Clay Aiken + DWTS = Perfect Match

DWTS Season 9 Viennese Waltz - Sacrificial Love
Clay Aiken montage by LovesClaysVoice

Waltzing to 'Sacrificial Love'

Montages Team Clay, DWTS

For years, montage makers have deemed Clay Aiken songs and ABC's popular "Dancing With the Stars" a perfect match, teaming vocals by the North Carolina singer with video clips from the hit show's current and past seasons.

In the opening montage, LovesClaysVoice merged DWTS Season 9 couples and their Viennese Waltz competition with Sacrificial Love, a track from Clay's On My Way Here CD.

DWTS montages using Clay's song stylings span his career from the 2003 Measure of a Man album to On My Way Here in 2008 to a special single release, "Just You." This list represents countless DWTS montages at YouTube, and you are welcome to offer others in your comments:

Something About Us - Apolo Ohno and Julianne Hough: The Reunion by sallyboo8892 (OMWH)

Touch - Apolo and Julianne from DWTS by Aspiegirl (MOAM)

Sacrificial Love - DWTS Season 6 Viennese Waltz by musicg57 (OMWH)

Just You - DWTS Season 8, Final 5, montage by LovesClaysVoice (single)

Everything I Don't Need - DWTS Season 8, Final 3, montage by LovesClaysVoice (OMWH)

When You Say You Loved Me - DWTS Season 9, montage by LovesClaysVoice (MOAM)

Following a brief fundraising commercial, EIDN is cued to run in the player below.

Fans Gather Giveaway Votes

It's time for all CA supporters to reel in more votes for the National Inclusion Project in the Christie Cookie Charity Giveaway. At the conclusion of the contest, 11:59 p.m. CST Oct. 15, the winner and runner-up will be awarded $10,000 and $5,000, respectively, with the next 10 charities receiving $1,000 each.

Currently in a tight race for first place, the charity co-founded by Clay and Diane Bubel in 2003 needs to continue accumulating votes to compete for the bigger prizes. The top five charities are:

National Inclusion Project Raleigh, NC
Nazarene Compassionate Ministries Lenexa, KS
Young Singers Foundation Tulsa, OK
Child Advocacy Center Murfreesboro, TN
Ronald McDonald House Winston-Salem, NC

Link to the Christie Cookie website by clicking on the image above or with this voting link. Select the National Inclusion Project from the drop-down menu, and enter nominations with all of your legitimate US e-mail addresses. [NOTE: AOL, Hotmail, Yahoo, Gmail users are allowed multiple e-mail addresses.]

Compose an e-mail recruiting those in your circle to support the Inclusion Project by doing the same. Include links to the Charity Giveaway, plus the National Inclusion Project and SueRue's Open Arms montage at YouTube for explanations of the foundation's mission and projects. The montage is also an excellent addition to Facebook and other websites.

Updated results are available on the giveaway site, as are a variety of web logos/banners for Facebook, MySpace, etc., and signs/fliers to download, print, and distribute. Be sure to add "National Inclusion Project, Raleigh, NC" to the signs.

As promised, here are the final three couples from DWTS Season 8 whirling to Clay's "Everything I Don't Need":

DWTS Season 8 Final 3 - Everything I Don't Need
Clay Aiken montage by LovesClaysVoice

Let's keep those votes whirling for the National Inclusion Project in the charity giveaway. Have a wonderful week, Clay Nation!

Caro

TECHNORATI TAGS: Clay Aiken, Dancing with the Stars, On My Way Here, Sacrificial Love, montage, Everything I Don't Need, Christie Cookie Charity Giveaway, National Inclusion Project, Clayonline, Clay Nation

Aiken Fans Compile Cookie Votes

GALA PERFORMANCE - Clay Aiken sings at the 2008 National Inclusion Project's Champions Gala. Photo by PermaSwooned.

For National Inclusion Project

Fans Round Up Giveaway Votes

Visit any Clay Aiken message board, and you will find fans rounding up votes for the National Inclusion Project's run in the Christie Cookie Charity Giveaway, finalizing plans for the foundation's Oct. 17 Champions Gala in Raleigh, and deciphering tweets about their singer's latest sightings and possible recording plans.

