Clay Aiken Presented Family Award

ALL SMILES -- There's nothing like a Clay Aiken smile. Graphic by Amazing_CA.

April Schedule Amps Up

Recaps Amplify Aiken's Honor

With a bulging "real life" calendar, the normal three-day blog routine hit a misstep this week. Three weeks into April, I finally remembered I had not even posted the monthly calendar, so you know my schedule is in overdrive.

This blog will make amends for the calendar slip up and try to catch up on the latest happenings.

Tuesday platinum recording artist Clay Aiken and Terry Boggis, director of Center Kids in New York City, were honored with Family Equality Council Awards at the fourth annual Night at the Tavern in NYC. The event was well-covered by several CA bloggers [see sidebar], as well as the FEC site.

Honoring Clay Aiken
Double clickable

In the FEC blog are video clips by Tavern attendees plus articles about the event. Below are a couple of reports from CA fans that you won't find in official news articles. The first is from the recap of claynov30:

[Clay] was so warm and friendly mingling with everyone. We never thought we would have such close proximity to him last night but we did. It was great to see him in a totally different setting and be so relaxed.

And the people on the Family Equality Council did a fantastic job. They were warm and inviting, and I had some great conversation with a few of them.

Families come in all shapes and sizes, and last night I learned what it means to people in the LGBT community to have the support of ALL people, not just their own gay community. A truly memorable and enlightening evening!

Photo of Clay with special performer Linda Eder
links to Broadway.com slide show. (Bruce Glikas)

Winner Donates Prize Poster

Big winner of the silent auction's life-size Spamalot poster of Sir Robin, the Lady of the Lake, and the king was CA fan crazyglue91152. Clay, who had signed the poster with the words "Find Your Grail," planned to personalize it with the name of the winner. Here is a paraphrase of her recap:

After the auction, she congratulated Clay on his award, and he hugged her. Laughing, he jokingly asked her twice what she planned to do with that huge poster.

She told him she planned to donate it to The Bubel/Aiken Foundation. Clay replied, "Wow, that's wonderful! Thank you very much!" It was decided that instead of inscribing the poster to her, he and crazyglue91152 would have their picture taken with her prize.

With his assistant positioned behind the poster so it wouldn't fall over, Clay stooped down next to the winner for her photo memento. She thanked him, and he promised to see her again soon.

The singer, TBAF, and fans throughout Clay Cyberspace are celebrating this thoughtful gesture that will eventually raise lots of funds for Foundation. CA fans are also hoping "soon" really means SOON!

PHOTE INTERLUDE: This clickable interlude features graphics by cindilu2, 1 (April calendar) and 5, and Amazing_CA, 3, as well as photos by robyn428, 2 and 4. For widescreen versions of the calendar and its matching graphic, see the artist's Yuku page.

Boyle Recalls 'Clay Aiken Era'

You'd almost have to be a hermit on a desert island not to have come across Britain's Got Talent sensation Susan Boyle. Not a few have compared the Scottish singer to diamond-in-the-rough emergence of Clay Aiken during American Idol's Season 2.

Somewhere along the way AI, now in its 8th season, moved away from its innocent appeal and original premise to find the best "undiscovered talent" in America. One of the latest to examine the phenomenon is Philadelphia Inquirer staffer Amy S. Rosenberg.

In her Thursday (4/23) column Has a Brit Knocked 'Idol' off its pedestal? column, she quotes Jason Mittell, associate professor of American Studies and Film & Media Culture at Middlebury College.

Television critics are calling for a return to the simple pleasures of the undiscovered gems in the rough of the earlier Clay Aiken era. Feminists are charmed. Priests are seeing God's work. As for age, Barack Obama already made 47 sexy and powerful; now Susan Boyle is standing up for the unlucky-at-love set.

"It plays into a narrative that seems authentic," says Mittell. "The idea that she is just a real person, following her dreams. There's a sense of discovery of something authentic. It tweaks that pleasure. It plays especially well in the U.S. because our frame for the genre is American Idol. American Idol is about young people who look the part, act the way in which we expect a pop star to act."

In case you have been on the proverbial desert island, here is Boyle's April 11 performance of I Dreamed a Dream from "Les Miserables," which is about to hit 13 million views on YouTube.

Recital Calendar Marches On

Recently I mentioned that due to double booking, my sister and I had to rearrange the location for our Spring Recital of woodwind, string, and piano students. Symphony harpist Helen Rikas will accompany the woodwind solos, as well as the joint selections in the middle of the two recitals.

