Clay Aiken Dedicates Atlanta Encore to All Fans

Photo by Robb Cohen links to 14 picture-slide Atlanta show.

Cobb Concert Intimate, Powerful

Clay Aiken & Co. Wow Atlanta

Clay Aiken's Tried & True Concert in Atlanta's Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre Wednesday will be remembered for many reasons; but for the countless fans listening around the globe via cellstream, it was the night they received a shout-out from the stage.

In typical Aiken shtick, the singer inquired if someone was typing at the other end of a certain cellphone. "Oh, no," replied the flustered cellcerter, "she's broadcasting it all over the Internet."

Clay then dedicated, "In My Life," the first of two encores, to all who have been with him for eight years in the audience and/or listening via the Internet.

According to early recaps, there's still nothing like being in the hall when Clay presents a show.

Clay performs in Atlanta T&T Concert. Photo by Cohen.

Brightstar: The power and beauty of his voice is just magnificent. While a real gift, cellcerts just don't begin to communicate the rich, full, exquisite tones and nuances of his voice. Sounds nice on a cellcert, better on a video, but amazing in person. It's almost like a journey in itself.

The opening number is so beautiful it defies description. The notes and sounds just flow up and down and across and through the theater and into and around one's heart, flowing and growing ever more expressive and strong and moving until you forget anything and everything around you and just surrender yourself to the experience.

I loved the entire concert --the power ballads, the tender, soft songs, the lively ones alike. He's just so talented and versatile and has such power and beauty in his voice that he can successfully deliver almost any kind of concert.

I wish every person in the world could attend at least one show and experience his talent and versatility. He's a treasure, a gift, and he deserves to be heard. I'm glad I'm one of the lucky ones who gets to hear him.

Margaret: Clay was wonderful last night. He has never been in better voice; he just keeps getting better and better. It looks like he bought some Texas boots. On to Knoxville, then to the Grand Ole Opry, then home for a week, and then we start again for three concerts. I love being a Clay Aiken fan!

Click to expand photo of Singer Man at Atlanta Meet & Greet.

Sally: This was a Clay I've never seen before. The large nearly empty stage was the perfect backdrop for this very intimate experience; Clay, singing songs he knows and loves.

He was relaxed and; for the first time, I could feel him inside the magic bubble that he always creates. It's difficult to describe; but this was definitely Clay unmasked, lost in the songs that were coming from deep within his soul.

I left the venue thinking about his lyrics from "The Real Me" and realized that for me at least, I saw the real Clay. He enriched my life in a way that I'll never forget.

Scarlett, currently en route to Knoxville to locate an inverter and upload Atlanta clack before the next concert, summed up the evening with one line:

How does perfection get better and better every time?

Clay sings signature version of "Unchained Melody."
View Houston video by Scarlett full screen at YouTube.

Knoxville Media Promotes Concert

The Tennessee media has featured two interviews promoting tonight's concert in the Bijou Theatre located in historical downtown Knoxville.

Built in 1909 as an addition to the Lamar House Hotel, the theater has, at various times in its history, served as a venue for live performances of both traditional theatre and vaudeville

For tonight's Tried & True Concert, the doors open at 7, and the show starts at 8 p.m. ET. Here are links to the Knoxville interviews:

Clay Aiken keeps his feet on the ground long after American Idol from Knoxville.com.

Clay Aiken shoots true with an album drawn from the classics from The Daily Times.

Have an awesome week, Clay Nation! See you after the Knoxville Concert!

Caro

Clay Aiken Concert a Smash Hit in Houston

Clay Aiken in stunning performance of 'In My Life.'
View video by Scarlett full screen at YouTube.

A Night To Remember

Houston Concert Valentine Treat

Clay Aiken's Tried & True Tour scored a smash hit in Houston's Jones Hall for the Performing Arts on Valentine's Night.

Fan recaps and concert clack are still coming in, but Feb. 14, 2011, was a night to remember. Paralleling the magnificent vocals were the ever-present grins. Even the beautiful opening video, which actually comes near the end of the concert, provided a comical aside.

It's a wonder Scarlett was was able to capture the song. In a post-concert conversation, she explained, "I had to lean over a fan whom I hadn't seen in a while. I was practically sprawled over her just to get IML, but I think it turned out great."

That it did! Many thanks to all the videographers, photographers, and concert attendees who share their experiences with message board fans. Below are a few that help replay the Houston concert.

EmeraldEyes: Clay Aiken threw me up against the wall and had his way with me for two hours. It was sublime. We had best seats ever. Second row dead center. Some of the first row seats were obstructed by the speakers. Poor Scarlett had to act the part of a contortionist to get video.

You know how vocally awesome Clay was. The one thing you won't get on a cellcert is the magnificence of the "Theme from Love Story." It was fascinating watching him press out those notes that bounced off the walls of Jones Hall with such force that I thought we would be flattened like pancakes.

When you're in the audience, all you hear is a totally amazing vocal instrument. Clack does not do the voice justice. I had forgotten how great Clay's voice really is. You would be hard-pressed to find a singer that can do what Clay does for two hours straight, practically night after night, with total perfection.

Other random thoughts: Quiana is a beautiful woman; she and Clay really do have a special relationship that shows on stage ... Clay's lead-in chat to "In My Life" was very poignant ... There was a better turn-out than I was expecting with those ticket prices.

