#14 We were all up on him screaming "Yeah! Yeah!"

[Couch Tomato]

And more from the Not A Tour: I did this for FCA...

and yeah, I can even pull a good quote out of the few asshat reviewers heh

When I walked into the Clay Aiken concert with my two best friends, I thought I was prepared for his legions of adoring fans. I was wrong….. By the time Clay took the stage, the C-L-A-Y girls had taken out my right eardrum, and they weren't the only ones screaming. (North Forks-Emily Tobin)

Audience eats up his style. (Sioux Falls – Monica LaBelle)

But if Aiken's detractors could have seen his concert Saturday at Fox Cities Stadium, they would have had to grudgingly admit that the 25-year-old singer has enough charisma and genuine affection for his fans to justify his stardom, reality show or no reality show. He clearly has struck a chord with people looking for a wholesome alternative to tawdry Britney Spears-style pop……..With better songs (he seems tailor-made for an album of big band standards or show tunes), Aiken likely would score better musically. A-list material would be a great complement for what he already has, a devoted fan base and a natural likability that could help him sustain a long career. (Appleton , WI Steven Hyden)

His voice easily sailed up to the higher registers on This is the Night and cooled to ballad timbre for the comparatively hushed I Survived You. It was also refreshing to see an artist so obviously designed to meet the expectations of a teen pop audience play to all ages. (Lexington , KY Walter Tunis)

Charleston and the Civic Center Coliseum opened their arms Tuesday evening and welcomed America 's most renowned runner-up, the world's luckiest loser, it's most awesome also-ran, Clay Aiken. …. Last year's "American Idol" television show second-place finisher blew into town determined to show everyone he's more than just a semi-pretty face. He made his point early and often. (Charleston , WV –Roger Lilly)

Clay Aiken's niche in the music world is simple: He's a nice down-to-earth Southern boy who can sing. Yes, he can sing. That might sound simple enough. But in today's world of lip-synching and rap/hip-hop, that trait is a rare find. (Charleston , WV – Chris Dickerson)

Aiken offers a kind boy-next-door pop artist with a powerful, engaging voice. (Nashville , TN – Brad Schmitt)

The fans' shrieks were loud enough to drill holes in eardrums a mile away. (Greenville, SC – Donna Isbell Walker)

Aiken's down-home chatter between songs was equally as entertaining as "No More Sad Songs" and "I Will Carry You." (Portsmouth , VA – Jeff Maisey)

Again, I am not a big fan of Aiken's music, but even I had to admit that the guy really can sing. (Charleston , SC – Devin Grant)

Yet the thing that sets Aiken, 25, apart from the rest of his soon-to-be-forgotten "Idol" classmates is his boyish exuberance and easygoing manner. You get the feeling that all this attention and success from the past year hasn't changed him that much. That's why he has ultimate crossover appeal, winning fans aged 8 to 80. (Roanoke , VA – Ralph Berrier, Jr.)

Welcome to Clay Nation, which stopped in our state Friday. Clay Aiken could have left with our wives and daughters, you realize. To his credit, however, he simply put on his show and left one non-believer to dig deep into his rusty soul to ask the age-old question: OK, who is Ruben? ( Baltimore , MD – Rob Hiaason)

Vocally, he didn't miss a note and sang with all the conviction and range that brought him to the public's attention in the first place. Backed by a very talented group of musicians, Clay is gracious in allowing his backup singers a chance to solo while he sings backup for them. He has surrounded himself with a group of supportive people who compliment his style and energy. ( Syracuse , NC – Donna Reynolds)

What struck me most, besides the beautiful voice, was the boyish Aiken's relaxed assurance as a performer. His is such a young career, yet he manages the stage like someone long past trying to prove himself, and he does it without any hint of arrogance…. Can a guy this nice, who wears a "W.W.J.D." wristband, raises money for disabled kids and dedicated one of his numbers to Jesus, endure as a pop idol in America ? It's far too soon to say. At least he'll always have something to fall back on. He can sing. (Foxwoods Casino-CT –Bethe Dufresne)

It would be easy to dismiss Aiken as a product of today's reality-TV phenomenon and nothing more than a glorified karaoke singer. But then you watch the power and connection he had with the audience that consisted mostly of women ranging from adolescents to elderly. It's something many established pop stars don't have and would envy.

