luckiest1

*luckiest1 staggers in, clothes torn, face bloodied and battered*

My God! I feel as though I was just swarmed and attacked by a horde of evil pod people!

*envisions Greg from CSI being kicked by a gang of people wearing black hoods*

Yeah, that's it exactly! ::shudders:: How silly of me to venture outside of the sanctuary of these walls. I won't be doing that again. And if I do, someone please smack me.

Cool new interview from Singapore here. Text below:

American Idol 2 runner-up Clay Aiken when told he looks better and fitter: Are you saying I was ugly?

By Jeanmarie Tan

After more than a year away from the spotlight, Clay Aiken (left) is back with a new look, new album and, best of all, a new attitude.

The hiatus seems to have blessed the American Idol 2 runner-up with new found levity.

Where once he was bored, uncomfortable and guarded during media interviews, Aiken was all sweetness and light during a chat with The New Paper over the phone yesterday from his hometown of Raleigh, North Carolina.

The 27-year-old balladeer was unnaturally chirpy and gave interesting answers, while compliments on his handsome image were met with uproarious, disbelieving laughter.

When told it’s an extreme makeover from his geeky, scrawny American Idol days, he joked: “Are you try to say I was ugly before?”

According to Aiken, he grew his hair out due to his “laziness”.

“It’s been so long since I’ve done anything different, so I just decided not to cut it and see what happens. Maybe one day, I’ll grow it to my ankles. I’m not very good with style or fashion though, so I just sit back and let a team of highly-trained professionals make me look like this!”

To suggestions that he looks more buff than before, the reluctant heart-throb cracked up uncontrollably.

Did he work out?

“Oh Lord, no! I’m not the gym type. Wait, are you saying I’ve (become) fat? I’m trying to figure out if you calling me fat is a compliment,” he said, highly amused.

“I’m not sure how much I weigh now, but maybe it’s the ‘Freshman 15’ (a slang for the 15 pounds a college student usually piles on in his first year of college).

“So maybe it happened in my first year in this business.”

Aiken unveiled his new image at the American Idol 5 finals – which was made even more dramatic when he went onstage and sang with his impersonator-cum-fan Michael Sandecki, a spitting image of Aiken’s dweeby former self who almost went into convulsions upon seeing his idol in the flesh.

Aiken recalled: “It was like facing a time warp mirror. I had not met the young man until I got onstage, and the reaction that came from him…words cannot describe.

“I may have looked calm and cool on the outside, but inside I was like ‘Where’s the exit, how do I get out of here?’

“But it made for good TV, and it was an exciting night for me because I got to return to the show and be part of such a spectacular and funny routine.”

Maybe Aiken’s so cheery nowadays because he’s been on happy pills.

He openly admitted on Larry King’s talk show that he’s battling paralysing panic attacks and is taking anti-anxiety medication.

He said: “My family has never been one that is big on medication, mental help, therapy or counselling. So I was sceptical and hesitant when I started the treatment.

“Now, I’m not always so nervous in public, and I’m losing my hat more often.”

Even though Aiken claims he hasn’t suffered an attack recently, he’s still a “work in progress” because there’s no “miracle cure”.

SEXUALITY QUESTIONED

Not even bringing up the sensitive topic of his oft-speculated sexuality put a dent in Aiken’s aw-shucks armour.

Good Morning America host Diane Sawyer tried to get him to “come out of the closet” on national TV recently.

But he’s past feeling frustrated or annoyed after being dogged by gay rumours for the past three years.

He said: “There are journalists who want to make a name for themselves, who want the bigger story, so I go in always expecting someone to ask something controversial.

“But at least (during the Diane Sawyer interview), I went to a place where I said I’m done. I’m not talking and not addressing this anymore. I’m tired of fighting the fight. My job is to sing and perform and entertain people.”

Sure enough, his legion of loyal fans who call themselves Claymates are lapping up his latest album, A Thousand Different Ways, in which he covers 10 classic love songs and introduces four original tracks.