Priority is accumulating as many votes as possible before the giveaway conclusion on Oct. 15 when the Nashville-based Christie Cookie Company will present $25,000 to the 12 charities with the most nominations. The winner and runner-up will receive $10,000 and $5,000, respectively, while the next 10 charities will win $1,000 each.

Currently in a dead heat for third place, the charity co-founded by Clay and Diane Bubel in 2003 needs to double its total votes to compete for second place. Presently, the top five charities include:

Nazarene Compassionate Ministries Lenexa, KS
Young Singers Foundation Tulsa, OK
National Inclusion Project Raleigh, NC
Child Advocacy Center Murfreesboro, TN
Ronald McDonald House Winston-Salem, NC

National Inclusion Project - Video by SueReu

If you haven't already done so, click on the giveaway voting link, select the National Inclusion Project from the drop-down menu, and enter nominations with all of your legitimate US e-mail addresses.

Next, compose an e-mail asking friends, relatives, and co-workers to support the Inclusion Project by doing the same. Charity Giveaway links to the voting site, while the National Inclusion Project will provide info about the foundation's mission and projects.

Also, include the YouTube link for the above video by SueRue. In voice overs, Clay explains about the foundation, plus he sings "Open Arms" throughout the montage.

Nominations must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. CST Oct. 15. The winning charities will be announced in November. One vote per US e-mail address. Double click on the Christie Cookie Giveaway image above to start the process!

The latest results are available on the main page, as well as a variety of web logos/banners for Facebook, MySpace, etc., and signs/fliers to download, print, and distribute. Be sure to add "National Inclusion Project, Raleigh, NC" to the signs.

Supporters are making an effort to contact all active Clayonline members, casual, and "not just us" fans. If every fan club member votes once, that's 10,088. Then if each fan contacts another person exponentially, that's another 10k votes. Many will have more than one e-mail address.

Let's create some legs for the National Inclusion Project, Clay Nation!

BACKSTAGE AT KENNEDY THEATRE -- Clay joined composer Jeremy Schonfeld, director Lauren Kennedy, and members of the cast of DRIFT following Thursday's show in Raleigh. Click to enlarge photo by Hillary Russo.

Clay Attends DRIFT Performance

Meanwhile, the fandom's super sleuths are getting plenty of practice analyzing tweets and miscellaneous Internet mentions as they track their singer's activities. From meeting with songwriters for his upcoming Decca album to attending a play performance in Raleigh, Clay has been on the move.

Clay Aiken attended a production of DRIFT last night [Thursday] at The Kennedy Theatre in Raleigh where Hot Summer Nights at the Kennedy's production of DRIFT is playing it's final week.

DRIFT was the first production to grace the new Lauren Kennedy and Alan Campbell Theatre at Barton College and ran from September 12-20, followed by a current run at The Kennedy Theatre at the Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts in Raleigh from September 23-27 to close the season.

With music and lyrics by Jeremy Schonfeld and additional material by Craig Popisil, DRIFT is about a man's journey of gaining peace and perspective on his life after the break up of his marriage and family.

See Broadway World for the complete article.

PHOTO INTERLUDE: Included in this clickable collection are graphics by Ashes, 1, and AmazingCA, 2, 3.

Sony-Legacy Posts Aiken Videos

Earlier this week, Sony Music Legacy Recordings posted several CA videos at YouTube. The four featured here include "The Way" from Measure of a Man, Clay's 2003 album, and "On My Way Here" title track of his third mainstream album.

In two webisodes, the singer discusses his charity work with UNICEF and the National Inclusion Project, as well as his decision to perform in "Spamalot."

Here are the links. Enjoy!

UNICEF Webisode

Spamalot Webisode

The Way

On My Way Here

Below is a clickable of PermaSwooned's opening photo:

Have an awesome weekend, Clay Nation. Happy sleuthing!

