myclaystation

Clay Aiken, Fans and Respect

2006-07-19T15:27:00.000-07:00

I think I must be a cup half full person. Not that I don’t have my bad days or wretched moments, but overall I try to look at life through my rose-colored glasses. I’ve been around a while now…in other words, I’m older than dirt and I like to think that in my life I have learned at least a few lessons.

Chiefly among those lessons is respect. Somewhere along the way in today’s society there seems to be a great lack of respect for one’s fellow man. When I grew up I was raised that if I couldn’t say anything nice…umm, then just don’t say anything at all. Hmmm, interesting idea? Hold the thought.

As a devoted Clay Aiken fan I participate on several message boards, or at least I try to participate. I’m not a prolific poster and I tend to “lurk” quite a bit. But the message boards opened my eyes to an incredibly diverse fan base for Clay and there are some very, very intelligent, quick witted and just plain old great people on the boards. I have been fortunate to make some real life friends with several members from the boards and it has enriched my life abundantly. I wouldn’t trade a moment!

The message boards discuss, debate and devour all things Clay. There are wonderful and oftentimes heated discussions where everyone can express their opinion in an orderly and civilized fashion. One of the rules on most boards is that you must respect your fellow poster and you may certainly never tell someone else how to think, what or how to post. Doing so results in flying fish and tomatoes thrown in your direction. For the most part 99 percent of the time the rules rule, so to speak, and everything is great in the Clay Nation.

We’re on the brink of Clay’s new album. The Clay Nation is abuzz and excited awaiting the official press release. Clay blogs and his executive producer blogs and the eeeeeee’s abound. We’re in hog heaven on the boards…until…wait…ugh. Wouldn’t you know it…a very tiny segment and I do mean just a very few posters have to sucker punch everyone. The negative Nellie’s come out in full force. Frankly, I don’t get this at all. Again, let me state, everyone is entitled to their opinion and the right to state it on a message board. But here’s the rub…they seem to forget about respect. Not just for their fellow posters, but…hello, excuse me…respect for the man we all gather together to celebrate…respect for Clay.

This is the part that is just beyond my comprehension. My son is a music critic and we certainly don’t always agree, but would I, in a public forum, disparage him, disrespect him? NEVER! What it comes down to is the manner in which one expresses their opinion. There is something called common decency and a way in which to state an opinion without disrespect. At least there is in my house. Anything else is completely unacceptable. There is no excuse for rudeness. End of the conversation. I think you get my drift.

I treat Clay like I would any other family member. In many ways the great Clay Nation is like a big family…heck Clay even said we’re family. Just as I would not disrespect a family member, I would never disrespect Clay, ever, and especially not in a public forum. It just boggles my mind and I don’t understand at all. Again, I want to reiterate that these posters are in the minority and frankly they are generally shot down by other posters. But they insidiously do what the poster intended, or at least what I think they intended. Hey world…look at me! It’s all about what said poster wants Clay to do/be/sing/say. And if Clay doesn’t do/be/sing/say just as they expect, well, woe is Clay because that poster is off and running. They upset a happy board and try to derail the conversation. Frankly, I think the sense of entitlement by some fans is deplorable. And this isn’t about the good fan/bad fan nonsense. There is no such thing in my opinion. We are all just fans. It is just how we chose to behave. And as such, all I feel we are entitled to is the best album Clay can deliver and when seeing him perform live in concert, the best performance he can give. Clay has never failed to deliver on either count for me. The rest is all gravy and we get lots of gravy. Sometimes it’s like Thanksgiving and we are swimming in the gravy.

I’m all about the EEEEEE! This Clay fandom is something I’ve not ever experienced before. Sure, I’ve been a fan of others in the past, but not in such a proactive fashion. I have a wonderful family, a full and active life, but in addition, I am, quite frankly, deeply invested in Clay Aiken. I can’t always explain it, but I am. I’ve had some of the best times of my life being a Clay fan. And I'll tell you, being a fan of this amazing young man has in many ways given me back my youth. I smile and laugh practically all.the.time. So perhaps after reading this you may or may not understand my dismay when anyone tries to take away my EEEEEE. Maybe I overreact and perhaps this is the norm in any fandom, but…I don’t have to like it nor condone it. So my EEEEEE’s are firmly in place and no one is going to take them away from me. Not gonna happen. Not ever! Do I make myself clear. No one is going to take away my joy in being a Clay Aiken fan.

