All That Is Clay Aiken

What Happened to Clay Aiken?

noreply@blogger.com (jbc4clay) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 01:59:00 +0000

I was reading last night on Twitter. "What happened to Clay Aiken?" Being the good tweeter that I am, I answered with a link to Clay Aiken News Network.

What happened to Clay Aiken? He is working with UNICEF, touring, making albums and working with his foundation - The National Inclusion Project. I don't know why it is, if an artist is not on repeat on the radio, people think that the artist has disappeared - not working. Which is the farthest from the truth.

Clay has released 5 CDs - 1 EP - 2 DVDs and a Best Seller - Learning to Sing. He has also performed on Broadway in Spamalot and has toured 10 or 12 times - depending on how you count them. :)

2011 was a very busy year for Clay. Besides doing a host of interviews, he had a full schedule. Here are a few highlights of 2011.

Jan. 30, 2011 - National Anthem at NHL All - Star Game - Raleigh, NC
Feb. 7, 2011 - Broadway Backwards
Feb. 10 - Mar. 12, 2011 - Tried & True Concert Tour
May 9, 2011 - National Anthem - Durham Bulls Game
July 17, 2011 - Outfest 2011
July 18, 2011 - The Talk
July 18, 2011 - Funny or Die - Hoarders: Untold's Tori
July 22, 2011 - UNICEF - AOL Interview
July 24, 2011 - Drop Dead Diva
July 28, 2011 - Blog for Huffington Post - UNICEF
Aug. 1, 2011 - OFC Video Chat
Oct. 7, 2011 - OFC Video Chat
Dec. 4, 2011 - Cyndi Lauper True Colors Concert
Dec. 9 and 10, 2011 - National Inclusion Project 2011 Champions Gala

Dec. 20, 2011 - Bring Back My Love released.

In the mix of all of the above - he recorded a single - Bring Back My Love, which is now available on Amazon and iTunes, also filming for the Celebrity Apprentice Season 5 took place.
Be sure to catch Clay on the Celebrity Apprentice - February 19, 2012 on NBC.

Oh, another tidbit - You can now follow @ClayAiken on Twitter!

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And the newest ’Celebrity Apprentice’ contestants are...

noreply@blogger.com (jbc4clay) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 16:15:00 +0000

The cast of Celebrity Apprentice was announced this morning on the Today Show.
Clay Aiken is among the 18 contestants that will vie for the $$$ for their charity.
Clay announced that he is playing for the National Inclusion Project.

You can watch the video from the link below.

And the newest ’Celebrity Apprentice’ contestants are...

The Celebrity Apprentice" premieres Feb. 12 on NBC.
The finale is slated to be May 20, 2012.

ETA - The premier date has been changed to Feb. 19, 2012. http://www.nbc.com/the-apprentice/

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Clay Aiken - Whenever You Remember - 2011

noreply@blogger.com (jbc4clay) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 18:01:00 +0000

Video - LovesClaysVoice
Whenever You Remember - Carrie Underwood.

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Clay Aiken's Innerview with Ernie Manouse

noreply@blogger.com (jbc4clay) — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 15:13:00 +0000

One of Clay's best interviews.

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The Wisdom and Wit of Clay Aiken

noreply@blogger.com (jbc4clay) — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 23:49:00 +0000

This is a blog that I have wanted to do for ever so long.

Over the years we have heard many statements Clay Aiken has made in his interviews, on his blog and during concerts that were very profound, thought provoking and were on the other hand - down right side splitting. I spent hours the last few days reading on the internet - going from one site to another collecting these jewels.

See if there are any that you remember, where they were from and what the content of the situation was. I picked up a good many, but there are more out there.

The Wisdom -

"Use your voice."

"To me, singing is the most joyous thing a person can do."

"What I know today is that irrationality doesn't respond to irrationality"

"Success is not about being famous, it is not about being rich, it is about being happy. You are only as successful as you are happy."

"Not many people can deal with the scrutiny of bullshit"

"Not everybody gets a mic this big. I feel I should use it in as positive a way as I can."

"The greatest glory never comes from winning, but from rising each time you fall. A person is defined by what he chooses to do with his life, not by what happens to him."

"I'm really not that special. Really, I'm not. I was on a big TV show, but it was just a TV show."

"There are 120 million kids in the world right now who don't go to school. Who have no education - who have no access to education."

"It's important that I make a difference in some way. It's not necessarily how I make a difference, but I want to make sure that I do."

"What comes out of this is what God wants to happen."

"In my ideal world, no child would suffer. Charitable instincts would prevail. There would be global acceptance of all different types of people."

"I'm not different. I'm not different at all. The wrapping is different but the gift is still the same."

"I went to school for special education. I always assumed when I had the opportunity I would love to try and help kids with disabilities."

"I want to make sure that no matter how long I go through this, I don`t fall into the trap of changing and modifying how I do things that aren`t a positive example. I want to remain somebody that the entire family can listen to or watch."