Caro

TECHNORATI TAGS: Clay Aiken, Christy Cookie Charity Giveaway, National Inclusion Project, DRIFT, Kennedy Theatre, Sony Legacy, music video, YouTube, Clayonline, Clay Nation

Aiken Fans Amass Charity Votes

A THOUSAND DIFFERENT WAYS -- Clay Aiken fans this weekend are marking the third anniversary of the singer's second mainstream album by corralling votes for the National Inclusion Project in the Christie Cookie Charity Giveaway. (Graphic by ABeautifulMind, photos by KarenEh.)

Christie Cookie Giveaway

Fans Compile Votes for Charity

Clay Aiken fans marked this weekend's anniversary of the 9/19/06 A Thousand Different Ways album by generating support for the National Inclusion Project's foray into The Christie Cookie Charity Giveaway.

At the conclusion of the giveaway, the Nashville-based Christie Cookie Company will present $25,000 to the 12 charities with the most nominations. The winner and runner-up will receive $10,000 and $5,000, respectively, while the next 10 charities will win $1,000 each.

Recommended voting process is in two stages. Click on the link, select the National Inclusion Project from the drop-down list, and enter nominations via each of your legitimate US e-mail addresses.

Next, compose an e-mail asking friends, relatives, and co-workers to help secure a donation for this charity by doing the same. Below is a short video by LovesClaysVoice about the National Inclusion Project.

National Inclusion Project - Montage by LovesClaysVoice

I sent one round of requests via the cookie site; but I think a personal e-mail with links to the Charity Giveaway and National Inclusion Project websites, as well as the above montage at YouTube, will garner more votes. The video can be added to Facebook, MySpace, and blog sites.

Nominations must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. CST Oct. 15. The winning charities will be announced in November. One vote per US e-mail address. Just double click on the Christie Cookie Giveaway image below to start the process!

At the main page, link to vote and/or view current results. Also provided are a wide assortment of web logos/banners for Internet sites, as well as display signs/fliers to download and print. Be sure to add "National Inclusion Project, Raleigh, NC" to the signs.

All Clayonline members, internationals included, have a legitimate US e-mail address there. That's 10,088 votes if everyone gets the word. Then if each person you contact votes just once, that's another 10k votes. Many will have more than one e-mail address.

Let's make it happen!

The Christie Cookie Story

Inspired by a childhood memory of a neighbor's homemade cookies, Christie Hauck quit his corporate job, determined to master the "perfect cookie." His quest involved experimenting with gourmet ingredients from all over the country and frequent taste testing by close friends.

In 1983, Christie suddenly outgrew his apartment kitchen with the receipt of his first order, and hence, The Christie Cookie Company was founded. Three retail stores followed shortly thereafter, and Christie often rented a tuxedo and offered free samples to entice customers.

Millions of cookies later, The Christie Cookie Company is known for elegant gift packages and unique corporate gifts and continues to thrive in the retail, mail order, and wholesale markets.

The charity event has been underway since August; but in typical fashion, the Clay Nation only learned of the giveaway this week. More tham 900 nonprofits and charitable organizations in all 50 states have received nominations.

When CA fans started voting, the Inclusion Project was not even on the results page. Saturday the foundation broke into the top 50. By noon Sunday, it was in the top top 10.

What better way to celebrate love in "A Thousand Different Ways"!

PHOTO INTERLUDE: This clickable collection looks back to graphics created for Clay's ATDW album and subsequent tour. Included are designs by ABeautifulMind, photos by scrpkym, 1; cindilu2, 2 and 3; AmazingCA, photos by scrpkym, 4; and Clayquebec1, 5.

Clay Narrates Another Arthur Book

If you haven't visited the Speakaboos site, put that on your TO DO list. There you can watch a video of Arthur's Computer Disaster while Clay reads the Marc Brown story.

The Speakaboos site also includes other books, fables, nursery rhymes, folk tales, and songs, Children can listen and -- coming soon! -- record their own. As I type, a link is in the mail to grandson Kai and his sister Lia.

Below is a clickable of ABeautifulMind's opening graphic:

Have a wonderful week, Clay Nation!

Caro

TECHNORATI TAGS: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, Christy Cookie Charity Giveaway, National Inclusion Project, speakaboo, Arthur's Computer Disaster, Marc Brown, Clayonline, Clay Nation

Clay Aiken Ultimate Idol to Fans

ULTIMATE IDOL -- Clay Aiken has made a career of coming in second and ending up the winner. Graphic by Cotton.