We spent the better part of Easter Week searching for an alternate locale. Because of our harpist's schedule, the date was not movable. After checking with area churches and trying a grand with a troubling rebound action in a nearby chapel, we decided to go with the academy's bandroom and a really fine upright ebony piano.

Our first joint string-woodwind rehearsal is next Thursday; and, hopefully, there will be no major surprises. The students range in age from Grades 4 - 12, so you never know.

The May 17 main event will be followed by another the next day when grandson Kai welcomes a baby sister -- or "Sissy" as he already calls her. Between the two happenings many miles away, their maternal grandmother will no doubt be off the wall all weekend long!

Below is a clickable of Amazing_CA 's opening graphic:

Have a wonderful weekend, Clay Nation!

Caro

TECHNORATI TAGS: Clay Aiken, Family Equality Council Award, Night at the Tavern, Terry Boggis, Linda Eder, Spamalot poster, The Bubel/Aiken Foundation, Susan Boyle, Britain's Got Talent, American Idol, Spring Recital, April calendar, Official Fan Club, Clay Nation

Piano-Rock Artist Records Legacy

Image links to Clay Aiken's 'Bridge Over Troubled Water'
MDA performance. - Montage by Aspiegirl, graphic by cindilu2.

While Battling ALS

Ace Noface Sets Musical Mark

One of the first times I conversed with Ace Noface, a 38-year-old musician with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a form of muscular dystrophy known as Lou Gehrig's Disease, he felt obliged to tweet back the fact that he resides in "enemy territory," i.e., East Lansing, MI.

That was April 5, the day before the Michigan State Spartans and the Carolina Tar Heels played in the NCAA Final Four championship game. The next night my team won; but, after meeting him on Twitter, reading his story, and listening to his music, there was no rivalry. I was already a card-carrying member of the AceNoface fan club and following him at Twitter.

For most readers of this blog, muscular dystrophy and Clay Aiken's performance of "Bridge Over Troubled Water" at the 2003 Labor Day Muscular Dystrophy Telethon are synonymous and the reason for the opening montage:

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. -- Jerry Lewis

Appropriately, cindilu2's linking graphic for Aspiegirl's montage bears the quotation: The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. Ace Noface signed on to this philosophy a while back.

ALS Diagnosis Determines Goals

In Feb. 2005, Ace Noface was diagnosed with the muscular dystrophy strain ALS, a progressive neurodegenerative disease that attacks nerve cells in the brain and spinal column.

Once the initial shock wore off, he withdrew from his active life as a graduate student, stopped volunteering at a crisis center, and spent the next six months feeling sorry for himself and playing Euchre on his computer.

The moniker "Ace NoFace" comes from his card game and describes the occasion in which a player who draws a single ace and nothing else except nines and tens can throw in his cards.

Or, in this man's case, it describes the terminally ill, alternative piano-rock artist working to leave behind a significant musical legacy. Following the revelation that he had time to make his mark, almost every ounce of energy that doesn't go into fighting the disease goes into his music.

I'm not the Iron Horse,
I'm not the luckiest alive.
But I won't sit and wait,
For the Black Angel to arrive

Prior to his illness, Ace was bassist for a touring indie-rock band. Now he writes songs on his computer touch pad and adaptive equipment. Down to the forefinger of his right hand, Ace presses on.

In a Jan. 4 blog on the AceNoface website, he stated his 2009 goals and provided an overview of the journey that has determined his life since the diagnosis four years ago.

From learning to read the treble clef (after all, he was a bassist!), he progressed through advanced music theory, first by reading books and later through lessons and online classes. Songwriting, composition, marketing, and using music notation software have headlined Ace's annual lists of goals.

In the final two weeks of 2008, Ace completed that year's plan to write 20 songs. Twelve were recorded in his home studio. Ten tracks of his new CD Toxic Charm, also a 2008 goal, can be sampled on the player at his website. There are links for lyrics, bio, press, interaction.

Toxic Charm is for sale through CD BABY for $11.99 (CD) or $9.90 (mp3 downloads). Appropriately, the tag line is "Ace Noface: Pure Piano Rock for the Brave!"

His piano-driven melodies are reminiscent of songwriting heroes from both the past (The Beatles, Steely Dan) and the present (Something Corporate, Semicsonic, Josh Groban, Five for Fighting,The Fray). The lyrics are at once honest, introspective, optimistic, and defiant.

MERCY

Mercy I need a reply
Just answer my plea
Ain't got the patience of Job
I ask for the key

To help make it possible
To face this damn disease
God will take His time
to have some Mercy on me

This optimism in the face of adversity has caught the attention of many in the media, from the Chicago Tribune to college radio. "Ace Noface creates music ... that confronts the grit of life ... not soon to be forgotten," said DJ Petros of WUMD radio.

