Ansamcw

Well, that hair shaking video has gone and done it! I went and bought a ticket to tomorrow's matinée. I'm going to take a two hour bus ride to NYC - I've never been to NYC by myself before. I'm terrified of the City. Clay, Clay, Clay, what you have done to me?!?!

So ...if you see a short woman who looks terribly lost (probably having a panic attack), it'll probably be me. But the end result is seeing my BF (if I don't get too terribly lost)!!

Now, back to watching that vid....

YAY!!! you will be fine...Is someone else going tomorrow??? Play??? hee

I love how Clay has made us all more adventurous!!!

LOVE the show last night.

I got so emotional seeing Charlie...I bet he will be haunting Hurley for a while...YAY!!!

My theory...they will use this season to show how the oceanic 6 got off the island. I think its Hurley in the coffin.

I am intrigued by the split and why Hurley feels it was a mistake to go with Locke.

The other guy that visited hurley was just too creepy.

I have a feeling the six somehow got hold of a ship and was found at sea and not at the island.

I think Sawyer is one of the six and is with Kate.

found this gif at CH..its from CB

this is from last nights stage door video.

My cartoon that I could not get to work for theend of my post up there

i LOVE it.

All this excessive fan policing and deciding who are good fans and who are bad fans and blasting them on the boards makes me want to puke.

Pass the barf bucket, wanda.

Dumbass me, I just had to read around a couple of boards this afternoon to see what all the stink was about. Much ado about ab-so-lutely jack. Fans giving advice and instructions about how to watch the show? I've seen it all now!

I've yet to see Spamalot -- although my days are coming -- but I'll be damned if I need to follow "Instructions for Clay Fans." If I want to watch Clay the whole time, dammit I will, openly and unabashedly. Since I'll be seeing it mumbledy-mumble times I may do just that one night. But, you know what, it goes beyond Clay. For instance, I'm a fan of Antonio Banderas and if I had had an opportunity to see him on Broadway I probably would have paid my money, taken a seat, and stared at him all night long. There aren't any freaking rules!!!

Are you banned from Broadway if you have too much fun?

Amen...nothing gets my blood pressure more than fans trying to control other fan's behavior and even think they can have a say on what Clay or TC does.

I am naturally shy. I don;t think I will ever wear a clay t shirt except to sleep and that was during my one and only Clay trip. Thats just the way I am. I love to jump and dance and have fun in concerts but I don;t like attracting attention to myself. I actually admire fans that can go all the way and wear Clay tshirts or can decorate their car and make it a Claymobile and attend a concert with a Tiara ... I say have fun and more power to them...as long as they do not directly affect other fans fun that is.

Liney I have seen it reported that they usually change the peasant number ...I doubt they would create a whole new script and prop just for that when they didn;t even choose that number the first time they did it she attended.

I really think this is the only way to do it have some surprise element. I don;t think it would be put in place only for clay fans...cos Monty Python fans also go to this show multiple times.

Cool pins! Such artistic members! Thanks!

Hey Hiker...welcome to main...hope you can post more.

YUP those were great pins. Thanks to cindi...

I do think it is inappropriate to address him as "Clay" during the performance and I said so politely on my home board. That does not, however, mean that I think this lady is a "bad fan." In fact, I know the lady personally. I'm sure she was just excited and didn't even think about it.

And just as her actions do not make her a bad fan, my opinion does not make me a shrew.

I probably should have kept my mouth shut and not made any mention of it on this board at all, as it wasn't already a topic of conversation.

I don't see anything at all wrong with politely expressing your opinion-however, I saw some reactions that went WAY OTT, if you know what I mean. I think her reaction was fairly benign, and she didn't deserve being kicked around by some who didn't agree.

keldanker-{{{hugs}}} (Where's that hug emoticon when you need it???)

don;t worry about it ...it is an interesting issue and I was just about to mention it here when you started the discussion.

I never saw your post keldanker and I don't think sharing of opinions is a problem. But I also saw a lot of reactions where people seem to want to shame the fans that were having very natural reactions. It will be a shame if people's reaction will taint this special memory for this fan.

Soooo, the scandal of the day

Is you can't say "hi Clay"

Oh there simply must me, Arthur, trust me

Simply must be shrews!!!!

Sorry, I couldn't resist.

BWAH!!!!

I think some fans are concerned that the fans that get up on the stage are starting to make it more about them and an opportunity to talk to Clay... I think this is based on one fan saying her name was Claystein and another saying hi to Clay.

