CDD "An Evening With Clay Aiken" Tour 2007

GENERAL: Thanking Clay For the Summer Tour!

2007-08-27T20:46:00.001-04:00

Two new montages thanking Clay of the wonderful tour memories were posted by suereu and iloveclay101 to YouTube.

Enjoy!

My Tribute to The Clay Aiken Soft Rock Tour! from iloveclay101

Clay, Thanks for the Memories from suereu

GENERAL: So Long to the 2007 Summer Tour

2007-08-25T16:43:00.000-04:00

The 2007 An Evening with Clay Aiken tour has come to an end. This blog will become archived once tour news has stopped coming in.

For reference, we are posting the tour dates as well as links to news from each city in this post.

CDD has already set up our 2007 Magical Holiday Tour blog ... only 3 more months until we get to see Clay on the road again!

Tour dates

Date	City	Venue	More Info/Tickets
July 4, 2007	Frisco, TX	Pizza Hut Park	On sale May 4 to public through Ticketmaster; 10 AM CDT \| More info
July 6, 2007	Houston, TX	Jones Hall	Public on sale March 28; Fanclub presale: 10 a.m. CDT on March 26th through March 27th by phone (713) 224-7575 \| More info
July 7, 2007	Tulsa, OK	Brady Theater	Public on sale: May 12 @ 10 AM local \| More info
July 17, 2007	Philadelphia, PA	Mann Center	Fanclub presale: April 14 @ 10 AM; Public on sale Apr. 17 through venue & venue website \| More info
July 18, 2007	Syracuse, NY	Crouse-Hinds Concert Theater in Mulroy Civic Center at Oncenter	Fanclub presale Apr. 16 @ 10 AM; public on sale Apr. 18 @ 10 AM through website, box office and by phone. \| More info
July 19, 2007	Canandaigua, NY	Constellation Performing Arts Center	Fanclub presale: Apr. 12 @ 10 AM; Public on sale Apr. 14 @ 10 AM thru Ticketmaster \| More info
July 20, 2007	Chautauqua, NY	Chautauqua Institution	On sale now \| More info
July 21, 2007	Columbus, OH	Chemical Abstract Service	On sale May 3 ... call venue at (614)228-8600 \| More info
July 23, 2007	Sterling Heights, MI	Freedom Hill Amphitheater	On sale April 28 via Ticketmaster \| More info
July 25, 2007	Gilford, NH	Meadowbrook Musical Arts Center	On sale via internet, phone, box office on April 14 @ 10 AM local time \| More info
July 28, 2007	Newark, NJ	New Jersey Performing Arts Center	On sale May 9 through venue website \| More info
August 2, 2007	San Diego, CA	Embarcadero Marina Park South	On sale now ... contact the box office \| More info
August 3, 2007	Pala, CA	Pala Casino Starlight	On sale now via Ticketmaster \| More info
August 4, 2007	Los Angeles, CA	Greek Theatre	On sale June 2 \| More info
August 5, 2007	Indio, CA	Fantasy Springs Casino	On sale May 4 - more information available at fanclub's tour page \| More info
August 10, 2007	Cary, NC	Koka Booth Amphitheater	On sale May 5 \| More info
August 11, 2007	Asheville, NC	Biltmore Estates	On sale May 23 \| More info
August 12, 2007	Knoxville, TN	Tennessee Theater	Public on sale: Fri. Apr. 27 @ 10 AM via box office, phone 865-656-4444, venue website \| More info
August 15, 2007	Atlanta, GA	Chastain Park Amphitheater	Group sales start on Mar. 23; single tickets start on May 21 ... call (404) 733-4800 in both cases \| More info
August 16, 2007	Fort Myers, FL	Barbara B. Mann Center	On sale June 23 @ 10 AM at www.bbmannpah.com, by phone at 239-481-4849 or at box office \| More info
August 17, 2007	Tampa Bay, FL	Carol Morsani Hall	Symphony members: Wed. May 23 @ noon, Public: Fri. May 25 @ noon \| More info
August 18, 2007	West Palm Beach, FL	Kravis Center for the Performing Arts	Fanclub presale: April 13 @ 10 AM;Public on sale Apr. 14 \| More info
August 19, 2007	Orlando, FL	Hard Rock Orlando	On sale now \| More info

Tour news by city
Frisco, TX

H ouston, TX

Tulsa, OK

Philadelphia, PA

Syracuse, NY

Canandaigua, NY

Chautauqua, NY

Columbus, OH

Sterling Heights, MI

Gilford, NH

Newark, NJ

San Diego, CA

Pala, CA

Los Angeles, CA

Indio, CA

Cary, NC

Asheville, NC

Knoxville, TN

Atlanta, GA

Fort Myers, FL

Tampa Bay, FL

West Palm Beach, FL

Orlando, FL

ASHEVILLE: CDD's J4Clay's Pictures From Ashville

2007-08-24T22:02:00.001-04:00

I never have given a summary of my trip to Ashville. By now you have all probably heard everything that happened there. So I just thought I'd share a few pictures that I took with you of the Biltmore Estates and of the concert.

The Biltmore Estates is absolutely gorgeous. We stayed in the Inn and the rooms were unbelievable. They grow their own flowers there, and in the lobby there are big sunflowers and other flowers from their gardens.

The estate itself is unbelievable. There are 250 rooms in it. All the furniture is the original furniture. Even the books in the library are original books. We took a tour of the house but were not allowed to take pictures, but here are some pictures of the outside.

Many of you have read about the long, long line of fans who waited for Clay to come shake hands with them after the show. Below is the field where the fans were lined up all the way around it. The field was huge. The picture doesn't do it justice. I didn't stay for this, but I hear it was a sight to behold!

Many of the clay fans got a package deal with the Biltmore which included staying at the Biltmore Inn, 2 tickets to Clay's concert in some of the better seats, tickets to tour the estate, and breakfast and dinner. There were so many people who bought the package that they decided to do a special barbeque meal for us at the River Bend Barn. It was lots of fun to be with only Clay fans and meet people I had never met before.

And then of course there is the concert. The wonderful concert! It was probably 30 degrees cooler at Ashville than it had been in Cary. The scenery was beautiful and it was a perfect night. From what I heard, the staff of the Biltmore was quite impressed with his performance and had never seen anything like his fans before. We're hoping he will be invited back.

ORLANDO: CDD's J4Clay's Summary of the Orlando Concert

2007-08-24T22:00:00.000-04:00

Once again I’ve put off writing up my review of one of my tour concerts long enough. I reviewed Cary, but still haven’t done Ashville. But I think I’ll skip Ashville and go on to the last show of the tour, Orlando.

This is the first year I have been to both the first and the last shows of a tour. Now this is an awesome thing to be able to do. You get to see first hand what he is going to sing/do during the tour, not hear it online. Then, you get to see what goes on in the closing show, any practical jokes, all the emotion and tears. This year there weren’t any practical jokes, but there were plenty of emotions and tears to go around.

I was excited to be going to the Hard Rock Live Theater to see Clay. Especially since it was right outside of Universal Studios. Even without going to Universal, there is still a lighthearted, party atmosphere that is so much fun. A friend and I ate at the Hard Rock Café and then she headed off to her meet and greet. That’s when I got a picture with Jerome. Now I knew Jerome was tall, but standing next to Jerome for a picture made me realize just how tall. I look like I’m down on my knees!!

After the picture I headed over to Margaritaville to be with some other Clay friends. There’s nothing like sharing time with some of the best friends in the world. It’s still all about Clay…going to the concerts, enjoying clack, helping with his foundation…but it’s become about as much about the dear friends I’ve made as him. Of course, my thanks go to him for making it possible to make so many friends and share these concerts with them.

It was now time to head over to the Hard Rock Live to take our seats to see Clay. The marquee at the front of the theater blinked the various artists who would be performing there, including "Clay Aiken"...."August 19". It took me several tries to snap my camera just at the right time to catch both signs!

Little did we know that we would have to turn in our cameras and then later pay $3.00 to get our own cameras back. What is wrong with this picture? I was afraid that they would not be allowing pictures since my tickets said, “No cameras”, but I wasn’t prepared for having to do this. $3.00 to get my own camera back?? The lines were long. Thankfully a friend of mine who was already in line took my camera and checked it with hers. The concert started late because of the long lines.

Our seats were up in the balcony, but on the far right end right next to the stage. We were at a table for four and 4 of our other friends were up above us in the high back chairs. This is the first time I’ve been in the balcony for a Clay concert, but I must say, these were excellent seats! And the binoculars I bought gave me a great close-up view of that gorgeous face and green eyes! We also had servers at our tables. We could buy drinks and food if we wanted. I settled for a diet coke.

When the show started, I already had a sinking feeling in my stomach. I know I shouldn’t, but seeing Angela and Quiana come out waving, and knowing this would be the last time we would see them all for a while, well, it is like saying goodbye to good friends. And then when Clay walks out on the stage singing, “Here You Come Again”, it really starts to sink in. The show was fantastic as always. There seemed to be a lot of emotion in their voices tonight. Angela and Quiana were on fire singing their songs. I believe they hate to say goodbye as much as we do.

The song "When I See You Smile" was fun tonight. Everyone brought yellow smiley face lights to wave as Clay sang this song. And, it couldn't have been planned better. Right before he sang the song, Clay said something like, "Everyone needs to have a smile on their faces", something close to that. And when he began singing, up went the smiley faces swaying to the music! I think he was quite surprised and touched by this. He never knows what his fans are gonna do.

I believe that the TV Show Medley and Classics Medley were the best I had ever seen. Before the Classics Medley, a lady named Regina yelled down at him about singing Invisible and Bridge Over Troubled Waters and that started a long banter with her. Regina was sitting right in front of my table, so we were able to see straight on into Clay’s face as he talked with her (and thank you for binoculars!). He was hilarious. He’s a natural at coming up with the craziest things to say and do on the spur of the moment like that. And he was absolutely into all the dances during the medley. You can tell he loves doing these medleys. And I love watching him have such a great time! What an entertainer!

Somewhere during the show, Clay asked if anyone had a sharpie. Someone on the 1st or 2nd row threw one straight across the stage for him! No eyes were put out thankfully! Then Jerome brought more out. Clay, Quianna, and Angela signed the stools they had been sitting on for the whole tour; Jesse and Sean will also sign them. These stools will be auctioned off later on, two for BAF and one for UNICEF. I can say this, I looked at the stools with my binoculars. The biggest signature by far is Clay's! If I could afford one of the stools, I'd buy one for sure! Start saving your pennies right now!!

The last song, "Because You Love Me", has a lot of meaning at every show. But this last show seemed to hold even more emotions for it. There were tears in Clay’s eyes I believe when he sang it. He really meant those words, especially on the last night I believe, making certain the fans knew just how much they meant to him with the words he said before singing the song. And it seemed extra special this time when the fans waved their light sticks to the beat of the music. I was so proud to be a part of that. Maybe it also was special because there were still fans that had light sticks. The venue took up bunches of them as the fans entered the theater, and a man came by and told us to put ours in our purses or they would be taken up. How could we not have our light stick tribute to Clay? And on the last night? Thankfully enough fans still had theirs to make a beautiful tribute to Clay.

When the show was over, we all gathered outside in front of the venue and formed a long line for Clay to greet us and touch our hands. This has become quite a tradition. Clay has to go quickly through the line, saying ‘Thank you for coming…thank you very much” as he grabs hand after hand in the line. But he does it because he loves the fans. He does not want to miss a night of doing this for us. And we are forever grateful for that. Venue after venue has been amazed at the loyalty of the fans and at how Clay is willing to do this. Our relationship with Clay is one of a kind.

The tour was over much too soon for me, but aren’t they always? Another 3 months and the Christmas tour will be upon us. All I know to say very sincerely is this, “Thank you Clay for the most amazing tours anyone could ever put on. I wouldn’t miss them for the world!”

WEST PALM BEACH: Palm Beach Post Photos

2007-08-24T10:14:00.002-04:00

The Palm Beach Post has some nice pics from the West Palm Beach concert.

GENERAL: Washington Post Answers Clay Question in Q&A Column

2007-08-24T10:14:00.001-04:00

With the summer tour, and facing a 3 month Clay drought (aside from his appearance on 5th Grader), the Washington Post gave Clay some nice PR in their celebrity Q&A column today:

Bethesda, Md.: Hi Liz,

Clay Aiken's summer tour just ended, and he picked up some great reviews. Any chance it will turn into a television special? And what do you know about his next album?

Thanks.

Liz Kelly: Well, I have to confess that I'm not much of a Clay Aiken fan or follower, but a quick scan of the Web does reveal mostly positive reviews for the former "Idol" runner-up's latest tour. Good for him. Makes one wonder where Taylor Hicks is hiding himself these days. Anyone know?

As for a new Aiken album (maybe he could call it "Aiky Breaky Heart"?) the most recent reference I can find is a May Jimmy Kimmel appearance where Clay said he was interviewing producers for the project. But if you're really craving some Clay, you might want to try to score tickets to his just announced "Christmas in the Heartland" tour or make sure to tune in when he appears on an episode of this fall's celebrity edition of "Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?"

FORT MYERS, TAMPA BAY, WEST PALM BEACH, ORLANDO: riversend22 Posts New Florida Photos

2007-08-23T21:40:00.001-04:00

The Clayboard's riversend22 has posted some fabulous concert shots from Clay's 4 concerts in Florida. Check all of them out at the Clayboard.

WEST PALM BEACH: "Lover All Alone" Video

2007-08-21T16:28:00.000-04:00

I can never get enough of "Lover All Alone" ... here's another reason why:

ORLANDO: Sentinel: "the class clown got to be the star"

2007-08-20T16:51:00.001-04:00

The Orlando Sentinel has published their review of Clay's concert at the Hard Rock Orlando last night. Another good review... (again, the version posted below is a snippet)

Clay Aiken performs Sunday at Hard Rock Live.

Clay Aiken performed "Baby's Got Back," accompanied by an orchestra Sunday night at Orlando's Hard Rock Live. Oh, he performed a spirited rendition of the theme to Welcome Back Kotter, too.

Got your attention?

The show, the final stop of Aiken's current tour, was full of surprises -- most of them surreal. I really never thought I would see hip-hoppy "O.P.P" mixed with Kenny Chesney's "She Thinks my Tractor's Sexy" in a medley backed by violins and cellos. Strangely enough, the more goofy things got, the more the show clicked.

His nonsensical banter with powerhouse backing singers Angela Fisher and Quiana Parlor -- as well as a steady flow of conversation with audience members -- can make it seem to newbies that they've crashed a private party.

"There aren't many faces in the front row I don't recognize," Aiken teased, "because they're the crazy ones."

And indeed he did know many of the audience members by name, giving them shoutouts or just calling into the crowd to find out where some of the regulars were sitting. Bob and Linda got special recognition for seeing 121 concerts in four years. These fans, called Claymates, mean business.

The night was well-stocked with cover songs, which make up the bulk of Aiken's latest album, A Thousand Different Ways. Some suited him better than others -- the soaring "Without You" (most recently a hit for Mariah Carey) showcased his tremendous upper range. But he owes Dolly Parton an apology for his slowed-down "Here You Come Again" that sucked the bouncy life out of the song. "Measure of a Man" and "These Open Arms" were other strong numbers that let his vocal ability shine.

What with the TV songs, the singalongs, the teasing chitchat, the overall effect was of a middle-school sleepover -- a really big sleepover where the class clown got to be the star.

ORLANDO: Concert Recaps

2007-08-20T16:28:00.000-04:00

Wow, that was fast! Our summer with Clay has wrapped up. And what a memorable summer it will be - Clay performing Sexyback, taking Scarlett's camera, battling the New Hampshire bugs and singing an 8 minute medley of TV classics... thank you Clay.

Here is the last of the concert recaps for last night's Orlando concert:

Photos

Clayboard photo thread - Orlando

Video

ClackUnlimited.com

From the CB's clangel13:

I'm really surprised to be the first report back, since we just drove over an hour to get back to where we're staying and that was after waiting for the busline to finish and taking our time getting to the car, but here goes, just a...

quickie to say that the concert was great and very well documented in the cell cert. It took all of the hour and a half (7-8:30) to get everyone in past the security check, metal detectors and bag checks and everything reported about confiscating cameras was blow-by-blow true. There were two professional photographers, however, right at the foot of the stage taking pics through the first couple of songs, so we might be finding some newspaper reviews. It's Hard Rock policy NOT to allow cameras. The place was full, but probably one of the smaller venues, and some of the obstructed view seats remained empty.

Clay got something caught in his throat during the one song, so was having to take quickie drinks and passed to the audience to sing parts of it for him.

The girls messed with him on IWTKWLI. He looked at Angela first and I think that's probably why she started singing, and he looked so proud of himself, but just as quickly Quiana started singing so he whipped around to her, and they played back and forth until he just decided to sit in the middle and all three were singing.

Again thanks to pre-party organizers for the party at Freddie's. The upper level was packed with us, big screen + small screen Clay videos. Lots of goodies and good food again.

Reports from the greeting line are also very well documented and it IS 2:30 AM here, so I'm sure more people will report more details, but it's time to head for bed...and I may add more later.

From the CB's wandacleo:

Well, I’m in a weird state—sad that the concerts are over but glad to be leaving the heat and humidity of Florida (which has @#%$ near killed me.) After the last 3 lovely venues, Hard Rock was, as one Claymate declared, the venue from hell. We had to walk (I swear, this is only a slight exaggeration) about 5 miles in stifling heat to get to the venue from the biggest @#%$ parking garage I’ve ever seen in my life and then the security was confiscating cameras, GLOW STICKS (?????), and water bottles and even some people’s smiley face lights. I mean really, this was beyond ridiculous. THEN, the seats were cramped together so that when people tried to pass in front of me I finally just gave up and stood on the seat. The concert started 1/2 hour late even though the orchestra was sitting out there ready. I swear I think the venue wanted us to buy more booze, and you all know what drunks we Claymates are at the concerts. (Good luck with that.)
Finally, people started stamping their feet, and the lights dimmed and the orchestra started with HYCA. Clay came out on our right, looking just great with those bangs, jeans, dark (black?) shirt, lighter (gray, maybe) linen jacket. Sounding good. EIH was beautiful. Really.
When it was time for IWTKWLI, Clay looked side to side and then turned to Angela who started singing, but then Quiana sang the next part, so he was turning from side to side and finally just threw up his hands, sat on the stool and faced forward for awhile. He changed the ending up a bit and did the contest of the notes with both Q and A, with some LOW notes with Q and then very high.
Then, he looked over and saw that there was a chicken McNugget’s box on the floor in front of Q and he asked her if there was a reason she had it. Q said that the box said “fish McNugetts” and I think Clay said something about a dead fish—I guess on a piece of paper. Q, said, “Remember” and told about the girls whom they saw at the McDonald’s who said that the chicken had fish in it, but Clay said, “They don’t ever let me off the bus.” (@#%$, I guess there’s no point in following the bus!!!)
Clay talked about being at the HR,“I’ve always thought I belong at the HR with and that’s where I’d be most accepted by my peers” and then he named off a few: Nickelback, Kid Rock. He said, “I fit in best where there is an open bar” and Q corrected him and explained that an open bar is “free” and Clay said “I’m not as well versed in the liquor as you are” and said something about how he hopes she keeps all her clothes on.
Clay talked a little about some of the things that had gone on during the tour—bats, for instance. Angela said “They scared the crap out of me.” Clay said that a bug went down A’s bosom (and he repeated the word 3 times, for emphasis.) He said, “He hasn’t found its way out yet.” Angela said, “He doesn’t want to!” and Clay said, “I think he just suffocated!”
He introduced Ethel, who was there in all her smiling glory, and he explained how earlier in the tour, she had wanted to put barbecue sauce on Sean so she could suck him up! Ethel apparently had barbecue sauce sent backstage and Clay said he had personally put barbecue sauce on his finger and rubbed it behind Sean’s ears.
THEN, (and this took titanium youknowhwhats for him to deal with) he said, “Some people think that Ethel gets too much attention, but if you were willing to make a total fool of yourself, you’d get attention too.” He said he joked with Toni last night as well and that people had been being mean about it (and he clearly didn’t appreciate it). He said, “Maybe you people don’t like black people.” (Ouch) “We are a family here and all this booing and being mean to people needs to stop.” Then he talked a bit about Bob and Linda. He said how Jesse and Sean have their own little group of fans and people were sort of calling out and he said, “You people have turned this into the Jerry Springer Show. We need happiness!” He said some of this in a joking way, but it seemed pretty clear that he would talk to whom he wanted to and he didn’t expect them to take flak because of it. (Good for him and enough said.)
He started singing WISYS, and—of course—the whole place lit up with smiley faces, which brought a smile to his face. Someone gave A & Q smiley face lights and A’s was quite large and Clay said, “Size doesn’t matter, ladies.” (Right, he can say that!) Clay started to cough at one point and couldn’t sing, so the audience started singing the words. He said after the song, “I gagged on my own throat” and did an exaggerated cough. When he sang RHW, he grabbed his bottle and took a quick drink between phrases. On “chance” he held the note about twice as long as usual.
When WW started up, he ran backstage for a minute, and when he came back he said, “I had a piece of Hard Rock in my throat, but it’s gone now.” He talked about music and all the “classical instruments” and asked if anyone was playing the recorder, “I could have joined. I can play 3 blind mice.” He chattered on about how he always felt like the President when he watched WW and how he watches good things but Q would rather watch “Who’s you baby’s daddy?” types of shows. He said that Q watched any kind of show that had someone in a black robe and then they talked about Eye for an Eye and how the guy had a baseball bat to beat on things and asked why she was watching that (or something like that)and Q said, “because you watch it too!” and he said, “Whoops, yes I do” and said it was funny. Then he started talked about the theme songs making him who he is today. He did the usual Facts of Life and Brady bunch with pantomimes. Talked about how stupid he was at AI and said, “I’m looking for the one person in the room who hasn’t heard this story before. He picked one person, but “OH CRAP” that person had heard it. He finally found a concert virgin and said, “Oh good, fresh meat.” So, then he explained to that person how he had brain-farted. Then, on to talking about shows and asking the person who his/her favorite show was and said, ”Don’t see AI. It hasn’t been good for years!”
He said that Fl was a special state because you never know what way it will go, so they’ve had competitions in Fl. Said that Ft. Myers was good, Tampa (held up hands and made a face—not so good). Then he said, “WPB may not know how to punch a hanging chad, but they can sing.” He divided us up into 3 groups and we all stood and sang lustily. At one point he looked up into the balcony and yelled, “Is there a nursing home up there? What are you doing sitting down?”
Clay did the pole dance with Angie (although not on the pole), down and up. During the Jefferson’s song, Clay was a dancing fool.
Q sang the “hit” in hit parade tonight and so Clay repeated his part 2 more times so she’d have to keep doing it and each time, he threw his arms out, like in a cheer.
A big bug started circling them and A and Clay were slapping at it. Angie said something like it was trying to find her shirt and she bent down and said, “You can come too.” Clay said he was afraid he might swallow the bug and when he started singing TOA, he did it with his mouth closed for a couple of lines (very funny.) He asked Jesse if something was wrong (I hadn’t noticed) and Jesse said that the piano pedal was stuck, and Clay said, “Just hold the keys down.” Anyhow, when Clay went to sit by Angie while Q sang, they were both slapping at the bug, and he was slapping at Angie and said, “I didn’t even try. I just wanted to hurt you.” Then he called out, “You lady there in the second row with binoculars, let us know if you see the fly” and he told Angie that she might want to button the top of her blouse because she was still looking for the fly from last week.
Q ripped into WTLGD.
On ATD, Sean was playing the piano and Jesse the drums! Clay stood over to one side so that everyone could see the change. Clay started singing ATD, but his mike cut out and he traded mikes with Q and then motioned for her to step out and she started singing , but she sang it like Clay, with all the motioning, etc. She was great, and you could see Clay just enjoying it. At the end, Q pointed at Clay to sing the high note (like he sometimes does to her) and he nailed it! (And said later he had done that note for the first time in his life.) He told Jesse that Sean had taken his job and done perfectly fine. Sean and Jesse switched back again.
SSTBTHW and MOAM were just great and he really ripped it up with MOAM. The audience flat out refused to sit down and just continued to scream even though he kept signaling us to sit down, so finally he yelled, “SIT DOWN. We already started late.”
Then, he did the usual in 2003, 2004, etc. He mentioned the trips he had taken for UNICEF and asked Jerome to come out and said, “Jerome Bell, everybody.” Then, he talked about BAF and how Q had hated the stools at first because they were ugly but came to like them because they were “cushy, so we thought we’d auction them off.” He explained that 2 would be auctioned for BAF (because we’re poor) and 1 for UNICEF. He said, “We thought we’d sign on stage, and he took a marker and signed each chair, yelling at Q, “Don’t sit down. You might get my name on your fanny!” So, they each signed, and Clay said that he wanted people to know that they were really signed and not done by a machine, “You know how many of you have snuck your video cameras in here, so there’s proof.”
After WY (on which he wailed) he said, “Thank goodness I won’t have to do that song again soon.”
Q had a bunch of the “Lincoln” family there and then Clay asked Sean and acted all shocked, “Your PARENTS are here!!!” He asked them to stand up and they did, with Sean’s father wearing a concert t-shirt. Clay said, “Oh, that’s a nice t-shirt. You got style.” Then he asked them how many shows they had attended—“seven.” Clay said, “You’re practically a Claymate.” Then Clay asked Bob and Linda how many they had been to—121!! Clay thought that was more than he had gone to and asked them if they didn’t get tired of going and Linda said, “I don’t get tired of anything.”
Then, as usual, people started calling out wanting him to wish people a happy birthday, and Clay said if he did for one he’d have to do them all and for anniversaries and for “the first time you” (and made a pause there) and then someone said that a couple had gotten engaged at the concert, so Clay had to a ask about that, “Hold on! You just met them in the lobby and you’re making a fool of yourself for them?” So he said something about singing them a song about love and lifelong happiness—TWYMF and when we all got to the part about “You really turn me on” Clay said, “You apparently turn him on!” He told us to “Sing it to them!” He did some weird robotic type dancing and sort of collapsed at the end with Angie saying, “Come one, tell me. Come on!’ Clay said, “You turn me on too!” Then, he told the audience that he usually tries to go into the audience but “You seem a little crazy and I have a propensity (big words are SO sexy) to fall” and talked about falling on his butt (making people scream) and then he chatted about how we screamed no matter what he said and he tried out a few words, “roast beef, curtains.”
Then, the woman from last night started in with “BOTW” again, so Clay finally asked her to stand up and asked her name—Regina. So, he commenced to chat to her and said “You aint seen me do nothing but AI and you’re the same one who said that I should have won rather than Ruben. Have you hibernated? I have done other things besides sing that song. When we do a tour, we rehearse. No matter how many quarters drop, I’m not going to sing.” When people started to call out and interrupt, he said, “HOLD ON, I’m talking to Regina and I know you are not Regina.” Then, (and the spot light was on this woman way up in the balcony) he asked her what she listened to on the radio and she said 104.7 and he said “that’s [something that sounded like magic], right?” and asked what kind of music they played and he cracked up when she tried to say they played him. He wanted to know if they played cool songs, “I’m not talking about Josh Groban cool.” He also asked Diane, who was with Regina, what she listened to and she said some kind of community radio. Then, he continued with how if you want to be cool you have to be current and how music changes. When they were singing and he and Q were doing that hand dance thing around the faces, he had Regina do it too “Work it out girl!” He also wanted her to clap along, but she wasn’t doing it right so he said, “You got to do it on the beat, Regina. Clap when she claps (and pointed to either A or Q).
When Clay sang Sexyback, A & Q put the handcuffs on again, and then Clay said, “OMG, there’s no key!” but he got them loose.
Clay was dancing around, wiggling his butt, and REALLY partied all night.
“See what I’m talking about, Regina? You understand what I’m saying? It’s been a hard lesson learned. I haven’t always been this cool, this fly, this off the chain, this hip. You’ve got to sing songs about butts.” He said that only the cool people listen to top 40 and hip hop.
A just rocked on Listen. Clay said, “Good Lord, you tore the mess out of that. Angela didn’t want to sing that song when we started, but then she realized she can tear the roof off with that song.”
On to the story about how Jaymes was “adamant” that he write a song. LAA. (sniff, sniff, my LAST TIME!!!)
He introduced the members of his merry little troupe, starting with Mary. He asked Mary if she would like to play something, and she sat down (with Jesse standing over her) and played a little tune, which apparently most of the audience recognized, but I didn’t. He explained how Mary started with them 4 years ago and the first time he introduced her they had to drug her because she had such stage fright but now she was playing for “thousands” of people. She looked pleased. He said that Jamie does everything that Mary doesn’t do, like fixing hair and choosing clothes, “and she’s my cousin.”
Jerome got a standing ovation. He grinned and looked shitfaced happy. Clay said, “If you follow us after the show, you’ll see his mean face.” Introduced Fern, who has worked for everyone, including the Dixie Chicks, “I was the last one left and he’s stuck with me. “ He also said that Fern keeps the bus organized and clean even though it’s not his job.
Clay asked for the lights to be on and talked about how they look out at the audience and see faces that they recognize at concert after concert and said he recognized most of the people in the front row, “These are the crazy one! We carry our audience around with us. We have a bus for them.” He talked about how they didn’t really rehearse for the concert, but just got together for one day in his living room with the girls and Jesse. He talked about how we (the fans) give up our work, our vacations, “your husbands’ money” and how appreciative and thankful he is that we have allowed him to do this, “It’s not lost on me how much you make this happen.” It was lovely, really. I felt so sad.
BYLM was from the heart and the place just lit up with all the smuggled in glowsticks!!!
So sad. So sad. So sad.