Clay joked several times at the sparseness of the audience: "tried to get the Astrodome" and "we could "all fit up on stage," after which he shook his head. He was probably afraid some fans would take him up on that.

Starbrite: I was at Jones Hall, 4th row seats, dead center. The best seats I've ever had at this venue!

Clay was fabulous, and I honestly believe this was the best I've ever heard him. He was so relaxed and funny. His hair looked great, and I just loved the sweater and tie.

"Solitaire" absolutely brought me to tears. This was to be my only concert, but now I'm considering going to Dallas in March. I think I really need to experience this again.

Clay closed Houston concert with 'Solitaire.'
View video by Scarlett full screen at YouTube.

jojobugs: The concert last night was fantastic. I was at the PBS meet and greet. While taking the photos, Clay asked where we were from; and we said, "Houston." On mine, I added Northern England; so he answered in his cute English accent.

The man is just gorgeous. My friend's daughter, who is 17, cried getting her photo taken. The photo is now her avatar on Facebook.

I was at the concert with my husband and was pleased that Clay sang "Something About Us," as this is his favorite song off the On My Way Here CD.

I loved every second of the concert. He sings the songs from the heart. I cried during Unchained Melody; it was beautiful. I loved Quiana singing "A Foggy Day In London Town."

katymom: When Clay walked out and started singing, it was the most glorious sound and sight. Love Story was amazing. The power quivered my insides.

Whether he was unleashing a glory note or caressing a note like a gentle lover, the audience gave him rapt attention. I heard a man behind me saying, "There isn't a pop singer who can do this with his voice."

"Unchained Melody" is now his song, just like "Solitaire." He graciously thanked Ben for the arrangement, but he made it his. I appreciate that he appreciates that he and Quiana can sing, unlike those who have to use autotune. That man can sing, and his confidence exudes from him.

clayrevolution1956: The concert was wonderful! I am one who was not crazy about the album, but the show was fantastic. Clay was in fine voice. Solitaire blew everyone away at the end, and he got a standing ovation.

After the show, about 25-30 fans/NJU, about six of whom were men, waited at the stage door. I know he hasn't been doing the bus lines, but there seemed to be some folks there who wanted his autograph. Some of the musicians came out and we told them we enjoyed the show.

When Clay appeared, everyone cheered and applauded and said, "Great show!" People started asking for him to sign things. Well, I have a signed Playbill, but I had never gotten a hand shake.

When he got to me and looked at me with his pen in his hand, poised to sign, I said, "Clay, could I shake your hand?" Since he had the pen in his right hand, he grasped my hand with his left hand. Eeeeeee! I finally shook Clay's hand!! And my travel buddy got one, too!

Houston concert photos by Groovehouse.
The middle picture is clickable.

Aiken Stays True to the Music

Prior to the concert, there was an excellent story that I linked as an after-thought in the Valentine entry. Aiken Stays True to the Music by Michael D. Clark is a "must read" for fans. Here is an excerpt:

With his latest album, Tried and True, he has finally found his niche, reworking classic tunes from the '50s and '60s like "Mack the Knife" and "Unchained Melody."

When Aiken's tried and true was released last summer, Tried and True debuted at No. 9 on the Billboard 200 albums. That's high enough to make Michael Buble notice the competition.

The Houston Press reviewer, whose beat is normally rock shows, gave Clay props, especially for the tastefully arranged 'Unchained Melody' that showcases Aiken's wide vocal range. Three photos from the accompanying slideshow are posted above.

Have an awesome week, Clay Nation!

Caro

Fans Recall Clay Aiken-Jimmy Kimmel Valentine Tradition

VALENTINES OF NOTE - Previous Clay Aiken-Jimmy Kimmel Valentine's Night shows have become rewind favorites among the singer's fans. His second mainstream album, A Thousand Different Ways, seems the perfect accompaniment. Clickable graphic by A Beautiful Mind, photos by Scrpkym.

'Valentine's Day Is Clay Aiken Day'

Aiken-Kimmel in Classic Rewind

February 14 traditions centuries old continue throughout the world, but none closer to the hearts of Clay Aiken fans than the Valentine Nights the singer appeared on the Jimmy Kimmel Live Show.

Valentine's Night 2011 is destined to provide new traditions as Clay & Co. present a special Tried & True Concert in Houston's Jones Hall at 7:30 p.m. this evening.

But back to the 2010 Kimmel-Aiken rewind of Valentines past. For the most part, this blog is a reprint of the Feb. 14, 2010 entry. In the host's words, "Valentine's Day is Clay Aiken Day."

Clay and Jimmy celebrated Valentine's 2005 together, and the CA fandom literally took charge of the stage decor, sending flowers, stuffed animals, balloons in the shape of hearts, and enough pizza for the crew and half the audience.

Valentines encompass 'Jimmy Kimmel Live' set.

At the heart of the "Climmel" happenings is a special friendship, complimented by a unique chemistry that has developed through the years. In 2008, Clay was performing in Spamalot on Broadway; and in 2009, he was on vacation. With Singer Man putting final touches on an upcoming PBS Special, this Valentine's Day isn't looking very promising.

The Aiken-Kimmel reunion on Feb. 14, 2007, was a classic and worthy of a rewind. Grab your popcorn; it's almost time for Clay's introduction ...

In addition to being a multi-platinum recording artist, the author of a New York Times bestseller, and tireless UNICEF ambassador, our first guest has been my Valentine for two out of the last three years running. Please welcome Clay Aiken!

