JennaZ

If it hadn't been for the fan outrage, the scenario might have gone like this: Kim says a tour is in the works. A handful of outlets pick it up. Months pass. No tour. All but her fans forget about it. Life goes on. Now, there is the potential for some to spin this into some kind of feud. True, Clay might be termed a "diva," but Kim looks a little foolish (and a little presumptuous) for telling the press they were planning a spring tour when she also stated he hadn't talked to her in months. Personally, I suspect they had a conversation like this. CLAY: We had some good times together on tour, didn't we? KIM: Absolutely. Wouldn't it be great if we could do it again? RUBEN: Yup. CLAY: That could be fun. KIM: We could call it, The Reunion Tour. Sing duets, trios. CLAY (joking): Have your people call my people. KIM (taking it seriously): We'll do it. A month later. MARY: So the office says Kim's people want an answer about this tour. What do you want to tell them? CLAY: Oh, God. I can't believe she was serious. How do I tell her I don't want to do this? MARY: You have to let her know. She might be relying on this. CLAY: Yeah, I know, but I don't want to deal with this right now. Tell them we're "ruminating" the idea. Maybe she'll get the message and drop it. Two months later. KIM: Dammit! Clay still hasn't answered my calls. The Billboard reporter will be here soon. CURB PUBLICIST: Ruben and Clay are on board with this tour, right? We don't have their management's confirmation. KIM: They never told me "no." In fact, Clay said to have our agents talk to each other. I'm sure they'll work it out by the time this article is released. Tuesday afternoon, as Clay reads the responses to his blog. CLAY: What the ...! I never said I was doing this! MARY: See, I told you you should have returned her calls. However, I really do think that if the story does get out there, it can simply be spun as the result of a simple miscommunication. I could see a response stating something to the effect that there was an misunderstanding regarding the interest of the parties involved. It really is better for both if this doesn't get blown up anymore than it has.

laughn, you have me laughin'. Thank you! Absolutely! Yeah, I hope this whole Reunion Tour debacle doesn't become more juvenile than it already is. But I'm not holding my breath.

I was willing to give Kim the benefit of the doubt, but her statement "if he would have returned any of my calls over the last two months" strikes me as rather accusatory. Clay's response was rather pointed, so I can see how she might have responded in anger. However, this was not the smartest way to put this whole issue to rest. If Clay wasn't answering her calls, I find it strange that she would believe they were going to tour together. Either there has been some major miscommunication going on, or she was just a little presumptuous in going to the press with something that was so far from definite. I just hope this doesn't become some sort of "Idols Feud" story. But I would not be surprised if the fans make it into one. Oy! Just when things were settling down... Luckiest... contact me next time you're in LA. I live a block from a street with 88 sushi restaurants on it.

Glad to see you posting here, lovethatguy! I look back at my last few posts and realize that I have been on a rant about the fandom. But you do make a point that shouldn't be overlooked. For all its faults, the fandom can also be extraordinarily giving. I've seen so many people hand out expensive tickets without asking a penny in return. Any fan who can't afford a CD, a membership, or a concert will find many willing to help them out, with no expectation of payback. And people will go out of their way to provide transportation to fellow fans, even for complete strangers. Yes, I'm looking at you, lovethatguy. There really are the friendships. I am happy to say I've met many of you on this board, and have enjoyed you in person even more than I enjoy you online. It really is amazing how Clay can bring people together of different ages, backgrounds, and experiences. You can meet a Clay fan for the first time, and in an instant, you're chatting together as if you'd known each other forever. And I gotta say, I love that there are so many intelligent, articulate people in the fandom, especially here. I may not always agree with everyone, but it is, to me, extremely satisfying to discuss subjects with people who like to use punctuation and grammar. Seriously, it's nice to have real conversations with people who actually put a little thought into what they post. Kare-kare (oxtail stew) -- my absolute favorite Filipino food. But if I could only eat one thing for the rest of my life, it would be sushi. I'm absolutely addicted. Grits -- just can't get into them, though I have tried. My husband's from Louisiana, so I made some a few weeks ago. We put cheese and butter on it, and maybe I just didn't make them well, but sorry, I just can't get excited about them.