WEST PALM BEACH: Palm Beach Post's Leslie Gray Streeter Blogs on "The Aftermath"

2007-08-19T17:18:00.000-04:00

The Palm Beach Post's Leslie Gray Streeter, who has been providing some truly wonderful Clay coverage this past week, posted some additional thoughts about Clay's concert on her Palm Beach Post blog:

Clay Aiken: The aftermath!

"So you're going to be Clayverted!"

More than one Claymate, or hopelessly devoted fan of singer, humanitarian, near-American Idol and cultural phenomenon, decried that by the time Clay's show at the Kravis Center was over, I would be one of them, ready to don the T-shirts, join the Internet groups and plan my vacations around Mr. Aiken's concert schedule.

So now? I'd gladly see him again, because he was great. Do I see me wearing a Clay T-shirt or traveling to see him or joining a huge network of Clay fans...Uh...don't kill me, but not really. I'm a fan now, but not one approaching the heights of what I've seen in my week of Claymate exposure. But I get it now, now that I've seen Clay Aiken and found him wonderful.

So I get it, Claymates. I get it. And I am admitting now, after talking to you and seeing how hysterical and talented and kinda cute Clay is, that I understand a little bit better. And after meeting Katie, Helene, Debi and Carolyn, our featured Claymates on the Palm Beach Post.com site and their friends, I get that their devotion now transcends the love of the music or the smile of a cute boy.

Amen... well said, Leslie!

WEST PALM BEACH: Concert Recaps

2007-08-19T11:39:00.002-04:00

Photos

Clayboard photo thread - West Palm Beach

Clack

ClackUnlimited.com

From the CB's wandacleo:

My friends, I apologize for the length of this. Feel free to scroll:
Just when I swear Clay just couldn’t get any better, he just proves me to be dead wrong. As usual: I’m paraphrasing as best I can. WPB Kravis Center is a beautiful venue with balconies up to the SKY—I mean HIGH, and there were people all the way to the top row! Clay came out on our left tonight while the audience was madly looking forward, backward, and in both directions. Jeans, white shirt (expensive one with French seams), beige jackets with faint blue squares (stripes in both directions), and beige suede loafers. Hair perfection. Didn’t notice stubble, but LOOKING GOOD!!! Amen!!! Brought the audience to its feet in a big screaming roar of approval. After he sang HCYA, while the audience was still screaming, he said something to Q (which I couldn’t decipher). When he sings, “Here you come again, and here I go…..” he sort of moves his head back and forth away from the microphone on the “go” part to modulate the sound. So cool.
EIH was just lovely—pure beautiful sound.
Before IWTKWLI, Clay looked back and forth and back and forth and finally faced Angela, who started singing and he said later it was about the first time he had gotten it right as they decide which one is going to sing each night and don’t tell him. They TORE up that song. Clay is becoming very adventurous with his falsetto and was beckoning to Angela to bring it on, but he WON with a high note to die for. During this whole contest, I got the butt view because I was in the 3rd row on the side (and yes, I’m extremely lucky). Now, normally I’d just be bitching and moaning about a butt view, but I’m willing to make an exception for Clay’s butt. Anyway, Clay was ragging on Angela about how she could sing higher and ad lib better, “but when I step away, the spotlight stays with me and they can’t see you.” Angie said, “You scared me,” and Clay said, “I scared myself. I almost broke a blood vessel. For the first time I got it right [picked the right singer] and wanted to compete in vocal calisthetics.”
Clay told the story about how Q bought the same blouse twice and Q pointed out a woman in the audience who had the same blouse!
Clay talked about how some days and good and some are bad and about having McDonald’s before and how some woman wrote to Q and said he was getting too fat, “She didn’t have the balls to write me, I guess!” (I don’t have to explain the reaction of estrogen-crazed women to the word “balls” coming out of Clay’s mouth.) He said he was frustrated: “Have you seen RUBEN? Did you write him a letter? Do you want me to give you his number?” (All outraged!)
Q was shaking her finger and pointed to a little girl in the audience, saying “He’s sorry. Clay asked the child how old she was and I couldn’t hear her, but he said “Oh, crap!” and Q got on him even more. Clay said, “Her mom’s looking at me like—I WANT MY MONEY BACK!!”
When he sang, WISYS, he was smiling very tenderly down at someone—and I think it was the little girl.
On RHW, he held the “chance” for frigging-ever.
During West Wing, Clay stepped back behind the curtains for a minute.
Clay came back and introduced the orchestra and talked about how great they were and how they should use them and exploit them and talked about the song they played and said, “Which, Angela, you know is…” but she didn’t answer WW fast enough or with enough enthusiasm and he ragged on her and said that all the energy he had felt was gone, so she (or maybe Q) yelled out WEST WING!!
Then, Clay went into his spiel about how he is sick of being accused of sitting on his “fanny” (balls and fanny in one night is almost more riches than one can bear) and watching too much TV and talked with Q about the shows she likes “Divorce court, Insider, Judge Mathis, Judge Judy, and Maury Povich,” and I think Clay said something like “Do you want a paternity test???”
They started in on the theme song routine. Clay’s pantomime of the Brady Bunch is just beyond priceless and I swear that his rubbing his fingers together to signify the couple getting together is totally naughty and he is completely aware that it is. (Dirty Clay, dirty, dirty.)
Clay said, “I feel better. You aint seen that show in how many years and it’s still stuck in your head.” Then, he told about the wrong song and said, “You’ve never heard this story before, Angela.”
When he was singing “Nothing’s going to stop me now” a little tiny bit of spit went flying out and he said, “What in the world came out of my mouth?” and I thought he was talking about the spit, but he was talking about singing the wrong song at AI (just as well as all of the women in the front row would have been on the ground rubbing their hands over the floor to get his DNA.) He divided us up for the contest sing-off and the audience was really into it—men and women and everyone. When Angie did the pole dance and shimmied down the microphone, Clay shimmed right down beside her (YOWZA!). “Party all night” was righteous.
During “Moving on Up!” Clay just danced up a storm! (Who says he can’t dance???)
When the song was over, Clay sort of collapsed on the stool and I think he must have looked down at his pants (missed that to my great dismay) because Q started giggling and couldn’t stop. Clay said, “I thought she said I busted my pants and I had to see! What did you say?” Q said that she said, “Don’t bust your pants.”
Q sang the “hit” in hit parade tonight!!
Clay asked Jesse to play Matlock and said, “I just wanted you to have a moment.”
TOA rocked.
Clay talked about how he is asked the same question in interviews “over and over and over and over and over and over” about which singers he liked the best and how it was hard to find people. He asked A and she said she listens to oldies but goodies.
He said that he likes to take a rest and break to get oxygen in and carbon dioxide out and took a number of deep breaths. He said that he had been putting together a Christmas tour and trying to pick songs for A & Q to sing but it was hard because they could sing the whole show.
Q was really good tonight.

After intermission, Clay came out laughing, saying something to Q. ATD rocked. I swear I heard a couple of little growls on some of the words.
During SSTBTHW, Clay sits demurely on the stool, tugs his shirt down, and holds his hands strategically, protecting that to which he had made a prior reference.
MOAM—great—and the audience was up and screaming again.
Clay talked about who brought who. Sean’s parents and friends were there and Clay said they were Seanmates and Claymates now and that he could depend on Sean to help fill up the venues.
Clay said to Angela, “I don’t think the pants thing is helping me” as he sort of tugged at his pants, and he said that Angela had done her “mommy” thing during the break and rolled the band on his jeans under all the way around (be still my heart) because she doesn’t think he has a butt and was afraid his pants would fall off (and someone said something I couldn’t hear but I’m sure was dirty). Clay said he could apologize for his foul mouth but he couldn’t do anything about the dirty minds of some of the women, “They get dirtier and dirtier, and most of them are married. This mother wants her money back!!!!” (pointing toward the mother of the little girl!) The audience was just about dying laughing.
Then, he started picking on a guy in the audience who just happened to be sitting RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME” Clay started asking the guy questions about if he could name what Clay was singing (I think) and the guy said,
“No, I can’t,” and Clay said, “The snoring was too loud. Did she [the guy’s wife] bring you here?”
“Absolutely” the guy answered. Clay said that sometimes you just want people to lie.
Clay asked what the wife had to do to get him to come and the guy said, “Said I’m coming.”
Clay whooped, “He’s like, I AM WHIPPED!!” Then Clay went on to say that some of the “ladies come to every single show and their husbands haven’t seen them for 2 months! When Clay was singing WY, he inserted a line about “try to stay awake.” After the song, Clay was holding his side and said he hurt, “I think I pulled something.” Then, Clay started picking on the guy again and said “You did stay awake! That was your third song!’ and the guy yelled out, “SECOND.” That cracked Clay up and he said something about the guy getting “This close!!” to getting into big trouble. He asked the guy whom he liked and he said Rod Stewart. Clay said, “Rod Stewart and me, we’re very much alike.” And then he asked for more names, and the guy said “Madonna.” And Clay said, “Some would say that we’re alike.” Clay came and squatted right down in front of the guy to talk to him. I had to force myself to look at his face since he was only about 4 feet in front of us! (Hardest thing I’ve done all year.) He asked the guy when he was born and then started asking the audience about when they were born, “in the early 40s?” and so on. Clay said that people come to his concerts in strollers and walkers.
So anyhow, Clay goes on to do the fast song stuff and starts singing his Michael Jackson and goes to get off the stage and falls on his butt (which unfortunately I couldn’t see but I could hear. Clay continued to sing and then got up on the stage and said something about “No audience has ever knocked me off my feet” and Q said he did a Beyonce. Then Clay did a whole routine:
“Who saw it? Raise your hands?” (Half the audience raised hands)
“How many of you have cameras?” (Huge amount of hands up!)
“How many of you had a video camera?” (about half the hands stay up) and Jerome makes a running grab for someone! Very funny. Clay talked about how he only fell one other time but fell gracefully but this time he fell right on his butt He said, “Thank God I have been getting fat and had some padding).
Then, he did the serious, “I want to talk” routine about what we have hear on the Internet and blogs and at work when people say, “YOU WENT TO A CLAY AIKEN CONCERT!! He’s a _____. Talked about how he’d had his fair share of criticism and he was tired of it and was “working on changing that.” During this, Q kept reminding the audience that it wasn’t funny.” Clay said, “I’m not cool, and I think it’s been obvious this evening.” He said he was sick of not being cool and not being on the radio. He said, “It takes a village, and I feel you guys can help me.” He started singing Big Butts and when he did the beginning of 1999, he squatted down and I was treated to a brief glimpse of BUTT from those low slung pants because his shirt had ridden up a bit, but Q saw it and went over and tugged the shirt down, grinning (and who wouldn’t be!!??) When he was done he was slouching around, “How you feel girl? I too cool for this mess.”
Anyhow, near the end when he’s talking some blithering idiot yelled out “BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED WATER!!”
Clay said, “It amazes me that some people think I’m a juke box and you can just put a quarter in me [she yelled again] and I’ll sing and even after I’ve made fun of them in front of 3000 people, they still keep yelling. It makes me feel like I haven’t pleased you. You can’t make everyone happy, so I’ll sing what I want. This will make you really depressed,” and he sang LAA just beyond beautifully.
There were glow lights all over the audience tonight and Q was teary-eyed, and Clay seemed really touched as well.
OMG, I have gone on much too long, but I didn’t want to forget anything!!
Wonderful concert.
Wonderful man.
The guy Clay had been teasing was just having a blast. I asked a white-haired somewhat older usher how she liked the show as I walked out and she said, “It was wonderful, very special,” and grinned just like the rest of us.

WEST PALM BEACH: Palm Beach Post - Clay "really talented, kinda sorta sexy"

2007-08-19T11:39:00.001-04:00

There are those eureka moments we all feel when a reviewer just plain gets it... kind of like that Billboard review from earlier this month. Even though this review of Clay's West Palm Beach concert was not nearly as long as that Billboard review, it is another eureka moment... this reviewer just gets it!

Here is a snippet of the review... make sure you give the Palm Beach Post lots of hits for this... as a thank you for their fantastic coverage of the concert over the past 4 days.

Aiken more than singer he's a showman
By LESLIE GRAY STREETER
Palm Beach Post Staff Writer

Sunday, August 19, 2007

WEST PALM BEACH — Clay Aiken, whether or not you are a fan of his, is pretty much considered a good singer by most people who have ears.

But even the uninitiated would have to be blind not to see that Aiken - who has an amazing range and was vocally flawless - is that rare celebrity who is both a singer and a performer, equally, even though, as he pointed out, "I am not cool."

But here are three things that Clay Aiken is:

• Clay Aiken is a funny guy. Whether leading the crowd through a medley of television theme songs, including Diff'rent Strokes and Growing Pains, or mocking his uncoolness with OPP or SexyBack (yeah, you read that right), the boy's got a comedian's timing and deft touch with a zinger.

• Clay Aiken is really talented. He is not just a whiz at the questionably sappy original songs like Into These Arms. Aiken breathed new life into I Wanna Know What Love Is, a song that hasn't been fresh since 1984, and made the theme to Perfect Strangers, which was never really all that fresh, revelatory.

• Clay Aiken is kinda sorta sexy. I'll let you chew on that.

But because Aiken revels in that, he transcends even the goofy moments into genuine entertainment, like with his cover of Bad English's When I See You Smile. He is so uncool that he sort of is. And that's a talent.

WEST PALM BEACH: Palm Beach Post Pulls Out All The Stops For Clay Concert

2007-08-18T16:28:00.000-04:00

We've gotta give kudos to the Palm Beach Post. Not only have they been profiling Claymates for the last 3 days, they've also given some other great coverage for Clay's concert tonight in West Palm Beach, FL.

Have a look:

1. Clay on the cover of their weekly TGIF section:

2. Front and center on their music page:

3. On their homepage:

Concert preview:

Don't miss popular singer and American Idol finalist Clay Aiken performing with an orchestra Dreyfoos Hall. His debut album, Measure Of A Man, hit No. 1 on Billboard's 200 chart and went triple platinum, while his powerful rendition of This Is The Night/Bridge Over Troubled Water won the 2003 Billboard Music Award for best single.

4. Their Clay Aiken quiz:

5. And, last but not least... day 4 of their 4 days of Clay; today's featured Claymate is Helene Lunden:

Our final Claymate!

Helene Lunden!
Residence: Boca Raton
Age: “Older than 40”
Profession: project manager for a major computer firm
Number of Clay Aiken concerts seen: “More than 20.”
Furthest she’s traveled in the name of Claydom: “Either Burlington, Vermont or Kansas City. I guess it depends on your measure.”

Her first Clay encounter: “I had never watched ‘American Idol,’ but I heard ‘You have to watch this kid sing! He has a fabulous voice.’ He did. He had something else that was hard to put a finger on. He has such a great spirit.”

I need you, more than anyone baby, you know that I have from the start: “My favorite (“American Idol”) performance was ‘Build Me Up, Buttercup.’ I loved it. I loved the way he looked, the song. He just comes out and makes me feel good.”

Funny, funny: “The only (Clay-related) thing I have in my office is a cartoon with John Edwards, where he’s talking to people about how it’s really too bad he lost, and how he hopes they voted for him. And when they walk away, one says ‘Who was that?” and the other person says “I think that was Clay Aiken!’”

The real “American Idol?” - There is a huge contingent of Clay Aiken fans who believe that he really earned more votes and is the true winner of the second season of “American Idol,” not Ruben Studdard. Says Helene: “I think that the votes were counted correctly. But did some get jammed up in the phone lines? Possibly. I think he’s much more popular because he didn’t win. His loss gave fans resistance to push against. They were supporting him far beyond what they would have. But God has a path for Clay.

TAMPA BAY: Clay Plays Peek-A-Boo

2007-08-18T16:26:00.001-04:00

Hee hee... this is so cute! Clay playing peek-a-boo at the Tampa concert last night ....

TAMPA BAY: Concert Recaps

2007-08-18T16:13:00.000-04:00

Photos

Clack

ClackUnlimited.com

From the CB's atlantamm:

Georgia Girl and I just got back to the hotel... I don't even think the handshake line is over yet, but we just didn't feel like standing in the muggy heat tonight. But when we got back here, we were just too hyper to go to bed. So thought we'd drop by the CB. :)

Speaking of HYPER...

Angela and Quiana told Clay he was very hyper tonight, and had been acting weird all day! He told a story about how, on the bus this afternoon, Quiana asked him if he'd taken his meds. He replied NO, and Angela... who was on the phone talking to her sister... threw the phone down and started frantically asking Clay, "Where are they... Do you usually take two... Do you want three?!" It was so funny!

Clay was indeed in high spirits tonight, that's for sure. And he talked, and talked. Which we loved, of course.

Unfortunately for him, every time he opened his mouth he seemed to say something that some "dirty-minded" Claymates... not US though :innocent ... could give a different interpretation to. Like when he told the french horn player to "Hold it up and be proud of your instrument." Clay reminded the audience that there were children present and scolded us. Then he proceeded to tell the oboe player to "stick in your reed" to get ready to play a few notes, but that caused another stir. He got quite exasperated with us!... but loved every minute of it!

At some point during the show, Bob... of Bob & Linda... was making a barking sound when we were all clapping for Clay. Clay called him on it, then proceeded to talk about the "regulars" who came to multiple shows and "stalked" him. And he CALLED SEVERAL BY NAME!... Bob & Linda, Wanda, Toni, Heather... can't remember who all.