Clay Arrives Bearing Gifts

As with past appearances, pandemonium greeted Clay as he entered bearing gifts -- a giant heart of red balloons, the Clay face shirt for his host, and special "Aiken 4 Kimmel" M&Ms. Jimmy immediately whipped off his jacket and put on his new shirt.

The two friends chatted about Clay's break, his upcoming UNICEF trip, his "enthusiastic" fans" ("Do you realize you command a larger army than Fidel Castro?"), some recent dental work ("I heard that you got a visit from the tooth fairy yesterday and had some work done on your teeth"), and what not.

Jimmy's hint that Clay had promised to compose a special Valentine's Day song was met with comical and totally convincing bafflement. As a pianist quietly started playing an intro offstage, Clay relented, "Well, I can make one up."

Valentine Song Lyrics

Mischievously eying the bowl of candy beside him, Clay began picking up pastel-colored hearts, improvising a song with the Valentines and tossing them over his shoulder after their usefulness. Miraculously, a microphone appeared; and the improvisational flavor of the song and skit progressed:Here's to a very special 2011 Valentine's Day start to finish, Clay Nation!

Love me ... true love,
Fax me ... got love,
You're so sweet ... yours forever,
You're so sweet ...
(speaking) I've got Stage 2 diabetes; that's not going to work!
(singing again) Angel ... dear one. (chuckles)
You're a tiger ... you're mine, Jimmy!!!

Back on the message boards came reports that, during commercial breaks, Clay picked up the bowl of candy and passed out sweets to audience members. Definitely a Valentine's Night to remember ... again and again!

Yollie950 incorporated these events into her montage Valentine's Day with Aiken & Bacon.

Valentine's Day with Aiken & Bacon
Montage by Yollie950

Throughout the many Valentines fans have shared with Clay, graphic artists have provided special visual treats. In this artistic 2/14 rewind are clickable designs by Sally, 1; A Beautiful Mind, photos by KarenEh, 2; cindilu2, 3; AmazingCA, photos by Katy4Clay, 4; and A Beautiful Mind, 5.

The most recent Aiken-Kimmel Valentine get-together was featured in the annual My Favorite Things montage by SmartyPantsSuz.

Other events highlighted in the 2007 MFT montage were the Mike and Juliet Show, Clay's UNICEF trip to Afghanistan, another JKL appearance, summer and holiday tours, and his $300,000 win for the National Inclusion Project on Smarter Than a Fifth Grader.

My Favorite Things 2007 by SmartyPantsSuz
JKL grid links to MFT montage on YouTube.

It's fun to look back. Here's to a very special Valentine's Day 2011 and a wonderful concert in Houston!



Signature by Linda/ABM

Clay Aiken's Sarasota Concert Proves 'Clackapalooza'

Clay Aiken sings at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.
Sarasota Tried & True photo by irishbookgal.

Clack-Filled Florida 3-fer

Sarasota Show Tagged 'Best Yet'

In the past, Florida has been somewhat of a minefield for Clay Aiken photographers and videographers, but the singer's Tried & True Florida 3-fer completed at Sarasota's Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall Saturday night can be described as a "clackapalooza."

Fan reports about the show are that is was the "best yet." There are plenty of audio and video files making message board rounds, and the T&T directory at Clack Unlimited is filling up.

After the opening three concerts, Scarlett is wending her way home. During her layover in Tampa, she plans to upload Sarasota videos while she waits. Is there any wonder the Clay Nation deservedly puts "clack goddesses" on a pedestal? [See video below.]

Below are some excellent photos of Clay and back-up singer Quiana Parler by irishbookgal, 1-3; Invisible926, 4-6; and gerwhisp, 7. All are double-clickable.

Tried & True Set List - Sarasota

Overture
Theme from Love Story
There's a Kind of Hush
Banter
Misty
Can't Take My Eyes Off of You
Banter
Something About Us
Banter

Big Band Medley: The Way (Clay), Don't Stop Believin' (Clay), Vogue (Quiana), I Want It That Way (Clay and Quiana), The Right Stuff (Clay), The Glory of Love (Clay), Love the Way You Lie (Quiana), Baby One More Time (Clay and Quiana), Footloose (Quiana), Invisible (Clay)

Banter
Autotune Bit – F***(Forget) You

Suspicious Minds
Build Me Up Buttercup
Moon River
It’s Impossible
What Kind of Fool Am I?
Who's Sorry Now? - Rap, Spiritual, & Bollywood (Clay and Quiana)

Mack the Knife
It’s Only Make Believe
A Foggy Day in London Town (Quiana)
Crying (Clay and Quiana)

Banter
Build Me Up Buttercup

Banter
Unchained Melody

In My Life
Solitaire

Clay Aiken's version of 'F***** U' from Sarasota Concert.
View concert video by Scarlett full screen at YouTube.
'Forget U' **grin** uploaded in Tampa Airport.

Fans Share NJU Experiences

A highlight at any Clay Aiken concert is meeting Not.Just.Us (NJU) fans and reporting the episodes to Internet fans on message boards. Below are three from the T&T Florida 3-fer:

nsredclayrocks: In Miami, a NJU gent sitting next to me with his teenage daughter and wife exclaimed, "That was wonderful"! when the concert was over. Later he was talking to another gentleman who said he was going to download the album when he got home. That made me smile.