So, while I’m sure there are those who are poo-pooing my little rant and think I’m being ridiculous, I would just like to ask everyone to please think before putting their fingers on their keyboards. We are constantly enforced on the boards to be respectful of one another. Let’s give Clay a break, ok. Let’s show him the same respect that we give to each other. Let’s celebrate the joy that is Clay Aiken!

Well, now that I have that off my chest, in the spirit of celebrating the joy that is Clay Aiken, as I promised, here are the first two montages from the JBT by the masterful dreamlarge. These are seriously great! Enjoy and celebrate!!!!!

First...the 50's Medley

Next the 50's Banter and Unchained Melody

Thank you again dreamlarge for your amazing talent.
Thank you Atlanta MM for the beautiful blend.

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Clay Aiken

I'm Still Here...Waiting for Clay Aiken!

2006-07-08T10:26:00.000-07:00

Still here, still waiting for news of Clay's sophomore CD. I know it's coming soon, or quite soon or very soon. Yesterday isn't soon enough for me, but I will wait as long as it takes. Clay Aiken is worth the wait! Clay blogged! He said the time is drawing nearer...so I will wait and hope nearer is soon or sooner or very soon or quite soon...cause I want that CD now!

In the meantime I watch clack which includes some incredible montages. I would like to share with you two from another one of the Clay Nations premiere montage makers...dreamlarge.

I'm Glad There Is You Clay Aiken

Got To Get You Into My Life

Dreamlarge...thank you for sharing your incredible talent.

Next blog I'll start sharing the amazing Jukebox Tour compilations by dreamlarge.
In the meantime...enjoy watching, I know I do! I can never get enough Clay Aiken!

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Clay Aiken
You Tube

Clay Aiken and J. Wesley Smith

2006-06-22T12:11:00.000-07:00

This is what my maternal grandfather’s official bio says from one of those Who’s Who in Art books.

"Cartoonist. Born in Fostoria, OH on Oct. 24, 1899.

Shafer studied at Occidental College. He later created the syndicated satire, “Through History with J. Wesley Smith" which appeared in Saturday Evening Post, Saturday Review, New York Times, Colliers and other national publications.

He died in Orange, CA on June 15, 1965. "

Grandpa was a cartoonist and a raconteur. He also owned our family music store which I spoke of in a previous blog entry.Music Defines My Life (You'll have to scroll to the bottom of the page).

Where he came up with J. Wesley Smith, I will never know, but the character was a hapless little guy who was always at the forefront of all the important moments in history. One of my favorites was J. Wesley posing for Rodans "The Thinker"...with the comment "That's all for today, stupid." Or J. Wesley talking to Da Vinci..."So that's the Mona Lisa! Well, Leonardo, old boy, it looks like Lisa del Gioconda all right, but you did something funny to the mouth." And just one more... Brahms playing the piano telling a sleeping J. Wesley..."I'll just call it Brahms' Lullaby. How do you like it?"

Here is a photo of one of Grandpa books...

What I remember most is that Grandpa always had a cigar in his mouth. Whenever Grandpa Shafer ripped open a new cigar to smoke, my brother, my cousins and I would eagerly wait to see who would be the recipient of the rolled up cellophane wrapper. Weird, I know, but when we were little kids, this was just amazing to us because he could roll it up into such a tiny cylinder. We would then unroll it and hard as we would try, we could never get it back into its original form. Fond memories. You must remember, this was years before the internet, MTV and iPods were available to entertain.

Grandpa had his art studio in his home. We could peek in, but never enter. I imagine he figured we kids would ransack the place. As I got older I loved to go to the old Victorian home just to roam around and look into all the nooks and crannies. Grandpa had a huge library. I loved that room. I would go in on a Saturday afternoon and just look up and down at all the titles. Eventually, Grandpa let me borrow some to take home and read. He had a lot of great showbiz biographies and chronicles. I loved to read them all.

The house is long gone now, but the memories remain. I know when I was younger I didn’t appreciate all that Grandpa has accomplished. He went on lecture tours all over the world and he had conversations with many a great person. Only now, when it’s too late to ask a multitude of questions do I really ponder what he might have answered had there been enough time. He died too young from the complications of a terrible car crash.

