by the Lady of the Lake at one point and motioned for me to look too. Clay is simply perfection in this play but I must admit that my favorite part of the afternoon was the fan pictures after the play. We were seated in the Mezzanine for the play and then we moved to the second row Orchestra for the pictures. Clay is breathtakingly handsome up close and I love to see Clay being Clay. He was so sweet with every person having their picture taken with him. At one point a large group of young teens of both boys and girls went up to have their picture taken with him. There were so many of them that it threw him enough that he left the stage until they had all positioned themselves for the picture. When he came back to join them he was his usual sweet self. He said hello to all of them and then asked them where they wanted him to stand. They positioned him right in the middle. Instead of one picture he had them take at least three. I was somewhat nervous after the pictures were taken because for a few minutes I couldn`t see Clay because they were all around him shaking his hand. But they were all polite and calm and our honey reappeared with that glorious smile on his face.
  We went back and forth for weeks before going trying to decide whether we could go or not. I am so glad we finally decided to take the plunge. It was an experience that we will never forget. Get thee to Spamalot if you possibly can. You will not regret it.
  I just remembered another really funny thing. Before the show we bought Clay T-shirts , magnets, and pins for Katy and me. Before the show Katy and I went to the ladies room. While we were waiting ,Katy decided she wanted to put on here new Clay Spam T-shirt. So she pulled the shirt over her head and pulled the shirt down under the shirt she was wearing. Everyone in line watched her with smiles on their faces as she managed to get her Clay shirt on and her other shirt off so quickly. Houdini would have been impressed.

• Lilred gives this report from Mom11 at Clayversity:

  QUOTE(Mom11 @ Apr 20 2008, 12:49 PM) Just had a quick pre-matinee call from dksfriend:
  She said that when she picked up her ticket the guy at the ticket window had on a Clay lanyard - she said sort of like the ones we would get at concerts. He also had on a Clay as Sir Robin button - I guess those are for sale at the theater.
  
  Hannah is out today. She saw Tom Deckman and Brad Oscar arriving at the theater around 1:30 pm - cutting it close! Lots of Clay fans there this afternoon. She says it's fun to watch them all checking the board to see who's out and talking to the security guards. Just one big family!! She'll call me back at intermission.
  
  QUOTE(Mom11 @ Apr 20 2008, 03:37 PM) After show report from dksfriend
  She hadn't seen the show since February and was amazed at how much better Clay was - especially wowed by YWSOB. She thought it was great when she saw it before but couldn't get over how much better it is now. Oh wow! And she noticed how much more he was talking while on stage.
  
  No auction. Pix were Clay, Rick and Tom for $300. She estimates about 40 or more people in line. Very efficient. Jerome was loading the camera. They were whisking people right along , but everyone was treated very cordially. Some were having pix taken with 2 or more people in the photo.
  
  The peasant was a fan that she recognized and the peasant DID shake Clay's hand.
  She was calling while watching the picture taking. The audience can stay and watch, but very strict about no cameras from the audience.
  There were lots of high school kids in the upper levels today
  And may I add that Spamalot from Jan 18 - May 4, 2008 could be the most carefully scrutinized Broadway show ........ever!!

• From NYCityClayFan:

  DD and I decided last night to go to the matinee today. We lucked out online and were able to get 3rd row seats!
  
  The show was great as usual and just a few things that happened that I thought I would point out. Anthony Holds (Rick's replacement) was good as Lancelot and Tim the Enchanter. He did a decent job as the French Taunter, but I felt that he rushed his lines. Other than that he was fine. I loved his take on the leader of the Knights of Ni - his "5,6,7,8 - and then singing the Chipmunk song" was hysterical!!! Especially when he did it several times and then started to count and then said "just kidding!" He had Tom trying not to laugh and David Hibbard was smiling quite a bit too!
  
