The Life and Times (past, present and future) of a Clay Aiken Fan - the Music & The Man

Clay Aiken & Golfing for Inclusion

2009-10-26T18:31:00.000-07:00

The National Inclusion Project, co-founded by Clay Aiken, has announced its 3rd Annual Golfing for Inclusion.

"The Event kicks off with Brunch and a Golf Clinic conducted by a PGA professional, followed by a round of golf on Mirasol’s exclusive Sunset course. The golf tournament will be a scramble format and include contests and prizes including hole-in-one opportunities. Immediately after golf, an Awards Reception will be held to recognize the winners of golf competitions and team placement. The Event concludes with dinner including a live and silent auction and entertainment with a performance by Clay Aiken."

For more information, please refer to the Project's press release 3rd Annual Golfing for Inclusion in Palm Beach Gardens, FL

Clay Aiken and sunny Florida!!! Wish I golfed!!!

and I just want to put this out there too:

"Clay Aiken has released five successful albums and launched eight well-received tours. In October 2003, he launched his first solo album Measure of a Man. The record sold 3 million copies and debuted at number one on the Billboard 200. With 613,000 copies sold in the first week, it was the highest selling first album for a solo artist in ten years, going double-platinum and netting Aiken an American Music Award.

In 2004, Aiken released Merry Christmas with Love (2004), the fastest selling Christmas album in Nielsen Soundscan history. He followed that success with A Thousand Different Ways (2006), All is Well (2006), and On My Way Here (2008). Notably, Aiken earned the distinction of being only the eighth artist to ever have his first four albums debut in the Billboard Top 5. In 2004, Aiken wrote a best-selling memoir. Readers and critics embraced his style and his message in Learning to Sing: Hearing the Music in Your Life, making the book an instant New York Times best seller. Most recently Aiken has signed with Universal Decca records and is planning on the release of his sixth album in early 2010."

LIFE IS GOOD!!!!

Clay Aiken & The Champions

2009-10-23T07:12:00.000-07:00

Clay Aiken sure knows how to put on a great gala!! I was fortunate to attend the National Inclusion Project's 2009 Champions Gala on October 17, 2009.

The National Inclusion Project was co-founded by Clay Aiken and Diane Bubel in 2003. Most impressive to me was how much the foundation has grown in the past six years. Amazing, when you consider that what started out as a project for College credit has grown into a leader in its field.

It's just too much to type out, so here are some of the highlights from Diane Bubel's speech:

Charity Navigator recently awarded the National Inclusion Project its highest rating, making it the Project the highest rated non-profit in their field
The Project has received accolades and developed partnerships with the likes of State Farm, Mitsubishi Electric, the University of Minnesota, Johns Hopkins University, the University of New Hampshire's Institute on Disability, the Million Dollar Round Table and the FPG Child Development Institute
Camp Shriver was started by the University of Massachusetts and named after Eunice Shriver, a pioneer in disability advocacy, and one of the most respected organizations in their field. The director of Camp Shriver has called the Let's All Play curriculum "genius" and has led the charge to have Camp Shriver revamp their program. They now operate under the Project's Let's All Play Model

In all honesty, there are too many high points to even begin to put them all into words - so I tried to consolidate them into a video. Hope you enjoy.

Technorati Tags: 2009 champions gala, camp shriver, charity navigator, clay aiken, Dr. Gregory P. Byrne, mitsubishi electric, national inclusion project, Patrick Henry Hughes, Patrick John Hughes, sparkle effect

Clay Aiken & TweeterHell

2009-09-23T16:21:00.000-07:00

It's been almost a week since the Clay Aiken fans stopped voting on the TweeterHell, er, TweeterWall World Idol Poll. Clay's fans came together en masse for one last American Idol poll, and we went out in style. I am so very proud of the Clay Nation!!!!

Clay Aiken has moved beyond American Idol and it's time for the fans to do the same. Time to look forward, and not back. So, good bye to American Idol, good bye to RCA/19eieio. We had quite an interesting time with you, but now we're looking forward to what Decca has to offer the incredible talent that is Clay Aiken.

Here is my homage to the past. Clay Aiken has risen from the Ashes

and to celebrate our new beginning? Vote for National Inclusion Project to win $10,000 from Christie Cookie Company!!!

Click on this link to vote

One vote per legitimate e-mail address!!! Remember Inclusion is the right thing to do!!!

On to DECCA!!!!

