Clay Aiken Photos, Montages Jazz Up Fan Sites

Clay Aiken - New photo from Curtis Brown shoot.
Expandable image edited by Sally.

Clay Nation Celebrates Designs

'Aiken' for a New Screen Saver?

Last week Clay Aiken changed his profile photo at Facebook and inspired a flurry of artistic activity throughout the fandom.

The photo leads countless message boards across Clay Cyberspace, while fans easily may have set a record for photo reposts at the social networking site.

You have to look closely to detect the minute alterations by Sally. One step removed the contact lens circle in the singer's eyes. Can you locate another slight edit?

Fountaindawg created widescreen/regular graphics of the photo, and longstanding computer screen savers were promptly changed. Both thumbnails of the Curtis Brown photo are clickable:

Anyone for a new screen saver?

DWTS Couples Waltz to Aiken Favorite

It was a very good week for Clay Aiken montages, too.

Dancing With the Stars fans can always count on LovesClaysVoice for exquisite montages of the current season's contestants accompanied by a variety of Clay Aiken songs.

The one below features three Season 13 couples waltzing to the singer's rendition of "She Said Yes."

Dancing With the Stars: 'She Said Yes' by Clay Aiken.
View montage by LovesClaysVoice full screen at YouTube.

Season 13 dancers in the above montage include Chynna Phillips and Tony Dovolani, David Arquette and Kym Johnson, and Hope Solo and Maksim Chmerkovskiy.

To view LCV's montages from past DWTS seasons, check out her YouTube Channel. Among Clay Aiken songs featured are "Suspicious Minds," "Those Magic Moments, "Unchained Melody," "Everything I Have," "Touch," "When You Say You Love Me," and "Sacrificial Love."

UNICEF - 'It's In Every One of Us' by Clay Aiken.
View SueReu's montage full screen at YouTube.

Montage, Song Speak to Human Race

Appropriately, David Pomeranz's "love song to the human race" backs SueReu's montage about UNICEF's "Believe in Zero" campaign. Clay, a UNICEF Ambassador since 2004 and one of many artists who have recorded the inspirational song, included the track on his On My Way Here CD.

In just half a century, child mortality rates have been cut by 60%. However, there are still 21,000 children who die every day due to preventable causes.

With innovative programs focusing on nutrition, education, immunization, health care, clean water and protection from exploitation, UNICEF is leading the way to cutting that number to zero.

In 150 countries around the world, UNICEF is on the ground, working daily to meet the needs of children.

Translated into numerous languages and recorded by a long list of artists, It's in Every One of Us has been heard around the globe through recordings, concerts, churches, synagogues, school choirs, hospitals, charities, corporate/personal growth seminars, the Olympics, you name it.

Have an awesome week, Clay Nation!

Caro

To order a Clay Aiken Calendar, see 2012 Clay Aiken Calendar Set for Gala Return.

For information RE the I AM NORM Pepsi campaign, scroll to Clay Aiken, Inclusion Fans Plan September Rally. Vote via the I Am NORM Widget in the sidebar.

Clay Aiken Talks Tour, Hockey, American Idol, Charities

TRIED & TRUE MAGIC-- AmazingCA lived up to her screen name when she took several of Scarlett's T&T ~ LIVE screen caps from the previous entry and produced this handsome graphic. There's another one at the bottom. Both are double-clickable.

National Inclusion Grant 'Official'

Clay To Sing SSB for NHL All-Stars

Clay Aiken will take a break from Tried & True Tour preparations to sing the American National Anthem at the National Hockey League All-Star Game Sunday at the RBC Center in Raleigh, NC. The Canadian Tenors will perform their country's anthem.

A longtime hockey fan, Clay has sung the "Star-Spangled Banner" to open numerous hockey games since the Carolina Hurricanes arrived in Raleigh in 1997.

Like most residents of the Triangle area, he is excited that his hometown is hosting the all-star game. "We built a brand-new airport. It specifically opened Sunday to be ready for the all-star game," he said.

AP Photo by Karl DeBlaker

In addition to Sunday's festivities, Brian Mansfield's story for USA Today also includes previews from Clay about the T&T Tour:

"I like being relatively laid-back and casual," he says. "This is Moon River, Unchained Melody and What Kind of Fool Am I. These songs don't need a lot of flashy light stuff. I like to come out and sing the songs, and I like talking to the audience."

