Clay Aiken Ruminations

Clay Aiken's National Inclusion Project

2009-10-02T09:18:00.000-07:00

Clay Aiken News Network has published an interesting article that really highlights Clay Aiken's foundation, The National Inclusion Project (formerly known as the "Bubel/Aiken Foundation"). Here are some of the accomplishments listed:

Let’s All Play:
This program provides recreational sites with an inclusive model and the needed training to include children of all abilities.

K-12 Inclusive Learning:
A detailed inclusive class curriculum for elementary, middle and high school levels. The curriculum culminates in an inclusive learning project that benefits the community.

Our Friend Mikayla:
Our Friend Mikayla, in its second printing, was written and illustrated by third-grade students. The book chronicles their reaction to a classmate with a disability, their barriers to acceptance, and the friendship they formed with Mikayla.

They also feature the current opportunity to help generate some funds for NIP by nominating the organization in the Christie Cookie Charity Competition. One vote per valid email address. Vote now and help the National Inclusion Project!

Technorati Tags:
Clay Aiken, National Inclusion Project, Christie Cookie

Clay Aiken's Opinion of American Idol

2009-05-22T10:11:00.001-07:00

You gotta laugh. Good grief. Clay Aiken posts a blog about his opinion about how American Idol has changed and how it needs to get back to its roots and everyone has a fit! Ha! Oh, yeah, he is not an Adam Lambert fan either. Whoop-de-doo! Somehow, I doubt that Clay Aiken's opinion matters much to Adam and I really doubt it will have any effect on Adam's life. It is rather amusing that so many people have issues with Clay's opinion though. Didn't realize it was so important to them!

But, I'm not surprised. And it appears that all the gossip sites have posted Clay's blog... even though it was posted privately on his fan site. I do, however, object to some of the sites editing Clay's blog and not posting it in its entirety so that his comments can be read in context. Therefore, even though I wouldn't normally do this, here is Clay's blog:

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. 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.

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.

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.

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.

And when you read it, he isn't really saying anything that many others have not already said all season. Yet, somehow when Clay says it, it becomes controversial. An interesting phenomenon to say the least!

Technorati Tags: Clay Aiken, American Idol, Adam Lambert, Kris Allen

Dancing Like The Stars

2009-04-19T00:40:00.001-07:00

clipped from www.claynewsnetwork.com

Local celebrities will be participating on April 26^th by dancing at the competition during the Southern Women's Show at the State Fairgrounds.

This is the second year that this fundraiser has taken place. It is wonderful to see the Raleigh Broadcast media supporting the foundation.

Last week, the two contestants representing NBC posted videos of their practices. So, not to be outdone, the two contestants from WRAL-TV posted videos of their adventures in dance. Valonda Calloway and Monica Laliberte are both anchors at WRAL and have been practicing hard with their professional partner.

All proceeds from the contest benefit the Bubel/Aiken Foundation, which was co-founded in 2003 by Raleigh native Clay Aiken. The nonprofit promotes the inclusion of children with disabilities in activities with children who are not disabled.

Roger Friedman Crosses the Line

2009-04-05T09:23:00.000-07:00

Wow. Looks like Roger Friedman went too far this time! Seems like he got himself fired. Here is the scoop from Nikki Finke's Deadline Daily:

Fox News Fires Showbiz Columnist For "Promoting" Piracy
[...]there was universal shock on Friday when long-time "Fox 411" freelance columnist Roger Friedman wrote what I'm told his bosses felt was a blatant promotion of piracy on his Fox News web outlet. Besides writing a review from watching the purloined print of Wolverine, Friedman posted, “I did find the whole top 10 [movies in theaters], plus TV shows, commercials, videos, everything, all streaming away. It took really less than seconds to start playing it all right onto my computer. I could have downloaded all of it but really, who has the time or the room? Later tonight I may finally catch up with Paul Rudd in I Love You, Man. It’s so much easier than going out in the rain!” I'm told that Fox News' actions were swift and severe. First, Roger Ailes, who overseas Fox News, deleted the offending post after he was contacted by 20th Century Fox about it. And then Ailes fired Friedman as a freelance Fox News entertainment writer. I hear the move was done with the full support of News Corp. "He promoted piracy. He basically suggested that viewing a stolen film is OK, which is absolutely intolerable. So we fired him," a source told me Saturday. "Fox News acted promptly on all fronts."[...]

[...]News Corp issued this statement: “Roger Friedman’s views in no way reflect the views of News Corporation. We, along with 20th Century Fox Film Corporation, have been a consistent leader in the fight against piracy and have zero tolerance for any action that encourages and promotes piracy. Once we learned of Roger Friedman’s post we asked Fox News to remove it, which they did immediately.”

And Fox said, "We’ve just been made aware that Roger Friedman, a freelance columnist who writes Fox 411 on Foxnews.com – an entirely separate company from 20th Century Fox -- watched on the internet and reviewed a stolen and unfinished version of X-Men Orgins: Wolverine. This behavior is reprehensible and we condemn this act categorically -- whether the review is good or bad."[...]

Anyone who has read my blog knows my complete contempt for Roger Friedman for his misogynistic, hatefully skewed and badly reported stories full of misinformation and factual errors. His firing was long in coming. Unfortunately, I have no doubt he will turn up again like a bad penny. I can only hope that this incident will strip him of any shred of credibility in the future.

Technorati Tags:
Roger Friedman, Fox News, Wolverine, piracy

Smokey Robinson, Ruben Studdard on American Idol -- what about Clay Aiken?

2009-03-24T13:05:00.000-07:00

American Idol's annual Motown week features Smokey Robinson and Ruben Studdard performing Thursday, which is like rubbing salt in the wounds of those poor Clay Aiken fans.

Adam Lambert's groupies have been pretty enthusiastic this year, and it's hard to match the love David Archuleta followers have for their Archie, but Aiken fans have gotta be the most loyal -- fanatical?! -- Idol group.

It's been 6 years since he finished second to the rotund one, and their message boards and websites are still running strong [...].

They still troll the Internets looking for every morsel of Clay news, and filling comment boxes with their belief that Clay was the "real" winner of season two, not Ruben.

Of course, the worst thing is they're probably right... As just about everyone knows, the voting in Season Two was pretty messed up, with Fox's phone systems being overloaded all the time and thus millions of would-be votes over the course of the season and during the finale not getting through.

In other words, let's say the system could only register 1000 votes for Ruben and 1000 votes for Clay per minute. Ruben maybe got 1003 votes that minute, so he missed out on 3. But Clay likely got like 1035 votes that minute, meaning he lost out on 35 votes every minute.

Statisticians who have looked at the Idol mess conclude it was pretty much a coin flip as to who was determined the winner--so actually, it's totally legitimate for Clay fans to think of him as an American Idol.

I just wonder, though, if they'd be as devoted to Clay if he had actually won. Without a grievance to nurse, maybe they'd be like all those people who voted for Ruben -- quiet and back to their normal lives.--Newsday

I don't know, if Clay had won the show, I think he would be just as wonderful to listen to and just as fascinating to follow. I have no doubt that the slings and arrows he has taken since then would of been just as vicious in any case, which is the reason that some fans are so defensive.

And I'm not sure why Clay Aiken fans have such a reputation. I have observed fans of other artists who were just as proactive and just as defensive as any Clay Aiken fan. And plenty that are much more malicious and vindictive.

Technorati Tags: Clay Aiken, Ruben Studdard, Motown

Has RCA Dropped Clay Aiken?

2009-02-20T09:17:00.001-08:00

A day late and a dollar short. That is the situation with all the gossip bloggers today. I think it is pretty hilarious that they are only now picking up on information that the fans have been discussing for weeks! And their spin on it all is entirely predictable.

Fact is that we don't really know yet the exact circumstances for Clay and RCA parting ways. But the fans are not surprised. It has been obvious for a long time that RCA has not been fully supporting Clay as an artist and it is puzzling that they have hung on to him for this long. Given that it has been six years and that Clay has produced five albums, it is more likely that he has fulfilled his contract with RCA and they have both decided not to renew. Clay needs a label that believes in him as an artist and who will do their job in promoting and supporting his work. Frankly, the vast majority of fans are relieved that it appears that Clay is leaving RCA and they eagerly wait to see what steps he takes next in his career. Clay has already said that he is not quitting and that he has plans for the new year. I can't wait to see what he does next!

Technorati Tags:
Clay Aiken, RCA, contract

Reflecting On The Past Year With Clay Aiken

2008-12-30T21:20:00.000-08:00

Well, it certainly has been an eventful year in the life of one Clay Aiken. For the media and the fans, I suspect the biggest news of all was Clay revealing that he is gay. It was a subject that tended to overshadow every aspect of Clay's life even though it was something that he wanted, and had the right, to keep private. Clay explained his reasons for going ahead and discussing the subject publicly in this way:

Gone are the days when entertainers could go about their lives without the invasion of privacy that we now see everyday in the form of paparazzi and internet tabloid bloggers. So, in the hopes of being able to sing and act (and dance poorly) and do what I love to do for a living while raising my son in a hopefully more private and accepting environment, I chose to go ahead and confront things head on. Yes, I would have preferred to separate my personal life from my professional life. I would have been just as happy to go on without discussing my orientation. But, it seems like that was not an option. [...] But, living as myself without discussing my sexuality publicly would have been as impossible. One chance to expose the truth would have been a payday for any greedy opportunist.

Now that everyone knows all about Clay, maybe we can focus more on the person that he is rather than worrying so much about his sexual orientation. As Clay says:

[...] representative of most every other gay man and woman in the world, [...] I am not defined by my sexuality. No more so than each of you are defined by your sexual orientation. No more than a man or woman is defined by race or ethnicity. It is, simply, a small facet of the same person I have always been. Most of you realize that nothing has changed. I hope to continue being able to entertain you in the same way I have for the past five years. And I hope you will allow me to continue to inform you of the causes that I find important and entertain you with the music and performances I love. For I love and cherish you all. Yesterday, now and forever.

For Clay, I think the biggest thing to happen to him this year was becoming a father. On August 8, he and Jaymes Foster became the proud parents of Parker Foster Aiken. A dream come true for both of them. I doubt there is any child that will be more loved and cherished than Parker.

It is interesting when Clay is discussed in some publications, they seem to focus entirely on the fact that he was in American Idol over five years ago... and he's gay. Every other accomplishment seems to be of little note, yet he has accomplished so much! Let us cover what he has been doing just in the past year.

Clay started the year with a bang. He debuted to rave reviews on Broadway in the role of Sir Robin in the award winning musical Monty Python's SPAMALOT. And Broadway loved Clay. He proved that not only is he a great singer, but he can act... and even dance! And the role has given him the chance to show off his comedic abilities also, which the fans were well aware of, but I don't think very many other people realized that he could be so funny.

And during all the time that he was working hard on Broadway, he was also working hard recording a new album. And in May he released his fourth full-length CD "On My Way Here". A wonderful album of original material that was produced by Kipper (who is famous for his work with Sting) and backed up by such stellar musicians as Keith Carlock, Freddie Washington, Jon Herington and Jeff Young which, it turns out, are the musicians from the Steely Dan band!

After leaving SPAMALOT in May and going on an intense round of promotion for "On My Way Here", Clay turned to his other great passion... his work as a UNICEF Ambassador. In June he traveled to Somalia in order to see firsthand UNICEF-supported projects to promote child health, safe water, sanitation and hygiene, primary education, child protection and girls' empowerment.

From there Clay went on to travel to Kenya in order to visit camps for internally displaced people in Eldoret. Thousands of children were made homeless by the violence that took place after the Kenya elections in early 2008. He saw many homes in ruins and people struggling to get back on their feet. UNICEF was there to help provide classroom tents and School-in-a-Box kits to start the children back to school to help restore a sense of normalcy in their lives.

Then Clay came back home and a few weeks later had the experience of his life with the birth of his son. And soon after that momentous event, we found out that Clay would be returning to SPAMALOT in September.

In September Clay made a triumphant return to Broadway and made headlines with his interviews discussing his decision to talk about becoming a father and being gay.

Then in October was The Bubel/Aiken Foundation's Fifth Annual Champions of Change Gala where Clay Aiken and Diane Bubel presented the Champions of Change Awards to Dan Habid and Betsy McNamara for their documentary "Including Samuel"; Rich Donavan for creating means of empowerment for people with disabilities; and CVS Caremark for their efforts to improve the lives of children with disabilities.

There was also an auction at the gala which raised over $500,000 to help the Foundation to provide children with disabilities the opportunity to play, learn and grow side-by-side with their typical peers.

And now the year is winding down and in a few days Clay's run in SPAMALOT will be over. Clay has said that he plans to return to North Carolina with Jaymes and Parker so that he can spend some time with his new son, but he assures us that he's not quitting or anything! I can't wait to see what he has planned for the next year!

Technorati Tags: Clay Aiken, Spamalot, Bubel/Aiken Foundation, UNICEF, Jaymes Foster, Parker Foster Aiken, Somalia, Kenya

Holiday Greetings!

2008-12-09T12:50:00.000-08:00

Hey look! A Clay Aiken holiday card you can send to your friends!

Technorati Tags:
Clay Aiken, Christmas

Clay Aiken on Fatherhood and Coming Out to the World

2008-12-01T23:19:00.001-08:00

Clay Aiken on Fatherhood and Coming Out to the World, an article and video posted on ETonline.

Posted using ShareThis

Technorati Tags: Clay Aiken, Entertainment Tonight, interview, video

Watch Clay on "Rosie Live" Tonight!

2008-11-26T07:31:00.000-08:00

Be sure to watch Rosie O'Donnell's "Rosie Live!" airing tonight at 8 p.m.

With "Rosie Live!" O'Donnell will be bringing back the variety show format to television, reminiscent of series such as "The Carol Burnett Show" and "The Ed Sullivan Show," while updating the format by including brand-new elements for a new generation of fans. The special will feature a topical monologue, musical production numbers, hilarious comedy sketches and a giant primetime giveaway for the studio audience. The line up of performers is quite stunning. Included on the list are Liza Minnelli, Harry Connick, Jr., Alec Baldwin and Jane Krakowski of NBC's "30 ROCK", Grammy Award winner Alanis Morissette, recording artist NE-YO... and Clay Aiken!

Here is a video interview with Rosie and Clay about the show. Don't miss it!

Technorati Tags: Clay Aiken, Rosie O'Donnell, Rosie Live

David Foster Talks About Jaymes and Clay

2008-11-13T12:20:00.000-08:00

David Foster was on the Dr. Phil Show yesterday promoting his new book Hitman: Forty Years Making Music, Topping the Charts and Winning Grammys, and the DVD/CD, Hit Man: David Foster and Friends.

During the discussion about David's family, there was a brief mention about Jaymes and Clay. Here is a transcript and a screen capture of the picture they showed of their family:

“You have a sister, Jaymes,” Dr. Phil says to David. “And she and Clay Aiken had a baby together named Parker.”

Dr. Phil shows a photo of Jaymes and pop singer Clay Aiken with their child.

“Isn’t that great? They took that picture yesterday, just for this show, and you know, Jaymes was married for 20-odd years and never had any children, always felt that she wanted to, and they found a beautiful way to be a family. And it’s no secret what’s going on with the three of them, but they’re going to be great parents together, and it’s a great thing,” David says.

What a beautiful family. And doesn't Parker look adorable? Here is video of David's comments:

Technorati Tags: Clay Aiken, Jaymes Foster, David Foster, Dr. Phil

Clay Talks About Performing on Broadway

2008-10-31T19:03:00.000-07:00

The Theatre Development Fund website has an interesting and fun interview with Clay about his role as Sir Robin on the Broadway production of Monty Python's Spamalot.

I like his comment about why he thinks so many former American Idol contestants have done so well on Broadway:

Aiken's casting, along with that of Idol contender Fantasia as a replacement Celie in The Color Purple, has raised a few eyebrows. Were these reality TV creations really qualified to strut their stuff on the Main Stem?

"I think one reason people who've been on Idol are showin' up on Broadway is that they're people who can do something live," Aiken notes, making a clear contrast with both film and TV actors and studio-produced pop singers, all of whom get multiple takes to get it right. "The talent for singing live—that's what you need here."

I think that is so true. Though the young people who participate in American Idol are often disparaged, I have always believed that it actually takes a lot of talent and stage presence to successfully compete on the show. Many respected professional artists in the industry would have a difficult time performing live like these unknowns do every week on that show.

In the article Clay also talks about working with Eric Idle and Mike Nichols:

Aiken credits author Eric Idle and director Mike Nichols with steering him well in the first department.