So many great posts last night! Clay really is better off than 99% of all working musicians out there, and of the idols, only Kelly and Carrie have sold more total albums. Nearly five years after Idol, he's still touring, still getting bookings on network television shows, and still recording with a major label. This need that some fans have for him to be the biggest and the best at all things tends to blind them to the fact that his career is not in a desperate situation. I too, found it fascinating, because Kelly did all the things fans thought Clay should do--fight the Man, badmouth Clive, disregard any label input. And it didn't exactly work out for her. Then, people had to figure out how hate Kelly and without admitting that RCA might have been right. I didn't like the tour either, but what shocked me was the anger that some felt toward Clay. I think people felt that they had worked so hard to establish Clay as a serious artist, and here he was throwing it all away to help friends they felt were unworthy. It was almost like he was committing an act of disloyalty, choosing Ruben and Kim over the fans who spent money on all his solo tours. People took it so personally, which is why I think reactions were so emotionally extreme. What disturbs me, sometimes, is that there seem to be many who seem to have lost a sense of perspective. The message boards are literally, their entire life. There are some who post so frequently you have to wonder, "Do you have a job? Do you have a family? Do you do anything that isn't Clay related?" And it is because they are only on the boards, every little thing takes on monumental significance. All they know about the world is what they've read on the boards and how it relates to Clay. And because the boards are their universe, they can't imagine that they would not be significant part of his. When you live in the real world, you realize that there worse problems than what kind of tour he participates in. You see that comedians and DJ's make fun of everyone, that even "cool" artists don't always sell as well as expected (i.e., 50 Cent), and that many of the negative media comments really never hit the wider, mainstream audience. Right now, the vast majority of people have no clue that Kim ever mentioned a Reunion Tour. But you never see that if you only live in "Clayworld."

What bothers me is the sense of self-importance many in the fandom seem to have. There is this idea that because we voted for him, bought his CD's, and went to his concerts, he must respond to our every whim, lavishly attending to us like a indebted artist before a wealthy and powerful benefactor. He must sing what we demand he sing, blog when we expect him to blog, and conduct his career in active consultation with us at all times. God forbid he have the temerity NOT to read our message boards! How disrespectful he is in not scheduling a concert in each of our hometowns! And how dare he keep anything secret from us--we deserve to know everything about his business, his plans, his relationships, and his life! We OWN him! People just don't seem to get that we are only a part of his world, and probably not the most important one. I'm not denying that our dollars helped build his career. However, there is a large not.just.us contingent that bought the bulk of those CD's. We are not the only ones who watched him on TV and gave him ratings. And quite frankly, our opinions can be so diverse, so contradictory, and so uniformed, that they may not always be that helpful. I love that he is his own person. Some didn't like "Without You." So what? He sang it anyway. Some hated the medleys this summer. He may have made adjustments, but he sang them at every concert. And no matter how many fans complain about Angela and Quiana getting too much stage time, year after year, he generously shares the spotlight with them. I think he respects his fans and listens to their concerns. But I think, ultimately, he does what he wants to do because he thinks it's best--NOT because the online fans demand it of him.

This has always bewildered me. Why is every bitter, mean-spirited, pot-stirrer allowed every courtesy and protection on the boards, while Clay, the ostensible reason for our fandom, can be bluntly and crudely insulted with absolute impunity? I'm not saying there should be no criticism. I just think there's a respectful way to express one's opinion, and I don't think it's censorship to ask that of fans. That's why I thank God he doesn't read the message boards often. I'd hate for him to see the kind of petty, cruel, and unfair statements about him that go unedited on nearly every board.

When he started adding the "I'm not cool" banter to his show, I really did take that as snark toward the fans who need for him to be cool. I'm sure it probably went over their heads, though. In my opinion, Clay Aiken IS cool, even if he is a total dork. I love cool dorks. I so agree with you both, ldyjocelyn and jamar. To me, his "I'm not cool" was a very clear and direct statement, though told in a funny, lighthearted way. I think he was saying, "Look--I sing sloooow songs. I'm NOT Justin Timberlake." But so many people still seem to believe he'd be a rock star if only RCA would let him. Yes, it's not always easy to be a Clay Aiken fan. People may make fun of him. People may make fun of you. It's not like being a fan of, say, Usher. I do think some fans want Clay to be cool so they won't have to feel embarrassed or defensive about their fandom. However, Clay is who is his, with all his own unique quirks and idiosyncracies. I believe he is ambitious, but not to the point of changing himself into someone he doesn't recognize. In fact, I suspect that's why he had the first "This is the Night" video scrapped, because he didn't quite connect to the edgy, angsty image it portrayed. He seems to be completely comfortable with being a dork, even if it means he isn't the most popular act in the universe. Some fans, however, seem to have trouble reconciling who he is with who they want him to be.