Most of Clay's set will focus on tunes from his recent albums of standards, but he says he has a few surprises up his sleeve.

"Most of these songs are big-band types songs," he says. "I think we're going to do a medley of songs that are on the radio today, but we're going to do them in a big-band style."

Such as? Lady Gaga's Poker Face is on the short list. So is Kenny Chesney's She Thinks My Tractor's Sexy.

"They're definitely songs you would not expect to hear in big-band style."

WKNO: A Conversation with Clay Aiken
View Pierre Kimsey's interview full screen at YouTube.

Memphis PBS Chat Covers Bases

WKNO producer Pierre Kimsey's interview with Clay Aiken was a hit when it first aired on the Memphis PBS station last fall. Already on YouTube, the interview has this week begun airing on other stations throughout the PBS network.

Kimsey's chat with Clay covers all the bases -- performing, sudden fame, the National Inclusion Project, UNICEF, family, fans, connection with former teachers, the Tried & True PBS Special, Broadway -- and much more.

Promo for the interview provides an excellent overview of the chat between Clay and the WKNO producer:

WKNO Producer Pierre Kimsey talks with singer Clay Aiken. The North Carolina native was beginning a career as an educator working with special-needs children when he took an opportunity to audition for the TV show American Idol, then in its second season.

His life was transformed as a finalist, and he has emerged as one of the most successful singers to have been launched by the show.

Aiken has used his celebrity on behalf of the international charity UNICEF and has traveled to Somalia, Afghanistan, and other countries where children have been impacted by war.

IT's OFFICIAL! The National Inclusion Project has been informed
that December's $50k Pepsi grant win was certified Friday.
Double click on the NIP Pepsi banner to view full size.

NIP Pepsi Grant Win 'Official'

Throughout Clay Cyberspace, fans are "dancing in the streets" with news that the National Inclusion Project's December $50k grant win has been declared official.

Jerry Aiken, executive director of the foundation, received word of the certification on Friday and shared the news with supporters via Facebook:

Thanks so much to everyone that helped us win. We will hold the drawing for the iPad early this week!

Most Inclusion Project supporters are still voting -- for the alliances and partners who helped bring home the $50,000 grant. As this sampling from the NIP Pepsi page shows, the daily votes have not gone unnoticed:

SHENAN ARTS: Hello, National Inclusion friends! Shenan Arts appreciates your continued support! You're the best. Thanks for any additional votes you can send. Congrats again, and thanks for all the support!

CRAVEN ARTS COUNCIL: Craven Arts Council thanks you, thanks you for your support!!! We so appreciate you continuing to vote for us. We need it!

VOMA: The Venue of Merging Arts can't thank you enough for remembering us and continuing to support our efforts.

LONG ISLAND RIDING for the HANDICAPPED: Hello, National Inclusion Project! Thanks so much for your continued support of LIRHA. We're now at #11!!

ROBERT MORRIS ELEM SCHOOL: On behalf of Robert Morris, I would like to Thank all who have been coming back and voting for us. You guys are the BEST!!!

Double clickable graphic by AmazingCA, caps by Scarlett.

Unlimited Clack Now on Facebook

There's a new "face" at the popular social networking site that should keep fans rolling in videos of the singer's performances. Visit the growing Unlimited Clack wall at Facebook, and join the fun.

Scroll through the Unlimited Clack widget in the Carolina sidebar that continuously reflects the latest additions with a page refresh.

Have an awesome week, Clay Nation!

Caro

Clay Aiken UNC-TV Party Goes Global

UNC-TV parties with Clay Aiken and fans. - Graphic by Fountaindawg.

For Clay Aiken Special

UNC-TV Hosts Worldwide Party

The Clay Aiken "LIVE" gathering at UNC-TV was beamed throughout the state's 22-station network Saturday night, but party goers from around the globe attended the shindig via Twitter and Facebook.

From the coast to the mountains, back-to-back airings of the "Clay Aiken: Tried & True ~ LIVE!" concert were telecast via UNC satellite stations between 8 and 11:30 p.m.

Present for pledge breaks during both telecasts, Clay talked about his passion for the concert songs from his latest Decca release, Tried & True, as well as public television programming and National Inclusion Project, the charity he and Diane Bubel of Charlotte co-founded in 2003.

The station's goal of 200+ contributors Saturday night was easily met with fans from 18 states and four countries donating to UNC-TV. On the final break, the number of contributors stood at 236.