It's then you realize that you can't simply brush aside Aiken's popularity or talent. (Foxwoods Casino , CT – David Pancek)

You don't have to be a diehard fan to appreciate the passion and verve he brought to the performance. His is a powerful voice, put to good use on a liberal dose of the soaring ballads that are his trademark. Smartly, Aiken broke up his slower material with an assortment of up-tempo covers from the likes of Mr. Mister (Kyrie) and Orleans (Still the One). They played like a concert version of "I Love the 70's and 80's," but they kept the crowd jumping. Not that he needed to worry about an energy deficit. (Atlantic City – Kevin Clapp)

The past year has been a whirlwind rise to stardom for this 25 year old all- American boy from Raleigh , N.C. Now, he's headlining in his own tour in support of a chart-topping album, Measure of a Man. Still, many critics wonder if he can truly measure up to all the hype. Aiken's performance Monday proved he does indeed have what it takes to be more than a flash in the pan. (Portland , ME-April Boyle)

Then there's his personality: Plenty of goofy humility and humorous self-deprecation (he joked about his dancing ability, his hair and his nose in the course of the night), mixed with just enough showbiz steel. He alternated between commanding the stage and seeming to not quite believe he was there. (Rhode Island -Rick Massimo)

He was in control at all times in good voice and rapport with his audience, (Bethlehem , PA)

A James Taylor medley allowed him to show an easy, melodic range and added appreciated variety. Yet the crowdpleasers were the hits and his latest single, I Will Carry You, along with an encore of Solitaire that was more intense than Neil Sedaka's original. (Ohio State Fair – Julia Osborne)

Aiken had tremendous backing power from Angela Fisher, Jacob Luttrell and Quiana Parler, with whom he created unshakable walls of sound all night. Watching the quartet perform was like a professional, wholly on-key version of a group-sing on "American Idol" - with no one preening to the camera in a plea for votes. (Nick Rogers – Illinois State Fair)

One lesson he's mastered is how to sell a song. He's probably sick to death of "Solitaire," but he used a full deck of emotion as he capped off the night with it. (Knoxville, TV Betsy Pickle)

But Aiken surprised by salvaging Mr. Mister's "Kyrie" from the 1980s scrap heap and actually improving it. The song resembled a tropical dance party, thanks to a big beat and a soaring chorus. (Indiana State Fair - David Lindquist)

A mini-set of James Taylor songs was a better showcase for Aiken's subtler talents, and it emphasized the warm interplay he has developed with his three worthy backup singers (Iowa State Fair - Kyle unson)

In all seriousness, Aiken set a standard for all idols -- American or just plain teen, performing with a freshness and enthusiasm that was so genuine that it made him so genuinely likable. ... Nonetheless, Aiken had the star quality, stage craft and unstoppable charm to transcend his material and to suggest that he will have opportunities to establish more records at the state fair and elsewhere. (Jon Bream - Minnesota State Fair)

Not completely squeaky clean, Aiken was as wholesome as he was cool. He also possessed a relaxed stage presence that belied his relatively short-lived celebrity, which merely dates back to May of 2003, when he finished second to Ruben Studdard in the sophomore season of "American Idol." So cool was Aiken that on this hot and humid evening, the 25-year-old performer appeared to be the only one in the outdoor venue not breaking into a sweat. (John Benson-Cleveland)

For all his nice-guyness, Aiken is a shrewd performer. He closed the show with several songs from his CD, including the stalker anthem Invisible , the title track, Measure of a Man , and This Is t he Night , and he knows what gets his fans' collective panties in a bunch.