"I think I probably hoped for it a little bit, but I`m not an optimist. I`m a realist... or maybe even a pessimist."

"It's not the money. It's not the fame. It's the influence."

"...as long as you're living right, then you don't have to worry about what people see."

"I'm religious. I think this is something God had planned for me."

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

“Pain happens to everyone. To grow up, to fulfill your potential, to develop into what God wants you to be--this process takes support. No one succeeds alone.”

“My mother taught me that we all have the power to achieve our dreams. What I lacked was the courage.”

“A song is like a smile. If you meet people from another country, even if you don't speak the same language, you know what a smile means. A song works the same way. Music produces feelings that need no translation.”

"And I think that when I finally decided to let go and let God and allow that to happen, I became a lot more successful than I could have done if I had planned it all myself."

“All done, darlin."

“You don't have to be around people you are related to be with family.”

“I believe God has a plan. God has a direction for me. He may put me on a few detours, but the path with ultimately reveal itself. My job is to be a decent human being no matter how rocky the road gets.”

“I spent years and years in middle school getting picked on, so I'm kind of used it.”

"You know, I think I`m a stronger person for realizing that you can`t make everybody love you."

"I think there is a predisposition among Christians that Hollywood is anti-Jesus or anti-Christianity. I was warned I'd have to fight to maintain the freedom to express my beliefs. It's an unfair stereotype, and so far that's been the farthest from the truth. While everyone I work with may not share my beliefs, I have been surrounded by nothing but support."

"Well, there are certain words and emotions I don`t want kids hearing, and I`m not changing because they think it`s going to sell better. This is going to sound horrible, but I got 12 million votes doing what I did."

"I think celebrities have an obligation to the public to not just sing or act."

"I sometimes think I might be autistic because I like to know - I need to know - my beginnings and my ends. I don`t have to be in control of it, but I need to know what`s going on."

"I mean, that`s kind of what this business is about in some ways. You`re trying to make everybody like you. But you can`t do that. You can`t force everybody - anybody to like you if they`re just not willing to do it."

"I know this is going to sound cheesy and like I`m trying to be Miss America, but the most important responsibility a celebrity has is to set an example and be a role model."

"And I don`t think that success can be measured by how many TV shows you`re on."

"There is no better exercise for strengthening the heart than reaching down and lifting people up...The Bubel/Aiken Foundation is the culmination of that realization. It is my purpose now. It is the why of me."

"I cannot raise a child to lie or to hide things. I wasn't raised that way, and I'm not going to raise a child to do that."

"The smallest good deed is better than the grandest intention."

"A song is like a smile."

"If my career detour from special education to singing has done one thing, it has afforded me the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others."

"I don't think I gave anybody a reason to bully. The thing about bullies is if you show them that you're intimidated and you're upset by them, they're gonna keep doing it. I'd be, "Forget you, then" and walk away. I don't let things get under my skin as much as some people do."

"I believe that in every life there is a song to be sung."

"There are stars out there who would die to have this much exposure"

"The key is not to try so hard. Always maintain the root of who you are and stick to that."

"Singing in front of a stadium of fans is wonderful, but it pales in comparison to being embraced by a child."

"It's about damn time!"

"Kids without disabilities learn a lot from kids with disabilities. They are so many things that are so much bigger than what to wear each day. I don't feel sorry for children with disabilities. I feel excited for them for the opportunities that they have"

"When it comes to getting through life, laughing at it sure beats crying. Im a laugher."

"I got bullied plenty. I still get bullied. Some of your peers, the media – the press doesn’t have a problem bullying me, either."

"Thank you."

"Kids get cyber-bullied all the time, and I think there needs to be more attention drawn to that type of thing, too. We just need as a people to stop being jerks."

"Giving up is not an option."

"She won't move the camera - in order to acknowledge that I am talking to her. Can you zoom in to see what is in my eye?"

The Wit -

"I'm never wrong, people"

“Perfection takes time, honey!”

"I know your words."

"They will be locked!"

"I have my own Nation."

"God forbid the clack skip around"

"I`m being trained to shake the bon-bon appropriately."

"After I sang 'Somewhere Out There,' Simon said, 'You're the one to beat.' Getting a compliment from Simon is like getting water out of a rock."

“I embrace the Nerd.”

"Talk amongst yourselves."

"Half my butt is mac & cheese and the other half is Krispy Kreme."

"Oh My God, I'm funny!"

"So, in essence - you're stealing the concert."

"You need another fact checker."

"Breathe for me, honey!"

“He hit me with his cane!”

"She didn't have the balls to send me the letter."

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

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

"Don't flash me, hmmm - that works either way."

"Apparently, you have more fans than I do!"

"I'm not talking to you!"

"The red light ain't on! Ah oh, Oh God, Oh God, Oh God, OK it's back! Whew! Scared me to death!"

"I could have a degree in music and come on the show, and Simon could still say 'You stink'."

"Actually, I don't hate cats, I'm just kind of afraid of them."

"I don't see a coin slot. I don't think this is a juke box."