Clickable of opening graphic.

Twitter, Facebook Host Fan Parties

Running concurrently, the global parties hosted by UNC-TV on TwitterFacebook kept the singer's fans grinning all night with updates, photos, and pledge break videos. Here is a sampling of party tweets: (@unctvclay) and

mrbaconclay: Thank so much for a fun night. Loved all the pics, videos & trivia you guys shared.

starfishy2000: Thanks you so much for involving those out of your viewing area tonight! Glad to support those that support Clay!

Martigyrl: Thanks for keeping us all smiling tonight! It was great!

Posted on the station's Facebook wall are several photos and pledge break videos. These are representative of posts on Facebook from "going live" to the closing tally:

UNC-TV:Going LIVE with @unctv "Clay Aiken Tried & True Twitter Party" in 3, 2, 1...#clayaiken #unctvclay @unctvclay

UNC-TV: As promised, UNC-TV's Clay Aiken Tried and True 'Friends Count' Facebook Contest winners Karen Vanselow and Cherie Ezuka meet the man himself during our SeptemberFest pledge event!

Karen V: Cherie and I had a blast tonight! The UNCtv staff was fantastic! Talk about your good ole southern hospitality. We felt like VIPS the entire evening.

UNC-TV: Our Canadian friends are welcome to call 919-485-3319. Thanks so much! We're so excited to be touching the lives of people in other countries!

Carole H: Thanks so much for the fun night. So happy you reached your goal. WTG UNC TV and Clay!

UNCTV: 18 states and 3 countries outside of the US supported @unctv 2nt...#clayaiken's pubtv station. thank-you.amazing. #unctvclay

In addition, there are four videos from the station's night of Clay posted on the UNCTV YouTube Channel. Scroll down to "Recent Activity" in the middle of the page.

Below are expandable photos that also help replay Saturday's festivities accompanying Clay Aiken's Tried & True ~ LIVE! telecasts in the Triangle studio.

Interviewing the singer throughout the evening was Shannon Vickery. Also included are photos of Clay entertaining the staff and posing with fans Vickie and Cherie, the event's Meet & Greet winners.

Inclusion Project Moves to #25

Tweaked voting strategies are beginning to pay off as the National Inclusion Project inched up to #25 in the drive to secure a $50,000 grant during September's Pepsi Refresh Challenge.

The outline below has been shared on several Clay Aiken message boards where members are assigned to vote specific groups.

Eligible voters (legal US citizens at least 13 years old) reading this blog should include the "Everyone" list and choose one of the other groups to best distribute each day's 10 votes. One Internet vote and one text vote are allowed daily.

Below is the plan designed by SueReu to include charities reciprocating votes with the National Inclusion Project. The lists change daily, so check back for updates.

Everyone Vote For:

National Inclusion Project - Text 102308 to 73774 (Pepsi)
National Federation of the Blind - Text 101913 to 73774 (Pepsi)
Rett Syndrome - Text 100842 to 73774 (Pepsi)

Group A

SWOOP (wheelchair ramps/Triangle area) - Text 102191 to 73774 (Pepsi)
Courageous Disabled Kids - Text 100058 to 73774 (Pepsi)
Foxroad Elementary - Text 102179 to 73774 (Pepsi)
Mckemy Middle School - Text 100283 to 73774 (Pepsi)
Saving Shelter Pets - Text 102190 to 73774 (Pepsi)
St. Joseph's School - Text 100242 to 73774 (Pepsi)
Screamfest Film Festival - Text #100848 to 73774 (Pepsi)

Group B

Charlotte Peace (domestic violence) - Text 100011 to 73774 (Pepsi)
Add iPad - Text 100053 to 73774 ( Pepsi)
Ella's Hope for Autism - Text 100288 to 73774 (Pepsi)
The Bag Ladies - Text 101126 to 73774 (Pepsi)
Family fun Events - Text 102684 to 73773 (Pepsi)
BRIDGES (special needs/Triangle) - Text 101364 to 73774 (Pepsi)
Little Tree Preschool (autism) - Text 101735 to 73774 (Pepsi)

Group C

Tree House for Disabled Kids - Text 102672 to 73774 (Pepsi)
Blind Cat Rescue - Text 102422 to 73774 (Pepsi)
Boise Bicycle Project - Text 102464 to 73774 (Pepsi)
Health Shots Reminder - Text 102084 to Pepsi 73774 (Pepsi)
Wild and Wonderful Pet Pantry - Text 100040 to 73774 (Pepsi)
Mentored Chem-Bio Tech Lab - Text 101997 to 73774 (Pepsi)
RATCO - Text 100570 to 73774 (Pepsi)

Once voting is completed, return to each charity and copy/paste a message similar to the one below so the organizations will know the Inclusion Project is supporting their cause:

A vote from the National Inclusion Project! Help us help kids with disabilities experience life with their peers. We're going for $50K. http://www.refresheverything.com/nationalinclusionproject. Text 102308. Thank you for your support!

