Read the entire article here:
Broadwayworld
But here's a sneak preview of a very happy Clay Aiken
Showing posts with label aiken. Show all posts
Showing posts with label aiken. Show all posts
Monday, December 8, 2008
Clay Aiken - What an Amazingly Wonderful Guy!
Clay Aiken returned to the scene of his triumphant Broadway debut in the Tony Award-winning Best Musical, Monty Python's SPAMALOT on September 19th. Clay's debut on Broadway earlier this year was met with wild enthusiasm from both his legion of fans and the New York press. After the performance on Friday December 5th the Broadway actor and music superstar made one lucky fans birthday something special by stopping by and signing her program and wishing her a very happy birthday. Broadwayworld's camera was there to join in on all the b-day fun!
Read the entire article here:
Broadwayworld
But here's a sneak preview of a very happy Clay Aiken
Read the entire article here:
Broadwayworld
But here's a sneak preview of a very happy Clay Aiken
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Clay Aiken Champions Change
Clay Aiken is a man with a heart as big as his voice. Clay is an advocate for children on a global basis. As a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, he has traveled the world in order to educate us on the plight of children on a global basis.
Closer to home, on October , 18 2008 The Bubel/Aiken Foundation (co-founded by Clay & Diane Bubel) hosted their 2008 Champions of Change gala.
The 2008 Recipients were CVS Caremark, Corporate Champion of Change; Dan Habib and Betsy McNamara, Champions of Change; and Rich Donovan, Champion of Change. Follows is a brief description of this year's recipients as posted on the Bubel/Aiken Foundation website
The Bubel/Aiken Foundation was founded on July 28, 2003, based on the shared vision between Clay and co-founder Diane Bubel of a world where special needs children could be fully immersed in society.
Here's a video of some of the highlights of an amazing night.
Closer to home, on October , 18 2008 The Bubel/Aiken Foundation (co-founded by Clay & Diane Bubel) hosted their 2008 Champions of Change gala.
The 2008 Recipients were CVS Caremark, Corporate Champion of Change; Dan Habib and Betsy McNamara, Champions of Change; and Rich Donovan, Champion of Change. Follows is a brief description of this year's recipients as posted on the Bubel/Aiken Foundation website
CVS Caremark Charitable Trust was honored as a Corporate Champion of Change for their outstanding efforts to improve the lives of children with disabilities. The five-year, $25 million CVS Caremark All Kids Can program supports nonprofit organizations helping children with disabilities in school, in recreation and in developing skills for successful lives, all within an inclusive environment.
Champions of Change Dan Habib and Betsy McNamara turned their personal goal of educational and social inclusion for their son Samuel into a universal goal of ensuring that all children have the tools to reach their full potential. The result is the film Including Samuel, which tells their son’s story of inclusion, along with the trials and triumphs of four other subjects. Dan is an award-winning photojournalist, director and producer of documentary films. Betsy is a fundraising consultant and an inclusion advocate who is the mother of Samuel, who has cerebral palsy, and Isaiah, who is typically developing.
Rich Donovan was recognized as a Champion of Change for applying his world-class business acumen to creating means of empowerment for people with disabilities. He was a key to Merrill Lynch’s diversity strategy. As CEO of Integrated Process Solutions, Rich provides large corporations and governments with ready-for-action profit opportunities as a “return on disability”. Rich, who happens to have cerebral palsy, is Board Chairman of Lime Connect, showing real-life solutions - and real financial advantages - to hiring, working with, and providing products and services for people with disabilities. In serving children, he is an advocate of education as essential to the future economic and social success of individuals with disabilities.The gala included dinner, both a live and silent auction and a special performance by Clay Aiken.
The Bubel/Aiken Foundation was founded on July 28, 2003, based on the shared vision between Clay and co-founder Diane Bubel of a world where special needs children could be fully immersed in society.
Here's a video of some of the highlights of an amazing night.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
The Journey to Clay Aiken
Now seems like the best time to discuss, in detail, my journey to Clay Aiken.
The journey begins during American Idol Season 2. This remains the ONLY season that I watched from the very first show to the very last. The reason I watched? Clay Aiken. Actually, Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard. I was enthralled with this duo - who'd have thunk that America would embrace the larger than life Velvet Teddy Bear and the skinny teacher from North Carolina with the voice of an angel!
When I first saw Clay Aiken, I saw a young man, in need of a SERIOUS make over, but who could sing like no other. I didn't see straight or gay - I just saw Clay.
As American Idol progressed, I fell in love. I would never have imagined it - it had never happened before and it has not happened since. I fell in love with the voice. I fell in love with the smile. I fell in love with the sparkle in his eye. I fell in love with his presence. I didn't fall in love with straight or gay - I fell in love with Clay.
