Thursday, January 28, 2010

Clay Aiken Fans Remember 'Take'


ATLANTA AUDITION - The Clay Nation honors the anniversary of "Take," Jan. 28, 2003. Graphic by Fountaindawg.

'Always and Forever' in Atlanta

Clay Nation Marks Anniversary

Celebrations are in full swing throughout Cyberspace as fans recall the night in 2003 that Clay Aiken was introduced to the world with the American Idol 2 telecast of his Atlanta audition.

Take time to tell me you really care
And we'll share tomorrow together
Baby, I'll always love you forever.

Always and forever
Each moment with you
Is just like a dream to me
That somehow came true.

Sign into any message board in Clay Cyber and you will note a stream of "Happy Take!" greetings honoring the opening lyrics of "Always and Forever," his audition song.

What a Feeling, a montage by Aspiegirl, commemorates the Atlanta event and the memorable AI5 finale appearance three years later.


What a Feeling - Montage by Aspiegirl

On January 28, 2003, an unassuming redhead from North Carolina took his first step on the path of pop culture. The text below has been adapted from a seven-year highlights post by Fountaindawg.

2003: We watched Clay Aiken rise through the ranks of American Idol and take his initial steps as a successful independent performer by the fourth quarter of that year. The early days were just a peek at both the "Measure of a Man" and a natural entertainer.

2004: Three tours! And a book! And a Christmas special! Clay was one of the hardest working people in the entertainment business. We were definitely spoiled.

2005: With the Jukebox Tour's Elvis-Motown-Beatles-Disco-New Music, Clay certainly showed his range. He showed that he "Scrubs" up nicely, too.

2006: Silence and patience as we waited for the man to talk and to sing ... the AI5 finale water cooler moment ... and the "Clay Aiken Traveling Christmas Music and Comedy Banter Show."

2007: This year brought a tour that showed "A Thousand Different Ways" to sing slooooooowwwww songs and, later on, the "Clay Aiken Traveling Christmas Music But *Not* Talking to You This Year (Nope No Way) Show"!

2008: Clay "Spammed" … a lot! Stage doors galore meant plenty of pics for the truly obsessed. (Yes, that would be me!) He also began his own family and spoke his Truth. He was "out" in every meaning of the word, reclaiming his life. "On My Way Here" had some interesting stops along the way!

2009: A quiet year fandom-wise, but we did catch Clay between a "30 Rock" and a Tyra place. While "Fostering" his relationships quietly, he made a few appearances and, after kicking the old "Arsey, Eh" label to the curb, announced that he would begin a new "Deccade" with a release in 2010.


If You Don't Know Me By Now - Montage by Aspiegirl

The montage If You Don't Know Me By Now encapsulates highlights from tours, television appearances, UNICEF trips, and National Inclusion Project events. IYDKMBN is a bonus track from the singer's A Thousand Different Ways CD of 2007.

Here are Sendspace downloads for both montages --
What a Feeling and If You Don't Know Me By Now -- by Aspiegirl.

See Fountaindawg's Year at a Glance Timelines, annual collages from 2002 - 2009, at the Clay Aiken Kids site.


NEW YEAR - The Clay Nation celebrates Years 1-7 and the beginning of Year 8. Graphic by Fountaindawg.

So here’s to what was,
The memories are sweet.
And here’s to what will be.
Hey, maybe he’ll even Tweet!

Below are clickables of commemorative graphics by Fountaindawg, 1 and 3, and Cotton, 2:





Happy "Take" anniversary ... the beginning of Year 8 ... and the new decade, aptly spelled "Deccade" by the Clay Nation!

Caro

Recently featured in this blog, the Retrospective montages by SueReu provide an outstanding rewind of the past seven years. The Atlanta audition appears in Retro 1. Enjoy!

Clay Aiken, A Retrospective, Part 1 - The Music

Clay Aiken, A Retrospective, Part 2 - Small Screen Fun

Clay Aiken, A Retrospective, Part 3 - A Special Guest

Clay Aiken, A Retrospective, Part 4 - Photographs and Memories

22 comments:

SueReu said...

It's hard to believe that Clay Aiken came into our lives 7 years ago today and what an amazing 7 years it has been!!!

Happy Anniversary ClayNation (or Clay Nation - take your pick)

Here's to 7 more (or 70 - take your pick) AWESOME years!!!

Thanks Caro!

Truth Rules said...

