Clay Aiken-Ruben Studdard Show Sizzles

Clay Aiken dazzles in Timeless Tour concert. (Photo by ashtash24)

Musicians Hot in Asheville Opener

Curtain Rises on Timeless Tour

ASHEVILLE, NC -- On one of the hottest summer evenings of the season, Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard sang, danced, and bantered their way through a very entertaining show at Biltmore Estate Friday, opening event of the 17-city Timeless Tour.

The next three shows are in air-conditioned Florida venues -- 8 p.m. Saturday, The Florida Theatre, Jacksonville; 3 p.m. Sunday, King Center for the Performing Arts, Melbourne; and 8 p.m. Monday, Florida Theatre, Clearwater.

Fans on the south terrace of Biltmore Estate gave the reunion concert of American Idol 2's top two contestants a hearty thumbs up and shared the show with friends back home via cell phones, message board reports, and video/audio/photographic rewinds known throughout the Clay Nation as "clack."

Interspersed with these initial Asheville recaps are clickable photos that capture some of the evening's magic provided by Clay and Ruben, backup singers Quiana Parler and Casey Thompson, and a band that was as hot as the summer temps.

Two Hours Filled with Fun, Music

Brightstar: Wow, wow, wow! Back from the concert. That may be the most fun I've ever had in a two-hour stretch! So much laughter and fun and silliness and absolutely awesome music sung by such talented singers, served with lots of teasing, considerable respect, and tons and tons of love.

Amazing! They were both in great voice and looked wonderful. There were so many songs packed in, yet the time flew by. I bet I don't remember a tenth of it now. All I want to do is see it again immediately.

DH went with me, and he really, really enjoyed the show. He asked if there were another one nearby; he'd like to see it again. Unfortunately, there's not one close at all (though I'm going up north for some more in August).

Those two men put their heart and soul into this show, and they sang and danced their asses off (almost literally, since Clay could hardly keep his pants up). They have to be totally and completely exhausted tonight (and dehydrated too), but I hope they are proud of their accomplishment.

I have no doubt it will change and evolve as time goes by, tighten up here and there, change up the banter now and then, and I can't wait to see the version they give in a few weeks. Once is never enough. Or twice. Or three times. Or a dozen.

One of the hottest days of the year. Sun and sweat and unforgiving heat. Yet I could focus on nothing but the stage, and the heat disappeared for me when the show began. That's magic.

Two unlikely stars, talented men, forever friends. I'm so lucky to have been there.

Photo credits: Irishbookgal, 1; ashtash24, 2, 4; farouche, 3; Hotclay, 5.

Final Song Sums Up Show

artz11: I'm just in from the concert and all I can say is BRILLIANT. Ruben is wonderful in every aspect of this show, and Clay's signature is all over it. Clay was bubbly, happy, and as welcoming as he always is.

"I've Had The Time of my Life" was the last song. They both sang it with full smiles and fun. On the phrase 'and I owe it all to you,' Clay swept the audience with his hand. Clay and Ruben's years of experience are very evident. Big difference from the JBT. The energy level is amazing.

Clay's "Mandy" was beautiful. I closed my eyes and floated away. Casey's voice has a beautiful full tone, and she's going to be a good fit. I'm so thankful that I will get to see this again.

claynicianTB: I just got home from the show, and the night was incredible. It was awesome to see Clay back with a band and entertaining like no body's business. Ruben's voice was also gorgeous. and he was very funny, even off-the-cuff. Both girls sounded awesome.

All the musicians were top-notch. Great guitar and keyboard solos, and Felix was a hoot on drums again. So glad to see him back!

This was my only show. I definitely see opportunity for improvement as time goes along, so I'll be watching future clack to see the progression. Such a fun concert. There was so much energy on stage, almost non-stop, you didn't dare look away!

clem231: Those two are amazing together. I smiled from the time they hit the stage until my head hit the pillow. In fact, I'm still smiling.

Forget Sonny and Cher.
Forget Bert and Ernie.
Forget Burns and Allen.
It's the Clay and Ruben Show!!!

tnmtmama: From the comments I heard all around before and after the show, there were a lot of NJU fans there who had not seen Clay or Rube since Idol, and they were really impressed with both of them.

Some of the comments: "Wasn't he the skinny, nerdy one?" ..."Boy, those guys can sing." ... "They have really cute personalities together." I think it was geneous to do this show in this format, and I think it may bring them both a whole new set of fans.