"Eric Idle was very complimentary, which always helps when you have no idea what you're doing," Aiken says. "Mike Nichols, in addition to being the premeir director of our lifetime, is very easy to work with. I like to think I take direction well, but I can imagine that sometimes a director might have a really hard job in explaining a part, and what's required. Mike comes up with the most colorful and hilarious ways to explain what he's looking for."

Nichols also stressed something you might not expect in such a go-for-broke comedy.

"Overall, I probably have a tendency to overdo certain things," Aiken admits. "Mike is big on subtlety and kept reminding us, 'You aren't funny—the script is funny.' It's all very silly, but what makes it funny is that none of the characters realize how stupid they really are, so it actually gets more laughs when the lines are played a little more straight."

Be sure to read the rest of the article here: Clay Time

And for current news, it appears that Ruben Studdard and Frenchie Davis were in the audience tonight! How great that Clay's friends are coming to see him in Spamalot. Reminds me of when Clay and Ruben went to see Frenchie in Rent in 2003. This was reported by Paul Wontorek in May 2003:

IDOLS IN THE HOUSE
The audience at Rent last Saturday night couldn't believe their eyes--was that really American Idol champ Ruben Studdard and runner-up Clay Aiken sitting in Box A of the Nederlander? Yup--they were there to check out Franchelle "Frenchie" Davis, the American Idol bootee who is making her Broadway debut in the show. I caught up with the talented two (and their battery of music industry types) during intermission. The rumor backstage at Rent is that Frenchie and Ruben are more than friends, but I didn't really witness any sparks when she came out to greet them. As for 24-year-old Clay, I asked if he's heading to Broadway next. After all, American Idol host Simon Cowell regularly criticized his voice as being "too Broadway" for the contest. "I never really thought about it before," Clay told me. Well, think about it now, Clay! For producers who want to cash in on his quick celebrity, I offer a list of roles that Aiken could be perfect for: Mark in Rent, Jimmy in Thoroughly Modern Millie, The Snail with the Mail in A Year with Frog and Toad, the Emcee in Cabaret (okay, I'm stretching!) and, of course, Chip in Beauty and the Beast. Strike while the iron is hot!

Who knew at the time that Clay would actually end up on Broadway?

It was also reported by crazyglue91152 at the Clayboard that David Foster and Kelly Clarkson were in the audience last Tuesday:

[...]During the intermission while I was talking to clayngel who told me that K[elly] C[larkson] and David Foster were there in the audience, [...]. On my way back to my seat, walking on the 2nd aisle, Kelly was right in front of me and she's talking to a guy and telling him that her favorite song was the one sang during the boat scene (Galahad & LOTL). During the finale, I also said hello and spoke for few seconds to David while walking backup on the aisle to his row as we were both standing and clapping and singing and dancing along to the finale song "Always look on the bright side of life". He was all smiles and told me that he really enjoyed the show and that it was hilarious and Clay was fantastic.

Don't forget that Ruben and Frenchie will be touring with the musical Ain't Misbehavin' starting November 14. You can see pictures of them rehearsing in the studio here: Idols Studdard and Davis Hit the Studio with the Cast of Ain't Misbehavin'

Technorati Tags: Clay Aiken, SPAMALOT, David Foster, Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard, Frenchie Davis

Join Clay Aiken in Helping UNICEF Save Children's Lives

2008-10-09T11:13:00.000-07:00

With all the turmoil and strife in the world today, the least important thing anyone should be concerned about is some celebrity's personal life. Yet it seems that an inordinate amount of time is spent on discussing that very subject. As Clay said in his blog:

What a bunch of headline news we have had in the past 10 days! Wall Street falling to it's knees. Congress propping it back up. Two debates. Hijackers in Somalia. New leaders in South Africa and Japan. You'd think with all of the important events going on in the world, there would be plenty to fill up the pages of America's newspapers, websites and blogs without the need for information on the private lives of the country's singers and entertainers.

And one does have to wonder if we really are just too focused on the inconsequential and not on how we can make this world a better place. Clay Aiken's goal in life is to entertain us with his talents as a singer and actor, and to inspire people to help him make a difference. He is not also required to pander to the small-minded with the private details of his life.

And he certainly has provided us with much to enjoy with five albums, many tours and now performing in a Broadway play. And he inspires us to help make this world a better place with his foundation, The Bubel/Aiken Foundation, that serves to bridge the gap that exists between young people with special needs and the world around them.

Another way that Clay Aiken serves to help make this world a better place is his work with UNICEF. And right now he has issued a plea for us all to join him in making a monthly pledge to the U.S. Fund for UNICEF to help fund programs to protect the world's children from diseases like malaria, measles or tetanus. In his post on the UNICEF Fieldnotes blog he says:

Your support will help UNICEF reach the day when no child dies of a preventable cause. No child, not even one, should die of causes we know how to prevent—diseases like malaria, measles or tetanus.

So today, despite these tough times, I decided to help save children's lives and make a monthly pledge to the U.S. Fund for UNICEF. Even a small amount makes a huge difference. For instance, $5 a month (about 15¢ per day) can ensure five children are protected from measles.

If we could all make this small commitment we may be able to see the day when no child dies of a preventable cause.

Please visit unicefusa.org/join-with-clay and pledge today.

So, rather than focusing on matters that really don't concern us, why not join Clay in helping to make this world a better place for the world's children? Thank you.

Technorati Tags: Clay Aiken, UNICEF, pledge

Clay Aiken Speaks to His Fans

2008-10-04T10:28:00.000-07:00

It certainly has been an eventful couple of weeks, hasn't it? Clay Aiken pretty much laid himself bare to the world -- and that took an infinite amount of guts. I have always respected Clay Aiken and I still do, more so than ever. All I ever wanted was for him to be treated with respect and for his privacy to be honored.

It is a terrible wrong in our society that a certain segment of it has been denied the rights and privileges of privacy that the rest of us enjoy. The job of most celebrities are to entertain us with their talents in acting, music and dance. Somehow it has been determined that they are also required to entertain us by divulging the most intimate and personal details of their lives. How many of us could withstand that sort of scrutiny in our lives? None, I would venture to guess.

In my opinion, the true scum of the earth are those that make it their business to pry into these people's private lives. Who present this ill-gotten information in the most vile, lewd and disrespectful manner. And the people who lap it up are not much better.

I would like to point out one more thing about my stand over the years. There has been a great deal of misunderstanding as to why so many fans took the stand that they did about Clay's orientation. It really had nothing to do with whether he was gay or not. It was much more about the right everyone has to self-identify and, if they are hiding something, to reveal who they are in a time and place of their own choosing. No one, and I mean no one, has the right to force anyone to reveal their most personal business before they are ready to. Not the media, not the gossip bloggers, nor any fans who think they know the secret. To me, it was all about taking a man at his word, which at the time seemed to indicate that he identified as straight, and respecting it until he chose to say different. Those that did their best to out him before he was ready by gossip mongering and spreading false rumors & stories about him, are despicable and I have nothing but scorn for them.

After allowing the fans to digest and discuss his recent news, Clay posted the following message on his blog. It is a great message that shows that he is really the same wise, generous, giving person he always was -- and that his orientation is only a small part of him. It is not what defines him as a person. Here is his post:

Killing the elephants in the room
What a week or so this has been. In fact, it's just been two weeks since I started back to the Spam. Jerome and I were just talking the other day, though, about how the past two weeks have felt like a month. So much routine to get back into and yet so much routine and consistency to break. No doubt, many of you have been going through quite a bit over the past week or so yourselves. What a bunch of headline news we have had in the past 10 days! Wall Street falling to it's knees. Congress propping it back up. Two debates. Hijackers in Somalia. New leaders in South Africa and Japan. You'd think with all of the important events going on in the world, there would be plenty to fill up the pages of America's newspapers, websites and blogs without the need for information on the private lives of the country's singers and entertainers. But, alas, thats never the case. In fact for the last five years, I've found what seems to have been an inordinate amount of interest (not from the public, but from the media) in my own personal life. The questions never seemed to stop. Oh sure, they die down for a period, but they resurface. The wind blows another direction, and I do yet another interview worried that my personal life will become a topic of discussion. No doubt the birth of Parker would bring the same scrutiny, just heightened. It's an interesting time we live in. Gone are the days when entertainers could go about their lives without the invasion of privacy that we now see everyday in the form of paparazzi and internet tabloid bloggers. So, in the hopes of being able to sing and act (and dance poorly) and do what I love to do for a living while raising my son in a hopefully more private and accepting environment, I chose to go ahead and confront things head on. Yes, I would have preferred to separate my personal life from my professional life. I would have been just as happy to go on without discussing my orientation. But, it seems like that was not an option. Make no mistake, its not because I am ashamed. No, not for a minute. I haven't always been as comfortable as I am now, but I am without a doubt, proud of who I am and make no apologies for it. Instead, I would have been happy to have kept my personal life private for that very reason. Because it's personal life and I have always considered myself a private person. But, living as myself without discussing my sexuality publicly would have been as impossible. One chance to expose the truth would have been a payday for any greedy opportunist.

I went to American Idol, much like many of us did "back in the day". Naive. Unlike the contestants who join up today, we had no idea of the power and pull of Idol when we signed on. (I'm sure many of us season two folks like to think we are the reason the show got so big!!! ;-) ) There I was two months off of the biggest show in the country, sitting at a table with a reporter from Rolling Stone who was asking me every single question I would never think of. Twenty-four years old in the rest of America is a LOT younger and more naive than twenty four years old in the media business. So when this guy started asking me about things that I didn't really know how to answer for myself... things that I was not yet ready to admit to folks like my mother and my family.... things that I found intimidating and invasive, I responded in what I assumed was a benign way at the time. I attempted to "out spin" a professional. I wasn't as good as I thought I was. But, I have no regrets. The truth is, I don't apologize for the responses I gave to that reporter or any reporter over the past five years. I did make every attempt I could after that one interview to never say "I am not gay" or "I am straight". And I never said either. (some interpreted my vague answers to mean that... but I never said either) Some will say thats misleading. In truth, it might be defined that way. But, a better definition and a more accurate way to describe it for me, is a redirection and an attempt to change the topic to something that matters more. For some of you it won't be enough, but I can't apologize for keeping my personal business to myself. If someone feels that they were mislead, I can totally understand that viewpoint and apologize for that feeling, but I can't apologize for how I handled questions that affected me and my right to privacy.

In my opinion, sexual orientation is ALWAYS a private thing. I think the OVERWHELMING majority of people agree with that. Why in the world should someone's sexual orientation be a news item? Why should anyone care? Yet, for all we espouse as a society about tolerance and open mindedness we forget to allow folks the opportunity to be who they are without judgement. Making a decision to come out to family is a difficult and heavy decision. But, for every young man or woman who is struggling with it, it should be a decision that is made on his or her own schedule ONLY. It's never acceptable for anyone to make such a decision for anyone else nor to coerce someone to take such a significant step before they are ready. Not a friend, not a stranger, not the media. So, I waited until the time was right for me. For that I can't apologize either.

There are plenty of you who have anticipated this blog in hopes that I would "set the record straight" or "admit to lying for five years and apologize for it". For that small group of people, I am afraid I will have to disappoint you. My decisions over the past five years have been made with lots of deliberation and at times even heartache. Always with concern for folks who might feel mislead. Don't doubt that. But they have also been made as an attempt, not to hide my true self, but instead to allow myself the same liberties and rights that every single gay man and woman in the world should have... the right to determine for myself when I was ready to discuss my personal life. In as much as that, at times, was interpreted as misrepresentation, I feel badly. But I reserved that right for myself and I can't say I regret it.

I have endeavored over the past several days to allow folks to vent and express themselves as freely as possible without restriction on these message boards. There is no way to change a person's mind when you tell them they are wrong. We all, when backed into a corner, have a human instinct to swing. Having different feelings and opinions and viewpoints are only natural. The only way to deal with that is to accept everyone's right to disagree, and allow them to discuss their feelings. I always have, and I always will. That said, it hasn't been, nor do I imagine it will be, my intent to make the message boards or the OFC a clearinghouse or discussion zone for sexuality or such topics. I hope we can always continue to discuss the same things we have always found important. The need for inclusion for children with disabilities. The desire to make sure every child in the world has access to their basic needs for survival. And any other topics that will make our neighborhoods, our regions, our country and our world a better more acceptable place (where that relates to issues involving sexuality, I hope we are able to advocate, at those times for the acceptance of others)... and I hope we will all still use the message boards for the lively discussion of the need for better entertainment and music in the world!!!! ;-) That said, as of this posting, I have asked the moderators to archive the thread regarding the People magazine article and close it from discussion. For those of you who are still struggling, I encourage you to continue to talk to your friends and neighbors and fellow OFC members in the thread devoted to such support. It is not going to be as easy as accepting something over night, but I believe that we are on the right track. The moderators will resume their regular duties of moderating the boards in the fashion that they did prior to last week, and I (and hopefully all of us) will resume our routines in the same fashion as well. Talking about music, talking about potential tours and other performances and appearances, talking about me forgetting my lines of tripping on stage in Spamalot, and discussing with our friends how many times we have seen the show and will see it! (And... looking forward to the announcement of out Playbill contest winner!!!)

Finally, I will say that, also representative of most every other gay man and woman in the world, that I am not defined by my sexuality. No more so than each of you are defined by your sexual orientation. No more than a man or woman is defined by race or ethnicity. It is, simply, a small facet of the same person I have always been. Most of you realize that nothing has changed. I hope to continue being able to entertain you in the same way I have for the past five years. And I hope you will allow me to continue to inform you of the causes that I find important and entertain you with the music and performances I love. For I love and cherish you all. Yesterday, now and forever.

c

Technorati Tags: Clay Aiken, blog, news

Clay is Back on Broadway!

2008-09-19T12:00:00.000-07:00

Today is the day! Clay is back in New York and Broadway welcomes him with open arms. Here are some articles and pictures:

BroadwayWorld.com
Clay Aiken Returns As 'Sir Robin' In Spamalot Tonight, 9/19
Clay Aiken will return to the scene of his triumphant Broadway debut in the Tony Award-winning Best Musical, Monty Python's SPAMALOT this Fall. Clay's debut on Broadway earlier this year was met with wild enthusiasm from both his legion of fans and the New York press. He will reprise the role of 'Sir Robin ' at the Shubert Theatre from September 19 2008 - January 4 2009. ...read more here."

Broadway.tv Blog
Broadway Celebrates CLAY DAY Today
"The moment has arrived. New father, Clay Aiken is returning to Monty Python’s hit musical Spamalot... read more here and see a special photo tribute"

And Clay was spotted attending the opening night for "A Tale of Two Cities":

TheaterMania
Attending the Tale
"Clay Aiken, Michael Berresse, Matthew Broderick, Celeste Holm, Constantine Marolulis, Susan Stroman, and Frank Wildhorn join James Barbour, Aaron Lazar, and Brandi Burkhardt for the opening night of A Tale of Two Cities.... click here and scroll down to see a picture of Clay"

And you can see more pictures of Clay on the red carpet at "A Tale of Two Cities" here on Contactmusic.com.

Also, a number of fan blogs have been celebrating Clay's return to Broadway. Here are some you should be sure to check out:

Carolina On My Mind: Break A Leg, Clay!
The ConClayve: Spamalot & Clay Aiken Redux
Chexxxy's Pearls: Clay It Again Spam

Technorati Tags: Clay Aiken, SPAMALOT, Broadway

Clay on SPAMALOT: One More Day!

2008-09-18T15:38:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow Clay will reprise his role as Sir Robin on Broadway in the funniest play in the world - SPAMALOT! Here is a cool ad:

Technorati Tags: Clay Aiken, SPAMALOT, Broadway Cares

SPAMALOT Ads

2008-09-16T11:13:00.000-07:00

Three more days and Clay Aiken will once again play Sir Robin in SPAMALOT on Broadway! Here are a couple of ads for SPAMALOT:

Don't miss seeing international superstar Clay Aiken in the funniest show in the world!

Technorati Tags: Clay Aiken, SPAMALOT, Broadway Cares

Contests and Roasts!

2008-09-13T10:45:00.000-07:00

Well, actually one contest and one roast. There are a couple of news items as we wait for Clay to start his run on Broadway. First, he has a new contest for his fans! Members of his Official Fan Club can enter by writing a new biography for him. The winning entry will be used as his bio in Playbill and the winner will also get two tickets to SPAMALOT and a backstage tour conducted by Clay Aiken! Cool! If you are a Fan Club member, you can check out the rules here. You have until September 19 to submit your entry.

Another news tidbit is that People reports that Clay is on the list of invitees to this year's Friars Club Celebrity Roast in New York! Apparently the honoree to be roasted is the Today show host, Matt Lauer. I hope we get lots of pictures!