Non-US citizens have discovered ways to help by encouraging Facebook contacts and American friends to cast votes for them. For more details, see subhead Canadian Finds Ways to Help in the 9/6 entry.

INCLUSION: What Are You Waiting For?
View full screen at YouTube.

Have a wonderful week, Clay Nation!

Caro

Thank you for your blog comments and props for 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, Fans To Party Down with UNC-TV

Clay Aiken: Tried & True ~ LIVE! Preview
View video full screen at YouTube.

For 'Tried & True' Telecast

UNC-TV Plans Special Shindig

Clay Aiken and his fans will party down Saturday night when the singer's celebrated special kicks off the UNC-TV SeptemberFest pledge drive.

Premiere telecasts of Clay Aiken: Tried & True ~ LIVE! are slated for 8 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Several members of the Clay Nation have volunteered to answer pledge drive phones, but two lucky fans will be there as a special guests of UNC-TV on Facebook.

To celebrate Clay Aiken and all the FB fans who love him, we're offering a Sept. 11, UNC-TV tour and "meet and greet" with Clay for our 4000th fan and the person who recommended them.

Those who can't be in the studio can watch the concert on television and keep track of the fun at the "Tried & True Twitter Party" planned from 8 - 11 p.m. Follow @UNCTV on the Twitter social network.

Among the activities planned are live tweeting of Clay photos, videos, and trivia. Fans from around the globe can join the fun by logging into Twitter with the hashtag #unctvclay.

Click to view September scans of centerPIECE.

Clay Fans Become UNC 'Likers'

If you haven't already become a "liker" of UNC-TV on Facebook, you need to do so right now. The 4,000th fan will win a tour of the studio and have a Meet & Greet with Clay.

If the station doesn't reach 4,000 fans by the Friday deadline, the UNC-TV fan with the most mutual friends who are also UNC-TV fans will win. If the 4,000th fan cannot be present at Saturday's telecast, he or she can gift the prize to a friend who can.

The Clay Aiken: Tried & True - LIVE! concert special has been airing on PBS stations throughout the nation since July 31. In the concert, Clay performs iconic songs, including "Mack The Knife," "Unchained Melody," "Moon River," "Crying," and "Build Me Up Buttercup." Guest stars are Linda Eder and Ruben Studdard.

As you can see in the Carolina sidebar, Houston, TX, is another city in countdown mode to Clay Aiken's PBS Special this week.

Because the singer is scheduled to be in the KUHT-TV studios for Wednesday's 8:30 p.m. telecast, several Houston area fans have volunteered to answer pledge phones for the PBS station. Future airings are slated for 2:30 a.m. Friday and 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 15.

The National Inclusion Project serves to bridge the gap between young people with disabilities and the world around them. Supporters are voting to secure a $50,000 grant during September's Pepsi Refresh Challenge.

Fans Tweak Pepsi Refresh Strategy

National Inclusion Project supporters have tweaked their campaign strategy to secure $50,000 for the foundation during September's Pepsi Refresh Challenge. The outline below has been shared on several Clay Aiken message boards where members sign up to vote the various groups.

In this blog, eligible voters (legal US citizens at least 13 years old) should include the "Everyone" list and choose one of the other groups to best distribute each day's 10 votes. One Internet vote and one text vote are allowed the organization.

Below is the plan designed by SueReu to include charities reciprocating votes with the National Inclusion Project. Check back daily for possible variations.