Photo credits: toni7babe, 1, 3; Irishbookgal, 2; farouche, 4, 5.

Ruben, Clay Spin Magical Evening

aikim: Best show ever! Ruben and Clay are magic together. I have never seen Ruben so animated or funny, and the man can move! Clay was all over the place; the man can dance! There were plenty of men in the audience, and they were laughing and enjoying the show.

FearofH2O: I laughed for the whole show. Clay was doing some incredible moves. He can dance. Of course he and Ruben did some really funny moves, like trying to do a chest bump but missing. I thought I would die laughing. The clawing movements they did during Eye of the Tiger funny funny stuff.

Do I dare talk about Clay wearing Hammer pants and doing the Hammer dance. OMG! Looking around I saw smiles on everyone's face. There were quite a few men at least more than usual and the ones I saw seemed to enjoy the show.

jmh123: The show was fantastic but it's hard to name all the songs because the medleys were much longer than the JBT. The banter was just hilarious--we smiled and laughed until our faces hurt, and we are still smiling.

The last song was "Time of Your Life," and Clay acted like Ruben was doing it without letting him know they were going to, but that's BS. Anyway, they sounded fantastic together.

They started with Ruben singing Flying Without Wings and then Clay interrupted and sang This is the Night", and they kept interrupting each other. At the end Clay sat on Ruben's lap and then Ruben dumped him on the floor.

The audience was having lots of fun and dancing and laughing and clapping. I wish everyone could have been there.

BONILEE: Just got back in from the concert! It was totally AMAZING! It is my favorite after the Jukebox Tour!

Clay was so on tonight! The man is a true comedian! We never stopped laughing! I didn't want it to end. He literally danced himself in to a sweat! That boy can dance! His voice was in fine form and he sang some really rockin' songs -- "More Than a Feeling," "Eye of the Tiger."

I am telling you, folks, THIS WAS THE NIGHT! I was so sad when it ended. If you can possibly get yourself to the show, it is a must see! Just wonderful!!!

Photo credits: shutterbuglady, 1, 2, 3; Irishbookgal, 4, 5

Concert Set List Covers Decades

There was no printed program; but by the end of this weekend, a set list will emerge. In a concert some fans have lovingly labeled "Jukebox 2," the music covered several decades, opening with an AI duel between Ruben ("Flying Without Wings") and Clay ("This Is the Night").

The medley march through decades of pop music included an estimated 80 songs in two hours, some of which were "Suspicious Minds," "Going Out of My Head," "Can't Hurry Love," "Crying," "Soul Man," "Sugar, Sugar," "Harper Valley PTA," "Ain't No Mountain High Enough." "Natural Woman," and "Still the One."

Ruben's Marvin Gaye tribute ("What's Goin' On," "Mercy, Mercy Me") was followed by songs from the 70s -- "Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now," "Oh What a Night, "Oh Girl," "On the Radio," "Turn the Beat Around."

Next came Boston's "More Than a Feeling," "September," "Mandy" (Clay), "Superstar" (Ruben), "I'm Every Woman" (Quiana), "Stay with me Tonight."

The show shifted to the 80s with "Eye of the Tiger," "Rhythm of the Night," "Glory of Love," "Shout! Tears for Fears," "Africa," "I Can't Fight This Feeling Anymore," "All Night Long." "Alone, "Carribean Queen," "Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now," and "Footloose."

That's a partial of the first hour, in which the repartee between two very good friends was as much fun as listening to them sing. All in all, a magical evening of entertainment -- even via cellstream!

Meanwhile, the clack runneth over at Clack Unlimited. Currently represented in the Timeless Tour/Asheville section are audio/video files by deborah760, farouche, LauraQ, Scarlett, and toni7babe.

Early fan suggestions for "must see videos" include "Hot as Hades," "Clay Dancing," "Mandy," and "Pastor Studdard" (Farouche); "Stool Banter," "Eye of the Tiger," and "Africa," (Scarlett); "September" and "Time of My Life (toni7babe).

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

Aiken-Studdard Tour Blends Styles

Timeless Tour kicks off Friday in Asheville.

In Music, Food, Humor

Timeless Tour Reflects Tastes

While both are Southerners, the singers agreed that their musical tastes reflected different traditions.

"I don't know that we overlap too much at all," Aiken said. "That's kind of what made this show fun."

"My taste is more caviar," Studdard added. To which Aiken responded, "And mine is barbecue."