IMO...its totally not new to the spamalot cast and crew that Clay has tons of fans in the audience...the show is about being silly so I don;t think this is going to be a surprise to them for a fan to acknowledge Clay.

I also think that everytime Clay has some audience participation bit, some other fans start worrying about someone going overboard but so far the fans that have participated have acted really great...I really think we should just relax and not get all bent out of shape about every little thing.

Some recaps from the CH...from Runningfree

Just got home - there was a mixup with my train and I wound up taking 6 different trains instead. I'm still panting and it's not just a fit of abject horniness (maybe I do like this phrase).

I saw the show for the first time. Loved it. I laughed out loud trough the most of it. At one point I thought I'd better put a sock in it and not scare the children. I was sitting behind the all boy school, literarly. Four or five full rows of the orchestra center was filled with teenaged boys. The guy to my right was laughing as loudly as me. The guy on the left was more reseved, but enjoyed it a lot as well.

There were quite a few empty seats in the orchestra, especially on the right side.

Clay blended in with the cast and became each characters he was playing, like it wasn't Clay, the pop star up there. I kind of thought that being a member of the ensamble must be a bit of a vacation for him. A vacation from being the lone center of attention he has been many times.

The knights that say ni changed their name to knights that say soome bunch of words my milkshake brings the boys to the yard etc. They even did a bit of a butter churning motion.

I didn't notice much singing done by brother Maynard. I may have gone in a fog and just missed it, but I don't think he did sing extra beautiful and amazing notes or Amen done as a scale.

In the Russian dance scene he was all that dreamie described. So natural and comfortable up there doing a bit of that feral stuff he does so well. I'd love to just be able to hit that rewind and see him stand up and do that Russian dance few (hundred) times. Most exciting moment of the play. There were some screams at that point. (it wasn't me, I swear).

I was surprised that sir Robin did this dance with minstrels and the unnamed knights. Somehow I expected the other knights to join him.

I was disappointed when I saw the note in the playbill that Hannah Waddingham was not going on and the Lady of the Lake would be played by Jenny Hill instead. She turned out to be OK, but I didn't get those WOW moments with I hoped for from this part. I have been looking forward to seeing Hannah perform.

Later, when Christopher Sieber came out of the stage door and signed autographs, he said she wasn't feeling well. I got him to sign my playbill.

Then Jerome came out followed by Clay. There were at least 50 people waiting for him. He was still wearing stage makeup, was dressed in the black jacket and jeans, and sneekers and looking good. There should be plenty of photos on line, as there were many taken. Clay got his face close to several women, so they could take a picture with him. There were men waiting too, but mostly stood a bit father away.

clayngel at CB via CV wrote:

Just back from show number 3!

Tonight I was in the 1st Row of the mezzanine, so I had a completely different view than being in the 1st and 4th rows because I was able to take in everything happening on stage without even trying to. Because, let's be honest, when I'm up close it is nearly impossible for me to tear my eyes off of Clay. But tonight it was really clear that he completely meshes with the ensemble and looks like he has been doing this forever. However, what is really amazing is that he stands out all on his own, not because he is Clay Aiken, but because he has a special star quality and energy that draws your eye to him. He is always in character and has completely embodied that character! I know I said this last week, but he amazed me again by how much more comfortable he is on stage and how much more of "Sir Robin" has come out of him. (Does that make sense? lol)

The other thing I noticed more tonight was the joy and happiness in his performance. He just looks like he is in his element and having the time of his life. I think the combination of silliness, fun, comraderie with other very talented people, singing, and yes even dancing are perfect for him. It really struck me to see how free and unreserved he looked when dancing around the stage and how he added new little nuiances to lines and ad libbed with the other actors. The whole time I was thinking to myself how happy and confident he looked. It's a wonderful thing to see!

Now moving on from gushing to business matters.....

1) The wig is definitely different. It is more brownish than red, shorter and less curly. It looks more natural than the one that was used in the promo shots.

2) While I have to give credit to the woman who stepped in as The Lady of the Lake tonight (it must be difficult!), she was no where as good as Hannah and her timing was a little off at times for the songs and jokes. So I hope Hannah will be back soon!

3) The Knights of Ni used the "Milkshake" song again tonight for their new name.

