#11 I love me some Clay Aiken! He (soft) rocks *g*

[Ansamcw]

eta: Speaking of PANTS! I think he was a half-a-breath-in away from losing them completely during the beginning of that medley. Wooooooooo!!

Hee. Hide the Krispy Kremes and push the salads!! Five pounds of weight loss oughta do it, eh?

Hee I really think he loks like a guy that came in from vacation. I imagine by CA he would lose about 10 pounds and we would all be...OH NO HE IS SOO THIN...hee

I loved that LAA...I think it will be a killer. Its not emotionally and note perfect yet...but it still stirs my emotion. You can tell its personal and he isn't too comfortable, BUT he still did it. That is guts to me. Its easy to goof off on madonna and Beat it...but to be that vulnerable with all the people was tough.

I do think there will be other songs that will even out the pacing. I do think LAA was more piano cos they wanted something to be consistent...Unless they bring a cellist along with them..its better that Jesse was the main support.

[bottlecap]

If any of the Frisco-ites check in, could you comment about the guitarist and bass player? I haven't seen them in the couple of bits of Clack I've seen (admittedly limited), and I don't remember Clay mentioning them last night. Were they there?

[Ansamcw]

ADMIN NOTE:

We need suggestions for the next thread...

Please make it related to the tour...or not...hee

If people suggested some before...plese do so again...I'm not as good at searching for them as ldyjocelyn..hee

[cindilu2]

Hee - I'm *pretty* sure bottlecap was just hoping he'd lose that five pounds so he WOULD drop those pants, no? He looks wonderful and healthy and ready for the world. But yeah, if he would flash that particular bit of skin at me in Syracuse, I would not be averse to it. Heh.

[luckiest1]

There is a m&g recap now over on the OFC from a lady named Mary....it was also her first concert. I don't want to bring it over until she gives permission, but you can access it here. She says that he left "a lot" out of the Frisco concert because of time constraints. I really can't wait to find out what the full set list will include!

[KAndre]

the eHP is watching HD clack at sugrbugr`s...

i really did run onto a field on a foot that i had surgery on a week ago - i couldn`t give my full impressions last night...

i really believe the concert`s going to be significantly different - this was a truncated 4th show - and the timing was really freakish - he was doing a lot of time filling

overall, i enjoyed the concert - the tv themes got the most diverse opinions - some loved the CRAP out of them -I disliked them - both the choices, the fact that even though i watch a LOT of tv including the ones covered - i only recognized a few - and i think most tv themes are crappy songs.

i freaking loved the classics - i am sending his versions of 'yeah' and 'OPP' to certain of my best friends and family - he totally kicked that!

Clearly, Clay is going for a hard core urban sound - i can live with that. Either Diddy or Timbaland is gonna be his next producer - Dre is a little too wesr coast. Everyone now needs to cross rap off the list of styles Clay can't do - I admit he tried a little too hard on his Naughty by Nature sample but he kicked Usher (i need to see Clay's 6-pack for a fair comparison tho) - and his remix of Opposites Attract was jammin' (and hot). The sound is great on Scarlett's stuff - I really just don't think this was necessarily the right venue for this kind of symphonic sound - I can't wait for Jones

hall - Beat It is gonna be perfection! I'll post a full recap when I get back to Houston today.

[Couch Tomato]

ADMIN NOTE:

We need suggestions for the next thread...

Please make it related to the tour...or not...hee

If people suggested some before...plese do so again...I'm not as good at searching for them as ldyjocelyn..hee

I'll do the search Ansa..I'ts too hard to remember what you nominated. I know I did a bunch and have no idea what they are.... so will do taht some time today and add them all to suggestion thread.

Thanks for the report KAndre..I know I can't wait to see what the next Vanilla Ice puts out BWAH.

[luckiest1]

BWAH Kandre, you crack me up. But I'm starting get really worried that we haven't heard a word about keepingfaith. Did Sexy Back kill her?