  One thing happened that I hadn't read anywhere else and thought was funny. Clay messed up when playing Chopsticks. He started out with playing the wrong keys and you could tell he realized it but kept going and hit a few more clunkers before he turned around on the bench but looked a bit sheepish and looked like he wanted to shrug his shoulders and say ooops. Instead he just stared us all down and then finished his bit at the piano, with yet another bad note on the piano, but when he stood up to do the foot stomp he had such a look of determination (and damned if he didn't look hot up there) and he was awesome during the bottle dance!
  
  Emily Hsu was there as TLOTL. I saw the show the other night when Jenny Hill replaced Hannah and I do have to say that both women have their strengths and weaknesses playing the part. Emily has a stronger voice, but I loved the faces that Jenny made while singing. I just guess I'm spoiled by Hannah.
  
  I love that Clay braided the ribbons on the pike and the total look of concentration was the funniest thing I had ever seen during that part of the show! He's still making it fresh and interesting each and every time I see it. The true mark of a comedic talent!
  
  I'm still trying to figure out how Tom Deckman can bend backwards so far and not fall over! He had us in stitches!
  
  I was totally expecting Jonathan (King Arthur) to give the speech about BC/EFA, and was surprised when Clay gave it instead (but in a good way!). He was very good at trying to get everyone to give big and he had people eating out of his hand.
  
  No auction this afternoon, but they did sell the $40 signed playbills and $100 signed posters again and the pictures went for $250 and were with just Clay. My daughter begged, pleaded and whined about getting a picture and I wasn't going to give in, but in the end she said she wanted to do a mother/daughter one since she saw that more than one person could be in the picture at the same time, so we got into the line and did it. She was beyond thrilled! When we went on stage, Clay held out his hand to her and asked her name, then said hello and then did the same with me. He then put one of us on each side and put his arms around us and we took the picture. He then thanked us for helping out. Needless to say it was her first time meeting Clay and you could tell how happy she was. David Hibbard was helping out by putting the pictures into the signed photo holders and he stopped to say hello too.
  
  Outside she got her picture taken with Anthony Holds as well as getting him to sign her Playbill. David came out a few minutes later and she got him to sign, too.

Now here's something for those of you who have wayyyyyyy to much time on your hands. Wanna have some Spamalot fun? Go to the SpamSpamSpamSpam game site to play the silliest game ever! If you can make your way past the drive-you-crazy "Lovely Spam" song and on to the crazy cow catapulting game, you might just do okay. I never quite got the hang of firing off the catapult. Maybe you'll have better luck than me!!

Since Clay has not been coming out the stage door these days, I thought we would stroll down memory lane with some of my favorite pictures at the stage door from the last couple of months. Hope you enjoy!!

Ebay Spamalot Auction Prices Keep Rising

Would you like to have a champagne toast with Clay? How about win a walk-on role in Spamalot? Or maybe having dinner with Clay and Spamalot cast members is more to your liking. Then head over to the Ebay Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Inc. auction.

Oh, did I mention that you need to have a few thousand extra dollars to spend? Bid prices continue to rise for these items. As of the time of this article the bids are as follows:

• Tickets to SPAMalot and Champagne toast with Clay Aiken
  $2,650.00
  
• Clay Aiken's costume from Broadway SPAMalot
  $1,500.00
  
• "Assistant" Drummer to Sean McDaniel in SPAMalot
  $407.00
  
• Clay Aiken's costume from Broadway SPAMalot
  $3,500.00
  
• Dinner with Clay Aiken and SPAMalot cast members
  $6,100.00
  
• Walk on role in Broadway's SPAMalot with Clay Aiken
  $3,500.00

So start looking under those sofa cushions and in the bottom of your purse for those extra dollars so you can bid on these great items, which just happen to also go to a great cause. The auction ends in just over 3 days so get your bid in while you can!

Tidbits 4/20

• Inquirer.net - American Idol "losers" become "winners" -

  Season Two winner Ruben Studdard continues to perform, but he’s been roundly upstaged by “loser” Clay Aiken, who now rates a heftier talent fee than Studdard. “Blame” that on the fact that Aiken looks better, so he has the female teen demographic going for him.