During the finale, I held my breath with the rest of America. I kind of had the outcome figured out, knew it would be Ruben, but I wanted Clay to win the whole thing. I watched as Ryan Seacrest opened that envelope. I watched Clay watching Ruben. I heard the words "Ruben Studdard" and I saw Clay gracefully step back and let Ruben shine. At that moment, I didn't see straight or gay - I saw just Clay, a man who was genuinely proud of and thrilled for his friend.
And then I watched. I watched as many interviews and appearances as I possibly could. I watched Clay on Oprah, on The Today Show, on The Early Show, on Ellen, on Jimmy Kimmel Live, on The Tonight Show. I watched him become more comfortable with himself, more confident. Clay is always the best guest on any show - he is funny, charming, caring, humble. Through it all was always that voice, the voice that drew me in from the beginning. I never saw straight or gay - I just saw Clay, growing and becoming the amazing entertainer that he is today.
Then I learned. I learned more about UNICEF. I learned more about Autism. I learned more about inclusion. I learned that, while I'm just one person, I can make a difference. I volunteered for Special Olympics. I volunteered at the Food Bank. I walked during the Race for the Cure. I grew to be a more altruistic human being. Clay brought this to me by being an activist for people whose voices are not heard. I never saw straight or gay - I just saw Clay, a man with an amazing heart, who uses his celebrity to bring some good into this world.
Then I witnessed. My first Clay Aiken concert was the 2006 Christmas tour. I was blessed to be in attendance at the Merrillville concert (yay me!!!!). What I witnessed was awe inspiring. Clay is so at home on the stage and he wraps his amazing voice and personality around each and every person that room. I have never seen an entertainer more in tune with the audience, interact and feed off them. Each concert is different, because Clay pays as close attention to the crowd as they do to him. The 2007 Summer tour is another high point. I went to five - yes FIVE concerts! Each and every one was different. There is nothing in this world like a Clay Aiken concert - nothing. I never saw straight or gay - I just saw Clay, singing, "dancing", chatting, laughing, joking and walking miles of bus lines.
I also saw the dark side. I became an Internet fan after the AI5 finale. I have met some amazing people on the Internet, but I have also seen some of the most vile hatred I have ever experienced. I watched a good man being hounded, harassed, abused, ridiculed and bullied. It was relentless and mind numbing. I cannot imagine having to put up with it, but Clay did with amazing grace and dignity. While the "press" screamed GAY GAY GAY - I never saw it - I just saw Clay and my heart bled for what this gentle man had to endure.
Now we come full circle. I read the People Magazine article and watched the Good Morning America interview. I saw an extremely courageous man make a difficult decision for the sake of his child. I felt for an entire family, people I don't even know, when Clay decided it was time to open up about the most private part of his life. I saw and heard the words "I'm gay" but you know what? I just saw Clay - the same man I fell in love with on American Idol, the same man I've listened to, learned from and enjoyed for over five years. I still don't see straight or gay - I just see Clay.
The journey begins during American Idol Season 2. This remains the ONLY season that I watched from the very first show to the very last. The reason I watched? Clay Aiken. Actually, Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard. I was enthralled with this duo - who'd have thunk that America would embrace the larger than life Velvet Teddy Bear and the skinny teacher from North Carolina with the voice of an angel!
When I first saw Clay Aiken, I saw a young man, in need of a SERIOUS make over, but who could sing like no other. I didn't see straight or gay - I just saw Clay.
As American Idol progressed, I fell in love. I would never have imagined it - it had never happened before and it has not happened since. I fell in love with the voice. I fell in love with the smile. I fell in love with the sparkle in his eye. I fell in love with his presence. I didn't fall in love with straight or gay - I fell in love with Clay.
During the finale, I held my breath with the rest of America. I kind of had the outcome figured out, knew it would be Ruben, but I wanted Clay to win the whole thing. I watched as Ryan Seacrest opened that envelope. I watched Clay watching Ruben. I heard the words "Ruben Studdard" and I saw Clay gracefully step back and let Ruben shine. At that moment, I didn't see straight or gay - I saw just Clay, a man who was genuinely proud of and thrilled for his friend.
And then I watched. I watched as many interviews and appearances as I possibly could. I watched Clay on Oprah, on The Today Show, on The Early Show, on Ellen, on Jimmy Kimmel Live, on The Tonight Show. I watched him become more comfortable with himself, more confident. Clay is always the best guest on any show - he is funny, charming, caring, humble. Through it all was always that voice, the voice that drew me in from the beginning. I never saw straight or gay - I just saw Clay, growing and becoming the amazing entertainer that he is today.