Grandson Marks 2nd Birthday

Aiken Epitomizes World Idol

Balloting in the Ultimate World Idol Poll wound down at noon Thursday in London with Clay Aiken on tap for a familiar second place finish, but that's just fine with his fans.

To his legions of supporters voting in countries around the globe, readers of countless Internet blogs in his honor, and the thousands his humanitarian endeavors have touched, Clay Aiken is the Ultimate World Idol.

The Tweeterwall poll, which has consumed the efforts, time, and tweets of infinite numbers of fans of former American Idol contestants, has been fun, exhilarating, and exhausting. Congratulations to all the participants who inspired such faithful voting among their supporters!

Basically in idle mode this summer, the Clay Nation mobilized and began working the poll a few days late with their candidate in 47th position. As more and more fans joined the pursuit of the prize, the singer rallied and even took over first place a few times.

More importantly, Clay fans are again organized with worldwide message boards anxious to celebrate Singer Man's new chapter with Decca Universal.

Clay Aiken and David Novik, Decca vice president. - Photo from TwitPic.

When he signed with the Decca label in August, Clay severed final ties with the reality show that vaulted him onto the world stage in 2003. His fan base decided up front that the Tweeterwall event would close the books on American Idol polls.

Coming in second has never been a problem for Singer Man, as indicated by his eight successful tours; multi platinum album sales; New York Times best-selling memoir, Learning to Sing: Hearing the Music in Your Life; rave reviews for his Broadway debut in "Spamalot"; multiple television and benefit appearances.

UNICEF Ambassador in Somalia - Graphic by Claystruck

Clay, Fans Make a Difference

From the outset, Clay has used his celebrity to make the world a better place. A dedicated advocate for education and children's causes, Clay co-foundered the National Inclusion Project (formerly The Bubel/Aiken Foundation) in 2003 and was appointed a UNICEF National Ambassador in 2004.

In the process, he taught his fans the importance of making a difference. Besides participating in annual fundraisers like Wrapping for Inclusion, many CA fans work as volunteers in the "Let's All Play" summer camps of the foundation.

I’m often asked what I would do to change the world of I had the power to do anything. In my ideal world, no child would suffer. Charitable instincts would prevail. Those who could give, would give. There would be global acceptance of all different types of people.

There are so many kids in this world who could use another person looking out for them. Someone who will help them to discover their strengths and rise above their weaknesses. Someone who offers another opinion of their worth. Why not me? -- Clay Aiken from LTS.

Because of Clay, the fandom has helped raise money and awareness for inclusion, a variety of UNICEF campaigns, as well as a host of other charitable organization, including Toys for Tots, Ronald McDonald House, Make a Wish Foundation, and Broadway Cares/Equity fights AIDS.

128 Countries Dot 'Carolina' Map

An unscientific indicator of Clay's worldwide popularity is Carolina On My Mind's ClustrMap which registers home countries of this blog's visitors. Since December 2007, residents of 128 nations have dropped by to read about the singer.

New additions this month include Djibouti and Angola (Africa); the Solomon Islands (Australia); and Albania (Europe). The 128 countries represent every continent except Antarctica:

ASIA: Guam, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Micronesia, Oman, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Taipei, Taiwan, Vietnam, Pakistan, Iran, Bahrain, Kuwait, Azerbaijan (Baku), Bangladesh, Cambodia, Mongolia, China, Sri Lanka, Lebanon, Maldives, Palestinian Territory, Brunei Darussalam, Asia/Pacific Region, Jordan

AFRICA: South Africa, Egypt, Morocco, Madagascar, Seychelles, Somalia, Kenya, Nigeria, Mozambique, Algeria, Uganda, Mauritius, Burkina Faso, Tunisia, United Republic of Tanzania, Djibouti, Angola

EUROPE: Austria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Sweden, Romania, Scotland, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Bulgaria, Belgium, Poland, Russian Federation, Luxembourg, Slovakia, Croatia, Serbia, Ukraine, Turkey, Malta, Georgia, Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sicilia, Andorra, Latvia, Europe, Moldova, Albania

