JennaZ

I don't think Clay is a naturally gifted dancer, but I do believe he can dance. He'll never be Gregory Hines, but I think he can learn to move comfortably and confidently. And I believe that training will serve him well in the future. I'm just impressed that he embraced this role, knowing full well that it would involve a considerable amount of dance, something he's always claimed to be a weakness of his. It was a brave thing to take on, and it's great that he's doing as well as he has been. Besides, it's not as if people come to Spamalot for the dancing.

When I was in high school, I remember someone telling my class, "There's no adult alive who wants to be held to a decision they made when they were eighteen." So true. When I think back at who I was back then, and all the things I hadn't learned or experienced yet, I'm grateful that my biggest decision was simply about which college to attend. And even then, I kind of wish I'd had the guts to expand my horizons by going to an out-of-state school rather than one that was only three hours away from home. Ah well... I can believe that Clay may not have been as focused at seventeen as he may be now. I can also believe that he may have a short attention span, although it may not necessarily be to the level of ADD. I have a cousin who had so much trouble concentrating on his studies (he got so restless and was easily distracted) that his fellow medical students advised him to get tested for ADD. Guess what? He didn't have it, and he was tested at a university facility. ((fear)) Me too, ldyjocelyn. Many seem to think that if someone does not get Clay, it can only be because they were manipulated by AI/RCA/the media/etc., or because they're jealous. But honestly, there are good and decent people out there with different tastes. Sure, I wish more people saw what we see. However, even if Clay had everything going for him (sold out stadiums, #1 hits, critical acclaim and multi-media success), someone wouldn't like him. Not everyone likes The Beatles or Elvis either. Personally, I think all we can do is try not to let it bother us too much and let Clay win people over. Trying to change everyone who has different tastes is, IMHO, futile and possibly even counterproductive.

Personally, I believe Clay has downplayed his prior stage experience because, 1) high school and local community theater really is completely different than Broadway, and 2) it suits him to appear modest and self-deprecating. I suspect that to some extent, it's part of his self-defense mechanism. Position yourself as a newbie, and any faults can be chalked up to inexperience. Declare yourself a stage veteran, and you may be held to a higher standard. Quite frankly, if he'd gone into interviews saying, "Well, I've performed in high school and community theater, so I know how this is done," people might have laughed at his arrogance. Broadway is far, far beyond where he was as a teenager. No doubt, his prior experience has helped him. However, I don't think that bringing up those early roles really gives him that much more credibility. Perhaps I'm alone in this, but I actually love his modesty. I know others would prefer that he promote his accomplishments more forcefully, but I find his self-effacement charming and not at all detrimental to his image or career. As for Terrence Mann, I guess I'm not really that concerned about a comment he made a year ago about something that happened over a decade ago. Only fans would dig this up for examination and extrapolation. I'm not saying it shouldn't be discussed. I just don't find it particularly relevant to Clay's current situation. JMHO.

So true. It's the way I feel, as well. No matter where one posts, words can have consequences. Doesn't mean we should not speak. Just means we have to accept the possible ramifications. Some don't mind pissing people off. Others like to steer clear of confrontation. As long as we all understand the situation, I think it's fine.

I think two of the others who leave the island are Jin and Sun, mainly because I think it will allow them to have the baby off the island. As for the person in the coffin, I'm with CG on this. I really don't think it's Hurley, because I can't imagine him becoming so alienating that no one but Jack would show up. My theory: the person in the coffin is Ben. I think it would be an interesting twist if someone who didn't want to leave was actually forced to do so, and Ben probably wouldn't have friends or acquaintances off the island. I suspect that the reason Jack was so upset to read about his death was because he thought he was the one guy who might be able to get back to the island. He may have gone to the funeral hoping to meet others who might have such knowledge, but was disappointed to see no one else there.

LMAO - That was great!

WORD! CG I realize that some people just can't help but worry, that it's part of their nature. I understand the desire to want to defend Clay against any and all detractors. Sometimes, things get me down, too. However, so much of what is written or said is like dust in the wind, it flies by so quickly it is easily and generally forgotten. So many fans, however, tend to capture every speck, magnify it, examine it, and hold on to it tightly, saving it in the collective consciousness as evidence of some Great Conspiracy against Clay. I know it can be hard, but I want to say to them, "Let it go." I sometimes read some posters (not necessarily here), and wonder, "Do you really want to be angry all the time? Aren't you tired yet?" Maybe it's just me, but I don't have the energy to take every slight to heart. Sure, I wish some things weren't written or said, but, quite frankly, they rarely seem worth the anguish. Clay seems to take things in stride. I wish more fans were able to do so as well.

I don't really find that article that bad. I think the interviewer sees him as someone who uses self-deprecating humor as a defense mechanism, and while some comments may be less than fawning, on the whole, she seems to recognize that he's a smart guy and a talented performer. There were some very interesting revelations. For example, it was interesting to see that Clay recognizes the "chasm" between him and many men, and his hope that Spamalot will change some minds. If reports are to believe, it has. To me, this shows him to be a fairly shrewd individual. As for his personal life, I can believe that he's not as obsessed with it as many of his fans are. I can also imagine that this is something he would not want to discuss in an interview, anyway. I don't worry about him, one, because he seems pretty happy, and two, he seems to get along well with the cast. He may have worried about living alone when he first moved to the city, but like so many others, I think he can deal with it. To me, there really are no shockers in this piece. It's not the typical PR fluff piece, but it's not a hatchet job, either.