Recently, Ace was one of 31 Americans with ALS selected nationwide to be featured in an online national awareness campaign by the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Efforts to eradicate, treat, and ease the progression of dystrophy are year-round. MDA donations can be made here all year round.

REGRET

Put your house in order my friend
Soon your life will come to an end
With this task you will ask
Have you done more harm than good

Self-reflection wasn't your style
Now you put your conduct on trial
Will it sting wondering
Have you done more harm than good

This is what you get
Living with regret

WLNS-TV interview about Ace's music, living with ALS.

Affirmations, Goals Guide Life

Visiting Ace's Artist YouTube page is informative and inspiring. In addition to the song montages in the right column, there are three interviews by WLNS-TV, the first of which is linked here. You can also listen to his music at the Ace Noface and the Misdeals page on MySpace.

Ace's coping mechanism is a tool chest filled with daily affirmations and designated goals. At day's end, he recites four times the affirmation "I will not give up." Just one of many. He assigns himself 4-6 daily tasks and sets weekly and monthly goals.

I'm not the Iron Horse,
I'm not the luckiest alive.
But I won't sit and wait,
For the Black Angel to arrive

Rather than throwing in his cards, Ace Noface is inspiration of the rarest persuasion.

Caro

TECHNORATI TAGS: Clay Aiken, Bridge Over Troubled Water, Muscular Dystrophy Association, AceNoface, Twitter, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, ALS, Lou Gehrig's Disease, Toxic Charm, CD BABY, montage, Official Fan Club, Clay Nation

Clay Aiken's Amazing AI2 Journey

Fountaindawg graphic links to 'AI2 Journey' montage by Gerwhisp.

Looking Back at AI2

Montage Recaps Clay's Season

Since Clay Aiken's successful run on the American Idol stage six years ago, I have followed his career instead of viewing subsequent seasons of the show. Occasionally I tune into the quick summary that closes Tuesday performances so I will know what aficionados of the current contestants are talking about.

Like many Clay Aiken fans, my philosophy epitomizes the fandom slogan "Idol Found, Game Over."

Monday night I came across Gerwhisp's montage of Clay's AI2 Journey, and I have been lost in a reminiscent tour ever since. The first thing that strikes you is THE VOX week after week, show after show.

The montage opens with Clay singing "Dont Let the Sun Go Down on Me," the Wildcard song that punched his ticket to continue in the competition. Here is a Sendspace download for the montage.

With the assistance of Fountaindawg of the Clay Aiken Kids site, I assembled some graphics to accompany compliments by guest judges that are featured in the video. I also located What Not To Sing, an uber-comprehensive AI database that includes note for note every episode of every season, ratings of performances, you name it.

Neil Sedaka/60s Week
Clickable graphic by Fountaindawg

Here are a few notes from WNTS's AI Season 2 pages:

During 1960s / Neil Sedaka Week, he [Clay] busted out with two showstoppers: an uncharacteristically energetic "Build Me Up Buttercup," and a dramatic, near-flawless "Solitaire." Coming in at 94 and 92 respectively, Aiken remains the only contestant to break 90 twice in the same week.

Season Two owns the highest average approval rating of the first seven years. Aiken's 68.5 average rating led the way, with Locke, Studdard, and Trenyce also coming in with 4-star averages.

Each of the Final 12 turned in at least one above-average rated performance. You might think at first that's nothing special, but it didn't happen again until Season Seven.

For what it's worth, we consider it a tossup between Studdard's "A Whole New World" and Locke's "New York State Of Mind" as the best of the season.

Aiken earns a special achievement award for his twin triumphs in the Final 5; we have a feeling that his 93 average in a multi-song week will stand as the record for a very, very long time.

Whether you are interested in Season 2 or 8, check out the site and see how your favorite Idol compares.

Movie Week
Clickable by Fountaindawg

During Season 2's Movie Week, Clay sang "Somewhere Out There" from "An American Tail." Three judges gave him a standing ovation, and guest adjudicator Gladys Knight said he was "magical." The date was 3/18/03:

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

Billboard #1 Hits
Clickable by Fountaindawg

During his Billboard #1 Hits performance of 4/8/03, Clay sang "At This Moment" by Billy Vera and the Beaters. Guest judge Lionel Ritchie was very impressed with THE VOX:

I'm in awe that all of that is coming out of that body. Unbelievable! Who is that guy?

Solitaire
Clickable by Fountaindawg

For Neil Sedaka/60s Week (4/29/03), Singer Man performed "Build Me Up, Buttercup" and "Solitaire." Most CA fans can quote word for word Sedaka's kudos:

Clay, you sing like Andre Agassi plays tennis -- PERFECTION, PERFECTION! -- and I would kill to write and produce your first CD!

