Montage Spotlights Clay Aiken on Broadway

Knights on Broadway - Montage by SueReu
View video full screen at YouTube. Download Retro Part 5 here.

Part 5 in Retrospective Series

Memorable Walk Down Broadway

"Knights on Broadway," Part 5 of SueReu's retrospective series of Clay Aiken montages, spotlights special performances by the singer with Heather Headley and Hannah Waddington, as well as his stint in the hit musical, "Spamalot."

Among the highlights are "Can You Feel the Love Tonight," duet with Heather Headley, Broadway Cares, May 24, 2004; the Easter Bonnet Competition, duet with Heather Waddingham, April 29, 2008; "Home," Broadway Backwards, Feb. 7, 2011, video by Scarlett; and a variety of "Spamalot" scenes/songs as Sir Robin, Brother Maynard, and guard.

Who can forget the shy Robin predicting he would become the "Idol of his Age"? The clips SueReu merged also showcase the singer's extraordinary vocal range, his dramatic but forgettable piano technique, the Russian bottle dance, and such memorable tunes as "Find Your Grail," "He Is Not Dead Yet," "You Won't Succeed on Broadway," and "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life."

For other Clay Aiken retrospective montages by SueReu, see the following:

Part 1 - The Music
Part 2 - Small Screen Fun;
Part 3 - A Special Guest;
Part 4 - Photographs & Memories

Download the first four segments of the Retrospective series with the following links: Retro Part 1; Retro Part 2; Retro Part 3; Retro Part 4.

Below are clickable graphics from Clay's Spamalot run by AmazingCA, 1 and 3, and cindilu2, 2.

Clay appears in the Musicians' Real Names slideshow on the MIX 96.5 website. Link to the station's site by clicking on the graphic below. Arrows on either side of Clay's photo will take you to the real monikers of other entertainers.

Graphic by Ashes links to 'Real Names' at MIX 96.5.

Have a wonderful week, Clay Nation!

Caro

Clay Aiken, Fans Applaud Pepsi Win, Broadway Event

Clay Aiken and the Clay Nation are in celebratory mode this week.
Clickable graphic by AmazingCA,Timeless Tour photos by Invisible926.

NIP Wins $50k Pepsi Grant

Fans Celebrate Broadway, Award

Throughout Clay Cyberspace, it's party time!

Clay Aiken will return to Broadway for a special performance on Feb. 7, and the National Inclusion Project, the charity the singer co-founded with Diane Bubel in 2003 is the #1 finalist for a $50k grant in December's Pepsi Refresh Challenge.

Three days after the Broadway performance Clay begins the Tried & True Tour in Miami, FL, ending in San Francisco 22 concerts later.

The singer posted his appreciation and bravos in a blog at his official fan club site: Huge thanks on the opting for Pepsi Refresh. You guys really came through in a big way!

Although the Pepsi winners won't officially be announced until Jan. 23, the Inclusion Project looks mighty fine atop the winners' circle.

Double click on this image to view all December finalists,
many of which partnered with the NIP via reciprocal voting.

Officially, the four-month drive to obtain funding for the Inclusion Project is finished. However, just as previously funded charities did for the NIP, many supporters are continuing to vote for the alliances and partners that helped put the Project in the December winner's circle.

The Thank You Widget below contains the NIP alliances and partners still in the running. Voting only takes a few minutes if you copy/paste the same comment for each. I remember how touched we were when former winners returned to help the NIP with voting.

Below is a possible comment:

The National Inclusion Project is voting for you daily. Thank you for helping us win in December. Good luck this month!

Designed by Scarlett, the widget will remain in the Carolina blog's sidebar throughout January. Supporters can also access the links/text numbers at the widget's home base.

Spamalot graphic by cindilu2 captures current Broadway excitement.