In a three-way telephone interview, Clay Aiken, Ruben Studdard, and reporter Bruce Steele of the Asheville Citizen Times discussed the Timeless Tour's opening concert slated for Friday at Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC.

The conversation was jovial and filled with gems from two entertainers whose longtime friendship has weathered national competition, constant comparisons, and the strength of time.

"We both love '70s variety shows," Aiken said in a brief three-way telephone call on Tuesday. "We're an entity this summer: Ruben and Clay."

"I notice you put my name first," Studdard said with a laugh.

Friday is the kickoff for a three-week, 17-show coast-to-coast road trip that reunites the two top finishers from the second season of “American Idol.” In case you've forgotten, Ruben won, but Clay sold more records.

Not that any of that matters now, seven years later. Times have changed, the guys have changed, and the songs they'll be singing have changed.

"We are going to be singing timeless material that we grew up listening to, that our mothers listened to around the house," Studdard said. "Everyone's going to have a good time."

Timeless Tour graphic of Clay and Ruben by Fountaindawg.

"It was not our goal at all to do a show where one person sang and then the other person sang,” Aiken said, perhaps unconsciously referring to the format of the annual “Idols Live” tour that trots out each season's "American Idol" top finishers.

"We're doing the whole show together," Aiken said.

The tour is a product of the two friends — they've been close ever since the show — finally being at the helm of their own careers. It's a nice change after some post-“Idol” years of dictated management, when "decisions were made in a vacuum — a vacuum that you're not even in," Aiken said.

One recent decision: Do more live shows. “I think Ruben and I both, while we like recording, are really live performers at heart,” Aiken said.

The material will be wide-ranging, drawing from both men's catalogs — including Aiken's new CD of pop standards, "Tried and True" — and adding fresh classics. "It's a variety show," Aiken said. "It's the spice of life."

The Timeless Duo: Clay and Ruben

Double the Pleasure, Double the Fun

According to Kim Matthews, DJ with Asheville's Star 104.3, talking with Clay and Ruben is "double the pleasure and double the fun! They are hilarious and two of the nicest celebs I've had the privilege to interview."

Listen to their very funny chat here. You can download the interview with this Sendspace file.

Promotion is already underway for Sunday's 3 p.m.concert in Melbourne, FL. Check out the playful but informative banter between the two in this Metromix interview.

Clickable by Fountaindawg

Clay's interview with Cat Greenleaf-- in which he explains the meaning of "clack" and discusses his new Tried & True CD, his fans, the National Inclusion Project, etc. -- is now available on the Talk Stoop website. Here are Sendspace downloads for the interview and the teaser that ran earlier.

Cickable cap by Invisible926

Entertainment Tonight will feature an entire Timeless Tour segment Friday. The clickable screen cap above is from Thursday's promo, which you can download with this Sendspace file. Watch the hilarious Clay-Ruben interview at the etonline website, and download the video here.

For a complete listing of Timeless Tour concert dates with links, see the previous Carolina entry.

Decca T&T Promo Takes Jukebox Spin

Last weekend, Siol, OFC member from Wisconsin, discovered yet another way Decca Records is promoting Clay's Tried & True CD when she and her husband joined their sons at a sports bar following a game at a local park.

With permission, parts of her latest blog, "An Amazing Jukebox," are quoted below:

I remember the way jukeboxes used to be, but my, how they have changed, and for the better. Now I know they have an amazing new high tech jukebox called a "Playola" or something close to that.

Some of the ball players decided to play some older country western music, which you can do by just putting in the artist's name and choosing any song you want.

They all know how crazy I am for Clay, so they put in his name, called me over, and said I could play a few of his songs. I was amazed to see that TNT was listed. Of course, I played my two favorites, "UM" and "Crying."

I can't wait to go back, and I will certainly play Clay again. You never know when someone else might notice.

Grandchildren Experience Hawaii

Following a 12-hour flight that took them to Denver, Los Angeles, and finally Honolulu, grandchildren Kai and Lia are in Hawaii with their mother for a six-week visit with friends.

For both little ones, this marks their first time seeing the ocean. From his window seat, Kai marveled at the various cloud formations and the huge span of water as the plane flew toward Hawaii Tuesday. His younger sister was a bit less excited about flying.

The family's fondness for pineapple and other fruit will no doubt be expanded with the many tropical varieties available in the islands.

The night before departure both children were so excited they could not sleep, so Poppy took them driving in the desert on a sunset patrol. With the car windows rolled down, they were fast asleep in no time.