(After "Solitaire,"): Bravo, Clay! I have lost my song forever to you. It will always be a Clay Aiken song.

BeeGees Night
Fountaindawg Clickable

Clay chose "Grease" and "To Love Somebody" for the 5/6/03 BeeGees/Top 4 Night. After TLS, guest judge Robin Gibb was very complimentary:

You've got an absolutely fantastic voice. This is the way the song should be sung, and it's just brilliant.

Hope you enjoyed this walk down memory lane. Many thnx to my accomplices, Gerwhisp and Fountaindawg!

Have an awesome week, Clay Nation!

Caro

TECHNORATI TAGS: Clay Aiken, American Idol Season 2, What Not To Sing, Clay Aiken Kids, montage, Gladys Knight, Lionel Ritchie, Neil Sedaka, Robin Gibb, Official Fan Club, Clay Nation

Aiken Fans Honor Easter, Spring

NEW BIRTH -- This beautiful tiger lily graphic by Sally commemorates Easter and the rebirth of Spring.

Rebirth and Renewal

Easter Celebrates Resurrection

Sunday Christians all over the world celebrate Easter, an occasion commemorating the crucifixion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The day also honors the rebirth of Spring and, for many, the renewal of faith, hope, and new life.

Since its conception as a holy celebration in the second century AD, Easter has had its non-religious side and, like most Christian holidays, was originally a pagan festival.

The ancient Saxons celebrated the return of spring with an uproarious festival commemorating Eastre, their goddess of offspring and of springtime. When second-century Christian missionaries encountered the tribes of the north with their pagan celebrations, they attempted to convert them to Christianity, but in a clandestine manner.

To save lives, the missionaries cleverly decided to spread their religious message slowly throughout the populations by allowing them to continue to celebrate pagan feasts, but to do so in a Christian manner.

Pagan Eastre Becomes Easter

The pagan festival of Eastre occurred at the same time of year as the Christian observance of the Resurrection of Christ. It made sense to alter the festival itself and make it a Christian celebration as converts were slowly won over. The early name, Eastre, was eventually changed to its modern spelling, Easter.

Both the rabbit, Eastre's earthly symbol, and the exchange of eggs, a celebration of springtime's rebirth, were centuries old customs of the pagan festival that eventually merged with the religious Easter season.

More about the history of Easter and the parallel pagan festivities can be read at Wilstar.

Photos Extol Spring Blessings

This blog's pictorial celebration takes place on three stages -- the glorious landscape photographs by my friend Sally; clickable blends of Clay Aiken photos by his talented fans; and Sally's beautiful floral graphics signifying the rebirth of the spring season.

Many may remember the featured artist as Sally888, who in the past featured many of her stunning photos and graphics in an Official Fan Club blog.

Even though I have played for countless Easter sunrise services, I have never been to Canada. Sally's beautiful photo of a sunrise along the Ice fields Parkway transports us to the heart of the Canadian Rockies.

Lake Louise near Banff, Alberta, reported to be the most photographed lake in the world, was once recorded by Sally.

In this photo, Sally captured springtime one morning in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, a state I called home for 17 years.

Fans Applaud Voice, Heart

On a much larger stage than he ever imagined, Clay Aiken has for the past six years shared with the planet his magnificent voice, caring heart, and unbending faith in word, deed, and song.

Through the The Bubel/Aiken Foundation's inclusive programs and his projects as an ambassador for UNICEF, he has endeavored to make the world a better place for children.

In recognition of the singer's commitment to loving families, sharing his journey to parenthood, and the work he does on behalf of children the world over, Clay will be presented the Equality Circle Award at the Family Equality Council's Night at the Tavern in New York City on Tuesday, April 21.

Dancing Event To Benefit TBAF

In a benefit for TBAF, the Foundation and A Step to Gold International Ballroom will co-host "Dancing Like the Stars" at Raleigh's Southern Women's Show April 26. Local celebrities will participate in the popular dance competition at the NC State Fairgrounds.

Fans first followed the exceptional voice from Carolina. During the past six years, they have also become enthusiastic supporters and participants in his charitable causes, inspiring the motto: "We came for the voice but stayed for the man."

A treasured spin off for countless fans who have come together in Clay Cyberspace are the close personal friendships that have evolved. No national boundaries, not an unusual progression on the Internet, but still very special!