So there were plenty of dramatic crescendos, and Aiken standing legs akimbo, arms spread wide, to elicit screams. Interestingly, many of the biggest screams came when he rubbed against one of his female backup singers. (Malcolm X Abram-Cleveland)

Largely, though, Aiken's likable, boyish self, was what everybody wanted to see. And they got what they paid $38 for -- a genuine, geeky-looking guy who sings at full throttle. (Georgette Braun-Rockford)

Aiken backs up his TV-fueled fame with the goods with an approachable nature and warm, clear tenor perfectly suited for the big, soaring ballads he does so well. Particularly impressive Friday were his feisty (for him) reading of the kiss-off song "I Survived You," which featured a rare but welcome touch of anger, a rousing encore of Neil Sedaka's lonely "Solitaire" and stirring, inspirational songs like "I Will Carry You" and "You Were There" that allow him to hit those tall, sustained notes (fans call them glory notes) and inject his spirituality ever so subtly. (Doug Pullen-Clio)

ok I'll stop now. heee

[Bookwhore]

Thanks, Couch Tomato. I love re-reading all those news snips. Puts a big ole shit-eatin' grin on myface.

Was today the taping of AYSTAFG? Was anyone here there? At the taping, I mean? Does anyone know how it went? Is there a limit to the number of questions we can ask in one post? Did Clay win a buttload of money?

[ldyjocelyn]

Was today the taping of AYSTAFG? Was anyone here there? At the taping, I mean? Does anyone know how it went? Is there a limit to the number of questions we can ask in one post? Did Clay win a buttload of money?

The taping is next Tuesday -- and our own couchie is going!!!! EEEEEEE!

I wonder if they'll let her tell us how much money he won. Will the BAF want those of us who pledged to send our money after next week, or will we have to wait until the show airs (which I'm guessing will be in November)?

Either way, I can't wait for the full report! YAY!

Talk about a trip down memory lane with all those quotes. V.V. cool.

[cha cha trusty]

Man.......... I missed page 1 already!!

I just wanted to repost this link so you can check it out....

HE'S A GENIUS!!

:TourExcite:

It's a collection of vids from the first half of the DCAT concert......

(part 2 coming soon!) :F_05BL17blowkiss:

[atinal]

Couchie, Thank you too for posting those reviews, I have to admit, when I found my copy a few weeks ago, it choked me up a little. He deserved those reviews and still does. Edited August 23, 2007 by atinal

[bottlecap]

In commemoration of the impending demise of the lovely lickiest1, I thought it was appropriate to offer a tribute.

A TWENTY-ONE TONGUE SALUTE

PART ONE

:mockery-046:

:medium-smiley-075:

[bottlecap]

A TWENTY-ONE TONGUE SALUTE

PART TWO






:medium-smiley-048:

[playbiller]

All I can say is POST WHORES!!!

I am glad to see BC sounding better, had me worried for a bit back a while.

Actually people seem pretty cheery, I guess I am the only one with a non-functioning toilet and a sink I cannot replace because it is out of stock.

[YSRN]

I wonder if Clay is watching his clack of Scarlett... I mean, what does he do when we're all downloading and right-clicking and stuff? He doesn't have clack of us in the audience.... I wonder if he watches his own banter? What amuses him after a tour?

Besides sleep, I mean. Who's Clay's Clay?

Ooo, look, it's my old Philly shot. God, I was right there at the corner of the catwalk and he bent right over us!

Aww, thanks chach! That's cool!

Edited August 23, 2007 by YSRN

[bottlecap]

A TWENTY-ONE TONGUE SALUTE

PART THREE

As lickiest1 heads off into the sunset, before the screen name becomes obscured in the mists of time and eventually reaches legendary status [Much like Arthur's mighty sword Excalibur], we offer this final salute. Godspeed and Farewell!

