#18: He has always had the VOICE! But, boy has he ever learned to use his instrument!

[cindilu2]

Oh joy, a whole page of posts with the initials J and P in them. Ugh. (eta: the ugh was and is for him, couchie, not for the posters. I hate that all these months later, this piece of shit is still impacting this fandom and Clay's life.)

Scarlett, your post? One of the best I've read in my four+ years on the boards. Boils it all right down to the nitty gritty. I wish every fan on the boards could be made to read it, and to abide by it. Bravo.

I think that possibly the only thing that Clay could do to disappoint me is to change his plans for the Christmas show one iota as a result of anything written by a fan on the message boards.

[Thankful4Clay]

I heard about a 'fake Clay' but I didn't know in what context. I thought someone was PMing fans pretending to be Clay. Sounds like it was a fan communicating with JP and JP was convinced it was Clay.

If anyone would like to PM me some info on this, I'd be thankful. Hee. (See my name.)

[Couch Tomato]

Oh joy, a whole page of posts with the initials J and P in them. Ugh.

Cindilu, I feel discussing this and getting it out of the way is important. Just skip ahead if you don't want to see it. Going behind the closed door will give it more important than it is worth. But nobody should feel guilty for having a say.

eta: Got ya Cindilu..I definitely feel your UGH. I totally wish it wasn't necessary.

[spikesmom]

I heard about a 'fake Clay' but I didn't know in what context. I thought someone was PMing fans pretending to be Clay. Sounds like it was a fan communicating with JP and JP was convinced it was Clay.

The version I heard was this... I didn't hear it in connection with the other... but it doesn't surprise me that it's both...

[jumpingjacks]

I heard about a 'fake Clay' but I didn't know in what context. I thought someone was PMing fans pretending to be Clay. Sounds like it was a fan communicating with JP and JP was convinced it was Clay.

It was both. Chexxxy's blog ignited most of this...as usual. I still have no idea what her intent is, besides being the "bestest fan evah". JP went nuts when the first blog was posted. I guess he started adding things up and realized he'd been HAD...big time.

The thing that bothers me the most is that these people are messing with fire. He is dangerous and poking him doesn't do anything but make things worse for Clay...in my opinion.

[Gibby]

BTW, I hope that scum watches the AI Rewind Wildcard show intently -- the one where Clay feels up every single girl in the room while playing for sympathy. *GGG* (thanks to KAndre for pointing this out)

He not only feels up the girls during the Wildcard show, but he ogles the girls throughout AI2. Just watch him, especially during the group numbers. If he's following a girl, he often checks out her legs or butt. In one of the group numbers, several girls are wearing belly-baring outfits, and he is clearly looking at their bellies and enjoying it. He looked at cleavage a little bit, too, but tried pretty hard to cover it up! We may not see as much of this if they don't show the group numbers during AIR.

This is one of the reasons I never thought Clay was gay - it was pretty obvious to me that he enjoyed being with girls.

[jamar1700]

Awww. I just listened to my BF narrate another epi of Rewind.

Sweet.

Can't wait till next week.

[ldyjocelyn]

Awww. I just listened to my BF narrate another epi of Rewind.

Sweet.

Can't wait till next week.

So did I...and I loved watching him say "CRAAAAAP" on my bigscreen TV!

The auditions still focused on the bad, but there were two people I remember being in Clay's "groups." Candice was one, and I can't remember the name of the other one, but she looked awfully familiar to me.

But now it's time for "The Next Iron Chef" and my other Southern boyfriend, Alton Brown.

[Scarlett]

He not only feels up the girls during the Wildcard show, but he ogles the girls throughout AI2. Just watch him, especially during the group numbers. If he's following a girl, he often checks out her legs or butt. In one of the group numbers, several girls are wearing belly-baring outfits, and he is clearly looking at their bellies and enjoying it. He looked at cleavage a little bit, too, but tried pretty hard to cover it up! We may not see as much of this if they don't show the group numbers during AIR.

This is one of the reasons I never thought Clay was gay - it was pretty obvious to me that he enjoyed being with girls.