Technorati Tags: clay aiken, american idol, tweeter wall, world idol poll, Ashes, rca records, national inclusion project, christie cookie company

Clay Aiken - There's Just Something About Us

2009-08-29T19:11:00.000-07:00

There is just something about Clay Aiken. Not just that amazing voice, but his humor, intelligence, his big heart and, let's admit it, Clay Aiken is mighty easy on the eyes CLICK CLICK CLICK AWAY AT CLAY!!! oh, and as requested by the owner of this photo, here is the link - give it a click or two too!!! @deccalabelgroup

Okay, now that we've all had the opportunity to gaze at Clay Aiken's gorgeous face, let's contemplate his golden voice.

Clay's Aiken's latest CD, On My Way Here, is one of the best kept secrets in the music industry today. The tracks range from upbeat to inspirational to jazzy to just downright sexy. Here's one of those songs, a gorgeous love song - listen to the words, listen to the voice. I'm posting a montage without a single picture of Clay in it (there will be fewer distractions that way). Turn down the lights, get a nice glass of wine, light a few candles and let the music consume you (sigh). And when you're done? Let me know your thoughts!!!

Technorati Tags: clay aiken, decca records, something about us, clay aiken on my way here,

CLAY AIKEN SIGNS WITH DECCA RECORDS

2009-08-11T07:56:00.000-07:00

Clay Aiken announced today at his Official Fan Site that he has signed with Universal's Decca Records.

Clay's in good company, Universal Music Group the largest family of record labels in the recording industry and is one of the "big four" record companies.

Congratulations to Clay Aiken! We cannot wait for 2010 to hear you singing to us again!! Hey, that rhymes!

Want More Clay Aiken? Check out

The Clay Aiken News Network
All That is Clay Aiken
Carolina On My Mind
The ConClayve
There Was a Man
Truth Rules
Clay, The Man

Technorati Tags: clay aiken, decca records, universal music group, the clay aiken news network, all that is clay aiken

Clay Aiken - A Whole Year

2009-08-08T20:52:00.000-07:00

Clay Aiken blogged the words "He's Here!" exactly one year ago today. Can you believe it's been a whole year?

I wish Clay Aiken and Jaymes Foster all the best, they have been blessed with a precious gift - the gift of love, friendship and another soul to share it with. Parker, happy birthday little one - just remember, adults don't ALWAYS act like that, sometimes they're worse.

May your day be filled with giggles, hugs, kisses and some sticky fingers. May your life be filled with love. May all your dreams come true.

Not done celebrating this special day? Check out the following:

The Clay Aiken News Network
There Was a Man
Clay-The Man
Carolina on my Mind
All That is Clay Aiken

Technorati Tags: clay aiken, jaymes foster, parker foster aiken, the clay aiken news network,

Clay Aiken Announces National Inclusion Project

2009-08-06T16:22:00.000-07:00

Clay Aiken has announced the new name for the foundation he co-founded with Diane Bubel (photo from the National Inclusion Project website).

In an open letter from both Clay Aiken and Diane Bubel they state in part:

"The Bubel/Aiken Foundation grew out of the relationship between the two of us and Diane’s son, Mike, a 13 year old with autism. The bond between us grew strong as we shared a vision of a world where children like Mike could be fully immersed in society. We had both witnessed children with disabilities repeatedly turned away from activities opened to typical children. We met while Clay was pursuing a degree in special education at UNC-Charlotte. As part of that pursuit, Clay completed an independent study project where he created a foundation that focused on providing the support system for recreational and educational programs around the country to open doors to children with disabilities that had thus far remained closed. We realized that an organized effort could encourage and facilitate community inclusion and empowerment of individuals with disabilities. This shared goal grew into reality on July 28, 2003 when we officially announced the creation of The Bubel/Aiken Foundation."

Per National Inclusion Project's site, in six years, the Foundation has worked with hundreds of programs, trained numerous staff members and leaders, and provided inclusive opportunities for over 20,000 children. For more information, please visit:

National Inclusion Project and The Clay Aiken News Network

also, check out
gerra730
Popcycleman
All that is Clay Aiken
Carolina On My Mind
MJsbigidolblog
Chexxxy's Pearls
Shy Eyewitness

Technorati Tags: clay aiken, the bubel/aiken foundation, national inclusion project, the clay aiken news network,

Clay Aiken - Mosey On In and Set a Spell

2009-07-30T07:58:00.000-07:00

Clay Aiken makes every TV appearance he's on a memorable one. Clay charms the live audience and the viewing audience with his humor and talent. Today on The Clay Aiken News Network there is a poll - which entrance is your favorite?