Fans of Clay
Double clickable

NORTH AMERICA: Canada, Costa Rica, El Salvador, United States, Mexico, Panama, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Bermuda, Saint Lucia, Guatemala, Nassau, The Bahamas, Grenada, Trinidad and Tobago, Dominican Republic, Anguilla, Honduras

SOUTH AMERICA: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia

AUSTRALIA: Australia, New Zealand, Tasmania, Solomon Islands

The "Idol Found, Game Over" CA fandom is enthusiastically looking forward to the singer's upcoming Decca chapter. In exactly one month, many will gather with him in Raleigh for the annual National Inclusion Project Gala for Champions of Change.

For Clay Aiken and his Nation, the best is yet to come!

RIGHT HERE WAITING -- Graphic by AmazingCA

Kai Celebrates Two Candles

An excited grandson today will blow out two big candles and open colorfully-wrapped gifts, celebrating the anniversary of his Sept. 17 birth. Sadly, his grandmother will be several states away teaching violin lessons.

Clickable by Ashes

As some may recall, Kai has been intrigued with the buttons and keys on computers, telephones, and television remotes most of his life.

Curious, clever, and extremely mobile, he knows his grandfather's bedroom is filled with an array of electronic treasures and percussion instruments, the main reason the door stays locked.

Clickable by Sally

A couple of Saturdays ago, Poppy left early to visit his mother, remembered he had not locked the door, and immediately called home to remedy the situation.

Too late! Cagey Kai had already made his move and was scampering out of the bedroom with a pair of drumsticks under one arm and a practice pad under the other.

He set up his "drum" on a marble table and alternated between practicing and watching TV. Thankfully, his mother grabbed her camera for a video that the Carolina clan has thoroughly enjoyed. "Auntie" Ashes created the birthday graphic from a photo taken that morning.

Drummer Boy Kai

Happy Birthday to our precocious, lovable Kai, who just may be the family's next musician!

Wishing the Clay Nation a wonderful weekend, knowing the best is yet to come!

Caro

TECHNORATI TAGS: Clay Aiken, Tweeterwall Ultimate World Idol, American Idol, National Inclusion Project, UNICEF National Ambassador, birthday, Clayonline, Clay Nation

Clay Aiken Rallies in World Idol Poll

THE BEST -- Clay Aiken fans are voting for their favorite. Graphic by cindilu2.

In Ultimate World Idol Poll

Fans 'Use Their Voice' for Clay

Clay Aiken is the Ultimate World Idol because he is a fabulous entertainer with an incredible voice, which he uses both on and off stage.

His commitment to use his celebrity to improve the lives of others is evident in his endeavors as an ambassador with UNICEF, co-founder of the National Inclusion Project for children with disabilities, benefit concerts and charities like Toys for Tots, Ronald McDonald House, Make a Wish Foundation.

With three days remaining in Tweeterwall's Ultimate World Idol Poll, Clay fans around the world are determined to vote him top honors. Saturday the Clay Nation closed the gap from 3,000 to 300. The competition will continue through Thursday, Sept. 17, at noon ET.

To link to Tweeterwall, double click on the visual below created by LovesClaysVoice:

You do not need to be a Twitter member nor do you have to sign into the Tweeterwall site to vote. Twitter members, however, can "follow" Clay at the social networking site.

Supportive threads at Clayonline and most CA message boards are encouraging voters and keeping them updated. This Stopwatch link will let you know when 20 minutes have gone by and it's time to vote again.

Vote and recruit others to do the same! Go, Clay Nation!!!

PHOTO INTERLUDE: It's impossible to sum up Clay Aiken the entertainer and philanthropist with five graphics. This brief overview from tours, albums, performances, and charitable endeavors features designs by AmazingCA, 1, 2, 5; cindilu2, 3; and Sally, 4.

Since discovering Clay on American Idol six years ago, the mantra of fans around the globe has become Idol Found, Game Over.

Clay's recent signing with Decca Universal, the upcoming Gala, and the promise of new music in 2010 have inspired an oft-repeated addendum: The best is yet to come!

Clay Aiken fans already know they have the REAL PRIZE. Let's win the Wall for Singer Man anyway!