Today was Sean's birthday, so Clay had two people who had never been to this summer's concerts try to guess how old Sean was. The lady said 18, and the older gentleman said 30. Sean was actually 31 today, so Clay said the man had just won $100 for guessing so closely! But I don't think he ever gave the money to the man.

Actually, when Angela did her "pole dance," Clay slipped the $100 bill into her belt! Then turned to the man and said, "Oops, that was your money!" Angela tucked the bill into her bra, and Clay told the man, "You can come get it yourself after the show!"

Clay certainly seemed to be enjoying himself this evening, that's for sure, and the audience loved it and was very enthusiastic with many standing ovations.

I know we didn't even begin to cover everything that happened tonight, but now it's all jumbling together. I guess we'd better go to bed now after all! :offtobed

WEST PALM BEACH tomorrow night -- WOOHOO!!!!!!!!

From the CB's wandacleo:

We just got back from the Tampa Bay show (skipped the busline to get back early), and I’m crouched down in our motel room in case a stray bullet goes through the window. My friend CarolJean decided to help out and made reservations “only 5 miles from the venue” in the LOW rent district. The tub is leaking, the air conditioner is leaking, and there’s some major party going on with cars coming in and out constantly. I think they rent by the hour here. The Internet only works in the lobby, so I’m going to have to type this out and then run like hell around the building. This is true dedication to the Clay Nation, my friends.
I met a lot of people from CB, CV, and OFC at the preparty after we finally found it! We had a good time eating and visiting.
The TBPACenter is really lovely with balconies up to the sky and a large orchestra seating with seats that stretch about 48 or so across with no middle aisle. I asked the usher working our area how the crowd was, and she said that the whole place fills up for Broadway-type shows, but that this was a very good turnout for this type of show. There were, of course, lots of women, but also quite a lot of couples and all ages. OK, preliminaries out of the way. (Carol just tried to wipe a bug off the door and discovered it’s a hole—probably from a gunshot. If someone else doesn’t kill us tonight, I’m killing Carol tomorrow.) I talked to a couple before the show, and the woman said that they have been coming to all the shows for years, and they have NEVER seen so many people arriving early for the show. She was amazed.
On to the show—as per my usual disclaimer, I will try to be as accurate as possible, but I’m paraphrasing.
HYCA started with Clay coming out to our left and sounding and looking mightly fine in a dark linen-looking jacket, dk. Blue shirt, and jeans. After the song, while we were standing and cheering liked crazed lunatics, he whispered something to Q who ran backstage for awhile. The orchestra seemed quite loud for the first song and seemed to tone down, but I don’t really know why she ran back.
During EIH, Clay kept wiggling his fingers on both hands. I think that’s some kind of signal about the sound as I recall—although he could have just been having spasms of some kindf.
During IWTKWLI, Clay did his back and forth looking, trying to guess who was going to sing, and Q sang. They TORE IT UP!!! Clay did his falsetto and Q beckoned to him like BRING IT! He played around with the ending.
Clay looked up at the balcony and said, “What’s that torch in the balcony?” and they yelled that they were holding “hearts,” and Clay said they just looked like “big balls of light.” He commented on the smiling faces (little lit-up ones) and said “I appreciate that and Radio Shack appreciates it too.”
I just want to say that the camera police were out in force, but at the beginning, one of the ushers actually had the nerve to take a picture with her camera phone, right before she started yellilng at people to “Put that camera away.” I’m sure this is some kind of injustice.
Clay looked at the audience and said, “I would not want to be you people in the middle if someone yells FIRE!”
Clay talked a little about the types of songs he had sung “rock turned into yodeling.”
Then, he went into a spiel about how it was a special day and he couldn’t remember why, and then said it was Sean’s birthday (getting screams from a group of girls, whom Clay referred to as Sean’s groupies). Clay said he had to keep Sean “hermetically sealed” in plastic to protect him from the groupies. Then, he asked for a show of hands and people immediately started raising their hands before he asked the questions, and he said, “They don’t even wait!! What if I asked who has bad breath??” When he asked who had been and hadn’t been at the concerts, I think it was about half and half—lots of new blood. Then Clay said, “Some of you are lying!!” He talked about family of A, Q, and Sean in the audience, and talked about the audience, “I know your names,” and started naming off people he knew: Bob and Linda, Toni, ?Hill, He said Toni was from NY, but she corrected him and he said, “Well, you stalked us most in NY!”
He asked for a couple of people (Antonia and Gene) to stand up to guess how old Sean was and had Sean come out and stand in front. One guessed 18 but the guy guessed 30, and Clay said “THIRTY, How old do you think I am—45???” Sean was 31. (He honest-to-God looks about 14!! I should be so well-preserved!) Clay said they got Sean a cake that said “Happy 16th). He said the guy who guessed 30 won $100 and pulled it out of his pocket. Some lunatic, drunk, obnoxious woman who drove us nuts all evening yelled out “I LOVE YOUR HAIR!” while he was talking and he said, “It’s the same hair I’ve always had.”
After West Wing played, Clay suggested that Q put that on her phone as his ring, like the President, so she would know he was calling, but she said that she has IWTKWLI as his tone because she’s singing on it. He said something about her getting 1/2 cent of royalty for it. Then he said, “We get carried away and forget you are here!”
When he did the intro to the TV, Q mentioned Maury Povich show as one of her favorites and Clay said, “Who you baby’s daddy?” He divided the audience up and we all sang along while Clay pantomimed during the Brady bunch, rubbing his two index fingers together [censored] and then showing his fingers for all the kids. (It was VERY funny!) He talked about being a couch potato and watching too much TV and said people were saying, “I want my money back!”
When Angie did her pole dance, Clay took out the $100 and stuck it in her belt and yelled at the guy who “won” it, “that was your money! You can come and get it later!”
After the singing was over and he was chatting a bit more about TV and Maury Povich he did the “Who you baby’s daddy?” line again and Angie pretended she was a guest on the MP show, “It could be one of two. I think it’s him. I don’t know, look at the nose!” (I actually went to a MP taping once—he was interviewing people who were victims of Satanism. I about fell out of my chair laughing at Clay and Angela.)
Clay said, “Where’s Brendan” and an 8-year old boy stood up, and Clay introduced him and asked us to say “hey,” which we all dutifully did. The kid was the son of a disk jockey on one of the radio stations and had come to the M&G and asked Clay who his favorite singers were, and of course, people started yelling out the answer, and Clay said, “Trying to steal attention from a little child!!” scolding the audience.
Clay started clapping while Q was singing.
I talked to our usher during the break and she LOVED the show. She sat down in the empty seat beside me at the end of the row and was really watching (and completely ignoring the cameras!) One guy came by to chat and I asked him if he was enjoying the show, and he said, “My wife says I am,” but he was grinning.
Clay screwed up the words of 2 ATD and then SSTBTHW (only noticeable to those who know every word) and said something like “Clap when I get the words right, not when I mess up 2 songs in a row!” When he was singing “sorry” he rubbed a circle on his chest to apologize. So cute. During MOAM as he started singing he sang, “Broken down, he’s forgotten the words.”
Q told him he’d been hyper. OH YES, when he was talking about the others having family and friends there, he said, “I don’t have anybody here, but you can be my family.”
Then he talked about how they had sat on the stools so much the padding was gone and said, “We should sign them and auction them off at the last concert for BAF and Unicef.” He said 2 for BAF and 1 for Unicef and said, “ Bring a checkbook because they aint gonna be cheap!” Someone called out “We love you” and Clay said “Thank you” but they said they were yelling for Jesse, so Clay said, “You don’t get to bid on my stool” then someone called out something (scatological, I’m sure) to which he replied, “Now that’s disgusting” followed by (I swear!) “Some of you are so nuts someone probably WOUILD bid on my stool!” (You can imagine the hilarity of THAT! The man was on a roll tonight! The end is in sight.)
[Oh, for the love of Pete, CarolJean just took her shower and put her clothes back on because she won’t let me go to the office to use the internet by myself. She apparently thinks there’s an advantage in BOTH of us being killed for Clay.]
Anyhow, to continue my stool story, Clay sang WY, and when he got to the line, “I can’t forget this evening” he shook his head vigorously for “YES!” He was trying very hard not to laugh and couldn’t look at A & Q who were in a state over his stool remarks, so he had to cover his eyes a couple of times.
Bob of Bob and Linda was apparently doing some barking (I’m not kidding) and Clay started talking about the fans and how Bob and Linda live in Santa Monica and “stalk” him and pointed out “Debbie” who stalked him. (I’m probably getting some of this out of order or becoming repetitive since I’m getting close to the time I have to put my life on the line to run my computer to the lobby.”
Clay talked about getting the same 4000 people to follow him from show to show.
He asked Q about her Spanx (spelling??) Angie said she took hers off but wouldn’t say why.
Clay asked some members of the orchestra to play solos—starting with the French horn, and yelled at him to “Be proud of your instrument!” You can, I’m sure, imagine the audience reaction to THAT! (Q was shaking her had and telling him to “stop it!” So Clay, all innocent, said, “I said something very benign and they took it a different way” and added something about “our minds are not in the gutter.” Honestly, it was flat out hilarious. The Oboe played and Clay yelled out, “Put your reed in,” which caused another wave of hysterical laughter. Clay talked about trying to learn the oboe for “about 10 minutes.” The viola played.
Clay did the introductions and kept calling Jesse, “Jesse Vargas” and said that some names just had to have two parts like “Jesse Vargas” and someone called out “Clay Aiken” and Clay added, “Jesus Christ” and then said, he wasn’t comparing them, but the names always go together.
Clay left out the “cool routine” altogether tonight and said he felt excited and needed more fast songs and kept yelling at Jesse to “Make it work.” (He was SO FUNNY!) He squatted WAY down for the beginning of 1999. He said he felt quite cool when he was done and said “I don’t want to hear that ballad crap or Clay Aiken crap, and if it don’t say ‘sexy back.’ I don’t want to hear it!”
He didn’t do the usual introduction for LAA, but said, “You want to feel really bad?? Listen to the words of this song.” He sang beautifully and there was not a sound—even the [censored] screaming behind me shut up.
Clay said that at some point Q asked him if he had taken his medicine today and said A THREW down her phone and wanted to know where they were and how many he needed—“two or three?”
The audience was a blooming garden of lights waving. I heard one of the ushers say, “This must be a tradition” as she looked around. Another usher came and sat with me during the second half.
As we were leaving, the two ushers were on either side of the door and just beaming!!
Aw, it was a lovely night, my friends. There is some loud bass booming in a car radio outside, and if I get killed trying to get this to you, I just want you to know that I love the Clay Nation and I died for a good cause.

From the CB's clangel13:

Hi, all!

Wanda and atlanta have done a great job at recapping. You all are so good at remembering details.

The floor of the venue seemed pretty packed to me, not so much in the upper three balconies. It looked like lots of repeat fans, maybe 1/4 new. Clay was hilarious and great to watch having so much fun on the stage. Too bad the opening number was hindered by humming in the mikes. Otherwise he was in great voice, although I think it was on ATD, he covered his face awhile as if to get focus on his voice. I think he said it was a little difficult tonight. There might have been another reason for it, but that's my impression.
The "medicine" banter was hilarious. I missed his including the intro to LAL, especially since hubby was along and hadn't heard it and likes to know when artists write their own music. (I didn't give him much info before the show about what was happening so he'd form his own impressions.) Hope
Clay puts it back in for Orlando, our next show.

Unfortunately, we were a little far back to get really good pictures and hubby was very adamant about putting the camera away when he saw ushers talking to people the first half. He talked with an usher during intermission who said the "ban" was being lifted for the second half, so he took a few more, but none worth sharing :( :(

Wanda, I'm sorry about your hotel arrangements. I'm staying with my cousin just outside of Tampa proper (just off Clay Ave :) :) ) and she warned us about not wanting to be in that area (Ybor) after dark.

Many Thanks to the Tampa party committee who put on a tremendous party with lots of goodies and fun games at Spaghetti Warehouse. They certainly outdid themselves. It was fun to get to know some new and old fans better.

Looking forward with mixed emotions to Orlando!

FORT MYERS: Concert Recaps

2007-08-17T16:46:00.000-04:00

Photos

Clayboard photo thread - Fort Myers, FL

Clack

ClackUnlimited.com

From the CB's wandacleo:

It IS possible to become revirginated! I felt tonight as though I were seeing the concert for the first time. It was just so wonderful. The venue was great! The bottom part was pretty full and I looked and could see people all the way up in the balcony. It was COOL (major important factor) as in temperature. Right up front, I want to say that the voice and the accoustics were perfection and I loved every minute. I'll try to give a clear report, but keep in mind that when I say what Clay or someone said, I'm paraphrasing as closely as I can to what I remember.
Clay started by coming out on the right side (as we faced him) singing HYCA and of course he got a screaming standing ovation, a good clue that this was an audience full of love. There were a lot of couples--many looked as though they might be in the retirement set. There was also a fair scattering of young people. I watched the men around me, and they seemed to be having a really good time.
With IWTKWLI, Clay kept looking from Q to A to see who was going to sing, and Angie finally started after Quiana faked him out a couple of times. Clay was wearing a light blue shirt, jeans, white?? linen slightly rumpled jacket, and the longest @#%$ shoes I've ever seen in my life.
Clay talked about how nice it was to be in FL in an airconditioned venue after singing in Atlanta at 175 degrees.
Clay chatted with A &Q and Angie said she ate too much and Clay went on about how she had gas, and she said she didn't say she had gas. He told Q that she looked nice and she said he didn't mean it because she knew him. Then, he asked if she had a new blouse and she said "No," but he kept asking what she had done in Atlanta and called her a shopaholic, and she said she had shopped, and so finally Q told this little story about how she went into Macy's and saw a blouse that she really liked, but it looked familiar, like she had seen it before, but she bought it and then was looking at a fan board and saw a picture of herself wearing the same blouse! She bought a second one.
One of the funniest things was when Clay spiotted Scarlett (YAY FOR CLACK GODDESSES!) crouched down in the front row taking pictrure and lay back on his stool demonstrating how she was manuevering to take pictures, and Q said something about how Scarlett had had a black curtainhiding the video camera "about 12 shows ago." Then Clay said, "Give me that!" and took Scarlett's camera and started introducing the others and filming them, but he totally cracked up when he saw that she had taken out a second camera and was videotaping him taping the others. Q asked Scarlett if they could get a copy. Anyhow, Clay asked Scarlett her name and she gave her real first name (protecting the goddess within) and then he asked the name of the person with her, and I guess Scarlett started to tell the person's board name, so the woman hit her, and Clay started yelling about how "Han" knocked her in the head. He said, "This is a family show and there is abuse going on in here." He gave a demonstration of how Han had whacked Scarlett. It was very funny. Then, when he was singing WISYS and got to the part about the "touch of your hand" he did this slapping motion and "quit the fight" he shook his finger at Han.
Clay read a sign that some teenagers had written about how they loved Q more than fish McNuiggets. Q said that the girls had been in McD's and said the chicken McNuggets were really half fish, and Clay said they "FOLLOWED" us but Q said they were there first. These same girls (I think) were yelling out that they loved Sean and Jesse, so Clay did a whole routine about how he and Angie weren't loved and he might as well go back to his dressing room. Then, he said that Jesse and Sean were jealous because the fans give A & Q little gifts, but they only got one lollipop between them and that they wanted gifts too. He started listing the items that Sean wanted (Sephora, Bath and Body Wash, Ralph Lauren), and poor Sean was grinning and shaking his head. Then, Clay said that Jesse had posted a list of the gifts he'd like on his Myspace page.
The TV songs were a total riot because they did the whole thing as a contest with Q leading one side, A the other, and Clay the middle section in a singalong. He was up there swinginbg his arms, urging the people on, jumping around, and just crazy as all hell. Q lead our side in a rousing "Woo Woo" and so we won!!! Oh yes, he was trying to sing the song from Bosom Buddies and didn't remember the words, so he was just sort of "Nuh, nuh, nuh"ing the words and then singing out the parts he remembered. It was really quite funny but hard to explain. (O
Clay called out the sax player and told him how good he was.
At one point, Quiana couldn't raise her microphone and Clay went to help and she said, "I need a man to bring it up for me!" (naughty naughtly) and Clay grabbed the whole top part off the microphone.
When it was time for Q to sing her solo, the spotlight kept following Clay and he would walk it back to Q and yell for the llight to stay with her, and Angie was yelling too, but it just kept following him back, so Clay finally went over and crouched behind Q, so we could barely see him, but when she first started singing, he must have been tickling her because she reached back and grabbed his hand and brought it around by her leg and then you could see this hand rub up her leg. It was very funny, but he stopped right away and took his hand back (probably so he didn't mess up her song.) One of my friends in the front said that Clay was singing along with her but I couldn't see that). I did see Q grin at one point, so I know he was doing something. When she got to the rousing part, Clay's arm shot out waving for us to bring it on, which we did, and when Q stood up for the end of the song, then Clay went back over and sat with A.
Clay said something about "I know you people can't vote in FL" but I don't recall the context.
During the break, a teenage girl who was in front of me was on her cell phone gushing about how "hilarious" Clay was (and he WAS!)
After the break, he came out in a brown shirt and said that he had gone to the restroom on his break for those who wanted to write every detail in their journals (did he see me taking notes???) but that wasn't the reason he had changed his shirt.
He got the years messed up when doing his little spiel about what he's been doing, and the audience kept yelling out the correct years for him.
When he did his SLOWWW routine, he did it differently--talking really slow
and
taking
breaks between
words.
He said he was like Johnny Mathis, Andy Williams, and Barry Manilow.
He asked the orchestra about fast songs and someone said Rossini, and Clay started listing others: Mozarella, Condaleeza, and said that he considered doing a Coindaleeza medley but it was too slow. Clay said he wanted us to get up off our fannies. Some girls kept yelling out, and one time when he said SLOW he looked over pointedly at them.
Clay was flat out having the time of his life during the Classics. He did the whole "This is a serious matter," and (holding Angela's hand for emotional support) said that this was a special concert and he felt the need to be honest about the rumors that we had heard on DS, the internet, and blogs--he hesitated and gathered his strength, eyes downcast as he admitted that he wasn't cool: " I feel like it's time. I'm going to confirm the rumors--I'm not cool. At all."
The whole audience was standing (at least downstairs) and singing along to the classics. It was so fun.
Listen was great.
Songwriter routine. LAA was so beautfiul.
Then he said that sometimes he sits in the dressing room before a concert and thinks he just can't go out and sing the same songs and do the same thing over and over again and THEN someone yelled out and Clay said, "LET ME FINISH, I'm like Simon Cowell, so misunderstood!" and then he went on to say that even though he feels like that sometimes, as soon as he comes out on stage that we always lift his spirits and put him in a good mood and then he talked about how much he loves to perform and sing for us and started BYLM while we madly waved our glowsticks of love.
I asked the ushers I passed (male and famale) if they enjoyed the show and they were all grinning and said how great it was!
Busline wound around the buildings but Clay came out and did the touch.
It was a lovely evening and I'm sorry that I can't adequately convey how really special it was.

CARY: J4Clay's Review of Her Cary Meet and Greet and Concert

2007-08-17T16:38:00.001-04:00

Well, I’ve put off my review of Cary and Ashville long enough. So here I go, before I forget the whole thing! Cary first, then I’ll do Ashville later.

I went to both the Cary and Ashville concerts. Needless to say, I was excited about both. Cary because I had a meet and greet, and Ashville because Clay would be singing at the Biltmore Estates! I'll have more to say about that in a later article.

The major review below is of my meet and greet, with just a little bit about the concert. I’ll also mix in some of the pictures I took at the Cary concert below. Be forewarned, this review is rather long.

My flight to Cary left at 5:40 a.m. on Friday, and guess who missed her flight! Not good. Missing that flight means I missed my flight in Atlanta and ended up in Raleigh about 4 hours after I was suppose to arrive. Not good since we had to arrive early to pick up our meet and greet passes. We were a nervous wreck driving over to Cary and hoping we didn’t miss our meet and greet.

Thankfully we got there in plenty of time and they even actually had our tickets and meet and greet passes there! Whew…I could breathe again!

Now this meet and greet was especially important because a dear friend of mine was supposed to go with me to it. Linda LaPorte, my friend, passed away after a battle with cancer just a few weeks before the Cary show and meet and greet. She especially wanted to meet Clay and thank him for all the friends he had given to her. I was determined to bring her message to Clay myself. So, I made a picture collage with pictures of her, and I brought a wonderful memorial DVD that a friend made of all our times with Linda.

There were 10 of us in the meet and greet. All lined up in a row like crows on a clothes line! Some of those waiting were nervous, most had never met Clay before, and I (who have met him in the past) was just excited to get to see and talk to him again. It’s so much fun to just be in the same room as he is, and to hear him talk about what’s going on in his career was going to be especially exciting.

Finally, Clay, Jerome, Mary, and Jamie came in. Now, Clay does not just kinda walk in. Without meaning to, he somehow makes a grand entrance. Maybe it’s just me seeing it that way. When all 6’1” of him comes into a room, it just makes you sit up and take notice!

Clay came in and said hello and asked everyone their names. He remembered meeting about 3-4 of us before but couldn’t remember our names. “I’m good at faces but not so good at names,” he told me. He did recognize me, though, and remembered me as the lady who insists that green is his favorite color. He said, “I like your shirt.” I had to look down to see what color it was! I laughed and he said to everyone, “She thinks my favorite color is green. I don’t know where she gets that crazy idea though.” LOL! I will forever be known as the “green lady” I suppose. He can’t remember my name, but he remembers me making a book for him about his favorite color green!

Clay asked us all where we were from…he remembered that I was from Texas. Then he asked if any of us had a list of questions to ask him. A few of us held up our questions…I had about 8 on my list. So he asked who wanted to go first. One person said, “Tell us about Afghanistan.” He said, “That’s not a question!”
So she rephrased it!! He told us this wonderful story about a little boy who he would have loved to have brought home with him. He said he was so cute. Every day outside his hotel, this little boy was there selling gum. Clay never bought any from him, but on the last day, he gave this little boy $50. He wasn’t sure he should’ve done it, but he did. But the little boy would not take the money unless Clay bought something from him. I can’t remember if Clay said he bought gum or not, but I’m assuming he did.

I wish I could remember every question that was asked, but I can’t. One person asked about his dogs, and he said he missed them but got to spend time with them recently when he came home. Someone else asked him about the architecture on his home – what was it. Clay was like, “Uh, I don’t know.” They wanted to know who picked it out and he said he guessed the builder did. I said, “Did they have 4-5 styles for you to pick from?” He said that no, the slab was already poured so he got what was there. He said he wouldn’t have picked that house if he could. He said he’d pick one way back in the trees so people wouldn’t be able to try to find it. I said, “I thought you had a gated community.” He said, “So did I!” Apparently somehow people are able to get through or get within seeing distance of his house. This is a shame, I think, because it’s an invasion of his privacy. Sure, we’d all love to see his house and take a tour of it, but that doesn’t mean we should take it upon ourselves to do it! I hope if anyone is tempted to do this, they will read this and change their minds.

Someone asked him if he picked out anything in particular in his house. He thought and wasn’t sure. We said, “How about your bean bag chair?” He said, yes, he picked that out. I said, “How about your blue and silver dishes?” He said, yes, the blue was his idea. Then he wondered how I could know so much about his house!

I asked Clay how he liked Houston and if he felt love and support there. He said that yes he did, and thought the Houston Symphony was especially good. He said a lot of cities he would like to come to don’t invite him. However, Houston did invite him back for Christmas, but he was not able to fit it into his schedule. This tells me that Houston wants him back. I hope for another concert in Houston in the future!

