JennaZ

I'm glad to hear he's feeling better, looking great, and sounding terrific!

Thanks for bringing over all the reports!

I was out at a Christmas party last night so I've just been reading the reports this morning. I can't tell you how amazed and impressed I am by his commitment to his performance and this show. Not only did he show up and sing, but he still continued to banter and joke despite his precarious condition. Incredible!

Like ldyJocelyn, I'm having a hard time concentrating on work. I must admit to be being more than a little worried, and I'm not usually a worrier. I just hope that the people around him are taking good care of him, and that he doesn't compromise his health just to please the fans.

Does anyone know any more about these reports I have read that Clay supposedly hit his head twice last night? I keep seeing references to it but I have yet to find out where those reports came from.

It was reported at CH that Jessie told someone that he had hit his head twice this week accidentally (not out of dizziness). It's not clear to me whether it's related to the vertigo.

I'm curious to hear what the reactions of the not.just.us crowd were, or the orchestra musicians. I hope they realize what a gift his performance was.

Wow! So many great posts!

And when I saw the look Clay gave Ethel, I read it completely differently. To me, his look was....'schmoopie'...like really sweet and 'sympatico'...like he really was touched by and understanding what she was saying and that it was from her heart. I like to think he believed she spoke for us all, because those words, "It's all good", really said it all for me, too.

I so agree, muskifest. As Ansamcw so aptly said, Ethel's statement was one of unconditional love, and I think Clay appreciated it as such. Too many, I think, simply resent any fan who seems to get more attention from him than others.

I think what bugs me more than anything else is the sense of entitlement I feel from so many of the fans. Being able to have clack in the first place is something that should NEVER be taken for granted. But yet, some expect that once Clay was "open" to the idea (JNT 2005, JBT), clack gathering should always be open from that point on. IMO, that's just not right. There's too many variances here to assume that this will always happen.

Excellent point, ldyjocelyn. A lot of fans do feel entitled to so much, no matter what Clay gives. It sometimes reminds me of the book, "The Giving Tree." Give an inch and they demand a mile. He tours every year but NO, it's not enough because he's not touring at a location convenient to them. He does M&G's but NO, it's not enough because they aren't long enough for him to fall in love with them. I've seen fans get disgruntled because he pranked around a lot during finale show when they felt entitled to the same "serious" performances other venues got. Of course, whenever he blogs, there's anger that he doesn't blog enough or that he didn't say what he wanted them to say. Some seem to spend more time griping about what they don't have than enjoying what they do.

I guess our puppy-torching tolerances are set at all different levels. For me, it would never be what Clay sang, where he sang it, what he wore and how his hair looked while he sang it, his tolerance for the word "Claymates", an inconsistent Clack-taking policy, or anything performance related.

I hear ya. None of those things you have mentioned have made me simply ANGRY at him. I find the reactions to "claymate" particularly silly. I'm not fond of the term at all, but IMO, it's part of the lexicon at this point, and Clay seems to be OK with it. I can deal with it.

Me, too. I am often amazed at the emotion that accompanies some of these "issues." In the grand scheme of things, they're all pretty trivial. However, some seem to take everything very, very seriously.

Speaking of "cussing Clay"...heh...

Talking up the hands of Clay

BY RAFER GUZMÁN

Newsday Staff Writer

Thanks for bringing over that interview. Very charming.

A refrain I have heard for years is let Clay be Clay. I may not always like what that is or agree with what that is and I know I won't always agree with his choices and decisions. But, as long as they are HIS choices and decisions, I can live with it.

We all fell in love with Clay. Why can't we just let him be Clay?

So true, Claygasm. It's funny, though, because that phrase, "Let Clay be Clay" is actually a bit controversial on some boards. Some see it as a phrase used to shut down any analysis or criticism of him, and I've seen some real anger at its use. Personally, I see nothing wrong with it. I believe fans should be free to share their opinions. I just wish more would do so with a sense of tactfulness and respect toward him.

atinal, I think you're right about Kelly Ripa and Clay showing he had a sense of humor about the situation. And I also agree with this terrific post:

We are indeed a spoiled fandom and I enjoy Clack as much as the next person, but I do wonder sometimes, do we ever get to the point that there is too much Clack? Wait, Wait Wait, don't tar and feather me yet. This has less to do with concert Clack, more to do with Clack in general. I think we have gotten so used to someone capping his TV appearances that many don't worry about watching the actual TV shows any more. Regarding concert Clack I know this, I haven't been able to download and watch all of the stuff from this concert so far. I'm sure I'll be glad later that it is there. I also believe that people should stop and think before posting Clack, if it is something that Clay would want to be out there for the whole world to see (ie, the note).

