Clay Aiken performs for a "hometown" crowd in Charlotte.
Charlotte Welcomes Clay Home
The welcome mat was out in style Wednesday night as North Carolina embraced Clay Aiken and the Tried & True troupe for a hometown performance in Charlotte's Blumenthal Center. In the audience were fans, family members, and longtime friends of the singer.
A 2003 graduate of UNC-Charlotte, Clay made his home there during his college years; but the city is also where he first auditioned for American Idol. He was initially beaten by his backup singer Quiana Parler and had to try again in Atlanta.
Among those in the audience were his mother, grandmother, and Diane Bubel with whom he co-founded the National Inclusion Project in 2003.
Clack, Cellcerts Concert Shtick
Even though cellcerts and clack have become an intricate part of Clay's concert shtick, ushers did not receive the memo and there was an unbelievable clampdown on photographers and videographers.
Scarlett, who has videoed much of the tour and has become part of the nightly banter, only came away with parts of the Charlotte event.
In her recap, luckiest 1, described the final number which, thanks to Scarlett, fans can replay via video clack.
Crying and Unchained Melody were magnificent tonight. Spot on, gorgeous notes he hit. He joked around a bit when he came back for the encore, even while the band kept playing the intro to "Both Sides Now." Then all went silent during the song, which he seems to feel more and more each time he sings it. He remarked that they are his favorite lyrics.
He talked about clack before "In My Life." He talked a lot about Charlotte and AI and tonight.
Before "In My Life" -- after he had told us how much he loves and appreciates us -- he plugged Greenville quite a few times and said that if you aren't in Greenville tomorrow night, you are out of the will.
Here are Scarlett's videos of "In My Life," beginning with the banter that precedes the song. Check the Wowzers4Clay YouTube Channel for new postings. Download audio/video files here.
Pre 'In My Life' banter during Charlotte T&T Show.
Video by Scarlett can be viewed full screen at YouTube.
Clay sings 'In My Life' to close Charlotte Concert.
View video by Scarlett full screen at YouTube.
It was the first time I heard "Both Sides Now" on tour, and it was incredibly beautiful. Gentle, tender, poignant, lovely. He was funny, gorgeous, and oh so entertaining. I think he's loving this tour, too.
ncgran4clay: The concert last night was awesome. He is just so in his element on that stage. His voice was out of this world good, and his humor kept us in stitches.
I took a good friend who is a casual fan, and she loved the show. Raved in the car all the way home. One thing my friend said I loved was, "He reminds me of Johnny Carson; he can turn anything into humor."
This show is just soooo good. The mix up of songs, everything. The man surely knows how to plan a tour to keep the show fresh and fun.
It was my last show of the tour, but oh what fun it has been!
Below are three screen caps from Scarlett's videos, including Clay's imitation of fans "typing every word I say on the Internet," and a photo of the marquee at the Belk Theatre by chel4clay.
Tonight it's on to Greenville, SC, for a 7:30 pm concert in The Peace Center. Other weekend performances include Westbury, NY, 8 pm Saturday, NYCB Theatre at Westbury, and Glenside, PA, 7:30 pm Sunday, Keswick Theatre.
Have an awesome weekend, Clay Nation!
Caro
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8 comments:
Gosh, I think this is a first for me, I feel so honored to be mentioned in your blog. Thank you. It was a mesmerizing night. I don't think I've ever had a seat that close to him that I could actually see his face. The venue was, as was Charlotte, lovely. His voice just captivates you holds you close.
I'm so loving the clack you put in your blog. This is such a happy tour. Every time I read a recap, see a picture, or watch a video, I find I have a big smile on my face! :-)
Love the clack and Clay saying he is ok with Clack. Sure am thankful for it and enjoy all Clay has to bring. I also enjoy your info Caro, and all U do for Us. Clay keep singing and Caro keep writing ! We all appreciate yah both! Concerts are so much fun!!D. in Wi.
I was with chel4clay at the Charlotte Concert! We became Clay/Friends & travel buddies after our bus trip To NYC to see SPAMALOT, on a bus tour, arranged by Candace Johnson, 11/28-11/30/08. Cheli lives in Apex, & I live in Cary, NC.
This concert was indescribably AWESOME!!! We thought Quiana's sister & family were sitting in front of us at the Belk Auditorium! we were in C Orch., Row K, seats 305-6! Cheli & I were left in tears at the finale, when Clay sang, "Both Sides Now", & then "In my Life"!
The people in from of us that we thought were related to Quiana, were about to leave, & we tapped them on the shoulder & said, " He will be back for 2 more songs"! They stayed!!!
What a night!!!What a blessing!
Oh My, Clay gets better and better....I love Clay singing 'In My Life.' I wish I was there.
Thank You, Thank You, Thank You, for ALL that You and all the clack gathers are doing for all of us here at home.
Have a awesome weekend Caro.....
Till next time
Big Hugs,
Marlyne
"In MY Life" remains my favorite song from these concerts.
I was in Greenville for the JBT 5 years ago, and I know he is sounding amazing in that lovely venue tonight.
Hello!
Thnx, all, for stopping by and commenting on the Charlotte blog. What fabulous concerts Clay Aiken & Co. are presenting for fans!
I'm working on a Greenville, SC, report right now.
Have an awesome weekend!
Caro
"Best ever". How many times do you think we've said that about Clay Akien, and then he turns around and tops it.
Magic Man!
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