Singer Slated for 'Broadway Backwards'

Clay Aiken (Spamalot), HBO's "True Blood" star Denis O'Hare (Tony winner for Take Me Out) and Tony winner Alan Cumming (Cabaret, CBS's "The Good Wife") join a line-up of performers in BROADWAY BACKWARDS 6 for a star-studded, one-night only event at the Longacre Theatre in New York City on Monday, Feb. 7.

Produced by Broadway Cares, the 8 p.m. show will benefit BC/EFA and The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center of New York City.

BROADWAY BACKWARDS will feature some of Broadway's biggest names singing songs originally written for the opposite gender: women singing songs written for men and men singing songs written for women.

By keeping all of the lyrics intact, including the original pronouns, each song takes on an entirely new dimension, sometimes with hysterical results and sometimes with immensely touching results.

BROADWAY BACKWARDS will give its audience a chance to see and hear some of the most treasured songs of the Great White Way in a whole new key.

BROADWAY BACKWARDS began as a grassroots concert performed at the Center in 2006. In subsequent years, the event grew quickly, performing Off-Broadway at 37 Arts, followed by Roundabout's American Airlines Theatre and last year at Lincoln Center Theater at the Vivian Beaumont.

With more performers to be announced, the current line-up also includes Tituss Burgess (The Little Mermaid), Len Cariou (Tony winner for Sweeney Todd), Kevin Chamberlin (The Addams Family), Robin De Jesus (La Cage aux Folles), Jose Llana (The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee), Lin-Manuel Miranda (Tony winner for In the Heights), Debra Monk (Curtains), Bobby Steggert (Ragtime), Brian Charles Rooney (The Threepenny Opera) and Tony Yazbeck (Gypsy).

Tickets can be ordered here. The link includes a Longacre Theatre seating chart. For the complete story, see Broadway Cares.

Photo links to 2008 Debut Weekend Slide Show

The above Spamalot January 2008 Debut Weekend Slide Show features photos by Irishbookgal, Toni7babe, Scrpkym, Solitaire30, Butterflyshine, BigAppleforClay, as well as professional photographers J.Pellegrini, Steven A. Henry, Joan Marsh, and Bruce Glikas.

Have a wonderful week, Clay Nation!

Caro

Clay Aiken-Ruben Studdard Tour Plays Final Dates

Timeless Tour 80s Medley from Chautauqua Concert
View full screen video by Scarlett at YouTube.

Timeless Tour Winds Down

Vocals, Banter Shine in Shows

Despite the chaos of a last-minute venue change that created nightmarish seating snafus at the Hammerstein, the New York City Timeless Tour concert of Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard was still packed with spectacular vocals, rocking backup renditions, and quick-witted banter that mirrors the close friendship and chemistry between the show's headliners.

Audiences at this final week of concerts have been enthusiastic, loudly appreciative, and up on their feet dancing to the music.

With slight adjustments for a smaller stage and temperature readings as hot as the band, the performers presented a memorable show at Hampton Beach, NH, Tuesday. Next came the Hammerstein on Wednesday and Thursday's 8 p.m. concert is set for the Turning Point Resort in Verona, NY. (Check back for updates.)

Fans Note Script Changes

More than one fan attending these concerts for the first time since the tour's July 23 opener in Asheville, NC, noted the structure of the show's script remains intact, though parts have changed over time.

"Even the lines I recognized seemed fresh and genuine. They are really good actors!" Brightstar commented in her Hampton Beach recap at Clayversity.

Below are two clickables from the Hampton Beach concert by cameocat:

80s Medley Moves, Shakes

"Footloose," which closes the 80s medley, especially shook the Hammerstein show. Below, concert goers provide highlights of Wednesday's concert:

Dancermom2: "Footloose" was amazing. That’s when we blew the roof off the place. And this place, by the way, is old. It smells old, feels old, and is musty. And there were times I felt the floor move and shake and not from an earthquake.

"Pastor Ruben, don’t pray to cure Clay of "lack-of-rythmnitis" but to save us from a collapsing floor!"