It has sold over 300,000 copies since its release last month, compared to his 2003 debut album Measure of a Man’s 2.8 million.

Aiken agrees that the public enthusiasm over albums by American Idol alumni have been waning over the years.

“The show continues to maintain its appeal, but after a while the market is saturated with this Idol, that Idol, this Idol. So for the newer Idols, it’s more important to make sure your album is phenomenal.”

But Aiken assured he won’t get another panic attack if A Thousand Different Ways doesn’t match up to the record-breaking sales figures he used to enjoy.

He said: “Everything happened so big and so early for me, that anything that comes after would be disappointing. It’s hard to sell 615,000 in your first week again.

“But I do feel this is like my first album again. We’re selling it with a normal amount of publicity and fanaticism. It’s a true test. But from now, anything I do is successful in my eyes.”

Yeah, there are a couple of irritating commentaries (Clay ws bored, uncomfortable and guarded in past interviews? And they can just feck off with the happy pills comment) I loved his answers. I love that this was given in the last few days, and he sounds very happy. I love his last statement:

“But I do feel this is like my first album again. We’re selling it with a normal amount of publicity and fanaticism. It’s a true test. But from now, anything I do is successful in my eyes.”

Wonder how they'll spin that?

Whenever I go to these gatherings, I notice that there are typically others like me, people hanging by themselves along the edges, longing to belong, but unsure how to penetrate. Now, I'm actually a very shy, introverted person, but I've found that when I make the effort to introduce myself to the other "wallflowers," I get rewarded by a big smile and a sense of genuine gratitude.

I'm an introvert too. The first Clay "event" I ever attended was a party at the Hard Rock Cafe in Cleveland, prior to the Jingle Ball concert. While it was great fun, I never really spoke to anyone, but that was ok, because I had my daughter with me, and we were able to be fangirly and excited together. Next was another large party, again at the Hard Rock Cafe, this time in Detroit, prior to the IT. We went with some friends, and again, stuck to ourselves at our own table, but had a lot of fun. Then my daughter and I took the plunge, flew to NC and attended a private, cliquish board party. We knew no one except the hostess who I had emailed with a few times to arrange things. Some people came by to ask what our board names were, but of course they didn't recognize mine since I had hardly ever posted, and my daughter was not a member, so they moved along. We were seated at a table with some sisters from NC who also rarely posted, and knew no one. We really hit it off with them, and have remained fast friends ever since, to the point that we always stay with them on trips to NC now. I'll never be able to thank that hostess enough for forcing me to actually talk to someone I didn't know.

First of all, a mighty BWAH to ldyjocelyn for Aunt Gladys!

This fandom has given me some good friends in RL, some local, some who I can only visit a few times a year because of geography, and others who I haven't even met yet but feel as though I've known forever. I guess I'm lucky because there is a "core" group of fans locally who get together every few months to celebrate Clay. We are having a luncheon this coming Saturday, so that is definitely something to look forward to.

ansa, I can't remember if I met you or not at the Toronto JBT. I mainly stuck with my little group of non-board friends and family, for the most part, because I didn't know anybody, either. They were a little freaked out by the ClayNation, LOL. Hopefully, if there is another Toronto concert and you are able to attend, we can make arrangements to meet this time around!

What the hell? That four freakin' questions poorly disguised as one! And look Clay types "I" instead of "Ah"! He doesn't actually write in dialect! What a notion! Still needs the exclamation points, but I see nothing wrong with that! So the evil dead that is Clive didn't actually shove a list of the world's worst covers and beat Clay until Clay, broken and battered, warbled them out? Clay and Clive and Jaymes (and moi)have some tastes in common? Kewl!

Hee, this gave me my first laugh of the day. Thank you!

I'm a little confused about his answers to the BW question, though. Didn't we think that the poet was actually dead? Obviously we were way wrong about that. I think it's neat that the poem was "sort of" written for the album. I wonder whether he got the title ATDW from the poem, or the poet got it from him.