Then I learned. I learned more about UNICEF. I learned more about Autism. I learned more about inclusion. I learned that, while I'm just one person, I can make a difference. I volunteered for Special Olympics. I volunteered at the Food Bank. I walked during the Race for the Cure. I grew to be a more altruistic human being. Clay brought this to me by being an activist for people whose voices are not heard. I never saw straight or gay - I just saw Clay, a man with an amazing heart, who uses his celebrity to bring some good into this world.
Then I witnessed. My first Clay Aiken concert was the 2006 Christmas tour. I was blessed to be in attendance at the Merrillville concert (yay me!!!!). What I witnessed was awe inspiring. Clay is so at home on the stage and he wraps his amazing voice and personality around each and every person that room. I have never seen an entertainer more in tune with the audience, interact and feed off them. Each concert is different, because Clay pays as close attention to the crowd as they do to him. The 2007 Summer tour is another high point. I went to five - yes FIVE concerts! Each and every one was different. There is nothing in this world like a Clay Aiken concert - nothing. I never saw straight or gay - I just saw Clay, singing, "dancing", chatting, laughing, joking and walking miles of bus lines.
I also saw the dark side. I became an Internet fan after the AI5 finale. I have met some amazing people on the Internet, but I have also seen some of the most vile hatred I have ever experienced. I watched a good man being hounded, harassed, abused, ridiculed and bullied. It was relentless and mind numbing. I cannot imagine having to put up with it, but Clay did with amazing grace and dignity. While the "press" screamed GAY GAY GAY - I never saw it - I just saw Clay and my heart bled for what this gentle man had to endure.
Now we come full circle. I read the People Magazine article and watched the Good Morning America interview. I saw an extremely courageous man make a difficult decision for the sake of his child. I felt for an entire family, people I don't even know, when Clay decided it was time to open up about the most private part of his life. I saw and heard the words "I'm gay" but you know what? I just saw Clay - the same man I fell in love with on American Idol, the same man I've listened to, learned from and enjoyed for over five years. I still don't see straight or gay - I just see Clay.
Monday, September 22, 2008
All Hail Sir Robin as Clay Aiken Returns to Spamalot
Broadway.com has a wonderful article about Clay Aiken's return to Spamalot!!
Clay started in Spamalot Redeux on September 19th and runs through January 4th.
Clay Aiken has again brought the magic back to Broadway!!!
All Hail Sir Robin Broadway.com
Clay started in Spamalot Redeux on September 19th and runs through January 4th.
Clay Aiken has again brought the magic back to Broadway!!!
All Hail Sir Robin Broadway.com
If you were taking a cab across 44th Street on September 19, chances are it wasn't cheap. With Daniel Radcliffe appearing down the block in previews for Equus, the sidewalks got even more crowded with fans and onlookers, thanks to Clay Aiken's splashy return to Spamalot. After leaving the show in April (and becoming a father last month), the pop phenom reassumed the role of Sir Robin and brought down the house with his seemingly effortless performance and an ace rendition of "You Won't Succeed on Broadway." Aiken's signed on through January 4, so if you missed him the first time, here's your chance to be impressed. And trust us, the guy's pretty darn amazing.Photos by Jenny Anderson/Broadway.com
Pictures of Clay Aiken's triumphant return!!
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Clay Aiken and Spamalot ROUND TWO!!!
Clay Aiken will yet again be gracing the Great White Way for a second run in Spamalot! Clay as Sir Robin (and various other roles) is an absolutely must see! I traveled almost 3,000 miles to see Clay in his first run and would LOVE to get back again! I'm not holding my breath, but if I actually win the Write Clay Aiken's Playbill Biography contest, I'll figure out a way to GET THERE!!
Spamalot is just proof positive that Clay is an extremely diverse and multi-talented singer, actor, comedian and just all around performer. Entertainers with his versatility do not come along often and I expect we will be seeing Clay expand his resume in the coming years.
Clay could easily star in a feature length film. I would LOVE to see him play a villain. I know that he could reach down and pull up those emotions (heck, maybe Clay will just think about all the people who have lied about him over the years - it would make for an Academy Award winning performance).
Clay has always said that he wanted to have his own talk show. Clay has a way about him, a natural ease (this comes from being who he is - you get what you see, period end of story). He is funny, warm, charming and would make an amazing talk show host!
How about a starring role on a TV Sitcom? Clay certainly entertained us during his 2007 Summer Tour with a TV Medley to end them all (I've seen one other TV Medley and it pales in comparison to Clay's).