[Couch Tomato]

And after the 21 tongue salute of course comes...words to ponder To Lickiest1 Never forget these important words:

Dearly beloved

We are gathered here today

2 get through this thing called life

Electric word life

It means forever and that's a mighty long time

But I'm here 2 tell u

There's something else

The afterworld

A world of never ending happiness

U can always see the sun, day or night

So when u call up that shrink in Beverly Hills

U know the one - Dr Everything'll Be Alright

Instead of asking him how much of your time is left

Ask him how much of your mind, baby

'Cuz in this life

Things are much harder than in the afterworld

In this life

You're on your own

You will be missed!

sniff...where are our bawling emoticons!!

[Clayzorback]

Oh my gosh. Lookie who else is here. Waves to Bookwhore . Good to see you again. There are are so many newbies here. My, my the word must of spread about this wonderful board. Welcome to everyone.

Love the new banner rcknrllmom and welcome back to atinal . jmh , I have really enjoyed reading your last few posts. You are spot on. :F_05BL17blowkiss: YSRN cracked me up with the Douche lyrics. OMG that was soooo me. I am with cindi about the computer being great for learning lyrics. I can't tell you how many times I have searched for the words to songs.

I missed the getting married post. However!! I didn't miss one of the bestest crotch shot photos evah.

Eat Your Heart Out Long Dong Silver ..................

Sad to say I don't get to be on a computer at work. So by the time I get home to read and catch up, it's 20 pages. It looks to be heading towards 30 pages, if the newbies continue coming, but that's a good thing.

playbiller you come up with some of the neatest emoticons and gifs. HaHaHa I love me some Maxine. cha cha your site is looking good. I watched a couple of the videos. He is a genius.

ldyjocelyn & keepingfaith, I just finished the last of the Raspberry martini mix, from Tulsa. Hee There was enough left for one drink. I would of rather had what Ansamcw was drinking last night, though. It sounded delicious.\

My poster arrived yesterday. I got number 593 out of 3000. I was ecstatic about that. :F_05BL17blowkiss: to luckiest1 . R.I.P lickiest1 . It was good to know.

Love the new thread title, Bottlecap. Tongue? Next thing you know I was all upon it, yeah yeah....... :eusa_whistle:

[jmh123]

Waves at Clayzor just because. :F_05BL17blowkiss:

As lickiest1 heads off into the sunset, before the screen name becomes obscured in the mists of time and eventually reaches legendary status [Much like Arthur's mighty sword Excalibur], we offer this final salute. Godspeed and Farewell!

Love it, love it, love it!! This one is my favorite by far:

[keepingfaith]

ldyjocelyn & keepingfaith, I just finished the last of the Raspberry martini mix, from Tulsa. Hee There was enough left for one drink.

Was that the blue stuff I decorated the room with, Clayzor? Eeeek, I'd almost wiped that from my consciousness!!!

The Exotic Margaritas at Hard Rock were all too fabulous. Yea for the Pale Pink Pomegranate Drink!!! And .... while I didn't spill any, I think I was wearing salt on my upper lip for a while there. It was all for medicinal purposes with the broken toe and all. But did the eHP have sympathy for me .... Gimpy???? Wouldn't let me go to a damn doctor! (Okay I admit I made the doctor part up. KAndre might hurt me.) But it adds to the zero possibility of early WPB clack from Scarlett. I realize now that she has to be intimidated to render specific clack [see Queen of Mean] and a nonviolent limper is not sufficiently threatening.

***lightbulbs*** Maybe Solo wants to see some Scarlett clack from WPB? Aha, that's my angle!!! Now, to try to determine the best way to kiss up to Solo .... thinking .... thinking .... Help me, merrieeee!

[luckiest1]

Actually people seem pretty cheery, I guess I am the only one with a non-functioning toilet and a sink I cannot replace because it is out of stock.