Nice recap from EmeraldEyes on CV:

Mary is running around on stage, she checks the mike, the audience cheers, Jesse strolls out to check the sheet music. The audience cheers. He strolls backstage again. No don’t leave, we want Clay to come out. Finally Jesse comes back and starts up the orchestra. Strains of "Here You Come Again". The singing starts. EEEEEEEEEE It’s Clay. He strolls out singing. OMG he is so freaking gorgeous, more stunning than possible. No picture does him justice. NONE! He was dressed very casually in jeans and a striped shirt with the arms rolled up (wearing a tee underneath) and mandals. The jeans looked great front the front, but were a bit baggy at the back (and frayed at the bottom-Hee). He definitely looked more solid and manly , RAWR, than last time I had seen him, but still quite slender. He’s filled out very nicely, very nicely indeed. His hair couldn’t be more perfect. The cut was layered and highlighted (or maybe lowlights) just right. The bangs were swept a bit to the side, but looked fantastic.

I can’t remember the order of the songs. He started with several selections from ATDW.—"Here You Come Again" which was the opener, "When I See You Smile", and then I think "These Open Arms". I know "These Open Arms" is not a fan favorite, but I love it so I’m glad he sang it. It’s one of those songs he gets to soar on which I think he likes. He looked happy to be performing again which made me happy. I’m prob out of order, but the night is a big jumble for me. After songs from ATDW comes the TV themes segment. Clay does like him some TV and it seems he likes songs from TV shows--what a cheeseball . It’s true in the past, many show had some pretty catchy themes. I had fun trying to guess the show. He got to interact with the audience which is fun. At one point his voice cracked while talking. He joked that his voice was finally changing after 28 years. BWAH He’s so quick. His speaking voice was getting a bit hoarse so I was worried when he went into "Without You". I should have known that Clay would pull it off. It sounded fantastic. Quiana also sang a song (which I didn’t recognize) somewhere in the set. The concert was short, so I while I really like Q, I didn’t really want her to take time away from Clay singing, but Clay being Clay, I knew she would have a solo.

Clay did some banter on how he loves the sound of orchestras and the full rich sound but they’re not known for uptempo. They work well esp for Christmas shows because people are tired from shopping and want to sit in their seats. Not so much for the outdoor stadium concert so he is going to do something that could be a colossal failure. He’s going to sing “classic” songs—either they are already classic, will be classic, or shouldn’t be classic. The way he says it, you know there will be some unusual selections. He starts right into the section with some rap complete with dancing. BWAH. I was in shock so what song it was didn’t even register. He does short segments of lots of songs (I won’t mention them all since I am sure the setlist is already posted ). Some of the songs like “Like a Virgin” were done as a parody. When he sang “Sexy Back” the crowd roared. For some reason her was completely credible singing that song. JT eat your heart out. There was another rap song complete with crotch grab—which was more grabbing a bunch of fabric off to the side. Now I know why the back of the jeans was baggy. He wanted the fabric for the grab. There was also some very sexy dancing with A during this segment—very hot. He have to say that Clay has come a long way in his movement skills. He has very natural body movement when he isn’t over thinking his steps. He really looked natural up there, getting into the rhythm of the songs. I totally adored this segment.

After this segment, Clay tells us he is going to slow it down, way down (I think he used the word depressed or depressing—not sure so I have go get some clack of it). He told us about music DF gave him and 7 months later he wrote the lyrics. It’s the first song he has ever written. He was going to sing it because some people wanted him to. I’m not sure if he was referring to the fans, Jaymes or David, his friends or his mom, I’m just glad he did. "Lover All Alone"---more beautiful than I imagined because there was Clay singing a song of his heart. I was bursting with pride and admiration at this point.

Concert is almost over. One more song then something patriotic. He thanks the audience for supporting him for the last three or four years and for letting them do what they love. "Because You Loved Me". I think this will be the closer because it goes with his thank you to the fans.

After a snafu with Jesse not having the sheet music, Clay sings GBTUSA. I love this song, so I’m glad he sang it instead of a traditional patriotic song. This one fit a pop concert setting much more.

No I don’t want it to be over.

We decide not to stay for the fireworks. I was tired and didn’t want to get caught in traffic. I wanted to savor the concert. I loved every minute of it. I didn’t go in with expectations so there were no disappointments for me. I wouldn’t change anything. Everything was so Clay.

Edited July 5, 2007 by luckiest1

[Clayzorback]

Well so much for staying unspoiled....... I now know the song list, what he was wearing, and how his hair looked. BUT, I have not listened or watched any clack.

I confess to a sinking feeling when I learned he is doing TV theme songs from obscure shows, and his treatment of like a virgin etc.. I will wait until my concert, though, before I come to any conclusions. Right now it reads to me like he is doing a Hometown Connection variety show instead of a tour. That would not be my personal preference, save that for TV is my initial thought on that, but I will wait until I actually see it for myself. His tour always comes across better when you actually see it than it does reading what the fans say about it. Anxious to hear what keepingfaith has to say.