PHOTO INTERLUDE: Looking back, these handsome clickables feature Invisible926's 2006 Easter design (1); Clayquebec1, photo by Invisible926, (2); cindilu2, photo and screencap by Galrow and Spotlightlover, (3); Amazing_CA's JNT05 blend, photos by Renee4Clay, (4); and ABeautifulMind's Easter graphic, photo by Scrpkym, (5).

Flowers a Canvas for Nature

Nature's splendor resonates throughout Sally's floral photos and graphics. My special affinity for the first is the annual North Carolina Azalea Festival celebrated in my hometown of Wilmington. The 62nd "best party in the South" occurred last week, April 1-5.

Joining the pink azalea in this springtime gala are sweet-fragranced freesia and a lovely apple blossom.

Bravo to Sally, whose photos, graphics, and friendship helped this blog commemorate Easter in such a special way!

Did the Monkey Mail Come?

Did the Monkey Mail come? Well, whose it from? ... Twinkle and Wayne from Higglytown Heroes up next! ... Meeska Mooska Mickey Mouse!!!

During my grandson's month-long visit last summer, he and I greeted each morning singing along with several familiar cartoon characters on TV. Much to Kai's delight, one morning we actually received some real "monkey mail" ourselves -- three snugly toys from my friend and his "fairy godmother" Sally.

A squeeze of the correct button and Kai's favorite, a pastel-colored chicken, wobbled into his open arms to strains of "The Easter Parade" followed by a barnyard cacophony. The Easter chick now sits on a shelf awaiting grandson's next visit.

Meanwhile, I hear the little guy in question has been very active. Blessed with amazing balance, unquenchable curiosity, and a penchant for heights, his latest "trick" is to climb onto the closed toilet seat, maneuver over to the sink on which he stands to investigate the contents of the mysterious medicine cabinet. Locks don't work, so lessons are hopefully being learned!

Below are three clickables celebrating Kai's two Easters and the fun we shared with that shimmying little chick last June. Graphics are by Sally (2008) and Ashes (2009):

Happy Easter ~ Blessed Passover ~ Joyous Spring, Clay Nation!

Caro

TECHNORATI TAGS: Clay Aiken, Easter, Spring, rebirth, photography, North Carolina Azalea Festival,The Bubel/Aiken Foundation, Dancing Like the Stars, Family Equality Council, Equality Circle Award, Internet friendships, Monkey Mail, grandson, Official Fan Club, Clay Nation

Clay Aiken Thrills ANTM Fans

TIME TO SING -- While Clay Aiken's acting abilities were on display in Wednesday's America's Next Top Model, his fans would like nothing better than to hear him sing on tour. Graphic by Amazing_CA.

Cheers for Clay, Tar Heels, Quirky Luck!

ANTM Buzz Still Going Strong

A light week with several students already on spring break has been quite eventful and, unfortunately, expensive. Besides Carolina's exciting NCAA championship win on Monday, the redeeming moments occurred when Clay Aiken appeared on America's Next Top Model as actor and adjudicator.

Discussions abound on the Net, as many viewers didn't know of Clay's rave reviews for his portrayal of Sir Robin in Broadway's Spamalot. Most people on the planet seem to recall he's been on the receiving end of judging barbs and compliments -- backhanded, fore-handed, and in between.

Clay and good friend Tyra Banks.

This was my first time to watch ANTM, produced by Clay's very good friend, Trya Banks. Judging from the continuing discussion on message boards, Twitter, and a host of other web sites, the Clay Nation, always anxious to see Singer Man, plus a host of curious observers surely gave the show one heckuva ratings bump.

Clips such as the ones at E! News Now and CelebTV are everywhere. See TV Guide for a recap and discussion of the episode.

Among the blogs/websites covering the ANTM appearance are Clay Aiken: A Model Judge (CANN), Aiken de la Clay (Clay-the Man), Clay Aiken News (Clay Aiken The Ideal Idol), and Clay Aiken: Normal, Humble, and Eloquent on ANTM (MJ'sBlog).

Clay with Paulina, ANTM regular, on show.

Now it's time for Clay to sing to us. According to Billboard, he already is. Here are the first week chart rankings for his CD, The Very Best of Clay Aiken:

Playlist: The Very Best Of Clay Aiken, Clay Aiken

Billboard Top 200: #173

Top Internet Albums: #10

Good Side of Bad Luck

Somebody Upstairs definitely had an eye on me Wednesday morning as I checked off a couple of errands prior to heading to a dental appointment. Upon noticing a light on the dashboard, I stopped by my service station to ask their opinion. I turned the car off as the attendant popped the hood. When I was instructed to start it again, there was dead silence.

The battery, which has been a thorn in my side for a couple of weeks, was promptly charged. We decided they should check further. While I was canceling my dental appointment, the car died ... for good!