Meanwhile, their mother is today running on fumes, as she packed most of the night. She said her best purchase prior to leaving was as "sit and stand" stroller on which she could load both kids and all carry-on items to whip through the various airports for connecting flights.

A photo diary is promised, but a visit to the market tops the morning agenda. Stay tuned!

Below is a clickable of the wide screen Timeless Tour graphic by Fountaindawg:

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

Tour, TV Jam Clay Aiken Calendar

ELEVENTH HOUR - The opening of the Timeless Tour is just days away on July 23. Fountaindawg's design highlights the tours of Clay Aiken since American ldol. Photo credits can be viewed in the double clickable versions below.

Fans Welcome Full Schedule

Timeless Tour Clock Ticks Down

Clay Aiken fans are collectively setting video recorders, finalizing travel plans, and stretching plastic for last-minute purchases as the Timeless Tour, release of the singer's new Tried & True ~ LIVE! DVD, and a host of television appearances infuse overflowing summer calendars.

Below is a visual tour highlighting the next month beginning with the Cat Greenleaf interview on "Talk Stoop." If you count fall air dates for the Tried & True: LIVE special on PBS, the scope of this simple report stretches even farther.

July 22: Clay Aiken's interview with Cat Greenleaf will air on "Talk Stoop" at 6:15 a.m. Promos of the show feature the singer's acapalla rendition of "Moon River."

An online version of "The Stoop" will be posted after the telecast. You can download "Moon River" with these Sendspace files: mp3 and video. The clickable graphics by Fountaindawg include caps as well as photos taken by Diana Levine at the taping.

From dawn to dusk on June 2, a PopEater crew followed Clay around New York City as he promoted the new Tried & True CD on TV and radio. The entire day was replayed in Ashley Iasimone's Clay Aiken -A Day in the Life blog and includes a handsome array of photographs by Levine.

When we arrive at the Cobble Hill brownstone where Aiken will be interviewed for 'Talk Stoop' with Cat Greenleaf, he changes into a plaid shirt, accessorized with suspenders -- "I'm sitting on the stoop, why not?" he rationalizes -- and puts on a smile for Greenleaf's crew and family.

His final press appearance of the day is relaxed, the sun is shining and Aiken treats Greenleaf to a brief a cappella performance.

The Boys Are Back in Town - Timeless Tour Montage
View full screen at TheClayChannel on YouTube

July 23: The whirlwind, 17-city Timeless Tour of Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard opens at Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC, Friday, July 23. Clay and Ruben will perform timeless classics from yesteryear.

2010 Timeless Tour: Concert Sites

Jul-23 - Asheville, NC - Biltmore Estate
Jul-24 - Jacksonville, FL - The Florida Theater
Jul-25 - Melbourne, FL - King Center For Arts
Jul-26 - Clearwater, FL - Ruth Eckerd Hall
Jul-29 - Snoqualmie WA - Casino- Mountain View Plaza
Jul-31 - Reno, NV - Silver Legacy Casino
Aug-01 - Los Angeles, CA - Club Nokia
Aug-03 - Milwaukee, WI - Potawatomi Casino
Aug-05 - Windsor, ON - Caesars Windsor
Aug-06 - Chautauqua, NY - Chautauqua Institution Amphitheatre
Aug-07 - Mashantucket, CT - MGM Grand Foxwoods
Aug-08 - Lancaster, PA - American Music Theatre
Aug-10 - Hampton Beach, NH - Hampton Beach Casino
Aug-11 - New York, NY - The Hammestein
Aug-12 - Verona, NY - Turning Stone Casino
Aug-13 - Hammond, IN - Horseshoe Casino
Aug-14 - Biloxi, MS - Beau Rivage

July 26-Aug. 2: Clay Aiken/Chaka Khan duet premieres on Disney Radio (see release below.)

Clay Aiken: Tried & True - LIVE cover

July 27: Release of Clay Aiken: Tried & True ~ LIVE DVD.

Pre-orders for the July 27 release of the Tried & True ~ LIVE DVD are underway at Amazon and other online outlets. The 18 tracks from the PBS Special listed on Clay's page at Decca include:

Mack The Knife
Can't Take My Eyes Off You
It's Impossible
You Don't Have To Say You Love Me
Eso Beso
Who's Sorry Now
I'll Take Romance
Breaking Up Is Hard to Do
Misty
What Kind Of Fool Am I?
Crying
Suspicious Minds
Build Me Up Buttercup
In My Life
It's Only Make Believe
There's A Kind of Hush
Unchained Melody
Moon River

Clay Aiken: Tried & True - LIVE! Concert Special Promo
View promo full screen at YouTube.