Go, Clay Nation!!!

Caro

TECHNORATI TAGS: Clay Aiken, Tweeterwall Ultimate World Idol Poll, American Idol, Decca Universal, UNICEF Ambassador, National Inclusion Project, Clayonline, Clay Nation

Clay Aiken Montage Recalls 9-11

9-11-01 Tribute Montage by Yollie950
with songs by Clay Aiken

9-11: a Day of Remembrance

In memory of the senseless devastation and tragic loss of lives in America eight years ago today.

To the survivors of loved ones lost in the 9/11/01 terrorist invasion, know that America remembers. This country also pays tribute to the brave men and women whose heroic actions saved lives in New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington, DC.

"Grace of God" and "It's in Everyone of Us" by Clay Aiken are featured in the 9-11-01 Tribute Montage, which also can be viewed at YouTube.

Photo by the late Bill Biggart

Photographer Leaves 9-11 Legacy

Thank you to jmh123 for bringing the story of a professional photographer who died taking pictures when the second tower fell. In the aftermath, some of Bill Biggart's digital photos were recovered via his camera's memory card.

You can read the story here: Bill Biggart's Final Exposures and view a slide show of his amazing photos from Seeing the Horror. The first is printed above.

God Bless America
From Remembrance Flag

I wasn't in the habit of turning on the TV that early; but, for some reason, I was watching the TODAY Show that fateful morning. I remember with horror and disbelief as I watched the terrorists' planes fly into the twin towers and the terrible aftermath we witnessed in real time the rest of that day.

Where were you on 9/11 eight years ago? Share your remembrances in the comments below. Here is a double clickable of the God Bless America grapic:

We will never forget September 11, 2001. God bless America!

Caro

TECHNORATI TAGS: Clay Aiken, 9/11/01, terrorist invasion, It's in Everyone of Us, Grace of God, montage, Bill Baggart

LINK: Tweeterwall World Idol Poll

Clay Aiken Fans Storm Idol Poll

LINK: Ultimate World Idol Poll

THE PRIZE -- Clay Aiken fans know they already have the prize in Singer Man. Winning Tweeterwall would be a bonus! Graphic by cindilu2.

Tweeterwall World Idol Poll

Clay Nation Campaigns for Votes

After getting started a day late at #47 with a score of 80, the dedicated, tenacious Clay Nation entered a second week with 44k+ votes for their singer in Tweeterwall's Ultimate World Idol Poll.

UPDATE: At 1:30 a.m. Friday, Clay briefly took over the lead. Now, with five days remaining, Friday poll totals periodically looked like this at midnight, 11 a.m., 5 and 8 p.m.:

AL: 68,152 ... 74,292 ... 79,002 ... 81,339
CA: 67,556 ... 73,477 ... 77,349 ... 79,759

Voting at this site should be a piece of cake -- one ballot per ISP address every 20 minutes -- but it's not.

A slew of irregularities -- a bonus of 1,200 votes awarded the main opponent in the blink of an eye, the realization that Clay fans are competing against not one but three fan bases, a variety of website malfunctions plus the Internet's inevitable ad ware (be sure to click the "RED X" in the upper right corner instead of "CANCEL"!) -- Twitterwall voting is definitely not for sissies.

The two leaders are locked in a horse race that is testing the devotion, ingenuity. and recruiting skills of their supporters. CA fans have closed the gap to 776 only to see it widen overnight. The largest margin was 6,287 on Aug. 31.

A short video by LovesClaysVoice -- Idol Found-Game Over -- is an excellent YouTube link to email Clay fans encouraging them to vote. International fans around the globe are participating. Supportive threads at Clayonline and a host of CA message boards keep voters up to date.

On Monday, MJs Big Idol Blog endorsed Clay as the Ultimate World Idol:

I have come to appreciate the incredible talent and success that is Clay Aiken and I’m going to endorse him for the win.

The endorsement is gratifying, but winning will take lots of fans voting in 20-minute intervals.

This Stopwatch link will assure that you don't miss a vote. To get to Tweeterwall, click on the visual created by LCV:

Remember, with the Decca label signing, new music on the way, this fall's National Inclusion Project Gala, and all that is Clay Aiken -- we already have the REAL PRIZE. (tm anaturegirl).