I also told him that I had heard he wouldn’t be doing a tour over the summer because he didn’t have an album out yet. He said he could possibly have the album out by then, but possibly not also. I asked him about doing a jukebox tour or something like that. Apparently they are working on some other things possibly for the summer and trying to work out all the details. Don’t know what they are, but I got the idea that maybe whatever he is working on would take the place of a tour. Only time will tell though.

Someone also asked him why he doesn’t sell his CD’s at his shows. He said that what with the middle man, etc. it would cost too much. He said about $20 per CD. He said that he didn’t feel right selling them for so much when we could go buy them at Wal-Mart for $10.

I wish I could remember the other questions, but I can’t. Anyway, about this time Jamie took up our items to be signed and Jerome started lining us up to get our pictures taken. I remember seeing one girl who wanted her picture to look like they were doing the Tango, so they posed with their arms outstretched as though dancing the Tango. Funny! When I got up there, he asked me what pose I wanted. I said, “I just want a great big hug!” So that’s what I got, along with a nice stubbly cheek on my cheek! Mary took the picture so quickly that I have no clue what kind of crazy look I have on my face!!

Right before Clay had to leave, I went up to him and told him about our friend, Linda, who had passed away. I let him know that she wanted to meet him, not because he was gorgeous or a great singer. He said, “It’s a good thing because I’m not gorgeous.” I replied, “Oh yes, Clay, you are gorgeous!” Anyway, I told him she wanted to thank him for all her friends but didn’t get to…that she had been very shy and introverted before, but had become very outgoing after meeting up with all of us. I gave him the picture and DVD I had and told him what they were and that they would show him the friendships she had made. I asked him to please watch it and he said he would on the bus. I trust that he has seen it by now and that he can see how, not just our group, but all groups have formed such close friendships because of him. That he has reached out to all of us without even realizing it and given us friends for life.

Jerome, Mary, and Jamie were all wonderful. Jamie is just as cute as she can be. I made sure to thank Mary for all her work. She works so hard and probably doesn’t get enough thanks for it. Jerome was so sweet. He has to be tough in his job to protect Clay, but he is really so funny. I even accused him of being as snarky as Clay is at one point during the meet and greet!

On the way out, we saw Quiana and stopped and talked with her briefly. Then we passed Angela, Jesse, and Sean. I wish I had stopped to say hi, but all I said was, “Oh look, the gang’s all here!” Why didn’t I stop to say hi?? Jamie’s little boy was out there playing and I also saw Quiana’s little boy.

As for the Cary concert, you’ve all probably heard about it by now. It was great, as always. But it was hot, hot, hot!!! Clay must have said 1000 times how hot it was. And with those lights on them and dancing around on the stage, it must have really seemed like 120 degrees! But he never lets such things stop him from giving a great show. His mom and grandpa were both there and I’m sure other family members. Jerry Aiken was there and I got to meet him and chat with him for a minute. He’s a very nice person and I know he’s going to do great things for BAF.

I’m sure I’m leaving something out, but this is pretty much how it went. I will say this. Clay is just as sweet and wonderful and funny in person as on the stage. What you see is what you get. It’s no wonder we all love him so much.

WEST PALM BEACH: Another Floridian Claymate Profiled

2007-08-17T16:35:00.000-04:00

The Palm Beach Post continues with part 3 of 4 with the profiles of Florida area Claymates. Today's featured Claymate is Deby Arnett:

What she likes about him: “The first thing that grabbed me was that voice. He’s very charming, so funny, and he seems like such a decent person. He’s stayed true to who he is, and he hasn’t allowed everything to change him. He’s the whole package.”

Furthest she’s traveled to see Clay: Last fall she and a friend, “my tour buddy” went to Los Angeles to see him on ABC’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live” and wound up seeing him in a last-minute mini-concert. “I can’t think of anyone else I would travel to see.”

But wait! There’s more!: “I admire him. He does more than just sing. He started a children’s charity, taught autistic children, he’s an ambassador for UNICEF. He’s on the President’s committee for people with intellectual disabilities.

ATLANTA: Journal Constitution Names Top 5 Concert Moments

2007-08-17T16:29:00.000-04:00

The Atlanta Journal Constitution posted another somewhat informal concert review today, outlining the top 5 moments from Clay's recent Atlanta concert at the Chastain Amphitheatre.

Read the full story at the Atlanta Journal Constitution website:

Clay Aiken is well aware of his image: the dorky balladeer, a new-generation Barry Manilow with hordes of obsessive Claymate fans still buzzing around him four years after he came in second on "American Idol."

And he worked hard to both play up and mock that image Wednesday night at a half-full Chastain Park Amphitheatre. Here are a few of the odder moments:

1. This is not Mozart. Feeding Clay's admitted obsession with TV, he and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra ran through a medley of theme songs from sitcoms ranging from "WKRP in Cincinnati" to "What's Happening!!' "

2. Almost as good as the real thing. A woman wearing a shirt emblazoned with "Georgia Claymate" was seen kissing a life-size cardboard cutout of Clay, which got its own seat.

... continued

CARY: New Photos from zippy888

2007-08-16T17:12:00.001-04:00

Some wonderful new photos from the Cary, NC concert courtesy the Clayboard's zippy888.

More available at the Clayboard.

WEST PALM BEACH: Day 2 of 4 Days of Clay from the Palm Beach Post

2007-08-16T16:55:00.000-04:00

The Palm Beach Post is continuing their 4 days of Clay, profiling a new Clay fan everyday until Clay's concert in Palm Beach on Saturday. Today's lucky Claymate is Carolyn Valenti.

Bringing nerdy back: "I always thought he was cute. I like my men a little dorky. Everyone has a thing. I like when he wears his hair short. But long, short...it could be in pin curls and it wouldn't matter to me....As Baby Boomers, we redefined what masculinity means. He has a sensitivity, a cute kind of nerdiness."

Her first television Clay encounter: "The wild card show (during the second season of "American Idol"). He had been sent home, and it was sad. But once he was there, that was it."

Her first Clay encounter, live, up close and personal: On the Massacussetts turnpike after a show, when he and the crew were getting hamburgers.

The article goes on to list the writer's top 5 Clay Aiken songs and talk about Kathy Griffin.

1) "Solitaire" - Having been a teen drama queen, I was a huge version of the weepy, sweeping Carpenters version, but Clay's voice brought it to new heights of glorious misery. "...And solitaire's the only game in town..." SOB!

...

ATLANTA: Atlanta Journal Constitution - Clay "highly entertaining"

2007-08-16T16:48:00.000-04:00

Another concert, another great review. Clay returned to Atlanta last night, almost 5 years after he auditioned for American Idol in that same city, for what the Atlanta Journal Constitution is calling a "highly entertaining" concert.

The Atlanta Journal Constitution's American Idol blog has the full version of this review. They also have some great photos from last night's photo at Access Atlanta - Clay Aiken at Chastain.

Sure, the dorky season two runner up still seems to appeal to a certain type of middle-aged woman, but the man truly has incredible pipes and sounded great. Clay doesn’t take himself too seriously, joking numerous times about the heat and being quite gabby throughout the concert. “What’s with the humidity?” he said early on. “They didn’t give us fans! The only breeze are the bugs flying by our faces. One got stuck to me.” A fan handed him a freeze pop. He stuck it on his forehead, then noticed while singing “When I See You Smile” that the pop was sugar free. “You think I’m getting fat?” he cracked.

Over two-plus hours, he sang 13 songs in full (mostly covers and only one cut from his first CD) and two extensive medleys. His backup singers each got to sing a song, too.

The Claymates brought “Clay”-faced fans and one even set a life-sized cardboard version of Clay on an empty seat. After he did “Measure of a Man,” he spied a poster that said, “I gave up a car to see you.” He asked the teen-ager what the deal was and she said, yes, her mom gave her a choice: a car or tickets to Clay. “Your mom,” he joked, “gypped you!”

He then changed the lyrics to Nilsson’s “Without You” to include the line “I can’t live, if living is without a car/I can’t live/ I can’t get anywhere!”

He then set up a joke alluding to rumor’s he’s gay, a bit he’s been doing all summer. “Atlanta is the city where it all kind of started for me because I auditioned here. So this is a special night for me… I want to talk to you for just a minute about something serious. I know you’ve read this in the papers, probably seen stories in the tabloids or whatnot. Some radio shock jocks talk about it. Some of you have even thought this about me… Atlanta. I.. am… not cool.”

Once the Celine Dion cover was over, he waved and left, dispensing with the cliched encore. The lights went up at about 10:35 a.m., 25 minutes before Chastain shuts the sound off. Jill said she heard that Clay will shake hands and meet with every Claymate after the concert. We went home. Overall, he was highly entertaining, even in the muggy heat. But I’m never going to be a Claymate. Sorry.

ATLANTA: Concert Recaps

2007-08-16T16:41:00.000-04:00

Photos

Clack

ClackUnlimited.com

From the CB's GEORGIACLAYGAL:

Well just got back from the concert and I thought it was awesome. My daughter went with me and even though she is not a fantic fan she is one who likes Clay and has been with me to 3 other concerts and she said tonight was the first time she felt like Clay was being really pure Clay. She said He looked the best she has ever seen him and that she thinks the little bit of weight he gain really make him look more manly. His singing was to me perfection and the banter was great and kept us laughing. The best part was when he walked all the way down to the end of the stage and gave the young girl a kiss on the cheek. There was a lot of men for sure and on the way home I overhead one of the guys in his late 20;s talking to his wife saying he had no idea Clay could sing such a variety of songs, and that he did as good as the original singers on the radio and hopes he will sing more up tempo music on his next album to prove he is as cool as all the others who think they are. I thought that was cool to here. I was a little disappointed in the attendance but as the night fell it did seem to fill up a good bit. I do believe that Chastain has a lot of season ticket holders and the heat probably did keep them home because it was extremely hooooooooooot!!! Also I did not get a ticket for my grand daughter who wanted to go so bad because it was a school night and to late for her to be out and that too I think was probably another factor. But the crowd was good and I think everyone had a great time. Also they gave out booklets about all the Chastain entertainer for this year and there was two different articals in there about Clay and both had pictures of him and they were great. I have not had a chance to read them but I will.
I am so glad I got to see him in person again and I agree with my daughter he did seem so laid back and just being Clay 100% real and just down right lovable you just wanted to take him home with you. Ha Ha....I AM SURE MY HUSBAND WOULD LOVE THAT....Goodnight!

From the CB's wandacleo:

We just got back to the motel after the concert, busline, and a little snack (sorry about that). We're leaving at 6AM in the morning, so I'll just try to give you some highlights as I know that I always wait up when I'm home in CA. It was unbelievably hot at the venue--I'm not kidding. I swear, there was no air moving. I don't think I've ever seen trees where NO LEAVES were moving at all. Jenna and the GA Claymates did a great job with the preparty and the seats were terrific, so they "done good."
The concert started about 20 minutes late but people continued to come in after the concert started. I swear they were waiting for dark to see if it got cooler. I heard someone say they had sold 4000 seats, which, I believe, is pretty good for the symphony--especially considering it was hotter than hades and no one in his/her right mind should have been outside.
Clay was in fine voice tonight. The whole front and center part of the audience were sitting at tables and eating and drinking (and some even brought vases of flowers for the tables--this must be a Southern thing. We couldn't believe our eyes!) Anyhow, the central audience seemed plastered into their seats in the beginning, and I know that's hard for Clay, but we had as BIG group of Claymates on the right and we were prepared with bubbles for his entry, big lip fans for "When I see you smile" and glow sticks at the end, so we gave him a rousing welcome.
Highpoints: (keep in mind I'm paraphrasing)
He told about how a bug got in Angela's "bra" and she said it might still be there and was happy. Clay said, "It smothered!" and was so pleased with himself.
One young girl had a sign that she chose Clay over a car for her birthday, and he read the sign and asked about that, and the girl had to choose between going to see him and getting a car for her 16th or 17th birthday, so he made the mother stand up and asked her if she thought that was fair because he was so much cheaper. Then, he tried to convince her that she should give the girl the car anyway and described her, "the woman in the gray sweater" so we'd know who she was to pick on her. Then when he sang WY, he sang, "Without a car, I can't go anywhere" or something to that affect. He dedicated the song to the girl for her birthday. Some guy called out, "What about the Volvo?" and Clay said, "What about the Volvo? That sounds dirty. You can't say that to a woman. You need to enunciate." Then he looked at A & Q and said, "I'm going to get into trouble for that, aren't I" and they were shaking their heads and agreeing.
Another young woman had a sign that said that she was 22 and had never been kissed and Clay said that he and Angela were talking about that while Q sang and that A thought that meant she had never been kissed by Clay, but she insisted that wasn't it, so Clay sais, "So you think I should kiss you" and someone with her called out and said the young woman was supposed to be in the hospital, so of course, Clay had to ask about that and the young woman said she had a "bad gallbladder" (I swear to God) and Clay said something like, "Well, that sure makes me want to kiss you!!" and carried on about how sexy that was, but he walked over to the end of the stage and leaned down and kissed her on the cheek!! It was so sweet. I just happened to stand in the busline with the young woman, and she said that his lips were "soft, warm, and wet" but that pretty much described everyone in the audience as we were all sweating like pigs.
There were quite a lot of men, and I paid attention. At the beginning of the concert, most were just looking or not paying to much attention, but they started walking up with the TV medley and were having a good time and really getting into the classics for the most part.
The classics were classic. He was in FINE form--just milking it for all he was worth. No whip (sad to say as I was looking foward to that!) but he did made a good whipping motion, and when he did the "Party all night" he REALLY did good.
Oh, yes, he remarked about the heat a number of times and said how HOT it was on stage and that he was dying. He was so happy after the TV medley when he whipped the jacket off. He said he had been waiting to do that all night and then proceded to unbutton his sleeves and roll them up. (Hubba hubba!)
During TWYMMF, Clay came off the stage and down the small aisle right in front of all of us frantically happy Claymates on the right side. He ended right in front of my little group--Maggie and Fran are heading back to NZ tomorrow, so they were beside themselves with joy that they got to see him so close.
Clay did say that they had gone to see M. Buble last night and that Atlanta must like Buble better because he got to sing inside and Clay had to sing out in the heat.
MOAM, WY, LAA all were just beautiful. Amazing.
BYLM--there were glow sticks all over the place and he and his "ladies" seemed very pleased.
We didn't have to wait too long for the handshake line. HE HAS NEW SHORTS!!!!! Dark ones (navy? black?) They fit his butt very nicely, I might add.
I must go to bed now as we have to go to the airport to fly to FL very early, so I'm sorry I can't give more report. I hope this tides you over.
OH YES, Bangs, couldn't tell about stubble, jeans, white striped shirt, that grey jacket.

From the CB's lilred:

Well, I too am back from the Chastain concert. And I echo the reports that it was HOT! ...though it could have been much worse...

As far as the crowd size - Chastain holds 6900, and I estimated the crowd at about twice the Knoxville crowd - so around 3000+. The pit and boxes and the first few rows in Table Terrace were pretty packed. Then a good sized crowd in the big central Terrace section with only scattered seats filled in the right and left terrace. I was surprised that there was also a good sized group in the lawn sections way in the back.

There was a good mix of ages there and a lot of men. And during the stand-up time most of them - even in the back - remained standing and seemed to be having lots of "fun". Of course, for short me, that meant mostly resorting to watching the jumbotrons, with occasional peeks at the stage around people.

For me the highlights of this show were his entrance singing Here You Come again though Clay had a little trouble with the mic),
the rocking part of I Wanna Know What Love Is,
the TV Themes Medley (when Clay "gets the spirit' and tears off his jacket,does anyone else get a deja vu feeling of La Vida Loca from the JBT?);
Sorry Seems to Be... - I'm loving the new ending more and more;
TWYMMF - I wasn't sure he'd go into the pit on this one, but he did right near the end;
MOAM - spectacular; the Classics/Cool Medley - very funny and vocally very cool, not to mention the horns and the sax; Lover All Alone - getting a big lump in the throat;
and BYLM with the sign-off "And I'm Clay Aiken!"

Dianne:lubdub

Oh- on the "rewrite" of Without You, I think Clay sang, "Can't live..can't live without a car, I can't live, can't get anywhere..."

WEST PALM BEACH: Palm Beach Post Previews Clay Concert

2007-08-15T16:44:00.000-04:00

The Palm Beach Post served up 2 articles in advance of Clay's concert in West Palm Beach, FL later this week.

The first article is a profile of Kate Vizzi, a Clayfan who is hosting a pre-concert meet up before the concert. The Palm Beach Post will profile another Claymate tomorrow...

Clay Aiken fans are everywhere - all over the Internet, all over the world and now coming to the Kravis Center on Saturday. Devotion this strong deserves its own celebration, so we're beginning our Four Days of Clay, featuring Aiken-esque trivia, lists, tidbits, conspiracy theories and an introduction to four of the faithful fans who'll flock to the West Palm Beach show this weekend. They are the Clay Nation, people. And they will not be "Invisible." Believe that.

Age: "A young, young 66."
Residence: Boynton Beach
Profession: Retired, worked in benefits administration
Furthest she's traveled to see Clay: Minneapolis

Her favorite era of Clay: "He's gained some weight now. He looks good. His hair's a little longer now...I liked the spikes. But whatever he wants to do."

Like sing "SexyBack?": "Yes, he does that. And a little bit of rap."

... and the second article is a more formal pre-concert write up, but it's just a reprint of the old Houston Chronicle interview from last month that also surfaced this past week in the Florida Sun Sentinel:

Clay Aiken — despite the stylishly shaggy 'do — still isn't hip.

"I'm never going to be, and I'm fine with that. We all must embrace our inner dork," he says with a laugh.

Aiken has still managed a successful post-American Idol career as the soundtrack of choice for enthusiastic grandmothers.

CARY: Cary News: Clay's "voice in fine form"

2007-08-14T22:51:00.000-04:00

The Cary News just published their review of Clay's Cary, NC concert from last Friday. Not too bad at all:

Image no problem for Aiken

By Wendy Lemus, staff writer
The Claymates - and their idol - have always had a bit of an image problem.

They're just not that cool.

I mean, have you ever been to a Clay Aiken concert? With three generations in one family often showing up, you're as likely to see someone helping Grandma out of the car as you are housewives from the last tour stop.

Thing is, Aiken gets that. And on Friday night at his concert with the Raleigh Symphony Orchestra at Cary's Booth Amphitheatre, he took full responsibility for the uncool reputation that has followed him since appearing on "American Idol."

This was not Aiken's best concert ever. The song selection from the Jukebox tour two years ago, with its Elvis medley among other things, was better. But his voice was in usual fine form on a steamy night with record-setting temperatures, and big enough to match a live orchestra.

He and his equally powerful backup singers proceeded with an entertaining medley that included Madonna, Michael Jackson, Justin Timberlake and Usher. (Doing the "Vogue" dance to "Like a Virgin" was intended, right?)

What makes Usher cool? What made Jackson cool? And can any of it rub off on Clay? Ask Barry Manilow.

Really, Aiken could care less. And that's the point. He knows who he is, who his fans are, and most importantly, he can have a little laugh and not take himself too seriously.

And that's pretty cool, don't you think?

GENERAL: Insider: "Clay Brings 'Sexyback'"

2007-08-14T22:46:00.001-04:00

The Insider reported on Clay singing a version of Justin Timberlake's "Sexyback" in this short story posted to The Insider Online today... how cute; they even included a YouTube clip!

"We all must embrace our inner dork," the singer recently told Southern Florida's Sun Sentinel.

"I'm actually going to do -- God help me for saying this -- with [the orchestra], a little bit of 'SexyBack.' We're going to do a little medley of songs that people wouldn't expect to hear with an orchestra. I know that it's not going to be cool," he adds. "I have no problem making fun of myself."

"I could never pull songs like that off without knowing where my place is, and it's not as JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE."

Clay will perform on Saturday at the Kravis Center in West Palm Beach.

As a preview, check out this YouTube.com clip of Clay performing JT's "SexyBack"!

GENERAL: Snarky Clay At Its Best

2007-08-13T21:59:00.000-04:00

I just ran across this at the CB by way of shenwren at Clayversity, about Clay making a snarky comment at one of the M&G's:

He then began to take our stuff to be signed. One girl had a beautiful poster made up of many small pictures of Clay. She told him that it hung in the women’s restroom at her business. He signed it, handed it back to her and said. I signed it - “Hope everything comes out all right.”

KNOXVILLE: Knox News - Clay, Quiana, Angela Are "First-Rate" Vocalists

2007-08-13T17:15:00.000-04:00

Betsy Pickle of Knox News gave a nice review of Clay's concert in Knoxville last night:

Review: With personality and charm, Aiken holds own at Tennessee

Singer Clay Aiken opened his Sunday night concert at the Tennessee Theatre by tackling a local legend, and he held his own admirably.

Aiken’s voice was mostly rich, warm and powerful, though he strained on some high and quiet notes. Parler soloed on “When the Lights Go Down” and Fisher on “Listen,” both beautifully.

They say that love is blind — it’s certainly deaf as regards Aiken’s supporters. The set list was heavy on songs from “A Thousand Different Ways,” which is basically a tribute album to the cheesiest power ballads of the past three decades.

All three of the vocalists are first-rate, so it seemed a pity that their repertoire was so deeply steeped in adult-contemporary elevator music. They and the fans deserve better.

But Aiken brings something to his shows that few acts bother with: his personality and charm. His banter with Fisher and Parler and self-deprecating wit (who says he isn’t cool?) made up for the gazillionth interpretation of “Because You Loved Me.”

The reviewer later blogged on the her Knox News blog, The Pickle Dish, with some additional thoughts on the concert. She makes many valid points, and like other people who have commented on her blog, the only problem I see with her post is the fact she failed to point out that it was Clive Davis who "insisted" Clay do a CD of covers - a CD Clay himself did not want to do...

Clay has a beautiful voice. Clay has a lousy repertoire.

Why in the world would anyone spend $50+ to go hear yucky songs and then drive two or more hours to go see him do the same show the next night or sometimes even two or three more nights? What's wrong with you people??!!

I believe in fan loyalty. I also believe that Clay got ripped off on "American Idol's" second season. How he lost to Ruben Studdard I'll never know (and I'm not sure I believe he did). Onstage, Ruben has all the personality of a fire hydrant, while Clay is funny and engaging. I'm glad that millions of viewers/listeners recognized Clay's talent and have supported his post-"Idol" endeavors.

These [covers] are bad, bad songs, my friends. It doesn't matter that Clay's voice could make "You Light Up My Life" sound like something worth listening to -- it isn't worth listening to, and neither are those abysmal power-ballad covers. I don't know who forced Clay to put all that junk on his album, but he should have pulled a Kelly and refused. He doesn't need, in 2007, to be singing the same kind of tired tunes that they made him do on "Idol" in 2003.

There were many positives to the show. The Knoxville Symphony Orchestra sat in with Clay and performed marvelously. Clay and his back-up singers, Angela Fisher and Quiana Parler, sounded great together and separately. They also obviously are tight as friends and were able to banter together very naturally. There was a lot of chit-chat during the show. Some of it was wittier than others, and some had the unmistakable air of being part of the regular show patter. However, it was funny to hear Clay marvel at the fact that an 18-year-old male was in the front row -- he said that's the first time that had ever happened -- and then to call for the house lights to be raised to show the other 18-year-old guys (about half a dozen) in the audience. He mocked himself and expressed sympathy to the men present for their presumably forced attendance.

KNOXVILLE: Concert Recaps

2007-08-13T17:13:00.001-04:00

YouTube clip of "Sexyback" from Knoxville - Angela brings out the whip!