Clay is Clay and I never doubted that he embraces the cheese and what I call corn pone hee haw type humor. I think this interview clearly shows that he knows his audience and that he knows he isn't everyone's cup of tea. I love the kid. Poddies be damned. Can't wait for Tulsa. Bring it on Clay. Drop your drawers and give them a MOON River.....

Edited July 5, 2007 by Clayzorback

[luckiest1]

OK I am bringing this m&g recap over from OFC with the poster's blessing.

The weather did turn out nice. There was no rain at all during or after the concert.

After Mary checked our ID's, we were escorted to a room where we could sit and wait. We were brought bottles of water. She explained that they are doing the pictures differently now. Instead of each of using our own cameras, they will take the pictures and email them to us. After she left Jerome came in. He was so nice.

Mary came back with Clay. He's still not used to his new teeth. He was playing with them as he came in the door. Now I've been critical of his new teeth but he does look good with them. Since there was an empty seat on the sofa, he decided to sit and talk to us. He asked each of us where we were from. There was someone there who was not from Texas. I believe she lives in Georgia but I'm not sure.

Somebody commented that they liked his hair. It did look like bedhead since he had just gotten up. He said it was too long. He had Jamie cut it after the M&G. Jamie was there too. We told him we liked the Tyra hair. He said something about "made him look fat." I'm not sure if he was referring to the Tyra hair or the long hair. He looked terrific and he's not fat.

He talked about the concert. Said he had to leave out a lot in the Frisco concert due to the other activities. He was real curious what we thought about the concert and said he would be reading out comment online. Said he was taking a big chance with part it. He appeared to be concerned about some of the material in the concert.

Somebody asked him about recording the concert and putting it on tv. He said when you do this, you have to get permission to record the songs. Then you have to find a network that would show it. When you sing the songs live, you don't have this problem.

We were a pretty quiet bunch. He asked if we had any questions. Someone asked about coming to Texas for a Christmas concert. He said they would if somebody asked but nobody has. He said the type of music that was popular in Texas was rock and country. He's right about the country music.

He was asked about the gap in his schedule between OK and PA. He said he had already made plans to attend a wedding before the tour was scheduled. This is a wedding he has to attend. He said it was okay for us to tell this.

Then I asked him when he next album would be out. He started telling us the story about finding a producer. Nothing we didn't already know. He seems very happy with this new producer. I had the impression that it's someone who can produce the type of songs that he likes but with an arrangement that will appeal to more people. It is a British man. Somebody asked if he could give the initials. He was going to give us one initial but Mary interrupted him about a problem with the camera -- the batteries needed charging. He told her to let the batteries charge for a little while and he would just sit and talk some more. He didn't say anything else about the album.

They don't have bus right now so for the first three tours he will not be meeting people at the buses before he leaves.

He signed our books, CD's and other things we brought. Then each of us posed with him for a picture. They are going to email them to us and also post them on the OFC.

We must have gotten 30 or 45 minutes with him. I didn't really get close enough to look at his green eyes. I enjoyed just watching and listening to him talk for 45 minutes.

That's all I can think of now. If I remember anything else, I will post it.

He might not have been referring to the Tyra hair when he said that. He might not have remembered what the Tyra hair looked like. He was sitting on the couch with two others. I think he was reacting to what one of them said. He had his head down when he said it. I'm thinking that's the reason he's keeping it shorter. His face did look fuller in those pictures with the longer hair but I think he's lost weight since then. Maybe somebody else who was there will remember. I was trying to remain focused and remember everything he said but it was hard.

He had on a green shirt. Looks like he may have just changed shirts for the concert. No he's not fat. I kept looking at his shoulders. He filled out that shirt really well.

I remembered one more thing. He was asked if he had the dogs with them. He said no and glanced at somebody behind me. Don't know who. I got the impression that not everybody wanted him the bring the dogs but that might change when he starts after the break. I think Mary did say they have one bus. Might be pretty crowded for two dogs.

I don't know why he mentioned his iPhone but said he should have brought with him to show us. It was in another room I think.