I've got the 7 year itch - itching to start the next chapter/decade with my favorite singer man, Clay Aiken.

Great blog!!!!

Anonymous said...

What an amazing ride this has been! 7 glorious memorable years!!! 2010 here we come!!!!

chel4clay said...

Great Blog, bring on the next Deccade with Mr. Clay Aiken, I'm ready.

jbc4clay said...

I too, am hoping for 7+ more years on this ride. It has been amazing.

Thanks for the memories, Caro!

Rhode Island Fan said...

It hasn't been quite 7 years for me yet. Didn't see Clay Aiken until he did "Grease"--but, when I saw him, I was hooked!!!

I was so grateful when they showed AI2 rewind, so I could see what I had missed.

Looking forward to many more years.
Happy Anniversary Claynation!
Thanks for the wonderful blog and trip down memory lane.

Anonymous said...

It has been great fun following the career of Clay Aiken. I am looking forward to more from him.

Hunter

Anonymous said...

Happy Anniversary Clay Nation!! I love Clay Aiken <3

PaulaBear said...

Wow! Has it really been 7 years!!
Being a Clay Aiken fan sure makes time go quickly .... unless you're waiting for soon, that is!! I'll never forget the first time I heard Clay sing. He was magic then, he is magic still!! Looking forward to the best that is yet to come!!

Sandy said...

Seven years ago this wonderful man came into our lives. I have not regretted a minute and my life has been richer because of what he has given us. I am a true believer that God puts people into our lives for a reason. Thank you God for giving us Clay and I'll raise a toast to the next seven years that we'll share with him!

Thanks Caro...awesome blog!


Sandy

Anonymous said...

Congratulations for 7 years Clay Nation. We are so lucky to have enjoyed these years with Clay. He makes my life so much better. I am looking forward to more with his new cd coming out in 2010. So exciting.

claysweetea said...

Happy Take Clay Aiken and ClayNation! It can't really have been 7 years already! The Best Is Yet To Come. Thanks, Carol

Anonymous said...

After 7 years, Clay Aiken continues to rule the Clay Nation!
Clay's Nation comprises of people who love and care about their "ruler". The people of the Clay Nation have been supportive of this "ruler" and his "members of the cabinet". They help raise money for his NIP! He has a heart of GOLD! They attend his every concert. Yes, this "ruler man" can sing! The entire Clay Nation is awaiting for the NEW and FRESH compilation of songs from this majestic singing ICON! HAPPY 7TH, CLAY NATION!MAY YOU HAVE A LOT OF "DECCADES" TO LIVE!!!

Anonymous said...

I am a new fan and very excited to start making some favorite memories of Clay myself. I love to look back see all the things Clay has done over the last 7 years. Looking forward to many years to come.
Thanks so much for the blog Caro.
Sharrie

katy said...

So ends the first 7 years of Clay Aiken's journey, bring on the next 7 years!!

Anonymous said...

He took his passion for singing and shared it and for that I am very grateful. It brightens each day ,his voice is special and in his own right, so is he. 7 yrs. of pure joy, hope he has a bright positive future and wow's Us all. Thanks!! for the wonderful blogs!!Donna in Wi.

ImGranny said...

Wow! It's been 7 years since Clay came into our lives? It sure doesn't seem that long. He captured my heart from the very beginning, he still has it, and I imagine he will always have it. I'm looking forward to the future in our ride with Clay Aiken! What a class act this fella is!!!!!!!!

lulu said...

Yoo Hoo for the start of year #8 in the Clay Aiken fandom. The best is yet to come.

Anonymous said...

Hi Caro,

Another wonderful blog from "our" Caro! Has it really been seven years? It sure doesn't feel like it, I guess it's true, "time flies when your having fun."

I'm looking forward to many, many more years as a Clay Aiken Fan.

Hugs,
Marlyne

LovesClaysVoice said...

I couldn't have picked a better man to love and support these past 7 years! Clay took a piece of my heart from the word 'take' and it will always belong to him. I wish him all the success and happiness the world has to offer!!

T said...

Great blog Caro! Can't believe it's been 7 years now. You've captured the main highlights. I'm still a fan and looking forward to this year.

Thanks so much Caro for bringing another memorable blog. It's always exciting to look back at those wonderful years.

Hugs,
T

Unknown said...

7 years, and I feel that he has always been a part of my life. When did that happen???

Thank you, Caro. This blog made my heart smile. ♥