Photos

Clayboard photo thread - Knoxville

Clack

ClackUnlimited.com

From the CB's galbady:

hello. it was a great, great show.. i loved it.. Clay looks soo good. my first thought.. :) his hair is a little longer than in the beginning. blue jeans, rivet, striped black shirt it looked like.. his voice was gorgeous, beautiful. I particularly loved A Thousand Days, the orchestra just sounded great with it.. MOAM, LAA standing Os.. MOAM was fantastic.. Its like his signature song to me... Not a sound during his solo "slow" songs.. WY was great, EIH great.. He is just so good and so comfortable up there.. someone yelled out "Rocky Top" right around the cool section and kinda kept on a bit, and I think Clay maybe got po'ed a bit ,and said, in a nice, joking, but maybe felt it way, " this is the first time i wanted to throw somebody out". OH, he came off the stage for TWYMMF and came right by us, he looks good again :) and when he went to get back up on the stage, well, underclothes were seen.. :) got a few ahhhs from me and a few others... :) A lady walked up to the stage early on and stood there to give him a rose, clay kept singing and well, Jerome came running around, made her sit down, i think she threw the rose onto the stage.. he called out a girl, Bridget ?, because she said something and he told her to "come here" and say his next lines, right around the TV Medley,like she knew every line he was going to say, and he gave her the mic and said "take over". lots of laughs. I believe Angela had the underwear problem, too tight, she could not breathe, so she went off the stage and "pulled em down", called em Spanx,,, :) laughs on that one..

Clay looked happy, he looked touched with the glow sticks and really moved. . it was nice.. lots of color...

Went to the bus line, filmed some of it.. the line i guess was maybe 3-4 blocks, or so long.. Jerome walked down the line of course, he seems real nice, But, the main man finally came down. we all got to touch his hand.. he went to the end and worked his way up to the bus... my hubby got to touch his hand too, he stood in line too..

the security was all around us.. making people turn off vids and cams.. but i am sure some people got "clack".

i only got TOA and the guard made me turn it off.. i had waited at first to see how it was going and they were checking everyone..

I filmed some of the bus line and the bus. i did not film clay coming down the line. met a lot of nice people.

will say more when i can think of it, more specific, but, each time i see clay in person, it takes me a while to process it and get it all down in my head.. :)

My first cell cert and first time trying to film. i was a bit nervous.

Ethel was there.. she had a flash light, Clay shouted out to her.. it was funny..

He talked about 18 year olds at his show, asked em all to stand up, to put the spotlihgt on the audience, but the light would not go off Clay. talking about no lights on the girls and could not get them to cooperate with him on the lights, joking about it...

more later to fill in..

From the CB's Madam President:

for) and ridiculous reaction to the West Wing theme. :grin And I was worried when I started on this trip that three shows, three nights in a row was going to get boring. I've never done that before, and it's possible it was going to dilute the joy instead of just get me excited enough and then have it taken away again. At the risk of being too graphic, it's a little like concert foreplay. Give you just enough to want more. ;)

Anyway, I'm digressing. I went into last night's show thinking it was just going to be another show. Wrong. As Jed Bartlet would say on The West Wing, I'm just standing here in my wrongness and being wrong.

From the moment he stepped out onto the stage with that cheshire cat grin, I was a goner again. There was an energy in the auditorium. Clay felt it. We all felt it.

You've probably heard about Clay mentioning the number of men present in the audience, and it's true. There did seem to be a surprisingly large number, and of course Clay was hysterical with his self-deprecating wit about them being there under duress and promising not to tell anyone that they'd been there as long as they participated. The funniest part of the whole thing was when Clay asked the lighting person to bring up the house lights and nothing happened. Nothing. We all know that Clay's used to saying "jump" and us just jumping as high as we can, not even bothering to ask for his height specifications. So when nothing happened, it was hilarious. He asked for the house lights, and nothing. Then he asked for the spotlight to go down. Nothing. Angela and Quiana were cracking up, and I'm pretty sure at some point on the bus last night someone asked for a light to be turned out and everyone cracked up!

Clay also told us about having to go to the hospital the night before because someone gave him some butter pecan cookies. The audience "oooohed" reproachfully, and Clay raised his eyebrows like he was surprised. I personally think he tells us this stuff just to get our reaction. He likes the power.

The banter was just fabulous last night. The best of my four concerts by far, and I thought Cary was untouchable in that aspect. Quiana's Spanx, and the look on Clay's face when she actually got up to go readjust were priceless. (Note to Clay: A girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do sometimes. I once had my slip fall down around my ankles while giving a speech in high school. I finished, kicked it off, then when in a closet to put it back on.) The bug down Angela's shirt. Losing control of his own show to the audience, first with the girl who could almost recit the patter word for word to the girl who kept shouting out about Rocky Top and almost got herself kicked out, to a rousing cheer I might add. One, it was pretty annoying, and two, come one...like it's not every Claymates dream to see pissy Clay live.

Jerome was in fine form as well. First, handling the rose lady who seemed to struggle against him for a minute before finally just launching the rose onto the stage and being led away. Then when Clay came down into the audience for TWYMMF, Jerome was there again. Except he was on the wrong side of the theater. :laugh I think Clay changed up the plan! Jerome was right in front of me when Clay went off the stage, and man, Jerome bolted to where he was. I like a man with quick reflexes like that.

The songs were wonderful. Everything sounded great. I wish I could remember every second of every song, but after just a few hours of sleep and some lovely pain reliever, I can't. I do remember the theater being so quiet during LAA that you could hear the breaths he was taking. And I don't know how it's possible but every night he just gets better and better at IWTKWLI. Also, there is so much new life to MOAM that it's incredible to believe the song was on his first CD, when it was baby Clay, just starting out. Now, I did think last night the symphony's sound was a little loud on that song, but it was still incredible.

Finally, BYLM. Like I said before, sometimes the whole spectable of a Clay concert is too much. Call me jaded, cynical, sarcastic. I'm all three and more. Yes, I'll admit that I like to think I'm above being all fangirly and getting emotional over Clay and the concert experience. But, last night's BYLM got me. After Clay gave his spiel about saving the arts and the song started, there was an audible gasp (from somewhere...I don't know if it was the audience or something on stage) when all of the glowsticks went up in the air. Maybe it was the fact that it was indoor with no other outside lights diffusing the effect. Maybe it was just the fact that almost every single person had one. But it was amazing. And I could see that Clay got a little emotional himself. Then I got emotional. I teared up. I had a lump in my throat. Dang you, Clay Aiken for being a bad influence!

As soon as the concert was over, I went back to feeling awful, but for two hours, there was nothing at all wrong with the world. And I'm pretty sure Clay doesn't really have a marketing strategy in place for using his concerts to relieve PMS, but I do know that he hopes we all left having had a wonderful time, so mission accomplished. Again.

CARY: New Photos from WRAL

2007-08-13T16:50:00.000-04:00

WRAL has posted 8 new photos from Clay's concert in Cary last Friday. Check them out at WRAL.com.

WEST PALM BEACH: Florida Gets Ready For Claymania

2007-08-13T16:49:00.001-04:00

Florida is bracing for a quadruple dose of Clay Aiken, as the 2007 Summer tour enters its home stretch. The Sun Sentinel republished a Houston Chronicle interview from last month in advance of Clay mania in Florida -

Bringing dorky back
Singer Clay Aiken of American Idol fame will perform with orchestra at 8 p.m. Saturday at the Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach. Tickets are $10 to $100. Call 561-832-7469 or visit www.kravis.org

ASHEVILLE: 24 Concert Shots from the Asheville Citizen Times

2007-08-12T21:52:00.001-04:00

photo credit: Jason Sandford/Asheville Citizen Times

The Asheville Citizen Times has 24 photos from Clay's concert yesterday at Biltmore estates. The photos include photos of Clay as well as photos of fans and the sold out crowd.

The gallery is linked off their homepage. Click here to access the gallery directly.

ASHEVILLE: Concert Recaps

2007-08-12T11:34:00.001-04:00

Photos

Clack

ClackUnlimited.com

From the CB's libbyc:

Let's just start with the perfect sunset and the perfect weather to set up this amazing night. Clay was definitely SMOKIN' in the Smokies last night!! As diverse a crowd as I've seen. The couple sitting next to us were there for their 34th wedding anniversary. When we asked the gentleman who's idea it was to attend the concert, he said he was the Clay fan and wanted to come. The man directly behind us said he had never heard anyone sing "Mary Did You Know" as well as Clay and proceeded to sing every Clay song during the concert. Now on to the show...
All I can tell you, his voice was superb, the lower register was hot,hot,hot!!! Clay keep on sigin' loooow and slooooooow!!
The banter, between the "Bats" and the "Bugs"was hysterical.
Standing O's from the 1st song to the last. My only complaint is the almost 2 1/2 hour show went by in what seemed like 15 minutes...just not right!!!!!!!!!!!
The bus line had to have over 1000 people in it. It wrapped around the front entrance and back and then down the middle. He seemed to truly touch every single one of our hands!! Unbelievable.
What a night. On to Knoxville and Atlanta!!

Few more tidbits;
About Biltmore;
Said the house had the most expensive bathrooms in NC.
He wondered how many TV's were in the house and that he would watch every one of them if he could.
Talked about the men being forced to come to see the Biltmore House for the 14th time!! AND having to go to the Clay Aiken concert.
About Quianna;
Chamberlain and her parents were in the audience 3rd row.

From the CB's sorkid78:

Hey all! I am just checking in from Asheville and will be leaving for Knox soon. :wheee And I have limited time so I will give you a little of an update (A FULL REPORT WILL FOLLOW TOMORROW) I have A LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOT to share. I can't believe how amazing this trip has been so far. If this is any indication of what will follow last night OH MY GOD!!! :inlove I met him TWICE last night! That ' walk the line' was WILD and awesome! Jen and I (who I rode with) were standing next to a lady that shared the same birthday as ours. Yes, Jennifer's birthday is the same day as mine! So all three of us were standing or running down the lawn at the frickin Biltmore so we could be part of the line. OH MY GOD, that was just hysterical. And I heard that the group cert heard everything during the buscert. (I haven't had a chance to read back, will have to do that tomorrow) so I can't wait to read and watch CLACK. Also just so you know. Scarlett caught me on clack at the buscert so I may be famous in the clack world! :tonight3

FABULOUS, FABULOUS, FABULOUS!!! I am so glad that the group cert went extreamly well. And I will cert tonight (as long as reception allows, since the venue is indoors) But I :pray and hope that it will go as well, (how can it get any better? Unless Clay invites me on the bus.) ;) I had a dream about it so you never know! :laugh

Anyway, I gotta go for now. Tune in tonight for the Knox show and I will give you a HUGE full report when I return back to Charlotte tomorrow.

ENJOY and have fun!

Krys

CARY: A Hometown Thank You - Clay Performs "Because You Loved Me"

2007-08-11T18:26:00.000-04:00

There are always memorable and touching moments created when Clay performs in Raleigh. Let's start off with this... I'm sure all of you remember this moment fondly:

... and here is a clip of Clay singing "Because You Loved" me at the show in Raleigh last night:

CARY: Concert Recaps

2007-08-11T11:54:00.000-04:00

Photos

Clayboard Cary, NC photo/video thread

Clack

ClackUnlimited.com

From the CB's ncsupack88:

I met up with my fellow Clodi friends from Inspira-Aiken and we ate at Jack Astor's in Cary. I highly recommend it for those who come back to the area. We got to the venue around 8pm. I didn't realize until we were eating that the concert didn't start til 8:30! At least the sun would be down by then. No problems whatsoever with cameras. i know it was reported that cameras were allowed but I'm always nervous! LOL I didn't have great seats....SEC 4 Row T but were were in da house!

I saw Lynda Loveland in line getting a cold beverage she and whoever she's with go walking down the walk to their seats and my college best bud goes up and gets in front of her and says "you're not Lynda Loveland are you?" and she says "why yes I am". It's a shame to be that tall (6'1) and that beautiful after having 2 kids! LOL She wears it well. Ok, I digress. Well friend asks Lynda about doing an interview with Clay and she said that they had one scheduled today but it was cancelled due to the heat! WTH??? don't you have A/C in that bus Clay or better yet in YOUR house??? I couldn't understand that but I guess there was a good reason.

Also before the concert I saw the tallest man in the world! LOL I couldn't believe my eyes when in walks Tommy Burleson who was the starting center for the NCSU Wolfpack's 1974 National Championship basketball team. he's like 7 feet 4 inches! I guess his wife is a Claymate! they had to have had him sit on the front row cuz he wouldn't have anywhere to put them lonnnnnnnnnnnnng legs! :laugh I saw alot of men in the audience.

Claybug71 and I and my friend from college sat together but friend really got hot and she went up and sat on the lawnseats and gave her tix to 2 of the Japanese contingent and they came and watched from closer in the second half. My friend isn't a Claymate but she loves to meet all the people. She's a hoot.

Clay's voice sounded kinda strained in the first half and he made comment about how the dry air in CA didn't help him and Q but now Angela was feeling it here with the humidity. The tables were turned!

I guess the highlights for me were him coming in the audience again although it was hard for me to see him and then getting his mama on stage and having her sing. I know it HAD to be weird for him to hear his mama sing "the way you turn me on!" :laugh he even commented about how wrong that was...or he said how weird. I can't remember. Please forgive my sorry Clack. I had to dodge arms waving, and hair blowing in the wind as somebody in front of me must have had a portable fan. the most touching moment of the show was seeing ALL of those glowsticks. The most I had seen so far but this is the biggest crowd I think he's performed in front of besides Frisco...but i could be wrong. The place was pretty packed in reserved but I didn't see how the lawn seats filled up.

I know there were lots of cute things said but I'm brain dead now and have to go to Asheville at some point tomorrow! it's about a 4 hour drive from here.

Of course I think y'all know he was in sandals and he took one off once and Q said DON'T!!! Boy's feet must stank! :laugh He acted like he was gonna throw it at Q after her solo but i think he held onto it. He mentioned he cut his toenails for this concert and said it was a monthly...err annual thing. He got a laugh out of that. At some point he said it was HOT AS ______ and looked down at his pa pa on the front row and kinda scolded him cuz he filled in the blank that Clay left out! :laugh he said something like You said what I wasn't gonna say!

At some point I heard music that i wasn't expecting and realized opening of RHW was playing instead of EYGA. I got excited cuz I thought that might mean we would get a new song so we were wondering what he would start the second half with. All week I had been hearing the radio ad promoting the concert and ATD plays prominently in the ad and I kept thinking that it's a shame that he's not singing that! Well I guess he thought it was strange to have it in the ad and not sing it so he came out singing ATD after intermission.

The man was on, he was hot and he asked if he could get in our cars for the air conditioning! Well you know he got a big response to that! Get out of my dreams and into my car baby! :laugh

:wave to all the fans I met up with tonight. It was great putting faces with names! This fandom is something else.

I wish I could give a more detailed recap but it's been a lonnnnnnnnnnnnng week. I never even got a recap up from my California trip and I'm still trying to get Clack up from that! Y'all have a good one ya hear!

From the CB's claysbuttercup99:

As we waited, we saw lots of cars go by, but none turned into the backstage direction. We then saw two trucks/SUVs enter our backstage road and we realized that Jerome was in the first truck (along with others). But, the second truck was a fancy, expensive-looking black SUV with CLAY driving, wearing a white shirt with blue horizontal stripes and khaki pants? I couldn't tell. I don't know who was in the passenger seat, but Quiana was in the back seat. Man, Clay¡¦s a reckless driver, HA! He came around that curve QUICK! He saw Chelsea, Hannah, Kelsey and I because he did take the time to give us a wave while he was driving - how nice! We were so excited to see him.

As more and more people came, we kept befriending them all. Al, a very sweet security man, let us come into the backstage area to get out of the heat. He even, WITHOUT us asking, tried to go let us meet Clay. It didn't work, but it was just sooo sweet of him! Al has become our favorite employee of the Koka Booth Amphitheatre. We soon saw him come out with the list of people allowed to park backstage - Faye, Jerry, Brett, and Yvette King.

I contacted Jerome and told him we could see him.. we were by the gate - he came out and greeted us and we got to hang out with him for quite a few minutes. Jerome, thank gosh, knows me well enough to know that he can't lie to me.. haha. He was telling us an excuse (turns out he just had to go take care of business with the venue) and ended up just saying "Oh heck, that was a lame excuse I just gave you!" Hahaha. He's hilarious. We actually ended up becoming close to one of Jerome's pals, as well.

After the soundcheck, the entire crew and orchestra went to have dinner - it was either barbeque or pizza. We think it was barbeque. Clay was wearing the same shirt, and remember this is a few hours later. I had some food of my own I was needing to throw away and I asked Al where I could dispose of it. He told me to walk in (SO CLOSE TO CLAY EATING) and throw it away. I was so close to him. I could hear them all talk. But I disposed of my water bottle and headed back to where I was supposed to be. When Clay left, I got the courage to say hello so I yelled "Hi, Clay!" he slowed down and looked in our direction and gave a little wave. When Quiana came by, she was on the phone, but we called her name and she waved, as well. We saw many musicians and people come in and befriended all of them. At around 5 or 6, I get a call from my mom. She informs me someone has had a stroke and there was an ambulance. I am not sure who it was, but keep him of her in your prayers. We got in line at 6:30 and waited to seemed to be forever to get into the venue at 7:00.

We got our seats in row A of Section 2 and proceeded to chat with Jerome's friend. He was a sweetheart. We didn¡¦t want to disturb Clay, so we didn¡¦t yell, but Clay, Jesse, Quiana and others were out in clear view if you walked a little to the edge of the venue. Clay was carrying baby Chamberlin. We got a look from Clay then. We also met some nice NC violinists who went backstage to get Jerome for us ¡V he came out to sign the shirts of myself and my friend, Kels (They say "BIG Jerome", hahah!). He ended up signing many, many autographs, though. We got a wave and big smile from Quiana, a wave from Jesse, a wave from Brett, a glance from Jaymes, a wave from Sean, and when I said "Hi, Ms. Parker!" to Faye.. she must of liked the formality or something because she walked over to us. I was able to get my shirt signed by her, as well. Talking with her was a blast. I got a picture with her, too. It was NOT my angle but my friend should be emailing it soon, nonetheless. She is such a sweet person. We saw Clay¡¦s grandparents.. everyone. The entire family!

Also, while we were waiting, we waved at a teenage guy working there because we didn't really recognize him and wanted to be nice. He waved, walked to what he was doing, and waved on the way back. Then he walked down towards us and asked us if we wanted water. We said yes and he went back, and brought 2 water bottles next time he saw us. When we asked him what he did with the show, he said he worked on the sound. We asked if he liked Clay and he said not particularly, but he said Clay was a really nice guy. He told Clay that Kels and I were sitting right up front in matching shirts and paid $1500 dollars on seats. We exchanged our contact information, and we hope to ask what Clay said and get more details for the future.

We went back to our seats JUST in time for the show. Clay was absolutely stunning. Because Clack should be available, I¡¦ll just comment on my best few Clay moments. During many of the songs, Clay must have wanted to please the fans because he kept looking into my camera and sat directly facing me during LAA. He stood right in front of me for many of the songs, as well. During ATD, you will notice how Clay is looking to his left, and sort of squinting. He was looking at my friend Kels and I - we had a bright sign that we kept trying to help him read by holding it up. We think he read it because he sort of gave us a smirky smile. It was so great!! Then, during the Classics, Angie walked over to my side and finally saw & recognized me (we know eachother). She gave me a nice big smile. And then, during her solo, I was singing along with her and she pointed straight at me during one line. It was so nice! And finally, during BYLM, I got Quiana's attention mid-song to let her know I had an extra glowstick. She motioned for me to come up and give it to her, so I walked up the steps and handed her my orange glowstick. Haha, wonder what she did with it!

But after much talking with our friends who worked there, we found out Clay was backstage meeting with old friends, teachers, etc. When we saw a security guard, one person in my group asked: "Just honestly, have you ever seen a better rolemodel than Clay?" and he shook his head "No" -CLAYDAWG in the works?! At around midnight or later, Clay finally drove off in his black SUV. I'm thinking he's at his house. Either way, it was a great night! I have AMAZING photos and a few short videos to show you! Can't wait to upload today or tomorrow. What a wonderful night..

I'm about to post one preview photo of all of my shots last night in the Photo thread. :)

CARY, ASHEVILLE: Clay Comes Home

2007-08-10T16:49:00.001-04:00

We have a few Clay mentions in the North Carolina press today as Clay gets set to play 2 shows in NC today and tomorrow. First up is the Koka Booth Amphitheatre tonight in Raleigh and then it's on to a sold out show at Biltmore Estates in Asheville on Saturday.

Raleigh News & Observer - Clay coming home to perform -
"American Idol" homeboy Clay Aiken sings with orchestral accompaniment at Cary's Koka Booth Amphitheatre.
Asheville Citizen Times - Aiken ready to put on sold out show at Biltmore Estates -
Now Carolina-born Clay Aiken hits town for a Saturday night concert at Biltmore Estate. And it’s going to the biggest local “Idol” show yet, at least in turnout, with 3,000 fans in the house.

With Aiken backed by members of the Asheville Symphony Orchestra, it sounds like the makings for a night of smooth music.

Tickets: Forget about it. Most were sold long ago, and it’s unlikely any will remain at the box office this weekend.
Fayetteville Observer - "Say Hey to Clay: 'Idol' star comes home to sing" -
Members of the “Clay Nation” can finally exhale. Former “American Idol” finalist and pop superstar Clay Aiken is coming back to his hometown tonight.

Aiken, who was born in Raleigh, will perform with the Raleigh Symphony Orchestra at the Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Cary at 8:30 p.m. Gates open at 7.

The performance is part of a 23-city tour across the nation, which began July 4 and will end Aug. 19. For each performance, Aiken is taking the stage with the backing of a local symphony.
The Daily Reflector - Cary/Raleigh concert listing

ASHEVILLE: MountainX Says Aiken's stardom "is the real thing"

2007-08-09T17:10:00.001-04:00

Clay's the cover boy on this week's edition of MountainX, an independent newspaper based in Asheville, NC.

In the cover story, "Forming Clay into Rock", Alli Marshall offers a preview Clay's sold-out show at Biltmore Estate this Saturday. An abridgment appears below...

Forming Clay into Rock
by Alli Marshall in Vol. 14 / Iss. 02 on 08/08/2007

After 2003 American Idol runner-up Clay Aiken performed in Syracuse, N.Y. (backed by the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra, no less), the Web site Syracuse.com dubbed the pop singer “the beloved singing teddy bear placed near a young girl’s flouncy canopied bed.”

From Idol to icon: Although American Idol runner-up Clay Aiken may lack the artistic credibility that comes with a long career of paying dues, his devoted fans — the “Claymates”— don’t seem to mind. Aiken, as his devoted fans (known as “Claymates") can attest, is often given short shrift, celebrity-wise: Benign-geek status was not exactly the reputation favored by rock gods like Jim Morrison or Robert Plant. But the N.C. native (whose pre-Idol aspiration was to become a school principal and someday raise a family) is probably better suited to tender ballads and sports jackets than primal screams and leather chaps.

Getting Clay
Part of what differentiates Aiken from his fellow touring Idols is that, at each stop, he teams up with the symphony of that particular city.

“It’s rare and exciting for us to be able to do something like this,” enthuses Asheville Symphony Artistic Administrator Sally Keeney.

“He sings ["Baby Got Back” and “Sexy Back"] to make fun of how commercialized and soulless most of the songs that get radio play today are,” fan “Natalie” commented on the Xpress blogsite, responding to an open call to defend Aiken’s talents.

“Clay Aiken and his managers are very good musicians,” Hageman continues. “They have to be, at that level.”