• Sun Sentinel -

  Q. I have watched American Idol and can't understand why today there appear to be no voices like Streisand, Garland, Crosby, Sinatra, Como, etc. Apparently the contestants are appealing only to their peers and the whim of the judges. — L.K., e-mail
  
  A. Sorry, but your problem appears to be a generational issue. The contestants are appealing to their peers because they are the ones who will buy records and concert tickets. Streisand sounds nothing like Crosby; Garland and Como were in two different worlds vocally and Sinatra was one of a kind. If both of us are around 50 years from now, the young people of today are likely to be complaining that there are no longer voices like Kelly Clarkson, Fantasia, Carrie Underwood, Clay Aiken and maybe even David Archuleta.

• AOL TMZ - American Idol responds to former contestant Carmen Rasmusen's claim that the show is rigged -

  Rasmusen was on "Idol" back in 2 aught 3, going head to head (pun intended) with Clay Aiken. She told the Deseret News, most finalists were given "minimal voice coaching," but Clay's coach was on him like white on rice. To add insult to vocal injury, they had the same coach. Carmen says she threw a Hail Mary and hired her own coach, with pathetic results.

• YourHub.com - Denver - AI -

  Sayesha was blessed to be there for Mariah Carey week-this is the mentor for her. I know, she's no Mariah-or Whitney, and God knows I always cringe when contestants attempt the songs of either, but this girl's got some potential. She can't win-she shouldn't, but that doesn't mean she can't sing. Sayesha, I think, is one of the contestants who is learning from their experiences on the show, and that can make for surprising results. Just ask Clay Aiken!

• Nothing here yet
  

QVC Bonus CD Tracklisting Revealed!

Looks like the QVC bonus disc for "On My Way Here" won't be that much of a bonus after all. QVC's tracklisting indicates that only one of the songs on the 5-track "bonus" disc will be new. The others were all combed from "Measure of a Man":

Clay Aiken's new release "On My Way Here" with BONUS 5 track enhanced CD-consists of 4 audio tracks and 1 video track.

Songs include:
"On My Way Here"
"Ashes"
"Everything I Don't Need"
"Something About Us"
"Falling"
"Where I Draw The Line"
"The Real Me"
"Weight Of The World"
"As Long As We're Here"
"Sacrificial Love"
"Grace Of God"
"Lover All Alone".

BONUS disc includes:
"When I Need You" -NEW
"Invisible"
"Measure Of A Man"
"I Will Carry You"
"This Is The Night(video)".

Total:51:38 Bonus 19:20.USA
Ship To Customer 05/17/08.

---------------------
There is NO current information about availability for ordering. While there is an item number assigned, it has not yet been Purchased or put into stock at QVC. I can't imagine they'd have a show with out the ability
to order it. What normally happens with New Releases of anything is that they'll conduct a pre-sale, but will not ship until the release date of the album.
There have been cases in the past where QVC has exclusivity and will pre-release (and ship) an album a few days to a week before the general release. No such info available, however, and it's unlikely I'd be able to wrestle that info out of someone before the show.

Clay To Drop by "Tonight Show" on May 12

Clay will be making a promotional appearance for his new album on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno on May 12, Corabeth confirmed with RCA's marketing department:

I just confirmed with RMD that Clay is taping Kimmel on the 15th (which then airs at midnight on the 16th for most)

Also, the Leno appearance is May 12th.

Clay's last appearance on Leno was all the way back in 2006 when he appeared to promote ATDW:

"On My Way Here" Being Released in South Korea

Two music retailers in South Korea are confirming that Sony BMG will release Clay's 3rd mainstream album, "On My Way Here" on May 6 - the same day as the U.S. and Canadian dates.

The Real Hero of American Idol! Clay Aiken

The American Idol who has been the most steadily loved
Sweet Voice Clay Aiken's fourth album 'On My Way Here'

Multi-platinum American Idol Winner Clay Aiken's fourth album after 'Thousand Of Different Ways'.
His First Single&Title Track 'On My Way Here' which is expected to be loved by Korean fans with beautiful lyrics, melody and Clay Aiken's appealing voice!