Why don't ya saddle on up and mosey on over. You can view the photos and vote on your favorite Clay Aiken entrance, you'll be glad that you did.

Technorati Tags: clay aiken, the clay aiken news network, jimmy kimmel live

Clay Aiken Jukebox Tour sniff

2009-07-28T17:21:00.000-07:00

This morning on The Clay Aiken News Network they are, yet again, reminding me of another Clay Aiken tour that I missed out on - The Jukebox Tour.

I have watched an immeasurable amount of clack from this tour, but I had never watched any from the Tom's River Venue, so last night I did.

The first thing I noticed is that this venue must not have been very clack friendly - it would appear that SecretlyLovesClay was filming from inside of a bag? Also, there was not a lot of video and very few photos. When you're talking Clay Aiken fans, this is just not a good sign. I also noticed that the videographers weren't exactly sure what Clay was going to do next -as the tour progressed and they became more familiar with the Songs & Medlies - the clack got better (if you ever have a chance, check out SecretlyLovesClay, Elvis Medley, Vermont).

But, as any good Clay Aiken fan will, I tried anyway - here's a montage of the 50s Medley - all video filmed at Tom's River (with thanks to Joanne, SLC, wmmah, & Deborah760 for the wonderful video & audio).

Now get ye to The Clay Aiken News Network and watch the videos over there so you can get a visual of the history of clack, Jukebox Tour Edition - you'll be glad you did!

Technorati Tags: clay aiken, the clay aiken news network, jukebox tour, 50s medley, clack

Clay Aiken, Miami and That Blue Shirt

2009-07-23T09:35:00.000-07:00

So, I'm out on my morning Internet constitutional, visiting all my favorite Clay Aiken sites. My first stop is, of course, The Clay Aiken News Network. I open the page and BAM!!!! There's Clay in THAT blue shirt - you know the one, worn on the Independent Tour in Miami. It was the first, last and only time that Clay wore that ensemble.

I wonder why? Clay looked mighty fine in that blue shirt, edged in a little green (to match those eyes). Hummmmmm, it just may be a Question FOR Clay......

Here's a little bit more of Clay Aiken, THAT blue shirt and When Doves Cry (featuring several clips, including the Green shirt and that OTHER blue shirt)..

Technorati Tags: clay aiken, the clay aiken news network, when doves cry, miami, independent tour

Clay Aiken & The Moon

2009-07-21T11:46:00.000-07:00

Over at The Clay Aiken News Network, the question was asked - Clay Aiken, are you on the Moon?

Well, now that you mention it (guess you're just gonna have to click on the Lunar Module to see if Clay Aiken is on the Moon).....

THIS JUST IN!!!!!

Technorati Tags: clay aiken, the clay aiken news network,

Clay Aiken, Neil Sedaka & Solitaire

2009-07-18T09:20:00.000-07:00

The Clay Aiken News Network is showcasing Clay Aiken paying tribute to Neil Sedaka.

Clay Aiken singing Solitaire is one of those defining moments. When I first heard Clay sing this song on American Idol, you could tell that he connected with the lyrics. Much later, I learned why.

In Clay Aiken's book, Learning to Sing, he speaks honestly and poignantly about his birth father, Vernon Grissom. The following passage from this book always makes me sad, not just for Clay, but for the father who cast aside the love of his son for whatever reason.

My birth father showed me what happens once you shut down your heart. Still, I sing about him.

There was a man, a lonely man
Who lost his love through his indifference
A heart that cared, that went unshared
Until it died in his silence

I think about him

And Solitaire's the only game in town
And every road that takes him, takes him down
And by himself it's easy to pretend
He'll never love again

And always, I feel sorry for him

Another day
A lonely day
So much to say that goes unspoken
And through the night
His sleepless nights
His eyes are closed
His heart is broken

Clay also stated in his book

"When you come in contact with another life, that individual dabs a little color onto your soul. It isn't always a color you like, but even ugliness provides its own lessons"

Clay Aiken is a testament to taking those colors and creating a beautiful masterpiece. Bravo Clay

Technorati Tags: clay aiken, solitaire, neil sedaka, learning to sing, american idol, the clay aiken news network,

Clay Aiken on Ellen DeGeneres

2009-07-15T06:59:00.000-07:00

Over on The Clay Aiken News Network there is an article about and video of Clay Aiken being interviewed on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. But where's Invisible????