July 31: The list of PBS stations telecasting Clay Aiken: Tried & True ~ LIVE! during summer-fall pledge drives expands daily.

Eleven markets -- Charlotte (WTVI), Miami (WPBT 2), Martin (WLJT 11), New Orleans (WYES 12), Rocky Mountain/Denver, Sacramento (KVIE 6), Tampa (WUSF 16), Atlanta (WPBA 30), New Orleans (WYES 12), Nebraska Educational Telecommunications (statewide), and Columbus (WOSU 34) -- will premiere the special on the 31st. See website for air time.

For air dates, check the searchable PBS tab at Clay Aiken News Network. The database is searchable by locations, dates, stations, etc.

Press releases about the special have appeared at many online sites, of which Playbill is an excellent example:

"Clay Aiken: Tried & True — Live!" will air on PBS stations around the country during July and August.

Aiken, who made his Broadway debut in Monty Python's Spamalot, is joined in the concert by special guests Linda Eder and Ruben Studdard.

Taped in Aiken's hometown, Raleigh, NC, Aiken performs such tunes as "Mack the Knife," "It's Impossible," "Moon River," "Misty," "Can't Take My Eyes Off of You," "Suspicious Minds," "Unchained Melody" and "What Kind of Fool Am I?" He joins Broadway actress Eder for a duet of Roy Orbison's "Crying."

Double click on Clay/Chaka cartoon to expand.

August 2: Premiere of Phineas & Ferb episode features Clay Aiken/Chaka Khan duet, "I Believe We Can."

With 100 episodes and counting, the Emmy Award-winning series "Phineas and Ferb" continues to roll out with new and thoroughly amusing stories for kids, tweens and families.

In August, the hit animated comedy, increasingly renowned for its smart humor and noteworthy guest stars, will present two new episodes featuring the legendary recording artist Chaka Khan, multi-platinum selling singer Clay Aiken ("American Idol"), Emmy-winning animator/writer Seth MacFarlane ("Family Guy") and filmmaker Kevin Smith ("Clerks").

A one-hour episode entitled "Summer Belongs to You" premieres Monday, Aug. 2 (8 p.m., ET/PT) on Disney XD and Friday, Aug. 6 on the Disney Channel. As the story goes, it’s the summer solstice and, because it’s the longest day of the year, stepbrothers Phineas and Ferb decide to travel around the world in one day.

But not everyone believes they can actually achieve what they’ve set out to do, leading them to get some encouraging words, in the form of a duet, "I Believe We Can," performed by Clay Aiken and Chaka Khan.

Music from the episode will Planet Premiere on Radio Disney Monday, July through Monday, Aug. 2, and will be released by Walt Disney Records on Tuesday, Aug. 3 at online retailers.

Below are regular and widescreen clickables of Fountaindawg's opening tour clock graphic:

Have a wonderful next few weeks, 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 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 PBS Special To Air July 31

Clay Aiken graphic by AmazingCA, photos by Diana Levine

Clay Aiken: Tried & True LIVE!

Five Markets Set 7/31 Telecast

For PBS viewers in Sacramento, Denver, New Orleans, Martin (TN), and Miami, telecast of the Clay Aiken: Tried & True ~ LIVE! special is less than three weeks away on July 31.

The special, which enjoyed a tremendously successful June 12 debut at Chicago's WTTW-11, has been heavily programmed by PBS stations during fundraising drives for August, September, and beyond.

Master lists of PBS stations that have scheduled Clay Aiken: Tried & True ~ LIVE! are updated regularly at The Clayboard, Clay Aiken Fans, and Clay Aiken News Network. At the latter, the list is sortable by dates and locations.

Fortunate viewers of the July 31 telecasts will include area supporters of KVIE in Sacramento, CA; KRMA, KTSC, KRMI, KRMU, KRMZ (Rocky Mountain PBS) from Denver, CO; WYES, New Orleans, LA; WLIT, Martin, TN; and WPBT in Miami, FL.

Click to enlarge 'Tried & True' photo by Vincent Soyez.

WPBT2 Miami Promotes PBS Special

Like other PBS stations, WPBT2 in Miami, FL, is featuring an elaborate promo page for the 7:30 p.m. July 31 telecast of Clay Aiken: Tried & True: LIVE!