"..... if you're not a card carrying member of this 'cult', then you don't know, there is some crazy stuff happens."

"..... couple that with my sheer animal magnetism ......."

"Please don't flip me."

"I'm clearly the king of confedence, when you've got all this, what is there not to be confident about."

"There's a book you should read."

"You can return to your delightful shenanigans"

"You know, there is a magazine you should read."

"Arguably, there's some shift toward drinking songs and check-you-for-ticks type songs, but for the most part it's about the melody and the lyric and I grew up with that."

"I know that the power of truth and living honestly is very liberating. So what the hell took me so long?"

"No, but I will pat you on the head and give you a cookie."

Add to the list if you like! I have really enjoyed putting all of this together! Hope you enjoy reading it as well!

---------------------

Want more Clay Aiken info? Visit these blogs - Carolina on My Mind and Clay Aiken News Network.

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Clay Aiken - Home - Dedication to LGBT Youth

noreply@blogger.com (jbc4clay) — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 02:26:00 +0000

"Clay AIken performed at Broadway Backwards on February 7, 2011. He sang Home from The Wiz. It was dedicated to all the LGBT young people." by LCV

Thank you LoveClaysVoice for this wonderful video.

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Clay Aiken's Unchained Melody - Tried and True Tour Info

noreply@blogger.com (jbc4clay) — Sun, 09 Jan 2011 04:03:00 +0000

If you are a Clay Aiken fan - you know that there is a Clay Aiken Tour coming up in February.

This tour is centered around his latest album, Tried and True, an amazing album of amazing songs and that voice!

Tried and True Tour

02/10/11Miami, FLUnited StatesArsht Center
02/11/11Orlando, FLUnited StatesHard Rock Live
02/12/11Sarasota, FLUnited StatesVan Wezel Performing Arts Hall
02/14/11Houston, TXUnited StatesJones Hall
02/16/11Atlanta, GAUnited StatesCobb Center for the Arts
02/17/11Knoxville, TNUnited StatesTennessee Theatre
02/18/11Pittsburgh, PAUnited StatesCarnegie Music Hall Homestead
02/19/ 11Cleveland, OHUnited StatesPlayhouse Square
02/20/11Waterbury, CTUnited StatesPalace Theater
02/22/11Baltimore, MDUnited StatesKraushaar Aud at Goucher College
02/23/11Charlotte, NCUnited StatesBlumenthal Center for the Arts
02/24/11Greenville, SCUnited StatesPeace Center for the Arts
02/26/11Westbury, NYUnited StatesTheater at Westbury
02/27/11Glenside, PAUnited StatesKeswick Theater
03/01/11Cincinnati, OHUnited StatesTaft Theater
03/02/11Fort Wayne, INUnited StatesEmbassy Centre
03/04/11Waukegan, ILUnited StatesGenesee Theater
03/05/11Minneapolis, MNUnited StatesState Theatre
03/07/11Memphis, TNUnited StatesMinglewood Hall
03/08/11Grand Prairie, TXUnited StatesVerizon Theatre at Grand Prairie
03/10/11Mesa, AZUnited StatesMesa Arts Center
03/12/11San Francisco, CAUnited StatesThe Warfield

The video below is of Clay singing Unchained Melody on The View back in June. Clay is thrilled to have his own version of this song. Unchained Melody is one of the songs from his new CD - Tried and True. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

To listen to it - mute the player in the side bar.

I believe now that Clay Aiken owns that song the same way he owns Solitaire.

This video of Unchained Melody is from Clay's PBS Special that was filmed in Raleigh, NC.

Decca Label Group

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Clay Aiken - Advocate for Anti-Bullying Legislation

noreply@blogger.com (jbc4clay) — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 23:43:00 +0000

Sen.Hagan meets with American Idol Contestant and Raleigh native, Clay Aiken

Off and on today, fans read on Twitter that Clay was going to be in DC at Capitol Hill.

Several tweets said that Clay was speaking to Congressmen to pass the safe school improvement act.

Later in the day was a tweet that Clay visited with Senator Kay Hagan.

The reason Clay was there was because he was speaking today advocating for two anti-bullying bills in Congress.

From - GLSEN

WASHINGTON - Senators Bob Casey and Al Franken and Representatives Jared Polis andLinda Sanchez were joined by singer Clay Aiken, Dancing with the Stars' Louis Van Amstel, and Sirdeaner Walker and Tammy Aaberg, two mothers who lost their sons to suicide after they faced in-school bullying, to stress the importance of two bills that address the bullying and harassment of students in schools.

Clay Aiken, known to many as an American Idol star, is also a father and a former special education teacher who feels strongly about enacting specific anti-bullying protections so that future generations have the opportunity to fulfill their dreams. "I never had someone who told me that it was ok to be different...that it was okay to be me. What I did hear was that it would get better once I was out of high school...that things would get better. But from where I sat, I could not possibly believe that to be true. We need federal leadership from Congress to encourage all states and districts and each and every school to create safe learning environments where all students can learn and succeed."