You're right! I think there was one group number where he missed his cue because he was staring fixedly at *uh, something* LOL!!! Could you remember which ones? Not that I mind going through every single show once again...

[Ansamcw]

BTW, I hope that scum watches the AI Rewind Wildcard show intently -- the one where Clay feels up every single girl in the room while playing for sympathy. *GGG* (thanks to KAndre for pointing this out)

He not only feels up the girls during the Wildcard show, but he ogles the girls throughout AI2. Just watch him, especially during the group numbers. If he's following a girl, he often checks out her legs or butt. In one of the group numbers, several girls are wearing belly-baring outfits, and he is clearly looking at their bellies and enjoying it. He looked at cleavage a little bit, too, but tried pretty hard to cover it up! We may not see as much of this if they don't show the group numbers during AIR.

This is one of the reasons I never thought Clay was gay - it was pretty obvious to me that he enjoyed being with girls.

YUP me too.

[merrieeee]

Oh goody talk about Clay ogling girls! It makes a pleasant change from the other Stuff!!!

I have always noticed when he hugs someone he really hugs them tight....goes in for the kill so to speak! He likes pressing female flesh methinks!

[playbiller]

Sooopoo, basically are you saying that Clay is just another guy pig?

[Couch Tomato]

Awww. I just listened to my BF narrate another epi of Rewind.

Sweet.

Can't wait till next week.

craaaap I have to wait until tomorrow to see it...any thing of note?

Sooopoo, basically are you saying that Clay is just another guy pig?

bwah

[Ansamcw]

Sooopoo, basically are you saying that Clay is just another guy pig?

I would make a distinction...I don't think he does it to take advantage or in disrespect...he just can't seem to help himself.

[jumpingjacks]

Isn't there a picture out there of him staring at...oh crap, I forgot her name...he was standing between Carmen and....demmit what is her name...and was staring right at her cleavage.

Sort of like this:

[merrieeee]

he was standing between <insert name> and <insert name> and was staring right at her cleavage.

That could have been any of the group numbers*g*

[jumpingjacks]

he was standing between <insert name> and <insert name> and was staring right at her cleavage.

That could have been any of the group numbers*g*

I know, heh, ...she was the hairdresser...it is right on the tip of my tongue.....ARRRRRGH....

[Claygasm]

Hmmm. I think its as sad that JP exists as it is sad that a church would refuse someone come there to perform if they were gay.

I am not sure which is more disgusting.

Which is precisely the reason I was against Clay performing there - not that I have any say about it (nor should I).

I think the church as far as we know right now is also a victim of JP. I pesonally don't even believe the congregation questioned this. IMO this is totally made up out of whole cloth as the article I saw went out its way to make sure people knew JP never recanted his story which we know is a lie. I will give this church the benefit of the doubt until further information comes to light that doesn't have JP's fingerprints all over it. In other words. the concert will have to be cancelled.

From what I have read about that church on its own website, I would have no problem believing that members of the congregation were questioning whether Clay should appear there because he might be gay.

And why should the elder or whoever even have to reassure the congregation that he wasn't? What should have been said to those bigots is "I don't know if he is gay or not. IT DOESN"T MATTER!!!!"

But from THAT church..........

I still HATE the idea that Clay is performing at that house of prejudice.

[Scarlett]

he was standing between <insert name> and <insert name> and was staring right at her cleavage.

That could have been any of the group numbers*g*

I know, heh, ...she was the hairdresser...it is right on the tip of my tongue.....ARRRRRGH....

Julia? She was on the NY clip last week.

Sooopoo, basically are you saying that Clay is just another guy pig?

No no no, a *NICE* guy pig!

This is how I see it --- I used to belong to this huge socio-religious organization in college. Most of the guys there were really dedicated to the principles and objectives of the group (some, literally laying their lives for what we believed in) but at mass and at the many Agape Feast-style gatherings (with emphasis on the Agape part), those same guys seemed to really enjoy all the kissing & hugging; it was a part of life they enjoyed, sort of like rainbows and fireflies only they enjoyed those a lot more. And when some newbie applicant creep got too much into it and crossed an unspoken line, the other guys would go have a talk with him about it.