I think Spamalot has the potential to open up a lot of doors for Clay, but whether it, by itself, is enough to "launch" a CD is far from certain. Personally, I've found some of the expectations a bit high, because even if every show is sold out, the exposure is still fairly limited. We're talking thousands, not millions, of viewers, and that doesn't guarantee that even people who go away impressed will necessarily buy his album. However, I also believe that Spamalot has and will continue to generate media opportunities. True, many were in January, but it's also possible that Idol or one of its satellite shows (Idol Rewind, Idol Extra, Idol Tonight, etc.) will also feature his participation in the show. And quite frankly, I suspect that simply being in New York will help him a lot of different ways. Not only would he be available for whatever media possibilities might present themselves, but he will be physically close to the label, which might make communications smoother and more efficient. It may be easier for executives to have faith in him if they actually see him more often, not just in person, but on stage, and on buses, posters and signage. I remain optimistic, but cautiously so. I believe Spamalot is a brilliant move on his part. However, I'm not willing to go so far as to say it alone will send his pop career into the stratosphere.

Glad to see you back, CG. Great recap, as always, KAndre. I think every production with a "star" performer expects a big reaction when he or she does something. It sounds as if the cast does not resent it, especially as much of that enthusiasm is directed toward others as well. I can see how some N.J.U.'s might be annoyed, but I would guess that overall, Clay fans are far more of a positive than a negative. Often, a responsive audience motivates all the actors to give a little more because they enjoy the appreciation. Besides, I'll bet that the most over-the-top fan responses occurred on Opening Night or shortly thereafter. As more of the shows have fewer Clay fans, I expect there will be less of the "laughing-just-because-it's-Clay." Clay is only in his second week of Spamalot. He may not be a natural at dancing, but I believe he will continue to improve as the run goes on.

I think a summer tour is something that he just isn't prepared to talk about at this time, perhaps because it's still uncertain. It could depend on a lot of different things, including a CD promotional schedule and/or other opportunities that we don't know about yet. I can't really blame a fan for asking about it (or the CD), but I can only hope that most won't take his "no comment" in the most apocalyptically pessimistic way (though I'm sure that's already happened for a few). I am delighted that Clay seems to have developed a great relationship with his fellow castmates. Having the fans sing to "Herbert" was a lovely gesture, a great way to "share the love," so to speak. Was there video of this? It would be great to see.

Interesting interview with Michael Emerson, "Ben" on Lost. May contain spoilers. 'Lost's Michael Emerson chats about the upcoming season

Excerpt from Claym8 at CV: Full post here. From Corabeth at CH: Post here.

Claygasm, I'm so glad you got your fangirly back! Sounds like you had a fabulous time. I'm so thrilled that the fan response has been so enthusiastic and positive. It sounds like Clay is doing amazingly well in this production, fitting in with the cast, and yet shining on his own. I love that he's showcasing those brilliant comedic skills for such a broad audience, and that so many are coming away impressed. I'm happy for him, and I'm happy for the fandom. It's fun to see so much joy. No doubt, it won't last forever, but at least for now, I'll enjoy it.

Though release dates are always subject to change, the fact that he's willing to give a specific month tells me that there is a definite time table in the works. And though Spamalot will consume a lot of time, he has said that the process of recording does not actually take that long, in and of itself. He will already be in New York where a lot of recording studios can be found, and with RCA offices in the city, it's entirely possible that a lot can be accomplished rather quickly, especially if they're all on the same page (as he's indicated before). I'm not saying that May is a guarantee, only that it's not impossible. ((Couchie and mom)))

Hey, it looks like the AP wire is distributing an excerpt from the Newsweek interview. But no, it's not the part where he refuses to answer questions: Clay Aiken didn't get 'Python' at first

Good point. Personally, my take is that everything Clay said was with a self-deprecating smile--until the interviewer started asking about Ripa and the airline incident. If anything, I would guess that Clay might be a little disappointed to discover that a news magazine would ask tabloid questions. It's a shame, in a way, because if they had asked serious questions about things like, say, Afghanistan, he could have had some really interesting and insightful things to say. However, it seems as though this particular reporter's research only went as far as TMZ. A part of me wishes he had deflected the questions with more humor, but I can understand his irritation. And ultimately, I don't think his responses really hurt him.

