#49: I am a fan of the man...pure and simple!

[tribeca]

I have kind of gotten addicted to watching Clay's bluegrass song he sang for his grandpa.

Was anyone there? On the YouTube version someone post

it was so special hearing what Grandpa had to say.

I wondered what his grandpa said. Seemed like a very special moment and I just discovered it!!!

[canfly172]

My quotarama from 2 days ago sits...untouched.

I went flying again today.

For the Ontario folks, I went to Hanover on Saturday and flew over Stratford (over Claymatron's house twice), over Aylmer (Cindilu2's house) to St. Thomas and London (over luckiest and goldarngirl's house) on Sunday and Brantford and London today. Well, OK, I didn't pick out their houses but we'll pretend.

was that the SNL that Kelly Clarkson appeared on?

so he bought a car in NC then went to NY?

look I found Canfly on YouTube

only 1 video

but it is a great one

Well, there are more but that's the only one that I've personally uploaded. Iz easy now. I tried a couple of years back and it never worked. I wanted it to show somebody in a Survivor Game. Just uploaded it 2 days ago, lol. Head in the way towards the end of that one. I was shooting through a small hole.

Hee, I love him.

Hadn't noticed.

Love the blog.

I don't watch 30 Rock but will tape the finale and watch Clay's part over and over. What night of the week does it come on?

What makes you think he'll be on the finale, lol?

Love the blog.

I don't watch 30 Rock but will tape the finale and watch Clay's part over and over. What night of the week does it come on?

I don't watch it either but I'll be there to watch Clay faster than you can pull a greased string out of a cat's ass!!!

What the hell?

[claytonic]

This is from the CANN site, which I absolutely love!

I didn't realize that St Patrick's Day was of special significance to ME.... because that is the day in 2004 that I saw and heard Clay Aiken sing for the very first time, and I was blown away to hear him sing one of my old and all-time favorites, Neil Sedaka's Solitaire.

From now on, I will have reason to celebrate St Pat's day, how strange that I have associated the color green with Clay for quite a while now and it is also my favorite color!

ETA: Although I first discovered Clay on 17th March 2004, I was busy with other matters and did not actively get involved in ClayNation, which I wasn't aware of. It was a while later when I came across more and more of his videos that I started searching for a forum but I read LTS long before that, as I was completely surprised that my library had a copy...surprised because the book shops didn't have it although they said they could order it for me...Clay wasn't really a big name here. (Kelly Clarkson was/is well-known here, she performed Ms Independent at the first Aussie Idol. Most people I know, know Clay too but largely because I rave about him! I have asked for his CD at record shops and they don't know who he is, and that was when OMWH was released)

http://www.claynewsnetwork.com/2009/03/16/...ings-solitaire/

Clay Aiken Sings Solitaire

Posted: 17 Mar 2009 12:40 AM PDT

There are times in a person's career that become obvious benchmark events. Some of these events are built up to be career-changing, but some just happen. Most people believe that March 17, 2004 was a defining moment in the career of Clay Aiken.

Season 3 of American Idol was in full swing. The final group of 12 contestants had performed on the first elimination show one night before. Each singer had tried to impress America by singing a song for "Soul Night."

But March 17^th was Results Night and American Idol had invited Clay Aiken, the runner up of Season 2, as their special musical guest.

According to reports at the time, there were many fans who arrived very early in the morning for the 5pm taping. A reporter from KIIS FM came by the line at about 9am to do a man-on-the-street interview with the line-sitters. Someone had called Rick Dees for an on-air contest and they were intrigued that there were so many people lined up so early. They wanted to know what AI3 finalist the people were there to see. They were completely shocked to learn that most of the fans were there for Clay.

At about the half-way mark of the show, Ryan Seacrest announced Clay. He strode onto the stage in a commanding way. He was wearing a black turtleneck and a suit. Instead of standing in front of the judges table, Clay chose to perform at the side of the stage. Clay chose to sing Solitaire as it was being pushed as his new single.

The audience in the studio and watching at home were treated to a wonderful performance. Not only did Clay sing well, he was able to connect with the audience with his eye contact and emotional lyrics. And I doubt anyone will forget the surreal "glory note."