4) The woman who was called up on stage was adorable! She really didn't look like she knew what to expect and played along with the jokes. When they brought out the little award she went to take it and then I think it was Patsy said "Wait, it's just a nomination!" It was really funny and cute. Now to anyone worrying about embarassing Clay, please don't. I wouldn't have known she was a fan if I wasn't on the board and if she did say "Hi Clay" no one heard it, but him and he is quite capable of staying in character. She did nothing up there that would be considered inappropriate. As someone who was up on stage last with him last week I can tell you it is a little hard to think straight! And for a lot of people the closest they have ever been to him so cut your fellow fans some slack! It is such a fantastic and wonderful experience that I would hate for her to come here and have it ruined and feel guilty for really no reason.

5) The stage door was great! Christopher Seiber came out first to sign autographs and forgot a pen at first so went back in to get one. Almost all of the Clay fans out there wanted his signature and were telling him how great he was. He was very nice and gracious. Then when Clay came out Christopher said "And here he is!" It was so cute. When he was first coming out I guess he has just gotten the wig off because he was running his fingers through his hair and shaking his head to get it "poofed out" a but. Is it odd that I found it really attracitve and adorable??? Anyway he made the rounds and I'd say there were about 50 people there so I think almost everyone was able to get something signed. At one point someone said that they hoped this wouldn't be his last Broadway show and he replied "We'll see if this one doesn't kill me first!" Once again so cute!!!

I think that's it for now!

I have to say it again, he is just amazing in this role and I love getting the chance to see him so happy in it! I can't wait until my next show!

Heeee.

I was watching AI tonight...a little Filipino girl came in...playing...oh so shy to the HILT...just like someone else I know...little whispery voice...

Came out belting Aretha's Natural Woman like she owned that...I got someone to watch!

Hee she reminded me of someone too...very deceiving..dynamite in a small package.

gah hate that JULIE...than god they didn't let her through...

I hope y'all know that its perfectly ok to share your reaction on the board...whatever they may be. I think the important thing is that we process them and try to move on...and not let the bad ruin the fun and celebration of being a Clayfan.

WORD CG

I do believe that at times...we can choose to let things bother us or not. Even if this article annoyed me...I quickly let it go...I took it in perspective and realized in the bigger picture...this was just a dot. SO although I found the article bizarre and had me thinking about this whole ride we are on...I was pretty mellow about it. I think the fact that I deliberately stayed away from places I knew would be going nuts about this ...truly helped.

I should also say that this board helped because of the varied reactions of the members...in the end I think we kept it pretty cool. I think it also helped that the members that truly were upset by this...looked for ways to get over it like Muski and 00lsee. I know all the media focus on Clay;s sexuality still bugs...but at least we are starting to have fun with it.

Welcome heinz!!! glad you finally took the plunge

Sometimes this is just too absurd:

Let's see if I can keep this straight, he's metrosexual, he's homosexual, he's promosexual and now he's asexual, he seems to get identified as everything except heterosexual, the only thing he's ever actually said he is. I am so dismayed with the state of "so called" jounalism, and the fact that they see nothing wrong with this type of reporting, that they don't see any invasion of privacy, that they take no responsibilty in the role they play in shattering people's lives. Can these people not stop for one minute and think, what if this was me, what if this was my son or my brother, would I feel so strongly that everyone has a right to know about their private life.

Would even Britany have all the problems she has if she had been able to live a little more privately.

I think the reason why this is not bothering me, is because this is so surreal. The guy gives a throw away line that should have been seen as a way to evade the question...yet the media is pouncing on it like its a very new concept. Its simply about being sexually responsible and being choosy and careful in relationships. There is nothing new with this concept...but because the media is so eager to solve the mysteries of Clay...they would pounce on anything he says about sexuality. This is really absurd.

I bet he would rather see this kind of discussion about his sexuality than having the press speculate on who he is going out with or the paparazzi following the person he has a relationship with. I think Clay will keep his love life close to his chest as long as possible. I bet we will just be surprised one day when he announces he is married.

Heh. I actually read the article, and actually LEARNED something from it, so I suppose it was good for something, right?

Clay Aiken, starring in "Theater of the Absurd" (mass media edition)... I just simply have to believe that he's laughing about all this. Laughing all the way to the bank.

YUP I bet he is...laughing along with his friends and cast mates.

eta: OMG...how tacky is that, no wonder DHP was chilly. Why do they have to bother another artist about Clay??? I mean there was no other question there about his own show and all about Clay? That is pretty insulting!