Everyone Vote For:

National Inclusion Project - Text 102308 to 73774 (Pepsi)
National Federation of the Blind - Text 101913 to 73774 (Pepsi)

Group A

Tree House for Disabled Kids - Text 102672 to 73774 (Pepsi)
SWOOP (wheelchair ramps/Triangle area) - Text 102191 to 73774 (Pepsi)
Courageous Disabled Kids - Text 100058 to 73774 (Pepsi)
Foxroad Elementary - Text 102179 to 73774 (Pepsi)
Mckemy Middle School - Text 100283 to 73774 (Pepsi)
Saving Shelter Pets - Text 102190 to 73774 (Pepsi)
St. Joseph's School - Text 100242 to 73774 (Pepsi)
Screamfest Film Festival - Text #100848 to 73774 (Pepsi)

Group B

Charlotte Peace (domestic violence) - Text 100011 to 73774 (Pepsi)
Add iPad - Text 100053 to 73774 ( Pepsi)
Ella's Hope for Autism - Text 100288 to 73774 (Pepsi)
The Bag Ladies - Text 101126 to 73774 (Pepsi)
Family fun Events - Text 102684 to 73773 (Pepsi)
BRIDGES (special needs/Triangle) - Text 101364 to 73774 (Pepsi)
Little Tree Preschool (autism) - Text 101735 to 73774 (Pepsi)
Blind Cat Rescue - Text 102422 to 73774 (Pepsi)

Group C

Boise Bicycle Project - Text 102464 to 73774 (Pepsi)
Health Shots Reminder - Text 102084 to Pepsi 73774 (Pepsi)
Wild and Wonderful Pet Pantry - Text 100040 to 73774 ( Pepsi)
Mentored Chem-Bio Tech Lab - Text 101997 to 73774 (Pepsi)
RATCO - Text 100570 to 73774 (Pepsi)

Once voting is completed, return to each charity and copy/paste a message similar to the one below:

A vote from the National Inclusion Project! Help us help kids with disabilities experience life with their peers. We're going for $50K. http://www.refresheverything.com/nationalinclusionproject Thank you for your support!

Canadian Finds Way To Help

Throughout the Pepsi campaign, Clay Aiken fans from other countries have been left out. Monday From Claygary posted ways that non-US citizens can help with the project:

Last night I went through my "liked" pages on Facebook. (Profile/Info/Likes and Interests).

Lots of them are pages where I can post a note on their wall. On an intermittent basis, I will post a note asking for their help as well. Probably a weekly post with the necessary voting link, info. Among the "likes" on my list are:

1. Christie Cookie -- they helped us last year, and I'm sure some of the staff would be happy to vote for the National Inclusion Project.

2. The Voice - Linda Eder's newsletter. Maybe they would include the information?

3. Casey Thompson Music - definitely!

4. Quiana Parler and Friends - definitely!

5. Ornamentea.com, a local Raleigh store.

6. ground ctrl ... why not?

7. Morgan's Wonderland, an entertainment facility in Texas for children with disabilities. Wouldn't they be interested?

The Sparkle Effect, teen cheerleader organization awarded a grant by the National Inclusion Project in 2009 for their work with young people with disabilities, has also been suggested as a group to contact. No doubt they would be willing to help, and teen texting skills are through the roof!

Hopefully, these suggestions spark several more ideas of people and organizations to contact for voting assistance in the National Inclusion Project's September campaign for $50,000.

Have a wonderful week, 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 Fans Honor Scarlett

SINGER JOINS CLACK GATHERERS - Borrowing Scarlett's camera during the 2007 Ft. Myers SRHP Concert, Clay Aiken took some of his own clack. Graphic by cindilu2 links to the video. Photos by toni7babe, scrpkym.

Greetings for a Clack Goddess

Scarlett Celebrates Special Day

With the start of the Clay Aiken-Ruben Studdard Timeless Tour less than a week away, there is no better way to honor Scarlett, one the CA fandom's beloved "clack goddesses," on her birthday than to spotlight some of the classic video highlights she has provided during the past seven years.

Every self-respecting Aiken fan knows that Aug. 16, 2007, was the night Clay imitated the tiny videographer's gyrations in an effort to obtain the best possible angle, reached down from the stage, borrowed her front row camera, and gathered footage of his backup musicians.

Scarlett didn't miss a beat, however, and pulled a backup camera out of her bag to continue filming the show. "She's got a whole Radio Shack in her purse!" Clay exclaimed to the audience.

To this day, fans agree the circumstances of 8/16/07 evolved into one of the funniest concerts ever in the annals of Clay.

CLAY AIKEN TAKES HIS OWN CLACK
Scrpkym's photo links to YouTube video by Scarlett and Clay.