It was reported that Debra Bird was monitoring the show on a TV screen at the front of the audience. As Clay was singing, she smiled widely and seemed very proud. Fred Bronson and Julia DeMato were both a part of the audience that night.

All three of the regular judges were there. One fan reported: "During Clay's song, all three judges seemed to not be paying any attention whatsoever. They were talking among themselves. There was not one minute of interaction between Clay and those judges the entire time Clay was on the stage - not before, during, or after the song."

After his performance, Clay chatted a bit with Ryan Seacrest. Clay said he got a little nervous being in the studio again. He also said that the tour with Kelly was going well. Ryan made sure that the audience knew that Clay's album had gone triple platinum.

The contestants had a chance to ask Clay some questions. The audience laughed when Matt said he was having nightmares about Simon and wanted to know how Clay dealt with that. His response was to focus on the goal and to not let anything get in the way. He also commented that fame is hard when Fantasia asked him if people treated him differently.

At the commercial break, Clay went over to where the contestants were sitting and shook hands and hugged every one of them. Someone from the audience threw up some panties and also a bear for him. It was reported that Clay calmly picked up the panties and casually threw them over to Simon.

"My impression of the whole experience was that Clay is the real superstar here - he is just so far beyond American Idol," reported a fan that was a part of the live audience that night.

It was certainly a night to remember and the entire audience was on their feet and applauding loudly for Clay Aiken, the new pop star.

Please watch the video of Clay singing Solitaire on March 17th, 2004

[liney23]

claytonic... thanks for bringing that over... I love Clay and Solitaire... AI2 version, AI3 version, Neil Sedaka version... LOVE LOVE LOVE them all.

AI2, he was so dramatic and really looked like he was totally confident in that performance... and he made Neil cry!

AI3, he came out, every inch the star, and blew that song away... he looked supremely hawt, too.

Neil, he had his creekbones back and it was a great performance on all levels.

Muski... say "hey" to totally for me and enjoy yourselves! We Clayfans sure sleep around...

[FearofH2O]

I have kind of gotten addicted to watching Clay's bluegrass song he sang for his grandpa.

Was anyone there? On the YouTube version someone post

it was so special hearing what Grandpa had to say.

I wondered what his grandpa said. Seemed like a very special moment and I just discovered it!!!

I was there in the 5th or sixth row. I didn't hear what his grandfather said but I believe it is on one of the videos . I'm thinking jojoct. He said "Go boy" and a few other short comments. That song was discussed at length by my three friends who went with me on the almost two hour drive home. None had seen Clay perform before in concert. They absolutely loved the JNT5. It was a wonderful night in Raleigh.

There was also the lighted banner which went around the venue. It said "Welcome home Clay".

[aikim]

Good Morning Everyone,

2 Days until The First Day of Spring!

10 Days until Clay is Presenting Tyra with her GLAAD award!

13 Days until Playlist: The Very Best of Clay Aiken is available!

21 Days (3 weeks from tonight!) Judge Aiken will be holding Court on ANTM!

57 Days until Clay is "Rockin'" 30 Rock!

Everyone have a great day!

Kim

[FromClaygary]

I have kind of gotten addicted to watching Clay's bluegrass song he sang for his grandpa.

Was anyone there? On the YouTube version someone post

it was so special hearing what Grandpa had to say.

I wondered what his grandpa said. Seemed like a very special moment and I just discovered it!!!

I have kind of gotten addicted to watching Clay's bluegrass song he sang for his grandpa.

Was anyone there? On the YouTube version someone post

it was so special hearing what Grandpa had to say.

I wondered what his grandpa said. Seemed like a very special moment and I just discovered it!!!

I was there in the 5th or sixth row. I didn't hear what his grandfather said but I believe it is on one of the videos . I'm thinking jojoct. He said "Go boy" and a few other short comments. That song was discussed at length by my three friends who went with me on the almost two hour drive home. None had seen Clay perform before in concert. They absolutely loved the JNT5. It was a wonderful night in Raleigh.

There was also the lighted banner which went around the venue. It said "Welcome home Clay".