We are spoiled. I remember the excitement the fandom had over the very first few clips we had of Invisible on the AI tour. Now, everyone expects every concert, in full, within hours of performance. And they complain if they don't like the sound or picture. If, God forbid, Jerome or venue security limit filming, people whine about how Clay allowed it before and how its unfair that that its being restricted now. Clack is being treated as a right, not a bonus.

As someone who lives on the West Coast and cannot afford to fly to the East, I must admit that I look to those are able to drive to multiple concerts with some envy. It's not always to easy to read people's excitement knowing you won't be able to experience it personally. To some extent, I can understand some of the resentment.

That said, I cannot blame Clay for not doing a lot of West Coast touring, because I suspect he just gets more (and possibly better) offers from the midwest and Atlantic states. (It seems to me that historically, Eastern and Midwest dates have generally sold best). These touring routes are business decisions, not personal ones. I understand that a comprehensive tour could sustain interest in him nationally. I just don't think a tour with full regional representation is necessarily as easy to arrange as some seem to think, not at Clay's stage in his career.

But these complaints arise every.single.time a concert schedule is announced. It's so predictable and rather tiresome. Some seem to take the lack of west coast (or Texan, Canadian, etc.) concerts as a personal snub, as if the schedule suggests that Clay doesn't care about them. It's as if they think of him as an inattentive lover who should be wooing them instead of ignoring them. (I remember one poster who sniffed that she would follow Constantine because HE was playing near her). It's ridiculous. There is such a tendency in this fandom for people to personalize things that just aren't personal.

More great stories from CB, posted at CH by Claymaniac in PA.

Since it's a quiet night, some NJU stories from elsewhere.

From CB, LVClaymate1130's dad was clayverted. Her posts and some schmoopie stuff are in this thread:

A Beautiful Man, Inside and Out. Quote:

i wish i could relive that handshake again . he even gave my dad one and he wasn't even in line he was leaning on the stone wall. clay looked over at him and said 'merry christmas sir' and extended his hand out across the sidewalk. when my dad told me that felt really joyous and happy. clay won my dad over with his voice last night. so last nights concert was/is going to remain special to me!

ETA: my dad has been talking non-stop about the concert and is bragging to all his friends about it. one of them even wants to come along the next time we go if it is local! very exciting coming from the man who would make fun of him and say he couldn't sing before hand.

A Williamsport review from the CB cellcerts and reviews forum that fills in more of a story that I had read here. From GrandmaJoan:

Quote:

Another comment about Williamsport concert.

Our Central New Jersey fan club group ate together at an Italian Restaurant called Franco's. It was recommended by the BullFrog Brewery since they were filled up. We were eating and having a great time when a little boy came over to our table and asked if us "pink ladies" were Clay Aiken fans. We all had our pink Clay jackets on. I told him we were Clay fans. Then he went around and hugged all 10 of us and told us he was the biggest Clay fan ever. He was 12 years old, sings in his school chorus and his dream was to meet Clay Aiken. His mother got the tickets to the concert since we is such a fan. She also came over to our table and we told her how amazing and sweet her son was. She informed us that he is slow, has a 2nd grade reading level and goes to special classes. I told her that Clay shoud get to meet her son since he is very involved with children with disabilities and that he would love to meet him. Then it was time to go and he hugged all of us again. We all melted; just wanted to take him home with us. Anyway, after the amazing concert we all went out to the bus. As stated by others, we were asked to line up single file. The line actually went around the huge parking lot, out onto the street and up 3 blocks. We did what Jerome asked. Everyone was very cooperative, in a great mood, singing Christmas carols waiting for Clay to come out. The little boy was on the line. He was first in line with his mom. Or so he thought. Since Clay started at the far end, it turns out that he was last. We were about 10 behind him. I told one of the security guards about this child and said Clay really needs to talk with him. He said he would see what he could do. Clay came out, walked the line shaking and touching everyone's hand and telling all "Merry Christmas, thanks for coming". When he got to the little boy, he and Jerome went over to him and his mom. Clay put his arm around him and escorted both of them into the building. A few minutes later, the boy and his mom came out and they both were crying. We were all clapping being able to witness this beautiful moment. We went over to them. They could not speak; they were so overwhelmed. The boy had some things in his hand that Clay had given him. Couldn't see what they were. Over and over again, Clay shows his love and compassion for children. What a wonderful gesture. I'll remember it for a long time. I think the Williamsport concert was the best one so far.