Corabeth: Invisible and I had pulled fourth row in the fan club pre-sale but she also ended up getting a single in the first row. Dc4clay offered me a second row next to her, so at the start of the show I went to the last row and spotted a couple who just looked like NJU and/or PBS newbies.

I asked if anyone had never seen Clay before and they raised their hand. I said, “Fourth row tickets for free; we upgraded and don’t need them." The woman next to them asked if I had two more but sadly I only had one fifth row seat right behind them.

Her husband encouraged her to go, but she chose to stay with him. I love doing that. I only wish I could have found them at the end to ask what they thought.

Thankful4Clay: There were a lot of NJU there at the Sarasota Concert. There was a lady behind me who kept going oooo and ahhhhh. She was having a great time. I also heard a lot of male laughter. It was a nice change to have men in the audience.

Houston Sets Valentine's Night Concert

The next T&T Concert will be at 7:30 p.m. Valentine's Night in Houston's Jones Hall for the Performing Arts. For more information, see David Goldberg's article: Clay Aiken's Valentine's Day Concert in Houston.

In addition to the tour and the special Valentine's concert, Goldberg wrote an excellent article about Clay, his fans, the responsibilities of fatherhood, etc. Click on the above link to read the entire piece.

The star is thankful for his fans that have supported him since the beginning, and to his new fans that are just discovering him. He believes that his Houston fans will be happy that they chose to see him on Valentine’s Day.

"It’s the Valentine’s Day show for everyone, for all couples, of all stripes and varieties," he says. “Everyone is welcome and encouraged to come and show their love of the person that they are with, regardless of who they are and who they are with. I hope to see everyone there."

Happy Valentine's Day Eve, Clay Nation!



Signature by Linda/ABM

Clay Aiken Rocks Out in Orlando Tried & True Concert

Clay Aiken rocks out on 'Who's Sorry Now?'
Orlando video by Scarlett can be viewed full screen at YouTube.

A Consummate Entertainer

Clay & Co. Present Superb Show

At the Orlando Tried & True Tour show Friday night, Clay Aiken once again proved he is the consummate performer.

The Hard Rock concert showcased many qualities that make the Carolina crooner an extraordinary entertainer in live performances. In addition to the magnificent vocals from the most tender phrasing to the powerfully compelling, there's hilarious shtick, some planned, some off the cuff; the ever-present quick wit; and Clay's uncanny ability to interact with audience members in any circumstance.

In addition to the rockin' "Who's Sorry Now?" and the "Solitaire" concert closer below, Scarlett has uploaded Bad Romance from the Orlando show to her YouTube channel.

Miami and Orlando audio and video files are available for download at Clack Unlimited. Note that CU requests donations from those who frequent the site.

Clay displays his incredible pipes in 'Solitaire.'
View Orlando concert video by Scarlett full screen at YouTube.

Selected fan recaps help tell the Orlando story, but Corabeth summed up the evening with a statement that is bound to become a message board thread title throughout Clay Cyberspace: Tonight I saw Clay Aiken ... the best that ever was. You can read her full account at The ConCLAYve.

Here are portions of recaps posted by four fans:

Corabeth: [Clay] talked to the audience a bit more and then came over by us and sat down on the stage. He sang WKOFAI and Misty right there. An older couple in the second row about 6 seats down from me were filming and he asked the man about it. The man said Misty was their song. It was so nice that it worked out that way.

Quiana did her second solo and then he came out to do Crying. He looked at her with such tenderness and at the end, he said how great she was and he didn’t know what he would do without her. They remind me of a doubles tennis team, always knowing where and what the other one is doing or going to do.

Vocally, he surpassed himself. It’s funny, but no matter how much clack you watch in between tours, it simply doesn’t compare to seeing him perform live and even then, it’s still almost shocking at how well he can sing. He hit some low notes tonight that vibrated within me.

caperkeeper: Of course rocker Clay brought down the house just as the softness and nuance of In My Life and the power and emotion of Solitaire did as well. This is part of what makes a Clay show so entertaining and bringing me back for more.

In Orlando, if you had been at the Miami show, you could tell the difference. It was tighter and flowed better. He tweaked the auto-tune business by using a real song to talk and with the added kick of Clay not knowing what song from show to show, it will be fun. Better than reading from the newspaper.

Loved Clay doing The Way and Invisible as big band. So funny and entertaining, and Clay performed them beautifully. Changing up the set list is fun as well. When he started "Breaking Up Is Hard To Do," I visibly sucked in a gulp of air and I am not sure when I released it.

roxylovesclay: He cracked me up when people were suggesting musical styles. Someone yelled "Reggae," and he was so quick and witty: "Oh, we did that last night. You shoulda been there!" Bwah! Just the expression on his face alone was priceless!

Mee4clay: As for the other person taping from the beginning, I talked to her and she is not on the boards. She is "new to all this", that's what she told me. I got her email address and will contact her soon.

The slide show below features Orlando photos by dc4clay, gerwhisp, irishbookgal, and claytonsmyccf. To view photos full screen, click on "View All Images" tab.