I was there too, sitting just in front and to the left of Mr. Aiken. Tribeca, it might help to know a little of the backstory; I'm not sure if you've read LTS, but in it Clay tells us that his Grandpa suffers from Alzheimers. Usually Clay feels that he recognizes him, but he can't verbalize Clay's name. However, Clay's music calms him and he listens to it quite regularly.

That night, when they started the bluegrass piece and Clay dedicated it to his Grandpa, Mr. Aiken several times "shouted out" to Clay~saying "you go, boy" and "you go, Clay", and trying to sing along a bit.

It was very emotional simply because of his recognition, which doesn't often occur; and the connection between them.

....and a little story about the banner around RBC: it actually said "We celebrate you home". For the life of me, I can't remember the name of the guitarist in Clay's band who at that time was his musical director as well....anyone? Aaargh!!

In any case, he had been contacted prior to the Raleigh performance, and helped with his contacts at RBC (the whole tme keeping it completely quiet from Clay) to arrange for this to happen. It was set up by the Raleigh Claymates, and was a complete surprise. I think it went well.

What a night! Another one for the memory books, for sure.

FYI, hosaa has an absolutely WONDERFUL montage which blends the LTS reading and Clay's performance that night. I've looked, but I can't fnd it in the jungle that is clackunlimited. I know I have it, so later tonight I'll upload it to sendspace if someone hasn't found it by that time.

ETA: There is one HERE for CV vault members, from goldarngirl and luckiest1 which I'm sure is equally awesome....

[luckiest1]

goldarngirl and I also did a montage for the Raleigh performance of Beautiful Star Of Bethlehem, as a bonus with our Clearwater JNT05 series. You can hear Clay's papa in the audio.

Goldarngirl Clearwater page

Clackunlimited Clearwater page

Please remember not to stream - right click and save as!

Pretty wild to realize that the AI3 Solitaire night was 5 years ago! Man, that was a great night. I remember being nervous about Clay hitting the note....had he been sick recently? I think so. In any case, he nailed it, and the story about tossing the panties at Simon is classic, I remember hearing about that too. Good for him!

The countdown is looking great, thanks so much aikim.

[Claymatron]

For the life of me, I can't remember the name of the guitarist in Clay's band who at that time was his musical director as well....anyone? Aaargh!!

Daniel Pearson or Andy Abad, maybe? I think it was Daniel, but not sure.

[FromClaygary]

For the life of me, I can't remember the name of the guitarist in Clay's band who at that time was his musical director as well....anyone? Aaargh!!

Daniel Pearson or Andy Abad, maybe? I think it was Daniel, but not sure.

Nope....I can just SEE the guy but can't remember his name! Talk about Alzheimers......

Thanks, though!!

[Claymatron]

For the life of me, I can't remember the name of the guitarist in Clay's band who at that time was his musical director as well....anyone? Aaargh!!

Daniel Pearson or Andy Abad, maybe? I think it was Daniel, but not sure.

Nope....I can just SEE the guy but can't remember his name! Talk about Alzheimers......

Thanks, though!!

Hmmmmm! Was he with Clay during any other tour? I can't remember any other guitarist being musical director. Not that I'm an expert on Clay's bands, or anything, but now you've got me curious. Was that the year of the vignettes...with William Joseph, or am I totally confused here?

[ldyjocelyn]

Daniel was the bass player *sigh*, but he wasn't the musical director. Andy Abad was the musical director for both the JBT and the JNT2005. (In between the two tours, his wife had a baby...) And yes, the JNT2005 was the year of the vignettes and William Joseph on piano.

ETA: FromClaygary, is this the guy you're thinking of?

[Claymatron]

Daniel was the bass player *sigh*, but he wasn't the musical director. Andy Abad was the musical director for both the JBT and the JNT2005. (In between the two tours, his wife had a baby...) And yes, the JNT2005 was the year of the vignettes and William Joseph on piano.

ETA: FromClaygary, is this the guy you're thinking of?

