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

Aiken Fans Enjoy Clackapalooza

RED CARPET -- Clay Aiken meets the press prior to the 20th Annual GLAAD Media Awards in New York City Saturday. Graphic by Amazing_CA.

Cantata, Dead Battery Don't Mix

Clay Presents Tyra Media Award

As I prepared for a church gig Sunday, I thought the run in my black hose was bad; but that was before I tried starting my car at 7:20 a.m.

When the electronic door lock didn't work, even I knew something was amiss and immediately dropped my gig bag to the ground to see if the car would start. Not a chance!

Calmly, I called my brother-in-law, the conductor, to get phone numbers of nearby musicians. Of all days, I had left the orchestra roster in my house. Fortunately, Anna, the other oboist, was able to swing by and provide a ride to and from our two performances.

Upon returning home from a morning of glorious music ("Wayfarin' Stranger," a Lenten cantata), I faced the reality of a "sick car" and called AAA, the company that replaced my battery on Nov. 14. The prognosis was that the battery is "severely discharged" and needed to be charged from 3-9 hours.

My choices were to drive around town letting the battery charge itself or head to one of two local AAA centers for expert stimulus. Tar Heel blue basketball fan that I am, I elected to leave the car running for two hours.

Carolina Basketball Rules

I wouldn't have missed cheering Carolina to its South Regional win for anything. During halftime of the first game, I turned the car off. Curious by nature, I immediately restarted it twice -- so I was hopeful.

According to AAA's print-out, a severely discharged batter can be caused by (a) extended storage [nope]; (b) lights left on [nope]; or (c) electrical problems. Monday morning I drove the car to my own auto repairman for a check-up.

Sure enough, there were no hidden lights left on, and the electrical system is on target. The battery, however, is weakened. Chris, who owns Automotive Connection, put my battery through the works. Even though the voltage dropped within seconds, he recommended I see what happens during the next two weeks.

So I'm the one driving around with fingers crossed. If the Sunday morning routine comes calling again, hopefully AAA will make good on the three-year warranty, which supposedly doesn't cover a "severely discharged" battery.

Double talk ... another of life's lessons? Whatever, so far, so good!

Clay's Introduction of Tyra Banks at GLAAD Media Awards

Clay Helps GLAAD Honor Friend

Meanwhile, between my rehearsal-performance schedule, March Madness, and the declining battery ordeal, I missed the red carpet, the main event, and all the immediate clack returns from Saturday's 20th Annual GLAAD Media Awards in New York -- a real "clackapalooza" weekend!

Here are the opening graphs of the press release:

New York, Sunday, March 29, 2008 - Vanessa Williams, Stockard Channing, Cherry Jones, T.R. Knight, Keith Olbermann, Judith Light, Clay Aiken and S. Epatha Merkerson were among the celebrities who joined the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) as it honored Tyra Banks, Suze Orman, Phil Donahue and the best in film, television and journalism last night at the 20th Annual GLAAD Media Awards in New York.

At the ceremony, singer Clay Aiken presented the Excellence in Media Award to Tyra Banks, who has shown a strong commitment to educating the public about the lives of gay and transgender people on her talk show, The Tyra Banks Show, and on her reality series, America's Next Top Model. The Excellence in Media Award is presented to individuals who, through their work, have increased the visibility and understanding of the LGBT community in the media.

Friends kept me posted; and my email box is filled with photos, YouTube links, even a transcript of Clay's speech, some of which are shared below.

PHOTO INTERLUDE: Featured in this clickable collection are images from Clay's appearance at the GLAAD Media Awards event. Represented are graphics by Fountaindawg, 1, and Amazing_CA, 5, and photos by bigappleforclay, 2, 3, and 4.

Many thnx to GoodBabyBrush, who transcribed Clay's speech, one he wrote himself. The excellent YouTube video above includes Clay's introduction, as well as Tyra's acceptance. You can download the video with this Sendspace file.

This is the transcription of Clay's portion:

Very few women in media ever reach the level of single-name recognition: Madonna, Celine, Dolly, Cher -- all also gay icons. Tonight we honor with the Excellence in Media Award a woman who fits into both categories, Tyra. [inaudible] breaking down barriers from the very start of her career.

She made history on the covers of some of the fashion industry's most influential magazines. Who among us didn't want to be with her or ... be her (laughter) when she graced the cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue as the very first African American in that position.

Her model portfolio has been surpassed only by her extensive multi-media portfolio. Her transition from runway and print to broadcast brought some of America's favorite guilty pleasures in the form of America's Next Top Model -- which has a very good episode next week [points at self] (laughter).