Wonderful not.just.us story by clayzedover at CH:

Clay was wonderful in Hartford -- a little rushed, but a great performance nonetheless.

As my travel group was leaving after the show, we waited for an elevator and were joined by one of the Hartford Symphony musicians. Man was in his late fifties, and just about fit inside the elevator with his instrument bags, etc.

He asked US how we enjoyed the show. We told him it was GREAT and the symphony was beautiful. He then asked us excitedly:

"Have you EVER heard a VOICE like THAT?"

We looked at each other and smiled, knowingly, back at him. Not sure he fully understood the smiles. I don't think the symphony members were aware of the craz...er...enthusiastic nature of Clay's fans. We decided to play a little, and said something like:

"No. Not lately. Nobody else sings like that today. He was excellent."

The guy agrees wholeheartedly, then tells us that he has been around a long time and he is extremely impressed with Clay. Said he was such a nice person even during rehersal. He was glad to have worked with him. He also expressed some concern that Clay might not be able to sustain that kind of performance because he has such an exhaustive schedule.

We then explained that we'd seen several shows already and that Clay's voice gets stronger as the tour goes along. By this time, the elevator doors opened up and the guy helped keep the doors open for all of us to get out. He mentioned again how great Clay's voice is.....

As he walked out the doors of the elevator, he was shaking his head from side to side and grinning, muttering to himself: "AMAZING."

I just love it when musicians become part of the "Not.Just.Us" contingent.

Clay does seem to be making a wonderful impression on the musicians he's been worth with!

Aww... I envy all you FCA's meeting up in NYC. Wish I could join you (or even make it to a concert), but there's none in Southern California, and I'm afraid I just can't justify the expense.

Yay! for the MCWL sales!

Thanks for the reports, gals!

Sounds like another fine night, albeit a rather quick one. Interesting that he asked Julia DeMato to be there, despite the fact that they haven't spoken in a while. I guess he thought that since he was in town, he should should say "hello."

With the set-up, it must have seemed like one big party.

The venue is in the ballroom of a convention center, so the seating is all flat, with a raised stage. There is table setting in the front, where they were served dinner before the show, plus seats in the back which may have a pretty poor view.

That's a different set-up. Still, I guess it goes to show you don't necessarily need a traditional theatre to have a concert.

ETA: I was just elsewhere for a moment, to a place where HDD numbers are posted. It always amazes me how depressed some get seeing those numbers when there are good numbers for some artists that once appeared on AI. Is it just me? Why should it matter how many albums DAUGHTRY! sold or Carrie Underwood? Those sales aren't taking away from Clay's sales and wouldn't, IMO, even if their albums were all released the same week.

There's a lot of jealousy when it comes to other idols, especially among those who believe that RCA is sabotaging Clay. As others have mentioned, many enjoyed the sales "bragging rights" Clay enjoyed for a long time. The competitive nature of the fandoms causes some to fear he's being "left behind."

I'll admit, I don't enjoy reading about the sales successes of other idols. However, for me, it's not worth it to me to angst. I get more pleasure in talking about Clay than I do in worrying about others.

Thanks for the reminder, bottlecap. We do have a lot to look forward to this month. It will be interesting to see how Clay's R&K appearance will be introduced or promoted.

Great story, and great job, Muski! Have a great time in Miami!

Yeah, I know Clay hasn't seemed ready to do a personal album. I've said as much before. I just hope that he'll consider sharing himself a little more, because I believe he has a lot to offer. Regardless of what Clay sings, fans would pick apart his choices. They certainly did with ATDW.

Hey georgia and marsha! Don't feel shy about posting.