Oh, good, I thought I was another Alzheimer victim there for a moment. I thought it was either Andy or Daniel (although, of the two I was thinking Daniel)...and I remember Andy's wife having a baby girl and Clay being all excited about that.

Thanks for clearing that up, it would have bugged me all day!

[jmh123]

I was there too. All has been said, but it was a wonderful moment. I love the song, just as a performance, as well.

[ncgran4clay]

I was there too. All has been said, but it was a wonderful moment. I love the song, just as a performance, as well.

I was there also!! I remember tearing up when the scroll around came on saying " We celebrate you home". I was sitting a few rows behind & to the side of "papa" & could hear him shout out to Clay. There's a wonderful video somewhere ( I know I saved it somewhere) of what appears to be Clay tearing up when he hears his papa shout out to him. I took 4 friends with me to the show who were casual fans & they all loved it!! Good memories!!

ETA- Found it, for those interested!! Clack Unlimited- Concerts- JNT 05- 051222- Raleigh-Star of Bethlehem- jojoct.

Listen at around 1:23 & you can hear papa & Clay's response to hearing him!!

[goldarngirl]

I was there too. All has been said, but it was a wonderful moment. I love the song, just as a performance, as well.

I was there also!! I remember tearing up when the scroll around came on saying " We celebrate you home". I was sitting a few rows behind & to the side of "papa" & could hear him shout out to Clay. There's a wonderful video somewhere ( I know I saved it somewhere) of what appears to be Clay tearing up when he hears his papa shout out to him. I took 4 friends with me to the show who were casual fans & they all loved it!! Good memories!!

ETA- Found it, for those interested!! Clack Unlimited- Concerts- JNT 05- 051222- Raleigh-Star of Bethlehem- jojoct.

Listen at around 1:23 & you can hear papa & Clay's response to hearing him!!

Actually it was jojoct's audio that was used for the Best of Montage (so you will be hearing him) the above.

[liney23]

Star of Bethlehem... one of my mostest favorite Clay moments. I thought I heard Grampa say, "beautiful" at least once, but his voice is garbled and those of you who were there and close probably have it right in what he said. I'm sure it is one of Clay's favorite moments, too.

I thought the montage with Clay reading about his grampa from LTS at the beginning is just great.

Com'on, Clay... we want some more moments like this... where have I heard that phrase before...

[duckyvee]

One of the syllables in my Clay Syllables Collection, 'yon,' comes from that performance. I loved the whole thing!

[aikim]

Question for all my Library peeps...we are considering changing over to the Colibri book processing system, wonder if anyone here uses it in their libraries and if so...what do you think. We had a salesman come out today and demonstrate and moi who hates any kind of change in routine, was actually impressed:

http://www.colibriusa.com/demo.php

I love BSOB! Have the montage with him reading from LTS on my computer and I will watch that all year along!

Luckiest1 Glad you are enjoying the countdown; I love that there is only one non-Clay related item on it!

Kim

[luckiest1]

Some Clay sightings, this time in Atlanta. From CH:

Overscene

Former "American Idol" finalist Clay Aiken sitting in the left orchestra section of the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre for the opening night performance of "Spamalot." The singer played the role of Sir Robin in the Broadway production of the hit Monty Python musical last year. We're told he happily signed autographs for the theater-goers who recognized him.

More on Clay in Atlanta from CV:

I've come home from work to see some reports of Clay in Atlanta last night. That report is true. I got an email from a friend who said I could share this email she got from HER friend at work. She is sure this friend would recognize Clay and this is his email..

We went to Spamelot out at the Cobb Center near Cumberland Mall

last night and guess who was sitting about 3 rows directly in from of

us.......yes, Clay Aiken. Richard Chamberlin was the lead roll and I

guess Clay was just watching for some reason. He was very low key. A few

people came up to speak to him and he was gracious to them. It was a

good show. I just had to share that with you.

[bottlecap]

Gee, Clay sure has had the travellin' bug lately. I hope that seeing Kelly sing live (maybe) and Merle onstage and whatnot will give him a little prod.

"That just makes me want to sing!" [tm Prince Herbert] and all that jazz.