First "On My Way Here" Snippets Online at Slovenian Website!

Who would have ever thought that the very first listen of snippets from Clay's new CD, On My Way Here, would be, not at a U.S. website, but at a site in Slovenia! But its true, and we have Samarijan2000, at The Clayboard, who is from Slovenia, to thank for bringing this to us. Now this site is not in English, so for those of you like me who could not figure out how to play the snippets, read what Samarijan2000 has to say:

That is something really unusual.
In Slovenia I never heard anything about Clay even if you were google through Slovenian web pages.
Look what I found!

You can hear OMWH samples and order ring tone in SLOVENIA!!!

Here is the (snippet) link and look and hear for yourself:

HOW TO LISTEN:

Kupi- buy
Poslušaj- listen

So, click on the Clay song you want to hear, then at the new window, click on "Poslusaj" (listen). The snippets are great!

Samarijan2000 also sent us a link to a small article about Clay. Here is the link, followed by the article and picture. The English translation is bolded after its particular Slovenian counterpart.

Najboljše izjave zvezdnikov - The best statement from celebrities

Nazaj - back 23. 2. 2008, 09:15 S. O. Ni komentarjev- no comment

Zbrali smo deset najboljših izjav zvezdnikov iz prejšnjega tedna. Preberite si jih!- We choose the best ten saying from celebrities. Read them all! Nalaganje 6 od 10-loading 6 from 10



Clay AikenNe želim izgledati kul, ne želim izgledati moderen. (Clay o pristopu snemanja novega albuma)- I don't want to look cool, don't want to look popular.
( Clay about approach to his new album)

For those who were as curious as I was, here is a map of where Slovenia is as well as some of their beautiful scenery. It seems fitting that the snippets of Clay's beautiful new CD should come from a country with such beautiful scenery!



So who knows, maybe our American online sites will soon follow suit and make snippets available as well. Meanwhile, thank you Samarijan for making these available!

---

Update: Claynadian fans! These snippets are also up at Fido's MusicStore. If you are a Fido customer, you can download these at $3 a piece, for your cellphone ringtones!

OK! Interviews Clay

OK! interviewed Clay as he prepares to leave Spamalot and release a new album. The interview is at OK! Magazine's website.

CLAY AIKEN SPAMS A LOT

Clay Aiken challenges me to a trivia game he’s reading off the menu when we meet upstairs at Planet Hollywood in Times Square. (Help! I only had a free movie pass from 2005-2007.)

[...]

“I’ve never been before, but is that Spamalot on the TV now? Look at that! It’s very busy. It’s a very excitable place. There’s a lot of memorabilia that I’ve never seen before. I didn’t really know the importance of it, but now that I see everything else they have hanging here, it’s an interesting honor to have my hands put beside some much bigger names than mine.”

The North Carolina native, 29, is in work mode now that he’s wrapping up his run in the Tony-award winning musical May 4. His fourth album, On My Way Here, will be released two days later on May 6.

[...]

Since Spamalot is the topic du jour, why did this American Idol finalist have to have this role?

“Well, the reason we chose to do this show is because it was so different from any other Broadway show out there,” he tells me. “It’s silly, it’s more about acting than it is about singing, it’s about pushing me out of my comfort zone. That’s what made it exciting.”

How does he compare to his zany character Sir Robin?

“Oh gosh. Hm. Probably in more ways than I care to admit. I’m very timid in a lot of situations. I don’t think I’m quite as dumb as he is, and I’ve never soiled my own pants, but [coughs] I’m timid in some ways but the character of Robin is very cartoonish in general. All of them are.”

Moments after we chat, Clay sticks his hands in wet concrete. With mouth agape, he poses for photos with sticky residue on his hands.

“I’m blind!” he exclaims after flashes pop. “Am I going to fall?” he says, as he stumbles into the Spamalot sign.

Should he tumble, hundreds of Claymates are clamoring to catch him — including one former OK! staffer who stepped out to greet him during her lunch hour.

Clay is grateful for the love of his fans.

“They’ve been very supportive. Some of them have been many times, and still laugh at it every single time.”