What, you ask (well aren't you asking), does this have to do with Clay Aiken? Not too much really. It's just that I like to think that if Clay were to ever thumb through one of Grandpa's books he would smile and chuckle a little. With Clay being a self admitted news junkie, I do believe he would laugh at little J. Wesley Smith and his take on the history of the world. And with the music that was a part of my grandfathers life, I like to think that he, in turn, would have loved Clay.

Don't forget to check out some of the other wonderful blogs listed on the right...including...The ClayBlog ...Clay Spots and Rooting For Clay Aiken. And check out this one...he's the great grandson of Grandpa Shafer Pop Life by Ben Wener

Thank you to Joanne for her beautiful work!

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Clay Aiken
Burr Shafer
Cartoonists

Waiting For Clay Aiken!

2006-06-20T11:39:00.000-07:00

I'm waiting for Clay's sophomore CD! This waiting is interminable, like a kid waiting for Christmas or Hanukkah, but I know the wait will be more than worthwhile when I finally get that new CD in my hands. Clay Aiken is definitely worth the wait!

Seeing Clay on AI5 for those two amazing minutes was just an appetizer. And boy, did that ever whet my appetite. I want more and I want it now, yet I will wait because as "they" say, good things come to those who wait. In the meantime I'm just going to share one of the new things I've learned from being a Clay Aiken fan. I jumped into the world of montage making. What fun, what stress, what aggravation, what the heck am I doing? There are many great montage makers in the great Clay Nation...I am a neophyte; nevertheless, I persevere and the process is the fun. What's not great about looking and listening to Clay Aiken. Just look at him!!!

So without further ado, if you dare...take a look at one of my creations. I love ZZ Top so I thought it would be fun to make a montage set to one of their freeway driving, windows rolled down, singing at the top of your lungs songs...Gimme All Your Lovin'. What I wanted to show was...well, what else...Clay Aiken is sexy!!! No doubt about it!!! Hope you enjoy!

Technorati tags:
Clay Aiken
American Idol
ZZ Top
Montages

Clay Aiken and Prince

2006-06-16T15:35:00.000-07:00

Clay Aiken and Prince were both on the American Idol stage May 24, 2006.
Clay is set to release his sophomore CD sometime this year. Prince has a catalogue of hits behind him. I was and still am a fan of Prince. I am a bigger fan of Clay Aiken!

Clay on American Idol 5

Prince on American Idol 5

I was first mesmerized by Prince during his entire Purple Rain phase.
I loved Purple Rain, the CD, the movie and the concert tour. I saw Prince at the Forum in Los Angeles, CA in February of 1985. I took my 15 year old son with me along with a friend and her two teenage children. We had floor seats…not great ones but still floor seats. As some of you may agree, floor seats are best when you are in the first few rows, but as you get further back from the stage it can become increasingly difficult to see the performer. The crowd was crazy and intense at this show and eventually people started standing up on their folding chairs. So that’s what we did…except for my friend…she steadfastly continued to refuse to stand atop a chair that she felt would probably topple over in all the excitement. I just looked at her and said she could stand there or she could hop up on the chair and enjoy the show. She relented and was she ever glad she did. We all had a blast. In hindsight, whether or not it was prudent to take our children to the then pretty racy Prince show could be considered questionable; nevertheless, after all these years it still remains a concert highlight for all of us. Prince was and is a megastar!

Now back to Clay Aiken. Just the other day there was a brief Clay mention in a Canadian political commentary.

24 Hours Toronto

Humour me here and let’s rewind back to 2003 for a moment. Lord of the Rings was all the rage in movie theatres, a young Clay Aiken was just beginning his long and sure-to-be storied rise to musical legend, and a stiff, young idealist from Ottawa named Dalton McGuinty proposed he could find enough sources for cheap hydro.

It’s nice to see that others share my feelings. While Prince is a musical legend and Clay is just beginning his rise to said status there is just something even more compelling to me about Clay Aiken than even Prince. What is it, I ask myself frequently? I don’t have one difinitive answer. Clay Aiken is a great singer. Clay Aiken is an amazing entertainer. Clay Aiken is a very complex and compelling personality. While Clay has yet to divulge if he has any songwriting talents (many think he surely must) and he doesn’t really play any musical instruments (although he has played the piano in concert) he still captivates more than most. Maybe it’s just easier to say I have been struck by lightning and I can’t explain it in just a few words. But do mark these words…Clay Aiken is just beginning his “long and sure-to-be storied rise to musical legend”. This I feel in my bones and in my heart. Perhaps that is why when Clay Aiken and Prince both appeared on American Idol this year the buzz was all about Clay. Think about it!