Great post 00lsee....

yup...those waves are pesky...but we really just have to expect them to come. What keeps Clay afloat is that his talent is authentic...he has true star power and bizarre articles and haters on the net can;t change that.

Will be working tomorrow so I thought I would do an early banner switch....

Our animated banner was created by cindilu2

thanks so much cindi...its great as usual!!!

And... Now it is on E-news - Clay breaks his silence about sex! Old video...

I am not tracked by my cable company (no box), so let me take the hit. Nothing on Extra, TMZ but I could have missed it since I have been on the phone a lot today.

This is really so funny for me. The press is really fascinated by Clay!!! What the heck is so news worthy about what he said...it is really very amusing to me. Just adds to the mystique and gets people talking.

I guess brit is getting boring?

I really don;t get the anxiety about this quote. It is just so OTT that I really can't take it seriously. I think its his way of being snarky or giving her what she wants....BUT, lets say this get mileage on the rags, why is that a problem? There has been all kinds of articles on his sexuality, speculations and innuendo, so now he has a new angle...he shut it off...I don;t see this hurting any public image Clay already has. I just don't think Clay puts too much importance on his...sexy image. I bet he would be more disturbed by the suggestion that he voted for Jesse Helms.

I guess to me it truly is not that shocking that someone chooses not to get involved in this time of his life. I also don;t find it weird that having made that decision he would have to shut it off since he is jut the type that won't get into flings or one night stands. I actually admire that stance very much.

I guess what the article has brought out to me is more of a disconnect with some of the fandom - the sneering at Clay's "Aw Shucks schtick" - as I am one of those who don't see it as so much as a "schtick" rather than a real part of his personality. It's something he's always done from the first time we saw him on AI. It may be a part people don't like or are tired of, but that may not make it any less real - and the desire people have for him to suppress or change it is a little disturbing for me. I also tend to draw a blank on the offensiveness of Clay's (or anyone's) using "we" and "us" - I agree with someone earlier who said he doesn't even hear it anymore, and if he did, probably wouldn't see why it would bother anyone. I don't see why it's so unbelievable that he might see himself as a nerd - hell, I see myself as one. He really is a multi-faceted personality - just like everyone else - and many of those facets simply don't line up with everyone else's. And I don't think particular facets need to be "fixed" because some may not like them. I guess it just pushes some of my buttons elsewhere that people say, "oooh, he's self-depreciating therefore it's a defense mechanism therefore he needs therapy because that's what I would do and look how clever that author is to see what I see!"

The more I read the article and reactions to it, the less I like it.

Oh gosh...this is the kind of reaction I was afraid of. Clay is who he is...he does not have to change just because some journalist or fans don;t get him. I also don't get the issue about we and us. He usually uses it to refer to his career...like we are goign back to the studios, which is understandable cos the recording process is done by a team...we are going out on tour...means Clay and touring family...we decided to do Spamalot...Clay and management. Just because other artists don't do it means he shouldn't. He is very aware of the effort his team brings to keep his career on track and I think this is his way of never forgetting that.

Although Aiken can depend on the adulation of strangers, he doesn’t know anyone in New York and is worried he will be lonely now that he’s moved here to take a role in the Broadway musical Spamalot, based on Monty Python and the Holy Grail. “I almost cried on the first day on my way to rehearsal,” he says. “I’m here until May 4, and I’ve never lived alone before.”

Does someone else live in his Raleigh house as well?

Isn't Jerome in NY with him? I thought they were friends, so surely that would mean Clay isn't really alone in NY, i.e. he has a 'family' with with. I assume Jerome is considered family as well, along with his usual little group that he travels with on tour and to shows where he is performing.

Yes he always had someone live in NC with him. Same when he lived in LA and even in college he had roommates.

I really hate it when people suggest he takes therapy or change. He is a very successful man that had all these people following his every move. He seem to be doing something right. If he feels he needs help in anyway....he will get it and I don;t think he will be announcing it to the fans.

I actually think that distorted picture is a great companion to the article that pretty much has a distorted view of Clay. Yes she was looking at him...but through some fish eye lens that makes him some sort of caricature than a real person.

Awww, thats a nice recap by RVZlady. I love his little comments to fans.