He could also be an advocate for the rights of others. Clay has always stood up for those who have no voice - especially children. The man has the most amazing heart. Whether it's in his own backyard in Raleigh or traveling to Somalia, Clay is a celebrity who uses his time in front of the cameras to educate and help
Whatever Clay Aiken chooses to do, he will continue to carry himself with grace and dignity. I Heart Him and am so excited to be a part of this amazing journey!
Spamalot is just proof positive that Clay is an extremely diverse and multi-talented singer, actor, comedian and just all around performer. Entertainers with his versatility do not come along often and I expect we will be seeing Clay expand his resume in the coming years.
Clay could easily star in a feature length film. I would LOVE to see him play a villain. I know that he could reach down and pull up those emotions (heck, maybe Clay will just think about all the people who have lied about him over the years - it would make for an Academy Award winning performance).
Clay has always said that he wanted to have his own talk show. Clay has a way about him, a natural ease (this comes from being who he is - you get what you see, period end of story). He is funny, warm, charming and would make an amazing talk show host!
How about a starring role on a TV Sitcom? Clay certainly entertained us during his 2007 Summer Tour with a TV Medley to end them all (I've seen one other TV Medley and it pales in comparison to Clay's).
He could also be an advocate for the rights of others. Clay has always stood up for those who have no voice - especially children. The man has the most amazing heart. Whether it's in his own backyard in Raleigh or traveling to Somalia, Clay is a celebrity who uses his time in front of the cameras to educate and help
Whatever Clay Aiken chooses to do, he will continue to carry himself with grace and dignity. I Heart Him and am so excited to be a part of this amazing journey!
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Clay Aiken & The Classics
Clay Aiken and classic movies. They're like peanut butter and jelly, coffee and cream or a cup of cocoa on a cold winter's night. Clay's voice is timeless. Clay's music is timeless. Clay Aiken, Casablanca, Sacrificial Love - timeless
Sit back and let the soothing sound of Clay's voice wash over you. Grab that special someone and hold them close. Dim the lights. Light some candles. Like Bogart and Bergman, Clay's music will never go out of style.
Sit back and let the soothing sound of Clay's voice wash over you. Grab that special someone and hold them close. Dim the lights. Light some candles. Like Bogart and Bergman, Clay's music will never go out of style.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
My Newest Clay Aiken Creation
Everything I needed to know in life I learned from Clay Aiken. Seriously, it's true!!! While most of these are life lessons that I have always known about, Clay has driven those points home with his amazing talent and heart.
These lessons include - never judge a book by its cover, speak softly and carry a big stick, and many more.
I was so inspired I put these lessons into a video, in the hope that I could help others see the life lessons that Clay strives to teach us in his words and deeds.
gosh (tm King Arthur).
Is my face red. I haven't quite finished it!!!
STAY TUNED!!!! This blog to be updated when done. In the meantime, here's an oldie but a goodie.
Kick back, enjoy - talk amongst yourselves. What have you learned from Clay?
These lessons include - never judge a book by its cover, speak softly and carry a big stick, and many more.
I was so inspired I put these lessons into a video, in the hope that I could help others see the life lessons that Clay strives to teach us in his words and deeds.
gosh (tm King Arthur).
Is my face red. I haven't quite finished it!!!
STAY TUNED!!!! This blog to be updated when done. In the meantime, here's an oldie but a goodie.
Kick back, enjoy - talk amongst yourselves. What have you learned from Clay?
Technorati Tags: clay aiken, life lessons, everything i needed to know i learned from clay aiken, aiken, clay
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Clay Aiken - The Real Me
Clay Aiken's new CD, On My Way Here, includes the song written by Dove Award winner Natalie Grant - The Real Me.
The lyrics read like a poem, and the song is poetically interpreted by Clay:
Clay has challenged us to listen to the songs on On My Way Here and interpret them as they apply to our life experiences.
For me, The Real Me speaks to the soul of a person - the REAL person - not the outer wrapping. Clay has said that this song is about God for him, and I can absolutely hear that.
But, for me, this song epitomizes the real Clay - someone who truly does not judge others on the outer wrappings but sees the inner beauty.
In his 2005 book, Learning to Sing, Clay wrote about a Meet & Greet that he was attending in Atlanta. During this Meet & Greet, a woman approached him and she was sobbing. Clay did what Clay does best - tried to help her laugh a little, to feel better. This woman went on to tell him about how his video to Invisible changed her life....
This is one of the many things that I admire about Clay Aiken - "Her weight never crossed my mind. She was a normal girl." and I know that he means this. He accepts people as they are for who they are.
and now, here's my interpretation of The Real Me, hope you enjoy:
The lyrics read like a poem, and the song is poetically interpreted by Clay:
Foolish heart looks like we're here again
Same old game of plastic smile
Don't let anybody in
Hiding my heartache, will this glass house break
How much will they take before I'm empty
Do I let it show, does anybody know?