Tried & True Set List – Orlando

Overture
Theme from Love Story
There’s a Kind of Hush
Moon River
Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You
Something about Us

Medley
The Way
Don’t Stop Believin’
Vogue (Quiana)
I Want It That Way (Clay and Quiana)
The Right Stuff
The Glory of Love
Love the Way You Lie (Quiana)
Baby One More Time (Clay and Quiana)
Footloose (Quiana)
Invisible

Cry Me a River (Quiana)
Bad Romance
Suspicious Minds
Buttercup
Breaking Up is Hard to Do
What Kind of Fool Am I
Misty

Who’s Sorry Now? (Clay and Quiana)
Mack the Knife
It’s Only Make Believe
A Foggy Day in London Town (Quiana)
Crying (Clay and Quiana)
Unchained Melody
In My Life
Solitaire

The final Florida concert takes place at Sarasota's Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall at 8 pm tonight. The bus then heads to Houston, TX; Atlanta, GA; Knoxville, TN; and points north. The complete Tried and True Tour schedule is printed in the 2/10 Carolina entry and in Scarlett's sidebar calendar.

Below is a clickable of dc4clay's opening photo in the slide show:

Have an awesome weekend, Clay Nation! See you after Sarasota!



Signature by Linda/ABM

Clay Aiken Concert Dazzles with Fab Vocals, Loads of Fun

Clay Aiken opens Tried & True Tour with varied styles, song list.
Photo by gerwhisp is double clickable.

Clay Entertaining as Always

Tried & True Opener Sets Pace

Clay Aiken and Quiana Parler opened the 22-city Winter Tour in Miami's Adrienne Arsht Center with a show that is sure to please audiences up and down the Tried & True trail.

The vocals by Clay and his longtime friend/backup singer were fabulous, the band rocking, and the repartee with concert goers entertaining as ever. The phenomenal arranging by keyboardist Ben Cohn shines throughout the concert, running the gamut of musical styles from jazz, pop, and big band to Reggae, country, and a touch of scat.

Video clack is still in upload mode; but Deborah760's audio, available for download at Clack Unlimited, is amazing. Below is a tentative set list compiled from the audio file.

Will it be the same in Orlando tonight? Who knows, but it's bound to be another evening that's off the charts!

Tried & True Tour Set List - Miami

Overture
Theme from Love Story
There's a Kind of Hush

Banter

Can't Take My Eyes Off You
It's Impossible
Something About Us

Banter

Medley
The Way
Don't Stop Believin'
Vogue
I Want It That Way (Clay and Quiana)
The Right Stuff
The Glory of Love
Love the Way You Lie (Quiana)
Baby One More Time (Clay and Quiana)
Footloose (Quiana)
Invisible

Cry Me a River - Quiana

Banter
Suspicious Minds
It's Only Make Believe
Moon River
What Kind of Fool Am I
You Don't Have To Say You Love Me

Who's Sorry Now in 3 styles (Clay and Quiana)

Band Intro

Mack the Knife
A Foggy Day in London Town (Quiana)
Crying (Clay and Quiana)

Banter
Build Me Up Buttercup

Banter
Unchained Melody

Banter
In My Life
Solitaire

From the opening overture in near darkness, the concert segues
to Clay singing 'Theme from Love Story' at 1:24 (visible at 2:01).
View video by Scarlett full screen at YouTube.

Recaps Paint Opening Night Canvas

Message board recaps describe a concert not to be missed. Below are some of the accolades and tidbits that help tell the story of opening night:

Starting the concert with "Love Story," Clay seemed to be singing to each member of the audience.

Quiana singing "Cry Me a River" -- what a talent!

"Invisible" done jazzy! The "clutch" is still part of the song!

Jazzy keyboards from Ben Cohn -- genius!

Jazz "Invisible" = Genius!

Love the rim shot from Felix when Clay was bragging about taking time to work on his hair!

Yes, the hair was atrocious and he was so proud of it! Said it took 6 cans of hairspray and would be flaking off on his sweater all evening

Clay was happy, sexy, silly, romantic, sentimental. He had us alternating from laughing and hooting to swooning and sighing.

That opening number rocked the rafters, and his Solitaire closed it the same way. In between, he gave us all the shades and nuances he's perfected over the last eight years onstage. He was charming, funny, personal, familiar, powerful, gracious.

It is a beautiful evening. Intimate, yes! A beautiful voice, omg yes! It is nothing like any other show, and I loved it. His voice was subtle and nuanced and then it just soared! He needs to be heard in person.

A few hours before the opening concert, Clay blogged to his fans: "So off we go ... into uncharted waters, but with aplomb!" From all I've read and heard, the show was this and more!

The remaining 2/3 of the Florida 3-fer take place at the Hard Rock in Orlando at 8 pm tonight and in Sarasota's Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall at 8 pm Saturday. For the complete Tried and True Tour schedule see the 2/10 Carolina blog entry and to the sidebar calendar.

Have an awesome weekend, Clay Nation!


Signature by Linda/ABM

Curtain Rises on Clay Aiken's Winter Tour Tonight

ANOTHER OPENING - The curtain rises on the opening show of Clay Aiken's Tried & True Tour in Miami tonight. Graphic AmazingCA, screen caps by Scarlett.

'Another Op'nin', Another Show'

Tried & True Sets Miami Opening

The overture is about to start,
You cross your fingers and hold your heart,
It's curtain time and away we go,
Another op'nin', another show!

Cole Porter's lyrics from Kiss Me Kate depict the heightened excitement among Clay Aiken fans everywhere as the curtain call approaches for the opening of the singer's Tried & True Tour at 7:30 p.m. tonight in Miami's Arsht Center.