It's a show that she both created and executive produces, and she uses it as a platform, not only to help young women achieve their dreams, but also to reinforce the value and importance of hard work and determination in achieving success all the while celebrating outer and inner beauty.

That show is nominated tonight in the category for outstanding reality programing in large part due to Tyra’s refusal to shy away from including diverse models and judges in its cast. Her emmy award wining talk show The Tyra Banks Show has expanded her opportunity to speak to a large an influential audience about self-image and self-worth and countless other causes important to society.

This year that talk show has won 3 out of 5 nominations for outstanding talk show this year bringing the total nominations to 7 in the just 3 years. Nobody would expect less from someone who has been a trailblazer from the start: model, tv host, creator, executive producer. She's one of the hardest working people in the entertainment industry and (something) recognized for it.

She was honored by the Hollywood Rreporter as one of the 100 most powerful women in entertainment. Entertainment Weekly called her one of their 25 Smartest in Television and Glamour magazine named her one 2008's Women of the Year alongside Hillary Clinton. And tonight the GLAAD Excellence in Media Award.

This award is given each year to a media professional who increases visibility and understanding of the LGBT community, folks like Glenn Close, Billy Crystal, Diane Sawyer and Phil Donahue. Knowing Tyra, I know that she probably doesn’t think she deserves a recognition like this. Her American’s Next Top Model showcases people like Miss Jay, Jay Manuel, Isis King -- or that guy on next week's show.

Yes, her talk show gives air time to some of the issues that our community cares about most, like marriage equality, gay and lesbian people of faith, and transgender people, but Tyra doesn’t necessarily do these things just to make a statement. She doesn’t just address these issue for the impact. She includes, embraces and celebrates because that’s just how she is. Cause she knows it’s right. She doesn’t marginalize, she normalizes.

She never sensationalizes or exploits, she just cherishes the value of every human being. Because the only thing bigger than her influence is her heart. Her deep respect for the value of all people has led her to make it part her mission to educate the mainstream public about the lives of gay and transgender people, reaching millions of young people nationwide with her message of inclusion and acceptance.

Below is a clickable of Amazing_CA's opening graphic:

Have a wonderful week, Clay Nation!

Caro

P.S. Celebrating Tuesday's drop of The Very Best of Clay Aiken CD are clickables of graphics by fivegoldens and cindilu2. Check for the CD online and in local establishments.

TECHNORATI TAGS: Clay Aiken, 20th Annual GLAAD Media Awards, The Very Best of Clay Aiken CD, Tyra Banks, Lenten Cantata, discharged battery, Official Fan Club, Clay Nation

Aiken's Pipes, Wit Tops with Fans

Clay Aiken graphic designed by Amazing_CA.

2009 Calendar Updates

Virtual Tour Recalls 'Clayisms'

The incredible pipes of Clay Aiken are reason enough for fans to long for a new tour, but almost as popular as the golden voice are the singer's quick wit and sense of humor that permeate onstage banter between songs.

Featured in this virtual tour stop are memorable "Clayisms" that can be traced back to concerts and television appearances of the past six years. No doubt, some longtime CA fans can describe the precise setting of each quote. Favorites shared in reader comments will be added to the blog.

Before the banter train leaves the station, however, here is an overview of upcoming appearances by Clay in the near future.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

March 28: GLAAD 20th Annual Media Awards -- Clay will present a media award to good friend Tyra Banks. (Marriott Marquis, NYC)

March 28: Paula's Party - House of Blues rerun, 7 p.m. (FOOD)

Clay Aiken, Dionne Warwick and Duff Goldman are guests as the host creates a blues-inspired menu that includes blue-corn-crusted bass, blue-velvet cake, and a blueberry crème brûlée tart.

March 31: The Very Best of Clay Aiken CD drops

For playlist, see 2/24 Carolina entry. CD available in stores on 3/31 and for pre-orders at several online sites.

March 31: Scrubs rerun - My Life in Four Cameras (COMEDY)

Act II unfolds as J.D.'s sitcom fantasy, filmed in front of a studio audience and triggered by his tending to a TV writer. Clay Aiken guest stars as a hapless cafeteria worker, who sings “Isn't She Lovely?”

April 8: Clay appears on America's Next Top Model (CW)

"Clay Aiken, a close friend of mine, is a guest judge and will pose as a designer in this episode." -- Tyra Banks

May 14: Clay will make a cameo appearance on the final episode of 30 Rock. (NBC)

Clay is known for his quit wit and comedic timing. He just finished his second stint on Broadway's Spamalot in January and fans are anxiously awaiting his return to the spotlight.

