Clay News!

Thanks Abrahammy!

He did not win because there were not enough lines and we couldn't get through!! My family got NO votes in the entire night. We got about 100 for Taylor and about that much for Blake. I even got a ton in for Carrie. NONE for my sweet Clay. Soooo many other Clay fans couldn't get through either. I'm sure if all who wanted to vote could have voted he would have won by a landslide!

Here is a pic of a group of Clay fans who are coming all the way from Japan to see Clay this summer!

They are so cute!

Today was the last day of The Clothes Off Our Back fundraiser. Clay's shirt went for the most (as always) with the winning bid of $4020.00.

Earlier today Simon and Ryan's article of clothing were going for $150 and $75 respectively

An interview with Clay in LIME magazine. It is a teen mag in Malaysia.

BroadwayWorld.com

Quote :

'Idol' Musical Sets Open Calls for Clay-Loving Characters
Quote:
Auditions will be held for Idol: The Musical, a satirical new Off-Broadway musical described as "a show based on the woship of Clay Aiken."

After a hit run in Syracuse, NY, the producers of Idol: The Musical are bringing the show to New York. They are now auditioning for understudies and future cast replacements. Auditions will take place on Tuesday, June 19th from 10 am through 6 pm at Chelsea Studios (151 West 25th Street, 6th floor).

Everyone knows Clay and Jimmy Kimmel are good friends, so I am just posting this info about Jimmy. Glad he is doing OK!

http://www.tvsquad.com/2007/06/21/jimmy-kimmel-has-an-emergency-apendectomy/

Some write-ups about the play about Clay and his fans! Pretty cool stuff!

Quote :

Raleigh News & Observer

In this off-Broadway musical, Clay's the thing
Quote:
by DAVID MENCONI
News & Observer Staff Writer


When "Idol: The Musical" hits the stage in New York next month, Clay Aiken won't be there in person. But there will be a bust of Raleigh's hometown "American Idol" star onstage, and someone singing "Burnin' Hunk o' Clay" to it.

Yes, Aiken is coming to the theatrical stage, but only as inspiration. "Idol: The Musical" is billed as a musical farce about a "delusional group of 'Idol' fans in search of fame." It begins previews at New York's off-Broadway 45th Street Theatre on July 5.

Aiken himself is not involved with the project. Janice Riley, his personal assistant in Raleigh, declined to comment.

The cast of "Idol: The Musical" consists of eight high school seniors in Steubenville, Ohio, where they've built a shrine to Aiken in a barn and meet every day to worship. There's a basketball player who would rather be a male stripper in Chippendales, a goth girl, a cowboy with poor fashion sense, a guy who plays accordion while reciting Shakespeare -- and Emily, the leader, whose fantasy it is to marry Aiken someday.

"That just sounds over-the-top from beginning to end," says Paul Baragona, an Aiken fan from Raleigh. Still, early reactions on the Aiken message boards have been surprisingly upbeat.

"It does not attack anyone or anything in any way," says "Idol" producer Todd Ellis, who calls himself an Aiken fan. "It does look at the fan base of 'American Idol' and Clay, but also anything out there that people glom onto. It's a farce that looks at how America deifies the idols in our society."

Because of copyright and trademark laws, none of Aiken's music appears in "Idol." Composer Jon Balcourt wrote the score and Bill Boland, who co-produced the Academy Award-winning 2005 short film "West Bank Story," wrote the script.

"Idol" is scheduled for eight weeks of previews in New York and an official opening in mid-August at the 99-seat 45th Street Theatre, followed by a move to a larger venue if ticket sales are high enough. "Idol" premiered June 1 in Syracuse, prompting one online reviewer to call it "the 'Forrest Gump' of musicals."

And how did the hard-core Claymates react?