The opening video clip by Scarlett features Clay, Ruben, and backup singers Quiana Parler and Casey Thompson performing the 80s medley from the Chautauqua Concert.

Included are "Eye Of The Tiger," "Rhythm Of The Night," "Glory Of Love," "Shout," "Africa," "Can't Fight This Feeling," "Through The Fire," "All Night Long," "If This Is It," "Alone," "Caribbean Queen," "Nothing's Gonna Stop Us," and "Footloose."

Brightstar: Terrific show! Full of energy and the place rocked, literally at times. The guys seemed to be in great moods and clearly loved it when the audience cheered and clapped and danced. They were funnier than ever, too.

momo: The energy at both shows [Lancaster and Hammerstein] was truly incredible. Had my uncle with me who has never seen a Clay concert and he loved it. Danced and screamed so much his voice was gone after the show. First thing he asked me was, "Do they have a CD of this?"

Marilyn: They still delivered the script like it was fresh, but added bits and pieces here and there. Like Tom Deckman, my absolute favorite medley was the 80s. Clay absolutely KILLS on these songs. The very top favorite is always "More Than A Feeling," and I want to hear this whole song coming out of those golden lungs.

The Footloose segment is just the very best. The audience went wild, and they did it again. This is the most joyful, lively segment of the show, and I just love it.

A DVD highlighting the best of the shows would be great, and it would be a sin not to be able to keep it for posterity. I could watch it umpteen times and never be tired of it. The energy in that show was just fantastic.

libra1014: My 20-year-old daughter and I both thought the concert was terrific. She came to the concert for me; she left wanting to go to another one and wanting a CD of the show.

I cannot say enough about the excellent vocals and incredible band on stage last night. Clay has never looked or sounded better. I think that goes for everyone on stage.

Featured in this collection of clickables are photos from the Hammerstein concert by Toni, 1 and 5; mustbeeme, 2 and 4; Asolo, 3.

Concert Wows 'Spamalot' Friend

After the Hammerstein show, Tom Deckman, Clay's friend and former "Spamalot" cast mate, talked to fans on the Clackhouse stream. The NYC venue was his first Clay Aiken concert, and he termed the show "fantastic." His favorite part was the 80s medley.

Excited about the Hampton Beach performance, keepingfaith emailed Clack Unlimited links to her sister and a couple of friends, one inadvertently. Previously a "non-believer," the accidental recipient responded, "I watched every one of the clips on that page you linked and am beginning to be a big fan. You've recruited me!"

As it turns out, the new fan downloaded every link on the Hampton Beach page!

Below are clickables by Cotton from Thursday's Verona concert:

MTV Review Lauds Music, Humor

In his review of the New York performance, Jim Cantiello of MTV, praised the exceptional vocals and hilarious stand-up humor. Ruben's "Superstar" and Clay's "Mandy" left him with goosebumps. In answer to a comment, he added:

They have fantastic chemistry and seem to be having the time of their lives on this tour. It was a fun night.

I think this sentence from Rhodeislandfan's recap sums up the 2010 Timeless Tour best:

Honestly, the show is so good a person could go to every single one and never once be tired of it.

The final two Timeless Tour performances are slated for 7:30 Friday, Horseshoe Casino, Hammond, IN, and 8 p.m. Saturday, Beau Rivage, Biloxi, MS.

Have a wonderful weekend, Clay Nation!

Caro

Thank you for your blog comments and props for the contributing artists. To leave a remark, scroll to the bottom of that section, click on the "Post a Comment" link, and write in the box provided. Many thnx for stopping by today! - Caro

Clay Aiken Irish on St. Pat's Day

ALL THINGS GREEN -- Clay Aiken graphic by AmazingCA.

March Honors Irish Traditions

Everyone's a little bit Irish on St. Patrick's Day. This blog commemorates the week with "Spamalot" green, signature color of Sir Robin, Clay Aiken's recent role in the hit Broadway musical.