Singer Becomes Clack Gatherer

Famous among CA fans is the 2007 Soft Rock Hard Place Ft. Myers concert during which Clay turned the tables on videographer Scarlett, who was shooting from the front row. The above video tells the story and can be downloaded at Clack Unlimited.

Clay Aiken Takes His Own Clack

These Clayisms, which date back as far as 2003, appear in no particular order.

God forbid the clack skip around!

I'm never wrong, people.

Breathe for me, honey!

Talk amongst yourselves.

I know your words.

Perfection takes time, honey!

You need another fact checker!

All done, darlin'.

Happy to save you money on your prescriptions (autographing "Clay = Female Viagra" poster)

They will be locked!

Lawd, Jesus! (fanning himself)

Hey Ruben, I got panties!

What do you have in there -- Radio Shack?

Git 'er done!

The twisty tie confuses me every time!

He hit me with his cane!

Stick me on the roof or fold me up and throw me in the trunk.

I don't have an accent, do 'ah'?

She didn't have the balls to send me the letter!

I think I'm gonna take a cold shower at intermission. **Deafening cheers** Let me try again; I'm gonna read a book.

In my life, I've had heartache and pain (pointing to Angela and Quiana).

Before the show is over they will have your email address, your phone number, your address; and the next thing you know, you will be driving them to Florida!

You can never get enough of Clay Aiken.

We're all family here, right?

I have my own Nation.

PHOTO INTERLUDE: This clickable interlude features graphics by Amazing_CA, with photos by fivegoldens, 1; PermaSwooned, 2; and toni7babe, 3. Represented are the Soft Rock Hard Place and Jukebox Tours.

Montages Feature 'Clayisms'

More "Clayisms" are highlighted in three YouTube montages by Marie Drummond: Clay, Your Halo Is a Wee Bit Crooked; Clay Testosterone Contest; and Clay Embraces His Dorkiness.

It doesn't really matter to me how I make a difference; I just wanna make sure that I do.

I'm going through puberty now, and you can say you were here when it happened. Now I am a man!

Here's to not caring!

Savor the flavor.

My teeth are blindingly white.

I was the only one that looked like Jesus. (reference to bearded appearance during UNICEF trip to Afghanistan)

Krispy Kremes, macaroni and cheese, and slooooooooow songs.

I love going up and singing on stage.

The fact that you are here will help when you get home. (to the men in the audience)

Clay talking about how classy the orchestra is and how he's not. A fan shouts out, "You're hot though!"

I got beat up by a girl!

He really liked me for some reason..." (RE the horse on Kimmel)

Lord help the sex symbol world if I'm one of them.

Did you get that on video?

You know, I think I'm a stronger person for realizing that you can't make everybody love you.

It takes a whole team of people working 24 hours around the clock to make me look like this.

I'm being trained to shake the bon-bon appropriately.

I'm fine and have taken steps to prevent any foot wandering in the future.

We sing lots of sloooooooooooooooooooowwww songs.

Clay Aiken bringing families together!

Sometimes things come out of my mouth that don't even go through my brain.

Success is measured by how happy you are, not how much money you have.

It's a little less sweet and a little more suspect!

It's important that I make a difference in some way. If it's by singing and touching someone that way, great. If it's being a teacher and helping some kid understand something, even better.

Use your voice.

I'm Clay Aiken! (signing "thank you")

Have an awesome week, Clay Nation!

Caro

TECHNORATI TAGS: Clay Aiken, Clayisms, The Very Best of Clay Aiken CD, GLAAD 20th Annual Media Awards, America's Next Top Model, 30 Rock, Official Fan Club, Clay Nation

Aiken Fans Serenade Singer

Measure of a Man montage by SueReu

Tour Replays Emotional MOAM

Fans Memorialize Wilkes-Barre

To longtime Clay Aiken fans, Wilkes-Barre is synonymous with special, spontaneous events that occurred during the memorable "Measure of a Man" acoustic medley of the March 7, 2004, Independent Tour Concert.

The Pennsylvania venue easily notched a replay in the Carolina blog's virtual tour of favorite performances. Clay later described the moment in his memoir, Learning to Sing: Hearing the Music in Your Life:

I am still surprised when people in the crowd sing along. Once on the last tour as we were playing "Measure of a Man," I had to stop singing for a second to clear my throat. I went quiet, but the whole audience kept singing the words. I stopped and listened to them.