As I said before, I have nothing against Ethel. I don't see her as a fame whore or an attention seeker. To me, she's just an enthusiastic fan Clay seems to have taken a liking to. There seems to be some jealousy over her status, but I hope none of it drives her out of the fandom.

BTW: I'm fairly impressed at the number of news sites picking up the story about Clay reading to the children. Maybe it's the limousine ride that caught people's attention.

Yes, I was one of the naysayers and I will admit I was wrong.

With a caveat. If it had been another almost 2 month long tour in the vein of JNT05, with vignettes etc, I would still say I was right. But only because I really did not like those vignettes.

I tend to agree with you, Claygasm. I found the vignettes lovely, but I find myself enjoying Clay's banter and audience interaction more. He doesn't really need a scripted story, a big cast, or elaborate sets. It's his voice and his personality that really sell him. I really hope that Clayhas begun to understand that his sense of humor really is one of his most valuable assets. I've said it often and I'll say it again: I believe Clay's comedic skill is his key to broader acceptance, particularly with male audiences.

In a way I think its good to have this periods of uncertainty for Clay. It presents a challenge to Clay and his team to try and make that fanbase grow. I would hope that would be the goal for the next CD.

Thanks for the article, Ansamcw. You have a good point, here. Uncertain times may be scary for us, but they could help Clay and his team from becoming complacent and depending too heavily on the loyalty of established fans.

I understand where you are coming from Bottle...but ya know at this point I think he was right in wondering where Clay's career is going. Now I do not want people to take this as a doom and gloom thing.

I think Clay will always have a good career in show business...I think he will always be able to draw a good audience of a thousand to 2 thousand people. But if he wanta a bigger career...its will all depend on the music he puts out. At this point being a good singer is not enough...IMO. I see Clay's career is now at a crosspoint.

I do believe ATDW was done in concession to CLive's vision for Clay. I think the fact that the sales were not as strong indicates that without much promotion in radio or TV of the music per se...Clay cannot really meet his full potential. So at this point which way do they go. Unless Clay gets a legitimate hit song...he will not be able to build his fanbase. But do they push ATDW in radio and hope it has a potential hit or two? Do they go with the covers? Or do they start pushing his originals in the hope of getting people used to hearing new stuff from Clay to prepare for the next CD. Or do they just go back to the studio and try to get the new CD out as soon as possible.

There is a lot of question mark in Clay's career right now...the next year will be interesting once again. I really think they would have to set a clear vision for his musical direction in his next CD to get to the next level of succes in the music industry.

Excellent post.

There are a lot choices ahead, although some of them may be determined by situations we are not aware of. I tend to believe that for Clay to move to the next level, he should work on an album that's a little more personal, a little more defined, a little more reflective of who he is rather than what he can sing. This could be a scary thing for him, but I think it could help him develop as an artist, and help marketers focus his narrative. If Lover All Alone is any indication, I suspect that if he were to really put his feelings, experiences, and personality into his music, the results could be astounding. He is a unique, fascinating, complex individual. I'd love to see all that reflected more in his music.

Then, again, I often think that Clay is simply not destined to have a standard career path, and that he is too unusual to conform to traditional industry models. I think a lot of the Pod People frustration comes out of the fact that Clay is not being plugged into the regular formulas. There seems to be this belief that anyone can be made into a star if there's enough money involved. Honestly, I don't think it's that easy. If it were, there would be no uncertainty in the record business. I suspect that Clay confounds a lot of industry execs, and that any missteps are not the result of malice but of confusion. My feeling is that one day, once someone actually figures out the true nature of Clay's appeal, and how to market that, the sky's the limit.

Great report, Claygasm! Sounds like you had a great audience with you that night.

I haven't been streaming the cellcerts, but what I have been doing is downloading some of the full concert mp3's and listening to them during the commute to and from work. Last Friday, what struck me about the show was how much the experience of listening to his act reminded me of Garrison Keillor's NPR radio show, "The Prarie Home Companion." There's music, humor, and even a similar sense of folksiness. I once went to a Garrison Keillor Christmas show at the Disney Music Hall here in LA (breathtaking venue, btw) which included a full orchestra, and I remember imagining Clay in that place with a similar type of set up. Though Keillor is more of a humorist than a vocalist, his show and Clay's show were really not that different in style.