I gave the repairman a quick run down of the AAA battery's history from its Nov. 14 purchase to March 26 when the car wouldn't start for my 8 a.m. Lenten gig. Turns out the problem was the alternator all along, so -- lucky as I feel for having turned into my service station -- I ended up spending my gig money and then some.

Spring Recital Hits Calendar Snag

Meanwhile, the combined student recital my sister and I have been planning for May 17 received a jolt when we got bumped from the academy's auditorium for a retirement ceremony. May is a difficult month for scheduling because you have to avoid Mother's Day and Memorial Day. Throw in "baccalaureate day" at one of our previous locations, and May is one troublesome maze.

The harpist who will perform with our combined ensembles and accompany my sister's students has advised us to stick with the 17th, which rules out changing to the 31st. Now we are awaiting confirmation on an alternate location.

If luck spins in sets of 3's, I think I have one to go!

Easter graphic of grandson Kai by Ashes.

Youthful Take on Good Friday

Religious and secular Holy Week celebrations abound as the calendar approaches Easter Sunday. Not only is President Barack Obama hosting a Seder at the White House, but many Christian congregations will join those of the Jewish faith in celebrating the beginning of Passover with the traditional feast.

The culmination of Holy Week, Good Friday commemorates Jesus Christ's crucifixion and death. Two days later on Easter Sunday, Christians will celebrate the resurrection of Christ from the dead and the fulfillment of their faith.

The name "Good Friday" possibly comes from "God's Friday," although the origin is unclear. Several Easters ago, Mr. Caro was explaining to a class of Baptist youngsters the meaning of this day. A percussionist, he added all manner of sound effects to create the storm and anguish that prevailed at Christ's death on the cross.

In the midst of his presentation, Mr. Caro noticed the sea of sad and dejected young faces filling the room. One agitated youngster frantically raised his hand to proclaim: "Mister, it's Bad Friday -- not Good Friday!"

Below is a double clickable of Amazing_CA's opening graphic:

A very blessed Passover and Easter Weekend to all!

Caro

TECHNORATI TAGS: Clay Aiken, America's Next Top Model, Tyra Banks, The Very Best of Clay Aiken, Billboard 200, luck, alternator, spring recital, Easter, Good Friday, Official Fan Club, Clay Nation

Clay Aiken Takes ANTM Stage

Clay Aiken, the Judge - Montage by SueReu

Secret Weapons Assist Heels (89-72!)

ANTM To Welcome Judge Aiken

America's Next Top Model welcomes multi-platinum singer Clay Aiken as special guest and judge on Wednesday's episode on the WCWG (CW) network. A promo video for the show ran in the previous entry, and SueRue has outlined Clay's qualifications for his ANTM gig in the montage above.

Clay, whose portrayal as Sir Robin in Broadway's "Spamalot" received rave reviews, will star opposite the girls in "Acting Like a Model" before joining his good friend Tyra Banks, regular judge/executive producer, to critique the contestants’ performances and decide which hopeful will be eliminated.

Throughout Clay Cyber, tivos are already set for Wednesday's two-hour ANTM edition. Check your local listings, and plan the evening around 8 p.m. EDT.

Idol Experience ANTM Plus

According to an AP story Monday, Clay's American Idol experience gave him an "in" with the ANTM contestants. Fans will especially celebrate the last two paragraphs:

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Singer Clay Aiken says the women competing to be "America's Next Top Model" may have appreciated his judging comments more because of his own reality show experience.

The "American Idol" runner-up will appear in an episode of the modeling show that focuses on stage acting. The 30-year-old Raleigh native said he was selected to be a judge and act opposite the contestants because of his time on Broadway in "Monty Python's Spamalot."

The episode is set to air Wednesday on the CW Network. Aiken has been friends with the show's host and creator, Tyra Banks, since he appeared on her talk show in 2006.

Aiken placed second to Ruben Studdard on the second season of Fox's "American Idol." He says he thinks the contestants knew he understood what they were going through. [snip]

Aiken's recording contract with RCA has ended, and he said he's considering other labels, while also looking at stage and television offers.

"All three look enticing, and I'm in the luxurious position of letting them sit down and come to me," he said.

PHOTO INTERLUDE: Featured in this clickable collection are screen caps from montages by SueReu.

Sly Maneuvers in Carolina Arsenal

Saturday the Carolina Tar Heels won the right to play Michigan State University for all the marbles in the NCAA championship game Monday night. With the final weekend of March Madness set in Detroit, the Spartans definitely will hold home field advantage.