Catch Clay in Monty Python’s Spamalot, which takes place at Broadway’s Shubert Theatre now through May 4.

Tidbits 4/18

• Sony BMG Music Store's email featured "On My Way Here"
• In an interview with Access Hollywood, David Foster says American got it wrong when they picked Ruben over Clay during American Idol 2
• Deseret News - AI2 finalist Carmen Rasmusen says not all Idols are treated equally:

  One day, as I was waiting downstairs for my private singing lesson, Clay Aiken was in the music room. I could hear him going over and over his song, dissecting it.
  
  Finally, after about 30 minutes, the door opened. It was my turn. I walked in and sang my song about three times before being dismissed. Hardly the personal one-on-one attention Aiken had just received.

• The DeadBolt - Kristy Lee Cook eliminated from Idol - "Will Kristy Lee Cook become a star like Daughtry and Clay Aiken? It’s hard to say."
• Cornell Daily Sun - American Idol seasons 1 - 7 in recap:

  American Idol started with a boom. A summer series at first, the show launched Kelly Clarkson into the pretty substantial career she currently has. One season later, the show revamped itself a little (changing the Top Ten to the Top Twelve, a move that has stuck with Idol since then), and Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard captured the hearts of millions. But there was Fuller’s first folly. As sad as it is, America only has room for one idol at a time, no matter how skinny Aiken is. Ruben took home the title, but his fame was diluted by Clay Aiken’s pathetic attempts at bringing a Broadway voice to airwaves with stalker anthems like “Invisible.”

BAF's Champions for Change Gala Set for Oct. 18 in Raleigh

The Bubel Aiken Foundation's 2008 Champions for Change fundraising gala event will be held on October 18 in Raleigh, TBAF's Aron Hall confirmed in an email.

CDD's coverage of the 2007 Champions for Change gala is available here.

The Bubel/Aiken Foundation Board and Staff are excited to announce the 2008 Champions of Change Gala.

The gala will be held on Saturday, October 18 at the Marriott - Raleigh City Center located in the heart of downtown Raleigh, North Carolina. We are excited to be one of the first major events to be hosted in this brand new facility. We are also happy that you will be able to stay in the same place where our gala will be held. Click here for more information or copy and paste the address into your web browser: www.marriottraleigh.com

The Foundation will look once again to honor those around the country who are opening doors for inclusion. There will be food, entertainment, and auction opportunities.

More details about the program and ticket sales will be coming soon.

We look forward to seeing you there!
Aron Hall
Director Services

Clive Davis Given The "Polite" Shove

Clive Davis has been demoted by Sony BMG in a corporate reshuffle at the world's second largest record company:

Clive Davis replaced by Barry Weiss as BMG head

By NEKESA MUMBI MOODY – 21 hours ago

NEW YORK (AP) — Legendary music executive Clive Davis has been replaced by Barry Weiss as chairman and chief executive officer of the BMG label group.

Parent company Sony BMG announced the move Thursday. The 74-year-old Davis will become chief creative officer of Sony BMG. Two other BMG executives also departed in the label shakeup.

The 49-year-old Weiss oversaw several labels as president and CEO of the Zomba Label Group. He helped grow Jive Records from a small imprint to a major force with such blockbuster acts as Britney Spears, Usher, the Backstreet Boys, Justin Timberlake and 'N Sync. Recent successes include teen sensation Chris Brown and singer-songwriter T-Pain.

As head of BMG, Weiss will oversee RCA Records, Jive, J Records, LaFace, Arista, Volcano, Verity, GospoCentric and Fo Yo Soul.

Sony BMG said that Davis will continue to work with top artists in his new position as chief creative officer Sony BMG Worldwide.

Buy "On My Way Here" from QVC and Receive Free 5-Track Bonus CD

Wow. So much for Wal-Mart and iTunes' single bonus tracks on their editions of "On My Way Here". Clay will appear on the QVC channel, in person, on April 28 to sell QVC's edition of "On My Way Here" featuring - wait for it - 5 BONUS TRACKS! Wow!