Let's win the Wall for Clay anyway!

PHOTO INTERLUDE: Included in this clickable collection are graphics that originated as TwitPics on Twitter. The designs are by AmazingCA, 1; cindilu2, 2; and Fountaindawg, 3, (Clark Kent-Superman Special).

Need more inspiration? On a 20-minute break, enjoy the Every Beat of My Heart montage by LCV, in the player below.

If you go to YouTube, be sure to set the stopwatch timer so you won't miss a voting cycle!

Every Beat of My Heart -- Montage by LovesClaysVoice

Have a winning week, Clay Nation!

Caro

TECHNORATI TAGS: Clay Aiken, Tweeterwall World Idol Poll, American Idol, MJs Big Idol Blog, montage, Clayonline, Clay Nation

Clay Aiken Fans Mark Labor Day

LINK: World Idol Poll

Bridge Over Troubled Water - Montage by Aspiegirl

Khrystyna, a Very Special Fan

BOTW Links 2003 MDA Telethon

Labor Day Weekend doesn't roll around without Clay Aiken fans remembering the first time their singer, fresh off American Idol 2, performed for the Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy Telethon, now in its 44th year.

For the Clay Nation, Labor Day 2003 and the singer's incredible performance of "Bridge Over Troubled Water" will forever be linked. The host introduced Clay like this:

We are thrilled to have him joining us today because when it was made known that he would appear on this telethon, the emails and the fan clubs that this young man has have sent us $30,000 just for the fact that he was here.

And I can honestly say I have never in all of my life seen a theatrical groundswell that this kid has motivated that it makes us all come right back to the bobby sox and Frank. And isn't it nice to live through that magnificence again? Here is Clay Aiken! -- Jerry Lewis

For a timely walk down memory lane and a reminder of the MDA's efforts to eradicate, treat, and ease the progression of the disease, replay Aspiegirl's montage of the 2003 "Bridge Over Troubled Water" performance above and at YouTube.

The future belongs to those who believe
in the beauty of their dreams. Graphic by cindilu2

The montage, which opens with this beautiful graphic by cindilu2, features many others throughout.

On April 19, the Carolina blog highlighted the remarkable story of a Twitter acquaintance battling ALS, a form of muscular dystrophy: AceNoFace Sets Musical Mark.

Read about the musical benefit -- Sing Out for a Cure -- that he has planned for Sept. 13 in East Lansing, MI. All proceeds will benefit the ALS Therapy Development Institute. Information about ALS, the day's activities, and the donation process is available at the "Sing Out" link.

During the Labor Day Telethon, secure donations can be made through MDAUSA here.

'Remembering Khrystyna' Honors Legacy.
Video from KMTV-Omaha

Video Honors Life of Khrystyna

When Khrystyna (K-na) Serednytsky, 22, passed away 10 days ago, many in the Clay Nation a close friend while heaven welcomed a very special new angel.

Action 3 News, KMTV Omaha, NE, shared her story via a beautiful video tribute -- Remembering Khrystyna -- that incorporates her love for Clay Aiken. The Omama MDA will telecast a memorial segment on K-na at 1 p.m. Monday.

Khrysyna's mother broke the news of her daughter's death on her Facebook page:

I just know how she loved all of you, and I think she would want me to let you know that she is with God now.

Born in the Ukraine, Khrystyna was challenged by Muscular Dystrophy from birth, but died of complications from the Swine Flu. She felt a special connection with Clay, and excerpts of his "Because You Loved Me" accompany the video throughout.

Khrystyna first saw Clay perform in Omaha but also traveled to New York City in March 2008 to experience Sir Robin in the Broadway production of "Spamalot."

The young woman also had a special place in her heart for MDA Camp, which she renamed "Heaven" in a book she wrote for her high school graduation project. The video was produced by Kayla Thomas of Action 3 News.

Another -- Friends Remember Local H1N1 Victim -- can be viewed at the KETV-7 website. A camp that Khrystyna helped organize for older MD sufferers may be renamed in her honor.