Technorati Tags: Clay Aiken, SPAMALOT, contest, Friars Club, Matt Lauer

Clay Aiken and Jaymes Foster

2008-09-11T11:33:00.000-07:00

It is interesting that there seems to still be some confusion about Jaymes Foster. Who is this person that Clay is raising his son with? Anyone who bothers to do a modicum of research, of course, knows that Jaymes Foster is a woman. So, anyone claiming that Clay is raising his child with some man named Jaymes is just being supremely lazy since they couldn't be bothered to find out who Jaymes Foster actually is. So, just to help out the more obtuse, I will post again the pertinent information about Jaymes Foster.

It was reported that Jaymes Foster gave birth to Parker Foster Aiken on August 8, 2008. You kind of need to be a woman to give birth. Really. And the article went on to say that Clay and Jaymes will be raising their son together.

Here is some biographical information about Colleen Jaymes Foster:

Now with over 20 years of experience working in the music industry, Jaymes began her career as a music publisher working for such music legends as Quincy Jones, David Geffen, 20th Century Fox in an creative executive capacity. She moved on to work beside her brother David Foster doing A&R for his Warner Brothers label, 143 Records working on multi-platinum hit artists The Corrs, plus ONE, Josh Groban, Michael Bublé, and Renee Olstead. Additionally, Jaymes Executive Produced the soundtrack to the film "Message In A Bottle." She also was an on air Judge for 2 seasons of the US WB Network reality television show, Popstars, which discovered the platinum group Eden's Crush. Group member Nicole from Eden's Crush went on to become the lead singer of the multi-platinum artist The Pussycat Dolls. She is a previous Alternate Trustee for NARAS (The Grammys) and has served on the Television Committee for the CBS Grammy Awards 3 times. Jaymes has also stood on the Los Angeles Board of Governors. Her time is now spent producing projects for Peak Productions, a company she founded. Jaymes' first project for Peak was as Executive Producer for Clay Aiken's recently released CD , "A Thousand Different Ways," which just entered the Billboard album chart at #2. Next Executive Produced project to be released is Bianca Ryan who won the NBC Show, "America's Got Talent."

And as we know, she is also the executive producer of Clay's Christmas EP All Is Well and his newest album On My Way Here.

For more information about Jaymes Foster and her relationship with Clay Aiken. You should check out the blog "Clay Aiken and His Family".

Technorati Tags: Clay Aiken, Jaymes Foster

Help Protect Children From Malaria

2008-09-09T19:35:00.000-07:00

The UNICEF Fieldnotes blog has posted a video by Clay Aiken asking for donations to help UNICEF and Malaria No More defeat malaria. In the video Clay talks about how bednets that have been treated with insecticide can help to prevent children from contracting Malaria. Right now the organization "Malaria No More" will match donations made to UNICEF for this cause.

Go here to learn more about Malaria No More and go here to make an online donation.

Link - Clay Aiken: Give the gift of growing up

Technorati Tags: Clay Aiken, UNICEF, Malaria No More

Clay Aiken Returns to Broadway Next Week!

2008-09-08T10:35:00.000-07:00

On September 19 Clay Aiken is returning to Broadway to reprise his role as Sir Robin on Spamalot. How exciting is that? He is perfect for that role. Everybody should try their best to see him again! Here is a video of news clips from when he was on the show earlier this year. You can see bits of him performing on stage.

Technorati Tags: Clay Aiken, SPAMALOT, Broadway

Help Clay Support UNICEF by Joining His Cause on Myspace

2008-09-02T21:41:00.000-07:00

There is a cool new gadget on Clay Aiken's Myspace page. It is an embedded application where you can join and donate to his "Cause" for UNICEF. Just go to his Myspace page, scroll down to the "Causes" section and click on the "Add this Cause to My Profile" button. You will be directed to install the application to your own Myspace page. After that you will be able to donate. Do it now!

Link: Clay Aiken Myspace

Technorati Tags: Clay Aiken, Myspace, UNICEF

Remembering When Clay Aiken Was On the MDA Telethon

2008-09-01T12:10:00.000-07:00

It is hard to believe that it has been five years since Clay Aiken performed on the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon. I remember how wonderful he sounded singing "Bridge Over Troubled Water" and how appreciative Jerry Lewis was for the $30,000 the fans raised for the telethon. Here is a video from that broadcast. I'm glad that Jerry is doing so much better now.

Technorati Tags: Clay Aiken, Jerry Lewis, MDA Telethon, Bridge Over Troubled Water

Ken Jenkins Talks About Clay Aiken

2008-08-30T07:38:00.000-07:00

Here is a blast from the past. This is an interview with Ken Jenkins from the show Scrubs. Clay Aiken played a part in one episode and here Mr. Jenkins talks about meeting Clay on the set and his impressions about him. Very nice.

Scrubs Ken Jenkins Interview About Clay Aiken via Noolmusic.com

Technorati Tags: Clay Aiken, Scrubs, Ken Jenkins

UNICEF Ambassadors: Devotion To A Cause

2008-08-28T11:05:00.001-07:00

Here are some quotes by celebrities about how they feel about being UNICEF Ambassadors.

Aiken said he felt obligated to help those in need.

"One of the most important responsibilities that you have if you're answering to the public is that you try to use that position in a way that serves the people you're trying to entertain," said Aiken. "I think you have a responsibility when you realize you have kids watching you. ... You can set an example to have kids doing drugs, or you can set an example to have kids helping their communities or their world."
Clay Aiken

"I believe deeply that children are more powerful than oil, more beautiful than rivers, more precious than any other natural resource a country can have," said Danny Kaye. "I feel that the most rewarding thing I have ever done in my life is to be associated with UNICEF."
Danny Kaye

I wanted to be an ambassador to UNICEF at a young age because for me, it was about (getting) my generation to hopefully propel the newer generation of humanitarianism. If I can inspire people my age and younger to want to make a difference -- either financially or supportively -- the children will eventually be our leaders.
Alyssa Milano

Technorati Tags: Clay Aiken, UNICEF, Danny Kaye, Alyssa Milano

Redefining Clay Aiken

2008-08-27T18:26:00.000-07:00

Five years ago, a skinny, bespectacled guy auditioned for American Idol. He was a college student studying to be a Special Education teacher. That should have told the world that he was something different, and it did. During his run on Idol, people saw many different things about Clay Aiken. Some saw a very naïve boy, sweet and very gentle. Others saw a child who needed their care. Many assigned traits and preferences to him without knowing anything about him other than the one dimensional character they saw twice a week for five months. Many defined his religious and political beliefs based on two minute interviews for the show, and then decided his beliefs where exactly like their own. Some people caught on to the fact that he had a biting sense of humor when they saw the Jaded Journalist interviews, while others missed that completely.

Over the last five years, bits and piece of the real Clay Aiken have become known, or as well as we can know someone from their public actions alone. The private Clay Aiken is still unknown to us, his fans, admirers, and detractors. Some people in all three of those groups have been busy assigning personality traits to him faster than the early fans did.

The early group of fans who believed that Clay was a naïve, childish little boy had a rude awakening when a picture of Clay and a certain make-up artist was found on her website. The picture would not have been enough to raise an eyebrow if it had been anyone else, but it was Clay, who was pure as the driven snow. In spite of the fact that he repeatedly told fans that he was no saint, people still screamed that he was not a Christian, not what they thought he was, and they couldn’t support such a guy, who by the way, was perfectly normal. Somehow, their religious beliefs had been transferred to Clay, and he had not lived up to the assignment for them.

The child that needed a million mothers to care for him disappeared when Clay walked onto the stage of the Jimmy Kimmel Show for the first time. He walked into hostile territory and held his own with them, and won the respect and friendship of Jimmy Kimmel. Some of those mothers were disappointed because he really didn’t need them to tuck him in bed at night in his footie pajamas. Young he was, but not a child.

Probably the most eye-opening look at the real Clay came during the tours that began in 2004. Here was the consummate entertainer, the comedian, a man with a bawdy sense of humor, no saint, but not dirty in any way. However, some took offence because this wasn’t suitable for Sunday church services. His quick wit and intelligence shown during the tours, and many people realized what a gem he is on stage, while others found room to criticize.

The latest group to jump off the fan bandwagon or onto the critical bandwagon, are the ones who planned his personal life for him, picked out his ideal wife, or in some really insane cases, boyfriend, planned his 1.9 children, and were all ready to see the Aiken’s live happily ever after. Clay did the unthinkable. He choose the mother of his child without any input from the public, he did not share with them that he was going to be a father, he did not tell them that he was planning to raise a child with “best friend” Jaymes Foster, and worst of all, he still hasn’t clarified his relationship with her! How could he do this to them!!!! Doesn’t he realize that he has shattered their dreams???

It is a shame that some people liked their one dimensional person so much better than the real Clay Aiken. Here is a man, not boy, not child, who has a great sense of humor, is a very good actor, is compassionate and caring of the worlds lost children, intelligent, well read, and highly respected by those in the industry who have worked with him, wonderful singer, who lives his life as his religious beliefs dictate. And there are some who don’t like this man, because he didn’t do it their way!

Written by tnmtmama

Technorati Tags: Clay Aiken

UNICEF and Celebrity Ambassadors

2008-08-27T11:06:00.001-07:00

While reporting about Clay Aiken's work with UNICEF, I started wondering how UNICEF started recruiting celebrities and what is expected from them. I found an article that related how it all came about:

Look to the stars
Lord David Puttnam

Just about every not-for-profit organisation these days enlists celebrity supports to advance its work but in 1953 it was an altogether different story. That was the year a chance encounter brought together Danny Kaye, at that time almost certainly the world's best loved entertainer, with Maurice Pate, Unicef's executive director. That meeting on a flight from London to New York nearly ended in tragedy when one of the plane's engines caught fire. As it turned back to seek safety by landing at Shannon, Pate talked to the nervous movie star about the issues facing Unicef in its work for the world's vulnerable children. One of the organisation's problems, he explained, was recognition. Danny suggested that if they got back to safety maybe he could help. This opportune meeting led to a new kind of partnership between celebrities and global causes and, for Unicef, its first ambassador.

With the Korean War drawing to a close, the besetting problem was with the thousands, maybe hundreds of thousands of refugees - many of them children, caught up in the conflict. Kaye organised a trip to north-east Asia, partly to entertain the US troops but also to see for himself what Unicef was doing to alleviate the tragedy. He stayed and became embroiled to a far greater extent than he could have imagined. Since then, this has become a familiar phenomenon and one that I certainly experienced myself.

There is a wonderful clip from the legendary Ed Murrow show in which he asks Kay, who has just returned from another protracted trip, why he, the world's highest paid performer, would put so much energy into his work for Unicef. After a long pause Kay replied that for all of his success, his work with Unicef had been the thing that made him feel best about himself. It allowed him, as he put it, to feel that his celebrity really could amount to something that mattered and change people's lives. I've heard Roger Moore, Peter Ustinov and any number of others say much the same thing. [...]

[...]Whilst some may question the benefit of using celebrities, it's clear that if (and it's sometimes a big 'if') you harness the right people to the right cause, the benefits to both can be enormous. And media coverage is simply the visible tip of the iceberg. If you look beyond this you'll discover that there is a great deal more to their involvement.

[...]For nearly five years, I've worked with our ambassadors and am constantly astonished by the amount of work they put in well away from the public view. Many are donors in their own right, or started out as a committed donor before they became an ambassador. I've watched as they've helped cement a crucial corporate relationship by speaking at staff events or engaging with CEOs in the boardroom. Or they quietly hold meetings with potential donors or write letters to trusts that deliver some remarkable results. ...

At Unicef we are fortunate in that our ambassadors do not need more column inches. Indeed, the term 'celebrity' is neither helpful nor accurate as our ambassadors such as Lord Deedes and Andrew O'Hagan go well beyond the celebrity stereotype. I'm fortunate in having had the chance to see their passion and commitment, taking on sometimes daunting challenges along with a myriad of expectations we place upon them. What's most interesting is that it is our ambassadors and supporters who at times challenge us to be bolder in our ambitions.

Just as Danny Kay discovered over 50 years ago, they know it's not about them, it's about what they can do to help children and that in doing so they and their families can feel a little safer and better about their place in the world.

Technorati Tags: Clay Aiken, UNICEF, Danny Kaye, Lord David Puttnam

Clay in Afghanistan: NBC Interview

2008-08-26T10:35:00.000-07:00

In April 2007 Clay Aiken, in his capacity as a UNICEF Ambassador, traveled to Afghanistan to observe UNICEF's educational programs. I found an online interview conducted by Dan Fleschner before Clay sat down with Al Roker, David Gregory and Dr. Nancy Snyderman on the Today Show. Here is the interview and the video of Clay's TV interview:

Q: When did you get back from Afghanistan, how long were you there and what were you doing?

Clay Aiken: I got back on Wednesday, and I was there for about two weeks. It was a really eye-opening experience and was interesting because a lot of stereotypes were broken down for me. The people there were wonderfully nice, and the country was really beautiful and peaceful. It was a little surprising because of all the news we hear from over there.

[Clay sees a video clip of President Bush dancing with a Senegalese dance troupe in the Rose Garden on Wednesday]

What in the world is he doing? Please, be joking.

[He regains his train of thought.]

I was observing programs run by UNICEF, observing schools where women are getting an education, often for the first time in their lives.

Q: Why were you particularly attracted to this trip?

CA: I used to be a teacher. I was a special-ed teacher in North Carolina, so there was some synergy there.

Q: You're familiar with our "Where in the World is Matt Lauer" series, which begins on Monday. What's the most interesting place you've been to, and where would you like to go that you haven't been to before?

CA: Well, definitely Afghanistan was the most interesting place. Not just because it was exotic and dangerous, to some degree, but also because it is so beautiful and peaceful. It's the third country I've been to with UNICEF -- I had previously been to Uganda and Indonesia. But I had never been to a place that beautiful and peaceful.

As for a place I'd like to go...I'd like to go to Zanzibar. I imagine it's beautiful, and it makes me sound smart to say I know where it is.

Q: Apparently there's a version of "American Idol" in Afghanistan -- did you see it?

CA: It's called "Afghan Star," and I didn't get to see it.

Q: Have you been able to follow the current season of "American Idol"?

CA: I haven't seen any of it.

Q: Have you heard anything about Sanjaya and his performances?

CA: We were actually in India when everything was happening with him, and people over there were talking about it.

Q: The big entertainment news today is that Rosie O'Donnell is leaving "The View" in June. Any reaction?

CA: Good for her. Do what you want to do. But she will be missed on that show. But I'm sure she'll do something just as big and fantastical -- if that's a word -- as she did when she was on "The View."

Q: What's next for you?

CA: I have a tour coming up this summer. It starts July 4 in Dallas, and tickets are on sale now.

Recommended Blog Reading:
Will Stand For Clay: Great Clay Aiken Performances Part II
All That Is Clay Aiken: Clay Aiken - On His Way Here - Part 1
Clay Aiken Truth: Clay Aiken and the World According To Mr. Rogers
Clayopedia: Clay Aiken - The Hardest Working Man in Show Business
Chexxxy's Pearls: A Glimpse of Clay Aiken's Son

Technorati Tags:
Clay Aiken, UNICEF, Afghanistan, Dan Fleschner, David Gregory

Clay Aiken: UNICEF Ambassador

2008-08-25T16:18:00.000-07:00

emerson032 produced a very nice montage featuring Clay Aiken's work with UNICEF. Here is her video, set to Clay Aiken singing "It's In Every One Of Us" and excerpts from her post detailing Clay's history with UNICEF.

[...]In 2003, Clay Aiken appeared on the show American Idol. While on the show, Clay said that he wanted to use the platform he had gained from his American Idol status to make a difference in the lives of the world's most vulnerable children. Aside from starting a foundation (The Bubel/Aiken Foundation) for the inclusion of children with disabilities into summer camp settings with children without disabilities - a program which is now nationally recognized and has resulted in many summer programs.

UNICEF noticed much of the charitable work that Clay was involving himself in. They named him a UNICEF Ambassador in 2004. His first trip for UNICEF, in 2005, was to the tsunami-devastated region of Banda Aceh in Indonesia. He followed up this trip by doing public service announcements in support of Southeast Asia tsunami relief efforts and appearing on behalf of UNICEF before the Subcommittee on Foreign Operations, Export Financing and Related Programs of the Committee on Appropriations, United States House of Representatives.

In May of 2005, Clay traveled to Northern Uganda to witness the phenomenon of "night commuters," children who trek from the countryside into slightly more secure towns and UNICEF-supported shelters every night to avoid being abducted by the Lord's Resistance Army. In 2005, Clay was appointed national spokesperson for the 55th annual Trick-or-Treat UNICEF campaign to help raise funds for the world's most vulnerable children, including the young victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Moved by the plight of the children caught in the July 2006 Middle East conflict, Clay encouraged his fans to support UNICEF's relief work in Lebanon. In days, he had raised over $70,000 to help provide lifesaving medicines and other emergency supplies for children in need.