CLAY AIKEN -ON MY WAY HERE/GADGETS & GIZMOS
Monday, April 28, 2008
07:00 - 08:00 PM ET
Multi-platinum selling singing sensation Clay Aiken is poised to release his first album of original material since his double-platinum debut, "Measure of a Man." This eagerly anticipated new CD, "On My Way Here," is set to release on May 6, 2008. Reserve your copy before it hits the stores, and receive a special 5-track Bonus CD created especially for QVC. He'll win your heart again, as Clay performs select songs from On My Way Here. Release date subject to change without notice

RCA Advertising "On My Way Here" at Facebook

RCA has been exploring a number of interesting formats to promote Clay's new CD, and the latest we've spotted is advertising for the new album on Facebook.

The Climmel Reunites: May 15

Clay and Jimmy Kimmel will reunite, once more, on May 15 as Clay returns to Jimmy Kimmel Live on ABC. The show, being taped on May 15, will air at 12:05 AM May 16 in most time zones.

Show: Jimmy Kimmel Live
Episode: 2008/05/15
Network: (ABC) ABC Television
Date: Friday - May 16, 2008
Time: 12:05/11:05c AM
Duration: 1:00

About: Jimmy Kimmel Live: 2008/05/15
Actor Josh Holloway; musical guest Clay Aiken (panel guest and performance).

Amazon.com Posts Video of Clay Recording "On My Way Here"

Amazon.com posted a cool clip of Clay singing "On My Way Here" in the recording studio. Watch it at Amazon's item page for OMWH.

Wal-Mart's "On My Way Here" to Have Special Cover Art

We told you yesterday that Wal-Mart will be including an unspecified bonus track on its edition of "On My Way Here". WalMart.com posted the cover art for this special edition of the CD and it appears it will be different from regular OMWH CD's.

The Wal-Mart artwork is shown above, and the regular artwork is shown below:

Tidbits 4/17

Yahoo TV highlights Clay in their special feature on American Idol success:

Clay Aiken is the reason why so many "American Idol" also-rans dream of the "wild card" policy being reinstated. The skinny pencil-necked kid with the unexpectedly mature voice was eliminated early on in Season 2, but he was invited back to the show as a wild card contestant. After that, he never landed in the bottom three, becoming a massive fan favorite and making it all the way to the finale. He eventually lost to Ruben Studdard, but given all the attention he received after "Idol" (he made the cover of "Rolling Stone" before Ruben did, for instance), he was clearly Season 2's REAL winner. Still the top-selling "Idol" runner-up of all time with 5 million albums sold, and now a hit on Broadway in "Spamalot," Clay is readying his first album of all-original material in five years, "On My Way Here." And with a title track penned by Midas-touched hit-maker Ryan Tedder of OneRepublic, Clay's new CD is sure to carry on his "wild" success.

• ClearChannel Music on Demand - you can now stream Clay's "On My Way Here" single on the main ClearChannel and affiliated ClearChannel radio station websites.
  
• Real Television - At this site is an article about On My Way Here. Here is an exerpt:

  The message of the lyrics — how the lessons we learn while growing up shape us into who we become as adults — struck such a deep chord with Aiken that it wound up inspiring the theme (and title) of his new collection.
  
  “I thought if we could find songs along those lines, that deal with my life over the past five years and what I’ve learned from my experiences, it would be a great concept for an album,” Aiken says. “Since I got into this business, I’ve learned so much about myself and about life and the world. I’m nowhere near an expert, but this album has taken on the form of addressing how far I’ve come in those five years and how I feel like I’ve found myself.”