"The audience loved the show. It's universal, an everyman story," said Ellis. "Everyone wants something better than what they have, to be discovered."

~~~~~

Charlotte Observer

The Clay's the thing in new `Idol' farce
Quote:
Aiken gets Broadway treatment -- sort of

When "Idol: The Musical" hits the stage in New York next month, Clay Aiken won't be there. But there will be a bust of the Charlotte "American Idol" star onstage, with someone singing "Burnin' Hunk o' Clay" to it.

Yes, Aiken is coming to the theatrical stage, but only as inspiration. "Idol: The Musical" -- a musical farce about a delusional group of "Idol" fans in search of fame -- begins previews at an off-Broadway theater on July 5.

Aiken is not involved with the project.

"It does not attack anyone or anything in any way," says producer Todd Ellis, who calls himself an Aiken fan. "It does look at the fan base of `American Idol' and Clay. It's a farce that looks at how America deifies the idols in our society."

Thanks to copyright and trademark laws, none of Aiken's music appears in "Idol." But the score includes the salsa number "Quakin' for Aiken" and the aforementioned "Burnin' Hunk o' Clay."

Bill Boland, who co-produced the Academy Award-winning 2005 short film "West Bank Story," wrote the script.

"Idol" is scheduled for eight weeks of previews at 45th Street Theatre and an official opening in mid-August. The show premiered June 1 in Syracuse, N.Y., prompting one reviewer to call it "the `Forrest Gump' of musicals."

So Clay is the face of American Idol fandom and fanaticism to the mainstream public. Not any of the winners. Hee. That's my boy.

Although the idea that the Claymates are all high school seniors, and at least one is a boy, is kind of off. I've been to several Claymate meetings and we are overwhelmingly female, and generally long out of college. Obviously this is just a show about fanaticism in general - and I'll tell you what. I've been a Claymate, a Confan, a member of the Soul Patrol and I am currently a Fanjaya, and I see the same crazy over the top behaviors every single time. The overly idealistic objectification, the over defensiveness, the habit of annoying DJs and spamming hostile bloggers, and in many cases, the extreme hurt when the Idol turns out to be somebody other than what was dreamed about. (Currently I am a little concerned about the Fanjayas. Sanjy is a neat kid, but he ain't no clean-living pure little virginal saint - myspace revelations indicate he's quite the wild child - and some of those little Ashleys are in for a big shock.)

I've watched people spend more money than I make in a year, go to more out-of-state events, buy more multiple copies of stuff - it's all the same thing every time. Was the Clay the template for the rest, or is he just the best known?

Hey, run over to the AI thread and tell me about "Bad Boy Papaya"!! I'd love to hear about it - I must admit I was one who thought he was the sweet, quiet, virginal type

Trust me, I fully believe there were crazy fans LONG before Clay! I watched some things about The Backstreet Boys and N'Sync that was insane! I lived through the Beatlemania (OK, granted I was pretty little) but I remember my big cousins being wild about them and screaming their heads off at the Ed Sullivan show. I just think the internet created a different way to express fanaticism and more people know about it now. Also, I think the fact that Clay has a lot of middle aged fans make them a fun target.

I think this play sounds so fun and I wish I could see it! I hope Clay goes to see it. I bet he is getting a real kick out of there being a play about him and his fans. I bet in middle school he could never imagine such a thing. He is such a pop culture Icon! Good, bad or indifferent - everybody knows him. It would be so great if the play were a big success on Broadway and Clay showed up at next year's Tony Awards! Yeah I know, delusional!

Weekly Reader Online-Clay Answers Kids Questions
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Quote :

Clay Aiken
Clay Aiken answered your questions as this month's featured celebrity.

Ask This Month's Celebrity: Clay Aiken

Questions & Answers: Clay Aiken


1. What was it like over in Afghanistan and how were you able to help children through UNICEF?
—Nicole C., age 16