I have come to the conclusion that when it comes to Clay Aiken all roads lead me back to Invisible.

One day Clay, one day I WILL see you singing Invisible!!!

Technorati Tags: clay aiken, ellen degeneres, invisible, the clay aiken news network,

Clay Aiken Is Invisible

2009-07-14T17:18:00.000-07:00

Over on The Clay Aiken News Network the article for today is like a whirlwind dream, and all about Clay's appearance of July 14, 2004 on the CBS Summer Concert Series. Clay performed three songs that day, I Will Carry You, The Way and Invisible.

I have never seen Clay Aiken perform any of these songs live, not one. While I love both I Will Carry You and The Way, it is one of my secret goals in life to see Clay sing Invisible.

Watching the video of the CBS Summer Series, I started thinking of lasts and firsts. I know that usually people think in terms of first and lasts, but I was thinking about the last time we saw Clay singing Invisible - Jimmy Kimmel Live on September September 26, 2006, what an amazing performance that was - our Clay was all grown up!! Thinking of grown up Clay, my mind then went back to the first time we saw Invisible - the American Idol Tour, St. Paul, Minnesota, July 8, 2003.

I honestly could not decide which I liked better, so.......

Enjoy (recommended viewing - HQ)!!

Technorati Tags: clay aiken, the clay aiken news network, invisible, jimmy kimmel live, american idol,

Clay Aiken - Missing

2009-07-13T18:57:00.000-07:00

Clay Aiken is missing and it's been tough to find something new to write about on a daily basis! So I was up early, perusing the Internet, and ran across this article on The Clay Aiken News Network

The part of the article about Dancing With the Stars and, in particular, the video of Randi & Evan dancing to Clay Aiken's Everything I Don't Need got me thinking. Where else would Clay's music fit?

Ice Skating?

How about a classic Movie Soundtrack?

Or even an Animated Classic?

What am I forgetting? Let me know, okay?

Well, I'm forgetting promos, news events and documentaries!! But you'll find them here All That Is Clay Aiken

Technorati Tags: clay aiken, the clay aiken news network, sacrificial love, casablanca, the real me, beauty and the beast, falling, figure skating

Clay Aiken and the Audience

2009-07-12T09:11:00.000-07:00

We are reliving some of the very best Clay Aiken moments. Remember Solo-Not a Tour? Remember the fan interaction with Clay Aiken? Some of Clay's best moments involve his fans - they love him and he absolutely loves them.

Who could forget Clay Aiken and Brianna?

Or when Clay's hunger got the better of him??

or how about Clay & Ethel?

Clay Aiken singing Solitaire (Just Because I LOVE it!!!)

want more Solo Tour? Check out The Clay Aiken News Network and All That Is Clay Aiken

Technorati Tags: clay aiken, solo not a tour, brianna, ethel, solitaire, the clay aiken news network,

Hugging Clay Aiken

2009-07-11T12:39:00.000-07:00

Clay Aiken is one of those people who gives a hug like it SHOULD be given!! Clay hugs without hesitation, warm and with complete sincerity.

There's a poll at The Clay Aiken News Network - which is your favorite Clay hug? Do you have a write in vote?

Here's a video I put together that features a few of those Clay Aiken hugs (just a few).

Need more Clay Aiken? Check out the sidebar to the right for direct links to current Clay Aiken blogs, or....

Clay The Man

All That is Clay Aiken

Shy Eyewitness

gerra730

Carolina On My Mind

Something That Really Happened

Chexxxy's Pearls

Technorati Tags: clay aiken, the clay aiken news network, hugs, on the wings of love

Clay Aiken on the Cover of the Rolling Stone

2009-07-10T16:12:00.000-07:00

On July 10, 2003 Clay Aiken became the first American Idol contestant to grace the cover of Rolling Stone Magazine. Clay's cover went on to be one of the best selling issues of that year.

Started by Jann Wenner, the very first Rolling Stone was published on November 9, 1967 with John Lennon on the cover. The magazine has grown - gaining the reputation as an influential music, political and cultural power house.

Rolling Stone was one of Clay's most memorable photo shoots. The photographer, Matthew Rolston, seemed to bring out a side of Clay we had never seen before.

Matthew also went on to direct Clay Aiken's first music video, This Is The Night. This video was never released to any music channels but was later included on a special version of On My Way Here (Clay's newest CD released May of 2008) exclusively through QVC. While I agree that the video has nothing to do with the song, it is a feast for the eyes and the ears. Take a peek, do you agree?