I guess to me a hatchet job is an article that was written to simply tear somebody down. Although the picture she presented of Clay was not flattering, I got the sense that she actually tried to "get" him and this is how she truly saw him through the filter she has. Someone who is not really one dimensional. I think she went in with the idea that he is a stupid hick. Not very new cos I think there are some fans that see him as a stupid hick. But then meeting him she did see the intelligence, the sharpness...so she filters that through her own world view and experience and sees someone with a schtick. That makes sense to her because she is used to celebrities who do present a different persona. TO ME...I see that as many celebrities way to protect themselves. They are so exposed that they do need to have this image or mask. To this bitch, that is marketing schtick.

I think this writer's style is urban-cool-bitch. I think she would be judgmental and use contemptuous language with any celebrity. The references to his being effeminate is something that will not disappear cos he is in a lot of his mannerisms, highlighting that in this article is part of this writer uber-bitch style. I think this writer would usually get two reactions...people that would roll their eyes at her OTT style and dismiss her...or those that love to bitch with her. For those that roll their eyes at her, I think they will at least see that Clay did change her mind a bit about him and that she thinks he is talented and does well in Spamalot. Those who love her style, probably sees Clay in the same way and might even be interested enough to look even closer.

I am so not worried about this article hurting Clay. This kind or articles are always turning up for every celebrity. I remember reading an article about Justin T. that made him seem like a sex starved egomaniac, an article about Kelly made her seem like a stupid airhead, and article about Christina A. made her sound like a foul mouth ungrateful bitch. Yet these artist were able to sell CDs and get respect from the industry. In the long run, the audience does not need perfection from the artist they like if their music or acting speaks to them. If there is an aganda that these writers have its to expose the warts of these celebrities so this kind of treatment in the media is not reserved for Clay.

I do think that the fandom will have to get used to these kinds of articles...specially if TC will be aggressive in print promo for the next CD. This is why its important to have the CD come closely after a successful project. Just imagine if this interview took place last year and there was no Spamalot that would help change this persons view of Clay? I really think that is why the print promo of ATDW was almost non existent. I would bet Blender, Rolling stones and other uber cool music publications would've focused on all the dirt that was out about Clay at the time since there would be nothing else to focus on and charitable work is just not interesting enough for their readers. This time at least they can talk about his Broadway stint and the hand on mouth incident.

Overall I do not like the article cos its just too snotty, but I don't think its totally bad, I think there are some good in it. What this certainly demonstrate for me is that no one can control the press coverage. I don't think Clay could've done anything different to change this article. Clay is who he is and this is just the view of one person. This does not define Clay.

So exactly what is New York Magazine and who is the audience for it.

It has 1.8 million readers and descibes itself as "a smart, critical guide to life in the city for readers who want to stay on top of the players, trends, culture and politics of city life . It delivers timely insight on everything from local entertainment options to real estate trends, from the hottest hairstylists to the best neurologists, from the restaurant scene to the singles scene. It's a must-read for New Yorkers who want to know what's new in the city. "

I don't think it's intended to be read by middle america and IMO a "movie star picture" accompanied by a glowing article would be really stick out like a sore thumb in that magazine -- readers would probably wonder how much "payola" exchanged hands on a 90% positive article. If we can't stomach something like that, I think we should ignore it and just go on with our fangirly discussions. It's not a deliberate diss, I don't think it even qualifies as a diss where it's from... I feel like we're looking at this from a different cultural POV, kinda like star trek's data or the terminator wondering why somebody says "Oh, he's so baddd."

Thanks for this explanation. I did see the article as very new york centric...its like she was trying to figure out how Clay would fit in...a square peg in a round hole. I think this is why...although she was certainly snooty and unpleasant and didn't portray Clay in the most flattering light, I really didn;t mind the article.

((((00lsee)))) and anybody else that is disturbed by the article...

I also love how diverse the opinions are. If this womans goals was to get people talking about her article...she sure achieved it.

I think my feeling is closest to KAndre...not good not bad...but very odd...or interesting.

It occurs to me that this author may "get" Clay more than this fandom would like to think.

Not everything, but there was a lot in that article that struck me as most likely true.

I could have done without the reminders that he is widely thought of as gay and all that - but then again, that is true too. But I think she hit on a lot of points that may be right on the nose. I also think by the end of the article she sees him a bit differently than she did when she first sat down to interview him. She may not turn into a fangirl, but I think got the impression she ended up more impressed with him than she was when she started out.

That is something in and of itself.