In the meantime, laughn and I have had to make other concert plans. In a couple of weeks, we're going to see Seal in Windsor (waves to all the Ontario peeps), and then later in April, Ain't Misbehavin' is coming here. He's no Clay, but I'm looking forward to seeing Ruben.

[FromClaygary]

Well.....let's try this one more time....last time trying to reply locked my computer up so bad I had to reboot.

So~I thought I had a video version of Papa's Beautiful Star from hosaa, but all I can find is the audio version. In any case, it's beautful either way.

Here is a 4shared link to DL it for those who don't have it: Papa's Beautiful Star audio

and I have contacted hosaa to see if there IS even a video, or I'm just mis-remembering as usual

PS thanks for all the suggestions...I know both Danny and Andy, and neither of them is the person I'm trying to come up with...thanks though!

PPS As I recall, the person who won the dinner with Clay at GFI is from Atlanta; and Clay said he would come to her...so he may be killing two birds with one stone. Glad to hear he's having fun, whatever he's doing!

[muskifest]

Greetings from the Land of Rotting Souls! Just kidding, of course...I'm in Los Angeles...actually got to Burbank early this morning and so spent some time at a Burbank shopping mall...the Borders book store is closing so all their book prices were slashed...I scored a couple of hard backs from the discount rack and a few paperbacks...it was really sad to see this happen.

And the stores in the mall were like ghost towns! Yes, I'm sure the fact that it's Wednesday midday has something to do with the lack of people, but...with the store closing...it all seemed very eerie.

By the way...I'm beginning to think that either I am a very weird chick or there must be lots of chicks just like me because I can never find the Bali bra I like in my size. There was a whole freaking rack full of them at Macy's and the style I like could be found in three colors in every size that was smaller or larger than mine, but not one FREAKING bra that was exactly my size! Damnit! I'm going to have to start ordering them online, I guess.

I'm in a fancy-dancy bi-level suite at our conference hotel...it's lovely and all, but actually the two levels are a pain the butt, for the most part. Bathroom's nice, though.

Clay in Atlanta...heh. Speaking of famous travelers, President Obama is going to be here in LA and in fact, he will be visiting one of our network schools! This will be the second of our schools that he's visited---he and Michelle went to a school in Wash., DC, and said something like "This is the way all of our children should be educated."...we have a picture and the quote on our website's home page... Cool!

[muskifest]

Oh I forgot to say....Clay's AI3 Solitaire appearance and performance is one of my all-time favorites, for so many reasons. He was just all kinds of wonderful---from the way he was dressed, to his hair, to the way he walked out so confidently and in charge to that microphone so far away from the three bozos, from the way he touched and fondled Ms Microphone, to the way he eyefucked us all, from the swirling camera work to the glory notes.... GAH...he was incredible. I was SOOOO proud of him...

ETA: Ok...just had to watch that again... and I'd forgotten about that killer smile at the end of the song. Kill me now, why doncha', Mr. Hawtness?

[tribeca]

I have kind of gotten addicted to watching Clay's bluegrass song he sang for his grandpa.

Was anyone there? On the YouTube version someone post

it was so special hearing what Grandpa had to say.

I wondered what his grandpa said. Seemed like a very special moment and I just discovered it!!!

I have kind of gotten addicted to watching Clay's bluegrass song he sang for his grandpa.

Was anyone there? On the YouTube version someone post

it was so special hearing what Grandpa had to say.

I wondered what his grandpa said. Seemed like a very special moment and I just discovered it!!!

I was there in the 5th or sixth row. I didn't hear what his grandfather said but I believe it is on one of the videos . I'm thinking jojoct. He said "Go boy" and a few other short comments. That song was discussed at length by my three friends who went with me on the almost two hour drive home. None had seen Clay perform before in concert. They absolutely loved the JNT5. It was a wonderful night in Raleigh.

There was also the lighted banner which went around the venue. It said "Welcome home Clay".

I was there too, sitting just in front and to the left of Mr. Aiken. Tribeca, it might help to know a little of the backstory; I'm not sure if you've read LTS, but in it Clay tells us that his Grandpa suffers from Alzheimers. Usually Clay feels that he recognizes him, but he can't verbalize Clay's name. However, Clay's music calms him and he listens to it quite regularly.