Are you feeling the need to read more about Clay Aiken & Rolling Stone? How about visiting the following:

Clay Aiken News Network

All That Is Clay Aiken

and if you just feel the need to see more Clay, how about:

Clay The Man

All That is Clay Aiken

Shy Eyewitness

gerra730

Carolina On My Mind

Something That Really Happened

Technorati Tags: clay aiken, rolling stone magazine, the clay aiken news network, matthew rolston, this is the night video

Clay Aiken - He Is Looking Good!!

2009-07-09T13:09:00.000-07:00

Clay Aiken is looking good!! While there is no doubt that Clay Aiken is a talented singer, actor and writer - Clay Aiken is also a man who at the very beginning said he wanted to make a difference, use his celebrity as a platform, and he has.

Building on his desire to make this world a better place for ALL children, Clay Aiken announced on November 15, 2004 his appointment as UNICEF Ambassador for Education for all Children. UNICEF approached Clay after hearing of his involvement with his own charity, the Bubel/Aiken foundation that helps young people with special needs.

Since 2004, Clay has traveled on behalf of UNICEF to five countries - bringing awareness to the plight of children on a global basis:

Indonesia:

Uganda

Afghanistan:

Mexico:

Somalia:

Do you feel the need to see more Clay Aiken? How about visiting the following:

Clay The Man

All That is Clay Aiken

Shy Eyewitness

gerra730

Carolina On My Mind

Something That Really Happened

Clay Aiken News Network
(while you're at the Clay Aiken News Network, check out the UNICEF Page for more information on Clay's ambassadorship and all that he does)

Technorati Tags: clay aiken, looking good, UNICEF, clay aiken news network,

Clay Aiken and All that Jazz

2009-06-19T10:35:00.000-07:00

It's been quite a week for Clay Aiken! Looking Geeky Sexy (A Guy Named Brian) in New York (Just Jared), negotiating book deals and preparing for his very first Father's Day!!!

I could recap all things Clay Aiken on this blog, but why? Here's links to four sites that are dedicated to All Things Clay:

Clay Aiken News Network

Clay Aiken - The Ideal Idol

Ashes - Clay Aiken The Man

Carolina On My Mind

oh, and I want to draw your attention to a particular article on Clay Aiken - The Ideal Idol - Father's Day - The First for Clay Aiken (have your Kleenex ready)

and just one more little item. A blend that I did honoring Clay and his gorgeous son, Parker Foster Aiken - he looks so much like his daddy!!!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY CLAY!!!

Technorati Tags: clay aiken, parker foster aiken, book deal, ideal idol, clay aiken news network, father's day

Clay Aiken, Adam Lambert and Fan Wars

2009-06-05T15:29:00.000-07:00

There seems to be some very nasty people on the Internet who are trying to drum up a fan war between the fans of Clay Aiken and Adam Lambert. pfffffffftttt - been there, done that, got the t-shirt. One of the odd (and sometimes scary) byproducts of American Idol is fan devotion. I've never really seen anything like it. The fans tend to be, shall we say, a little emotional when it comes to their favorite.

The latest brouhaha surrounds a gossip item on MSNBC. This item was posted by someone who has a less than stellar reputation (rightfully earned) and has now grown beyond a more than likely untrue story to a conspiracy brewing - pitting one fan base against another.

I understand that sometimes it's very difficult to look at things logically when emotions are running high, but let's try anyway.

There is information on the Internet stating that the "Claymates" planted a story about Adam Lambert to make him look bad. This was supposedly confirmed by Television Without Pity (TWOP). Let's take it one step at a time.

Could this story have been planted by a fan Clay Aiken? Absolutely - it could have also been planted by a fan of Kelly Clarkson or a fan of Kris Allen or a fan of Chris Daughtry or even a fan of Gene Simmons. Is there a Claymate conspiracy to take Adam Lambert down? I can tell you unequivocally the answer is no. There is no conspiracy, there is no organized effort on the part of Clay Aiken's fans to harm Adam Lambert's reputation in any way shape or form.

Look at it this way, when Clay made his "colorful" comment about Ring of Fire, there were several Lambert fans who were posting in the comment section of numerous articles threatening to put a bullet through Clay's brain. Does this mean that there's a conspiracy by the Adam Lambert fans to do bodily harm to Clay Aiken? Absolutely not. It means that there's some wackos in this world.