This is such an important issue that it should be of national concern. Bullying has been going on for years. Not only in schools but on the internet - an unknown behind a computer. What is it going to take for more people to take notice and get involved? These kids that have taken their own lives should not have felt that this was the only solution. Many bullies do not think that they are the ones that are being addressed. They feel that it is always the other guy, that the rules don't apply to them. That they did nothing wrong.

I do hope that the bills being advocated today will pass and not another teen, child or young adult feel that suicide is the only way out.

I know that things won't happen over night, but it is a major start.

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Another Conversation With Clay Aiken

noreply@blogger.com (jbc4clay) — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 17:55:00 +0000

This is a wonderful interview that WKNO Producer Pierre Kimsey did with Clay while he was working with PBS for his Special.

Mr. Kimsey did a well rounded interview with Clay and let Clay speak.

From the looks of it Clay and Mr. Kimsey were very comfortable with each other.

From YouTube

WKNO Producer Pierre Kimsey talks with singer Clay Aiken. The North Carolina native was beginning a career as an educator working with special-needs children when he took an opportunity to audition for the TV show American Idol, then in its second season. His life was transformed as a finalist, and he has emerged as one of the most successful singers to have been launched by the show. Aiken has used his celebrity on behalf of the international charity UNICEF and has traveled to Somalia, Afganistan and other countries where children have been impacted by war. In this half-hour conversation, Aiken talks with Kimsey about performing, sudden fame, family, UNICEF and more.

To watch the interview - mute the player in the side bar.

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A Conversation With Clay Aiken

noreply@blogger.com (jbc4clay) — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 18:17:00 +0000

Quote from YouTube -

Learn more about how Clay Aiken got involved with UNICEF and hear his special message to Key Clubbers about their involvement in Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF

To watch the video - mute the player in the side bar.

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Clay Aiken - Help Kids With Disabilities

noreply@blogger.com (jbc4clay) — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 13:22:00 +0000

With a daily vote and a daily text - you can make a difference in a child's life.

Pepsi is giving away $1,300,000 each month to fund great ideas.

This month - one of their ideas is National Inclusion Project.

The goal is to be in the top 10 and to be granted $50,000.

This is a quote from the Pepsi site about National Inclusion Project.

Overview

The National Inclusion Project gives children with disabilities the opportunity to experience all life has to offer. Through Let's ALL Play children with disabilities have the same experiences as those without by participating together in recreational activities such as swimming, arts and crafts, community service, physical fitness and more. Children of all abilities participating in Let's ALL Play have seen dramatic development in motor skills as well as improvement in social skills, self-esteem, compassion, and understanding.

The Project will bring Let's ALL Play to community programs nationwide by providing training on best practice inclusion techniques and scholarships so that no child is left on the sidelines. This training will expand the capacity of programs to offer inclusive experiences for generations to come.

A mother said, "At camp, my son does not have Down Syndrome, wear hearing aids, or have difficulty with his speech. He is simply a camper."

How will the 50K be Used?
$36,000 trains staff across the country on best practice inclusion techniques.

$3,400 provides training supplies.$ 10,600 gives scholarships to kids who are unable to afford programs.

$ 10,600 gives scholarships to kids who are unable to afford programs.

Budget Notes: Ongoing consulting services to staff will be provided by the National Inclusion Project staff.

To watch the video - mute the player in the side bar.

See the widget to the right in the side bar and cast your vote today and every day this month.

Or go here to cast your vote.

Also vote from your mobile phone - Text* 102308 to Pepsi (73774)

*Standard text messaging rates apply.

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Clay Aiken - My Newest Most Favorite Video

noreply@blogger.com (jbc4clay) — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 21:53:00 +0000

Clay Aiken, Lauren Kennedy, Sharon Lawrence, Terrence Mann and Quiana Parler performed at Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts: Raleigh Memorial Auditorium, Raleigh, NC on Monday, June 21, 2010.

This was a fundraiser celebrating 27 seasons of Broadway at the NC Theatre, a one night only event.

Out of the 24 songs from that night - this video is one I cannot stop watching.

Thank you toni7babe for capturing this!

To watch the video you will need to mute the player in the side bar.

You can read Mr. McDowell's review from the Triangle Arts and Entertainment Magazine. "a spectacular benefit concert" It was a success!

More Clay Aiken info can be found at these blogs - Clay Aiken News Network and Carolina On My Mind.

Technorati Tags: Clay Aiken Bringing Broadway Home North Carolina Theatre Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts Lauren Kennedy Sharon Lawrence Terrence Mann Quiana Parler

Clay Aiken and His Amazing Voice

noreply@blogger.com (jbc4clay) — Tue, 11 May 2010 00:43:00 +0000

The start of the buzzzzz.

First - the PBS promo posted on Youtube by International Media.

FANTASTIC!!

Mute the player in the side bar to watch the video!