The most well-known March observance is St. Patrick's Day, honoring the patron saint of Ireland, the man who brought Christianity to the Irish in the 400's A.D. March 17 is truly a day for celebrating Irish history, ancestry, traditions, and customs.

Around the globe, St. Patrick's Day festivities are generally themed around all things green and Irish. The secular version of the holiday is marked by wearing green or orange, eating Irish food and/or green foods, imbibing Irish drink (usually Guinness), and attending parades.

Irish colonists brought St. Patrick's Day to North America. The event was first commemorated in the 13 colonies in Boston, MA, in 1737.

Everyone's a little bit Irish on St. Patrick's Day!

Clay co-hosting 2010 GFI in Palm Beach Gardens.
Double clickable photo by Alicia Donovan

Palm Beach Magazine Features GFI

Golfing for Inclusion is featured in the March 2010 issue of Palm Beach Gardens Lifestyle magazine. Written by Laura Delgado with photography by Alicia Donovan, scans of the article are available at Clay Aiken The Ideal Idol.

Clay Aiken sings, tours, performs on Broadway, raises funds and acts as a spokesperson for various causes. But can he play golf?

Aiken recently teamed up with PGA Professional Wayne Player to hose the 3rd Annual Golfing for Inclusion on February 1 at The Country Club at Mirasol, right here in Palm Beach Gardens.

The three-page spread incorporates the history and agenda of the National Inclusion Project, as well as the 2010 GFI event. Five photos accompany the story.

"I have never golfed, and I think -- in the best interest of others -- we should keep it that way," he said with a laugh.

To read the complete story, link to Clay Aiken The Ideal Idol.

INTERLUDE IN GREEN: Sir Robin's penchant for green lends itself to a clickable St. Patrick's Day interlude. Included are graphics by Amazing_CA with photos by Joan Marcus, 1, and Toni7babe, 3; Claystruck, photo by Disneydeb84, 2.

No One As Irish As Barack Obama

More than 34 million Americans are of Irish descent, nine times the population of Ireland. Among them is US President Barack Obama, whose maternal great-great-great grandfather Falmuth Kearney was born in Moneygall, a tiny village in central Ireland.

Between 1845 and 1851, more than a million people left Ireland on 'famine ships' to escape mass-starvation caused by potato blight; and, according to documents unearthed by an Irish vicar, passenger lists show Falmuth Kearney was among them, arriving in New York in 1850 before settling in Ohio.

Screen cap links to animated montage.

The song "There's No One as Irish as Barack O'Bama," which was written by Hardy Drew and recorded by the Corrigan Brothers, helps fill in the blanks about President Obama's 3% Irish heritage. The concert and animated versions can be viewed at YouTube.

Everyone's a little bit Irish on St. Patrick's Day!

Kai, our clan's pot o' gold, is 2 1/2 years old today!
Clickable 2009 St. Patrick's graphic by Ashes

Grandma's on Kai's Radar

Being a long-distance grandmother can be difficult at times; but there are some high moments, too. Kai, who celebrates 2.5 years today, and I are enjoying getting to know each other in telephone conversations. Ten-month-old Lia tries to copy everything he does, so our phone time is coming.

Kai has always loved telephone buttons and now delights in providing a running commentary of all that's happening ("The dogs are getting ready to go out ... Lia is taking a nap"), as well as walking around the room pointing out items ("This is our TV; here's Lia's high chair; and this is my dump truck full of Cheerios.")

"Grandmother" has become the voice on the phone so much so that last week while his mother was talking with a friend, Kai yelled from across the room, "Hello, Grandma!"

I look forward to the time when "across the room" is literally just that. Happy 2.5, Grandson!

Your Carolina blog visits -- and especially thos who stop and comment -- are always appreciated. According to the attached Feedjit Live Feed and ClustrMap applications, visitors from 144 countries have stopped by this year, the newest being Armenia. Greetings to all!