Clay Aiken: The people of Afghanistan were extremely friendly and gracious. Everywhere we traveled, we were greeted warmly. With the exception of visiting my grandparents, I have never felt more welcomed. Since 1949, UNICEF has been working for the survival and development of children in Afghanistan. I witnessed UNICEF's extraordinary education work, which has helped hundreds of thousands of children return to school, provided them with school supplies, trained thousands of teachers, built hundreds of schools or provided tents so children can study sheltered from the weather. And it's not only children who are receiving an education through UNICEF-supported programs. Women, who were forbidden an education under the Taliban regime, now walk for almost an hour to learn how to read and write and experience formal education for the first time.

2. When you were on your tour for UNICEF, what was your reaction when you found out that most girls previously had no access to education? When I found out that mostly girls had no access to education, as a girl, I was shocked!
—Julianne E, age 8

Clay Aiken: Before I left I read a lot about Afghanistan, so I knew that girls had not been allowed to attend school until recently. As a result, I was full of hope and joy when I visited several Afghan schools that were full of young girls. They sit three to a short bench inside UNICEF-provided, makeshift tent classrooms, because there are so many of them that the schools are not big enough to hold them. I also visited young boys and girls in Bamyan (in Afghanistan's central highlands) who, although they don't even have the luxury of a tent, crowd by the hundreds into courtyards to study alongside each other—something that would have never been allowed under the Taliban regime—using supplies provided by UNICEF. It is an exciting time of learning for children in Afghanistan!

3. What made you want to help out different charities?
—Brooke S., age 10

Clay Aiken: I focus my efforts on helping two charities in particular—UNICEF and the Bubel/Aiken Foundation.

I chose UNICEF because it is the world's leading international children's organization, working in more than 150 countries to make sure children survive and thrive. And I co-founded and continue to work hard for the Bubel/Aiken Foundation which works to bridge the gap that exists between people with special needs and the world around them.

I chose to support these two organizations because they support education and I believe that education is essential to the development of all children.

4. What made you think about helping children with special needs?
—Sikedra L., age 10

Clay Aiken: I began working with kids as a camp counselor at my local YMCA and then I was asked to substitute teach at a local elementary school. After I accepted the position I learned that my students had autism. The more I worked with these amazing children the more I saw children with developmental disabilities being turned away from inclusion in programs. So it became my dream to help fix this and to work for inclusion.

5. Who was the first person who brought music to your life?
—Fares A., age 11

Clay Aiken: My mom. She believed in me from the beginning, and kept telling me that my voice would take me places. She believed in me more than I believed in myself and was always there to encourage me.

6. What made you go on American Idol?
—Sierra S., age 11

Clay Aiken: At the time I was working with a boy with autism named Mike Bubel. I became very close with him and his whole family and his mother Diane. Diane is the one who kept encouraging me to audition and finally I did.

7. Clay, what was it like being on American Idol?
—Katie K., age 12

Clay Aiken: The best part was the great friends I made.

8. Hi, Clay! If you never went on American Idol, what do you think your life would be like now?
—Melissa L., age 10

Clay Aiken: I would definitely be a teacher for children with special needs.

9. Do you like being famous?
—Samantha B., age 14

Clay Aiken: Sometimes it's really hard, but I always remind myself of the great opportunities that have come with it and am thankful for the way I have been able to use my voice to help children around the world.

10. What do you do when you're not working?
—Vannessa H., age 13

Clay Aiken: When I'm not working I love spending time with my family and friends, traveling and reading books to continue learning more about the world.


www.weeklyreader.com/wys/clay_interview.asp

Clay Aiken: An American Idol on a Mission

As a pop singer, American Idol fan favorite Clay Aiken is often on tour. His latest tour, however, had nothing to do with music. Aiken recently returned from a tour of schools in Afghanistan, where he launched a campaign for UNICEF, the United Nations Children Fund. The campaign, "$100,000 in 10 Days," aims to raise money for lifesaving programs that UNICEF runs for children in that war-torn country.