In this case, the Biltmore Estate contracted with the local symphony as support for Aiken’s performance, a reversal of a more common arrangement where the orchestras hire the vocalists.

“There were a heck of a lot of symphony people having their socks knocked off after watching Clay’s performances,” blogger “Kayla,” who’s attended four out of nine shows on the Aiken tour, told Xpress.

“It is [RCA chairman] Clive Davis who put him in the ‘Manilow’ box,” she charges. “But believe me, Clay Aiken is so much more than that.”

It could be argued that Barry Manilow himself, with his countless hit singles, multiplatinum albums and worldwide record sales numbering more than 75 million, is something more than a tawdry troubadour. Aiken actually might be lucky to follow in the footsteps of the man who wrote, you know, the songs.

But Aiken, seemingly uncomfortable with accepting overnight stardom outright, is going beyond introducing Claymates to civic orchestras. Pre-Idol, the Raleigh native was a special-ed teacher, and he continues that particular line of work through the Bubel/Aiken Foundation charity he co-founded.

He’s also a celebrity ambassador for UNICEF and has traveled in that capacity to Uganda, Indonesia and Afghanistan. The latter trip earned him more press for the beard he grew out of respect for local customs than for his charity work.

Three albums on, Aiken’s tenuous stardom is finally looking less like a fluke and more like the real thing.

“He is the best all-around entertainer I have ever seen,” blogger “CarylAnn” (who’s seen Elton John, Billy Joel and Journey) told Xpress. “Clay has it all. The voice, the comedic timing and the way he interacts with his fans and makes fun of himself is hilarious.”

Or, as Claymate “Carol” puts it, “People are finally starting to ‘get’ Clay.”

CANANDAIGUA: New Clips From SecretlyLovesClay

2007-08-08T18:31:00.000-04:00

The CB's SecretlyLovesClay posted a sneak peak at some of her upcoming clips from last month's Canandaigua, NY concert...

Clay Aiken - Canandaigua - Jeffersons

Clay Aiken - Canandaigua - Party All Night

ASHEVILLE: Concert "Virtually Sold Out"

2007-08-08T18:18:00.000-04:00

The Asheville Citizen Times is confirming that Clay's Asheville, NC show at Biltmore Estates on Saturday is nearly sold out.

“American Idol” star Clay Aiken looks like the biggest live show in Asheville this weekend – his Saturday night concert at Biltmore Estate is virutally sold out.

Some 3,000 tickets were originally available for the concert on the South Terrrace lawn at Biltmore and just a few scattered seats remained Tuesday, with none expected to be available at the gate by Saturday.

SAN DIEGO: Faye Parker Welcomes Japanese Claymates

2007-08-07T18:47:00.000-04:00

A quick follow up to the story we posted on Saturday about 13 Japanese Claymates coming to see Clay live in California and North Carolina. Here are some photos of the Japanese contingent being welcomed to America by Clay's mom Faye Parker at the San Diego pre-party held last Thursday before Clay's concert.

INDIO: Desert Local News - Great Concert Review

2007-08-07T18:41:00.001-04:00

Another wonderful tour review came in today, this one courtesy the Desert Local News. Here's some of that they said about Clay's Indio, CA concert... also check out their concert photo gallery- there are some really nice shots in there.

Aiken wowed crowds with mostly covers, but of recognizable tunes, like Paul Young’s “Every Time You Go Away”, Michael Jackson’s “The Way You Make Me Feel”, Badfinger’s “Without You”, Foreigner’s “I Want To Know How Love Is”, and other well-known ballads. Between acts, Aiken told a few jokes that made the audience laugh. He and his backup singers even paid tribute to the Golden Age of Television with a medley of television theme songs.

Fans from all over California and all over the world came to see Aiken perform. Thirteen women from Japan flew out here just to see him, and then follow him all across the United States. “We love Clay,” said Mariko, one of the lucky 13. “He is very popular in Japan. We’re going to see him in North Carolina next.”

“He is hilarious, he is entertaining,” said Carrie Salensner from Los Angeles. “If people would come to one of his concerts, they will instantly love him.” Barbara White of San Diego agreed. “He is amazing, and a wonderful singer,” she says.

---
Update: We noticed the Desert Sun (another newspaper) also has some nice Indio photos at their site... myDesert.com Indio, CA concert photos.

INDIO: Concert Recaps

2007-08-06T16:53:00.000-04:00

Photos

Clayboard photo thread - Indio, CA

Clack

ClackUnlimited.com

From the CB's LUVClay26:

Tonight was amazing but sad. This was it until November. It was 4 in a row (Yes I know it is insane. Ya know what? I had fun so who cares?)

After eating in an interesting casino buffet, I went to check if there were any tickets to upgrade for kicks. The lady pointed to row A section A. I was like, "Don't yank my chain! I have heartbreakburn (new term!) from this bad buffet!" Alas, I was front row. I had grungy clothing on (my Minnesota shirt even though I am in cali now which yells "doofus!) and looked like I had just gotten out of bed. Plus I am ugly so that added to the mixed emotion of the ticket. Plus I was close the night before making me looke ven more crazy I bet. Yep. Crazy stalker me...

I digress. This recap has been slooooooooowww (I find that waaaay more amusing than I should.)

Well, it started with him coming in through the audience for HYCA. I was saying "holy crap" a million times because I was shocked. Yet, he sang that and WISYS. Then, for IWTKWLI, he was waiting for A to sing the part and Q started. It was funny like in San Diego. They were awesome. The Q sings like a yodeler and they got on this tangent about Q being the only black yodeler. hehe

People were applauding a lot. He just said random words and people applaud to anything. Learned "Tunafish" is not sexy. Meh. Who knew? lol

Oh, for the asking about fast songs, one of the symphony had a CD of "367 fast orchestra songs" which had no CD inside the case. For the theme songs thing (it is just ok for me...I didn't say it was stupid Clay), it was the usual songs. He really got into "The Jeffersons" again and said something different as they had him on his knees. The jacket came off. He had a tan jacket, white shirt, jeans and yes, the striped socks again. You know, it wa the spirit of weezie. He sang the "Brady Bunch" theme and "Facts of Life" thing. It just was funny.

I am a perv. I know this. I embrace it. There was a point where he said Q and A entertain him every night. Being the perv I am, I started hiding me head and laughing. He then goes, "oh we will pause and let that sink in...ok I mean they sing..." or whatever he said. It was funny.

RHW was good. WY was great. MOAM was good. For SSTBTHW, he knocked it out of the park. TWYMMF, he was great and funny.

Sometime before the classics, he got into the whole "slooooooooooow songs" thing again. yep. Him and Barry. (I wanna know...Mannilow or White. Hmmmm? Wonder where I saw Barry White before...) It was also "*gasping H-h-hot*" Admitedly, it probably doesn't take much to amuse me and my doofusy Minnesota shirt huh?

The classics medley was great as in funny great. Angela got the tap on the bootay again for BGB. When he did some danching, I saw a bit o skin as the shirt crept up dude. Makes me wish I didn't have the buffet today.

There was the whole "Sexyback" thing. I know sense of humor is relative, but I think that was awesome with shackles and the whipping.

For LAA, it was an odd lighting effect. I didn't see the face but I saw the rest as he sang. It is such a sad song, but I bet he is one happy dude these days. I have no reason, but I think he probably just is.

The end was BYLM which was great. He signed thanks a bit at the end. It was just sad to see it end because I really did have fun despite the buffet. It just was not that good. maybe I needed a blue bandana or something.

Quiana was supurb on her song. Angela was so good a girl yelled "She can sang!" That was awesome.

So, as the 4 shows come to a close, I think the Cali leg was great. Back to real life where I hopefully can find a dude of my own in my own world. I also need to get my straight jacket soon. :)

From the CB's treyclay:

It is almost midnight. I am exhausted from driving all over SoCal and not sleeping enough for the last 4 days. If I would just win the lottery, I would go to every single concert. He's magic and that's the bottom line!

He, IMHO, looked the best tonight of all four concerts. I mean... rivet jeans everyone! :thud And, I swear he's lost a bit of that middle section he sported at the beginning of the tour and looked F.I.N.E!!! Hair was perfection!

Show was delayed a few minutes as a women fell down the stairs on the side just feet from me. A bad tumble (those bleachers were awful), but she was ok enough to get patched up (and the paramedics were there almost instantly) and stay for the concert.

Random thoughts...

The bad: Hated the venue. Sound was not good, bleachers and floor were slippery. Flashes were bad at times. Orchestra was only so so... at one point the brass (trumpet or troumbone) playing with Angie messed up badly and threw her off on her solo. I would go there again only for Clay and hopefully he has more sense than to go back.

The good: Clay... nuff said! He went down the center aisle and then had to hunt thru the curtains for the stairs back. LOL He did the "I'm too cool now" swaggering exit for Angela's song, which I think is very funny. Once again, it went from LOUD to quiet for LAA. Amazing! The Kimono ladies from Japan were much closer than at SD, which was nice. He gave a whole bunch of signed Thank You's at the end... :lubdub

One funny... Clay was talking about how hhhhot it was there, and asked how those who live there stood it. Someone replied that they liked it. He asked why. They said they were Indian and liked it. He replied, matter of factly, that he was a white boy and didn't. The crowd roared.

Oh, I had dinner two tables from Jesse and Sean. They were right behind me in line. My gosh Sean is tiny. Maybe he's part Leprechan (or however you spell that).

It's tomorrow... I'm going to bed... I have to work in a few hours. UGH!!! Working after 4 nights of Clay should be against the rules. My body may be there, but my brain is another story... :lol

LOS ANGELES: Billboard's Mobile Beat Gives The Greek Concert a Fantastic Review

2007-08-05T22:13:00.000-04:00

It is rare that a review of a Clay concert can be found that has nothing but positive things to say about that concert. But I believe that Billboard's Mobile Beat Review by David Chung is just that review!! The review is quite long and there are so many awesome things said about Clay, his songs, his banter, Angela and Quiana, and the orchestra, that just summerizing it just wouldn't do it justice.

Cutting to the chase, here is a snippet of his review (bolding is mine). Don't forget to head over to the Billboard blog to read the entire thing ... Read it slowly and savor it. This is one to be reread and remembered!

Clay Aiken, The Greek Theatre in Los Angeles, August 4th, 2007
by Dave Chung

Part concert, part comedy show, Clay Aiken and a live orchestra performed in front of a few thousand of his most dedicated fans on Saturday night. Before the show, I had spoken with fans of the American Idol runner up, or Claymaniacs, who told me that an Aiken concert is as much about his interaction with the audience as it is about his trademark big vocals. I was a little skeptical about how this would turn out because I appreciate rapid fire performances in live concerts. However, many an Aiken concert veteran assured me that I was in for a great night on this stop of The Soft Rock & A Hard Place Tour. Thankfully, Aiken delivered. In an entertaining two hour set, Aiken and his background vocalists Angela Fisher and Quiana Parler put together an upbeat night (somehow, in a set filled with ballads) that was just as filled with laughter (legitimate “LOL,” “LMAO,” “ROFL” laughter) from the audience as it was with strong performances coming from the performers on stage.

The second I walked into the venue, I knew this was going to be a concert unlike any other. After hanging out with teenage girls (again, holler!) last week at Carrie Underwood’s show, I expected a similar crowd for another American Idol alumnus. Instead, it was a much older crowd than I expected (median age 45?), skewed about 90% female. The stage was set up for a full orchestra, something I wasn’t expecting, but was pleasantly surprised to find. As one of the few non-balding males in attendance (not that there’s anything wrong with balding), I was an anomaly at the show. I found two girls with a “Clay took our concert virginity” poster, which was more of what I was expecting from the night’s audience. Seeing them and their sign made me feel more at ease because I was a Clay concert-virgin that night and they seemed pretty happy with their first experience. I suppose it says something when people come back for more after that first intimate experience…instead of not returning your text messages… nor calling back… perhaps blocking on IM…maybe even Google chat… Wait, what are we talking about?

...

In what was probably the most relaxing concert I’ve ever attended with the most respectful crowd I’ve ever been a part of (I am positive not a single expletive was spoken all night), Clay Aiken put on a great show vocally and in terms of entertainment for the audience in attendance. Not only is Aiken a powerful vocalist who has developed his own identity and following that has gone well past him being a “guy from American Idol,” but he puts on a hilarious show that is filled with more laughs that you’d ever expect from a ballad-filled evening. While I wish that Aiken performed some more songs from his first CD, few Aiken fans would ever leave his show unsatisfied, as the singer manages to make everyone feel like they’re just hanging out with Clay and his band for the night. With strong vocals throughout the night and random banter that surprisingly did not annoy me between songs (almost an impossible task), Aiken became more than just a singer to me tonight, but lived up to his reputation as a strong entertainer as well.

LOS ANGELES: Concert Recaps

2007-08-05T17:17:00.000-04:00

Photos

Clayboard photo thread - LA

Clack

ClackUnlimited.com

From the CB's LJlovesclay:

Wow -- just wow!!! The venue was beautiful and so was Clay! This was my second show. It was a different vibe than San Diego. Both special and perfect in their own right. I think it's the table vs. seat set-up and maybe the size of venue.

Anyway, I had amazing seats -- 2nd row pit but on the right side if you're facing the stage which turned out to be the "wrong" side to be on since Clay spent sooooo much time on the other side of the stage with Angela so I missed a lot of the interaction (I'm short).

But the highlight was when Clay came off the stage during the Classics medley portion and went right into the audience right past me. He was trying to find someone who knew the lyrics and ended up at his mom who didn't know them. Too cute.

The cameras were out in full force. They checked purses but did not seem to care if we had cameras out in the open and were using them quite frequently so there should be AMAZING CLACK (just not from me -- I don't know if it's my camera settings or the really harsh spotlight on Clay, but my pics were washed out. The ones I took of Angela and Quiana came out really nice and sharp. Maybe I am just too shaky when taking pictures of Clay). There were A LOT of cameras!!

But the most touching moment was the finale -- BYLM! We definitely showed Clay the love -- the place was all aglow with multi-colored glow sticks!!! He was very touched I think. It was beautiful and emotional.

I am still amazed every time I see him in concert. He is truly an entertainer!

Off to look at my pics and videos to see if there's anything worth sharing.

Can't wait to hear the other's recaps.

Hopefully they will remember all the funny quips by Clay because I can't seem to at the moment.

From the CB's LUVClay26:

We were in the same row tonight and at least he passed by your side for TWYMMF. He avoided our side like we had the allergen disease. (ie we were chocolate, nuts on trees, mint coffee and shellfish...) Yes, he went in the audience for that song and even sang with his mom. :)

Yes. I admit it. I am the BIGGEST DORK ever for finding the whole "sloooooooow" thing funny. He did it again tonight.

Oh, he had striped socks and showed the audience. They also did not match.

The Greek was such a nice venue. I had no idea the LA had an area which was nice. I got there early because traffic on the 5 wasn't as nasty. So they told me to come back later and I just drove around Hollywood.

Like I said, I was 2nd row pitt as well. He looked good in his black shirt, tan (?) jacket and NICE jeans. (Yeah, I'm going to hell and know it...)

During IWTKWLI, A and Clay were so on. They both sang the heck out of it so muchso that Angela pushed him in the middle of the song. It was funny how it was joked about.

When Q had her awesome song, Clay sat next to Angela and he did it so cute. Everyone (probably odd deranged folks in the pitt like me) went "awww" because they do look cute together. It is hard to explain it, but he was laughing (I think). When Q blew the roof off the place (although I guess the Greek doesn't have a roof per se - now I am a literal dork), Clay and A threw their shoes at her. Q then pretended to auction Clay's shoe.

The TV medley was ok. He told the story about the AI audition and joked it was for "So You Think You Can Dance." I feel horrible for not liking "The West Wing" at this point btw. The thing is growing on me. Actually, I have had the "Growing Pains" theme stuck in my head today. A did her thang with the mic stand during "Rosanne." For "Jeffersons," he threw his jacket off and when he was down on his knees said "Elizabeth!" I don't get the allusion, but it was funny. The spirit of Weezie was baaaaaaaack... He is cute at that point. It took several minutes to get to start AITF hehe. A really sings the heck out of that last note.

For the classics medley, Angela got the spanking again at the end of "Baby Got Back." For LAV, they vogued. For BBB, they did the cool dance again. SB had the shackels...yay. (Yes, I know I know. I already have my spot in Happy Acres "Rest facility" reserved.)

The spotlight was not going on Q so she goes (BEST LINE of the night - paraphrasing) "Don't they know I'm black?"

Q and A's songs were great. Clay was good overall. LAA touched me hard tonight. I cried like an idiot. TWYMMF he went in the audience (not on my side *sad sigh* I MUST be on the list) and A's son danced onstage. SSTBTHW was amazing vocally. WY was amazing. The other songs were ok vocally. For me he has to work it to get the standing o's. If I remember right, those are the ones I gave a standing o to. (O is Ovation and not other words that begin with that that may fit...yeah I'm on the list now... *I mean Oprah...yeah Oprah...*shifty eyes*)

The ring was on again tonight. He looked good. The ladies were pretty as can be.

I probably look like a freaky lady laughing my behind off, but I had fun. So there. :)

From the CB's wandacleo:

I was too busy watching Clack and being thrilled to write last night. Clay did us proud. It was such a great show. I know that others have already reported so I'll just write about a few highlights. The venue was great and I think probably 3500 or so people---a respectable crowd--and they loved him. Lots of women but a good mix of men and younger people, especially as you moved back.
Angie's family was there and she introduced them all and then Clay sat down and snuggled up to her, put his arms around her, and tried to kiss her, saying something like, "Guess who's coming to dinner," toward her family, pretending they were an item and just cracking himself up. She made a fist and someone said she asked him if he wanted a knuckle sandwich, but I didn't hear that. He was just a total devil and it was funny as hell.
He said a couple of times how hot it was on stage, and he was sweaty. Looking good,.
He jumped into the audience for TWYMMF and was having people sing, including his mother, whom, I think, didn't know the words because he was picking on her. It was SO NOISY with people cheering and laughing that I couldn't catch everything. Aubrey danced during TWYMMF and Clay introduced him and Angie had him take a little bow. He was very cute. He must have been thrilled to be part of his mom's show. Oh yes, Clay just sort of rolled back on the stage. I don't think he's concerned about his dignity or his butt.
Clay said something about the men and said theyd be "VERY happy tonight" and Quiana said, "Your mother's here!" and he said, "I got my dirty mouth from my mother!" and that really cracked him up--probably thinking about what she was going to do to him!
The classics, which he no longer calls the classics were GREAT and the audience. He was dancing like a fool with Angie and just having a great time.
They talked again about Quiana gamblling.
A&Q knocked the sky away with their songs and got shoes--Quiana started calling out like an auctioneer, holding a shoe in the air.
He again talked about SLLLLLOOOOOOOWWWW songs, and said it a few times. A&Q confimred he wasn't a bit cool, but Q said that something like he was a very nice man with a kind heart instead--but in such a way that it was clear that she meant INSTEAD of being cool, so it was pretty funny.
There were HUNDREDS of glowsticks during BYLM and I definitely think that everyone should do that during the last song. He just looked so pleased and it's so appropriate as a way to show love. (And it's a very cool sight).
Busline went on for frigging ever. We were in a spot that was dark and I'm not sure I even saw him, but I felt his hand. He was with a whole group of people--they first walked UP the long hill on the other side of the road and you could track the progress by the screams, and then they came down the hill. I honestly didn't notice whom he was with!! Isn't that pathetic?? We had a very nice security guard--a burly guy probably in his 40s. I asked him if he saw the show and said he had and really liked it. I also asked him if others had buslines and he said he had NEVER seen one before. He seemed totally surpirsed that such a thing took place.

From the CB's CLAYGAL:

Many of my neighbors and friends were there last night and were thoroughly entertained by Clay. In fact, they had not seen him since JNT2 at the Kodak, so this concert gave them yet another aspect of his performance skills. Heard nothing but praises --they were not in the front sections, but in B, Terrace, and A sections, so that gives us a cross section of responses from where they were seated.
There were extra seating (moveable chairs) in front of us in the box "suites" that were for people in wheel chairs, those needing special assistance so I don't know if they were considered part of A section as they were behind the A section railing. 19/20 boxes were all occuppied, some with 6 people, and others like ours with 4. The boxes went for $700. People were streaming in behind us after the concert had begun. The Greek is not an easy venue to get to and you really needed to get there by car. I would estimate that it was 2/3 full and the venue, I'm certain profited. It looked about the same as Melissa Ehteridge's concert that I attended 2 years ago. There were so many people around that I never found the auction room. It surprised me to see KOST as one of his sponsors as they never played any of his songs from ATDW to advertise to their listeners, except for the interview and giving away some free tickets. Enough on that tho'. What's important is that he had a great and responsive crowd.

His performance was awesome and it amazes me how he's so natural and confident on stage like he was born to be a performer. As many times as I've seen him, I look forward to seeing him again. (Guess it's called an obsession). I hope he continues to perform , entertain and make a difference in our lives and the lives of those who have yet to learn about him.:confstars

From the CB's LALady4Clay:

I love the Greek! It and the Hollywood Bowl are two of LAs jewels. I'm a native and am proud that we have such great places to showcase talent. The Greek seating started filling in just as the show was starting and as it got underway. I was surprised to see so many come in at the last minute and I think he did well considering no LA presence, radio, etc. Yes, Kelly was in the box seat on the left side facing the stage.

The show was great and his voice was beautiful. He had a tad bit of trouble with the beginning of LAA but pulled it all together nicely. I had forgotten how powerful his voice is in person. It really is amazing. His label has to recognize this talent and work to figure out how to market him to a broader audience. I love seeing young people so enamored with him. There were some men too, my husband included.

He was very proud to showcase Angela to her family. Always the thoughtful one. Her son was adorable.

I personally thought there was too much interpretive banter before the TV medley and it just took to long to get it started. It was cute but not my favorite but obviously Clay loves it so that's what counts, and it's fills time. I love the girls but I feel sometimes that disrupt the flow and Clay loses his train of thought.

MOAM and Sorry were breathtaking. I didn't think I was going to care for RHW but he did a good job with the energy---it was beautiful. He was quick and funny as always. BYLM was very moving and Clay felt the love.

I'm so impressed with his natural stage presence and ease. Great concert. So wonderful that so many line up for the handshake--Clay is one of a kind.

From Claymaniac's Clayharmony:

Glory at the Greek

It’s noon Sunday, and I’m still in a bit of daze. Clay at the Greek…what an awesome evening…and the wonder of him performing in this historic venue…I’ve never seen him so riveting…no metal reference intended!

California blessed Clay with our best weather…the temperatures have been mild and comfortable…Clay fans gathered outside the venue, chatting about in the late afternoon sun. Soon, we were allowed in to settle into our seats…we were dead center about 10 rows above the pit…great for hearing a full, balanced sound. Initially, my Clay friend and I were preoccupied with empty seats about us, however just about all of them filled up where we were in section A … many more filled up as the evening progressed…and while I’ve read estimates of an 50 to 60 percent attendance rate, I’d put it between two-thirds and three-fourths full. This venue is nestled in a cluster of trees…a lovely ambiance for fabulous music making.

Just as the sun was setting, the magic began…Clay bounded on out…looking ever so fine…his hair is just about All Is Well style now, and in black…oh so sexy, yeah! I was very pleased to note that he was backed by a large, skilled orchestra this evening. [I believe an oboist I know was playing this gig]

For this particular concert, I was more personally invested in his success…it brought me back to those AI evenings…hoping ever so much that Clay would continue his trajectory into actual stardom. As I listened to him sing out this glorious evening, his appearance at the Greek struck me as an important affirmation of his place in the world of entertainment.