*joins ldyjocelyn in the corner, brings along some spicy Doritos for company*

I loved ACAC. I particularly love the duets with Barry. I tend to put them put them in the middle of random mixed CDs I make for the car, just to scare people. *eg*

I love surveys too, when I'm bored and don't feel like working. Which is pretty much how I feel today, since I've done nothing but email and surf the pod-people boards.

What's your name?

luckiest1, because once upon a time I was considered a lucky person. Long long time.

What's in your iPod (or CD player)?

Everything Clay has ever recorded or sang live. Seriously. Plus a bunch of other stuff like Beatles, solo Beatles, Elton John, Billy Klippert, Amanda Marshall, Fleetwood Mac.....1000 songs in total.

What is "your song" at karaoke?

OMG never.

What's your favorite time of day?

Early, early morning, especially when I'm walking on a beach in Cuba, sipping Chai tea.

What book are you reading right now?

Can't remember the name, but it's a British murder/mystery, and it's one of a series. I read the rest in Cuba.

What's your favorite website?

www.cubaweather.org. Are you sensing a theme yet?

What's your favorite old movie (DVD)?

I have a few - Fried Green Tomatos, Boys on the Side, Bridge Over Madison County, A Fish Called Wanda

What's your favorite current movie?

Anything I go to see at the theatre with cindilu2, cuz we have fun no matter how bad it is! And The Lake House, cuz I missed it with cindilu2 but I saw it on the plane home from Cuba.

What is set on your television DVR?

I'll join the "Waaaaaaaaa I want one!!!!!" club. I'd have to say anything that Clay is scheduled to be on (except ETalk which I am boycotting for the rest of my life), and the OC. I don't watch much TV.

If you weren't in show business, what other career would you consider?

Heh, I'd love to be a travel planner.....to Cuba!

What is the strangest job you've ever held?

School bus driver.

What was the exact moment you became an adult?

So glad someone else fessed up to being an adult too. *sniff* The day I realized that being a parent wasn't all fun and kicks, it was a lot of hard work. I was 22, my first child was 2 months old, full of colic, and screaming her head off, while my soon-to-be-ex-husband was nowhere to be found.

If you could trade places with one person for just ten minutes, who would it be?

Clay Aiken. I'd love to know what goes through his mind when he thinks about his fans.

What was your last purchase?

Food? Starbuck's Chai Tea. Non-food? A large, purple pimp's hat. For my son. For Halloween.

What's in your carry-on bag?

Fitting question, since I still haven't unpacked it! People magazine with Clay's centrefold. Lots of sunscreen. Brochures and sand from Cuba.

What's under your bed? :

Slippers and my clack keeper.

What's your guilty pleasure?

Ryan from the OC, since I have no guilt over my Clay obsession. And Cuba!

Waaaaaaaaaaaaaa........there is nothing more frustrating than not being able to see images at work.

Hee, if I knew that, ldyjocelyn, I'd have already emailed him.

Going by memory (I turn images off at work) she is in the front right, glasses, eyes seem shut.....canfly172.

BWAH! I saw those this morning, and one of the ladies pictured in the fan shot flew from Ontario to L.A. and phoned in sick for 3 days, using the excuse "I've got the flu". I wonder if her boss has seen it?

Sure, Amy, schedule the listening party for the only two Fridays I won't be here. Heh, I'll forgive you while I'm laying on the beach in Cuba, listening to Clay sing to meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.

*plunks self down*

*hugs all around*

It's good to be home.

*heads off to check out contest forums*

Yay, I'm not alone!

So, am I the only one who is, like, actually reading the book?????

So far, it's not exactly cheering me up. But I'm determined to get through it! It's a pretty good read, but not exactly the thing to lift one's spirits. I can definitely see why he might identify with it, though.........

Ooooh, I do love me some Denzel Washington, too. He can be my #9. I'm sure I'll come up with someone for #10 soon, too.