Yeah, I think she did want it. And maybe his "rumination" was enough to make her think it was genuine possibility. I doubt there was any malevolent intention involved. At most, there may have been a misunderstanding as to how much Clay agreed with the concept. He may have said, "Maybe," and shrugged off the idea without telling her. She might have taken that as serious consideration, or even consent. Very true. She probably expressed a hope to tour with Ruben and Clay, and the Billboard writer took it as more certain than it was. Or what Claygasm, said. Personally, I think Clay makes most of his decisions based on what he thinks is best for him, with less reliance on fan feedback than people think. That's why I tend to doubt that he monitors the fandom very closely. I'm not saying he's insensitive to fan opinion. I simply suspect that we're not the center of his world--as it should be. Ansa, I believe he had no clue about the angst until he saw the responses to his Fantasia blog. I do know people who have seen Fantasia in "The Color Purple," and they have raved about her. We know Clay likes to watch musicals, so it should come as no shock that he'd see this one, just as he saw Diana DeGarmo and Vanessa Olivarez in "Hairspray."

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the latest blog! Yippeee!!! Very interesting choice of words. I think he did find out about the tour VERY recently (as in right after he read the responses to his last blog). I'm not going to enjoy all the Kim-bashing that's about to go into overdrive, although I do wonder how this got so far in the first place, if Clay never really was "on board." Thanks, KAndre! BTW: I love EvilClay, too!

Minority opinion here: I realize it's fun to believe otherwise, but FWIW, I don't think the blog is any kind of response to the tour. I think he's been busy in New York, attending "The Color Purple" and taking care of whatever business he may have there. Roseviolet at the CH noted that he hasn't logged on the to OFC message board since 9/4. As I said before, I really don't believe he's as tuned into the online fandom as much as fans imagine (and I actually think it's healthier if he doesn't). However, if he reads the responses to his blog, he'll find out soon enough. But everyone can take it as they will...

Personally, I don't think he has to be out of the country to be unaware of the response. In fact, he may not even know Kim made any kind of statement. Fans generally tend to assume that he is as tuned into the online fandom as we are to him. However, if he's busy, he may not have reason to check the boards, and his family or management may not have heard about the furor either. This "story" hasn't really gone wide yet. Seriously, outside the CA boards, I have not heard a peep about this, and I've seen the Google and Yahoo sites, the entertainment news shows, and the local news. The VMA Awards have consumed the vast majority of press attention. If he does know, I think this is the most likely scenario. I would not be surprised if the tour plans really are rather preliminary or tentative at this time. Venues may not have been booked or even contacted. It's possible that he may have other developments or plans in the works that could prevent a spring tour from happening, things he he cannot discuss at this time. Who knows? Maybe RCA/Jive isn't crazy about having their artists in a tour that may help a Curb artist more than their own. Or perhaps he and Ruben are waiting to respond in an official press release when they have a better sense of whether this will actually happen or not. If tour plans really are in flux, he may not know exactly what to say just yet, especially if he doesn't want to publicly contradict Kim's excited statements.

I don't like the tour concept, but I just can't ascribe any negative motives to Kim for speaking about it. I think she's just excited about the possibility. The sensitivities of Clay fans are probably not even on her radar. Apparently, Ken Barnes has, in an article, said that she's "hoping to tour" with Clay and Ruben? Could it be a sign that it's far from certain? As I said, I suspect the reason we haven't heard about this from Clay is because nothing is set in stone just yet. Remember how different it was with the Independent Tour? For that, you had simultaneous announcements by both Kelly and Clay.

I've always found it bizarre that fans claimed to be more knowledgeable about the state of Clay's friendships than Clay, himself. Just because he hasn't mentioned Kim lately, doesn't mean they never speak. We all get busy. We all have friends we're closer to compared to others. I can totally believe that he still loves Kim and Ruben, and that he enjoys spending time with them. I suspect Kim is discussing it because a tour because it's something she wants to happen. However, my guess is that we haven't heard about this from Clay because nothing is final, firm, or committed. It's always possible that upcoming developments may prevent a full-fledged tour, that management teams may balk, or that the logistics, scheduling or finances don't work out. For all we know, this has not gone beyond mere discussion. At least, I hope so. No, I don't think it would ruin Clay's career. I'm still not thrilled about it, but I'd probably go if it were nearby. And yeah, I agree it is ridiculous to assume this says anything about his next album.