My friend and I had some anxious moments early on…the dry air really appears to impact Clay’s voice…and there were moments when it was notably raspy. But, with the breaks built in to the show, he was able to put it behind him by the second half. As I reflect, it reminds me of the collective state of mind of the Clay fandom at Merrillville last December as we all prayed for Clay to hit those All Is Well notes.

Quiana hinted at Clay being hyped up pre-concert time…and as you read the banter, he certainly was enthusiastic to the max…fresh audience reactions to it really enhanced my concert experience…it became obvious from the gleeful laughter many were hearing it for the first time last night. Angela’s son is just adorable…a real cutie patootie, that young man!…he wore a broad grin, his eyes were a twinkle…and Angela was the proud momma! The boy can dance…and dance he did for the pleasure of us all. Clay managed to engage the entire audience in standing up and getting into the energy of the ‘transformation to cool’ groove. The Greek was a rocking at the point…I heard many sing along…many male voices…using the phrase advisedly…OH YEAH!…hee

Stand out vocals this evening were MOAM in particular, and Lover All Alone for me. I am thrilled Clay elected to sing MOAM again…I imagine it was a fantastic moment for him when he first performed it with a symphony for the Capitol Fourth, and I’m not surprised that he wanted to enjoy performing it that way again this tour. With these skilled musicians, that song just flowed from his whole being. Lover All Alone was no less than a work of art…the cellist was brilliant, and Clay opened his soul and caressed each note with his loving spirit. As he shared “Because You Loved Me” with his fans, the night was all aglow with pastels. The glowsticks were distributed far and wide, and Clay was so moved by this concrete ex-pression of affection by us. Before he exited the stage, he paused for a bit and appeared to be savoring one last moment…bearing a look of amazement on his face…as the audience was roaring in approval.

During Lover All Alone and Because You Loved Me, my friend and I turned to each and acknowledged a moment of awe…a gorgeous summer evening, Clay’s extraordinary musical gifts, and an audience showing the love…Glory at the Greek. Yes.

SAN DIEGO, PALA, LOS ANGELES: Japanese Claymates See Clay Live for the First Time

2007-08-05T17:00:00.000-04:00

A contingent of about 20 Clay fans from Japan have made the long (and costly!) journey to California where they attended Clay's concerts in San Diego, Pala and Los Angeles. The fans are now moving on to Cary and Asheville where they will watch Clay perform live in his home state.

The CH's spotlightlover, who spends hours collecting and uploading clack for fans like the Japanese Claymates who don't have easy access to Clay in person, met the group in LA and posted this recap on the Clackhouse:

As we were preparing to leave the venue, I noticed that 20 or so Japanese ladies had gathered at the front of the stage in their kimonos. They had taken the set lists from the stage and were "oohing" and "aahing" over them. I took a little footage of them and then asked if anyone spoke English. A couple of tentative nods; then the woman who was serving as translator introduced herself.

I told her I had a big souvenir of the entire concert, and there were a few gasps. We exchanged cards and I said I would be in touch. Then I talked a little more with a few of the women who spoke English. I asked if they were on the Internet. One of them replied, “Clack Unlimited?” So I told them my board name. And the eyes of these wonderful women from a far country widened with recognition because they knew who I was.

For me, meeting these women was the most magical moment of the night. No, not because they knew who I was, but because across the vast Pacific Ocean, culture differences, and a language barrier, we have all become a part of this awesome phenomenon. I had shared something with them, not even knowing it; and that made us comrades from half a world away.

I think now, for me, that’s what this is really all about. It’s no longer just about a skinny kid from North Carolina with an incredible voice who got the chance of a lifetime. It’s how his effect on us has brought us together into a big family, and every concert is like a family reunion.

More about the Japanese Claymates:

The New Clay Aiken (Japanese Clay Aiken fans HQ)
Carolina On My Mind - Japanese Fans Meet Another 'Star'

LOS ANGELES: Kelly Clarkson Spotted at LA Concert

2007-08-05T16:44:00.001-04:00

Kelly Clarkson was spotted showing Clay her support at Clay's Los Angeles show last night. Reports indicate she was seated in a box seat about half way up. The photo above was taken backstage.

In July 2006, Clay and Ruben attended Kelly's show in Raleigh and spent some time afterwards at Clay's house... it's nice to see the two former tour-mates are still in touch!

PALA: Concert Recaps

2007-08-04T12:29:00.000-04:00

Photos

Clack

ClackUnlimited.com

From the CB's LUVClay26:

I notice in the last recap people went out of their way to say thanks to other caps and not mine for San Diego. Meh. Whatever. I embrace my uncoolness...

Well, I just got back to my cave in the OC (Orange County) and tonight was a ton better than San Diego in many ways. He was a stitch tonight and in great voice.

OK, to explain the title. I am so hoping there is Clack of it man. (btw I think there may be a lot of clack although some of the security were VERY strict...I even saw someone not far from me getting all of LAA so it was ok overall) Anyway, he got into how his songs were..."slow." It wasn't so much he said slow but the way he said it. My description may be way off, but he said it deep and almost Barry White-ish... I was dying laughing.

Then, in some of the hotel windows facing the concert area, people were watching. In one window in particular there was a flat Clay in plain view in the window. I think someone pointed it out and he was laughing. The next song was WISYS and he and the gals were singing the lyrics to the cutout! It was funny. Then, I think he asked about it - how to transport it - and they said fold him in half. It started some funny banter about tieing him to the roof of teh car or placing him in the trunk.

He threw his shoes at the gals tonight in jest. He had either green or blue socks on tonight. When either Q or A had the show they pretended to try to sell it off to the highest bidder. Q mentioned she lost $30 in nickels on nickel slots. (After the show I gambled $5, won $50 and lost it all...ack...)

The classics medley...OMG again. Someone asked about what I meant by the spank on "Baby Got Back." It is at the end of that part of the medley and OMG he did it AGAIN tonight!!! For the tv themes he mentioned he liked doing the trivia for the kids so they can have a homework pass and joked how tv was more important. He mentioned his like of "The West Wing" after doing the cute stuff with the theme and the orchetra. He also gave Jesse bunny ears. hehe I just wish I could get into "The West Wing." I'm too dumb to follow it.

Sloooowwww (sorry, I had to randomly place that there...)

There were many alcohol jokes tonight. The audience learned what PTA means (Party talk and alcohol) tonight. I know I probably looked drunk but it has been a long day so I was giddy and giggly. I still don't drink. There is nothing against anyone that does, but I just don't.

For TWYMMF they did the Michael Jackson thingy from the "Black and White" Video where he is in the mist that is upward moving. It is hard to explain the allusion, but it was funny.

For the tv medley, the spirit of weezie came back. hehe He said he had a crush on the little girl on this show called "Small Wonder" when he was little. "Small Wonder" wsa this show where there was this robot girl which was with a family. It was just an obscure sitcom from the late 80s (that was with "She's The Sheriff" and some other show).

I wonder why, but the dude had a ring on his right hand middle finger. I wonder if it is just a ring or something else. Lord knows. Hair looked really red for some reason tonight. During "The Jeffersons" he stripped off the tan jacket he wore over a striped shirt and jeans.

There was no bus line for those that wanted to know because no place for one.

The vocals were great tonight. He was funny tonight. It was a fun night.

BTW, highway 76 in Cali sucks. :) It was pretty, but holy crap it was curvy and dangerous.

LUV

From Claymaniac's Clayharmony:

Hi folks, While my home board is Claymaniacs, I thought I'd share my recap of this concert with you too. I hope you enjoy it.

Clayed in Pala-dise…

It’s 9 am here in the west, and after about 6 hours sleep, I’m just too excited to snooze any longer… Clay was feeling his oats last night and I experienced relentless Clay comedy…the man just brought it all night long.

From my place, I allowed for about a two hour drive down to the venue, what with the penchant for California drivers to collide unexpectedly and shut freeways down for hours, I was having none of that…had to provide options to get there for sure and not miss a single minute of ‘Clay time’…so we arrived in the vicinity by about 1:15. I signed up to attend the preparty put on by the Inclusion Revolution Brigade at Tori Spelling’s bed and breakfast in near by Fallbrook, which started at 2 pm. Before I headed on over to join in…I stopped for a stretch break and all at the nearby McD’s…and I noticed a group of several Japanese young ladies coming towards us…light bulb moment…I spoke up to them and asked, “Clay fans?”…and in great English quite a few of them giggled and replied, Yes…and then animated greetings including some hugs ensued…we explained to a gal accompanying them (who seemed to be a local) that we had read all about them on the boards at last evening’s concert.

Next, a Clay friend and I were off to the preparty for a brief stop, before we headed on over to the Pala. Fallbrook abuts the Indian reservation site of the casino and venue…and what a variance of terrain…from dessert scrub, to woodsy tree lined windy roads, we drove to a lovely château structure surrounded by rolling, lush green lawns. The party was out doors and it was the most ideal weather…mid-seventies, light breeze, sun shining through a grove of trees… absolutely a splendid afternoon…ala The Great Gatsby. We met a gal who stated she was a writer with “Pop Star” (?)…not sure if I heard the name of the publication accurately…and she made quite a point of the fact that she was bringing many ‘heavy weights’ with her to hear Clay at the Greek. She further stated that one of her contacts is a highly respected concert pianist…and that upon hearing Clay sing, couldn’t get over the purity of his voice… (we fans noted this long, long ago, didn’t we!)

Then, we were off to the Pala…I was trying another entrance into the Casino…after employing the mapquest approach when I scoped out the route to this place, I noted that it entailed a LENGTHY drive through the reservation and windy roads, many steep drops…and I decided then and there, I wanted to avoid that at all costs (well…not all…not to the tune of $400 dollars a night…the casino jacked the room rate up for Clay …yikes!)…so, I was vastly relieved to see that this other road involved significantly less time sharing unfamiliar windy roads in the dark of night with inebriated casino winners/losers making their exit.

At the Pala, the personnel provided complementary valet service for everyone, and on in we went to the casino. It was abuzz with activity already, and we walked on over so I could show my out of state Clay friend this surprisingly pleasing venue.
We exchanged pleasantries with other Clay fans while leisurely waiting until the concert began. Marilee, Claypig. and her husband Jim, Claydawg, joined me for a chat…and Marilee had the honor of personally escorting Faye over to the preparty in San Diego…she was impressed how unassuming and delightful she was in person.

As the time for the concert approached, I was scouting for two people to receive some extra tickets I had…they were for seats in the middle (I had upgraded just a bit)…and I was so pleased to find two fans…an older gal, and a young lady in her early twenties, who had not heard Clay live before, in seats way back…to be the recipients. (I loved the ex-pression on the young lady’s face, when she realized the ticket was hers, free of charge.)

Our seats were to the left side of the stage about a quarter of the way back, and in this venue, folding chairs on grass…it seemed a good deal closer…about the equivalent of the 10th row at the Star Plaza, for those of you who have been there.

The orchestra was quite small for this concert (in comparison to what I have observed in the clack) and as it turns out for my take, not nearly as skilled as some Clay’s performed with so far…they were a contract group…hired together specifically for the gig…and that does make a difference…in comparison to a Grammy award winning symphony. And, Clay’s orchestral arrangements are rich and not a walk in the park…even for professionals. However, Clay and the gals were not the least bit constrained by this. Perhaps the rest contributed to their well being…for they really brought it last night!…some stand outs were Measure of a Man and Without You, and Angela’s solo …the home town girl was hot- no screechy vibe – great acoustics/engineering produce authentic sound delivery. And…all of the tracks sound ever so much more inspired live…it does really make a difference for Clay to sing to an audience, that is indisputable isn’t it?

The ‘flat Clay’ banter was just a hoot! The folks perched in their hotel rooms enjoying the Clay…that was just too funny…these ‘attendees’ weren’t just casually standing there…oh no, you could see them seated right in front of their windows…set for the entire musical offering…when Clay started in on the slow…s – l – o – o – o – o – w bit, he pitched his voice down deep as some poster characterized ala Barry White…and the look on his face was just priceless. This was probably my favorite banter moment for the night: “he said something in a really deep voice - and then he said, "That wasn't really funny." Quiana says, "NO - but it was sexy." The crowd goes CRAZY!!!” I can’t wait to see the clack and really see his face when that happened.

Clay’s becoming the dancing man…for real…the Jefferson moves…the ‘up close and personal tete a tete with Angela…his inhibitions are fading…and that natural rhythm that has always been his, is just coming to the forefront…for all of us to celebrate ah yes.

I couldn’t believe how fast the time went…from the dialogue, it was time for LAA. This time, I was glad I had heard a bit of the clack…(I’ve viewed some…not a lot…to keep a bit of the concert still fresh when I finally got to start attending mine)…because this was not the thrilling version of it to me…not because of Clay…but I felt the cellist was not on the top of her game…it is such an exquisite contrapuntal line, and I just didn’t hear it resonate in consonance with Clay’s gorgeous vocal. [ However, in fairness, I should mention that there was a gentleman…and I use that term advisedly…was markedly three sheets to the wind and had already received the attention of one of the ushers after he had turned around and engaged in some kind of heated exchange with a gal who appeared to be about 75 years old…and in my unobstructed view of the whole thing…completely unprovoked…came back and was ‘chatting’ with some other usher to my immediate left…boohoo!!!]

At the conclusion of the concert…no bus line…oh pshaw!…Clay was smiling broadly as he sang to us “Because You Loved Me”…he was beaming and grinning ear to ear…and just seemed to be soaking in all of the love.

Clay could sing to me all day, and I’d still be ready for more…isn’t it amazing how truly addicting he is?!!!…I am so glad I’ve got more concerts in store for me this time…WOOHOO!

It took us a couple hours to get back home…we stopped for a late supper somewhere past Temecula…I must say I was so relieved to get through that windy road…scary…and it was the much shorter route of it…I’m not surprised Clay asked us to drive safely…how sweet…for even he must have noticed the challenge in driving around there. My Clay friend and I agree…next time, either stay there, or drive nearby, and hire a limo to go on in and out of the reservation.

I might add in a few things as I process this latest Clayventure. Suffice it to say, enjoying the Clay love is oh so much richer shared in the company of the devoted…thanks for sharing the journey with me!

From the CB's wandacleo:

I'm a bit late with my report because I forgot to ask about the Internet access at the motel last night, but PALA was wonderful. I had a M&G so I had to wait around and watched the orchestra rehearsing with Q and A singing Clay's songs. I didn't see him but he may have been out before. Time for the concert, the place was packed and WE were packed--in like sardines. There were little (with little being the operative word) white chairs touching each other so there was no room for any butt over size 6 and no room to walk in front of someone sitting. I'm talking PACKED. The crowd was very enthusiastic and gave Clay a standing ovation (at least part of the audience) for almost everything. Clay had on that light jacket--looking good. I'll just give you a few highlights because by now you've probably heard it all and seen the Clack.
Clay interacted with the audience a little. He was singing away and some people came by the front--late--and he stopped for a minute and said, "Just come anytime" (now, keep in mind that I'm paraphrasing Clay), and then someone got up and ran across the front to get out and he said something like, "Is it that bad?" It was very funny. My FAVORITE part was when Quiana pointed out flat Clay way up in the window of one of the top floors and Clay was singing WISYS, stretching out his arm and singing away to flat Clay. Angie and Quiana were doing it too--sort of like a love serenade. It was so @#%$ funny that we had tears running down our faces from laughing. Then he asked how they transported it and joked about being folded in half and shoved in the trunk and said he might do that with Quiana to save money (I think).
Quiana said she gambled and lost $30.95 in nickels and Clay was trying to do the math."How many nickels in a dollar?" "Twenty x thirty??!!" "SIX HUNDRED nickels in an hour??"
At one point, Clay looked up and saw that a bunch of people were "stealing" the concert by watching from their windows so he told us to all look at him, not the windows, and he asked the lighting person to light up the audience, "LOOK AT ME!" (Bossy little @#%$) and then had us all turn in unison and yell "BOOO!!"
Clay joked about how happy people were with all the drinking going on and mimicked someone waving her hand around. Somewhere he said something about people being able to say they were "smashed at a Clay Aiken concert." He talked about crap this and crap that--he was on a roll.
He said that people in the South like to see their air and that it's hard to sing in the dry air of Southern CA.
Clay was overcome with the spirit and fell to his knees during the TV medley. Funny as hell, and I wish I could be more specific about it. He did say that he had a crush on the little robot girl (I think) in some show I never heard of. Oh yes, he also said that he used to test his students with TV theme songs or something to that affect (don't you just love ACCURATE reporting.)
He no longer does the "Classic" routine. It has evolved into the "I aint cool" and these are "cool songs" routine, which is even funnier. The medley was great and I looked around at the men in the audience and most were just cracking up. The audience loved him last night. Oh, yes, he said he was as cool as Andy Williams and talked about his own music being SLOW, SLOOOOOW, which he repeated a number of time as the women in the audience went berserk each time. It was very sexy and brought up all kinds of [CENSORED] thoughts. He said he was singing songs that were Manilow-like, but refrained from calling them crap. OH, OH, almost forgot, after he was done, he started swaggering around and said he was now cool and was too cool for us and was leaving, and sort of swaggered off, leaving Angela to sing her song. It was funny if you were there.
Q and A were just great and Clay threw shoes at both of them (which apparently means he likes it--there's no accounting for Southern traditions.) Q immediately picked up the one he threw at her and tried to auction it off--for nickels. Later, A picked his shoe up and asked if anyone wanted it.
Clay didn't talk as much about this orchestra as usual but did a long talk about supporting the arts. Apparently this orchestra is put together by Benny someone. (We all thought he said Benihana at first and were trying to envision the orchestra and sushi together!)

During intermission, we looked up and flat Clay was dancing and hanging out the window. Very funny.

ATLANTA: Access Atlanta Catches Up with Clay

2007-08-04T12:07:00.000-04:00

On August 15, Clay will return to the city that started it all - Atlanta, GA. Almost 5 years after his audition in front of Simon, Paula and Randy during the AI2 Atlanta auditions, Clay will perform at the Chastain Park Amphitheater backed by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.

The Atlanta Journal Constitution's Access Atlanta caught up with Clay during his tour stop in San Diego on Thursday ... I LOVED reading every word of this interview; I only wished that it was a little bit longer cause this guy just "gets it"... I think you will agree. The version posted below is a abridgment... go to AccessAtlanta.com for the full interview.

Clay Aiken is a riot. There's something genuinely comedic about the singer, care-free and, well, likable.

The Season 2 "American Idol" runner-up to the Velvet Teddy Bear Ruben Studdard has sold more records than any other "American Idol" alum besides Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood. And this guy's tours sell out around the country.

You dyed you hair. What's up with that?
It started on "American Idol" and they wanted to change my image. I don't even know what color it is now. We just try everything — it could be beach blond next!

Since you've found fame and fortune, what did you do with your first big check?
My first major purchase was a Volvo [laughter]. I'm such a dork! I didn't want to be too ostentatious, and I wanted something safe and reliable ... I also paid off my mom's car.

Where do you plan to hang out when you get to Atlanta.
People around me love Lenox. I love Fogo de Chao ... I always have to get back to the corner on Spring Street where I spent the night for my ["American Idol"] auditions at Merchandise Mart. So I'll try to get back over there.

SAN DIEGO: Concert Recaps

2007-08-03T15:38:00.000-04:00

Photos

Clack

ClackUnlimited.com

From the CB's myla2x:

What can I tell you about this magical night? Clay, the stars, and fireworks all rolled into one special evening. The setting was right on the bay. Clay said that there was water on both sides of him and added, "I'm afraid of water." Of course, he didn't have to tell us that, we knew already.

Where shall I begin? I suppose I should share my experience at the head of the line by the ticket booth. I glanced over to my left and saw a golf cart driving up at a high speed. My first thought was that it was a great idea for getting around. As my mind opened to more than the golf cart, I realized Jerome was driving it. Now my mind was even slower to take in the guy in the middle, Clay! They drove right past me and I said to my daughter, "There goes Clay!" I didn't say it very loud because it seemed to me that he wanted to sneak in quietly, which they did by driving quickly through the security gate. This probably happened around 6:45.

Now, on to the concert. As usual Clay held the audience in the palm of his hand. He teased us, sang to us, enthralled us, and thoroughly entertained us. MEASURE OF A MAN was so moving. That song always reminds me of his set on the Capitol 4th program. I can still see the military men with tears in their eyes listening to him sing that beautiful song. The audience gave him a standing ovation after his performance of it in San Diego.

Angela's and Quiana's songs were great. What powerful voices they both have. They both received standing ovations, too. Clay mentioned how long the two of them have been with him. He also teased them unmercifully about their unexciting rendition of what has been happening to them. He said he depends on them to help him and they completely let him down. Of course he was just doing his usual funny banter with them.

WITHOUT YOU, another really beautiful song that he used his magic on. Those beautiful lows and soaring high notes that seem to go on forever and fill the outdoor theater as only Clay can do. He also received a standing ovation for this one.

I was seated in the middle of the Champagne section and the acoustics were wonderful. My 30 year-old daughter and 33 year-old son accompanied me, much to my delight. At one point, during the faster medley of songs, I looked back and they were both standing with the crowd, clapping and rocking to Clay. They both enjoyed the concert very much. My daughter said she loved LOVER ALL ALONE, as did I. Clay sings this with so much emotion, you can just feel every note in your heart.

My son and daughter really enjoyed Clay's banter and clowning around with the audience. They also appreciated the TV songs medley, which brought back lots of memories for them. They laughed when he teased his mom, who was in the audience. She got him back because she wouldn't tell him any of the names of the CDs he ordered when he was a kid. He got stuck on Crystal Gayle and quipped that the newspapers would have a field day with that one, or something to that effect. He pleaded with her to tell him more names and then teased her about not helping him out.

The concert opened with HERE YOU COME AGAIN, the Dolly Parton song, which I really like. When I heard the symphony start to play BECAUSE YOU LOVED ME, I knew it was ending. In the beginning of the song, Clay got choked up. Of course, we know why. He has dedicated the song to us. I didn't want the concert to end. BECAUSE YOU LOVED ME ended in an explosion of fireworks, and unfortunately, so did the concert.

What is it about Clay's concerts? I have said so in the past and I'll say it again, "Clay's concerts are like potato chips; one is never enough."

We had a newbie sitting in front of us. She said she enjoyed Clay on American Idol 2, but had never been to a concert. Irene (I believe her screen name is Clayart.) filled her in on what has been happening to Clay, since American Idol 2. Of course, our newbie had that dazed look in her eyes after the concert. Haven't we all experienced it? And, no matter how many concerts we go to, we all have that same look at the conclusion of the special night Clay created just for us.

From the CB's LUVClay26:

Wow. Am I the one of the first ones back? I was amazed on how I made good time back home after being in San Diego. I was so nervous about traffic going direct from work, but I did make it with 20 minutes to spare. So going to SD was a longer time because rush hour traffic from La Jolla onward sucked.

What is there to say (and I guess I don't care if I am being watched by anyone and everyone)? Hmmmm...

Overall it was an ok show. I mean it was great how a full orchestra really did fill out the songs well. Show stoppers were definatly SSTBTHW (wondering if I got that right...it's late man), MOAM, WY and the songs Q and A sang. For the Q and A songs, those two women were definatly a HUGE highlight because they sounded awesome tonight.

First half banter had them try to rehash what they did over their break. Q and A didn't have much to say so it was not helping the dude out. A large group came in late and it was his mom and company.