Nope, I have just been to hell and back trying to get my car out of the shop. I took it in after the battery died yesterday, and also because my headlights and signals were not working (wiring problems). I went to pick it up after work, paid the bill, got the keys, went out to start it, and the battery was dead because the stoopid asshole mechanic left the lights on when he tested them. So they boosted it, and sent me on my way. I noticed that the left signal was behaving as though it was burnt out (you know how it clicks faster than usual in the car?) Got home, put the 4 ways on, sure enough, the rear driver's side signal was not functioning. Went back to the store. Was told I was 3rd in line. Lost my mind a little bit. Got my bulb replaced free of charge immediately. Now I'm home where no one is cooperating to help me pack up for our 5 day camping trip. Perhaps I will be camping by myself. That sounds more relaxing, actually.

A TWENTY-ONE TONGUE SALUTE

<snip>

As lickiest1 heads off into the sunset, before the screen name becomes obscured in the mists of time and eventually reaches legendary status [Much like Arthur's mighty sword Excalibur], we offer this final salute. Godspeed and Farewell!

Hee, this CMSU. Thank you!

So when u call up that shrink in Beverly Hills

U know the one - Dr Everything'll Be Alright

Instead of asking him how much of your time is left

Ask him how much of your mind, baby

'Cuz in this life

Things are much harder than in the afterworld

In this life

You're on your own

Hee, this too!

Off to do laundry, make lists, and go grocery shopping. *grumble, grumble*

Edited August 23, 2007 by lickiest1

[bottlecap]

Perhaps it would be helpful to explain to the newbies that luckiest1's screen name was temporarily changed to lickiest1 by an Admin due to an unfortunate typo by another poster. *cough* Couchie has apparently chosen tonight, seeing as the Tour is over, to return luckiest1 to her original identity.

[Clayzorback]

ldyjocelyn & keepingfaith, I just finished the last of the Raspberry martini mix, from Tulsa. Hee There was enough left for one drink.

Was that the blue stuff I decorated the room with, Clayzor? Eeeek, I'd almost wiped that from my consciousness!!!

The Exotic Margaritas at Hard Rock were all too fabulous. Yea for the Pale Pink Pomegranate Drink!!! And .... while I didn't spill any, I think I was wearing salt on my upper lip for a while there. It was all for medicinal purposes with the broken toe and all. But did the eHP have sympathy for me .... Gimpy???? Wouldn't let me go to a damn doctor! (Okay I admit I made the doctor part up. KAndre might hurt me.) But it adds to the zero possibility of early WPB clack from Scarlett. I realize now that she has to be intimidated to render specific clack [see Queen of Mean] and a nonviolent limper is not sufficiently threatening.

***lightbulbs*** Maybe Solo wants to see some Scarlett clack from WPB? Aha, that's my angle!!! Now, to try to determine the best way to kiss up to Solo .... thinking .... thinking .... Help me, merrieeee!

Yep it is the same blue stuff. keepingfaith, I'm so sorry I was remiss in asking you about your broken toe. What kind of friend am I anyway? Guess my mind is still on my personal problems. I hope you did go have it looked at, even though they say there is nothing you can do for a broken toe. Did you buddy wrap it with the toe next to it? You know I broke my toe last year and it never healed right. It still causes me some slight pain, and I can't bend it downwards very far. It makes it hard to wear flip flops because I can't grasp with the toes on that foot. I sure hope yours heals okay.

[merrieeee]

keepingfaith:

***lightbulbs*** Maybe Solo wants to see some Scarlett clack from WPB? Aha, that's my angle!!! Now, to try to determine the best way to kiss up to Solo .... thinking .... thinking .... Help me, merrieeee!

You rang?

After seeing the Clay-Clack and learning about the thwack that was heard around the nation I'm steering clear of Solo for a while*g*

But I too would like to see some Scarlett-Clack from WPB. Pretty please!! Oh and Scarlett I'll let you call me anytime to hear my call tone!!

Cheerio lickiest1. It was fun while it lasted.

[Ansamcw]

GAH you people are post HOs!!!!

am I in time for lickiest's send off??? You will be missed but....