In November 2006, Clay lit the UNICEF Snowflake for the 2006 holiday season. The UNICEF Snowflake is a dazzling crystal ornament which graces the intersection of Fifth Avenue and 57th Street in New York City during the holiday season as a beacon of hope, peace and compassion for vulnerable children around the world.

In January 2007, Clay launched UNICEF UpClose, an awareness-building campaign powered by Yahoo as a means to increase involvement of others in helping UNICEF work for the survival of children worldwide. In April of 2007, Clay visited worn-torn Afghanistan and launched the "$100,000 in 10 Days" campaign to support UNICEF's lifesaving programs in that country. He even grew a beard and dressed in local garb out of respect to those in the villages he visited. Ultimately, he learned that the beard wasn't necessary, but, the visit turned out to be an extremely valuable lesson for him about the complexities of the situation in the Middle East.

After finishing a Christmas Tour in the US, and weeks before starting up in a major, first-time role on Broadway in the play Spamalot, Clay went on yet another trip for UNICEF. He spent Christmas in flood-ravaged communities in Mexico. He felt if UNICEF wasn't getting a break for Christmas, he shouldn't either. Then, after spending 4 months on Broadway, doing 8 shows a week and working on a new CD during the day, Clay traveled in early July (2008) to visit with the children in war-torn areas of Somalia and to schools in Kenya.[...]

Technorati Tags:
Clay Aiken, UNICEF, video, American Idol

"On My Way Here" featured on the Korean Album "Super Hero"

2008-08-24T14:59:00.000-07:00

Looks like Sony BMG released a compilation album in Korea that features Clay's song "On May Way Here" for use with the Korean Olympic team. A translation of the ad for the album says:

The multinational music label Sony BMG and MBC jointly released the album 'Super Hero' to give tribute to Korean players and to wish their best performances on the Olympics.

19 famous pop stars including American Idol season 2 runner-up Clay Aiken, 2007 Grammy winner John Mayer, Scorpions, Alan Parsons Project, Backstreet Boys gave their songs to 'Super Hero' album wishing luck to the Korean team for participating in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Sony/BMG executives said, "In order to find appropriate songs for the Olympics, we have gotten recommendations for songs from online users who love pop and executives from major label under Sony/BMG around the world for a long time. In that process, 19 famous artists allowed their songs to be featured in this album" explaining how the songs were put together for the album. He added "Therefore, this album is meaningful as artists from all around the world tribute their songs for Korean team. There are many excellent pieces in the album so I dare say that this is the best compilation album yet."

In this 'Super Hero' album, Clay Aiken's 'On My Way Here', already used in the promo for MBC Olympics broadcasting, BSB's "Something that I already know', John Mayer's 'Say', Scorpions' 'The game of life', Alan Parsons Project's 'Sirius' are included.

And here is the video that was included in the ad:

Here is a website where you can order the compilation album "Super Hero":

YesAsia
In commemoration of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, MBC Sports presents a special collection of songs to celebrate milestone moments and victories. Super Hero contains a total of 19 inspirational tracks that befit the ceremonial occasion such as Clay Aiken's On My Way Here, Krystal Meyers's Make Some Noise, Mario Frangoulis's Here's To The Heros, Donna Summer's Stamp Your Feet, Scorpions's The Game Of Life, Sarah McLachlan's Angel, John Mayer's Say, plus many more. An alluring musical extravaganza, Super Hero will let you relive the moments of jubilation as some of your favorite athletes set out to make history in the world of sports.

Go to YesAsia website and order. On the page where you complete your name and address, etc. there will be a "Shipping to United States or Canada?" question. Click that and it takes you to a page where you can "fly cart to US". click on that and it will take you to yes.com North America where you can complete your order. The CD is $17.99 plus $3.99 shipping to the US. They even take Paypal.

Technorati Tags:
Clay Aiken, On My Way Here, Super Hero, Korea, Olympics

Videos From Korea Using "On My Way Here" by Clay Aiken

2008-08-23T17:14:00.000-07:00

I found a few more videos from Korea that used Clay Aiken's song "On My Way Here." Just click on the filename of the video in the box below and you will be able to watch the video. I'm not sure what the first video is about (a news broadcast maybe?) but the other two are broadcasts for the Olympics. Enjoy!

Get your own Box.net widget and share anywhere!

Technorati Tags:
Clay Aiken, On My Way Here, Korea, Olympics, video

Korean Olympic Broadcasts Feature Clay Aiken's "On My Way Here"

2008-08-22T14:46:00.000-07:00

This is really cool. Clay Aiken's song "On My Way Here" has been featured on broadcasts for the Korean Olympic athletes. Here is a translation of a Korean article in the Joonang Daily:

Olympic BGM focus on "Challenge rather than victory" - Songs welcomed by broadcasts and commercials
When Park Tae-hwan receive the gold medal after he won the Beijing Olympics male 400m swimming, there was a song which made the touching moment more special. It is Clay Aiken's ballads "On My Way Here." As the part "I've seen the best, I've seen the worst... Faith has conquered fear" fits with Park's story, it created a sensation.

The song, which was played on MBC's Olympics broadcast, got huge attention right after it went on the air, many internet users asking the name of the song. It is now very popular as bgm of mini homepage [similar to myspace, facebook].

It's unusual that ballads song is used at the moment of victory in sports games. Queen's "We Are The Champions", Koreana's "To The Victory", Cho Soomi's "O Korea" have been used frequently, but they are not played that much this year's Olympics. Instead, pop songs of which lyrics are about doing their best to achieve their goals without giving up are being played. Now, it is focused more about making efforts to realize their dream than just about winning the game. [...]

Kang Jae-duck, the music director of TV commercial, said "Previously, the music of sports broadcasts and commercials focused on the melody but this time, songs for Olympics seem to be chosen based on lyrics or message the songs contain," he added "It has to do with the change of perception that players' efforts are more important than the colors of the medal."

It means that lasting touching emotion becomes more important than temporary excitement. [...]

"Contains the message that the more you experience the hard times, the more you grow up." Aiken, who sang Park Tae-hwan's Gold Medal Song "On My Way Here"
Clay Aiken (30) is the star for American Idol season 2. Although he was the runner-up of the TV show, his debut album "Measure of a Man" went #1 on Billboard chart, which made him called "Winner-like Runner-up". He planned to become special-ed teacher, the appearance on the Idol has changed his life.

As a sincere Christian, he is also active in his role of the Unicef ambassador. His fourth album released on May "On My Way Here" gets popular. We had an interview with him on the telephone.

-"On My Way Here" get a lot of attention
"All the people you meet and all the things you experience makes who you are. This song contains the message that you learn from experiences and become wiser person. I believe that the more you go through hardships, the more you become the better person."

-There are many people who are unhappy about the color of medals. Have you ever felt unhappy about being runner-up?
"What I learned from American Idol is that the ranking doesn't matter. Whether you finished as the winner or 12th, you can get rewards as much as you make efforts. Of course, you get many things when you win but it is up to the individual keeping them. I think my life would have not been different if I had won."

-Any advice for contestants of star searching TV shows?
"Be yourself. People will try to change you as they want from appearance, character to musical tastes. Don't sway and keep focusing on what you want."

-I heard that you established the charity foundation naming after Michael Bubel, the kid you take care of before Idol.
"Now Michael became grown-up young man. I learned a lot teaching Michael. Also I realized that it takes a lot of patience to become a teacher."

And here is a video:
Park Tae-hawn wins the first Korean, swimming Gold Medal

Technorati Tags:
Clay Aiken, Olympics, On My Way Here, Korea, Park Tae-Hwan

Roger Friedman Gets It Wrong... Again

2008-08-21T07:43:00.000-07:00

Maybe Roger needs to go back to journalism school. Did he even go to school? Because his research and reporting skills are seriously lacking.

This time he has written an article claiming that Jaymes Foster is only a surrogate to her and Clay's baby. First, let us do a little research. Let's look up the meaning of "surrogate". According to Wikipedia:

Surrogacy is a method of reproduction whereby a woman agrees to become pregnant for the purpose of gestating and giving birth to a child she will not raise but hand over to a contracted party.

Now, according to every single report about this pregnancy, Jaymes and Clay are going to be raising little Parker together. No where has it ever been said that she will be handing this child over to Clay and relinquishing her rights as a parent. Therefore, she is not a surrogate.

Doh.

Technorati Tags:
Roger Friedman, Clay Aiken, Jaymes Foster, surrogate

Who Is Jaymes Foster?

2008-08-18T09:35:00.000-07:00

I was reading the article "Jaymes is a Girl . . ." by the blog BaldFaceTruth and I had to laugh at the idea that some supremely unobservant people would think otherwise. But it's true. Some people apparently are a little confused. So, for the record, yes -- Colleen Jaymes Foster is really a girl. Here is some biographical information:

Now with over 20 years of experience working in the music industry, Jaymes began her career as a music publisher working for such music legends as Quincy Jones, David Geffen, 20th Century Fox in an creative executive capacity. She moved on to work beside her brother David Foster doing A&R for his Warner Brothers label, 143 Records working on multi-platinum hit artists The Corrs, plus ONE, Josh Groban, Michael Bublé, and Renee Olstead. Additionally, Jaymes Executive Produced the soundtrack to the film "Message In A Bottle." She also was an on air Judge for 2 seasons of the US WB Network reality television show, Popstars, which discovered the platinum group Eden's Crush. Group member Nicole from Eden's Crush went on to become the lead singer of the multi-platinum artist The Pussycat Dolls. She is a previous Alternate Trustee for NARAS (The Grammys) and has served on the Television Committee for the CBS Grammy Awards 3 times. Jaymes has also stood on the Los Angeles Board of Governors. Her time is now spent producing projects for Peak Productions, a company she founded. Jaymes' first project for Peak was as Executive Producer for Clay Aiken's recently released CD , "A Thousand Different Ways," which just entered the Billboard album chart at #2. Next Executive Produced project to be released is Bianca Ryan who won the NBC Show, "America's Got Talent."

And as we know, she is also the executive producer of Clay's Christmas EP All Is Well and his newest album On My Way Here.

Technorati Tags: Clay Aiken, Jaymes Foster

Clay Aiken Fans Rejoice Over the Baby News!

2008-08-10T16:01:00.000-07:00

The news about Clay Aiken becoming a father has brought great joy to the fans in general. But like anywhere else, there are always a variety of opinions about any subject regardless of what it is. However, it has been nice to see that the majority of fans are happy for Clay because they know that he is experiencing great joy. What can be more joyful than the blessing of a new child born to parents who will love and cherish him dearly?

It is interesting that there are a couple of blogs out there that have taken the posts of a few malcontents and deliberately presented them in a way that totally misrepresents the fans as a group. Here is a sampling of posts that are much more representative of how the majority of fans feel about the baby news:

Rockabye sweet baby Parker.

This---was a good day. Every now and then, not often, there comes a day that just seems...right. A day that is warm, happy, and full of love and a bit of magic. If a hug were a day, it would be this one.

A Perfect Day is when a new life arrives.

Blessings to Clay, Jaymes, Parker and their families. I'm honored to have shared in just a bit of their joy. --Brightstar

Tonight Clay sleeps with a full heart, sharing a deep connection to Jaymes, who gave him a son today. Somewhere close by is a dark-haired, freckled face boy with big feet, strong lungs and a couple of parents who will love him for all that it's worth.

Clay, for five years, I've been blessed to support you as you make the most of your time, and now you have a family who will love you more than I ever could.

But I will always feel blessed in my own small way to have loved you... and I mean it. --berkeley

Awwww! Welcome Parker! Happy 1st Day on Earth Birthday!!!

I am so happy for Clay, little Parker, Jaymes, and the whole family. It's wonderful news that the baby is healthy and all are doing well. --DolcePienza

And here is a lovely video tribute a fan made to celebrate Parker's birth:

That, my friends, is how the vast majority of fans feel about the birth of Parker Foster Aiken. May he have a life full of joy and love. And may he always appreciate the truly special people he has for parents.

Technorati Tags: Clay Aiken, Jaymes Foster, Parker Foster Aiken, baby, fans

Clay Aiken is a Father!

2008-08-08T13:09:00.000-07:00

The baby is here! Congratulations Clay and Jaymes!!

'American Idol' crooner Clay Aiken now a father
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Former "American Idol" runner-up Clay Aiken is a father.

The 29-year-old crooner from Raleigh announced the birth of Parker Foster Aiken on his Web site's blog Friday.

"No hyphens. One first name," he wrote. "One middle name. One last name."

Aiken's mother, Faye, told Raleigh TV station WRAL the child was born in North Carolina.

Aiken was a favorite of fans during the second season of "American Idol," where he finished second to Ruben Studdard. His album "Measure of a Man" went double platinum in 2003, and he made his Broadway debut this spring in "Monty Python's Spamalot."

The baby's mother is Jaymes Foster, Aiken's friend and record producer whom he met while performing on "American Idol." Their son was born at 8:08 a.m. Friday, and weighed 6 pounds 2 ounces and was 19 inches long, according to the statement on the Web site.

"The little man is healthy, happy, and as loud as his daddy," Aiken wrote. "Mama Jaymes is doing quite well also."

Technorati Tags:
Clay Aiken, Jaymes Foster, baby, birth

Chexxxy?

2008-07-27T21:38:00.000-07:00

Hmm. Another subject of interest only to some Clay Aiken fans, but apparently a hot topic in certain circles. Anyways, if you wonder just who the heck is Chexxxy and what the truth is about her, then I highly recommend you visit Chexxxy411 for the real scoop.

Technorati Tags:
Clay Aiken, Chexxxy

Reflections on Being a Fan - Redux

2008-07-25T11:40:00.000-07:00

Last year I posted a blog about my reflections on being a fan. Unfortunately, not a whole lot has changed. There are still some very bitter and vindictive "fans" out there who just don't get it. They are spending an awful lot of time and effort on attacking others rather than trying to understand why others have issues with them. But then again, there are none so blind as those who will not see. Anyways, I think I will repost my original post, with a few modifications, as my feelings about it all are still the same:

I'm feeling particularly reflective tonight about being a fan and participating with the online fan community. I'm sure the subject will be of little interest outside of my fellow fans (and maybe not even them), but I feel a need to articulate some thoughts at this time.

Five years ago I saw this guy on my TV:

And it was like love at first sight. I was totally captivated by the gorgeous voice by a geeky guy with the cutest smile. By the time I saw him perform "Open Arms", I had to find out more about him and started searching the internet for information.

And boy howdy, people were talking. The first board I came across was a thread on the Survivor Sucks forum. As much as I enjoy humor, they were a bit too rough for me. So, I continued searching and found a number of boards, but eventually found myself spending most of my time on a thread in the Television Without Pity forums. I liked the linear thread format and there were some very witty and interesting people there, but there were elements there similar to Survivor Sucks that I wasn't too thrilled with and was starting to look around again for another board to spend most of my time on. But then the group on TWoP moved to their own board, The Clackhouse, and I followed them and pretty much made my home there, though I did spend time on a few other boards like Red Hot Topic. RHT had some good elements, but then things kind of blew up and a particular group that enjoyed talking about the music business and radio charts moved on to their own forum and formed Clayversity.

With a community consisting of thousands of people, there are bound to be differences of opinion because of different philosophies, backgrounds and personalities. For the most part, though, we get along even though there are bound to be conflicts from time to time. Right now I have been feeling a bit disappointed with certain elements of the fan community that I have been a part of for years. Even though I appreciate differences of opinion, I do have issues with people whose negativity is expressed in an abusive and judgmental way. It upsets the other fans and causes unnecessary friction as most fans are fans because they actually like the person they are a fan of and naturally are protective when they feel that person is being unfairly attacked. I have a hard time comprehending it when the administrators of a large board will pander to a few chronically negative and abusive members at the expense of losing a larger number of sensible and reasonable fans. I'm afraid that is what is happening to Clayversity and the Clackhouse. I personally have read posts of many former regular members of both sites who have left for that reason alone.

One of the results of their insensitivity to this group of fans (among other reasons) is the creation of yet another board, Chexxxy's Place. In of itself, that is not such a big deal. Just as Clayversity was an offshoot of a conflict on RHT and the Clackhouse was created when the thread was kicked off of TWoP... people move on to a board that meets a need that they were not getting somewhere else. And that doesn't necessarily mean that they don't still love their home board or that they are leaving it... just that they want to discuss issues with others that they can't address elsewhere. Unfortunately, a few people took exception to the new board and now have unfairly villified and demonized Chexxxy because of it. This disappoints me because I had held them in high regard and now they have revealed themselves to be petty and vindictive. Quite disillusioning actually.