(((Claygasm))) Good to hear from you. I'm glad things are a little better for your dad right now. ETA this Newsweek interview: Achin’ Aiken Clay Aiken is sore from rehearsing for 'Spamalot,' and now he's sore at us. By Ramin Setoodeh | Newsweek Online Exclusive Excerpt:

Excellent point. I believe there is a lower tolerance now for things which aren't exciting. It reminds me of a book I read in college entitled, "Entertaining Ourselves to Death." You can find a brief version of the argument here. This could even be connected to the whole Hannah Montana situation. It may be that whoever choreographed the concert felt that young kids would be bored if they had to wait a few minutes for Miley to change her clothing. They may have felt that the show would lose its excitement if they couldn't go straight into another set with her as Miley. Is it unimaginable that a body double would be brought across country to help carry off a faster, more visually exciting transition? I don't know. Looking at the kind of money this tour has made, I don't think it's financially impractical, and it's possible that the girl has additional work on stage (not dressed as Hannah). Personally, I'm willing to give Miley Cyrus the benefit of the doubt. She's a young girl from a musical family. I find her slightly more credible than many. JMHO.

Doesn't seem like a big deal to me... http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5giOBXmQ...DNO3IwD8U3SFI00

RE: Message boards. I sometimes get infuriated by things I read on message boards, even here. When that happens, I just back away. Some people love a good fight, but I'm not one of them. I have decided that I will not let message board drama become my life. I have a job. I have a husband. And as much as I love Clay, he's not the center of my universe. I sometimes wonder if some of the extreme positions of some posters are the result of too deep an emotional investment in this fandom. These conspiracy theories anger me, but they also make me sad, because I can't help but think that at some level, these people have lost a sense of real world perspective. Cotton, I'm sorry your sister has become so disillusioned with teaching. My husband is a teacher, and though he has worked at places that have been dispiriting, he is currently at a charter school that has re-invigorated his career. It isn't perfect, and the kids can occasionally be disrespectful (they are, after all, teenagers), but he does get satisfaction from his work and he is appreciated, by both students and the administration. Teaching isn't always a negative experience for everyone. There are places and people who can make it worthwhile.

Great post, Cotton! Your wishes are my wishes! I agree, Clayzorback. I think television and stage may prove to be a bigger launch pad for his career than any label-orchestrated promotion. I have always believed that he is an atypical artist, one who couldn't be plugged into formulas or packaged into boxes. I hope this new endeavor will open a lot of eyes. Or maybe the opposite. NYC summers can be unpleasant, which is why so many leave during the weekends. But I can definitely imagine him maintaining a residence there.

(((Claygasm and father))) Aww.. Skybar, PLEASE keep posting. As others have said, your post was thoughtful and made in a respectful tone, which is all any of us really want. And I suspect your position is not really that contrary to most on this board. I've admired your posts both here and elsewhere. You're a great addition to the board.

Very well stated, Couchie! I do often feel that fans hang on to past resentments far too long. Clay's had a stunningly successful year in terms of fund raising. He's working on a new CD that has apparently been at least partially approved by RCA, gearing up for a Broadway run on a popular show, and living in New York City for the first time in his life. He has a lot to look forward to, as do we. I know some people like to rehash old debates, but I can't help but feel that there are plenty of current developments to talk about instead. I'm not telling people what to post, but personally, I really don't need to read about how he was screwed by American Idol for the ten billionth time. Instead of speculating, AGAIN, about how ATDW should have been promoted, I'd rather talk about how Spamalot is being promoted--with an enthusiastic, widely distributed press release, with well-placed online ads and concert fliers, with various newspaper interviews, and an appearance on "The View" and perhaps more. Or if we must speculate, perhaps we can imagine what the experience might bring Clay in terms of professional experience and exposure, or what he might get out of living in New York. Personally, I have this fantasy of him dining socially with people like Mike Nichols, Eric Idle, Tyra or even Neil Sedaka, who introduce him to others who can expand his opportunities even further. Does Unicef have offices in New York? If so, perhaps the proximity will allow him the opportunity to learn more and continue to remain active in the organization. I have this vision of Jimmy Carter, in a televised interview, telling a national audience, "I've gotten to know Clay Aiken, and let me tell you, he really is a remarkably intelligent and well-informed young man." And we are, of course, intrigued by how all the dancing might tone and firm his long, lean body, right? Just for fun (and not to raise our expectations to some impossible level), what are your dream scenarios for Clay's Great New York Adventure? What excites you most about this upcoming year?

Thanks for the EW quote, bottlecap! I do find it reassuring. WORD! The assumption that he would be better off if RCA dropped him seems dangerously speculative to me. I know there are artists who have suceeded after leaving their labels, but there are undoubtedly many more who don't. I'm not shocked that Kat McPhee lost her contract. Aside from the less than spectacular sales, she never seemed to really penetrate the public consciousness after Idol, no matter how much support David Foster gave her. She's pretty and she has a decent voice, but that's not necessarily enough in a competitive marketplace. (BTW: I saw her mom at a sushi restaurant last night. No, I didn't talk to her.) It is interesting that Kat's people claim the label didn't support her album. Seems like every time I went on Yahoo!, I saw her picture prominently featured. But I'd bet that everyone who doesn't sell as much as they'd hope thinks their label didn't support them. Aside from his phenomenal talent, I think that one crucial thing that Clay has going for him is the fact that even in his off-cycle, he is able to remain in the public consciousness, through things like 5th Grader, the skating show, Unicef, and now, Spamalot. We may not like every random slam or joke about Clay, but the fact that he is so often mentioned is a sign that people know who he is.