K-na meets her favorite singer, Clay.

Clay Rallies in World Idol Poll

Dust off your voting techniques, set your timer, and join the growing numbers of Clay Aiken fans participating in Tweeterwall's Ultimate World Idol poll. The rules are simple, as you are only allowed to vote once every 20 minutes.

The race between Clay and Season 8 runnerup Adam Lambert has grown tighter, as CA fans have begun closing the gap. Starting a day late, the Clay Nation moved Singer Man from #47 with 80 votes to #2 with 6,063 by Tuesday afternoon.

At 5 p.m. Saturday, the score was AL 21,773 and CA 19,031. As the poll heads into its second week, Clay fans are urged to click on the World Idol link and cast your three votes every hour. There are supportive threads at Clayonline and a host of CA message boards.

Even if second place has been a good fit for Clay, first would be especially nice!

Have a wonderful Labor Day Weekend, Clay Nation!

Caro

TECHNORATI TAGS: Clay Aiken, Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon, Bridge Over Troubled Water, American Idol, montage, Ace Noface, Remembering Khrystyna, Tweeterwall World Idol Poll, Clayonline, Clay Nation

Clay Aiken Fans Hit World Idol Poll

On My Way Here Album Clips - Montage by SueReu

Clay Nation Recalls Voting Skills

Poll, Montage Tender Deja Vu

It's been one deja vu experience after another for Clay Aiken fans who this week dusted off latent voting skills and began participating in a worldwide poll that recalls the competitive American Idol, MTV and Top 10 radio countdowns from past seasons.

Brush up on your voting techniques, and join those participating in Tweeterwall's Ultimate World Idol poll. The rules are simple, and you are only allowed one vote every 20 minutes. In one day, the Clay Nation moved Singer Man from #47 with 80 votes to #2 with 6,063 at 5:29 p.m. Tuesday, 9/1.

UPDATE: Ultimate World Idol standings at Tweeterwall on Thursday, 11 p.m.; Friday, 11 p.m.; and Saturday, 9 a.m.

Adam: 16,822 ... 19,338 ... 20,215
Clay: 12,436 ... 15,892 ... 17,001

Come on Clay Nation!

The poll runs through September, so click on the World Idol link and be counted many times, Clay Nation. Even if second place has been a good fit for Clay, first would be kinda nice, too.

Montage Virtual Memory Lane

For more deja vu moments, check out SueReu's montage of On My Way Here Album Clips above and at YouTube. With each track, she credits the songwriters while video clips from six tours, TV appearances, UNICEF trips, and a National Inclusion Project's Gala provide a visual walk down memory lane.

Below is an outline of the occasions you will experience by viewing the montage. To download a copy, here is the Sendspace link.

On My Way Here - AI Solitaire performance and AI Tour (Raleigh)
Ashes - National Inclusion Project Gala auction
Everything I Don't Need - Jukebox Tour (Pittsburgh)
Something About Us - Joyful Noise Tour 04 (Costa Mesa)
Falling - SRHP Tour (Pala)
Where I Draw the Line - Diane Sawyer interviews
The Real Me - UNICEF (Uganda)
Weight of the World - Jimmy Kimmel Live skit
As Long As We're Here - UNICEF (Afghanistan)
Sacrificial Love - Neil Sedaka Tribute
Grace of God - UNICEF (Mexico and Indonesia)
Lover All Alone - SRHP tour (Indio)

PHOTO INTERLUDE: This clickable collection features graphics from the past and present with an eye on the future. Included are designs by AmazingCA, 1, 2 (photo by toni7babe), and 3; Claystruck (photos by ClayIzzaQT, Invisible926, and Tasapio), 4; and SueRue's screen cap from a video by SecretlyLovesClay, 5.

Looking back is always a treat, but as Decca Records and the Clay Nation know ... the best is yet to come!

Below is a clickable of the September calendar by cindilu2. For a widescreen version, see her Yuku site.

Have an awesome week, Clay Nation!

Caro

TECHNORATI TAGS: Clay Aiken, On My Way Here, montage, Tweeterwall, World Idol Poll, Decca Universal Records, deja vu, voting, Clayonline, Clay Nation