The much-anticipated 22-city tour begins with a three-fer in Florida, proceeding to Houston for a special Valentine's performance before winding its way to East Coast, Midwest, and western dates.

In support of the Clay's latest release with Decca Records, the Tried & True Tour will feature songs from the album, as well as favorites from previous CD's and the singer's entertaining penchant for bantering with audiences.

Since 2003, Clay has released six albums with RCA and Decca. His national tours have hit double digits, many of which are captured in this graphic by Fountaindawg.

ON THE ROAD AGAIN - Click to expand graphic by Fountaindawg.

Florida 3-fer To Launch T&T Tour

Just hours before the concert, fans can only surmise the set list, but Tried & True favorites like "What Kind of Fool Am I?," "Mack the Knife," "Suspicious Minds," "Unchained Melody," are sure to to be among the songs featured on the winter tour.

Spotlighted in a PBS Special by the same name, Tried & True classics from the 1950s and 1960s showcase Clay's powerful tenor voice and interpretive skills. Songs from the CD and DVD of the live PBS concert can be sampled at Amazon and in the preview video by LovesClaysVoice below.

Clay Aiken - Tried & True Tour
View montage by LovesClaysVoice full screen at YouTube.

2011 Tried and True Tour

2.10.11 Miami, FL Arsht Center, 7:30 pm
2.11.11 Orlando, FL Hard Rock, 8 pm
2.12.11 Sarasota, FL Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 8 pm
2.14.11 Houston, TX Jones Hall, 7:30 pm
2.16.11 Atlanta, GA Cobb Energy Center, 8 pm
2.17.11 Knoxville, TN Bijou Theatre, 8 pm
2.18.11 Pittsburgh, PA Carnegie Music Hall, 8 pm
2.19.11 Cleveland, OH Playhouse Square, 7:30 pm
2.20.11 Waterbury, CT Palace Theater, 7:30 pm
2.22.11 Baltimore, MD Kraushaar Auditorium, 7:30 pm
2.23.11 Charlotte, NC Blumenthal Center, 7:30 pm
2.24.11 Greenville, SC The Peace Center, 7:30 pm
2.26.11 Westbury, NY NYCB Theatre at Westbury, 8 pm
2.27.11 Glenside, PA Keswick Theatre, 7:30 pm
3.01.11 Cincinnati, OH Taft Theatre, 7:30 pm
3.02.11 Fort Wayne, IN Embassy Theatre, 7:30 pm
3.04.11 Waukegan, IN Genesse Theatre, 8 pm
3.05.11 Minneapolis, MN State Theatre, 8 pm
3.07.11 Memphis, TN Minglewood Hall, 8 pm
3.08.11 Grand Prairie, TX Verizon Theatre At Grand Prairie, 7:30 pm
3.10.11 Mesa, AZ Mesa Arts Center, 8 pm
3.11.11 San Francisco, CA The Warfield, 8 pm

For concert times, locations, driving instructions, contact numbers, seating charts, even the weather, refer to additional info in the sidebar calendar created by Scarlett. Expand to full size by clicking on the top link.

Below are clickables of graphics from the Clay Aiken Tried & True ~ LIVE! performance. Special thanks to AmazingCA for the designs of screen caps by Scarlett.

Here's to an awesome tour, Clay! Have a great day, Clay Nation. Meet you in the recap threads later!



Signature by Linda

Clay Aiken Sings 'Home' Run at Broadway Benefit

Clay Aiken performs 'Home' at Broadway Backwards 6.
View video by Scarlett full screen at YouTube.
Download mp3 audio by deborah760 here.

Broadway Backwards 6

Singer Returns 'Home' for Benefit

Clay Aiken returned home to the Broadway stage with a powerful performance of the song by the same name from The Wiz in the annual Broadway Backwards concert at the Longacre Theatre Monday night.

The yearly show, which features male singers performing songs traditionally sung by women and women singing tunes written for men, benefits both Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS (BC/EFA) and The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Community Center (the Center).

Creator Robert Bartley directed and choreographed the sixth edition of Broadway Backwards. Chris Haberl was music director. The recap on the BC/EFA site proclaims that Broadway Backwards 6 raised a record-breaking $281,243. This is the paragraph about Clay's performance:

Clay Aiken, who appeared on Broadway in Spamalot, brought the house to tears with his heart-felt yearning for "Home" from The Wiz.

For more details, see the recap by Andrew Gans at Playbill, including a photo gallery. View Getty Images here.

Clay at BB6 after party.
Double clickable photo by Joseph Marzullo (WENN)

CA Fans Describe Performance

Fortunately, there were lots of Clay Aiken fans in attendance; and they have shared their experiences on various message boards.

According to dancermom, Clay was introduced just before the final group number. Included in the intro were the story of an LGBT teenager who recently committed suicide and the urgent need to stem the rash of teen deaths.

dancermom: I was in tears, and then they introduced Clay, saying the song was dedicated to all LGBT Youth.

Applause was polite when Clay was introduced. Then he sang. Quiet at first, but the song 'Home' built. It was amazing and beautiful.

When he was done, the applause was deafening. He gave a quick bow. The applause continued with a huge crescendo. Someone in the wings must have pushed Clay back on stage because came out about five feet and bowed again.

Double click to expand BB6 graphic by LovesClaysVoice.

ncwannabe: The female host told of the story of the young woman who tragically took her own life, and introduced Clay and the song, stating that it was in tribute to her.