It is ironic that Chexxxy has been accused of being the "fan police" when she is actually the opposite. She provided a forum where those who had been "policed" into silence on other boards could express their concerns.

Anyone following what has been going on in the Clay Aiken fan community knows that Chexxxy recently brought to light that certain well known and respected fans have been conned by someone impersonating Clay. The sad part is, despite one of the scammers being confronted by Clay himself, they continue to cling to their fantasy connection with this fake. Maybe it is because they cannot face the thought that they have been bamboozled or the fact that they don't really have that close connection after all. That is indeed unfortunate, but an even greater problem is that the fake has convinced them that Clay is a seriously disturbed and unbalanced individual. I suppose that caters to their desire to be needed by him, but it certainly does Clay a great disservice. They are not the first group of fans who seem to have a great need to mold Clay to someone or something that he is not... but no matter how much they want it, he cannot be what he isn't. So they are ultimately bound to be disappointed or hurt when he can't fulfill this fantasy. This is sad because they are being used by an unscrupulous individual who is playing on their emotions. Revealing deep personal feelings to this person. A scary thought indeed. I can only hope that they come to their senses soon.

I would of never thought when I first started searching for information on Clay that I would be so involved in this messy yet wonderful community of people. For all the issues and negativity I have witnessed, I have also met and interacted with many wonderful, intelligent, articulate, generous and fun people. For that I will always be thankful.

And Chexxxy, thank you for your insights and hard work. You have done a great service for many even though there are certain factions in the community who have treated you unfairly. It is too bad that some cannot see past their own prejudices and agendas to understand that you were only standing up for those who were in distress over a number of issues in the fandom that were being swept under the rug.

Technorati Tags: Clay Aiken, fans

Clay Aiken Visits Kenya

2008-07-22T18:19:00.000-07:00

After his visit to Somalia, Clay Aiken traveled to Eldoret, in Kenya’s Rift Valley, to visit camps for internally displaced people. Here is an excerpt from the blog he posted about his trip. You can read the full blog along with pictures from the trip on the UNICEF Field Notes blog.

Clay Aiken calls for Kenya's kids to return to school
In early July, after visiting Somalia, I traveled to Eldoret, in Kenya’s Rift Valley, to visit camps for internally displaced people. This is where some of the worst violence took place following the Kenya elections in early 2008. Thousands of children were made homeless by the unrest.

Everywhere we went, there were the charcoaled remains of homes, schools and shops. We drove for hours and everywhere we went, we saw people trying to get their lives restored.

Although many schools were re-opened, far fewer children are turning up for class than before. And classes are taking place in schools that have been completely destroyed. I saw children sitting on rocks and bricks—which used to make up the foundations and roofs of their schools—using them now as desks and chairs....read more here.

If there is one thing that Clay Aiken fans admire most about Clay, it is his courage and commitment in going on these trips for UNICEF. He is a man of integrity. The blogosphere is abuzz about the trip. Here is a list of other blogs talking about it:

There Was A Man
Clay Aiken News
Snarky4Clay
The Clay Factory

Technorati Tags:
Clay Aiken, UNICEF, Kenya, blog

Clay Blogs "Keep Spreading the Word"

2008-07-15T21:21:00.000-07:00

New blog from Clay Aiken! The title for this one is "Somalia: Keep spreading the word."

Here are some excerpts:

For children in Somalia, the situation is dire. But, it's just amazing to me that UNICEF is still able to make a difference in children’s lives in one of the most dangerous places on earth.

For instance, while I was in northwest Somalia—where 45 percent of the population are children and women—I observed how UNICEF improves water, sanitation and hygiene conditions for everyone in the region. One of the ways they do this is by drilling "borewells" so that clean drinking water is easily accessible and readily available. Without these borewells, children would have to walk hours to fetch water instead of going to school and getting an education.

After describing some more of the work UNICEF is doing in Somalia, he says:

Educating children is much easier when teachers are trained and school facilities exist. And, providing healthcare is more easily done when aid workers do not have to worry about their security. I applaud UNICEF for doing whatever it takes to make sure children get the healthcare and education they deserve, even in Somalia.

And, I applaud you too. Since my previous blog post, you have donated over $50,000 for children Somalia. On behalf of these children, I can't thank you enough. But I also challenge you to not stop now... encourage your friends and family as well. Ask them to learn more about UNICEF's work in Somalia and around the world, and cheer them on to help out too!

Be sure to go read the whole blog. There is another heart-warming picture there also.

Link: Somalia: Keep spreading the word

As a reminder, I would like to refer back to the article on ABC News called "Paris to Rwanda: Socialite Becomes Latest Star Hitched to Charity." This informative article gave some very pertinent information about what it takes to be a UNICEF ambassador.

How Do Celebrities Get Involved?
It's not easy to be selected as a Unicef ambassador. The group sets high standards for celebrities to live up to.

"In terms of becoming an ambassador, it's definitely a process," said Szarkowski. "We like to work with people who are committed to the cause and the mission and to align themselves with us for the long term."
Aiken made the cut when he was named a Unicef ambassador in 2004. The organization approached Aiken after hearing of his involvement with his own charity, the Bubel/Aiken foundation that helps young people with special needs.[...]

Preparing for a Trip
Despite some common misconceptions, celebrity representatives don't just jet set off for a photo-op; they prepare for months before taking a trip.

"We prepare them pretty well," said Szarkowski. "People don't become ambassadors or supporters of ours unless they go through a process of learning about us and engaging with us."

Celebrities sit through classes to learn about Unicef and all the various issues that threaten children's survival around the world.

"We study as much as we possibly can before we go," said Aiken. "And I study after I go, because I want to be an expert on it. I think it's a disservice to the country you're going to and the children you're trying to help if you don't know what's going on and can't speak knowledgably about your experience.'

Aiken said the preparation is necessary in order to meet with health ministers and other officials on these trips.

"It wouldn't behoove anyone if we just went in to take pictures and came back," said Aiken. "The goal of all these visits and the reason we sit through extremely long sessions sometimes is so when we come back we know what we're talking about."

What Really Happens on Field Visits
[...]In her eight years at Unicef, she said she's never had a celebrity refuse to go where they were asked to go. And the places they're asked to go certainly don't come with luxe accommodations.

"It's usually a tent somewhere.That's our standard accommodation," said Szarkowski.

Aiken and others pay their own way when they travel on behalf of Unicef. However, once they reach their destination, they don't have the need for many expenses. Most nights they're sleeping in tents on the ground.

In addition to the bare bones travel accommodations, celebrities must cope with extremely dangerous situations. In order to avoid conflict, Prendergast said every minute detail of the trip must be mapped out.

"These trips have to be planned very well to ensure maximum impact and security," said Prendergast.

More blogs you should visit:
Carolina On My Mind: Aiken Fans 'Use Their Voice'
The ConCLAYve: UNICEF, Clay Aiken and Somalia's Children
All That Is Clay Aiken: Clay Fans Using Their Voice in SC

Technorati Tags: Clay Aiken, UNICEF, Somalia, blog

Clay Blogs "Where is the outrage?"

2008-07-09T23:10:00.000-07:00

Having just returned from his recent visit to Somalia, Clay has blogged his first report -- and he is obviously very moved by what he saw there.

Somalia: Where is the outrage?
I recently returned from a UNICEF field visit that took me to northwest Somalia. What I saw there was both amazing and heartbreaking. In many ways, the children I was able to meet are doing better than their counterparts in the rest of Somalia. But in other respects, the situation there is still quite serious.

He goes on to describe just how desperate the situation is there and what kind of work UNICEF has been doing to help alleviate some of the suffering. The situation truly is dire.

One of the most incredible things I learned on my trip is that there are only 350 doctors left in the entire country, mostly because of the violence and insecurity. And many of these doctors are older than the average life expectancy in Somalia, which is only 45. I can't help but wonder, what is going to happen in a couple of years when there are no more doctors? What will happen to the children who struggle to survive?

Be sure to visit his blog to read the entire report. And you will want to keep checking back as the blog states that this is only the first in a series of blog posts he will write about his experience.

Link -- Somalia: Where is the Outrage?

You should also visit The ConCLAYve blog for more discussion about Clay's blog as well as additional information about Somalia.

Other blogs covering this story too:
Carolina On My Mind
There Was A Man
Chexxxy's Pearls

Technorati Tags:
Clay Aiken, UNICEF, Somalia, blog

The Survival Project Video Montage

2008-07-08T19:38:00.000-07:00

Here is a very well done video montage based on clips from the CNN special The Survival Project: One Child at a Time and UNICEF. The music used in this video is "Grace of God" by Clay Aiken from his new album "On My Way Here."

Grace Of God
Written by Mads Hauge and Don Mescall

Some folks always get the rough ride
Seem to end up on the wrong side
Constant battle just to survive
On any given day

Watched a mother on my TV
Hungry children that she can't feed
Still I've got everything that I need
And that just don't seem right
That I sleep safe tonight

CHORUS
There's gotta be some rhyme or reason why
We turn away and we close our eyes
Wish I could find some way that we could justify
All of this suffering
There but for the grace of God go I

Everyday it makes the headlines
Someone's struggling for their lives
Feels like I'm watching from the sidelines
Where nothing ever changed
Just the truth go rearranged

CHORUS

Sometimes it's hard to believe
In truth that we can't even see
But faith holds the hope for the world
And I know
I know

CHORUS

So when I'm thinking it's a bad day
Feels like nothing's going my way
I pass a wreck out on the freeway
And pray they survived

There but for the grace of God go I

Technorati Tags: Clay Aiken, Grace of God, lyrics, UNICEF, CNN, video

Clay on CNN

2008-07-05T23:38:00.000-07:00

Be sure to watch the CNN special The Survival Project: One Child at a Time. This special will be anchored by Dr. Sanjay Gupta and will focus on healthcare, education, water sanitation and protection from violence for children. A number of UNICEF ambassadors will be participating.

Clay Aiken, along with Dayle Haddon, Joel Madden, Ne-Yo, Nicole Ritchie, Al Roker, Marcus Samuelsson and Amare Stoudemire will be appearing in special video diaries of their volunteer experiences.

The special will be broadcast on both CNN and CNN International on Sunday, July 6, at 8 p.m. and replayed at 11 p.m. and 2 a.m. (all times Eastern).

Technorati Tags:
Clay Aiken, UNICEF, CNN

Clay's Visit to Somalia

2008-07-02T22:05:00.000-07:00

In the new article posted on UNICEF's website, Clay talks about how moved he was by the work UNICEF has been doing under challenging circumstances.

“In a country that’s better known for conflict, insecurity, drought and floods,” said Mr. Aiken, “it’s truly remarkable that UNICEF is still able to make a difference to the health, education and well-being of Somali children.”

In his travels to Hargeisa, Gabiley and Boroma -- Clay was able to observe firsthand UNICEF's projects for promoting child health, safe water, sanitation and hygiene, primary education, child protection and girls' empowerment.

“Here, girls are able to learn about leadership and health, acquire life skills and play sports within a safe environment,” he said. “Even the youngest girls that I’ve met at SOCSA impressed me with how confident and articulate they are as a result of this project.”

Be sure to go to the article on the UNICEF website to read the entire report.

Link: UNICEF USA Ambassador Clay Aiken visits Somalia

The blog Simple Respect has a wonderful video montage of Clay in his capacity as UNICEF ambassador set to his song "As Long As We're Here."

Other blogs that are talking about Clay's visit to Somalia:
The ConCLAYve
Clay Aiken News
Clay's Daily Double
Chexxxy's Pearls

Technorati Tags: Clay Aiken, UNICEF, Somalia

Clay Aiken Goes to Somalia

2008-06-25T14:27:00.000-07:00

News reports are showing up that Clay has been on a UNICEF mission to Somalia. Here is the article:

Clay Aiken appeals for world attention on Somalia
By Guled Mohamed
Wed Jun 25, 1:27 PM ET

HARGEISA, Somalia (Reuters Life!) - Clay Aiken appealed on Wednesday for the world not to forget Somalia, where conflict and hunger have created one of the world's worst humanitarian crises.

Aiken said U.S. and international interest in Somalia had been minimal since failed military intervention in the early 1990s.

"There hasn't been much discussion of Somalia since the early 1990s in the U.S.," said Aiken, a U.N. goodwill ambassador, on a visit to Somalia. "The American population kind of got a bad taste of Somalia in the early 90's and hasn't really had much interest in the country since."

[...]

"It's the most dangerous place for a child to be," Aiken said. "In the lower part of the country, southern part, I feel it's a more desperate situation than any place we've ever been."

Aiken, 29, who was traveling on behalf of U.N. children's agency UNICEF, was in Somaliland, a relatively peaceful northern enclave of Somalia that has declared itself independent but not been recognized internationally.

[...]

"In Somaliland, you really do have a sense of people who really want to help themselves, who want to do better, who want to effect change for themselves, that is very hopeful," he said.

Somaliland authorities hope a high-profile visit like Aiken's may bolster their case for world acceptance of their separation from Somalia.

For 12-year-old, Ubah Mohamed, her wants were simpler.

"I understand he is famous. I hope he will give us food and build a school for us," she said, near to a refugee camp.

(For full Reuters Africa coverage and to have your say on the top issues, visit: http://africa.reuters.com/ ) (Editing by Matthew Jones)

Technorati Tags:
Clay Aiken, Somalia, UNICEF

Roger Friedman is a Creep

2008-06-15T00:00:00.000-07:00

A creep and a jerk. I just read his article about Clay and Jaymes Foster having a baby and I'm seeing red. How incredibly rude. I haven't blogged about the news yet because there really hasn't been any confirmation about it. But regardless, I do have an opinion about some of the reactions by the media.

TMZ leads the pack by actually reporting such highly personal and private information and putting their own nasty, salacious slant to what should be a happy event. Not cool. The fact that private medical information was given to a tabloid is highly objectionable and illegal. And I object to this on general principles too. I was horrified that they did the same thing to Britney Spears and I'm not a fan. Everyone has a moral, ethical and legal right to medical privacy.

But Roger takes the cake by not only being creepy and nasty about it, but also a lousy reporter who gets the facts wrong. Sorry Roger, but Jaymes' first name is not Eileen and her father's name was not James. And honestly, if a mere blogger like myself can find out basic information like that, what does that say for your skills as a professional reporter?

And really -- her name, its possible origins and her standing in the music industry really have no bearing on her fitness as a mother. I really fail to see what bearing any of that misinformation has on the story.

And while I'm at it, I'm totally flummoxed by the amount of hate there is for Clay by so many in the media. What has he ever done to deserve it? He leads a quiet personal life. He doesn't party, get drunk or arrested. He works hard at his job, runs a Foundation devoted to helping disabled children and is a highly respected ambassador for UNICEF. Instead of the respect he deserves, many feel that he is only worthy of mockery and bullying.

Honestly, though, this really reflects more on them than it does Clay. Their relentless bashing of a decent human being only shows that they have a damaged and dark soul with no real humanity.

Technorati Tags: Clay Aiken, Roger Friedman, Jaymes Foster

Steely Dan and Clay Aiken

2008-05-24T15:53:00.000-07:00

When watching the video below, did you ever wonder who those musicians are who are working with Clay and Kipper in the studio?

From the CD liner notes we find out that some of the musicians on the CD are:

Drums: Keith Carlock
Bass: Freddie Washington
Guitar: Jon Herington
Piano, Organ, vocals: Jeff Young

The people at The ConCLAYve blog have done the research and this is what they found out:

There's a connection between these four musicians.

The men on this CD are the longtime Steely Dan band, backing Donald Fagen and Walter Becker --- and not a single one of these “music critics” recognized them or their musicianship.

Fusing jazz, pop and blues, multiple Grammy-winners Steely Dan (Donald Fagen and Walter Becker) are one of the most acclaimed bands in music history. They are members of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

This is the caliber of musician that Clay Aiken chose as his session men for "On My Way Here."

But assumptions are an interesting thing. Critic after critic, determined to dismiss any effort Clay put forward, wrote reviews with little or no bearing on the reality of the music on "O My Way Here" --- right down to trashing musicians they had praised in other reviews. According to multiple sources, Keith, Freddie, Jon and Jeff are considered among the best session men in the world --- unless they are playing with Clay Aiken, apparently.

Fascinating. And I'm quite impressed.

I highly recommend that you head over to The ConCLAYve blog and read more about these musicians and their history. It's a good read!