For the TV thing I didn't know what to expect. before he started he folded his arms and said, "People are saying 'this part is stupid. he should ahve cut this out.'" like really funny. It made me smile because I know there have been mixed feelings from folks on this. Overall I guess it was ok. At least i didn't hate hate it. I have read reports on it, but I have not watched video of this part due to just wanting to get the impression intended. I thought "The West Wing" thing was cute. He mentioned "Gilligans Island Theme." The part that made me laugh like a weirdo was when he snarked how he could be watching tv as he was performing. I know it sounds bad out of context here, but it was funny. I hope there is Clack of it because it was cute. Yeah, I am a sucker for the cute stuff.

The whole "Jeffersons" theme thing just had me smiling and giggling because the "spirit of Weezie" was in full tonight. I needed that laugh so coolness (by the by seems some people have said "coolness" tonight...I'm such a trendsetter - kidding).

For the classics medley on the 2nd half he was saying howe uncool he was and Angela (if I remember right) hesitated when asked. Then Q had mic problems so he bantered and interviewed Q like Donahue (minus the one knee head bowed thing Donahue used to do). It was quite silly, but i liked.

The Kiwis and Japanese fans were mentioned. There was a meet and greeter that sounded canadian and there wa this whole discussion on how to say "roof" as in accents.

He mentioned the 9 records for a penny thing and Crystal Gaye. He joked about it and it was funny. Yeah, I am old too because I remember records when I was a kid man. If he is old at 2 years younger than me, heck, I am ancient.

OMG. For "Baby Got Back"... Lemme just say i hope there is lack of it bcause my mouth was open so wide some birds could have flown in dude. Interesting use of spanking there... The whole thing was fun as was TWYMMF.

LAA was great. I was deep in thought during it, but i won't go into what was going on in my hollow blonde head. It is a relateble song ya know. I mean it can be personal for anyone be it writer or listener. I just know I was having a difficult time but I won't get into it here.

Oh yeah. He mentioned Cali being a pretty place. Yep. I agree and like living here. Said it was either 2nd or 3rd behind (of course) Raleigh being 1st and 2nd. I still think Wisconsin is number one then Cali and then NC, but why split hairs here.

During BYLM the fireworks were going and it was kinda cool having the pyro of the symphony over the harbor as he sang that.

Overall, the symphony was excellent. Q and A were great. Clay still sounds great in person (and I have been to many other artists' concerts, I am under no influence and I am under 35, that have talent that kind of not have as vocal talent). The set list is I guess the best it can be considering no real new material. Oh well. I still liked it and it was a diversion from life for a jag.

Lastly, I really like the bangs. It looks a load better than the hair he had for the holiday tour. Striped shirt, jeans and brown shoes in case anyone is keeping score. Also, if I saw rightly on the jumbotron (I was 6th row but with tables it was more like 11th-ish), the dude shaved.

Good night. Gotta go to bed so I can go to work in the morning playing with chemicals. (Yeah, I know that sounded bad, but what can ya do?)

LUV

edited to add - I was in the champagne section, but I didn't drink and am not a drinker. I just wanted to add that for nor real reason.

From the CB's Gwennie:

Let me begin by saying that the SD PreParty was most impressive! Kudos to Spartus and her team. But there was one magical moment there this afternoon that I don't think I'll ever forget.

The group of young women from Japan came in full formal Kimono dress. ALL of them! My jaw dropped as they came into the room but I nearly started to cry when they filed by. I found it to be the ultimate act of respect for Clay. There is no way I can put this into words but I know the other ladies sitting with me were nearly moved to tears as well. Absolutely stunning!

I brought two friends who live in SD to the concert; neither had been to a Clay concert before but they so totally got everything he did tonight. One could NOT get over how sexy OMC was!:thud I loved it as she didn't know a lot about Clay.

Having seen the Texas concerts and fast forwarding to tonight, they are just totally different experiences. Clay was absolutely on fire once they got going. I have not followed any of the cellcerts but the "rehearsed" dialogue and the banter just kept getting better all evening long. He was definitely channeling half of TV Land Heaven on that stage.

I don't have to tell you how marvelous his singing was but I do have to tell you this LAA was even more raw and intimate. You could have heard a pin drop in the grass he had us so mesmerized. MOAM was powerful as well. I didn't expect the venue to have good accoustics but you could hear everything clean, crisp and clear. And Clay, just let me know when you're ready to party all night. Lawd Jesus does that boy have those moves down!

Faye and friends were in the audience and Clay had fun telling tales on himself and getting her response.

Fireworks, the venue right on the water, Clay singing "When I See You Smile" ... I felt like I had died and gone to Heaven. I hope there is enough Clack to relive this night again. Camera police were on steroids this evening unfortunately.

From the CB's treyclay:

Pre-party was great! I won something!!! Course I put 45 tickets in the bag, but.... I won something!!!

It was neat to see the Japanese ladies in their kimonos. They handed out fans they had made with Clay's picture on it till they were gone.

Food was FANTASTIC! Unusual, so thought I would mention it. LOL

Faye came very late cause apparently they had arranged for a car from the SD airport, but actually flew into LAX and had to drive from there... not good (traffic-wise). Think maybe she's related to Clay? :laugh

They searched my bag, but others said they just waved them on thru. Saw them make one person take her camera out, so not sure what clack there will be.

I upgraded my seat, so went to lawn and gave my good seat to a pretty teenager who was very happy with me! I didn't ask her screen name, but she greeted Jolene from Kimmel like they were old friends, so...

I hate to disagree with a recapper, but I saw stubble and yes, the camera operators for the jumbotrons were FANTASTIC, except they didn't know to keep the camera on Clay at all times and actually had the nerve to show Jesse's hands, and the orchestra playing while Clay was singing... whatsupwiththat??? The cameras were on long booms that stuck out and could be manipulated to different angles and there was a camera man on each side, plus one at the piano. Neat setup, San Diego! :thumbup

His voice was wonderful... he looked great! Angie and Quiana looked great. Very flattering outfits. On all of them... :innocent

He was On Voice last night, till after the classics medley. He was then very hoarse, but that only enhanced LAA. Pin drop quiet... that song just mesmerizes EVERYONE who sees/hears him perform it!

During the Jeffersons song, he "got the spirit" more than I have ever seen. He was DANCIN'. Then it was hysterical when he kept on after the music was done. It even brought him to his knees and the girls had to help him stop... :lol He tried to intro the next song and every couple of words the "spirit" would get him and he's twitch again. It was soooo funny! Prays there is clack of the whole bit, cause it was FUNNY!!!

He has really refined the intro to the classics medley. He said he wasn't cool and the audience would have none of that, so he asked Angie and she sheepishly admitted that he WAS cool, so he went to Quianna and she kinda mumbled his answer... mutiny in the ranks! :innocent

He was really out of breath afterward and puffed thru the into to Angie singing. Then he and Quianna went off to the side where no one but the far left could see them and watched her sing.

I LOVED the ending... he's singing BYLM and the fireworks start going off... not loudly enough to distract, but there. The first time in this tour, they have gotten it right... the man diserves fireworks like that every night!!! Our firecracker!!!

Pala tonight!!! I'm waiting to see if the crowd is more responsive. San Diego was so-so. Not the front! Did see one man laughing his head off, but don't know if he was a newbie or not.

From the CB's wandacleo:

Ah, yesterday. The concert is already in the past and the only thing that sustains me is the knowledge that there's another one tonight.
First, the preparty
(THANK YOU SPARTUS) was absolutely wonderful. I don't know the final count, but there must have been hundreds of us there and it was so well-organized and I'm sure raised a bunch of money for TBAF. Faye's plane got diverted to LA and she had to rent a car, but she managed to get there just as people were leaving. Lovely woman.
There were 5 of us in our group--Maggie and Fran from NZ, my friend CarolJean, my niece Jere, and me, so we had our own cheering section.
The concert:
When that music started up, we were all madly looking in all directions to see where Clay would be coming from, and then there he was. Looking great in that dark shirt (black? blue?) with the lighter stripes, righteous jeans, those leather shoes with the whirly things on the soles, and some striped socks whose color I could not ascertain. (Tha man is NOT fat.)
I just loved IWTKWLI--he just really rocked the house with that one!
Angela and Quiana said they spent time with their kids. He told them they were supposed to be his "Ed McMahon" and hellp him out. Quiana said something about Chamberlain doing something (crying, yelling??) and Clay told her that was learned behavior.
Oh yes, Clay said that SD is the second most beautiful city (after Raleigh) and how much he liked it. Commented on their being water on both sides and that he was afraid of water so he might leave. He called out to the grass sitters on one side by the water, hoped they didn't fall in!
He chastised a whole large group that came in late--the group with his mother in it! (She probably stopped for dinner!) Faye was sitting near us and watched intently during the show. Clay told about how he didn't really have a favorite singer when he was younger and said that the two questions people always ask him are "Is Simon really mean?" and about his favorite music. He said the only concert he went to when he was young was James Taylor and then told about putting the penny on the card and ordering 12 albums, including Crystal Gale. Then, he asked his mother what the other albums were and she didn't remember. He said something like "Oh, great, now people will just remember Crystal Gale!"
Hair--bangs. I think he had stubble, but really kind of hard to tell, even through BIG binoculars.
Before the TV medley, he did a pissy-fan act, folding his arms and complaining about how boring the TV medley was and how he should just cut it out. Cracked me up. The medley was great fun!
I'm not reporting in order here because I can't remember the order, but just wanted to say that Q & A did amazing with their songs and Clay stayed on stage during Quiana's, watching, smiling, and moving his hands sometimes with the music, sort of making a fit and pumping it with one of the high notes.
Just one little interesting thing, I think the cameraman had a thing for Jesse because he kept doing closeups of his hands that included the crotch area and when Clay was finishing TOA (wonderful, by the way), I looked at the jumbotron and there was a full-screen shot of just Jesse's crotch. Sent me into gales of laughter.
LAA was just exquisite. Really, so beautiful. I can't even explain.
Clay's speaking voice was a bit hoarse at the end, and he made a brief crack about going through puberty, but he sang beautifully. Really, just flat out wonderful.
I think there wasn't quite as much banter last night--no bug moments--but it was really fun. The Classics were terrific.
I was in a nest of Claymates, so I don't know if anyone was Clayverted, but people seemed to be having a good time and a lot of people raised their hands when he asked if there were people there who had never been to a Clay concert.
Clay gave his usual speech about the SD symphony. BYLM was just wonderful and the fireworks started during it, so you could see both his face and the fireworks on the jumbotron. The fireworks were off to the side and not too noisy until he finished the song and then they went berserk. It was just such a wonderful ending.
My niece, who has only been to the JNT 05 with me, loved the concert and said she was almost completely Clayverted until she had to wait 1 hour and 45 minutes in the handshake line, during which she repeatedly told me that she couldn't think of ANYONE she would wait in line that long for---but we just ignored her. Jerome finally came out and led us over to a basketball court (I think) and we had to make a big circle around it and off to one side, which was great because it was lit and we could watch Clay make the rounds in those tatty shorts (I'm considering taking up a collection for him) and a purple shirt, sandals. (I FORGOT TO CHECK OUT HIS TOES!!! Maggie and Fran were in a state of extreme orgasmic joy because he touched their hands. I got a quick touch but forgot to look at him. Jere insisted he made no eye contact, but Maggie and Fran said he looked right at them, so he probably sensed that Jere wanted to kill him for making her stand with her insane aunt for so long.
I'm sure I've forgotten many things, but all I can say is the concert was wonderful. His voice was just perfect--spot on. How does he do it??
I have a M&G tomorrow, so I'm dieting today in the vain hope of losing 20 pounds (at least).

M&G recap from the CB's gma23boys:

Here's my recap of the M&G .... OMG!!!!! Hope you enjoy!!!

Me and my M&G buddy took a HIKE from the pre-party to the will call office as we were told to go at 3:00 to get our M&G passes. Well, long story short, after finding out the passes were NOT there and no one knew when they WOULD be there, and after calling the Symphony directly, and after hiking back to the pre-party, and then after missing each other to go BACK to the ticket office, and after waiting for-ev-er at the ticket office once we GOT our M&G passes (The Tractor Picture, which Mary told us was NOT photoshopped as she had actually taken that picture), and after walking with Jerome to the VIP area where the M&G was to be held (which was outside, right on the water, with sailboats behind, and the sounds of the water, lapping at the rocks) and after waiting another small for-ev-er period of time during which Jerome gave us the “rules,” … then we sat and waited some more and some more, and then… all of a sudden we see shadows on the outside of the tent, we hear voices, and in walks Clay…. And HOLYMOLY did he ever look wonderful. Pullover shirt. his regular long, tan, rather well worn (LOL) cargo pants and something on his feet, I cannot remember what because I was so focused on his face… OMG, Clay Aiken was right in front of us!!!! He looked incredible!!! His hair was soft and clean and had lots of blonde highlights, he had no makeup on whatsoever, you could see each and every adorable freckle, his eyes are the most incredibly gorgeous light green you would ever want to see! As most everyone has said, when he looks at you, you are the only person there…a direct gaze that doesn’t waver! He immediately put us all at ease, and the most amazing thing happened… It was like we had known each other forever and he was just sitting amongst friends, chatting, snarking, making his faces, being funny, being serious, being one heck of a normal guy! It was as if all of us were old friends, just sitting down for a chat and catching up with each other! What a talent Clay has for putting people at ease. He started asking us where we were from and started ragging on one of the gals about her having conspiracy theories, it came out of nowhere and it was tooooooo funny. He continued snarking on her off and on through the M&G. We all told him where we were from and when it was my turn, I said I was a San Diego native, and he said no you’re not. I said yes I am, he said no you’re not, etc…..He said I sounded like I was from Canada because of the way I said OMG just before he came into the M&G room (he actually heard me) and then asked me what was on top of a house and I said roof, and he asked one of the other ladies how do you say roof, and she said it, then he told me that I said it like R-U-F-F (spelling out the letters). I replied I did not, I said R-O-O-F, he said no you didn’t, I said yes I did, he said I must be mistaken and I was separated at birth and really from Canada. This went on back & forth for a little while and was soooo amazing. He was making all his usual faces, rolling his eyes, etc., and I couldn’t believe I was sitting there arguing with Clay… LOL. One of our group had a list of questions that she went through, initially his answers were snarky no, yes, no, Then he seriously answered some of them… He said he wasn’t coming out west for the Christmas Tour... we all were sad. I did ask him if he would do me a favor and told him about the Japanese group and the New Zealand group and asked him if he would acknowledge them during the concert. He told me he had a bad memory, but he would honestly try. I told him they were all wearing kimonos and he said if he saw kimonos, then he probably would remember. I honestly don’t remember too much else, but he did talk with everyone and asked everyone questions, and he was just so personable and so friendly. Then as it was getting quite late (we were there a good half hour), we all rushed to get our pictures. It was just incredible!

Then during the second set of the concert, after MOAM (which was absolutely gorgeous), he introduced Jesse and Sean and said Sean’s sister was there and had everyone say Hi Sean’s Sister and said she was from Dallas and some TX fans started yelling and he acknowledged them, but said is ANYONE from San Diego and I (me and my big mouth) started yelling KIMONOS, CLAY, KIMONOS, CLAY… and he looked over at me and said from the stage that we had met earlier at the M&G and then he said “Now calm down, young lady, last time I looked my name was still on the ticket not yours,” and laughed his cute little laugh and said “I’m Kidding” and then repeated we had met earlier and I had given him directions to acknowledge the Japanese ladies who were wearing kimonos which they borrowed from the Benihana down the street, laughingly, and then said, no, they were real kimonos. He looked for them and couldn’t find them, finally he did, toward the back, and he said you shoulda just stayed in Japan you are so far away, and asked if the sound even got back that far. When he seemed to forget about the NZ gals, I kept pointing to them and he said oh yes and we have someone else here from New Zealand, there they are… and they were so thrilled.

The rest of the concert was amazing… the sound was gorgeous, LAA was fantastic, not a sound in the entire venue. When he got to the end and started singing Because You Loved Me… the venue’s fireworks started going off and it was simply the most amazing thing, him singing, fireworks, OMG… the perfect ending to the perfect day!!!!!

From the CB's snitchseeker616:

Ok, so this is a late review, but whatever. There isn't much to add that other posters haven't already said (great job with the details guys! you guys are good!) but it really was an amazing show. It was my FIRST Clay concert ever, after being a fan for years, and the only time I'd seen him before was when I was lucky enough to be able to go to Kimmel this year on Valentine's day. All in all, I really had a great time. It was SO much fun. He looked great, sounded great, and the banter was awesome...he just look like he was at ease and having a good time.

Highlights for the show (can I just say the whole show? lol) were probably the TV show medley (banter, and him dancing like no other to the Jefferson's song, hilarious!), EIH, MOAM, LAA, WY, BYLM (fireworks, and him singing...awesome!), IWTKWLI (was a great little sing off between him and Quianna), Classics Medley (beyond hilarious and just plain fun), and, well yeah I probably will end up naming the entire concert...but I just havta say that his entrance was great, TOA was wonderful, and RHW sounded great with the symphony...ok so I did manage not to name every single song he sang...but they were good too. lol.

The group that we went in was pretty diverse age wise. I'm 19, my friend is 19, my cousin is 22, my younger brother is 13, my other friend is 16, and her sister is 10, and then my parents, and one of my friends parents, so as you can see there was a lot of variation age wise, and EVERYONE had a really good time. My parents don't really consider themselves "fans" per se, but they obviously know a LOT about him and his music because of me, but they said that even though they didn't know every song he sang they had a really great time because he's just so funny. My mom was with me went we went to see him on Kimmel so she knew he was funny, but my dad and her still were surprised at how at ease he is up there and how he treats the audience like family. They thought the banter and the jokes were a real treat. My brother, well he's a typical 13 year old "teenager" who won't admit that he likes Clay Aiken. lol...but we all know that he has his list of favorite Clay songs (some of which were sung last night) and that he definitely thought Clay was really funny. He kept telling me, well I didn't know all the songs, but I will admit that he's REALLY funny, he's kinda cool like that. Of course then the classics medley came and my brother was dancing around like we were at Wango Tango or something...haha...he really had a great time and though it was so cool to see Clay sing Yeah and Sexy Back, and he almost fell over laughing with Baby Got Back...sooo even though he still won't admit that he had a great time, we all know he did. haha. The rest of us were all fans you can imagine that we all had a great time, and ALL of us were seeing him for the first time!

There was a lot of people there, and because (sadly) I could only go to one concert, I wanted to go to SD because I knew that with the smaller venue, I'd be able to see better and we enede up getting really good seats. We were in Cab I and J on the sides, and we could see really well. It was totally worth it, and it was really beautiful on the bay. I live in OC so I'm used to the beaches and the bays and all that, but it was really beatiful there, I'd never been to that part of San Deigo before and it was great.

All in all, we all had a great time (even my brother...haha), and I really, really wish I could see him again. It was so much fun, and for a first time concert goer, I can't belive how great it was. I can't wait to see him again! :)

INDIO: Desert News Interview - Clay Keeping His Options Open

2007-08-03T15:36:00.000-04:00

In a new pre-Indio concert interview with the Desert News, Clay says he's keeping his options open and that he will begin work on the next album in the coming months. The full interview is available at myDesert.com:

Whatever happened to Justin Guarini? When was the last time you heard what Ruben Studdard was up to?

But mention Clay Aiken and most people have at least some idea of who you're talking about.

The most popular of the "American Idol" runners-up is on his way to the Coachella Valley for a concert Sunday in the Special Events Center at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino.

TDS: How has your outlook on performing changed in the past five years?
AIKEN: I think I appreciate the opportunity to do it now. It's so much fun to put a new show together. Still, it's more exciting for me to sort of present that to fans. I imagine I have gotten far more comfortable over the years too.

TDS: If Paula, Randy or Simon dropped out as an "A.I." judge and you were asked to fill the vacancy, would you? What about being a coach for another "Idol" hopeful?
AIKEN: Oh, I'd love to be a judge. I think they should consider adding a former contestant - someone who knows what it is like to be on that very stage.

TDS: What's next for you? A new CD? Are you interested in doing stage or film work? More guest co-hosting on "Live With Regis and Kelly?"
AIKEN: I like to remain open to any opportunities. Pretty much everything positive that has come my way has happened when I "let go and let God." So I don't predict too much. I know we will begin to work on the next CD in the next several months. And anything else that presents itself I hope that I am able to approach it with an open and willing mind.

GILFORD: Meadowbrook Praises Clay & Co

2007-08-02T16:41:00.000-04:00

The Nashua Telegraph published an article today entitled "Symphony and ‘Idol’ make unlikely team". The article talks about the unique partnerships Clay has been forming with symphonies across the nation as he continues his 2007 An Evening with Clay Aiken summer orchestra tour.

Besides from the fact it is a very good read, the article has some great insight into the logistics behind every concert - each orchestra only practices with Clay's musical director, Jesse Vargas, for a few hour before hitting the stage. In the end, the Nashua Symphony credits Clay's team and the terrific talent of his orchestra for pulling the show off without a hitch.

The full article can be read at the Encore by the Nashua Telegraph:

On his 2007 summer tour, Aiken has hired symphony orchestras from each state in which he has performed. Meadowbrook, which collaborated with the Nashua Symphony Orchestra in 2002 when the symphony performed with the Irish Tenors, arranged this collaboration, as well.

The orchestra showed up at 2 p.m. as scheduled to rehearse for the 8 p.m. performance. It was the only opportunity the musicians had to go over the music for Aiken’s 1½ -hour show. But, as Aiken explained to the crowd, neither the music nor the stools he and his two backup singers use arrived from Los Angeles.

It took four hours for the music – 30 pages for each musician – to be faxed, copied and collated at Meadowbrook.

“We ended up having about an hour and a half to rehearse for the show with Clay’s music director, Jesse Vargas,” said Nashua Symphony Association Executive Director Eric Valliere. And out of that hour and a half, Aiken did about a half-hour of sound checks and other preparations.

“These guys (the Aiken people) are pros,” said Valliere. “They were very apologetic for the problems. These things happens. Something unexpected always takes place at a gig. And our people are pros, too. With only an hour and a half rehearsal it means that you’re sight-reading for the most part throughout the whole performance. But this wasn’t really complicated music. It wasn’t Glinka or anything. Our people have been performing their whole lives, so they’re good at sight-reading. So, the moment rehearsal started, even though it was late, it sounded like music.” Even though some of that music was far from what you would expect a symphony to play.

LOS ANGELES: Clay To Be Interviewed by KOST-FM Tomorrow Morning

2007-08-01T19:15:00.000-04:00

103.5 KOST-FM in Los Angeles will be interviewing Clay tomorrow morning at 8 AM PDT - that's 11 AM EDT on the East Coast, according to the CB's aikensangel2. You can listen to the interview at KOST's website - they stream online. Clay kicks his 4 concert California leg of the summer tour on Friday with a show in San Diego.

Just heard that Clay will be interviewed tomorrow morning 8/2 on KOST FM radio in the 8 o'clock hour.

I listen to this station all day at work and have been hearing them advertise for the Greek show. It's been really nice hearing all the promotion BUT THEY DON'T PLAY HIS MUSIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

GILFORD: Clay - The Bug Examiner: "He's dead!"

2007-08-01T18:28:00.000-04:00

This clip from last month's Meadowbrook concert is so cute... Clay, trying to find and squish all those pesky bugs bugging (no pun intended!) him:

LOS ANGELES, PALA, INDIO: Clay To Be in Press Enterprise's "The Guide"

2007-07-31T19:13:00.000-04:00

The Press Enterprise in California ran a promo for a Clay piece they will be publishing on Friday.

California fans can pick up the newspaper at newsstands on Friday. I love how they choose to use the photo of Clay singing "Sexyback"! Thanks to the CB's Ninamae for the scan.