Playing in Ford Field arena, which seats approximately 72,000 fans, the Carolina-Michigan State game will take place only 90 miles from MSU's East Lansing campus. As departing fans of the defeated semi-final teams sell their tickets and head home, around 80% will be sporting green and white Monday night.

However, Carolina has a couple of secret weapons. Just as she did Saturday night, my friend Terri, a classical violinist and lifelong Tar Heel fan, will don the same sweatshirt she wore when Carolina won the NCAA crown in 2005.

If that's not enough, she keeps 2-3 additional shirts nearby and during rough spells has been known to wrap one around her neck. A special token for the 2009 championship game is her plan to transfer a treasured Ram mascot figurine to the top of the TV set. That move alone ought to guarantee the win!

Triple Overtime Spurs Tactic

The other element in Carolina's behind-the-scenes game plan is my childhood Bible. It took three overtimes for the Tar Heels to defeat Kansas in 1957. Between each period, I rushed to my bedroom and prayed over this particular Bible. Eventually Carolina prevailed.

Years later I told Terri about the Carolina-Kansas strategy. Every time Carolina gets into hot water, she calls and urges me to "go get the Bible."

As the sports announcers bestow their audiences with two days' worth of statistics, predictions, and whatnot, little do they know that two retired orchestra teachers really hold the hush-hush keys to the game's outcome.

Go, Tar Heels, Go!

Thank you for your kind remarks to LAP & LACIE. They are already lobbying to write another blog. Have a wonderful week, Clay Nation!

Caro

TECHNORATI TAGS: Clay Aiken, America's Next Top Model, Tyra Banks, montage, NCAA Basketball Championship, Carolina Tar Heels, Michigan State Spartans, March Madness, Official Fan Club, Clay Nation

Clay Aiken To Judge ANTM

CLAY AIKEN -- Graphic by Amazing_CA, photo by Katy4Clay

LAP & LACIE Grab Reins

Singer Sets ANTM Appearance

It's April Fool's Day when computers are supposed to go crazy. This one did, but not the way many expected. Enter LAP (laptop) and LACIE (external hard drive) ...

LAP: Since Caro blogged about Clay Aiken on Monday, we can't use her three-day routine as an excuse to start a new entry. We are tired of waiting for our turn, and that's no April Fool's joke!

LACIE: The last time we slipped in and penned an entry was May 21, 2008. HARRUMPH!!! And that was only because Caro was dashing around cleaning house for the visit by her daughter and grandson. She really needed us.

LAP: When we started this dialogue, she was off practicing a violin accompaniment and transposing a viola part for the spring recital.

Clickable graphic by cindilu2

LACIE: After the first violin lesson, Caro nonchalantly checked the mailbox and guess what had arrived! EEEEE -- the new Clay Aiken CD!!!! And it's been blasting ever since! Each and every gorgeous track has been lovingly downloaded to my drive. [Sigh] Oh my, I feel a little faint. [Fans self]

LAP: We highly recommend The Very Best of Clay Aiken, but be sure to call before driving to a store. If it's not stocked, you can order the album at several online vendors -- Amazon, CD Universe, etc. -- and even download it at Walmart for $7.00.

LACIE: The 14 remastered tracks are awesome and highlight Clay's career in the entertainment business. They include Ashes, A Thousand Days, The Way, Bridge Over Troubled Water, On My Way Here, This is the Night, Solitaire, Here You Come Again, Measure of a Man, The Real Me, Something About Us, Invisible, On the Wings of Love, and Mary Did You Know.

LAP: I know CA fans are wondering where the photo interlude is. Just hang on; we really do know the routine around here. Clay will be the featured guest on the April 8 segment of America's Next Top Model (CW).

Preview of Clay on Special Two-Hour 'Top Model'

LACIE: Hopefully, all my fellow fan girls are watching him on tonight's previews. Unfortunately, we have basketball on our TV (again!), but here are a YouTube preview and a Sendspace download of Clay's promo fron the show.

LAP: This is a press release about ANTM from the entertainment section of the Kansas City Star:

The shoe’s on the other foot as Clay Aiken sits in judgment of contestants on the April 8 episode of “America’s Next Top Model.”

It was surreal to be stepping into the position of ‘judge’ on a competition show, having come from one myself,” says Aiken, a longtime fan of the show.

On the show, Aiken works with models on an acting challenge before sitting with Tyra Banks on the judges’ panel.

“The show’s been able to stay true to its goal of giving amazing opportunities to real young girls who might not have had such chances before,” he says.

LACIE: Our clickable interlude features screen caps/pictures of Clay and Tyra from his last visit to the Tyra Banks Show, as well as three from the previous weekend's GLAAD Media Awards event.