Clay has covered in concert one of Prince's biggest hits from Purple Rain...When Doves Cry. Today I much prefer Clay's version. It is more compelling (there's that word again)! Vocally there is no contest. Musically Clay takes Doves to a new level, in my opinion and visually...well...you just have to see for yourself. Watching Clay Aiken prowl the stage is a sight not to be missed.

First from the Jukebox Tour...

One more from the Independent Tour with a little surprise
from Kelly Clarkson...

Thank you to the videographers whose names I don't know to credit...

I can feel something happening...something in the air...something magical and special is going to happen and I, for one, cannot wait! Hurry up Clay, we're ready and waiting!

Just for good measure...one more look at the "new" look because there never is enough Clay Aiken and this new look is hot, hot, hot!!!!Excuse me while I take a moment...GAH!

Technorati tags:
Clay Aiken
American Idol
Prince

Clay Aiken Redefined

2006-06-01T13:34:00.000-07:00

Well, I’m practically speechless (you wish), but not quite. Yes, I watched the American Idol finale with the rest of the world and yes, my jaw dropped when Clay walked out onto the stage. Holy crap, that’s Clay Aiken?! That’s my Clay?! The Clay I have been watching, listening to and traveling to concerts to see for the past two and one half years?! Holy crap!

There has been a multitude of words describing this very moment. You can read some of the great commentary at the terrific blogs listed on the links at the right of this page. Since I was away for the holiday weekend I'm late to the party with my comments. I was stunned and truly speechless. Who is that man on my television screen? He is truly the hottest creature on the face of the earth and blessed with one of the most amazing and distinctive voices I have ever heard in my lifetime.

When I started perusing the net to see the reaction I was overwhelmed as I read the predominately favorable reviews. Heck, people were downright drooling. Statements like “When did Clay get so hot?” “OMG, Clay is so good looking”. “Wow, what a voice!” I was giddy reading the reactions. The irony in this is that to me Clay has always been hot, good looking and possessed of a great voice. The only difference now was a new hairstyle.

Granted, the new look is devastating in its hotness and I am completely enamored of this new, redefined Clay; however, it’s still the same man, the same voice. As expressed by many others, it’s still Clay’s face…it hasn’t changed really…or has it? Nearly three years have gone by since the finale of American Idol 2.
In three years Clay has recorded, toured, made numerous television appearances including his own Christmas special. All this along with the humanitarian endeavors of his Bubel/Aiken Foundation and his duties as a Unicef Ambassador. All these experiences have given way to new growth and maturity. When Clay returned to the Idol stage he glowed. A man in command, a man confident in his talent, a man filled with grace, charm, charisma and the voice that cannot and will not be denied.

So yes, it’s the same nose, the same cheekbones, the same disarming smile, but it is a face that is evolving as Clay is maturing, just as his talent is expanding. A face that shows the maturity that is mirrored in his sparkling eyes as he sings effortlessly and passionately. Perhaps this is what millions saw on their televisions...and not just a new hairstyle. A voice for all time...and a face I will never tire of looking at no matter what hairstyle he chooses to wear. Welcome back Clay. Job well done. Bravo!

I'd like to share a wonderful montage with you celebrating Clay's return to the Idol stage. Thank you K4Clay2 for your amazing talent.
Here You Come Again...

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Clay Aiken
American Idol

Clay Aiken, My iPod and The Indy 500

2006-05-23T23:55:00.000-07:00

Off to the Indy 500 over the holiday weekend. Now this by itself is great. Four days of fun with my husband and friends. The drawback…no computer access. Those three words normally strike terror in my heart when facing any long stretch of time without Clay, the message boards and my clack (Clay videos and mp3's). This trip won’t be quite as difficult now that I have my video iPod...or as I like to call it, my ClayPod. What a great Mother's Day gift. I have been downloading and uploading like crazy and I have at least enough videos to get through the weekend. So now I can look forward to the plane ride and the few moments I may have alone to watch Clay sing and thrill me. Who knows, maybe I’ll run into some Clay fans who can share in the fun.

Meanwhile, take the time to check out some great Clay videos and commentary at this blog TheClayBlog.