In the Billboard article, Kim seems to think it's a "tour" and not merely a charity concert or special, limited anniversary appearance. As I said, I like both her and Ruben. However, I think they need the money and exposure of a real tour, and that that's what they're aiming for. The fact that this story appears in Billboard, and that Kim seems so specific (discussing duets, etc.), to me, makes this a little bit more than mere rumor or speculation. However, I wouldn't be surprised if this whole thing is something she, Ruben and Clay just chatted about informally ("Hey, wouldn't it be great if we could tour together!") and not something that has been fully researched, planned, and signed. I hope it doesn't come to fruition. If it does, I'll live with it. I may even go if it's nearby. (((AIKim))), I don't find the fact the expression of concern very funny either.

I like Kim and Ruben as people. I believe they are good friends of Clay's, and that he may actually think it would be fun to tour with them again. I don't doubt that they could make good music together. I've always hated how Kim and Ruben were treated on the Clay boards, because even though I've never bought their music, I do think they have great voices and a genuine loyalty toward our guy. However, I can't say I'm enthusiastic about a tour which packages him as a former reality show contestant rather than as an established performer. Quite frankly, the concept feels a little desperate. To me, Kim and Ruben fall into that "whatever-happened-to" category of celebrities, and I worry that in joining them, Clay might be placed into that category as well. I do wonder whether SAM will recommend this tour. It might bring in income, but I'm not sure if it really enhances Clay's professional image. Ah, well. I suppose one should look for the positive. He'd probably enjoy it. It'd probably be a good show. More Clack for us, something to enjoy until his new album or next solo tour. I'm not one to angst, but I'm sorry, I can't join the glee on this one.

Are you talking about the Kim Locke article in which she claims that she, Clay, and Ruben may be touring together next year? I'm wondering if it's a plan that's under serious consideration by all three, or if it's more of an idea that she floated out there that hasn't been flatly rejected. I can see Clay wanting to help out his friends, and it's possible Idol Rewind could make the concept marketable. However, it would seem strange to me that Clay, after touring on his own for so long, would cut his stage time by 2/3. I suppose it's possible that he's worried that the lack of a new album might make it difficult for him to book gigs alone in summer 2008. Honestly, the prospect doesn't thrill me. However, so much can happen that might preclude such an event. Whatever "developments" he has may prevent a summer tour, as he once hinted. A new album could come out early enough in 2008 to make a solo tour more profitable. Then, too, fall television appearances (Idol Rewind, 5th Grader, skating special) could boost Christmas ticket sales to the point where he might think he can tour alone. I guess we'll find out, soon enough. However, something tells me that plans are far from firm just yet. ETA: I guess the article does say Spring 2008, which could make a summer solo tour still possible.

Why do you always have the best discussions when I'm away from the boards! Radio play - Yeah, I think Clay wants it, enough to find a producer who will find a way to "make him more hip without trying too hard." And with the right song, I do think anything is possible, including Top 40. It's not going to be easy, because he does have some preconceptions to overcome. However, I would not be surprised if it makes it happen. I've often thought that the old "mystery artist" scenario might be an interesting way to re-introduce him. Remember Donny Osmond and "Soldier of Love"? Apparently, the same thing is being done with a Hanson song. Hanson crosses "Great Divide" with anonymous airplay How that new album will sound, really, is anyone's guess. However, my instinct is that it will be different, but not radically so. I wasn't there, but that Solitaire is one of my all-time favorite pieces of Clack. In it, he falters, loses his way for a bit, but maintains his composure and finishes so impressively that the mistake becomes irrelevant. It's magnificent to watch, and I can't help but see it as representative of how he may approach life. He's not always perfect, but he knows how to get past his errors and make the best out of what he has.

I so agree. I used to watch all the Clack of every performance from every concert. However, when my concerts came around, I'd find myself thinking things like, "He hit that note better in Orlando," or "His schtick was funnier in Denver." I remember telling a friend I'd taken to a concert, "His voice was much better in Anaheim. He must be sick." She looked at me like I was crazy, because she thought he was fantastic. This time around, I saw very little Clack before my concert at the Greek. And you know what? I loved every minute of it. I did not find the TV Medley too long or obscure, and the Jefferson part was my favorite part of it. To me, the Classics medley wasn't too campy. It was fun, hilarious, and a great way to get people off their feet. Maybe the Greek wasn't the perfect concert, but it was the best concert experience I ever had, because I didn't go into it with a lot of expectations. I could simply enjoy the moment. I realize that may not work for everyone, and that many can see all the Clack and still enjoy the concert. But I do think there is a danger in analyzing the concerts too heavily before you attend one. Absolutely! I think that's precisely why he brought in the medleys, to keep the concerts from becoming some sort of staid, formal orchestral recital. He wanted to have fun. I love, love, love comic Clay. It's a big reason I've remained a fan all these years.