"As a former teacher, I recognize that spark of hope and excitement all children possess when given the opportunity to learn," said Aiken, who spent five days traveling between Kabul and Bamyan in the central region of Afghanistan. "Rebuilding schools, training teachers, providing essential supplies and teaching materials are just some of the advances UNICEF and its partners have made to keep that hope flourishing."
Clay Aiken
Photo Credit: Marissa Buckanoff/U.S. Fund for UNICEF


To date, UNICEF has helped distribute teaching and learning materials to 2.71 million children and 61,780 teachers in Afghanistan. The U.N. agency was also part of a push to enroll 195,878 children in school. Most of them were girls, who previously had no access to education. UNICEF supports school protection teams in 34 Afghan provinces where school safety is threatened. It has also recruited thousands of new teachers, and people to train teachers.

Being on American Idol changed Clay Aiken's life. Now he's using his fame to help change the lives of others for the better. "My music career has allowed me to do the same thing I was doing before—work with kids with disabilities," says Aiken. "It has given me a big stage to talk about the same things I always cared about … to work toward enacting change on a much larger scale."

Fast Facts about Clay Aiken

* Clay Aiken was born Nov. 30, 1978.
* Clay Aiken still lives in his hometown of Raleigh, North Carolina.
* Before appearing on American Idol, he was a teacher working with autistic children.
* Aiken was the second-place winner of the second season of American Idol (2003).
* In 2003, he created the Bubel/Aiken Foundation to promote and fund educational and recreational programs for children with special needs.
* Clay Aiken has released three CDs. His first, Measure of a Man, was released in 2003 and went triple-platinum. His second, Merry Christmas With Love, released in 2004, was the best-selling holiday album of the year. His third, A Thousand Different Ways, released in 2006, is a collection of love songs.
* In 2004, his inspirational biography, Learning to Sing: Hearing the Music in Your Life, reached number two on The New York Times bestsellers list.
* In 2004, Aiken was appointed as an ambassador for the U.S. Fund for UNICEF, to raise awareness of the plight of children around the world and raise funds for UNICEF programs that help them.
* Aiken's work for UNICEF has included raising funds for victims of the South Asian tsunami in 2005 and for victims of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. He has traveled to Uganda to highlight the plight of children caught in that country's civil war. He has also traveled to the Middle East, first to Lebanon and most recently to Afghanistan, to promote UNICEF programs for children affected by war.
* Clay won the 2007 Children's Advocacy Award from the National Center for Learning Disabilities.


Find out more about Clay Aiken at www.clayaiken.com

About UNICEF
Founded in 1946, UNICEF helps save, protect and improve the lives of children in 156 countries. It provides immunization, education, health care, nutrition, clean water and sanitation. For more information about UNICEF please visit www.unicefusa.org or call 1-800-4UNICEF.


www.weeklyreader.com/wys/askacelebrity.asp

I thought this was so nice of the harpist to say!


Harpspun Happenings

Quote :

Josh Groban and Clay Aiken


This was an exciting year for performing with world class STARS! In April I played harp with Josh

Josh Groban with Victoria Lynn


Groban for the Closer tour. He was as personable

and kind natured as he appears on stage and it was a thrill to work with him. And what can be said about that gorgeous voice!

It was truly an inspirational experience.


In December I performed with Clay Aiken for his Joyful Noise tour which showcased selections from his best selling album, Clay Aiken, Merry Christmas With Love. I never really watched An American Idol, but Clay, billed as America's favorite runner-up, was the pop singer with the best vocal technique I have ever worked with. Every note was as pure as the gold in his records!--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Josh and Clay - my two favorite male solo vocalists who I love to hear live. Josh brings his concerts to the PNW...I wish Clay would do the same!

Quote :

With the exception of visiting my grandparents, I have never felt more welcomed.

This comment about grandparents brings back so many wonderful memories. Grandparents are the best!

I envy you! 3 of my grandparents died before I was born, and my paternal grandpa died when I was six I felt so deprived. I wanted so much to have grandmas and grandpas.