CLAY AIKEN: TRIED & TRUE - LIVE! P

internationalmediatv
CLAY AIKEN: TRIED & TRUE - LIVE! Promo
Tried and True, American Idol Super Star Alumni Clay Aikens first Public Television special, reaches back into the romantic past of the 50s and 60s, featuring many of the most iconic love songs ever written. Shot at the Memorial Auditorium in Clays home town of Raleigh, North Carolina, Tried and True features a full orchestra and big band. Clay is joined on stage by special guest and American Idol colleague Ruben Studdard, along with special guest Linda Eder, who is widely recognized as one of the best female vocalists of our time.
This special concert is the world premiere live performance of Clays forthcoming album, Tried and True, being released on Decca this Spring.

Second - Snippets - If you are a member of Clay Online - Clay's Official Fan Club - Go now and listen to three clips from Clay's new CD - Tried & True.

Amazing!!!!

Third - Press Release for Tried & True.

This is the one with USA Today -

Just in: Clay Aiken is releasing his fifth studio album, Tried and True, on June 1. The new CD is comprised of songs Clay grew up listening to, from the '50s and '60s.

Tried and True is the title because Clay feels the songs have stood the test of time, says the release. "To me, older songs are more melodically appealing and beautiful," he says. "So doing this album was an opportunity to just be myself."

Highlights include: Can't Take My Eyes Off You, made famous by Frankie Valli; Misty, the Johnny Mathis hit, and a soulful rendition of Elvis Presley's Suspicious Minds.

This is going to be one amazing CD and PBS Special. I am so ready for both!

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Clay Aiken - Ohhhh, What the future may hold.

noreply@blogger.com (jbc4clay) — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 00:34:00 +0000

Wall paper made by Cotton

Ohhhh - What the future may hold for Clay Aiken.

One thing - a new CD titled Tried and True with his new label - DECCA

Tried and True is scheduled to be

released June 1st, 2010.

Tried and True Track List

1. Can't Take My Eyes Off of You
2. What Kind of Fool Am I?
3. It's Only Make Believe
4. Misty
5. Mack the Knife
6. It's Impossible
7. Unchained Melody
8. Suspicious Minds
9. Crying
10. There's a Kind of Hush
11. Moon River

Another is the mystery date of when his PBS Special will be airing.

Is it June or August? (that is the mystery)

This was the OMG concert that I blogged about previously.

Monday - June 21st. 8:00pm at the North Carolina Theatre

There will be a benefit concert called Bringing Broadway Home - Celebrating 27 Seasons of Broadway with Clay, Lauren Kennedy, Sharon Lawrence, Terrence Mann and Quiana Parler

At this moment there are ticket sales for Clay and Ruben Studdard's Timeless Tour.

As of right now, there are 17 days scheduled.

Jul-23 - Asheville, NC - Biltmore Estates - Tickets on sale now!
Jul-24 - Jacksonville, FL - Florida Theater - Tickets on sale now!
Jul-25 - Melbourne, FL - King Center For Arts - Tickets on sale May 7
Jul-26 - Clearwater, FL - Ruth Eckerd Hall - Tickets on sale April 30
Jul-29 - Snoqualmie WA - Casino- Mountain View Plaza - Tickets on sale May 8
Jul-31 - Reno, NV - Silver Legacy Casino - Tickets on sale now!
Aug-01 - Los Angeles, CA - Club Nokia - Tickets on sale May 7
Aug-03 - Milwaukee, WI - Potawatomi Casino - Tickets on sale TBA
Aug-05 - Windsor, ON - Caesar’s - Tickets on sale TBA
Aug-06 - Chautauqua, NY - Chautauqua Institution Amphitheatre - Tickets on sale now!
Aug-07 - Mashantucket, CT - MGM Grand Foxwoods - Tickets on sale April 23
Aug-08 - Lancaster, PA - American Music Theater - Tickets on sale TBA
Aug-10 - Hampton Beach, NH - HB Casino - Tickets on sale now!
Aug-11 - New York, NY - Hammerstein - Tickets on sale April 23
Aug-12 - Verona, NY - Turning Stone Casino - Tickets on sale now!
Aug-13 - Hammond, IN - Horseshoe - Tickets on sale April 23
Aug-14 - Biloxi, MS - Beau Rivage - Tickets on sale now!

Today we got what many fans call a "Cluzzle" from Team Clay at Clay's Official Fan Club.

AND we are to expect more news in the near future........

What is next? I am rubbing my hands with excitement!

I cannot wait!!!

Technorati Tags: Clay Aiken Ruben Studdard DECCA Tried and True North Carolina Theatre The Official Clay Aiken Fan Club

Clay Aiken - OMG, another name for PBS?

noreply@blogger.com (jbc4clay) — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 22:57:00 +0000

Ever since the night of March the 12th, 2010 - I have read review after review of the taping of a certain PBS Special. All descriptions of this special (concert) has been an acronym - OMG. I thought this was a PBS Special, but it looks like it has been renamed an OMG Special.

Clay Aiken has a new CD being released June 1, 2010 and this special is to be an introduction for Tried and True - that long awaited CD under Clay Aiken's new label - DECCA.