Ah Mandler, we must be kindred spirits. I have been known to embarrass myself in front to animated Disney films, myself. When I saw "The Fox and the Hound," I sobbed so much people turned around to stare. I remember crying in "Old Yeller" too. Of course, I cried when Frosty the Snowman melted in the cartoon! Another sad movie -- "Life is Beautiful" There is something cathartic in a really good tear-jerker, sometimes. And Couchie and Ansa, THANK YOU for starting and maintaining this place. It's been a refuge and a source of joy when I really needed it.

Ah Mandler, we must be kindred spirits. I have been known to embarrass myself in front to animated Disney films, myself. When I saw "The Fox and the Hound," I sobbed so much people turned around to stare. I remember crying in "Old Yeller" too. Of course, I cried when Frosty the Snowman melted in the cartoon! Another sad movie -- "Life is Beautiful" There is something cathartic in a really good tear-jerker, sometimes. And Couchie and Ansa, THANK YOU for starting and maintaining this place. It's been a refuge and a source of joy when I really needed it.

Oh, is it sad movie time? My nominations: Terms of Endearment (Shirley MacLaine, Deborah Winger) Imitation of Life (Lana Turner, Sandra Dee, Juanita Turner) Misunderstood (Henry Thomas, Gene Hackman) These movies make me cry every.single.time. I was misty-eyed in Titanic, but these send streams flowing down my face. Oh, and I loved "The Long Walk Home, " too Couchie! I was surprised how much it moved me.

I agree with you, Ansa. Clay and Jimmy are closer in age, and my suspicion is that in doing the skit, they had a chance to get to know each other. Leno seems a bit older, and his relationship, rather more distant--not because of anything negative between them--but because his interaction with Clay has been at a more superficial level. I never saw Leno as condescending toward Clay, but there is, naturally, a bit of an older man/younger man vibe when Clay is on. I've always enjoyed Clay's appearances on Leno. There's always some playful teasing going on, but Clay seems entirely comfortable with it. Yes, Leno is apt to make the occasional joke about Clay when he's not on the show, but frankly, Leno makes jokes about every celebrity. Tom Cruise, Angelina Jolie, and others take their hits from him, but when they have something to promote, they still show up and he treats them in a friendly manner. It's just the way the business works.

Sad songs for me: Seventeen ("those of us with ravaged faces, lacking in the social graces, desperately remained at home, inventing lovers on the phone") Only the Lonely All By Myself (the scene in Bridget Jones' Diary was funny, but a little poignant too) Ode to Billy Joe (remember the Kristi McNichol/Robbie Benson movie?) Don't Take the Girl (country song in which the singer begs God not to take his wife, who is dying in childbirth)

It is pleasure to have a place to share the Clay love, especially as many of us don't feel comfortable expressing him freely among their friends and co-workers. I'm fortunate in that my closest friends and family who know I'm a fan never comment negatively, though I rarely mention him to them. However, with others, I just keep my fandom a tightly held secret. I have to say, it's interesting what you hear among people who aren't aware that you're a fan. I have one co-worker who loves TMZ, adores the tabloids, and of course, believes every negative word about Clay. I also have another co-worker who thinks very highly of him and firmly believes he should have won American Idol. A third co-worker doesn't care for his style of music, but is the first to say that he has an amazing voice. A fourth is from North Carolina and enjoys seeing him on TV, though she's never bought a CD or seen him in concert. Now these are all unsolicited comments that came up in random conversations not instigated by me. I agree that there are people who don't like Clay Aiken. However, personally, I've found that--as with anything--feelings vary, with some less negative than others. Honestly, I think that most people barely ever think of him. Of those that have an opinion, feelings range considerably. I do think Clay does have a lot of fans beyond the hard core internet following. Otherwise, his concerts would not sell as well as they have. One of the reasons I'd love to see Clay on television more is because I believe that his personality can help win even more people over, especially men. We've seen it time and time again in concerts--people go in expecting to be be bored and come out thinking he's a great singer and very funny guy. Clay has enormous potential. I really do think it's possible for him to grow in popularity, regardless of what some might think of his sexuality. It just takes a little more thought to market him, because he has a lot of preconceptions to overcome. However, IMHO, if he's positioned smartly, under the right circumstances, ultimately, the sky's the limit. BTW: I love Galaxy Quest. Love Shakespeare (Henry IV, Pt. 1 rules!)