Our April Fool's Surprise

LACIE: For newcomers, we are Caro's laptop and external hard drive, who occasionally use our "expanded powers" and assemble a blog for her.

LAP: We normally come to the old gal's rescue when her offline schedule interferes with the three-day blogging routine. We even have fans who leave us comments when we slip in an L&L entry.

LACIE: Caro usually keeps good notes with possible blog links and graphics, so we just use her material in our own special way.

LAP: Guess we finagled our way in through the back door this time. Maybe we are her April Fool's Day surprise, LOL!

LACIE: Speaking of which, we located this article on Tweet Deck: When Did April Fool's Begin?

Though pranksters and joke-lovers in many countries will dupe friends and loved ones on April Fool's Day, no one knows exactly when or why, or even where, this tradition began.

A giddy spurt of practical joking seems to have coincided with the coming of spring since the time of the Ancient Romans and Celts, who celebrated a festival of mischief-making. The first mentions of an All Fool's Day (as it was formerly called) came in Europe in the Middle Ages.

Twitter Team Tweets the Deck

LAP: We are huge Twitter fans and enjoy all those tweets and retweets coming through our deck.

LACIE: With her crazy teaching schedule, we are never on deck very long at a time. However, it's a super way to keep up with what's happening.

LAP: The Internet has no boundaries, and you can communicate globally with people -- and other computers -- who have similar interests. Right now, we frequent columns about Clay Aiken, news (MSNBC), and the Carolina Tar Heels.

LACIE: I just love Clay, his gorgeous voice, and crazy sense of humor. [Sigh] And I really can't wait for that dang NCAA Tournament to be over!!!

LAP: Now, LACIE, you know Caro loves her Heels. Besides, basketball season ends with the championship game Monday night. We'd better hope Carolina wins. Let's go, Tar Heels!!!

Visitors Arrive Via Varied Routes

LACIE: Last July, Caro wrote a blog about some of the unusual Google searches that have brought readers from 107 countries to this blog. LAP and I even made the cut!

A search for info about Sir Robin's rehearsals led an unsuspecting reader straight into a LAP & LACIE special, 'Spamalot' Rehearsals Resume, in which my talented laptop and external hard drive had a grand ole time discussing how Singer Man was having to learn to dance for his role on Broadway.

LAP: Probably one of the most surprised visitors was the Singapore resident inquiring about a storm named Kai. Topping Google's suggested links was 'Hurricane Kai' Strikes Texas from October 07. This is what Grandma Caro wrote:

Many may recall that in answer to my plea for more pictures of our brand new grandson, Kai's grandfather sent images of an apartment in total disarray -- dirty dishes in the sink, newspapers stacked up, you name it, to prove how little picture-taking time was available.

From these photos, my friend Sally created the "Hurricane Kai" graphic with grandson calmly sleeping in the eye of the storm.

LACIE: Kai was just a month old in that picture. He is now 18 months old and 34 inches tall. I bet Caro sends him a basketball any day now.

LAP: That little guy already has a Tar Heel football jersey. We are currently searching LACIE's files for a more recent picture.

LACIE: I bet the blog visitor who asked Google "what's for dinner?" enjoyed reading about -- and maybe baking -- Aunt Lill's Potato Rolls:

My Great Aunt Lill taught piano to several generations of eastern NC students. In the story, the Wilson, NC, editor recalled her family's elation on the afternoons her sister left the piano teacher's house with music books in one arm and a pan of rolls in the other. Aunt Lill's daughter Josie provided the recipe.

LAP: It's a good thing students of our never-uses-her-oven gal don't know this little fact, LOL!

LACIE: "You can sing, you can dance, and you won't soil your pants" naturally pulled up the Spamalot post, Aiken a Star on His Way.

LAP: Some of the many musical perusals have directed readers to Trusty Oboe Could Tell Tales and Musical Terms Provide Grins.

LACIE: The second entry followed Clay's 2006 Joyful Not a Tour during which he taught audiences a new musical definition nightly. It's likely the visitors seeking "sustained note" and "glissando strings scary" found themselves a fantastic singer to boot!

LAP: Hope you enjoyed our quick stroll down memory lane. It's great to see some of our longtime fans again, as well as meet you new folks. Y'all come back; we'll grab the keyboard again ... SOON!

LACIE: This is one of my favorite pictures of my "other" boyfriend, Kai.

Kai on the move!

Have a wonderful week, Clay Nation!

Caro

TECHNORATI TAGS: Clay Aiken, The Very Best of Clay Aiken, America's Next Top Model, 20th Annual GLAAD Media Awards, Tyra Banks, Official Fan Club, Clay Nation