The concert taped at the Raleigh's Memorial Auditorium, airs sometimes in June on many local PBS stations. It consisted of many songs from that new CD and many songs that did not make the CD. All of these songs are timeless classics.

Me, not being able to attend said concert went on a search on many of the Clay Aiken fan boards trying to find out from the members that were able to attend what it was like. The majority of the "recaps" were OMG!

Many were stunned, many were speechless, the word magic was in that description. I did find out that Clay's vocals were the best they ever heard. He was very happy and confident. He put his touch on every song. He owned the song. Then again I read - OMG!

I am looking forward to this OMG Special. I hope PBS doesn't mind it being renamed. But - I think they will understand. It is Clay Aiken, ya know.

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Clay Aiken - HRC Speech

noreply@blogger.com (jbc4clay) — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 18:00:00 +0000

Clay Aiken was a guest speaker last night at the HRC Carolinas' Dinner.

Clay delivered a very well thought out speech last night. He covered a lot in a short amount of time and even threw in a little light hearted humor.

This is a video from Pam's House Blend.

To watch the video - mute the player in the side bar.

For additional coverage of the event - visit Pam's House Blend, Rickey.org and Clay Aiken News Network.

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Clay Aiken - Get Ready Raleigh!

noreply@blogger.com (jbc4clay) — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 00:05:00 +0000

Tested and proved to be worthy or reliable - Tested and proved to be worthy or good.

The above is the definition of the phrase "Tried and True". It is also the name of a new CD by Clay Aiken.

According to the email I received, we are going to be able to hear a preview of it soon.

I cannot wait.

GET READY RALEIGH...

We're happy to be able to put an end to the suspense and the waiting by finally letting you know about the exciting "mystery" event happening on March 12! After a long wait for all of you, Clay will be "unveiling" the material from his forthcoming album, "Tried & True" in a live concert in his hometown at Raleigh Memorial Auditorium! This one night only special event will be a full production filmed for national television so seating is exclusive and limited.

Clay wants his fan club members to have the first opportunity to purchase tickets so we will host a special fan club only pre-sale. Beginning Tuesday, Feb 16 at 12PM EST, fan club members will be able to login to www.clayonline.com and visit the "Appearances" page to pick up their pre-sale code and click through for the opportunity to purchase up to 2 tickets. The fan club pre-sale ends on Thursday, Feb 18 at 10PM EST.

Tickets will go on-sale to the general public beginning Friday, February 19 at 12PM EST via www.ticketmaster.com.

There will also be an opportunity for a few lucky fans to enjoy a true VIP experience. We will be auctioning off 5 VIP packages via eBay and donating 100% of the proceeds to Clay's charity, National Inclusion Project. We will post 1 package each day at 12PM EST beginning Tues, Feb 16, and finish by posting the final 2 packages on Friday, Feb 19. Stay tuned each day to www.clayonline.com to access each auction.

Each package will be identical and include the following:

Attending the dress rehearsal in Raleigh on Thursday, March 11th.
A guided tour of the backstage area following the dress rehearsal (hosted by Mary Brennan).
An exclusive sit down Q&A with Clay following the dress rehearsal.
2 tickets to the live show on Friday, March 12th.

**TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS, ACCOMMODATIONS, TRANSPORTATION, MEALS, INCIDENTALS, ETC ARE NOT INCLUDED

Sincerely,

Team Clay

Technorati Tags: Clay Aiken

Congrats to Clay Aiken News Network

noreply@blogger.com (jbc4clay) — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 17:31:00 +0000

For a year now - The Clay Aiken News Network has kept us informed, up to date and entertained with all Clay Aiken news and events.

I just read today that they are celebrating their birthday!

Happy Birthday to CANN and I hope they will continue with their accurate and up to date info regarding everything Clay Aiken!

If you don't know anything about CANN - You are in for a treat.

See my blog from April spouting the features of CANN - better yet - go over to CANN and see for yourself. While you're there - Congratulate them on a great year!

Technorati Tags: Clay Aiken News Network Clay Aiken

Clay Aiken - Happy 75 Elvis!

noreply@blogger.com (jbc4clay) — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 00:35:00 +0000

Elvis Presley would be 75 years old tomorrow - January 8th.

This took me back to this performance by Clay Aiken on his Jukebox Tour in 2005.

Quoting the person, (slg111), that loaded this video of Clay's Elvis Presley medley -

Clay is too cool... never tries to impersonate Elvis... just sings the hell out of the songs in the medley.

I hope you enjoy these 8 minutes and 5 seconds as I did.

Be sure and mute the player in the side bar to listen to the video!

Technorati Tags: Clay Aiken Elvis Presley

Clay Aiken - Time To Put On Your Christmas Bells!

noreply@blogger.com (jbc4clay) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 19:07:00 +0000

Nothing says Christmas like Clay Aiken singing a Christmas Carol.