That night, when they started the bluegrass piece and Clay dedicated it to his Grandpa, Mr. Aiken several times "shouted out" to Clay~saying "you go, boy" and "you go, Clay", and trying to sing along a bit.

It was very emotional simply because of his recognition, which doesn't often occur; and the connection between them.

....and a little story about the banner around RBC: it actually said "We celebrate you home". For the life of me, I can't remember the name of the guitarist in Clay's band who at that time was his musical director as well....anyone? Aaargh!!

In any case, he had been contacted prior to the Raleigh performance, and helped with his contacts at RBC (the whole tme keeping it completely quiet from Clay) to arrange for this to happen. It was set up by the Raleigh Claymates, and was a complete surprise. I think it went well.

What a night! Another one for the memory books, for sure.

FYI, hosaa has an absolutely WONDERFUL montage which blends the LTS reading and Clay's performance that night. I've looked, but I can't fnd it in the jungle that is clackunlimited. I know I have it, so later tonight I'll upload it to sendspace if someone hasn't found it by that time.

ETA: There is one HERE for CV vault members, from goldarngirl and luckiest1 which I'm sure is equally awesome....

goldarngirl and I also did a montage for the Raleigh performance of Beautiful Star Of Bethlehem, as a bonus with our Clearwater JNT05 series. You can hear Clay's papa in the audio.

Goldarngirl Clearwater page

Clackunlimited Clearwater page

Please remember not to stream - right click and save as!

Pretty wild to realize that the AI3 Solitaire night was 5 years ago! Man, that was a great night. I remember being nervous about Clay hitting the note....had he been sick recently? I think so. In any case, he nailed it, and the story about tossing the panties at Simon is classic, I remember hearing about that too. Good for him!

The countdown is looking great, thanks so much aikim.

I was there too. All has been said, but it was a wonderful moment. I love the song, just as a performance, as well.

I was there also!! I remember tearing up when the scroll around came on saying " We celebrate you home". I was sitting a few rows behind & to the side of "papa" & could hear him shout out to Clay. There's a wonderful video somewhere ( I know I saved it somewhere) of what appears to be Clay tearing up when he hears his papa shout out to him. I took 4 friends with me to the show who were casual fans & they all loved it!! Good memories!!

ETA- Found it, for those interested!! Clack Unlimited- Concerts- JNT 05- 051222- Raleigh-Star of Bethlehem- jojoct.

Listen at around 1:23 & you can hear papa & Clay's response to hearing him!!

Star of Bethlehem... one of my mostest favorite Clay moments. I thought I heard Grampa say, "beautiful" at least once, but his voice is garbled and those of you who were there and close probably have it right in what he said. I'm sure it is one of Clay's favorite moments, too.

I thought the montage with Clay reading about his grampa from LTS at the beginning is just great.

Com'on, Clay... we want some more moments like this... where have I heard that phrase before...

Wow

I am glad i asked. You guys were so lucky to be there. I thought I could tell how special it was from the video but you made me feel like I was actually there.

I read LTS a few times. The first time I just could not put it down. I cried through a lot of it. My niece tried to read it but she could not get passed the sister suicide part. I don't know why my sister gave it to her to read but I am only the aunt not the mom so I don't get to question even though I have in the past.

Oh I forgot to say....Clay's AI3 Solitaire appearance and performance is one of my all-time favorites, for so many reasons. He was just all kinds of wonderful---from the way he was dressed, to his hair, to the way he walked out so confidently and in charge to that microphone so far away from the three bozos, from the way he touched and fondled Ms Microphone, to the way he eyefucked us all, from the swirling camera work to the glory notes.... GAH...he was incredible. I was SOOOO proud of him...

ETA: Ok...just had to watch that again... and I'd forgotten about that killer smile at the end of the song. Kill me now, why doncha', Mr. Hawtness?

that describes it pretty good.

I remember that moment like it was yesterday. It was so great to see Clay come back as a star.

LOL at Clay throwing undies at Simon. Bet that was really Canfly throwing her underwear!!