But you see the real me
Hiding in my skin, broken from within
Reveal me completely
I'm loosening my grasp
No need to hold back my frailty
Oh, cause you see the real me
Painted on, life is behind a mask
Self-inflicted circus clown
I'm tired of the song and dance
Living a charade, always on parade
What a mess I've made of my existence
But you love me even now
And still I see somehow
That you see the real me
Hiding in my skin, broken from within
Reveal me completely
I'm loosening my grasp
There's no need to hold back my frailty
Oh, cause you see the real me
Shadows of shattered dreams
They follow me
They've haunted me
But you've taken the broken pieces of my life
and helped me to believe.
Cause you see the real me
Hiding in my skin, broken from within
Reveal me completely
I'm loosening my grasp
There's no need to hold back my frailty
Oh, cause you see the real me
Clay has challenged us to listen to the songs on On My Way Here and interpret them as they apply to our life experiences.
For me, The Real Me speaks to the soul of a person - the REAL person - not the outer wrapping. Clay has said that this song is about God for him, and I can absolutely hear that.
But, for me, this song epitomizes the real Clay - someone who truly does not judge others on the outer wrappings but sees the inner beauty.
In his 2005 book, Learning to Sing, Clay wrote about a Meet & Greet that he was attending in Atlanta. During this Meet & Greet, a woman approached him and she was sobbing. Clay did what Clay does best - tried to help her laugh a little, to feel better. This woman went on to tell him about how his video to Invisible changed her life....
"and then she said "I used to weigh two hundred and fifty pounds. And I hated myself for so long. And it meant so much to me to see that you had an overweight girl in your video."
I had to think about it, because I didn't remember any overweight girls in the video. She told me she meant the girl who climbed onstage as I sang to her.
Then I remembered the girl. I remembered her because she was from New Jersey and was visiting L.A. for her birthday. She came to California because she heard I was going to be on Jay Leno's show, and she just happened to be riding the bus past the site for the video shoot. She hopped off the bus and cheered and clapped so loudly that the director decided it would be fun to put her up onstage.
Her weight never crossed my mind. She was a normal girl. But her being normal and being in a video had brought on a wave of comfort for this woman in Atlanta.
"I wish I had seen a video like that when I was younger," she explained. "It would have saved me a world of hurt. I only hope that some other heavy girls watched it and realized they don't have to look like rail-thin models. They don't have to hate themselves."
This is one of the many things that I admire about Clay Aiken - "Her weight never crossed my mind. She was a normal girl." and I know that he means this. He accepts people as they are for who they are.
and now, here's my interpretation of The Real Me, hope you enjoy:
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Clay Aiken - Perfection Takes Time
Perfection Takes Time Honey these four words were said by Clay Aiken during his 2005 Jukebox Tour. These words continue to echo in my mind and help when I'm searching for ways to "define" Clay - he is on a journey to perfection. Clay is the master entertainer - whether in concert, being interviewed or on stage on the Great White Way and he continues to hone his skills.
But what is perfection? Wikipedia defines it as:
I enjoy Clay just the way he is. I enjoy watching him grow - change, right before our eyes. I enjoy every step, every twist, every turn. I enjoy not knowing what's next. I enjoy that he can throw me for a loop - that he is unpredictable.
I love it when he gets angry that the press will not focus on important matters and instead seem to focus on his feet (while they are verra verra nice feet, they're feet nonetheless).
I love that he is outspoken, even when it comes back and bites him on the butt. I love that he embraces what he does best, the music he excels at, the dork inside of him. I love that he can laugh at himself.
Is Clay Aiken perfect? Absolutely, unequivocally "no" and that's what makes him so very special.
Perfection Takes Time Honey - yep, it sure does. And I'm enjoying every second of the unending journey to perfection
*screech* Okay, to the Anonymous who posted this comment - thank you. You have summed it up FAR BETTER than I ever could:
But what is perfection? Wikipedia defines it as:
"Perfection is, broadly, a state of completeness and flawlessness."Now let's face it, no one is perfect. And those who think they're perfect are tedious, boring and pompous. I don't want perfection in anyone - not my family, friends and or the object of my journey - Clay Aiken.
I enjoy Clay just the way he is. I enjoy watching him grow - change, right before our eyes. I enjoy every step, every twist, every turn. I enjoy not knowing what's next. I enjoy that he can throw me for a loop - that he is unpredictable.
I love it when he gets angry that the press will not focus on important matters and instead seem to focus on his feet (while they are verra verra nice feet, they're feet nonetheless).