Cameras Chronicle Clay Events

Name a Clay Aiken tour (Independent, Joyful Noise, Jukebox, Soft Rock Hard Place) or special appearance by the singer (Golfing for Inclusion, David Foster & Friends, Bringing Broadway Home), and you generally will find Scarlett front and center with her camera(s).

In no particular order, a search for "Clay Aiken AND Scarlett" videos on YouTube runs the gamut showcasing Clay's incredible vocals, skilled comedic timing, and articulate speeches for various causes. Those not on YouTube can be downloaded from Clack Unlimited.

Before writing this blog, I asked for any special Scarlett experiences fans recall. One of my favorites came in a PM from Rainlover:

Sitting next to Scarlett at a concert and having her hand me a memory card to keep till after the concert in case she got busted. I felt so important!

Cotton elaborated on Clay's "Radio Shack" reference:

She really does carry a Radio Shack with her right down to the surge suppressor packed in her suitcase because hotels never have enough outlets, LOL!

Clay banters with camera personnel at Clio, MI, Jukebox Concert.
Who will ever forget, "God forbid the clack skip around!"
View full screen at YouTube.

Scarlett Shares Travels on Facebook

For the past several weeks, Scarlett has been posting on Facebook from Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, a city on Sakhalin Island, Russia, where she has shared the language, customs, exotic food, scenery, various experiences, and -- much to her chagrin -- her plight with uber slow downloads.

Due to the latter, she has vowed "to bring broadband access to every person on earth no matter where they live." Now that would be quite an accomplishment!

Scarlett and my grandson Kai still hope to hook up on Facebook where he enjoys playing "Family Feud." Chances of that happening will be much greater when she returns to US time zones.

In the past week, we discovered that we are not only fellow "moon kids" but July 17 carries the same significance for both of us. Currently 17 hours ahead of EDT, Scarlett is well into celebrating our special day.

Happy Birthday to a very special lady who, hopefully, will enjoy many greetings at the Carolina site, on Facebook, and throughout Clay Cyberspace!

Scarlett celebrates birthday in Russia.

Rest assured, the birthday gal will be home on the 20th in time to do laundry and make it to the July 23 Timeless Tour bow in Asheville.

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.

Visitors have arrived at this site from 153 countries. Many thnx for stopping by today! - Caro

Clay Aiken on 'The View' = Hot Topic

EXIT INTERVIEW - Clay Aiken and Bret Michaels talk about their experience as guest co-host and performer on 'The View' Tuesday.

Singer Gets Bleeped on 'The View'

Aiken Creates Buzz as Co-Host

Even with a touch of laryngitis, Clay Aiken's stint as guest co-host on "The View" Tuesday was a smash with several segments -- before, during, and after the show -- still garnering water cooler honors the day after.

Despite the hoarseness, Clay was friendly, funny, articulate, snarky, and unafraid to say what he thinks. According to Zap2 News & Buzz, The View was "chock full of extra goodness with Clay as guest co-host and Bret Michaels the performing guest."

Disagreeing with the premise that only children are more self-centered and badly-behaved, Clay proposed that it doesn't necessarily matter what kind of environment kids are raised in; some are just naturally **bleeped** rotten.

The highlight of the episode is when Clay Aiken engages in a discussion of children being self-centered and selfish and his observation is, "Some kids are a**holes." The reactions of the other ladies is priceless, particularly Whoopi Goldberg.

HOT TOPIC - Clay's opinion about child rearing results in bleep.

Earning stern looks and nervous laughter from the other hosts, Clay added, "What? It's the truth!" According to subsequent fan board discussions, the singer has only been bleeped on national television three times in the past seven years.

Most comments at multiple media sites replaying the topic tend to agree with Clay, many from teachers. Playing the moment for all it was worth, Whoopi appeared shocked and quipped, "Can I say that?"

On a more serious subject, Clay weighed in on Don't Ask, Don't Tell. You can view the video clip at this link.

Screen cap by Cotton links to " hair roller" interview.

One of the most entertaining videos from Tuesday's show happened when the singer proved how comfortable he is in his own skin in a pre-show interview with executive producer Bill Geddie while a stylist put rollers in his hair. Below are highlights from their conversation:

Bill: Co-hosting on the show today is Clay Aiken, a very nice man. However, what is going on?

Clay explains that the stylist is trying to give his hair body with rollers.

Bill: This is how secure you are with yourself. You're fine with me shooting this.

Clay: As long as they come out before we go on the air, I'm fine.