All it took was a few bars of an old Heatwave song and Clay Aiken was on his way.

American Idol viewers in January 2003 were taken by surprise when an unknown singer strode confidently into the audition room, announced to the judges that he was their choice and backed up that claim with an electrifying rendition of “Always and Forever,” which instantly caught the attention of millions watching at home.

Many of them — like judge Randy Jackson — must have wondered, "Where is that voice coming from?"

After nine sold-out national tours, six million copies of his four chart-topping albums worldwide, numerous television appearances, a New York Times best-selling memoir, an auspicious Broadway debut in Monty Python’s Spamalot, extensive travels for UNICEF, and the launch of his own successful foundation — The National Inclusion Project — Aiken brings his clarion voice, engaging personality and Southern charm in CLAY AIKEN: TRIED & TRUE – LIVE!, part of special programming airing in July 2010 on WPBT2.

Special guests Linda Eder and Ruben Studdard join Aiken onstage.

There's more, which you can read on the WPBT2 website.

Clay Aiken talks with about Tried & True.
View full screen at Clay Aiken VEVO on YouTube.

Clay Describes Recording of T&T

In the EPK (electronic press kit) video +above, Clay describes the process of song selection and the recording of the Decca Tried & True release. Interspersed are clips from the CD's photo shoot and segments of the special taped in a live concert setting in Raleigh, NC, in March.

From the beginning, Amazon and other online distributors have been well-stocked with Clay's album. However, inventory at local stores, as reported by CA fans, has been unusually low. This week -- just in time for the summer-fall PBS lineup -- fans have reported finding bins of the Tried & True CD in several local establishments.

Tried & True - Clay Aiken
Clickable by ACA, Soyez photo

Not only that, but stores are advertising the album by playing various cuts for shoppers. This weekend jaysue reported her experience on the Clayversity message board:

My husband and I were shopping in Best Buy; and as we were passing the audio department, I heard "Suspicious Minds." My first thought was "Wow, they are playing Elvis in here!"

I stopped to listen, knew it wasn't Elvis, never ever expected it to be Clay; so I strained my ears to try to figure out who was singing. As the song went on, it became very apparent that voice could only belong to one person. I couldn't believe Best Buy was playing Clay!

I stayed until the song ended, and then an announcer came on and identified the song and singer, saying the track was from Clay's new CD Tried and True.

That just made my day!

Graphic of T&T Live cover
Clickable by Fountaindawg

Basic and deluxe versions of the Tried & True CD are on sale now. The DVD, scheduled for release on July 27, can be pre-ordered. Supporters of PBS stations may opt to purchase the album and video during their station's pledge drive.

Distribution has begun internationally, and everyone should soon have access to Tried & True.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

July 11: Deadline to complete your 20+ votes in Facebook's Chase Community Giving challenge.

See previous blog entry for ideas (Clock Ticks Down on Chase Giving) to help the National Inclusion Project win $20,000. One vote for the NIP, 19 for other charities who will reciprocate, plus two "gift votes" along the way!

July 13: Clay Aiken guest co-hosts The View on ABC

July 20: Clay's interview with "Talk Stoop" host Cat Greenleaf will be aired at 6:15 a.m. on NBC. Here are Sendspace downloads of Clay singing "Moon River" acapella: mp3 and video. The online version of the "The Stoop" will be posted following the show.

July 23 - Aug. 14: Seventeen-city Timeless Tour with Clay and Ruben. For itinerary, see 7/2 blog entry: Clay Aiken Fans Count Down to Tour.

Below is a clickable of AmazingCA's opening graphic:

Kai, Our Clan's Old Soul

A few days ago, grandson Kai accompanied his mother while she sorted through closets in the home of her late grandmother. The great-grandchildren were not aware of Nina's July 2 passing.

"Where is Granny?" Kai asked. His mother replied, "She's not here now," to which he immediately asked, "Is she at the doctor?"

Mom knelt down on her son's level and said, "Granny died." With a sad face, he hugged his mother. Later, as they were leaving, he remarked, "Granny is home."

"Is Granny here?" his mother inquired.

"No, Granny went home," Kai said finally.

Upon hearing this episode, the two-year-old's "Aunt Sally" remarked that Kai is "an old soul -- more like 102."

That sweet little "old soul" emailed me again last night. If there's no typing on a reply email, I know the message is from Kai. Can't wait for him to learn how to do this for real!

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