Clay walked out in that commanding way that he enters a stage, calmly adjusted the height of the mic stand, listened to the introductory music, and then proceeded to envelop that song into his very being, only to release it again to utterly infuse itself into every molecule within the theatre.

Starting out quiet and gentle, with an earnestness that drew in the listener to the point one was leaning forward, hanging on every word. He slowly unleashed the constraints until, suddenly, you were pushed back in your seat by the power and the emotion flowing forth from his voice, his hands, and his entire being.

Then, in those last moments prior to the final “home,” in a motion so reminiscent of his triumphant "Bridge Over Troubled Water," he glanced to the side and slightly down, as if to gather up all the life force within him, and nailed that last note with all the conviction he could muster, with a look in those eyes that was pure steel.

nanjeanne: Clay was extraordinary. It was a very special moment they gave to Clay since the song was dedicated to a young girl who committed suicide. And he was simply "Clay Aiken" like everybody knew who he was.

The applause after he sang was very strong. Lots of people were turning to each other after he sang, nodding and clapping.

asolo: It was a very special night. A very special night. Men yelled "Bravo!"

copincalif: For all those kids bullied, all those LGBT youth who wonder how they are going to make it through another day, Clay Aiken is a testament to titanium.

Clay singing 'Home' at BB6.
Click to enlarge photo by Peter James Zielinski.

'Home' from 'The Wiz'

When I think of home I think of a place where there's love overflowing
I wish I was home
I wish I was back there with the things I been knowing
Wind that makes the tall trees bend into leaning
Suddenly the snowflakes that fall have a meaning
Sprinklin' the scene, makes it all clean
Maybe there's a chance for me to go back there
Now that I have some direction
It would sure be nice to be back home
Where there's love and affection
And just maybe I can convince time to slow up
Giving me enough time in my life to grow up
Time be my friend, let me start again
Suddenly my world has changed it's face
But I still know where I'm going

I have had my mind spun around in space
And yet I've watched it growing
If you're list'ning God
Please don't make it hard to know
If we should believe in the things that we see
Tell us, should we run away
Should we try and stay
Or would it be better just to let things be?
Living here, in this brand new world
Might be a fantasy
But it taught me to love
So it's real, real to me
And I've learned
That we must look inside our hearts
To find a world full of love
Like yours
Like me
Like home.

Hopefully, others will share their Broadway Backwards 6 reflections in the comments. Have a wonderful week, Clay Nation!


Signature by Linda

Clay Aiken Fans Relish Tried & True Tour Promos

Can't Take My Eyes Off You - Clay Aiken
View montage by LovesClaysVoice full screen at YouTube.
Download video with this Sendspace file.

Meet & Greet Winners Elated

Interviews Build Tour Excitement

Clay Aiken concerts are always exciting events, but special spin offs this week before the singer's much anticipated Tried & True Tour highlighting his current Decca release have been the exceptional interviews and media promotional spots.

Portions of four articles are printed below in concert order. To read the complete interviews, click on the headline links. In some cases, I took liberties with the accompanying art.

For concert times, locations, driving instructions, contact numbers, seating charts, even the weather, refer to additional info in the sidebar calendar prepared by Scarlett. Expand to full size by clicking on the "Mark Your Calendar" link.

2010 graphic by AmazingCA is expandable.

Clay Aiken throws back the 50s and 60s in his fifth studio album

Clay Aiken: Tried and True Tour
Friday, 8 p.m., Feb. 11, Hard Rock Live, Orlando, FL
Saturday, 8 p.m., Feb. 12, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, Sarasota, FL
Erik R. Caban, Watermark

In a day of reality-show instant celebrities, still only a select few know the exhilarating feat of being plucked out of anonymity and thrown into the proverbial fishbowl of super-stardom.

Clay Aiken was a fan favorite during the sophomore season of American Idol, where he finished second to Ruben Studdard.

Eight years later, despite rumors and set-backs, Aiken's grit, determination and raw talent have proven why he's a household name.

While Aiken may have acquiesced to a few minor alterations, he has stayed true to himself and his passion, using his celebrity as a platform to raise awareness for gay rights, AIDS and children with disabilities.

Just a few weeks out from a major U.S. tour that brings him to Orlando’s Hard Rock Live Feb. 11 and Sarasota’s Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall Feb. 12, the 32-year-old North Carolina native talks about coming out, fatherhood, Broadway and Richard Chamberlain.

Clickable Tried & True ~ LIVE graphic by ACA with caps by Scarlett.

Clay Aiken remains 'Tried and True'

Clay Aiken: Tried and True Tour
8 p.m. Feb. 16, Cobb Energy Centre, Marietta, GA
Jim Farmer, The GA Voice

Performing in Atlanta has been special for singer Clay Aiken. It’s not his birthplace — that would be Raleigh, N.C. — but he feels partial to the city.

“I auditioned for ‘American Idol’ in Atlanta so it’s full circle when I return,” says Aiken, who brings his “Tried and True” tour to the Cobb Energy Centre on Feb. 16.

Aiken was featured on the second season of "American Idol," where he eventually was runner-up to Ruben Studdard. On the show, he was an audience favorite, never once appearing in the bottom three for viewer votes. It helped him, he feels, that he was able to sing songs he was familiar with.