• Roald Dahl's Willie Wonka Junior - This blog tells of a possible new stylist for Clay:

  Wednesday, April 16, 2008 Hmm..... Hmmm.... what's everybody up too? I'm bored right now. I guess I write about that a lot, but I havent been bored all day. That's an improvment isn't it? So yeah I've been hanging out with my grandma and my uncle Tommy who came in from New York. He's really cool. He's a model and his girlfriend is Nicole Schniedier (I did not spell that right) who is a stylist. She'll be working with Clay Aiken soon which is kind cool. So yeah I'm hanging out with him and my uncle and yea thats kind of it. My birthday is in 2 weeks so I'm excited about that. I'll be 15!!!!! HAZAH! YES!!
  TTYL
  Posted by Broadwaydude93 at 1:39 PM

• Clay's MySpace - There is a new message from Clay at his MySpace site. Just look where the songs are listed, and it is below

  On My Way Here

  . Go to the site and check out what Clay has to say!
• Roanoke Times doesn't get the obsession with AI7 finalist David Archuleta -

  Isn’t it the same for David Archuleta? Beyond his voice, I just don’t see the appeal. I don’t get why girls scream for him every time he takes the stage. It baffles me the way the judges drool over his performances, even the not-so-good ones. Where’s the "it" factor? He’s a timid, awkward teenager blessed with a good voice.
  
  The whole phenomenon reminds me of America’s fascination with Clay Aiken during season two. I never understood that one, either. (Sorry, Claymates!)

• Lycos 50 PR - Clay #4 this week
• Entertainment Weekly - AI -

  What's next? I start watching Dancing with the Stars? I buy a Clay Aiken CD? I stop being totally creeped out by all these group numbers in which the Idol contestants sing about God and praying?

• Alamogordo Daily News - random mention ...

  What has now taken place is that the ACLU has pinned pointy ears on our deputies and turned them into Clay Aiken elf wannabes with no power other than to sing magical chants in the hope that one day the rule of law will return to the kingdom.

• MTV Asia grades the AI7 contestants on Mariah Carey night -

  David Cook
  Song: "Always Be My Baby"
  Verdict: Goo Goo Balls
  
  Songwriter Mariah was like a proud mama when she heard David strum "Always Be My Baby." "He could have a hit with that song!" (She immediately began celebrating by frolicking in a nearby fountain.) I'll admit, I rolled my eyes when I first heard him practice in front of Il Diva. I'm starting to grow tired of David's "I'll sing pop songs slowly and angrily" shtick.
  
  (It also got us thinking about past "Idol" season-stealing performances from Kelly Clarkson, Melinda Doolittle, Blake Lewis, Clay Aiken and others.)
  

• Nothing here yet
  

What's Hot From Spamalot

The hottest news from Spamalot today is the $200 pictures and the mega bidding for two chickens!!

• First, people were lining up to have their pictures made with Clay, Tom, and Rick as well as autographed for a mere $200 donation to Broadway Cares. Read on to hear about this exciting news from Spamalot:
  
  From The Clayboard:

  marialuvsclay just called everyone had the opportunity to go on stage and have a pic with Clay, Rick, and Tom for $200.00 for Broadway Cares...the whole audience is doing it..LOL

  From CV>>>>>>>smittenwithclay post
  
  Elied Called..
  
  she said they had to cut it off, they couldnt get through everyone..she thinks they may do it for the rest of the time (just a guess, nobody told her that)
  
  She said that the king said they would be doing this until Clays last day and they were really dreading that (awwwwww)
  
  You had to line up to get your picture taken, and many many people lined up...she didnt have an estimation, but they didnt get through everyone. Eleid didnt get her picture taken, she is hoping they do it tomorrow (she got the impression that they would) because she has to ask her husband..she said and I quote "when your married honey, you cant just spend 200 dollars like that without checking with him" haha
  
  she said people were trying to take pictures of the picture taking and security was kind of irritated
  
  she said he was great, dancing was cute..
  
  claymeanslove got her picture taken!
  
  it was the poloroid camera, and they all autographed the pic
  
  no stagedoor

  From d4kkkks at The Clayboard:

  Except cash, they accept credit cards and personal checks for $200. My Friend without hesitation agreed and she got group Polaroid size picture of Sir Lancelot, Sir Robin and Prince Herbert inserted in already autograph card by 3 of them. It's not meet and greet. No hugging, only picture taking. Only Spamalot official photography are allowed. I think there will be no future SD until this Broadway cares fund raising is over.