Accompanying the above Irish blessing (graphic by Sally) is a very special wish to all for a Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Caro

Clay Aiken: 'Spamalot' Debut Salute

OPENING NIGHT -- Cindilu2's animated design with photos by Kareneh commemorates Clay Aiken's Jan. 18, 2008, debut as Sir Robin in the Broadway show "Spamalot."

Ovations Rock Shubert Theatre

Clay Aiken Debuts in 'Spamalot'

Today's 400th Carolina On My Mind entry salutes Clay Aiken's Jan. 18, 2008, Broadway debut as Spamalot's Sir Robin. With minor alterations, below is a reprint of the Carolina blog that appeared the morning after the singer's celebrated opening.

Many thnx to all who visit this site regularly, leave comments, and are participating in the 400th milestone entry. At last count, you represent 138 countries around the world.

This weekend Clay Aiken is the toast of the town in New York City. With his spectacular debut Friday in Broadway's award-winning "Spamalot," the singer was everything his director had predicted in promos leading up to the extraordinary night.

Clay is amazing beyond that glorious voice. Turns out he is an excellent comic actor and a master of character. People are going to be surprised by his wide-ranging talent. -- Mike Nichols

The stunning performance had also been predicted five years ago by American Idol guest judge Gladys Knight:

You're ... you're ... a mystery. You have your own look. There's something very magical about your look. And your voice is so pure. I don't know in the contemporary world what's going to happen with you, but something exceptional is going to happen for you along the way because you are pure. You're wonderful.

Opening night excitement continued Saturday as both performances were SOLD OUT and "Standing Room Only"!

Special Celllcert Breaks Records

Friday's audience was filled with CA fans; and despite the plan to abide by no clack or streams from the theater, Internet fan participation via cellcerts before/after the show, as well as during intermission, registered peak proportions for those back home.

With 721 on board Friday night, Clayversity broke the previous record of 666 set during The Bubel/Aiken Foundation Gala last year. Amazingly, the only transmissions Friday night were fan reactions.

Official critiques of a newcomer in an established show can take a while, but the Clay Nation has prolific recaps from those who attended the singer/actor's Broadway debut. This blog is quoting parts of several from multiple message boards.

Cast Cheers Clay's Performance

Queensmum: This was an absolutely magical night and an experience I will never forget. I knew Clay would be good, but I never thought he would be that good. The joy on his face -- and his fellow cast mates' -- at the curtain call, lifted up my heart. Sir Galahad hugged his arm and patted him on the back ("job well done"), and the King gave a little special acknowledgment of Clay.

A Not.Just.Us man, talking about how good the knight was, thought he was speaking with Clay's mother because the fan knew so much about him.

PanayRN4Clay: What a night! The sold-out Shubert Theater pulsated with cheers for Clay and company. The cast were excellent, but Clay was undeniably the one with the biggest applause. All the numbers were treated with huge cheers, but Clay generated the most "oohs" and "aahs" and the loudest ovation at the finale. What a star!

During the curtain call, Clay was second to the last to come out. He's a superstar. Even his cast mates are acknowledging that when they turned and pointed at him as the whole audience erupted in cheers and a standing ovation.

I was choked up with so much pride for Clay. His face was lit up as he absorbed the love from the audience and the respect from his peers. A nice salute at the end from Clay!

PHOTO INTERLUDE: The first three photos are by Bruce Gilkas of Broadway.com. In the first, Clay is pictured with Hannah Waddingham, who Friday night made her Broadway debut as Lady of the Lake. The second includes original cast member Christopher Sieber, and the third is a cast shot.

Photos 4 and 5 by Irishbookgal and BigAppleforClay, respectively, show the enormous crowd that gathered in Shubert Alley for autographs and to congratulate Clay on his big night.

A Master of Comedic Timing

WinkyDink: "Clay was superb. Mike Nichols knew what he was critiquing when he said Clay has excellent comedic timing. The cast knew it, too. At the very end, even "King Arthur," during his own bow, held out his arm to Clay, in acknowledgment."