Then my eyes welled up. I was almost light-headed. I had to grab my backup singer's hand to steady myself because I thought, "There are fiftee thousand people in this room and they all know this song! They're all singing my song. Which means they listen to my song in their cars. I'm in their cars! I'm in their houses!"

It was one of those times when my life washed over me, when I felt the power of music.

SueReu's opening montage of the Wilkes-Barre IT concert recalls "Measure of a Man" and "Fields of Gold." The popular acoustic medley also included "Carolina On My Mind" and "When I Need You."

Clickable by Fountaindawg
from Clay Aiken Kids site

Clay was not the only one who expressed the emotion of the evening. These paragraphs are from a recap by an 18-year-old:

I dare say there wasn’t a single dry eye in the house. There was more power in that room than anything I’ve ever felt before.

To hear your fans in unison proclaiming their affection for you through the lyrics of your favorite track in conjunction with actual breakdown of your once bubbly stage self was by far and away the most incredible mixture of pride and joy that I have ever felt in my life. I was blessed to take part in it.

Readers present at the Pennsylvania concert are welcome to share recollections in remarks here.

MEASURE OF A MAN --Animated design by cindilu2

Clay Aiken Walks the Walk

"Measure of a Man," lead track of Clay's first mainstream album, has long been associated with the singer's charitable endeavors with UNICEF and The Bubel/Aiken Foundation. Mission of TBAF is the inclusion of all children with and without disabilities.

Since his 2004 appointment as a UNICEF ambassador, Clay has traveled to Indonesia, Afghanistan, Lebanon, Uganda, Somalia, Kenya, and Mexico in support of educational and health programs for chidren. In addition, he has testified before a congressional sub-committee, served as national spokesperson for Trick or Treat for UNICEF, appeared on television and in telethons.

For a complete listing, check out charity work at the brand new Clay Aiken Kids site, which has just opened its "doors" in a new location. Also, bookmark Clay's page at UNICEF.

MOAM (UNICEF) montage by Gerwhisp

Another LTS passage by Clay provides the perfect introduction for Gerwhisp's "Measure of a Man" UNICEF montage, which can be viewed in the player above or at YouTube.

In my ideal world, no child would suffer.

I didn't get this singing voice to make myself famous and rich. I got it to become a better messenger. -- Clay Aiken, Learing To Sing

Spring Equinox Spells Allergies

In parallel motion, the 7:44 a.m. Friday veranl equinox not only ushered in the first day of Spring but also my first onslaught of allergies in many moons.

Lots of liquids, lozengers, Vitamin C, a Vicks enhaler, and a box of tissues have accompanied me all weekend long. What started as a simple, scratchy throat gradually grew into a full-fledged attack. After years of weekly allergy shots, it has been ages since I encountered even a bad cold. [Knock on wood!]

With some unusual sound effects, I cheered for the Carolina Tar Heels -- and lots of other basketball teams -- anyway. Now on the third day, hopefully, order is just around the corner. But then so is Monday, LOL!

Have a great week, Clay Nation!

Caro

TECHNORATI TAGS: Clay Aiken, Wilkes Barre, Measure of a Man, montage, Learning to Sing: Hearing the Music in Your Life, montage, The Bubel/Aiken Foundation, UNICEF, Clay Aiken Kids, Spring, allergies, Official Fan Club, Clay Nation

Aiken Nation Recalls Pala Concert

CALIFORNIA MEMORIES -- A highlight of the memorable 2007 CA 4-fer was Pala, featured concert on our current virtual tour. Graphic by Amazing_CA, photos by Invisible926.

Pala Popular with Aiken Fans

Flat Clay Headlines Virtual Tour

A Clay Aiken Virtual Tour would be incomplete without Flat Clay's appearance during the Pala Concert, part of the California 4-fer of the Soft Rock Hard Place Summer 2007 itinerary.

Inclusion of Pala's Flat Clay, a life-size cardboard version of the singer, was among the most popular suggestions for the Carolina journal's trip through memorable tour moments. During the past six years, Flat Clay has attended countless concerts, fan gatherings, and TV tapings.

Featured in the player below, the cardboard's cameo appearance at Pala during When I See You Smile is also posted at YouTube by Noritager.

The video begins with the closing scat singing of "I Want To Know What Love Is." At 3:50 during banter between songs, backup singer Angela Fisher directed Clay's attention to his cardboard counterpart overlooking the show from a hotel window.

As the history of the cardboard replica unraveled, the discussion included audience member-fan Artquest, who explained Flat Clay is always along for the ride. "We just fold him in half and hit the road."