Bill: You got like cooler. On Idol, you were kind of nerdy, and that was part of the appeal. And then you filled out and got cooler.

Clay: It was completely unintentional.

Bill: What are you doing? What's up in your life?

Clay: Well, I'm here today. This is what my life has built to.

Bill: You know just to get in there, don't wait for them to call your name, say what you need to say, fight your way in.

Clay: "Or I'll put my hand over someone's mouth if necessary."

You can watch various segments of Tuesday's show at The VIEWer's Choice and see photos at Getty Images. "Honest Aiken" is #1 at People's They Said What!

Below are clickable screen caps from Clay's Tuesday appearance on The View. Nos. 1 and 3 are Getty images:

Inclusion Project To Receive $20,000

Thanks to the votes of an all-out effort in the final hours of the Chase Community Giving Summer 2010 challenge, the National Inclusion Project will receive $20,000, enough to fund two more "Let's All Play" camps.

With 1,632 votes, the Inclusion Project landed in position #129, safely within the top 200 organizations receiving $5 million. The Harry Potter Alliance won $250k while four other charities -- Kristin Brooks Hope Center, North American Bear Center, A Spring of Hope, and Sarvodaya USA -- will be awarded $100k each.

Congratulations to all the participating charities and to Chase and Facebook for sponsoring this worthwhile cause!

Have a wonderful week, 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.

Visitors have arrived at this site from 153 countries. Many thnx for stopping by today! - Caro

Clay Aiken To Speak at Key Club Meet

MAKING A DIFFERENCE - Clay Aiken will discuss the scope of UNICEF
at the Key Club International Convention Friday. Graphic by cindilu2.

Help Inclusion Project Win $20k!

UNICEF, NIP Take Center Stage

Clay Aiken's charitable endeavors headline this weekend as the UNICEF Ambassador shares the work of the international relief organization with Key Club International Convention attendees in Memphis, TN, Friday, and supporters of the National Inclusion Project seek to win $20,000 for the foundation through the Chase Community Giving program on Facebook.

Clay, who will head Friday's Recognition Session from 6:30 - 9 p.m. CDT, plans to tell Key Club gathering about the scope of UNICEF.

I am looking forward to seeing you in Memphis this summer to share more about the great work UNICEF is doing and how your support is making a huge difference in the lives of children around the world.

Keynote speaker for Thursday's opening session is Bo Shafer of Knoxville, former president of Kiwanis International. Information about the speakers and entertainers for the four-day event can be read here.

Fans can view both sessions via a live stream at the convention website. Thursday's stream begins at 7 p.m. You can also keep up with the latest happenings and discussions in Memphis via several social networking sites.

This clickable collection provides an overview of Clay's travels as a UNICEF Ambassador. Graphic artists represented include Claystruck, 1; AmazingCA, 2; A Beautiful Mind, 3; Clayquebec1, photo by Invisible926, 4; and CLAYPERFECT, 5.

Cast $20k Vote for Inclusion!

The National Inclusion Project serves to bridge the gap that exists between young people with disabilities and the world around them.

For seven years, the National Inclusion Project has worked in partnership with communities and inclusive programs to create awareness and expand opportunities for young people.

Co-founded by Clay and Diane Bubel on July 28, 2003, the National Inclusion Program, originally the Bubel/Aiken Foundation, has established itself as a leading voice for inclusion. The organization grew out the relationship between the singer and Diane's then 13-year-old son Mike, who had been diagnosed with autism.

Clay and Diane Bubel, co-founders of the National Inclusion Project.

Clock Ticks Down on Chase Giving

Currently, the Inclusion Project is competing for funds -- $20,000 to be exact -- through the Chase Community Giving program on Facebook. If you are already a Facebook member, follow the steps below. If you are not a member of Facebook, it is very simple to join and participate.

1. Click on the link for the foundation. Note that the original name -- Bubel-Aiken Foundation, Inc. -- is being used in this challenge.
2. Be sure to click on "LIKE" at the top of the Chase page.
3. Click on the GET STARTED TO VOTE button.
4. Click the button to share your Facebook wall.
5. Only one vote per person is allowed, so email this information to friends and family who will help support inclusion.

Only the top 200 charities will win $20,000. Since the Inclusion Project has fallen out of the top 200, you will need to SEARCH for the Bubel/Aiken Foundation Inc., Raleigh, NC.