I love that he is outspoken, even when it comes back and bites him on the butt. I love that he embraces what he does best, the music he excels at, the dork inside of him. I love that he can laugh at himself.
Is Clay Aiken perfect? Absolutely, unequivocally "no" and that's what makes him so very special.
Perfection Takes Time Honey - yep, it sure does. And I'm enjoying every second of the unending journey to perfection
*screech* Okay, to the Anonymous who posted this comment - thank you. You have summed it up FAR BETTER than I ever could:
"What! You mean he's not perfect??! :-0 ??? (Just kidding). He takes the good, ignores the bad, tries to live his life with the goal of leaving a positive impact in some way. Has his own foundation to help children who find themselves on the outside looking in as they grow... I'd be proud of him if he was my family member. Heck, I'm just proud of him anyway! Who needs to be "cool" when years from now, a child who was alone and excluded remembers being included and feeling a sense of self they couldn't have gotten before grows up?"
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Clay Aiken - Blogging 101
Sorry to be a Clay Aiken blog hog (hee hee) today, but my last one was so short I NEEDED to blog AGAIN!!!! This is about my Clay Aiken journey, and one of the things I have learned about is blogging.
Blogging is tougher than I thought it would be!! Although I come across as a very shy person, I really do love to talk. But putting things "on paper" can be tough.
Now, I could take the chicken shit way out and just copy and paste other people's blogs, but I would rather try to be more creative than that!! Anyone can copy and paste - you don't need brains (just a good mouse) but to try to come up with something interesting and clever on a daily basis takes some brain power.
I have blogged about Spamalot, American Idol, the media and On My Way Here. I haven't blogged about the hateful, nasty people I have run across - but that one will be an epic blog (it's amazed me how many vile people are on the internet - it's actually very scary).
I have learned about blogs from the BEST there is!!! These people are articulate, insightful and very talented. Check out their work!!!!
Chexxxy's Pearls
Clay Aiken Ruminations
Clay Aiken Truth
Carolina On My Mind
All That Is Clay Aiken
and so many more (check out the right side of the blog and click away!!!!)
I'm still learning, but I'm on my way.
Here's a big THANK YOU to the Clay Aiken fans who have helped me along the way - you are all AMAZING!!!
Blogging is tougher than I thought it would be!! Although I come across as a very shy person, I really do love to talk. But putting things "on paper" can be tough.
Now, I could take the chicken shit way out and just copy and paste other people's blogs, but I would rather try to be more creative than that!! Anyone can copy and paste - you don't need brains (just a good mouse) but to try to come up with something interesting and clever on a daily basis takes some brain power.
I have blogged about Spamalot, American Idol, the media and On My Way Here. I haven't blogged about the hateful, nasty people I have run across - but that one will be an epic blog (it's amazed me how many vile people are on the internet - it's actually very scary).
I have learned about blogs from the BEST there is!!! These people are articulate, insightful and very talented. Check out their work!!!!
Chexxxy's Pearls
Clay Aiken Ruminations
Clay Aiken Truth
Carolina On My Mind
All That Is Clay Aiken
and so many more (check out the right side of the blog and click away!!!!)
I'm still learning, but I'm on my way.
Here's a big THANK YOU to the Clay Aiken fans who have helped me along the way - you are all AMAZING!!!
Clay Aiken Hits the Great White Way - Part Deux
Only Clay Aiken could make me risk blogging from work!!! Just released from Playbill!!!
From Playbill:
Click here for more information!!
PLAYBILL
and if that isn’t enough to get the heart pumping,
From Playbill:
Brace yourselves, Claymates! The wig masters at the Shubert are fluffing those glorious red tresses in preparation for Clay Aiken’s sure-to-be-triumphant return as Sir Robin on September 19. And it's a good thing too, as the crooner has quipped that life post-SPAMALOT has been seemingly devoid of meaning. Tasteless food and hue-free grass. Have no fear, Clay. Only a few more weeks until the skies turn blue again
Click here for more information!!
PLAYBILL
and if that isn’t enough to get the heart pumping,
Clay Aiken, Chris Brown, and Pam Anderson will be the first three celebrities featured on LALATE 2, the highly anticipated new celebrity expansion of LALATE NEWS. Aiken, Brown, and Anderson will be the first of countless celebrities to be added progressively to LALATE 2 after it launches this September.
READ MORE HERE:
LALATE
(and sorry, nothing pretty to look at – youtube, blocked, work)
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Clay Aiken - The Great Adventure!
Clay Aiken - The Great Adventure. That has been EXACTLY what this journey has been for me! A Clay Aiken adventure.