I think Clay's like that. You can trust him, but what he can get w/o crossing that line, he will!

[jumpingjacks]

I don't agree with their teachings, either, but I don't view it as the "church" hiring him. That church rents its auditorium to many people. I know the person who wired that church and, I gotta tell you, it isn't wired for your typical Sunday choir.

The people who have the most to deal with in this equation are Jesse and Sean. I would assume that it was discussed with them prior to any contract signing, but that is just my assumption. I can't imagine Clay putting them in any situation that would be uncomfortable for them.

Could be wrong, often am.

ETA: Yes! Julia!! Thank you!

[Gibby]

You're right! I think there was one group number where he missed his cue because he was staring fixedly at *uh, something* LOL!!! Could you remember which ones? Not that I mind going through every single show once again...

Sorry, I don't remember which group numbers in particular. I might have to go watch them all again to find out, too!

Oh, and about Julia - he clearly enjoyed being around Julia! She was voted off relatively early in the season, though. However, if you watched the AI2 tour the next summer, he and Julia were very cozy with one another on stage.

[Divayenta]

Loved your posts, Missy Scarlett, cuz I totally agree.

That church- I remember seeing some of their written material about gays which I found totally reprehensible. Now we know Clay doesn't feel that way and has gay people in his band and crew as well as gay friends. I wonder how he squares that with the church' s policy. Any thoughts?

I'm so sick of people tearing down his concepts. It's their right, but I love the surprise of him. When many thought the skits were awful, I just shook my head. How can you critique someone who is baring his soul?

Hugging you all and I could sure use one tonight. :F_05BL17blowkiss:

[jumpingjacks]

I wonder how he squares that with the church' s policy. Any thoughts?

Here's my thought, for what it's worth. I think his very own church has the same stance on gay people. I think most churches do. That is why I think he isn't viewing it as a "church concert" as much as a Christmas concert in a venue that doubles as a church.

I also believe that Jesse and Sean were in on the decision as to whether or not to book there. I have absolutely NO inside info. so this is all just my feelings on how I think Clay would respond.

Should he cancel? Dunno...if Jesse and Sean are ok with it, does that make it right....dunno that, either.

*HUG*

[Bookwhore]

It seems that everyone has read a different version of the Wichita church/concert issue. I'll add mine to the mix, since none of us really knows the truth. What I read was that the church was fine with the idea until they were contacted by JP, who provided the webcam pictures and text of the chat as 'proof'. Either the pastor or an elder contacted the pastor from Clay's old church, and received a 'character' reference, so to speak. He then shared the information from Clay's old pastor with either the other elders, or the board of directors (I don't know if this became a congregation issue or if it was a small circle of need-to-knows).

Then again, the entire above paragraph could be a bunch of horseshit. None of us knows. All I know is that the following is still up on the church website:

Clay has an incredible voice as well as a heart to use it for the Lord. You won't want to miss this exceptional concert!

I don't care what the church governing body thinks of Clay. I don't care where he performs. The only thing I care about is that I get to hear him sing. If this concert gets cancelled because NE and JP the their ilk get more attention than they deserve, I'm going to go ballistic.

[Scarlett]

Before all these Clay Aiken concerts, I hadn't set foot in any casino here in the US despite living here for almost 10 years. I don't necessarily see them as sinful but I just had no use for them. I wasn't planning to go to any in the near future. However --- I just loved the Borgata!!! And the Fort Lauderdale HRH!!! And the River Rock in BC!! And Pala!!! (uh Indio, not so much; I wish I had been able to use my Mohegan Sun tix).

I don't really have a thing against casinos (besides I won big at the slots back when I was eight years old and yes those were real slots, but that's another story); I'm just saying that venues are venues. Clay's singing? I'm there. As long as he's not doing OPP directly above known/prominent graves or shrines or gas chambers, I'll probably go anywhere in the world.

The most important things about a venue to me are: the acoustics, the camera policy, is there a pit?, how high/far the stage is, the lighting, is there a place for a pre-or-post party? and will there be a bus line?