Link: Measuring The Gap Between the Critics and The Truth

Technorati Tags:
Clay Aiken, Steely Dan, Keith Carlock, Freddie Washington, Jon Herington, Jeff Young, critics, review, On My Way Here

American Idol and Clay

2008-05-20T22:42:00.000-07:00

What can I say. Everything seems to remind me of Clay. For instance, I was watching American Idol tonight and David Archuleta was given Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me to sing. And I thought he did a good job:

But, honestly, it made me miss this guy:

Then there was Ruben (looking really good too!) singing Celebrate Me Home. And he sounded great:

But it just reminded how much I loved this performance by Clay:

Gosh. I hope we see him again soon.

In the meantime, I believe he will be on TV with a repeat of his recent performances on The Tonight Show and Jimmy Kimmel Live:

The Tonight Show with Jay Leno
Thursday - May 29, 2008
11:35/10:35c PM

Jimmy Kimmel Live
Friday - May 30, 2008 (actually Thursday night)
12:05/11:05c AM

Technorati Tags:
Clay Aiken, American Idol, David Archuleta, Ruben Studdard, Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me, Celebrate Me Home, The Tonight Show, Jay Leno, Jimmy Kimmel

Yahoo! Premiere's the New Video for Clay Aiken's Song "On My Way Here"

2008-05-15T11:13:00.000-07:00

Here is the new video for "On My Way Here" by Clay. I especially like how he is working in the studio with the musicians and the producer, Kipper. And Clay looks pretty cute too!

Technorati Tags: Clay Aiken, music video, On My Way Here

Reviewing the Critics

2008-05-06T16:11:00.000-07:00

I was going to go off on a rant about idiot music critics with tin ears, but right now I'm rather in a zen place about it all. Apparently many critics are more hung up about what Clay Aiken isn't rather than what he is. Oh, and apparently have issues with his fans -- which have nothing to do with the music at all.

I will tell you what I think Clay's new album, On My Way Here, is. It is a work of art. It showcases his voice beautifully with great songs that have meaningful lyrics and fabulous production. What? You say I'm just a fan? So. I have a discerning taste in music. Just because I'm a fan doesn't mean my opinion about music is any less valid than anyone else's.

But, since music is so subjective, I highly recommend that you don't listen to either the critics or me. Go to the AOL Full CD Listening Party and listen to the songs yourself.

Meanwhile, I think I'm going to have a little fun. I'm going to edit some of those reviews by removing the deadwood and leaving just the pertinent parts:

"In the Broadway show that is Clay Aiken's public life, he is, of course, the leading man. His fourth full-length progresses just like the Original Cast Recording, with character development songs early ("On My Way Here"), beatific love songs in the middle ("Something About Us") and a dénouement of regret and lessons learned ("Lover All Alone"). Aiken, who debuted on the Great White Way this year in "Spamalot," sings like a theater veteran.... But that doesn't make pop-rock nuggets like "Ashes" any less catchy, or the ballads—on which Aiken's breathy tenor could break housewife hearts—ring any less true. ...." —Kerri Mason, Billboard
Clay Aiken dragged his feet on his sophomore effort but took little time to deliver his third, On My Way Here. ... moving him ... into something that feels a little bit more modern, drafting in One Republic singer Ryan Tedder to pen the title track .... This is an entirely welcome development for Clay, as he sounds at ease here, in a way he never did on A Thousand Different Ways, .... That's surely not the case here: no songs are familiar, most feel tailored to Aiken's strengths, and he even bears a writing credit on the closing "Lover All Alone." All the songs are either about love or are inspirational in nature (which isn't the same thing as being Christian music, as this most assuredly is not that, despite titles like "Grace of God") and everything is given a glossy veneer that reflects whatever the listeners brings to the record; .... This time around, it's certainly easier for the non-fans to appreciate the craft in the record or the range in Aiken's voice for the very reason that this album feels crafted, not slapped together like the last, and that's a development that's easy to admire. .... -- Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide
..."On My Way Here" (RCA, **) the 29-year-old star's fourth album, is exactly the album you'd expect Aiken to make in 2008. Having ceded the radio-hit throne to "Idol" peers such as Kelly Clarkson, the second-season runner-up unapologetically sticks with the midtempo adult-contemporary sound that seems to be his natural calling.

..."On My Way Here" ... hews to the romantic side while occasionally embracing bigger themes ("Weight of the World," "Grace of God"). The album's uplifting title track, penned by OneRepublic front man Ryan Tedder, is the album standout....

All is just a platform, of course, to spotlight Aiken's voice, and fans will be happy to know his tenor remains in typically limber form, emoting tenderly before soaring open-throated on ballads such as "The Real Me" and "As Long As We're Here." ... -- Detroit Free Press

Hee! That was fun! Anyways, here is a review by someone who actually likes Clay's new album. Below is a video by LALATE:

LALATE NEWS "eLATEd" for Clay Aiken and "On My Way Here"
by lalatenews

Go, listen to album and decide for yourself whether it is a good album or not. Enjoy!

Technorati Tags:
Clay Aiken, On My Way Here, critics, review

Interviews With Clay Aiken

2008-05-02T15:02:00.000-07:00

More and more interviews with Clay are starting to pop up. Here are a few:

There is video of Billy Bush interviewing Clay for Access Hollywood. This consists of two videos which are much longer than what we saw on TV. Here are the links:

All Access: Clay Aiken Talks New Album, Part I
Access Hollywood's Billy Bush talks with Clay Aiken about where he draws inspiration from for his new album and what life has been like since "American Idol."

All Access: Clay Aiken Talks New Album, Part II
While promoting the release of his fourth album "On My Way Here," on the Billy Bush Radio Show, multi-platinum selling pop singer Clay Aiken talks with Billy about his experience with taking antidepressants.

The ABC News website has an audio interview with Clay and this one is also very good. Be sure to check it out!

Clay's 'On His Way' Back to Music
Clay Aiken on his new CD and ending his run on 'Spamalot.'

Technorati Tags:
Clay Aiken, interview, video, Billy Bush, Access Hollywood, ABC News, On My Way Here, Spamalot

Did You See Clay Aiken on QVC?

2008-04-29T10:35:00.000-07:00

Did you see Clay perform songs from his new CD on QVC? They were fabulous! Even better than I thought they would be from the snippets. This is a great CD. If you missed the QVC show or want to see it again, QVC has video of the show up on their site here. Just click in the "Videos" tab. Go see it again!

Also, you can now download the single "On Your Way Here" at Amazon.com. It really is a beautiful song.

Links:

MP3 of "On My Way Here"

QVC video of Clay Aiken

Technorati Tags:
Clay Aiken, On My Way Here, QVC, single, download, video

Clay Aiken's Full Disclosure

2008-04-27T13:27:00.000-07:00

I was reading this blog, Clay Aiken Spills the Beans, and it linked to this article from an interview with Clay where he talks about the songs on the album:

Clay Aiken Spills the Beans About Upcoming Album
Raleigh native Clay Aiken is a busy man these days, performing at night on Broadway as Sir Robin in "Monty Python's Spamalot" and working on his upcoming studio album during the day.

It's been five years since Aiken put together an original album, or one that is, he says, at least 95 percent original.

"Some of it is, you know, a kind of half-way version of original," he said. "But it's all stuff that I'd imagine 90 percent of people have not heard."

The songs had to meet two qualifications.

"They have to be something I'll enjoy and that I can do well," Aiken said. "And at the same time, they have to kind of fit into this common theme of 'On my way here.'"

"On My Way Here" is one of the tracks and might end up being the album title.

Aiken was working on that song and another the day he invited WRAL's Lynda Loveland to the recording studio. The second is called "Ashes".

"Someone told me (that) what doesn't kill you only makes you stronger," he said. "(The song) talks about bad things that might happen to you. You know, there's been some stuff that's happened in the last five years that I would rather have not happened, but you learn from things like that." [...]

I found it interesting that Clay pointed out that essentially this is an album of originals, but that there are a few relatively obscure songs that had been recorded previously.

I then watched the video of the interview and Clay's statement there about the songs was even more clear. I transcribed that bit and this is what he said:

It was really important that this album be stuff that can be mine. In the interest of full disclosure, there are a song or two on the album that have been recorded by someone else and released. Either overseas or even in the U.S. and really didn't have any... somewhat obscure. We made it different. We tried to make them our own.

Invisible, though, had been released in the U.K. before I sang it. And a number of songs from Kelly Clarkson's first album had been released elsewhere. So, there is a lot of little sharing and sneakiness going on in the record industry as far as copyrights and music. If something is released in Australia and never gets here, it's a little bit easier to record it and call it original.

So, 95% of this album is original. Some of it is kind of half-way version of original, but it is all stuff that I imagine that most... 90% of people have not heard and that's something that was important to me.

I believe that the song "The Real Me" by Natalie Grant is one of the songs that Clay is referring to here. In the Billboard interview, Clay discusses "The Real Me" and said that Natalie Grant worked with him to change the lyrics to suit him:

"The Real Me" was written by Natalie Grant, who comes from the Christian world but is popular at AC (Adult Contemporary). Her songs tend to explore life's challenges and offer a positive spin.
We first looked at that song as one of four originals on the last album. The thing I love so much about "The Real Me" is that when I listened to it, I thought, "It's about God." Jaymes heard a romantic song. Other people think it's about their mom. Everyone is able to take their own message. Natalie was kind enough to change a little bit of the lyric so that it fits my life even better.

I think the whole process of how an artist finds and adapts songs quite fascinating. I am really looking forward to hearing this album!

Technorati Tags:
Clay Aiken, On My Way Here, American Idol, interview

Song Clips for Clay Aiken's Album Now on Amazon

2008-04-26T07:50:00.000-07:00

Amazon.com now has sample clips up for the album here. Very cool! This is going to be a great album. I can't wait to hear it all!

Technorati Tags: Clay Aiken, On My Way Here, Amazon.com

Clay Aiken: Webisodes No. 3 and 4

2008-04-23T23:31:00.000-07:00

Two more webisodes by Clay Aiken have been posted on the internet.

Webisode No. 3 is posted on BroadwayWorld.com. On this episode he talks about Spamalot and working on his new CD. Unfortunately, they don't give the option to embed the video elsewhere, but you can watch it here.

Webisode No. 4 has been posted at gather.com. In this episode he talks about his work with The Bubel/Aiken Foundation and UNICEF. Here is the video. You will want to check back later at gather.com since they are planning to post an interview with Clay soon.

And for a special treat, go to this page on amazon.com and watch Clay in the studio singing his new song "On My Way Here." It's great!

For more news about Clay Aiken, you might want to check out these blogs: Clay Aiken News and Clay's Daily Double for all the latest.

Technorati Tags:
Clay Aiken, webisode, On My Way Here, video, SPAMALOT, UNICEF, Bubel/Aiken Foundation

Clay Aiken: Webisode #2 and Song Preview

2008-04-07T23:36:00.000-07:00

Yay! You can hear a preview of the first single from Clay's new album. It is the title track "On My Way Here" and you can hear it here.

And... there is a new webisode! This really cool. Clay is in the studio and he is talking about working with the musicians.

Technorati Tags: Clay Aiken, On My Way Here, webisode, song preview, album

Clay Aiken: AOL Webisode #1

2008-04-04T18:34:00.000-07:00

Here is the first in a series of webisodes from AOL by Clay Aiken. This episode talks about finding and working with Kipper who is the sole producer for Clay's new album "On My Way Here":

Technorati Tags: Clay Aiken, Kipper, Jaymes Foster, On My Way Here, album, webisode

Official Album Bio For "On My Way Here"

2008-03-27T21:18:00.002-07:00

RCA has posted the new album biography. Here is what it says.

Clay Aiken
On My Way Here

When Clay Aiken and his executive producer Jaymes Foster began the search for songs to record for Aiken’s first album of original material since his 2003 chart-topping debut Measure of A Man, they both fell in love with a song written by OneRepublic frontman Ryan “Alias” Tedder called “On My Way Here.” 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.”

As Aiken’s millions of devoted fans around the world already know, it’s been a whirlwind journey. Since shooting to stardom on the second season of American Idol, the 29-year-old Raleigh, NC native with the powerhouse voice has become an international pop phenomenon who has sold six million copies of his three best-selling albums: the double-platinum Measure of A Man, 2004’s holiday CD Merry Christmas With Love (which went platinum within six weeks of its release), and the gold-certified A Thousand Different Ways — a 2006 collection of 10 covers and four originals that earned Aiken the distinction of being the fourth artist ever to have his first three albums debut in the Top 5 on the Billboard chart. In addition, Aiken has launched eight live tours, made the New York Times best-seller list by co-authoring the inspirational memoir Learning to Sing: Hearing the Music In Your Life, executive produced and starred in his first TV special, A Clay Aiken Christmas, and won several American Music and Billboard Music Awards. In January 2008, Aiken made his Broadway debut in the role of Sir Robin in the Tony Award-winning musical Monty Python’s Spamalot.

If that weren’t enough, Aiken also donated much of his time to charity, performing at dozens of concert benefits for causes he cares about. The creator of the Bubel/Aiken Foundation, which promotes and funds educational and recreational programs for children with special needs, the singer has traveled the world as a National Ambassador for UNICEF. On its behalf, Aiken has visited tsunami victims in Indonesia, villages in Uganda, classrooms and health centers in Afghanistan, and spent this past Christmas in Mexico with children affected by recent floods.

That’s a lot of life experience to cover in one album. “It is,” Aiken admits, “that’s why the lyrics really had to matter this time around. It’s the first time I’m singing about things that mean something to me.” Which is not to say that every song is about something that actually happened to the star. “What’s powerful about a lot of the new songs is that they can mean different things to different people,” he says. “It was really important to me that they be interpretable in all kinds of ways, so as not to cloud someone’s ability to find their own meaning in them.” One example of this is the evocative ballad “The Real Me,” written by singer/songwriter Natalie Grant, which is a poignant story about the experience of being in the public eye. “The song really spoke to me about the necessity of having someone in your life who knows you and doesn’t really care about the fact that you’re a celebrity,” Aiken says.

Another track that means a lot to Aiken is “As Long as We’re Here,” a moving ballad that Aiken chose from a selection of demos he had brought with him to listen to on the plane during a UNICEF visit to Indonesia. “Maybe it had to do with the fact that I was flying over a tsunami-stricken country, but the lyrics struck me as very uplifting,” he says. “They’re about not waiting until it’s too late to tell the people you love that you care about them.” Turns out the song had also resonated with Jaymes Foster, who brought it to Aiken not knowing that he had already fallen in love with it. “Out of literally tens of thousands of demos we were sent, she had chosen the same one that I had so strongly identified with, so the song is a great connector between Jaymes and me. We’ve become really great friends, and it’s important that it’s part of the album.”

Though he’s known for his signature ballads, Aiken chose to open On My Way Here with an up-tempo, pop-rock tune, “Ashes,” which begins with the following lyric: “Someone told me what doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger / Sets you free from all that held you down.” “That’s a great opening line for an album,” Aiken says. “My mom used to say that if things come easy they’re not worth having; that there can’t be a sunrise with a night. So, to me, that song is about how the most important lessons I’ve learned in my life have come out of less-than-rosy experiences, and that I’m stronger because of them.”

To musically represent the album’s lyrical theme, Aiken and Foster enlisted Grammy-Award winning British songwriter and producer Kipper, who has worked with Sting, Chris Botti, and Julia Fordham, marking the first time Aiken has recorded an entire album with one producer. “It’s made for a very collaborative environment in the studio,” Aiken says. “Every song has been scrutinized by Jaymes, Kipper, and me to make sure it’s exactly what we wanted it to be.”

It’s that commitment that drives everything Aiken does, even if it means recording an album by day and starring in a Broadway show by night. “I guess I’m a glutton for punishment,” he says with a laugh. “It’s a lot of work, but I’ve had a great time. Doing both the album and Spamalot at once has kind of been like having two families. I have a family at the theater and we are a family group working on the album in the studio. I wouldn’t have had it any other way.”

How exciting is that? I can't wait for the album to get here!

Technorati Tags: Clay Aiken, album, On My Way Here, Kipper, Jaymes Foster, RCA, Spamalot

Clay Aiken's New Album "On My Way Here"

2008-03-22T08:38:00.000-07:00

According to Billboard, Clay's new album "On My Way Here" is due to be released on May 6. It is being produced by Kipper, who is well known for his work with Sting, Chris Botti, Dominic Miller, Joy Rose, Esther Alexander, Thief, and Yasmin Levy.

Billboard also reports that Clay is expected to tour the U.S. beginning in July as well as appearing on shows like "Good Morning America" and "The View."

The album will include the title track (written by Ryan Tedder) as well as possibly one titled "Ashes." Clay has also stated in an interview that he intends to include his song "Lover All Alone" which is currently only available as a bonus track when you purchase his album "A Thousand Different Ways" on iTunes.