  LMD12 at The Clayboard tells about her experience getting her picture taken with Clay, Tom, and Rick:

  I had my picture taken with Clay, Rick and Tom last night. It was so much fun. Thankfully they did accept credit cards. It does go pretty fast but when I was walking toward them Rick said "what's you name?" and held out his hand to shake mine. I said "Laurie" and he said "Hi Laurie" and I just replied "Hi". Clay then put out his hand to shake it and said "Hi Laurie" and I said "Hi Clay". I then stood between Clay and Rick with our arms around each other and they took the picture. Tom was on the other side of Clay. They all said "thank you" and I was handed my picture. I was then very happy to notice all 3 signatures on the card they insert the photograph into.

• In addition to raising money for Broadway Cares by selling the pictures, an auction to purchase Clay's rubber chickens took place the other night. Read on to see what took place: Claylily tells us that Clay auctioned off his chicken!

  Just got a call from my friend at the theater tonight. Clay is auctioning off his chicken - it's up to $3200. He's going to hug and kiss the winner. They're also going to do the pictures tonight but the cost is $300. Wow, there are two people bidding so he's going to sell 2 chickens for $3500 each!!!
  
  Chicken auction is over - cast now singing "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life".

  Clayshines tells us this about the "chicken auction":

  from the CH -
  
  More on tonight from dksfriend at CV:
  Quote:
  
  On the phone with my friend again. There are about 25-30 people in line for pictures - she got hers and she loves it! Now she is waiting in line to pay. It was quick but everyone (Tom, David and Clay) was very sweet, friendly and grateful for the contributions. Clay told another friend (who was bidding on the chicken but didn't win) that she has to "try harder" next time there's an auction!! They were also selling the signed Playbills and signed posters again tonight.
  
  On the phone with my friend again. The two chicken winner ladies just went up on stage to get their signed chickens and to pose for "cheek to cheek" photos with Clay. One of the chicken winner ladies was in SRO; as she was bidding she walked up to the front closer to the stage. At one point she said to Clay (paraphrasing)- "I'll give you $2000 for the chicken if you give me a hug too". Clay agreed and Rick said something like "I'll do whatever you want to that chicken for $2000!" Needless to say the bids went up after Clay agreed to include a hug!!
  
  My friend was just chatting with one of the "Laker Girls" - she was AMAZED that two rubber chickens sold for a total of $7000!!!

  More from the CH -
  
  

  From CV...
  Quote:
  My friend just remembered something else about the chicken auction. After the one woman offered $2000 if Clay would give her a hug, he said something like "for $3000 I'll give you a hug AND a kiss". There was some hesitation among the bidders, so Clay started licking his lips. Needless to say, more bids quickly followed. The rest of the cast was laughing SO hard at Clay's antics during the auction!!!!
  
  Quote:
  After the lady bid 2500 and asked for a hug and Clay said "if you bid 3000 Ill give you a hug and a kiss"
  
  Trying to tease them with the chicken, put his index finger like he was brushing is teeth like he was getting ready for the kiss
  
  Quote:
  ...she could tell the cast was amazed at him working the crowd.
  He was really playing up the kiss possibility to get them to bid higher...smacking his lips and stuff

CosmoGirl's Q&A with Clay

CosmoGirl recently conducted a short Spamalot interview/Q&A with Clay, which can be found at CosmoGirl.com:

SO WHAT WAS IT LIKE PREPARING FOR YOUR BROADWAY DEBUT?

It was completely tiring and exhausting. I'd come home every night and I'd lay on the hardwood floor because it was cool and it'd be something to kind of relax to — probably one of the hardest things that I've ever done in my life was just trying to learn the show.

[...]

WOULD YOU RATHER WIN A GRAMMY OR A TONY?

I don't have any desires to get either one, to be completely honest. If you think about it, there are plenty of people who are considered the best actors or performers of our time who never won an Academy Award, never won a Grammy, never won a Tony. So I don't think awards are necessarily something that I aspire to so much as just doing what I enjoy doing.