Yes...I do agree. I think she sees Clay, just through a different filter than us. I see his insistence that he is a nerd as defense mechanism and she sees it as a marketing schtick... we both really do not buy the nerd bit. Clay is too confident, too sharp and intelligent to really be nerdy. I also sense a disbelief in her in his insistence that he does not know New York or that he will stay in every night thats why she seem to make fun of those statements. I do think Clay tend to exaggerate his hick persona.

Oh, scuze me. Didn't realize Ariel Levy was a woman.

Ahem...Make that cynical bitch.

Gender is important. Apparently sexual stereotyping is, too.

And I LIKED "Tootsie", dammit!

I'm so angry. What has Clay Aiken done to deserve this kind of nasty scorn?

I don;t think its scorn...I just think this person has a very cynical view of people and Clay is hard for her to get. I think this is where Simon is with Clay. He thinks its all schtick...something he developed as a marketing tool.

I think its very eye opening to me to see the many things I admire about this man seen from another perspective. To this person who is so used to people always trying to impress others or want to be cool...she can't see how Clay can be happy with himself identifying as a nerd. TO this person that is so used to celebrities partying and hoping from one relationship to another...Clay's stance of not needing relationships is pretty weird. But to Clay...it makes sense. I also don't think he was about to reveal any relationship to this writer. I think he would rather be thought of as a Eunuch than to open up that part of his life. He is stubborn that way I suppose. I totally admire him for it...and good for him for not trying to pander to the too hip for school New York media.

I feel like she is trying to crack Clay...and he didn't. In the end she did acknowledge that he s pretty good in Spamalot.

hmmm...Clay's stay in New York sure is becoming very interesting...and he is only at his second week. She predicts he won't be able to survive...I bet he will thrive!!!

eta: I don;t mean to imply that he is lying here about relationships, but if he is determined not to have a serious relationship at this point in his life I can see him making sure of that. I also can see him being tongue in cheek or sarcastic as he said this.

I know that article seem to be a buzz kill but I don;t think his career would be affected by this one way or the other.

I also think that a May release is one way to take advantage of TV sweeps period. Clay is really very effective doing promo on TV and it will be good if he can take this opportunity before reruns start. I really think they have a more aggressive plan in promoting Clay this time around. If May does not happen, I think the earlier the better cos Clay usually concentrates on Christmas by November and December. I also think he may want to re-release MCWL so that means he needs some time in the end of the year for that.

Just a question. IF Clay's CD comes out in May, as he hopes, or shortly thereafter, do you think Spamalot will help its PR and sales?

For the life of me, I can't figure out how or why it would have that much of an impact. Clay has had a fair amount of national publicity from Spamalot, but as his run continues, that will die down, if not disappear completely. There might be some local mentions as it goes on and perhaps some mention at the end of his run, but I can't see where that would propel CD sales. I am not even sure that his run in Spamalot will cause many to go running to the stores to buy his CD! Even if you liked him a lot in Spamalot, that is so different from what you would expect on a CD. I mean, he doesn't even sing that much!

I can see how Spamalot could have significance if he were to pursue other acting roles, but as far as his CD goes, I think the most it will do is be a note on his resume. I guess maybe a few NJU's who liked him may pay more attention to him than they otherwise would have, but that's about it. They are just such entirely different entities.

I have read some who feel the CD should come out immediately after Spamalot to capitalize on the publicity being generated by his appearance. It is being compared with the "lost opportunity" of not getting ATDW out immediately after his AI5 appearance. I am just not seeing it and am wondering what you all see.

Its all about promo opportunities. If he gets great reviews and gets good buzz the way Fantasia did, he will get more opportunities to get written up in articles, or be invited in shows, specially if it is seen as a huge financial success...that will be a story. Its not about people going out and buying because of Spamalot...its the media having more interest if he is seen as coming from a successful project. Then more talk shows will be interested in booking him for the CD promo if he is hailed as a Broadway success...its just the type of feel good stories the media likes.

TC is also taking advantage of promo set up by spamalot. the last few articles and interviews he had was for the show yet he was able to put in news about the CD. That is raising awareness of Clay and his projects into markets that may not read about Clay Aiken singer. At this point Clay already had a lot of press due to his appearance...more than he had when he has no project. keeping his name out there can only help a CD.

This reminds me of the time MCWL came out...he had four very different projects, LTS, the TV show, the CD and the concert and the promo of each one flowed from one to the other and helped sell CDs and concert tickets.