Make Final Days Really Count

The charity challenge ends on July 12, so cast your vote, then roll up your sleeves and help spread the word to others. Contact friends and family as well as supporters of other organizations in the challenge. Utilize the mutual voting relationship with supporters of other charities and help each other.

Clayam, an Inclusion Project supporter, posted this suggestion on the Clay Aiken Fans message board:

Vote for other charities either at the very top of the Leaderboard or ones in your area that only have a few votes.

After 5 and 20 total votes, you will receive a "gift vote" that you can send to a friend to cast for TBAF even if the person has voted previously.

The Power of the Dream - Montage by LovesClaysVoice
View full screen at YouTube
Performed by Celine Dion

To learn more about the National Inclusion Project, visit the website. Directors Kristy Barnes and Aron Hall were recently interviewed by Shelly Anderson (Copingincalifornia). You can listen to the audio here.

Congratulations to all the Meet & Greet winners announced Thursday night! 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.

Visitors have arrived at this site from 153 countries. Many thnx for stopping by today! - Caro

Clay Aiken Sets Album, PBS Special

Clay Aiken Jukebox Tour, Part 1 - The 50s
Video blends by Scruffy 13

Summer CD, PBS Special

Facebook, Twitter Deliver News

Between Facebook and Twitter, the past couple of days have been one continuous news flash about Clay Aiken's upcoming album of 50s-60s classic songs and PBS "Classic Memories" special.

Beginning Tuesday, the timeline of posts by Decca Label Group, International Media, and Clay himself revealed this information:

Listening to the upcoming @ClayAiken album in the Decca office and it sounds amazing! Fans will definitely not be disappointed!

LATEST NEWS - JANUARY 2010

American Idol superstar alumni, NY Times best-selling author and TV personality Clay Aiken sings great romantic favorites in "Classic Memories". Stay tuned for more information on a forthcoming special!

COMING IN JUNE: American Idol superstar alumni and TV personality CLAY AIKEN sings great romantic favorites in "Classic Memories". Tapings for this International Media special will take place in February. Look for the show to be aired on public TV this June!

Clay will release his 1st album on @deccalabelgroup in summer 2010! It will be a collection of classic songs from the 50s and 60s.

Graphic by Sally, photo by Tasapio

Jukebox Playlist Provides Clues

Fans need look no farther than the very popular 2005 Jukebox Tour for clues about possible tracks for the new album. Message board supposition is indeed in full swing!

A fan favorite throughout North America, the Jukebox Tour featured Clay, a seven-piece band, and three back-up singers performing music of the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s, with tracks from the Measure of a Man album, and some new songs being considered for the second CD.

Slow tempo, up tempo, you name it -- Jukebox Tour videos are an excellent source for deliberation while fans await album news and snippets.

The JBT 50s medley included such favorites as "The Great Pretender," "Only You," "That'll Be the Day, "Rock and Roll Is Here To Stay," and "Unchained Melody" plus an entire segment devoted to Elvis.

Clay Aiken Jukebox Tour, Part 2 - The 60s
Video blends by Scruffy 13

Among the songs in the 60s collection were "Downtown," "Can't Buy Me Love," "Sugar Sugar," "Happy Together," "Solitaire," and "Ain't No Mountain High Enough."

Scruffy13 blended videos from various concerts to create the montages includes in this blog: the 50s Medley opener and the thee-part 60s medley. For those who have never seen Clay converse with an audience, the fourth video provides a glimpse.

To view the entire Jukebox Tour, go to Scruffy 13's YouTube page and click through the numbers!

Clay Aiken Jukebox Tour - 60s, Part 3
Video blends by Scruffy 13

Clay Aiken Jukebox Tour - 60s, Part 4
Video blends by Scruffy 13

The Decca Decade is off to a rip-roaring start. No doubt the JBT rewinds provide a starting point for speculation -- that is, until the next nugget arrives on Twitter or Facebook.

In the midst of CD/PBS celebrations, fans are remembering their Haitian neighbors. Visit UNICEF and help spread the word to citizens of the world who would like to help. Link others to this Haiti Earthquake PSA video.

SueReu's excellent montage Haiti - Give the Gift of Life Through UNICEF is accompanied by Clay's "Grace of God" vocal.

Have a wonderful weekend, Clay Nation!

Caro

Other blogs with a similar topic include:

Clay Aiken Fact Find

Clay Aiken News Network

Clay Aiken News