WELCOME NEWBIES!!!! glad some of you have taken the plunge and dove into the main convo...

remember lots of other non clay topics in the other areas...if you post we will read!!!!!

WOW there were so many things that was making me laugh and I quoted that it won't go through!!!! oh well...

I wil just give a general BWAH to all of you and :F_05BL17blowkiss: to jmh for her excellent serious post in the end of the last thread.

Clay's like a storyteller... I like that. He is. He's weaving a story for us all. And I just wanna sit on the carpet at his feet (heh) and listen to it unfold (that's for muski - God, what do you think it sounds like?!?). And fwap the kid next to me who keeps interrupting and jumping in to yell, "I know what's gonna happen next!".... SHHHHH!!!!! I wanna hear the storyteller.

amen

whoa....lookie here....gawd, that mouth....

(This is a double clicker)

yup I stole it for my avatar...heh

Man.......... I missed page 1 already!!

I just wanted to repost this link so you can check it out....

HE'S A GENIUS!!

:TourExcite:

It's a collection of vids from the first half of the DCAT concert......

(part 2 coming soon!) :F_05BL17blowkiss:

this is so excellent!!! I was going to make a similar page for FCA but I just didn;t have the patience time. So can i just link this page on FCA...

I wonder if Clay is watching his clack of Scarlett... I mean, what does he do when we're all downloading and right-clicking and stuff? He doesn't have clack of us in the audience.... I wonder if he watches his own banter? What amuses him after a tour?

Besides sleep, I mean. Who's Clay's Clay?

this is interesting..might be a good topic for chat...

Perhaps it would be helpful to explain to the newbies that luckiest1's screen name was temporarily changed to lickiest1 by an Admin due to an unfortunate typo by another poster. *cough* Couchie has apparently chosen tonight, seeing as the Tour is over, to return luckiest1 to her original identity.

hee I was thinking of doing this...but I;m glad you're thinking of our new members bottle... :F_05BL17blowkiss:

[kiermar]

So is anyone twitching, pacing the floor, or suffering any other symptoms of tour withdrawal? Just me?

I might have to take up some bad habits to distract myself.

:all_coholic:

[Couch Tomato]

:all_coholic:

shakes head at Kiermar

The above is NOT considered a bad habit at FCA.

In fact I was just thinking of making Ansa's peach schnappes/tequilla/sprite and orange juice ethe official drink of FCA heh. I should taste it first though. bwah.

Thanks bottle for the explanation.

My mom has been set free by the hospital---flying home from Vegas tomorrow!

Don't think I'm in withdrawal yet because I have yet to see clack from the last 3 shows..and a few others I missed....and just planning Clay trips gets me going..so, so far..so good. But if he doesn't give all those xmas dates soon I might start pulling out my hair.

[Bookwhore]

Bottlecap, thank you for the lickiest/luckiest explanation. I kinda figured it was something like that, but it's nice to know the backstory.

Thanks also to whoever answered me about the AYSTAFG? taping. Somehow I got it in my head that the taping was today and the airing was the 28th. I guess I'm just a leetle impatient for more Clack.

kiermar, no it's not just you. I miss him.

[rcknrllmom]

So is anyone twitching, pacing the floor, or suffering any other symptoms of tour withdrawal? Just me?

I might have to take up some bad habits to distract myself.

:all_coholic:

Its horrible horrible I tell you....I cleaned the BATHROOM today.....

this is not good......just.not.good...

[bottlecap]

Withdrawal, huh? Take two of these and call us in the morning.

[jamar1700]

Somehow I got it in my head that the taping was today and the airing was the 28th.

Have they even announced an air date...???

And from the way back machine I have no memory of you ever talking to anybody about moving to Branson, not in Tulsa, not anywhere. It was probably when you were off doing that thing you do at concerts (that I don't) w/ all the other kewl kids. *g*

---

edited because every question deserves a mark...

Edited August 23, 2007 by jamar1700