According to the people spreading this load of sh...., um story, the individual has been traced by TWOP and they have confirmed that it came from their board and the person is a "Claymate". Really? Exactly how can TWOP track exactly what an individual is doing once they have left their site? Well they can't. Once an individual poster has left their site they can't "see" what they're doing - they can't see if they are commenting on something, they can't see if they're sending an e-mail, they can't see if they're talking on the phone, they can't see if they're sending someone a PM, they can't see where they are on the Internet. What they COULD see is where the person went once they left their site and ONLY if they left via a link that had been posted on the board (like a link to MSNBC) and then ONLY if they have tracking software.

Actually, if I were the owner of TWOP I would be none to happy to be brought into this. Not only are they being accused of spying on the people who post on their board, but they're also being accused of providing their poster's private Internet browsing history to third parties. And if any of this is true, I would be gone from TWOP in a heartbeat.

Technorati Tags: clay aiken, adam lambert, fan wars, msnbc, television without pity, TWOP, claymates,

Clay Aiken - More than a Pop Star

2009-06-04T12:44:00.000-07:00

Clay Aiken is more than just your usual pop star. Clay has also been a proponent for children all around the world. His UNICEF visits have taken him to Indonesia, Uganda, Afghanistan, Mexico and Somalia - all to help raise awareness of the plight of children on a global basis.

What else has Clay done? He co-founded a wonderful organization, started out of love, and continues to grow. The Bubel/Aiken Foundation now helping kids in 20 different states.

Want to learn more about The Bubel/Aiken Foundation? Check it out at

The Clay Aiken News Network

and keep checking back for OFFICIAL news on the new Foundation name!

Technorati Tags: clay aiken, the bubel/aiken foundation, TBAF, UNICEF,

Clay Aiken - New Blog!

2009-05-22T19:39:00.000-07:00

Clay Aiken blogged again on May 22, 2009. Since we know a) the "media" will pay no attention because it doesn't suit their own purposes or b) they will post it with their own spin, taking it apart so that the initial meaning is TOTALLY LOST!!! SO - here tis:

Wow! Such influence! ha ha
Who knew I had so much influence and that my words and opinion mattered so much to so many people!?!?! HA HA HA I'll be the first to admit that my opinion is just that, only my opinion, but for as much as some of the bloggers seem to dislike me and care so little about my thoughts, they sure can waste a lot of their space on what I say! If only many of them took the time to pay attention to important things like the US economy and the welfare of the world's children. But... nah... I could blog about that type of stuff anytime and most wouldn't think twice, but let me say something that they can pick and choose quotes and misinterpret me... and it's showtime! I never assumed my opinion mattered so much! I guess I may have been wrong.

That said, since my previous blog got dissected like a biology lab frog, i suppose I should clarify and even retract some of what I wrote.

I am sure that some were upset by my choice of words describing my opinion of a performance I heard from Adam Lambert. I hope no one actually believed that blood truly poured forth from my ears when I heard him. I obviously meant it as a colorful statement to imply that I did not enjoy what I heard. Any performer hopes that their music will appeal to all people, but no singer realistically expects it to. God knows, I am SURE there are PLENTY of people who can't stand to hear me sing either. I wouldn't dream of assuming that, and I am sure that far worse things have been said about my performances than I would even venture to type here. To me, that's fine. I don't expect unanimous, nor even majority support for my music. But, my guess is Adam doesn't either. I would not venture to make judgements on the personality or demeanor of anyone I don't know, so none of what I said in my previous blog was directed as a "slam" on Adam as a person. At the same time, I wouldn't dream of slamming him as an entertainer. He does what he does, because he enjoys it, and he obviously has many fans who enjoy it as well. If what i said in my previous blog regarding my impression of a single performance from Adam upset or offended any of his fans, I expect that the mature ones will realize that it was simply a poorly worded metaphor describing my personal tastes. The only person I would really dream of apologizing to is Adam. And the irony is, if he's smart he couldn't give a crap what I think of his Ring of Fire performance. As an entertainer, Adam knows that one person's opinion of one performance really matters a little less than zero, in the grand scheme of things. He could not have gotten on Idol (nor made it as far as he did) without an immense amount of talent. He surely doesn't need my approval to know he has a gift. At the same time, he realizes that amazing talent doesn't always equal universal appeal. (I could NEVER have the amount of skill and talent that ballet dancers have! that's talent! But, I don't particularly enjoy it!) I am sure that I will have plenty of opportunities in the coming years to hear Adam sing. I imagine he'll be around for years to come. But in the meantime, I definitely don't want to stoop to the level of so many negative freaks on the internet... so, I do apologize to Adam for my colorful (and negative) choice of words. I hope he can forgive me. I imagine he doesn't give a damn! :-) God knows he shouldn't. :-)

Now, for those of you who are able to comment on this.... lets take bets as to which bits and pieces of this blog will end up mass distributed. Be creative.... they don't seem to care about punctuation or whether or not they use all of the words in a sentence... so, have fun.... ;-)
____________________________________________________________
Thanks Clay, as always you always make me smile!