I wish Clay was coming by you Janice. Sadly, he ain't coming by me either. We will have to rely on clack! I will sure bring any links of his upcoming tour to this thread for you!

Bummer. I just found out that Clay is bringing his Xmas show to Waukegan again this year instead of The Chicago Theater On a week night. We can't do Waukegan on a week night. It would take us 3 or 4 hours to get there and we are talking winter, so weather could make things worse. Plus we wouldn't get home until about 2:00 in the morning. Clay, oh Clay. Why are you avoiding me????

On the other hand, my friend abrahammy gets to see him in 9 days


Many of Clay's fans sent Jimmy Kimmel gifts and well wishes. Today he left a message for "His Darling Claymates" at the OFC. It was sweet and funny! Jimmy is good people! He said he is a fan of Clay fans!

Quote :

On the other hand, my friend abrahammy gets to see him in 9 days cheers

I will try to post pictures. I am not good at this, but I'll try - for you!

Oh thanks so much my friend!! Even if you can't post pix, I will be thrilled with any details you have for me!! Mostly, I just hope he puts on a great show for you and that you have a wonderful time!! I know this show will be a little different than the rest because of the type of event it is. BUT, Clay always puts all he has into a show. The voice alone is worth the price of the ticket and then of course you will get the snarky, witty, funny, and super cute as a bonus!

Just be safe and have a blast! I will be with you in spirit!!

Yesterday afternoon Clay blogged at the OFC that he is so excited to be getting his iPhone today!! Boys and their toys!!

He said that he and Jaymes have picked the producer for the next CD. He is a Grammy winner and they are very excited about working with him. He said he can't tell us who it is until all the papers are signed. Can't wait to find out. He said not to expect the CD in 2007, but it will be out in 2008. (Crosses fingers)

He has been in rehearsals for the tour and is very excited about what Jesse has done with the music!

Quote :

He said that he and Jaymes have picked the producer for the next CD. He is a Grammy winner and they are very excited about working with him. He said he can't tell us who it is until all the papers are signed. Can't wait to find out. He said not to expect the CD in 2007, but it will be out in 2008. (Crosses fingers)

Chant with me now!

NO COVERS! NO COVERS! NO COVERS! NO COVERS!

ORIGINAL MATERIAL ONLY! AND WE WANT A VIDEO!

Girlfriend, I've been chanting that since last Sept! Even though I love several of the songs on ATDW because he sings them so beautifully!!

He blogged twice tonight! From his new iPhone!! He is very excited about his new toy!!

Hubby got me a new cell phone the other night and it took me hours just to change the ringtones, wallpaper and screensaver. I don't know what the heck I could do with one of those iPhones! BUT, at $600 I won't be finding out Maybe Clay will blog even more now because he can do it from his new little toy!

Abrahammy! Clay is just a day away!! Lucky you!! I hope the rains stay away for you! You must be so excited!! Here is a little game you can play while you wait for the big day to arrive!!

Kick Clive in the ass!!

http://www.pictogame.com/game.php?game=39QD94QDpW5W

I bet you can really send him flying!! My personal best is 77, 852 feet! Just keep kicking!

Have the most wonderful time!! Be safe my friend!!

FC - so funny!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi Sky! Yes, that is great! Wish I could do it for real! One of the lovely ladies at The Clack House did that. They are a funny group.

This Is The Night! Abrahammy, I hope you are not in a boat on your way to the concert!! I am so excited for you!! Have the most wonderful time! I will be reading the cellcert at The Clack House tonight - so I will sort of be with you!! I am praying hard that the rain stops. I have read that Texas is having an awful time with the rain

Quote :

This Is The Night! Abrahammy, I hope you are not in a boat on your way to the concert!!

When the boy went on tour all the time, the rain wouldn't seem so bad
But I hope that this rain doesn't spoil this chance that we've had

Because if he gets rained out it's a concert I'll never get back.

Wish me luck... and a dry night
If you told me we'd flood in July I'd have thought you could not be right
I've been waiting forever for this
This is the night

That was great abrahammy!

Trust me, I am praying so hard for you, Clay and everyone at the festival to have a perfect day and evening!! Be safe my friend!!

I hope the rain vanishes. I can't wait to hear Abrahammy's review!