Here is a video of one of my favorites. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

This montage is by Linstan and was posted at youtube by SundayNYC.

This is the description at youtube.

Montage composed of videos and photos of Clay Aiken's performance during his 2007 Christmas In A Heartland Tour: Jazzy-Medley of Jingle Bells as well as The Most Wonderful Time of the Year, Sleigh Ride and Winter Wonderland.

Be sure and mute the player in the side bar to hear the video! -->

Do you have a favorite Clay Aiken Christmas montage or video?

I would love to see a link here and I am sure there are other fans that would love to see them, too!

Technorati Tags: Clay Aiken Jingle Bells Christmas in the Heartland Sleigh Ride Winter Wonderland The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Clay Aiken and New Beginnings

noreply@blogger.com (jbc4clay) — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 02:10:00 +0000

After 35 years, living on our 6 acres - my husband and I, being empty nesters, are moving. We bought a 10 year old ranch house on a little over 9 acres 175 miles south of here. Life will certainly be different for us. We have never owned a pole barn or a grain silo before. This home was meant for us. The previous owners had our personality and taste.

We are moving from a very busy area to a slower pace of life. Our family, at first, were frustrated and could not understand why. Now - after a little time - they are very supportive. They have decided that we will be a place for them to go on vacation. Hmmmmmm

Clay Aiken has a few “New Beginnings” also. He has signed with a new record label - Decca Records, as I noted in my previous blog - Expect new music in the first half of 2010! Yay!!

Clay Aiken and Diane Bubel’s foundation has a new name; changing from The Bubel / Aiken Foundation to The National Inclusion Project.

October 17th, 2009 is the Champions Gala for The National Inclusion Project. This is a sold out event. Read about the event here - 2009 Champions Gala.

The foundation also supports the PBS Release of Including Samuel. You can find the Upcoming Broadcast for this documentary by Dan Habib here http://www.includingsamuel.com/television/ . Dan Habib's son, Samuel was diagnosed with cerebral palsy.

The film honestly portrays his family’s hopes and struggles as well as the experiences of four other individuals with disabilities and their families.

Nominate The National Inclusion Project as your favorite charity for The Christie Cookie $25,000 Charity Giveaway!

The most nominated charity will receive a check for $10,000. The runner-up wins $5,000, and the next 10 will receive $1,000 each.
Nominations must be submitted on or before October 15, 2009. The winning charities will be announced in November 2009. One vote per email address.

(Mute the player in the side bar to hear the video.)

Technorati Tags: Clay Aiken Diane Bubel Decca Records National Inclusion Project Including Samuel Dan Habib The Christie Cookie

Clay Aiken Signs With Universal Music’s Decca Records

noreply@blogger.com (jbc4clay) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 21:38:00 +0000

Congratulations Clay Aiken!!

This is the News Story of the day from The Clay Aiken Offical Fan Club.

8-10-2009 - We Are Excited To Announce...

Clay Aiken signs record deal with Universal Music’s Decca Records. Expect new music in the first half of 2010! Keep checking back here for more details to come.

Join these other blogs in celebrating the great news!

The Clay Aiken News Network

Life and Times of a Clay Aiken Fan

Carolina On My Mind

The ConClayve

There Was a Man

Truth Rules

Clay The Man

Technorati Tags: Clay Aiken Decca Records Universal Music The Official Clay Aiken Fan Club

Clay Aiken - Sweet Parker Is One Today

noreply@blogger.com (jbc4clay) — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 21:30:00 +0000

Little Man of the Day!

I cannot believe it has been one year since we all read those joyous words "HE'S HERE!" over at Clay Aiken's Official Fan Club.

Yes, those letters were all in caps.

I think the man was shouting to the world his wonderful news.

"My dear friend, Jaymes, and I are so excited to announce the birth of

Parker Foster Aiken."

Parker Foster Aiken entered this world August the 8th, 2008.

8:08 AM - 6lbs. 2 ozs. - 19 inches long.

Happy Birthday Parker!

Hope your day was filled with Joy and Sunshine!

(And "like lots" of cake!)

More blogs celebrating!

Clay Aiken News Network

There Was a Man

Clay-The Man

Clay Aiken Journey

Carolina On My Mind

Technorati Tags: Jaymes Foster Clay Aiken Parker Foster Aiken

The Bubel/Aiken Foundation Has A New Name!

noreply@blogger.com (jbc4clay) — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 04:20:00 +0000

This is what we were greeted with today when entering Clay Aiken's Official Fan Club. How excited Clay is with the wonderful growth and amazing work that The Bubel/Aiken Foundation has done the past 6 years.

Now his and Diane Bubel's foundation has a new name -

National Inclusion Project.

Congratulations go to Clay and Diane for fufilling their dreams and goals and for their work to come under this new name.