Due to back problems, Artquest's husband had returned to their room during intermission. Clay & Co. proceeded to serenade Flat Clay, whose dance in the window promptly became a permanent fixture of CA fandom lore.

Clay & Co. sing to Flat Clay at Pala Concert

Clayverted Cellist 'Goes Greek'

Attending her second CA concert ever, Luvmysalsie reported a discussion she had with a cellist following the Palomar Starlight Theatre (Pala) performance:

You know that look Clay fans have after seeing him live -- bright eyed, animated, joy written all over our faces. That is the look the cellist had, plus she was talking a mile a minute, just like we fans do.

She said that Clay really has the "chops," meaning his voice is incredible; but what really makes him special is the magical interaction with the audience. He had us eating right out of his hand, and that is what makes him a great entertainer.

Anyone can sing, but not everyone can have that relationship with an audience. She said it felt great to hear the applause because most of the time, they don't even know if their audiences are awake. The orchestra really seemed to enjoy Clay, as they were laughing right along with all his jokes; and he was in rare form tonight.

I asked the cellist if she was a Clayvert? Of course, she didn't know what this meant. I explained to her after seeing Clay in person that most people fall in love with him.

She said, "Oh yes! I'm going to go out and buy his CD's and bring my children to his concerts." Her children had asked her to get Clay's autograph, but he was surrounded by people backstage and she couldn't get close enough.

According to my friend Sally, who attended the California weekend's third event at The Greek, the Pala cellist followed through. She purchased tickets and attended her first concert as a member of the Clay Nation!

The CA 4-fer Slide Show below includes a glimpse of the four California concerts: San Diego, Pala, Los Angeles, and Indio. At the site, you can opt for "original" or "gallery" views.

Photographers represented are Invisible926, Toni7babe, Lindylo, FiveGoldens, Riversend22, Mad4Clay, and SmartyPantsSuz.

New Fans Join Clay Nation

In recap after recap, fans reported "Clayversions" of nearby concert goers. Lovethatguy posted this report at Clayversity:

Gareem and I met two girls who had won tickets to the show from the local radio station -- one of those "we loved him on AI but had no idea what he has done since."

One of the girls noticed my Clayversity badge; so, of course, we launched into the whole explanation of our message board, the Internet, Clay Nation, etc. By the time we said goodbye, Gareem had her e-mail address, and they were very pumped. I am positive they had a great time.

A newbie couple sat next to us at Pala, too. They loved the concert! After hearing that Clay was playing at The Greek and Indio next, they said they were going to get tickets to those concerts also.

In her Pala recap, Saltwaterdog described "newbie" experiences of couples sitting near her and her husband.

One couple had seen an AI 2 show, but this was their first Clay Aiken concert. They were enjoying themselves from the beginning of the show; but when Clay spotted the Flat Clay cardboard cutout in an upper hotel window, they were hooked.

During WISYS, Clay sang to the image as if it were his true love. Quiana and Angela added similar theatrical gestures. At that point, the folks in front of us joined in the fun as if they were longtime Clay fans.

They laughed at Clay’s jokes and snuggled during the sweet songs. One of the men even kept a close eye out on Flat Clay all evening.

March Madness Invades Schedule

The NCAA Selection Committee forgot to check with me, and Carolina's 2:50 opener against Radford hits my Thursday teaching schedule head-on. DIRECTV to the rescue, as the game will be recorded while I teach four violinists, at least one of whom shares my enthusiasm for the Tar Heels.

We are preparing for a May 17 Spring Recital with a few twists. My piano and string students will perform at 2, and my sister's woodwind students at 3. In the interim, our strings and winds will present varied selections with harp accompaniment. For many, this will be the first time to be up close and personal with a harp; and they are very excited about that.

The two combined selections are definitely varied: "Ashokan Farewell" from the PBS Civil War special and "Star Wars" by John Williams. I didn't think any of my young charges would even remember the latter, but my seventh grade violist informed me we are "current," as a new triology of Star Wars films has recently been released.

Who knew? But Viola Man said, "We are good to go!"

Below is a clickable of Amazing_CA's opening graphic:

Have an awesome weekend, Clay Nation! Go, Tar Heels!

Caro

Thank you for putting the Carolina blog on your itinerary. Your visits
and comments are very much appreciated.

RELATED TAGS: Clay Aiken, When I See You Smile, 2007 Summer Tour, CA 4-fer, Pala, Flat Clay, Clayvert, March Madness, Carolina Tar Heels, music students, Spring Recital, Official Fan Club, Clay Nation