It made me think that a similar sort of concert/radio show could be an interesting option for Clay, one day. Most of Keillor's shows are broadcast live from his home state of Minnesota. However, he also does shows in concert halls around the country, which seem to earn him decent revenue in ticket sales. The shows include some storytelling, music sung by him and guests, a bit of audience interaction, and the occasional comedic skit. It's not a talk show, and I wouldn't want Clay to follow Keillor's format exactly, but such an opportunity might allow him to sing, to showcase his sense of humor, to talk to guests, to travel, or to work from Raleigh if he chose to do so. I could see him doing a show where every week, he'd sing a few songs, do a little interactive comedic stand-up with the audience, interview interesting locals, or maybe feature a local act. NPR may not be as high profile as television (and we'd miss the visual), but ratings pressure would be less and success could lead to bigger things. If done well, it could expand his fanbase, help promote his CD's, and bring in revenue not just from license fees, but from ticket sales. And I could see him appealing to the NPR crowd, an audience that tends to be less obsessed with what is "hip" or "cool." I don't know. Just a random idea.

While we're listing preferences...

I'm not a fan of the glasses, but I generally assume that when he wears them, it's for a reason (dryness, allergies, a sty, a corneal abrasion, etc.). Because of that, I can't criticize him for wearing them.

The hair has been better for me. I thought it looked great when it was a little wavier. However, hairstyles are so transient that it's hard for me to understand the importance some people seem to place on his.

Stubble... Sorry, Claygasm. Never been fond of the stubble. I've always preferred clean-shaven men, and I like being able to see his face.

That said, I didn't become a fan and stay a fan because of variable little details such as these. For me, it's the voice, the personality, and the heart.

Thanks for bringing over all the reports!

Ah.... Wilkes Barre. Those two words will always have a soft spot in my heart.

I do truly wonder if we'll ever get more out of Clay besides "I like to sing pretty songs." I don't know why exactly, but I feel he's one that just can't analyze to death why he likes a song in particular. He just DOES. Will we get more of his thought processes regarding the next album? Maybe...but for somer eason, I'm not holding my breath. I wish I could figure out why I feel that way -- projection?

I sometimes wonder if Clay is not yet at a place where he feels comfortable talking about music on a deeply personal and emotional level. I also wonder if it's why he has seemed so reluctant to write. Exposing one's soul to the universe can make one feel extremely vulnerable. At this time, it may be easier for him to deal with his music somewhat superficially. Maybe he doesn't have much to say about his musical choices because many of his reasons are primarily intellectual. "I like this song because it's a great song that fits my range." What I don't see enough of are reasons like, "I like this song because it reminds me of how I felt when X happened to me" or "I relate to this song because of Y." His narrative may seem unfocused because most of the music may not be that personal for him.

However, because he wrote the lyrics, Lover All Alone does seem like a personal song. I also think that it's the most powerful and universal, because most of us, at one point or another, have felt alone and longed to love. I just wonder if he realizes this. I think that once he feels comfortable singing deeply personal songs, the narrative will begin to focus. I don't think he has to write every song to make it personal. I just think he'd be able to relate to them on an emotional level he can articulate.

Of course, this is MY vision for him. I'll love him whatever he decides to sing. However, I can't help but believe wonder if he were willing to put a little more of himself into his music, or to admit what the music means to him emotionally, he would be easier for others to relate to. It's possible he's not quite there yet. However, if Lover All Alone is any indication, he may well be on his way.

Great post, Claygasm. I'd heard that Elton John had complained about promotion. Janet Jackson's boyfriend has made similar claims. Even Madonna. Essentially, in-store promotion seems to go only to a lucky few, no matter how good sales have been in the past. Some say that the real reason Elton, Janet, and Madonna aren't getting what they used to is ageism. Labels perceive that they appeal to older audiences, and thus are unwilling to promote them as they would younger artists. I do think it's possible that Clay's fans are perceived to be older, which may explain the similar treatment.

I agree, though, that Clay does not have the kind of sound that slips easily into most radio formats.

I think I am the only poster who is not an admin - at least on this board

Nah, it's you and me both!

And ye shall know us by our edits...

Congrats to all the new mods!