Technorati Tags: clay aiken, adam lambert, apology

Clay Aiken, American Idol & Reading Comprehension 101

2009-05-22T11:46:00.000-07:00

Clay Aiken blogged on his Official Fan Club answering a question that one of the members asked. This blog was leaked by a less than honorable member of his board and is now all over the internet in various forms. There has been serious cutting and pasting by the "media" (and I use that term loosely) to fit their own agenda. So here it is and, since there seems that a lot of people have a real problem with reading comprehension, let's take it step by step.

QUESTION:

Clay -You said a while ago that you aren't a big fan of IDOL anymore....because it isn't about the unknown person next door kind of contest. Tonight, it is a dead heat between a seasoned performer, Adam Lambert, and the boy next door, Kris Allen. If Kris Allen wins IDOL this year, will your faith in the show have been restored??? Thanks!

ANSWER:

Now that it's all over, and for the record.... I couldn't be happier about the way AI ended this year. I only turn the show on once a season, and only to see what the set looks like each year. This year, I happened to turn it during the minute that Adam Lambert was singing "Ring of Fire" and, at that moment, thought my ears would bleed. Contrived, awful, and slightly frightening! I wasn't really a fan and found myself surprised whenever folks told me that they liked him. Granted, I never saw another performance (and many folks who I trust said that he was great) but I can't imagine I would have enjoyed it. Just not my cup of tea at all. To each his own.

My take: Clay is not a fan of Adam Lambert. Nowhere in this paragraph did he say that Adam Lambert is not talented, lots of people thought he was talented, Adam's just not his cup of tea at all, to each his own. Actually, he pretty much echoed exactly what Simon Cowell said about the performance ~ "I think what Randy was trying to say was what the hell was that? I mean, sorry, but I would never go to Nashville if I were you either, because I think there are a lot of people throwing their television sets out the window at this point, because I thought it was absolute, indulgent rubbish, if you want my honest opinion. I mean really, really horrific."

I never saw Kris sing on the show, but whether he was good or not is really relative. It's usually a matter of taste, right? But Idol is not always a matter of musical taste only. It's about the person you like. From what little I saw, Kris seemed likable. (That's not to say that Adam isn't just as likable as anyone.. maybe more so... I don't know) When Ruben and I were standing next to each other every night (many years ago) you had two equally talented, equally unlikely, equally unpolished contestants.... so it really was a matter of taste as to who was voted for. While some may argue that one of us was hyped more than the other, I don't feel that was the case. However, this year, there was an obvious bias. Not even having watched the show, I can tell you that I was WELL aware of the bias from the judges as to who should win. In my opinion, that is awfully unattractive. I don't think I am alone.

My take: American Idol is not about who is the most talented contestant, it's about who the viewing public likes. If this weren't the case there would be no back story and there would be no interviews. If this show was based solely on talent, there would be no need to get to "know" the contestants and their stories. They would stand up and sing, the judge's would critique, and the show would last 1/2 hour (or maybe just more commercials would be thrown in). During Season 2, Ruben & Clay were equals - the judge's did not favor one over the other (for the record, Clay & I disagree on this point). However, this season there was very blatant favoritism and bias shown by the judges toward one contestant.