I have learned so much about so many things since I began this journey. One thing I learned was how to slap pictures to music. Here's the first one that I ever made.
More to follow, but for now? Off to Work!!
I have learned so much about so many things since I began this journey. One thing I learned was how to slap pictures to music. Here's the first one that I ever made.
More to follow, but for now? Off to Work!!
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Clay Aiken - An Amazing Five Year Journey
I began this journey when this skinny young man stepped in front of the judges on American Idol. My first thought was "no, not ANOTHER one! I don't like it when then rip people apart" and then he opened his mouth and the most glorious music came out. You could say the first lesson I learned from Clay Aiken is never judge a book by its cover (well, I knew that before Clay - he just reinforced it).
The second season of American Idol was, in my opinion, the best - ever. It was TRULY giving ordinary people a shot at stardom. It was innocent and fun. I miss the innocence. It now feels like American Idol Second Shot at Stardom. Too much glitz. Too many people with REAL experience. I'm not talking garage bands or singing on the weekends in local theaters, but people who have toured, recorded, had contracts. I have stopped watching AI and that makes me sad. American Idol gave me Clay *sigh*. Oops!!! Sorry!!! back on track.
Okay, so skinny young man makes it to Hollywood! He shines! Not just that voice (you know, the one that makes everything kind of stand still? Takes the breath right out of you?), but the heart. "It's important that I make a difference in some way.." Clay's words have followed him past American Idol and he continues to make a difference in some way. Actually, in LOTS of ways (more than this poor old blog can handle). There I go again - BACK ON TRACK!!!
So, shining Clay sings his HEART out! His voice, stage presence and personality carry him all the way to the TOP TWO!!! Ruben & Clay, Clay & Ruben (Jeff Foxworthy said he enjoyed watching the two of them on American Idol because they looked like the #10 *hee hee* - my gosh I ramble, don't I??). Clay comes in second *sob* but that's okay!! We go on to
Measure of a Man double platinum in the first week. Great album!!! Merry Christmas with Love I don't even like Christmas music, but love this CD. No one sings Christmas like Clay. A Thousand Different Ways scared me at first, since I didn't like the majority of these songs when they first came out, but oh my - when Clay sings them? WOW!!!! On My Way Here what can I say? This CD has it all - uptempo, ballads, inspirational, sad, happy (and I still haven't picked a favorite and you guys were no help at all).
So here we are, an Amazing Five Year Journey with Clay Aiken - the true Measure of a Man, who I have loved A Thousand Different Ways On My Way Here *grin*
ps I will update this montage to include REAL OMWH footage, just too lazy right now!!!
The second season of American Idol was, in my opinion, the best - ever. It was TRULY giving ordinary people a shot at stardom. It was innocent and fun. I miss the innocence. It now feels like American Idol Second Shot at Stardom. Too much glitz. Too many people with REAL experience. I'm not talking garage bands or singing on the weekends in local theaters, but people who have toured, recorded, had contracts. I have stopped watching AI and that makes me sad. American Idol gave me Clay *sigh*. Oops!!! Sorry!!! back on track.
Okay, so skinny young man makes it to Hollywood! He shines! Not just that voice (you know, the one that makes everything kind of stand still? Takes the breath right out of you?), but the heart. "It's important that I make a difference in some way.." Clay's words have followed him past American Idol and he continues to make a difference in some way. Actually, in LOTS of ways (more than this poor old blog can handle). There I go again - BACK ON TRACK!!!
So, shining Clay sings his HEART out! His voice, stage presence and personality carry him all the way to the TOP TWO!!! Ruben & Clay, Clay & Ruben (Jeff Foxworthy said he enjoyed watching the two of them on American Idol because they looked like the #10 *hee hee* - my gosh I ramble, don't I??). Clay comes in second *sob* but that's okay!! We go on to
Measure of a Man double platinum in the first week. Great album!!! Merry Christmas with Love I don't even like Christmas music, but love this CD. No one sings Christmas like Clay. A Thousand Different Ways scared me at first, since I didn't like the majority of these songs when they first came out, but oh my - when Clay sings them? WOW!!!! On My Way Here what can I say? This CD has it all - uptempo, ballads, inspirational, sad, happy (and I still haven't picked a favorite and you guys were no help at all).
So here we are, an Amazing Five Year Journey with Clay Aiken - the true Measure of a Man, who I have loved A Thousand Different Ways On My Way Here *grin*
ps I will update this montage to include REAL OMWH footage, just too lazy right now!!!
Technorati Tags: clay aiken, aiken, clay, american idol, on my way here, measure of a man, a thousand different ways
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Clay Aiken - My On My Way Here Dilemma
I have a real dilemma with Clay Aiken's newest masterpiece, On My Way Here. It's actually a dilemma that is sorely missing in today's music environment.