LinusluvsClay: "The cast looked stunned at the reaction of the audience during the curtain call, and they were loving it! Kind of like the reaction of the Saturday Night Live cast when Clay did the show and came out in the white outfit and the audience went ballistic.

I remember the regular cast looking at each other, grinning and shaking their heads. It was like that tonight. They were all smiling at him and pointing at him, and Clay just beamed. Truly a magical moment!"

Cindilu2: "Beyond amazing! I don't even have the words. He is a natural -- pure and simple. Born to be on the stage. Loved the whole show - it was funny beyond expectations. Laughed until I had tears in my eyes several times.

The Guard, Brother Maynard, and Sir Robin might have been three different people. He made each one unique and awesome. And his voice - just GAH!"

A Knight To Remember!

Toni7babe: "What a incredible KNIGHT last KNIGHT was! And then what a blast we all had taking over Sardi's afterwards! Truly a KNIGHT I will never forget!

Clay was, as you all know, totally wonderful. His comedic timing, his expressions, and the accent blew me away. I have no words to describe just how wonderful he was.

Some NJU people had attended the show and were waiting near us by the door. They said they had never seen Clay in person or a concert but came when they saw he was going to be in "Spamalot" because they always had liked him on Idol. They said they couldn't believe how good he was, that his expressions were priceless."

Mustbeeme: "Not only did it all "click," but he fit in like a pro! I had more than a few "OMG" moments last night, but I must say seeing the press run and swarm the stage at the end to get pictures of Clay was one of the best ones."

GRAPHIC INTERLUDE: The fandom's graphic artists helped celebrate Clay's debut weekend with new creations, many using the official "Spamalot" photos by Joan Marcus. Featured in this interlude are clickables by Amazing_CA, 1 and 4; MNmeesh, 2; A Beautiful Mind, photo by FiveGoldens, 3; and Fountaindawg, 5.

Applause Raises the Rafters

Playbiller: "At the end, the applause was loud and long for everyone from the chorus members to the king. It was loudest for Clay; he was next to last, only followed by the king. After the king took his bow, he pointed to Clay in the line and the thunderous applause came again.

Perhaps he wanted to see if we were paying attention. So they went into the big finale number. The lights dimmed, and the actors moved back onto the stage waving -- and Clay did his little salute before returning to waving like everyone else."

Dancermom2: "He really didn't "sing" like at a concert. The singing was a breeze for him last night. When they added the line about "Idol." the audience roared; and when he said his line about singing and dancing, the audience roared. There was a lot of that going on last night.

During the curtain call, everyone got applause and cheers; but for Clay, I think we lifted the rafters of the Shubert theater. It was deafening, truly deafening.

We all came out of the theater and waited in Shubert Alley for Clay. There were a lot of people there, the paparazzi, too.When Clay came out, there was a roar. A cheer went up. I know he felt the love; he had to.

Those who make it to Broadway are only the best of the best. Last night on the stage of the Shubert Theater, Clay Aiken proved those words."

Clickable proofs of FCA's 'Spamalot' pins

FCA 'Spamalot' Pins Sell Out

The original order for two "Spamalot" pins designed by Cindilu2 for the Finding Clay Aiken board more than doubled expectations before completely selling out in the middle of Friday's opening show.

Couch Tomato sent word that she literally pulled the plug for the pin link mid-performance. Orders for 500 "Finding Sir Robin" and "Doing Clay on Broadway" pins were received from fans throughout the United States and Canada, as well as Denmark, New Zealand, and Australia.

Clay Salutes Fans in Final Bow

Clay's silent salute to fans during Friday night's final bows had many expecting to hear his traditional tour closer: "I'm Clay Aiken! Good Night!"

Photo by Steven A. Henry

Singer Man posted a brief blog at the OFC thanking his fans for their support. The cast was apparently blown away by the audience's enthusiasm. Now they wonder if CA fans can maintain the same intensity for 15 weeks.

Little did they know. Bravo, Clay!

Have an awesome week, Clay Nation!

Caro