2010 Early Show graphic by Fountaindawg is expandable.

Clay Aiken Set To Play PlayhouseSquare 2/19

Clay Aiken: Tried and True Tour
7:30 p.m., Feb. 19 at PlayhouseSquare Palace Theater, Cleveland, OH
BWW News Desk, Broadway World

As American Idol runner-up on the 2003 Idol season, Clay Aiken appears to have emerged the career winner.

Standing room-only concerts, an extended run on Broadway starring in Spamalot, an autobiography at #2 on the New York Times Best Sellers list, five albums selling millions of copies and an avid international fan club of "Claymates," all integrated with intense charity involvement have kept Clay firmly in the spotlight.

Now, following in the wake of a critically acclaimed tour with fellow American Idol alum, Ruben Studdard, Clay Aiken is treating his fans to another solo tour...the Tried and True Tour, which highlights his current album of the same title.

PlayhouseSquare's Palace Theatre on February 19th is one of the 20-city stages that will welcome the Raleigh, NC native. The 7:30 pm concert will be Clay's third PlayhouseSquare appearance. [snip]

An unlikely pop star, Aiken has remained steadfast in his desire to remain true to the simple values he learned as a child in Raleigh, North Carolina. "I still live in the town where I grew up," he says. "I like surrounding myself with people I know and love."

It is this authenticity that his millions of fans have responded to, an almost supernatural earnestness that feels unconventional in the cynical world today.

Clay Aiken - Tried & True photo by Vincent Soyez

North Carolina Always Home for Idol Clay Aiken

Clay Aiken: Tried and True Tour
7:30 p.m. Feb. 23, Belk Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, Charlotte, NC
Bernie Petit, Gaston Gazette

North Carolina has been good to the hit reality television show "American Idol." [snip]

But Raleigh native Clay Aiken still lays claim as the first North Carolinian to hit it big on the show, finishing second in the show’s sophomore season.

Since then, he’s toured relentlessly, starred on Broadway in "Monty Python’s Spamalot" and become one of the biggest stars "Idol" has ever produced. [snip]

This month, the soulful homegrown crooner is launching his "Tried and True" tour in support of his fifth full-length album, a collection of classics from the ’50s and ’60s. He’ll bring his tour to the Belk Theater in Charlotte Feb. 23. [snip]

What should people expect when they come see your show?

Aiken: The most enjoyable ones for me have been the ones where we don’t overproduce. I’ve done the shows with dancers and actors and the big tours. The ones I have the most fun with are the ones that aren’t overly produced and I have time where I can talk to the audience and change things up. I want to keep this as laid back and low key as possible and change things up as we go.

Your latest album, "Tried and True," has received a lot of positive feedback. Why did you want to do an album like that?

Aiken: These are songs that are a comfortable fit for me. They’re singer songs, crooner songs, classic melodies. That makes them like a comfortable shoe to me. Songs on the radio today, it’s about the producer nowadays and how good they can make them sound. They’re not necessarily about the singer.

Back in the ’50s and ’60s, singers went into the studio and sang these timeless melodies and sang them beautifully. That to me is what’s most impressive. They just don’t write songs like that anymore.

LOADS OF FUN - Clay Aiken concerts are not only jam packed with his extraordinary vocals but also the entertainer's quick wit as he competently banters with audiences. The graphic by AmazingCA with photos by Diana Levine is clickable.

M&G Winners Make Merry

In addition to the avalanche of media activity about the Tried & True Tour, the other big news has been the excitement of fans notified they will have a Meet & Greet with Clay. For many, this will be their first M&G ever.

Representative are these EEEEEE!!! reports posted by delighted winners on CA message boards during the past two days:

Poison Ivy: In other news, a certain poisonous plant, after five years of trying, has finally won a Meet and Greet for Clay Aiken's concert in Memphis.

sugrbugr: I won a Meet & Greet for Grand Prairie! OMG, I've never met him!!!

luckiest1: EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE! Cleveland, here I come! Only took me 8 years to meet the man!!!

canfly172: OMG!!!! I actually WON A MEET AND GREET!!!!!

**faintsdeadawaycuzsheneverwinsanything**

CharmedbyClay: I WON A MEET & GREET!!! I'm going to the concert in Knoxville on the 17th, and I've won my first Meet and Greet!

clazybones: I won a Meet & Greet for Minneapolis! It only took 8 years. I am so excited I don't think I will be able to eat or sleep for the next month.

Congratulations to all M&G winners throughout the fandom!

TWWMAD Provides Tour Tickets

Since Clay's 2004 Summer Tour, The Way We Make a Difference has generated tickets for concert goers who otherwise would have been unable to attend.

Through donated tickets, as well as monetary contributions, TWWMAD fosters the cause of inclusion. With the support of CA fans, people with and without disabilities have been able to experience the joy of attending a concert together.

Among the organizations benefiting from TWWMAD program in past seasons have been Best Buddies, Special Olympics, YMCA, The Arc of the United States, and Ronald McDonald houses.

To offer assistance for the Tried & True Tour, click on the Make a Donation button or contact TWWMAD regarding extra tickets at the linked website.

Check the weather forecast and pack your bag. The curtain rises on the Tried & True Tour in Miami in a matter of days!

Have an awesome weekend, Clay Nation!


Signature by Linda


For related stories, see:

Clay Aiken: An American Idol, MiamiArtZine

Clay Aiken: Out 'American Idol' singing star says life is good as he launches 'Tried & True' tour, The Miami Herald