Bubel/Aiken becomes National Inclusion Project
We are so proud to launch the National Inclusion Project. As our foundation grows, so does its impact. In order to better reach the ever growing goals we have for this foundation, we felt that a new name would better suit our position as a national leader on inclusion as well as recognize the Foundation's start and the efforts of its faithful supporters.
The National Inclusion Project is poised to continue to make an impact with thousands of children nationwide as well as raise the national consciousness about the need for and benefits of inclusion. We are excited beyond measure to see Clay's original "project" become one that so many people have invested time, energy, and dollars in to see doors opened for children who may have never gotten the opportunity to participate in life the way their peers do. The National Inclusion Project is moving forward hand-in-hand with supporters, families, program providers, and other advocates to see the vision of full inclusion nationwide become a reality. Please join us in our push to make a difference in communities all over the country.

Be sure and visit the website - http://www.inclusionproject.org/

Also these blogs for more info -

Clay Aiken News Network

Carolina On My Mind

Clay Aiken Journey

Chexxxy's Pearls

Popcycleman

Clay Aiken News

There Was a Man

gerra730

Technorati Tags: Clay Aiken National Inclusion Project The Bubel/Aiken Foundation

Clay Aiken - Real "Broken Wings" in Dance

noreply@blogger.com (jbc4clay) — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 22:31:00 +0000

MonaLisa57 has given me permission to use her montage from youtube and the wonderful story behind her video

"Beautiful dance by 2 amputees to Broken Wings by Clay Aiken".

Clay Aiken's song, "Broken Wings" is a wondeful fit to this magical performance.

I hope you enjoy this as much as I have.

Besure to mute the player in the right panel.

Below is the story behind the video posted at youtube.

Ma Li and Zhai Xiaowei dancing to Broken Wings sung by Clay Aiken. Such a beautiful and inspirational dance performed by 2 amputees.

The girl, (Ma, Li) was a beautiful promising professional ballerina when she lost her right arm in a car accident in 1996. She was only 19. Her handsome boy friend walked away from her. She tried to kill herself only to be saved by her parents. Her love for her parents gave her the strength to live. She learned how to live her life independently. She learned how to write Chinese beautifully and how to do many things including combing her hair, which she had to cut short from the waist-length to shoulder-length. She learned to cook and to wash clothes ... In a few months she opened her small bookstore.
Five years later in 2001, she was invited to compete at the 5th national special performing art competition for handicaps and won the gold medal. That success gave her the hope to return to her beloved stage.

In 2002, a handsome 20-year-old young man (Li, Tao) madly fell in love with her. She ran a way from him for fear of being hurt again. After she disappeared in Beijing, Tao searched her up and down despite his parents' strong objection and ridicule. He finally found her dancing in a bar. They have never been separated since. They were very broke when SARS was spreading because all theaters were closed.

In 2004, he got a license to be her legitimate agent and was trying to help her develop a unique performance.
In a cold snowy night, when the two huddled in an underpass to wait for the sunrise in order to catch a bus after a long day at a movie shooting site working as extras, she suddenly had the urge to dance in the snow with him. She had used her dance to tell him her story so many times before and this time, after their "dance" ended, he suddenly realized that THIS should be her unique performance.

In September 2005, she ran into a 21-year-old young man (Zhai Xiaowei). He was being trained to be a cyclist for the national special olympics. He had never danced before. He climbed on a tractor when he was 4 years old and fell off it and lost his left leg. His dad asked him, "The doctor will have to amputate your leg. Are you afraid?" He couldn't comprehend what would be so different so he said no. His dad said, "You are going to face many challenges and difficulties in life, are you afraid?" He asked, "What are 'challenges and difficulties?' Do they taste good?" His dad laughed with tears, "Yes, they're like your favorite candies. You just need to eat them one piece at a time!" (Then his dad ran out of the room in tears.)

So he's always very optimistic and athletic with a great sense of humor. He had tried high-jump, long-jump, diving, swimming, and just settled on cycling. His coach believed that he would be able to get 2-3 gold medals in the national special Olympics games. (In the video interview, you can see him doing a bridge with great ease!) He initially didn't understand how he could "dance," so Li invited him to see her performing "Hand in Hand" with another male actor. He felt that he saw a perfect soul dancing on the stage and agreed to give it a try. Li & Tao treated him like their younger brother and they stayed under the same roof during the more than 1 year of intensive training and practice. One would not be able to imagine the kind of challenges and difficulties they faced. He had NO dancing background and she is a perfectionist.

There are so many touching stories. Much determination has gone into the making of this performance. Just for that one "drop" move at 3:41 of the clip, he landed her on the hard floor more than 1000 times!!! To get the move right, they started at 8 a.m. and got the first successful move shortly after 8 pm! All they did was to train and to practice from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. day-in and day-out until the three of them ran out of money in early 2007 ... The rest is history.

In April they were one of the finalists among 7000 competitors in the 4th CCTV national dance competition. It is the first time a handicapped couple ever entered the competition. They won the Silver medal with the 99.17 high score and not to mention the highest audience popular votes. They became an instant national hit.

Technorati Tags: Clay Aiken Broken Wings Ma Li Zhai Xiaowei amputees Special Olympics CCTV National Dance Competition