"On My Way Here" is now available for pre-orders on Amazon.com! Be sure to order yours now!

Technorati Tags: Clay Aiken, album, On My Way Here, Kipper, American Idol

Ex-Idol Clay Aiken slips into 'Spamalot'

2008-01-23T18:14:00.000-08:00

By MARK KENNEDY, Associated Press Writer

NEW YORK - Clay Aiken is trying to become the next American Idle.

The singer, who burst to fame during the second season of "American Idol," has made his Broadway debut in "Monty Python's Spamalot" — in creator Eric Idle's old role.

"There's a lot of pressure," Aiken says. "To think about how many people dream of doing something like this and to have the opportunity is pretty humbling."

Humbling, and possibly a little bit puzzling: What's a nice North Carolina boy with scant theater background and a penchant for pop lite doing in a scatological English stage comedy?

Exactly.

"One of the reasons that it intrigued me was that it was so different. Nobody I think would have expected me to show up in 'Spamalot,'" he says, laughing.

"It's very irreverent. ... I mean, my character soils his pants on stage multiple times."

This also is different territory for Aiken, who hasn't really acted much and was even cut from his high school's production of "Guys and Dolls." Just nailing the stage lingo has him rattled.

"I'm having to learn a whole new language. Upstage, downstage. I'm like, 'Upstage? What's that mean? Behind? Oh, got it. Why didn't you just say behind? ...' It makes me crazier than I already am."

Aiken, 29, has taken over the role of Sir Robin, the cowardly knight that Idle once played on film and David Hyde Pierce originated when the Tony Award-winning musical debuted in 2005.

"I think I'm probably just like the character — kind of chicken, afraid of everything and likes to sing. This particular character becomes a knight because he really just wants to sing and dance. He's so surprised when he finds out there's fighting involved. That kind of silly stupidity? — yeah, that's me."

Aiken, a performer who has sold 6 million CDs and continues to draw fans to his concerts, confesses to being sore and exhausted as he prepares for his debut. Aiken's first performance was Friday.

"Probably more preparation has gone into this than anything I've ever done," he says. "It's not just learning music and lines and even steps. It's mentally preparing yourself to do all of it at once."

Associate director Peter Lawrence says Aiken has been no idle diva; the singer asked to be treated like any other company member and has been surprisingly fearless.

"Clay really surprised me. When you meet him, he's this sweet kid from North Carolina with an accent. And you think there's no way he can do Cambridge material. And then he does," says Lawrence.

"It's been a total delight and a surprise for me and everyone in the company to work with Clay because he can do things you'd never imagine he could do."

The show is based on the film "Monty Python and the Holy Grail," which came out in 1975. The film, in turn, grew out of the success of the cult BBC comedy series.

Aiken, it turns out, was a stranger to both.

"Until three months ago, I thought Monty Python was a person," he says, sheepishly.

Not surprisingly, the Python-Aiken partnership started poorly. After being courted by "Spamalot" producers a year ago, Aiken went to see the show and left befuddled.

And why not? He was expecting something like "The Phantom of the Opera" and instead saw characters slapped with fish, dancing plague corpses, a killer rabbit and cow tossing.

"It was, in my opinion, the stupidest thing ever produced," he recalls. "There's no plot."

Persuaded over the summer to return, Aiken finally got it. "It's just completely off-base. So I went in and realized that. You have to go understanding that they even advertise it as being the silliest thing ever. It really is."

That's something Python purists will be happy to hear. Even so, Aiken is bracing for criticism from die-hard fans who can be more caustic than Simon, Randy and Paula.

"I'm anticipating and expecting some sort of fallout. I think it's a little bit different when someone who's never done Broadway before, who may be more well known in the pop world, comes in to Broadway," he says.

"There's always this skepticism that they've been brought in for the wrong reasons or they didn't play their dues or they're not going to do their part well," he says.

"So I even told the choreographer and the director ahead of time, 'I don't want you to go easy on me. I want to do everything that everybody else does. Don't change things and make them easier for me,'" he adds, laughing. "I've since changed my mind."

Aiken, who got a degree in special education from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, was teaching grade school kids with autism before he tried out for "Idol" in Atlanta. He was a former member of the Raleigh Boys Choir, and occasionally sang at weddings and at church.

"There's not really a market in North Carolina to sing for a living. There's not that career path for people. So I never really assumed or had any dreams or aspirations to sing," he says.

That changed in the seventh grade when his mother took him and a friend to a local production of the musical "Big River," starring Martin Moran as Huckleberry Finn.

"It was the first time ever that I looked on stage and saw people — you know, adults — singing. And I thought, 'Wow, wait a second. You can actually sing for a living?'" he recalls. "From that point on, I kind of allowed music to be a part of my what-I-want-to-be-when-I-grow-up scenario."

After finishing second to Ruben Studdard on "Idol," Aiken went on to release his debut CD "Measure of a Man," which went double platinum in 2003. His other albums are "Merry Christmas With Love" and "A Thousand Different Ways." He's currently working on his fourth CD, due possibly by May.

In one of the weirder twists of Aikens' Broadway debut, he looked down at the Playbill while catching a "Spamalot" performance before he officially signed on and saw a familiar name: Martin Moran as Sir Robin.

"So I'll take over Robin from the same person who you could say kind of inspired me to actually make music something that I would do," he says. "It's a very small world — kind of a full-circle thing."

Link:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080123/ap_en_ot/theater_clay_aiken_1
___
On the Net:
Musical: http://www.montypythonsspamalot.com
Aiken: http://www.clayaiken.com

Technorati Tags: Clay Aiken, SPAMALOT, American Idol, Eric Idle

Parade Magazine's "America's Giving Challenge"

2008-01-17T22:20:00.000-08:00

If you look to the right of this page, you will see a badge for Parade Magazine's "America's Giving Challenge". Donations made by clicking on this badge will go to the Bubel/Aiken Foundation. The important thing about this particular challenge is that Parade Magazine, along with the Case Foundation, will be awarding $500,000 to charities whose supporters have attracted the most unique donors to their cause. The eight charity badges that have the most unique donors will get $50,000 for their cause and the 100 nonprofits with the greatest number of donations will each get $1,000.

Just click on the donate button in the badge to make your donation which can be as little as $10. What is more important is that as many different people as possible donate in order to win the challenge. So, if you could make your donation and then pass along a link for the badge to anyone you think might help out by donating too, they would be helping a worthy cause. Thanks!

The Bubel/Aiken "America's Giving Challenge" badge:
http://www.networkforgood.org/pca/Badge.aspx?BadgeId=109694

Be aware... the Challenge will end January 31 at 3 p.m. EST.

Technorati Tags: Clay Aiken, Bubel/Aiken Foundation, Case Foundation, Parade Magazine, America's Giving Challenge

Great Interview by American Idol

2008-01-16T21:45:00.000-08:00

The American Idol website has a really good interview of Clay on their website. Now this is the kind of interview I like to read. Informative and well written. The interviewer covers Clay's upcoming role on Spamalot, his fans and charities, and news about the album!

Our Exclusive Interview With Clay Aiken
January 15, 2008 - Posted by Marnie

Even with a grueling rehearsal schedule for his upcoming role in the Broadway show SPAMALOT, Clay Aiken conveyed nothing but high energy and endless enthusiasm during his interview with americanidol.com. This certainly isn't due to him getting a lot of rest these days, however. As Clay so bluntly put it, the rigors of Broadway are "kickin' my butt!" With the debut of SPAMALOT on Friday, his schedule will only get busier. The show will run once a day from Tuesday to Friday and then twice on Saturdays and Sundays! As Clay relayed, having to put together all the acts of singing, dancing, playing piano, and speaking in an accent is more than he ever expected!

This is not to say that Clay isn't enjoying the whole process. On the contrary, he is completely fulfilled by the experience and constantly amazed by those around him who do this on a regular basis. According to the popular singer, once you do Broadway, you can do pretty much anything. Clay is also astounded by the level of talent that has surrounded him during rehearsals. By the end of the day, they have filled his head with so much information that he has trouble remembering his own name! Clay admits that he was warned about the challenges he would face by another "Idol" alumnus, Fantasia Barrino. Thankfully, he is nothing but pleased with the result. He says that the show is "atypical of a musical," calling it a performance that's filled with "silly nonsense," which is what makes it so hilarious. Clay feels that he has really spread his wings by taking part in this, as the show doesn't even involve that much true singing. In fact, he admits that the one "big song" he performs is actually "talked sung."

Despite his participation in this farcical play and some guest stints on shows such as "Scrubs" and "Jimmy Kimmel Live!," Clay is reluctant to tout his comic abilities. As he joked to us, the only thing comical about him is that he is "funny looking." All kidding aside, Clay was quick to say that he doesn't think of himself as the complete marketing package, like Carrie Underwood or Chris Daughtry might be. Explaining further, he said that he knows he's "not this hip, cool radio guy," but he embraces the strengths he does have and enjoys pursuing things that will play up these qualities. In fact, one thing he thinks he would really excel at is hosting his own daytime talk show. While he doesn't want to pursue this to the point of missing out on other great opportunities, he did admit that this certainly something at the forefront of his mind. However, he realizes that this could be a long process and, as he said, sometimes it's best to "let go and let God."

Clay also discussed two things that are very close to his heart—his charities and his fans. What's interesting is the fact that the two are not mutually exclusive. In fact, his fans have helped to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for organizations in which Clay is involved. The Bubel/Aiken foundation, formed by Clay, helps to include kids with disabilities in things like summer camp and sporting events. He also works closely with UNICEF to raise awareness about poverty stricken areas around the world. As Clay mentioned, his fans were the ones that helped raise over $100,000 in the ten days he spent in Mexico recently, helping those who were devastated by floods. They also helped to raise approximately $250,000 during his time in Afghanistan last year.

"Claymates," as his fans are often called, can expect something huge in return for their loyalty—a new album by Clay! While his last album was something that was desired by others, Clay says that this album contains music that is definitely desired by him. It is also the first time he is having one producer help him to put out the entire album. The result, he says, will be an album of original material that is consistent in its sound and its message to his fans—look for it to hopefully be released this May.

Link:
http://www.americanidol.com/news/view/?pid=1144

Technorati Tags:
Clay Aiken, American Idol, SPAMALOT, fans, Bubel/Aiken Foundation, Broadway

Clay Aiken Travels to Mexico on Behalf of UNICEF

2007-12-25T13:28:00.000-08:00

Just saw this press release from UNICEF. Maybe we all could help the people in Mexico by contributing to Clay's fundraiser:

Clay Aiken & Family Celebrate Christmas With Survivors of Mexico's Floods

CHIAPAS, Mexico, Dec. 25 /PRNewswire/ -- UNICEF Ambassador and critically acclaimed recording artist Clay Aiken today wrapped up the first leg of his trip to the flood affected areas of southeast Mexico by participating in a gift exchange and "sing along" with over 300 children and their families at a camp erected for flood victims.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20071225/AQTU002)

Aiken, who is traveling in the region with his mother and younger brother, a Marine on leave from Iraq, will also be part of a UNICEF delegation scheduled to visit the state of Tabasco over the next two days.

"The situation in Chiapas and Tabasco has really become a forgotten emergency," said the U.S. pop star who became an ambassador for the children's agency in 2004. "Telling the story of these brave people, especially the children, to a U.S. audience is the reason that I am here. Sharing this experience with my family during this time of year makes it even more special."

In one weekend last month torrential rains in Tabasco and Chiapas produced the worst flooding the region has seen in more than 50 years. More than one million residents of the two states have been affected, one third of which are children.

While an integrated humanitarian response lead by government and U.N. agencies has stabilized the emergency in Mexico, thousands remain homeless and displaced. According to UNICEF officials in the region, children are the most vulnerable in these situations. Hundreds of them are at risk of psychological trauma and many more are out of school due to extensive structural damage to school buildings.

Today's event, also attended by Hon. Isabel Aguilera de Sabines, First Lady of the state of Chiapas, was held in the city of Ostuacan where 19 deaths were recently reported after a series of mudslides engulfed the small mountain community of Juan de Grijalva and the search for six missing residents is ongoing.

Chiapas is bordered on the north by the state of Tabasco, on the south by the Pacific Ocean, on the east by the Central American nation of Guatemala and on the west by the states of Oaxaca and Veracruz. Chiapas has 111 municipalities. Its capital, Tuxtla Gutierrez, lies near the center of the state. Tabasco is bordered to the north by the Gulf of Mexico, to the south by the state of Chiapas, to the east by Guatemala and Campeche and to the west by Veracruz. Villahermosa is Tabasco's capital city.

How To Help:
Please visit: http://www.unicefusa.org or call 1-800-4UNICEF

Technorati Tags:
Clay Aiken, UNICEF, Mexico

Reflections on Being a Fan

2007-12-17T21:52:00.000-08:00

I'm feeling particularly reflective tonight about being a fan and participating with the online fan community. I'm sure the subject will be of little interest outside of my fellow fans (and maybe not even them), but I feel a need to articulate some thoughts at this time.

Five years ago I saw this guy on my TV:

And it was like love at first sight. I was totally captivated by the gorgeous voice by a geeky guy with the cutest smile. By the time I saw him perform "Open Arms", I had to find out more about him and started searching the internet for information.

And boy howdy, people were talking. The first board I came across was a thread on the Survivor Sucks forum. As much as I enjoy humor, they were a bit too rough for me. So, I continued searching and found a number of boards, but eventually found myself spending most of my time on a thread in the Television Without Pity forums. I liked the linear thread format and there were some very witty and interesting people there, but there were elements there similar to Survivor Sucks that I wasn't too thrilled with and was starting to look around again for another board to spend most of my time on. But then the group on TWoP moved to their own board, The Clackhouse, and I followed them and pretty much made my home there, though I did spend time on a few other boards like Red Hot Topic. RHT had some good elements, but then things kind of blew up and a particular group that enjoyed talking about the music business and radio charts moved on to their own forum and formed Clayversity.

With a community consisting of thousands of people, there are bound to be differences of opinion because of different philosophies, backgrounds and personalities. For the most part, though, we get along even though there are bound to be conflicts from time to time. Right now I have been feeling a bit disappointed with certain elements of the fan community that I have been a part of for years. Even though I appreciate differences of opinion, I do have issues with people whose negativity is expressed in an abusive and judgmental way. It upsets the other fans and causes unnecessary friction as most fans are fans because they actually like the person they are a fan of and naturally are protective when they feel that person is being unfairly attacked. I have a hard time comprehending it when the administrators of a large board will pander to a chronically negative and abusive member at the expense of losing a large number of sensible and reasonable fans. I'm afraid that is what is happening to Clayversity. Since they rarely remove fans from their list, even after it has been personally requested, the number of members listed is deceptive. I personally have read posts of many former regular members of that site who have left for that reason alone.

One of the results of their insensitivity to this group of fans (among other reasons) is the creation of yet another board, Chexxxy's Place. In of itself, that is not such a big deal. Just as Clayversity was an offshoot of a conflict on RHT and the Clackhouse was created when the thread was kicked off of TWoP... people move on to a board that meets a need that they were not getting somewhere else. And that doesn't necessarily mean that they don't still love their home board or that they are leaving it... just that they want to discuss issues with others that they can't address elsewhere. Unfortunately, the admins of Clayversity took exception to the new board and now have unfairly villified and demonized Chexxxy because of it. This disappoints me because I had held them in high regard and now they have revealed themselves to be petty and vindictive. Quite disillusioning actually.

It is ironic that Chexxxy has been accused of being the "fan police" when she is actually the opposite. She provided a forum where those who had been "policed" into silence on other boards could express their concerns.

Anyone following what has been going on in the Clay Aiken fan community knows that Chexxxy recently brought to light that certain well known and respected fans have been conned by someone impersonating Clay. The sad part is, despite one of the scammers being confronted by Clay himself, they continue to cling to their fantasy connection with this fake. Maybe it is because they cannot face the thought that they have been bamboozled or the fact that they don't really have that close connection after all. That is indeed unfortunate, but an even greater problem is that the fake has convinced them that Clay is a seriously disturbed and unbalanced individual. I suppose that caters to their desire to be needed by him, but it certainly does Clay a great disservice. They are not the first group of fans who seem to have a great need to mold Clay to someone or something that he is not... but no matter how much they want it, he cannot be what he isn't. So they are ultimately bound to be disappointed or hurt when he can't fulfill this fantasy. This is sad because they are being used by an unscrupulous individual who is playing on their emotions. Revealing deep personal feelings to this person. A scary thought indeed. I can only hope that they come to their senses soon.

I would of never thought when I first started searching for information on Clay that I would be so involved in this messy yet wonderful community of people. For all the issues and negativity I have witnessed, I have also met and interacted with many wonderful, intelligent, articulate, generous and fun people. For that I will always be thankful.