In my opinion, it all often comes down to that last night of voting. Until the finale, folks are voting for the contestant that they want to see continue. But, I believe that on that last night, the dynamic changes. No longer forced to choose one person that they want to see win, the audience can effectively vote AGAINST the person that they don't want to see win. In the case of season two this might have happened. There may have been some folks who voted for myself or Ruben because they didn't like the other of us. I was the nerdy little girly boy who some didn't want to see win, so they may have voted for Ruben. I don't know. .. But again, I feel that Ruben and I were fairly matched. We both had our detractors and negatives, but I feel we were both very worthy of being on that stage in that moment, and either of us would have been worthy of winning. The show was different then, and folks made it in seasons 1-3 because they were "real" people who happened to sing/entertain well. But, somewhere along the way, AI stopped being about real people and started being about "fame" and "gloss"; It stopped being about the talented kid-next-door and started being about who was most marketable. (I don't think anyone would have argued in 2003 that Ruben or I were extremely marketable.) So, this year it was not like 2003. This year it all came down to two contestants so extremely different and mis-matched.... one that was so obviously the "favorite"... so hyped and polished and "ready for market"; who (accurately or inaccurately) came off to many as arrogant and superior ... and one kid who no one thought had a chance and (accurately or inaccurately) came off as humble and real.

My Take: On the night of the finale, the voting changes and, for some, it goes from who you want to stay to who you don't want to see win - a negative vote. This is what happened during Season 8. The public perception was that of a contestant who was very polished & seasoned, a professional and one who was the boy next door, the underdog - whether those perceptions were accurate or inaccurate doesn't matter, it's what the voting public saw.

In a battle between David and Goliath, my money is on David!

I think many voters got sick of being "told who to vote for". I think many were turned off by the blatant favoritism shown towards one contestant. Therefore, on that last night, they used their votes against a contestant that they were tired of hearing about and for the contestant who had been written off. And, at the same time, I think they voted AGAINST an American Idol that has, for four years now, been more about the slick productions and polished contestants than it has been about finding the raw talent that it did in its first three seasons.

My Take: People did not really vote against Adam Lambert as much as they voted against the American idol machine and their blatant attempt to manipulate the voting. It was a vote to get American Idol to take notice, that the viewing public is tired of the ringers and want the raw talent from the earlier years.

Those votes for Kris were also votes to return the show to its roots of finding "real" contestants with undiscovered talent and giving them the chance to grow and shine. They were votes that said "we're tired of seeing contestants who already seem to know it all".
Will American Idol choose to listen to the resounding and clarion call that those voters gave them?.... "Enough with the pretention. More Rubens, more Clays, more Fantasias and Tamyras and Kellys please." My faith has always been in the voters. I think they have gotten it right every year (mine included). It's now up to American Idol to decide if it will finally REALLY listen to the folks that keep it on the air.

My take: the American public was sending a message to American Idol to stop with the manipulation and go back to the roots - contestants who you get to see grow and change week after week, not contestants who have already arrived.

and as an aside - Rolling Stone? Clay Aiken HAS NOT taken down his blog - you need a new fact checker.

Technorati Tags: clay aiken, adam lambert, kris allen, american idol,

Clay Aiken & the Internet

2009-05-16T10:44:00.000-07:00

Clay Aiken has had his fair share of rumor being reported as fact, and I’m sure that there are many many more people/celebrities out there too.

This past week, Clay's name has been bandied about the internet, attached to a story that gets more outrageous each time it's posted. It disgusts me to see the level that the "press" has stooped to.

But it's not just Clay, yesterday I read two very disturbing stories about the “media” and about the internet. The first was about a family fighting to have pictures taken off the web. The pictures were leaked by two California Highway Patrol officers and were of their daughter who had died tragically and horrifically in a car accident. Their hands are tied, but they are fighting. You can read more on this story here Newsweek.com - One Family's Fight

The second was about Brooke Shields. Her mother, who has Alzheimer’s, was taken from her assisted living home by two “reporters” from the National Enquirer who misrepresented themselves (in other words they lied) to get her off the premises in an attempt to get some juicy gossip. What the HELL is wrong with people to take advantage of a 75 year old woman. You can read more on this story here People.com - Brooke Shields

It is outrageous the level that our society has sunk to. I used to think that it was just a hand full of people who enjoyed this sensationalism, but now I’m afraid that it may be the majority - I find that very sad and very scary.

I try to do my part by not reading this kind of crap and staying away from any site that supports it. This gets more and more difficult as time goes on.

In my opinion, the only way to change it is to change the laws. This is not the media our founding fathers had in mind when they structured Freedom of the Press and Freedom of Information. Something absolutely must be done. I've contacted my Senators & Congressmen once already, but maybe I need to contact them again. It is getting out of control and is now affecting PRIVATE citizens - not just celebrities (who, believe it or not, are also private citizens)

I highly recommend you check out this timely article on The Clay Aiken News Network

Technorati Tags: clay aiken, the clay aiken news network, brooke shields, national enquirer, Nikki Catsouras