My dilemma? I don't have any clue which song is my favorite!! Seriously, how do you pick? Each song is so different, so special.
I love the story of On My Way Here - its universal themes can ring true for so many. I love the upbeat feel of Ashes - turn around and see what love's done for me. Everything I Don't Need - raw and sexy (yes, I said sexy). Something About Us - destined to be a classic. Falling - amazing production, amazing vocal performance, perfect for radio. The list goes on and ON!!!
Because I couldn't decide, I spent some time clipping each song, trying to highlight my favorite section (which was, yet again, almost impossible).
Take a listen - can you decide?
Help? Please?
My dilemma? I don't have any clue which song is my favorite!! Seriously, how do you pick? Each song is so different, so special.
I love the story of On My Way Here - its universal themes can ring true for so many. I love the upbeat feel of Ashes - turn around and see what love's done for me. Everything I Don't Need - raw and sexy (yes, I said sexy). Something About Us - destined to be a classic. Falling - amazing production, amazing vocal performance, perfect for radio. The list goes on and ON!!!
Because I couldn't decide, I spent some time clipping each song, trying to highlight my favorite section (which was, yet again, almost impossible).
Take a listen - can you decide?
Help? Please?
Friday, August 22, 2008
Clay Aiken - On My Way Here
On May 6, 2008 Clay Aiken released his third full length CD, On My Way Here (OMWH). Unlike A Thousand Different Ways (ATDW - released September 19, 2006), OMWH is a compilation original music.
I love ATDW. I love Clay's vocal nuances, how he caresses the notes - it's just beautiful. My favorite song on ATDW was the iTunes bonus song - Lover All Alone (Lyrics by Clay Aiken/Music by David Foster and Emanuel Kiriakou) and I'm thrilled that this song also made it to OMWH too (people need to hear this song, like lots)
Now on to OMWH - what an amazing CD. Each song was hand picked and chronicles lessons learned as we wade our way through our 20s (I, for one, enjoyed my 30s much more than my 20s - ya hear that Clay?). One of my FAVORITE songs on OMWH is, yet again, the bonus song on the WalMart version - Forget I Ever Knew You (tomorrow's blog will be all about my OMWH dilemma).
Forget I Ever Knew You was written by Greg Critchley and is absolutely amazing. For your listening (and hopefully viewing) pleasure - Forget I Ever Knew You:
If you do not have this CD, get ye to WalMart and pick one up. Or, better yet, how about ordering online? Save a little gas (GO GREEN!!!)
On My Way Here - Bonus CD - WalMart
I love ATDW. I love Clay's vocal nuances, how he caresses the notes - it's just beautiful. My favorite song on ATDW was the iTunes bonus song - Lover All Alone (Lyrics by Clay Aiken/Music by David Foster and Emanuel Kiriakou) and I'm thrilled that this song also made it to OMWH too (people need to hear this song, like lots)
Now on to OMWH - what an amazing CD. Each song was hand picked and chronicles lessons learned as we wade our way through our 20s (I, for one, enjoyed my 30s much more than my 20s - ya hear that Clay?). One of my FAVORITE songs on OMWH is, yet again, the bonus song on the WalMart version - Forget I Ever Knew You (tomorrow's blog will be all about my OMWH dilemma).
Forget I Ever Knew You was written by Greg Critchley and is absolutely amazing. For your listening (and hopefully viewing) pleasure - Forget I Ever Knew You:
If you do not have this CD, get ye to WalMart and pick one up. Or, better yet, how about ordering online? Save a little gas (GO GREEN!!!)
On My Way Here - Bonus CD - WalMart
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Clay Aiken Returns to Spamalot!!!
Earlier in my blog, I had to interrupt my Clay Aiken journey (and at some point I need to get back on track) to let you all know about having Seat
and being on stage with the Knights of Spamalot (especially brave brave Sir Robin).
Still trying to figure out how to get back, this time with my son so that he can see this
but since that probably won't happen, I'll just have to live with my memories (sigh, and amazing memories they are)
Well done Clay - have a wonderful second run in Spamalot. Enjoy your time in New York with that new family of yours!!!!
and being on stage with the Knights of Spamalot (especially brave brave Sir Robin).
Still trying to figure out how to get back, this time with my son so that he can see this
but since that probably won't happen, I'll just have to live with my memories (sigh, and amazing memories they are)
Well done Clay - have a wonderful second run in Spamalot. Enjoy your time in New York with that new family of yours!!!!
but MOST IMPORTANT - FIND YOUR GRAIL!!!!
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