And Chexxxy, thank you for your insights and hard work. You have done a great service for many even though there are certain factions in the community who have treated you unfairly. It is too bad that some cannot see past their own prejudices and agendas to understand that you were only standing up for those who were in distress over a number of issues in the fandom that were being swept under the rug.

Technorati Tags: Clay Aiken, fans

Anthony Callea and Clay Aiken Sing-off

2007-12-12T12:19:00.000-08:00

Anthony Callea is an amazing singer who was the runner-up in the 2004 season of Australian Idol. I thought it would be fun to have a little sing-off between him and Clay. I found a video of Anthony singing "I Want to Know What Love Is" and thought I would set it against a video of Clay singing the same song in concert. After watching the videos, go and vote on the poll to the right side of the page and let the world know whose version you like better!

Anthony Callea

Clay Aiken

Technorati Tags: Clay Aiken Anthony Callea

More Christmas Music From Clay Aiken!

2007-12-06T14:34:00.000-08:00

Last year Clay released a Christmas CD titled "All Is Well" that was released as a Walmart exclusive. You may of missed it as it sold out in most stores very quickly. This year it is now also available on iTunes. There are four tracks on the CD: All Is Well, Christmas Waltz, O Come O Come Emmanuel and My Grown-Up Christmas List. If you access your iTunes account through Goodshop.com, 3.75% of your purchase price will be donated to your designated charity (hopefully you picked The Bubel/Aiken Foundation).

Technorati Tags: Clay Aiken, Christmas, music, All Is Well, Goodshop.com, Bubel/Aiken Foundation

Clay Aiken's "Christmas In The Heartland" Tour Begins!

2007-11-27T11:33:00.000-08:00

Clay Aiken kicked off his "Christmas in the Heartland" tour last night in Wichita, Kansas. Here is a video of the Jingle Bells Medley from the concert. If you haven't purchased your tickets yet, be sure to check out the schedule and links for tickets either at the official Clay Aiken website or the Clay Aiken Fan Club. Don't miss it!

Technorati Tags: Clay Aiken concert tour Christmas American Idol

Roger Friedman Hates Clay Aiken

2007-10-29T08:36:00.000-07:00

Well, it is pretty obvious that he does. Everything he writes about him is wrapped in layers of loathing. Tsk, tsk Roger. At least in hating on Clay Aiken, you could try sounding just a little more informed about who you are talking about. In your review of the Neil Sedaka "50 Years of Hits" benefit concert, you express surprise at seeing Clay perform at this venue. Well, anyone who knows anything about Neil Sedaka, Clay Aiken and American Idol is very well aware of Clay's moving performance of Neil's song "Solitaire" on American Idol and how he went on to record a hit single of that very same song. So, it is not so strange that Clay was there to perform the song. It made much more sense than say, Fantasia performing at the Elton John Kennedy Center Honors tribute.

And anyone who knows anything about Neil Sedaka and follows what he does in concert would know that he loved Clay's performance of his song and mentions it frequently during his own concerts. So, one has to wonder what Neil Sedaka thinks of your insults to his friend, Clay Aiken. And I bet he and Elton John wonder why you would want to insult a large number of the people who were generous enough to contribute to Elton John's foundation by purchasing tickets and attending this concert. Really, you should save your vitriol against Clay Aiken and your misogynistic repulsion for his fans for some other type of event. Using this event to spew such rancor and resentment is really quite inappropriate.

And for those who wonder what the performance by Clay was like, here is a video!

And just a reminder of where Clay's friendship with Neil Sedaka started:

Technorati Tags: Clay Aiken Roger Friedman Neil Sedaka Elton John American Idol Solitaire

Clay Aiken joins Monty Python's SPAMALOT

2007-10-21T11:47:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Clay for landing a role on the Broadway production of SPAMALOT! Here is the press release:

Clay Aiken joins Monty Python's SPAMALOT, The Funniest Show on Earth
January 18 - May 4, 2008 on Broadway

NEW YORK, Oct. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Clay Aiken, who became a music superstar following his success on the American Idol television series, will join the Tony Award-winning Best Musical, Monty Python's SPAMALOT, making his Broadway debut in the role of Sir Robin, at the Shubert Theatre, New York, from January 18 to May 4, 2008.

Tickets are available online now at telecharge.com or by calling (212) 239-6200/(800) 432-7250.

Directed by Mike Nichols, who won his eighth Tony Award for his direction of the new musical, Monty Python's SPAMALOT has a book by Eric Idle, "lovingly ripped-off" from the screenplay of the Pythons' best- loved film, Monty Python and the Holy Grail by Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones and Michael Palin. The music is by Eric Idle and John DuPrez.

Clay Aiken, who has sold more than 6 million albums; co-authored a best-selling book; and, played six sold-out concert tours, said "I really couldn't have asked for a more wonderful group of people to work with. Let's not lie, the chance to work with legendary creative minds like Mike Nichols and Eric Idle is, on its own, a reason to jump at this opportunity. But, that's not all. The producers and creative folks I have had the chance to meet and work with so far have been unbelievably welcoming and wonderful. They've really made me feel at home already, and I haven't even started yet!"

Director Mike Nichols said: "Clay Aiken is amazing beyond that glorious voice. Turns out he is an excellent comic actor and a master of character. People will be surprised by his wide ranging talent, since the first impression is of great country charm and a singer to remember. This guy is not only a star, he is a lot more. We are lucky to get him for SPAMALOT."

SPAMALOT author and original Python Eric Idle commented: "This is great news. I have been a Clay Aiken fan ever since I took my daughter to see him live on the second season of American Idol and she held up a big sign of his name. Maybe now it should read 'American Idle.'"

For more information on SPAMALOT, please visit http://www.montypythonsspamalot.com.

Technorati Tags: Clay Aiken, Monty Python, SPAMALOT, Mike Nichols, Eric Idle, Broadway, Sir Robin

Clay Aiken: The Measure of a Man

2007-10-20T00:15:00.000-07:00

Who is Clay Aiken? What do we know of him? How do we judge the kind of person he is? If you listen to the gossip mongers, comedians and haters... you only get a caricature of the man based on stereotypes, lying gossip and the need some have to relentlessly try to bring him down to their own level of degradation and turpitude. Essentially, more of a reflection of their own lack of morals and character and not of who Clay Aiken really is.

I have always lived with the firm belief that the real person is proven by what they do, not just what they say.

Early on, Clay expressed a desire to do good with his celebrity:

But Clay is more than talk. He is a man of action. And actions speak louder than words. In talking about his purpose in life, he had this to say in his book, Learning to Sing:

I realized that performing is a high unto itself, but more important, it is a means to an end. Spreading happiness through song allowed me to lift people up, and that is a more meaningful purpose in life than anything as silly as seeking adulation.

There is no better exercise for strengthening the heart than reaching down and lifting people up. The Bubel/Aiken Foundation is the culmination of that realization. It is my purpose now. It is the why of me.

Almost immediately after finishing American Idol, Clay formed the Bubel/Aiken Foundation which has been growing every year and continues to fulfill his vision.

The Bubel/Aiken Foundation envisions a world where young people with developmental disabilities are totally immersed in all life has to offer. The desegregation of programs, jobs, services, and educational opportunities will benefit children with and without special needs. We will break down barriers that divide by helping families obtain the services, support and financial assistance that makes full inclusion possible. We will work to educate the public and motivate society to move toward full inclusion as a way of life.

But he didn't stop there. In 2004 he was appointed a UNICEF Ambassador. And he has done much work in that capacity. In January, 2005 he participated in the NBC4 telethon in support of the South Asia tsunami relief efforts as well as touring South Asia in March of 2005 to witness and participate in the UNICEF programs there to aid those devasted by that tsunami:

In May, 2005 Clay traveled to northern Uganda to witness the phenomenon of "night commuters."

He also served as the national spokesperson for the 55th annual Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF campaign for 2005.

In April, 2007 Clay visited Afghanistan and launched the "$100,000 in 10 Days" campaign to support UNICEF's lifesaving program in that country.

In addition to his work with UNICEF, Clay was also appointed in September, 2006 to be a member of the President's Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities.

Much has changed for people with intellectual disabilities since the 1960's due to advances in medicine, technology, research, education, and public understanding. It is the purpose of the PCPID to advise the President on the achievements, continuing needs, and emerging issues in this dynamic field. PCPID evaluates the adequacy of current practices and programs and reviews federal agency activities impacting on people with intellectual disabilities. The Committee highlights the need for appropriate changes and encourages research, education and services and supports relating to people with intellectual disabilities.

As opportunities may present themselves, the Committee collaborates with other Federal agencies and national organizations in convening conferences and forums and disseminating information to the public on issues and accomplishments of people with intellectual disabilities.

The members of the President's Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities have taken the New Freedom Initiative introduced by President George W. Bush in February 2001 and built their work around the same basic categories: expanding educational opportunities, increasing access to technology, improving individual and family support, increasing employment and economic independence and promoting access and integration into community life.

The work Clay has done is the true representation of who he is and not the parody presented to the public by the gossips, haters and comedians. They can do their best to tear him down with their vindictive and hateful lies, but they can't change who Clay Aiken is or diminish the good work he does in this world. What have they contributed to the betterment of mankind?

And for a reminder of why I first became a fan of Clay Aiken:

Technorati Tags:Clay Aiken, gossip, Learning To Sing, UNICEF, Bubel/Aiken Foundation, Uganda, Afghanistan, President's Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities

John Paulus Lies - Part 1

2007-10-19T17:00:00.000-07:00

Despite his assertions that he never filed bankruptcy and never defaulted on his debts, these documents prove otherwise.

"Listen if there was any information on me that was legitimate it would be on every Claymate operated blog before it could be verified. That's not moth balls your smelling, that's Claymate desperation.

John Paulus Homepage 10.07.07 -
11:22 pm #"
Posted by John Paulus in a comment on his blog Naked Truth.

Since you asked . . . .

Here it is. This is the first in a series where we will reveal legitimate information Paulus contends does not exist.

He posted in a comment on Naked Truth on June 15, 2006:

John Paulus said...

Hi I am back. I was away for awhile and then I was told
that someone was using my screen name on another blog. These games these people play. The lastest is the posting of my alleged bankruptcy. I thought that I had address that a few months ago and spoke about being a victim of identity theft by a soldier in my unit by the name of Anthony Harrison? They won't post the court papers which fixed it. I will let them play. I have those papers in a box and when I can I just might post those to make them feel stupid again. 12:42 AM

He alleges that someone by the name of Anthony Harrison stole his identity and filed bankruptcy in his name, presumably forging his name and appearing on his behalf in court. Paulus claims that he filed court papers to fix it. Really? Let's examine the real court papers.

Below is his bankruptcy petition:
Click on images to enlarge.

Please notice the signature on the second page of the official bankruptcy petition and compare it to the signature on the mortgage Paulus signed on property he used to own in Ft. Lauderdale (which will be the subject of a future blog). The signature on the mortgage was notarized, leaving no doubt that Paulus signed it himself. There is no doubt that the signatures on both documents are identical.

There are no "court papers which fixed it." This was a legitimate bankruptcy, signed and filed by Paulus to discharge all his debts. The case proceeded through the bankruptcy system in an orderly fashion and was concluded with a Discharge of Debtor signed by the bankruptcy judge:

Stay tuned for Part 2.

Technorati Tags:
John, Paulus, Clay, Aiken, lies

Clay Aiken: An Excellent Example

2007-10-10T12:28:00.000-07:00

Fresh Bread Weblog featured Clay Aiken again today.

Monday, I featured Clay Aiken on my "Fresh Bread" blog. Today, I bring him into focus one more time. Not because he is a product of my "hero worship." Only Jesus fills that bill for me. However, I discovered on Monday that Clay has even more fans than I realized. He also has more harsh detractors.

So, today...I give honor where honor is due to one I consider a brother in Christ. I believe Clay is actively pursuing the passion of his heart and consciously demonstrating his faith...to bring healing to special needs children. Something he began BEFORE he became famous.

Who is my family? As Jesus said, "He who seeks to DO the will of My Father."

The video montage pictures Clay's heart. The music is one of my favorite songs, "The Prayer" by Josh Groban and Charlotte Church:

Technorati Tags: Clay Aiken American Idol Fresh Bread Weblog

John Paulus Says… “It Was All A Hoax”

2007-10-08T14:00:00.000-07:00

In a recent article published by a tabloid journal it was claimed that John Paulus never recanted his story about Clay Aiken. For over a year now he has been retelling, embellishing and rewriting it so that it hardly resembles the original story. At one time he even posted a complete recant of the whole thing. As proof, I submit the following screencaps:

I'd be willing to have a press conference admitting that this was all a lie and that Clay and I never met nor did he ever solicit me for sex and that as far as I know he is straight.

Are you saying Clay is not gay? And the evidence they had, was that Clay with a man or a woman? And where did you get your inside information? Like before going on GMA in Sept. that he was on meds?

When we started the blog there were people who disliked Clay's saying that LA had rotting guts and they were willing to share information on Clay. Clay pissed off some powerful people by not playing ball.

Percocet is just a numb front person. It's the others on there that are behind this whole thing. When I had my blog I would occassionally post and that's why you say different styles and why it appeared on was on all night. There are a group of 8 people. I was recuited back in July of 2005 from bigmuscle.com. They saw me there and that I was muscular, attractive, and from NC. and persuaded me to help them. So we worked out this scheme over 6 months and put it into place going over ever detail. I even took 3 prior lie detector test so that I could pass one by any media that gave me one.

Oh what about the cumrag? Used a prop.

And the cell phone calls? They were calls made by "haters" to my phone.

And the hotel room? There was really a room 207 and I really did check in and I did walk with someone into the room.

So who is revoles?

I am told that it's a guy with a close connection to 3 of these women. I do know that he is rich.

Were you paid?

My only compensation was that they would get me in touch with Lucas to do porno.

He did all this for a shot with Michael Lucas.

And all my bills paid for an entire year. Why do you think I had to start working again in December?

So, why after you were put in contact with Lucas... did the porno and hated it, did you continue the lie? Was it because of the contract with Lucas and your image as the 'guy who had sex with Clay Aiken'??

Because Claymates pissed me off and it was fun messing with them. I sort of forgot about Clay in the mix not until he called did I connect with him as a real person.

On Sept 28 2007, Paulus admitted that he had not spoken to the real Clay Aiken. He was fooled by an impostor and blogged about the fact that all of his saved Instant Messenger transcripts were with a Fake Clay.

Some may think that I am disappointed to learn that the person I was communicating with for nearly a year turned out to not to be Clay Aiken. I am not. I was greatly relieved to have learned that Clay Aiken and Ms. Parker were NOT using some single mother in order to manipulate me and the fans. It would have been easier for me to ignore the truth and to continue to post IM conversations from "Clay Aiken", but I would have compromised my integrity as a person. I will readily stand before you and admit that these perpetrators have fooled me as well as many fans than to continue to publish conversations which I have now learned weren't with Clay Aiken. My apologies to all those that were affected and I hope that the person(s) responsible will be sought out, found, and prosecuted.

In your e-mails to Perc, where you call him a pathological liar and so many other bad things, what was that all about?

That Jonahcruise@yahoo.com email is access by more than just me. I wasn't the one who sent those to her.

I have admitted that this was all a lie and that Clay and I never had sex. What's the problem. Time to move on. Clay has been a victim of a really evil scheme and I know that he is grateful for having such devoted fans who always believed in him. It's over Perc. The Claymates and Clay have both won. I hope they will forgive me for playing along with this ruse as Clay has.

Perc-
You want me to name names, but I have family I need to be protective of. IF these people are crazy enough to destroy Clay, then imagine what they might do to my family if I start naming names. The only protection I have is threatening to take them to the police.

They already know where your family is jackass.

I won't reveal who you guys are, If you just leave them alone then.

I knew you wouldn't name the names, John. Anytime I call you on ANYTHING you never come through. Real stand up guy. (rolls-eyes)

Why did you emerge here all of a sudden. I thought you were DONE with me? Something to hide or should I say protect? It's over with. I'm not playing. Leave Clay and his fans be and just enjoy Kelly and Ruben.

Percocet is a victim of the "haters" influences. When I started defending Clay they became unhinged. Clay and I never met nor have we ever had sex. To my knowledge he is straight or bi curious. I will share more about this scheme put together by posters on the 411 over the weekend.

I've called my friend at the N.E. He is very interested in hearing this was all a hoax. He will be contacting you tomorrow!

Great, I'd be more than willing to share.

And then, just last week he LIED to the National Enquirer.

Technorati Tags: John Paulus Hoax Recant Clay Aiken