Apparently, an ATDW was also spotted on Lifetime. Could others follow? Seems to me that with December television appearances taped, there really was a multi-stage promotional plan.

Yes, Clay has always been an entertainer. I really believe that his sense of humor is key to greater acceptance. The voice is phenomenal, but I think it's his personality that endears. More and more, the talk shows are giving him the opportunity to demonstrate his comedic skills. I was hoping this Christmas format would leave room for more banter. I never dreamed it would be such a laughfest.

An ATDW ad! But...but...how does that screw Clay Aiken? I get it! They're buying ad time to suck people into stores to buy Clay's CD, but they'll suppress stock supply so that when fans go to the stores, they will be irresistably drawn to buy Daughtrey CD's. Or Fantasia CD's. Or Taylor Hick's CD's. Yeah, that's the ticket!

Great recap, playbiller! Sounds like a lovely concert!

Some of these theories really defy any sense of logic. I guess people who want to believe Clay is getting screwed by RCA can use anything as "evidence."

There's a lot of disgruntlement in the fandom. I get it. I just don't understand why people are wasting time concocting such absurd notions when there's quite a bit to be joyful about. He's singing in tour! The Clack's pouring in. He sounds amazing, and he's going to be on TV quite a bit in December.

Why spend the season in bitterness?

So they're saying RCA forced Clay to record a Christmas album for the sole purpose of bringing in customers to buy Daughtrey CD's? Wow! It's amazing what the deluded mind can come up with.

Oh, I think that individual Clack gatherers should have the right to determine what should or should not be shared publicly. I just believe that it's not too much to ask that they take a moment consider possible consequences. I'm not saying we shouldn't see anything imperfect. Just that we understand that Clack can be used by anyone. If we decide that discretion is unnecessary, and that all Clack is good Clack, we must be willing to accept the misuses with equanimity.

Honestly, I don't think the Waukegan clip really impacted Clay much at all. It's such a minor misstep, and it was clearly overshadowed by Jessica Simpson's situation at the Kennedy Center. I'm not sure it needed to be kept offline, really.

However, it's not a bad idea to at least think about potential conquences whenever we share Clack, even for a second. 99.9999% of the time, the possibility of a negative outcome is minimal. However, that extra second of thought could be significant in that .0001% of cases when restraint may actually be in Clay's best interest.

I suspect there is a fear that a call for discretion would create a chilling effect. I don't think that has to happen. I think we just need to be more more aware.

I don't mind Ethel. She seems like a genuinely warm person, and Clay seems to like her. I'll admit, I do wonder if Clay may be directing a bit too much of his banter to the repeat audience. However, he does seem to be bringing the house down. Personally, I have a feeling that Clay is going to get funnier and funnier as the weeks progress.

Ansa, wanted to say that I agree with your well thought out post at the CH and the sharing of Clack, I'd also like to say that I don't know Precious at the CH, but I understood what she was getting at regarding the Waukegan AIW. Those responding to her seemed to feel that it was posted by some hater that just got it off of one of the public sites, I think she was feeling like it was a "fan" who put it up on YouTube and couldn't understand why a fan would do that. I understand her concern and confusion.

I agree with your post, too Ansa. I think there is a need for greater discretion, especially now that there are so many more available means of distributing video.

I do think there has been a lack of discretion in the past. IMHO, there was a lack of discretion when the link to the "hands" photo was posted. I also think that there is such a demand for Clack that when people upload to public sites, they really have not been stopping to think, "Could this be used against Clay?" or "Would this be embarrassing to him if shown out of context?" I don't believe I have ever heard of footage kept out of concern for Clay's image. The only reason people seem to have not uploaded video is because of picture or sound quality. He's missed notes before, forgotten the words, etc. (I remember a particularly gruesome "Run to Me" from long ago.) It's all been available. However, what may be charming and forgiveable for fans, can be ridiculed by detractors. I don't think it's too much to ask before putting up Clack, "Is this something you wouldn't mind seeing on the morning news?" Because, quite frankly, that's entirely possible.

We're living in a digital age. I don't think it's "Letting the haters win" to take a moment to evaluate Clack before posting it. 99.9% of the Clack is magnificent and worthy of broadcast. We just need to be aware that we're not the only ones watching.