[Couch Tomato]

I know you have been on pins and needles to know this but Tony Chestnust won the hot dog eating contest. He ate 66 in 12 minutes and he snatches the gold back from Japan. OK and then today it was mentioned that Tony is now a great American hero along with the whatever year hockey team, some president and Taylor Hicks. Ok so maybe this person is just an Idol fan.

[cindilu2]

Hee - it absolutely cracks me up how focused people (and Clay himself) are on his weight. OMG, the guy is a rail. For whatever reason his face looks fuller (and then all of a sudden, it doesn't) but holymoly. I remember seeing him in December in Detroit (sans jacket and with the JBT black pants of perfection) and thinking how incredibly slim he looked (and how amazing it was that he had this perfect round little butt at the top of those endless legs). GAH!

Thanks for the hotdog update couchie. I can sleep at night again! So are the Taylor boards now wondering what he meant by that remark? *snort*

[KAndre]

For an outdoor venue, the weather was absolute perfect - blue skies, comfortable breeze, lovely temperature, sweaty Clay...

One thing I have to say - Frisco's fireworks were frickin' INCREDIBLE - It looked like WW III!

The eHP will be rolling on back to Houston eventually - Houston next!

[luckiest1]

Wow, I went for an extended lunch with a good Clay friend of mine. She doesn't get online much so I was able to fill her in on the concert and the set list and give her an audio cd to listen to. Her one and only concert will be in Sterling Heights and she is v.v. excited about it. I come back an hour and half later and there have been no new posts. This has got to be the quietest I've seen this board in a long, long time. What gives? Nothing to talk about? Or has the clack killed everyone?

[cha cha trusty]

OMG - this is hilarious!! Could those pants get any lower????

(why..... I'm glad you asked..... yes, they could.....)

I mean and still be ON?????

There's a whole album of pix HERE.

I couldn't sleep last night, mostly due to Clay (It's All Clay Aiken's Fault you know)

partly due to a diet coke I drank while waiting for clack, and partly due to this book I'm reading called "Without a Map"....

anyhow........ the clack so far has been alternately hilarious, moving, and infuriating.

The sound sucked, the audience was making a LOT of noise, and I agree he did look a bit uncomfortable during LAA.

(altho it was fabulous!!) I can't wait to see these things LIVE - Philly is my first show.

In Houston, a lot will be different: in-door arena, audience of mostly fans (I hope) and a longer show.

I can't wait!! I will be in WV at a car club convention (we call it a MOG for "Morgan Owners Gathering"),

But I am hoping I can get on the wireless there, or use the business center and listen to part of the show.

One of the other owners' wives is a Clay fan and maybe we can hang together and listen!

Otherwise I'll have to wait till Saturday to catch up.....

:Tour3: :Tour3: :Tour3: :Tour3: :Tour3:

Edited July 5, 2007 by cha cha trusty

[bottlecap]

OMG - this is hilarious!! Could those pants get any lower????

(why..... I'm glad you asked..... yes, they could.....)

I mean and still be ON?????

Hee. Makes you wonder what kind of view the violinists had at that moment.

[cindilu2]

BWAH!! If Clay sees that pic, you can bet he'll have two extra tees on (and tucked in) in Houston.

Phew - my mouth has gone mysteriously dry. Thankfully that's the only part of me that has.

[playbiller]

Hit and run post - Running out of battery took a long time to get connected.

My review: Duh include the review before posting -

YeeeeeeeHaw. Did I ever have a good time in Frisco last night. It started by seeing all the people I only reunite with at concerts, then finding the T-shirt and bringing that news back to the group. and ending with a great fireworks show (with one problem in that they should have never used Born In the USA as part of the music for the fire works -

But who cares about that, there was Clay!

I went on the field and was like 5th from the front - not pushing, generally nice people (one or two stepped in front of me uninvited) and ended up like 15th from the front - why? Children, there were so many short teens behind me, I just had to let them go forward. I was helping a mother track her child that had move a few people forward so she could see (she had never seen a Clay concert and was so looking forward to it). Somehow I ended up in the men's group - are women really so short? I am average height - where did all these short women come from?

OK, OK, on to Clay. We heard to band warming up and then Clay came around the corner and my heart skipped a beat!! How he graciously strolled out so casual, like we see him every day. I loved it, my dear friend coming around the corner singing to me!

The concert started off with ATDW songs, skipped to the theme songs (I think this probably will change since a lot of people did not recognize the songs and Clay was seriously perusing the audience, probably grading the response - what is funny is that everyone I talk to likes and dislikes different these song - Hee - we are consistently diverse and born to disagree- to the end of time!!!!