Both of the Clay pictures I posted were from the Cary JBT. I absolutely adore the off-stage one. Unfortunately, I have no idea who took it, so I can't credit it.

Claywright, that sounds interesting.

I am a huge Jeffrey Deaver fan. I've read everything he's written. I love the Lincoln Rhyme series the best. I also collect Steven King, although in recent years he seems to be recycling themes. Still, I just finished his most recent book, "Cell", and it was pretty good. Some new twists. I was disappointed that he didn't write his usual little rant to the fans at the beginning, though. I look forward to those almost as much as the stories!

One of my all-time favourite books is Clive Barker's "Weaveworld". He can be a bit gory in his other books, but this one is more fantasy than horror. Another author I really enjoy is Tami Hoag. I am currently in the middle of "The Messenger". I loved her "Ashes to Ashes" and "Dust to Dust" sequel.

Don't forget this one.

KAndre, were you trying to kill me with that David Cassidy pic? Seriously, he is almost the prettiest man evah. Almost.

Other than Clay (obviously), my all-time favourite pretty man is Elvis.

Next comes another Elvis. Stojko.

Heh, I like him a lot.

Another pretty, pretty skater boy is Britain's Steven Cousins.

Paul McCartney still makes me swoon, but he was soooo pretty in his younger days.

Teenage crush. Eric Faulker from the Bay City Rollers. *waves* to ldyjocelyn

I have an affinity for older, British men, too.

Lately, I only have eyes for Clay. Movie stars? Pffffffft.

Aaaaaaaaaaand that's it for me. You do not know how long it took me to compile this silly post.

No kidding! I started after work, and I've been alternating between FameGauge and Rate the Music all evening. I got Clay after about 500 on FameGauge....also had Kim, Ruben, Bo Bice, Fantasia and Carrie. I was kind of suprised to be asked about Elvis Presley and the Beatles, though!

Yep, did anyone figure he was doing anything other than working hard on the CD? Still nice to get confirmation, though. There is also a rumour flying around this morning that either EW or ET is going to announce the CD and the single this week. No source, just someone got an email. Grain of salt, and all that. It's like the whole fandom is collectively holding it's breath lately.

Sings: I've got this feeling, that today is the day.....

I have never done Rate The Music or Promosquad. It's hard to find two consecutive hours on the computer.....can you stop and then start again, if something comes up? I would like to participate, if I could.

*squishy hugs* back to ldyjocelyn & cindilu2

*waves* to everyone who welcomed me

Back to watching clack.......

My best guesses:

We will get a release date, with some general CD information (producer, genre, DualDisc, title, title of first single) within the next week, by March 3rd at the latest.

We will get a single to radio by the end of March. We will ferret out unofficial tour info (i.e. rumoured venues, dates) before the end of March. We will get an official list of TV appearances by the end of March.

We will get the first TV appearance before the end of April. We will find the track listing and album cover artwork sometime in April.

We will get the CD and official tour info in May, as well as lots more TV appearances.

We will get a tour in late July, running through the beginning of September.

Things I know for sure:

1. I will not have paid off all the debt I accumulated in the last two years doing Clay-related stuff before it's time to buy CDs, concert tickets, plane tickets, and merchandise again.

2. I will not have enough room on my hard drive for all the clack that will be gathered.

3. The new CD and tour will be awesome!

Somebody's making a fortune,

Selling emotions to fools like me who,

Relate to what they're saying,

Obsessed and can't stop playing *wink*,

No use in changing stations, no-o,

Cause it's everywhere on the radio,

The radio, the radio-o!

Hey y'all! I thought it was about time that I started posting instead of lurking. Some of my favourite peeps are here!

I can't wait to hear Clay on my radio again. I miss him, but I'm keeping busy with other things, and of course, clack. I have so much clack that I would never be able to watch it all, no matter how long the drought.

I think next week is going to be the week. And, it's going to rawk!

*waves to ldyjocelyn*