Segue segue - His pop combo was a riot - I swear half the guys were doubled over laughing and the women had smiles ....... what smiles I saw.

His lover all alone was great - I loved the cello coming in at the right time, but understand his hesitance to sing this song since this venue is not the best sound system. But standing close enough to hear his own voice and the music really sold it to me.

Was this show the typical show - no - it was the first show and was cut down to fit the schedule, which required a constant checking of the set list. With the threat of weather - I imagine there was some concern, but it was a miracle of weather, and today it is pouring again. Wow, Clay fans can do anything, even if it is praying for good weather. I am so eager to see the Houston show which will probably not be as goofy and fun. I loved all the fun for a day of celebration like the 4th. A special show for a special venue.

I felt sorry for the people who remained in the stand because the jumbotron guy had to be the worst one I ever saw - Clay is singing a beautiful sone and I am looking at a picture of a guy playing the triangle - for almost a minute! My favorite part was when the jumbotron guy got all twisted in the wires and couldn't move and had to just take pictures of Clay. Sadly this guy stood on the stage, making Clay turn from the audience more than usual, although, I swear he was looking at us most of the time.

So, very, very happy I traveled to Texas and has such wonderful companions as the eHP.

Edited July 5, 2007 by playbiller

[cindilu2]

*squishes playbiller*

Thanks for the recap, and on to Houston!!!!

[luckiest1]

playbiller, thanks so much for the wonderful review.

His lover all alone was great - I loved the cello coming in at the right time, but understand his hesitance to sing this song since this venue is not the best sound system. But standing close enough to hear his own voice and the music really sold it to me.

I can't wait to experience this in person (please, please, please). Very cool to hear that there was a cello involved after all, since I've read a lot of posts complaining that there wasn't.

[atinal]

playbiller, thanks so much for the recap. It's great to hear (read) excitement in your recap.

Regarding the cello, probably could be remedied with Clay sitting a little closer to it rather than the piano, or possibly they could mic the cello a little better. I haven't actually seen the Clack for LAA, just responding to some of the reports about it.

I really should get off of the computer and start getting my stuff together for my trip to Tulsa

Edited July 5, 2007 by atinal

[atinal]

Well, as it always happens with Clay's efforts, some of the comments are getting nasty and personal. I just hate it when this happens, and I'm not talking about the OFC. Thank goodness for some more rational voices out there. JennaZ, KAndre and Playbiller thanks for putting you views out there

Don't get me wrong, I think people have a right to their opinion and I understand maybe this is not everyones' cup of tea, that happens. I don't think people have to like or love everything Clay does, but some people take this shit to darn seriously. Now, I think I really am going to leave for a while to pack.

[bottlecap]

ZZZZZZZ.... Did anybody else feel like they hit a wall at some point this afternoon? I think the pre-concert adrenline wore off, and the later-than-normal night caught up with me shortly after lunch. I'm yawning and drooping and I would like nothing better than to just go home and crash with some fresh Clack, but I'm thinking I better do some laundry tonight since Friday and Saturday will be all :TourExcite: again.

Safe travels to the Houston and Tulsa concert-goers!

[bottlecap]

Via CV:

Posted by J4Clay at the CB:

RE: PODCAST

I called Olivia at the Houston Press about the podcast and she said that it was such a long interview (hurray!) that it is bigger than most and she had to turn it over to her supervisor. They are working on it and will have it ready soon....OH NO!! The dreaded "soon"!!

[JennaZ]

Playbiller, thanks for sharing your review. I'm glad you had such a wonderful experience.

My heart goes out to those who were disappointed. Hopefully, the next few performances will be more satisfying.

I do think it's hard to judge the success of the tour (or his career) based on this first Frisco show. It's the first show. It's a truncated show. It's in a venue that was not built with acoustics in mind. It was before an audience that, for the most part, did not buy tickets to see him.

I suspect that the TV and Classic medley's were done to bring a pop element to these orchestral concerts. I'll admit, when I first heard he was touring with an orchestra, my first thought was that it would be like his Christmas tours -- elegant, beautiful, but perhaps slightly restrained. I almost think he picked these medleys to say, "This is NOT going to be a stuffy concert."

It will be interesting to see what, if any changes, he makes.