Before I leave I’ll be watching the American Idol finale…yes, I know I said I don’t watch as I stated in this blog entry, but there is a rumor that Clay Aiken will “grace the stage” and that is something I won’t miss. It will surely be a special part of the show.

Here is a photo from the last time Clay sang on American Idol.

You can watch video of this great performance here at this blog Olosta.

Here's another photo from one of Clay's AI appearances...Yeah I just wanted to look at him again. You can never have too much Clay Aiken!!!

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Clay Aiken
American Idol
Memorial Day

Enjoy the Memorial Day weekend!!

Clay Aiken Live!

2006-05-20T01:33:00.000-07:00

I will never, ever forget when I saw Clay Aiken live for the first time. I was so excited and as the day approached, the anticipation was at a fever pitch. It’s always fun to attend either an opening concert of a tour or the final concert…and in my case it was the final show of the American Idol Tour, August 31, 2003.

Having followed the tour throughout its run, I knew what to expect. I knew the set list and when Clay would be singing. I knew that I would have to wait through several other “idols” before I got to see mine. The wait was interminable. It was clear the main focus of the entire audience that night at the Anaheim Pond was Clay Aiken. Every time when even just a picture of him flashed on the jumbotrons the crowd went insane. There was electricity in the air.

Finally we got the first glimpse of Clay. After a video montage of Clay he came up through the floor on the stage in a sea of fog and he was miraculous. The screams were deafening. What I remember most was that at the first sight of him I gasped out loud. Then I looked up at the jumbotron and my heart stopped. He was so good looking...breathtakingly so. Heck, my daughter who came with me looked at me and then looked back at Clay and then back at me…she couldn’t believe her eyes. I think the words to describe this moment were something like “Hello Gorgeous”.

In his black suit, white shirt and purple tie he was everything I had dreamed and hoped he would be. He sang “This Is The Night” and it was perfect. Clay’s voice was so pure and powerful yet still nuanced and more amazing live than even his incredible television appearances. Before I knew it…intermission.

The arena was buzzing. People were scurrying to get more Clay and AI memorabilia. My son was also in attendance. He happens to be a music critic for our local newspaper and he was sitting much closer than I. At intermission he came over and said I needed to switch seats with the person he was with at the time. Thank you son. Now I was going to be eight rows up on the right side of the arena and I had my binoculars. I was ready for more Clay.

In the second half Clay, dressed all in white, sang “The Lady Is A Tramp” as an ensemble with Ruben, Rickey Smith and Charles Grigsby. Then he did a duet with Ruben to “This Girl Is Mine”. Next there was a Bee Gee’s medley with all the guys and Clay soloed on …be still my heart…”To Love Somebody”.

I didn’t think it could get any better, but it did. Clay came out again, dressed now in a button down black shirt and jeans, alone, and sang “Can You Feel The Love Tonight”. As the song ended Clay was lowered back down through the stage and slowly disappeared from sight. Noooo, don’t go Clay!

Later in the show came what was to be for me the highlight of the evening. The lights dimmed and then came back on and there was Clay rising up through the floor again. This time he had on a Mighty Ducks jersey. I was hoping for this as Clay would usually wear the sport jersey of the local team from the city they were playing. He sang his soon to be hit single “Invisible” complete with shirt tugs. The tug was born in St. Paul, Minnesota during the very first show I guess you could say organically. Clay was apparently just so into the song that at one point he grabbed his shirt and gave it a big tug…and the crowd loved it…and a signature move was born.

Here is a photo of the very first tug!

And here is the tug in the Ducks jersey.

As I told you, I had my binoculars trained on Clay. My son was a bit concerned at this point and foolishly asked me…”Mom, your sitting eight rows away, why do you need binoculars.” Silly boy. Of course, I needed my binoculars. And then it happened. Clay has a way of connecting with his audience and making everyone feel like he is looking right at you. That’s what happened to me while watching him sing “Invisible”. I swear he looked right at me…well, it seemed like he did. It was almost unnerving and I had to put my binoculars down and catch my breath.

Whew, I think it’s warm in here, isn’t it?!

To finish out the show Clay sang “Imagine”, with Kim and Ruben and then they concluded with "God Bless The USA" with the entire ensemble. Since this was the last show there was much joking, hugging, thanking everyone and tears. Now each performer would go their separate ways and off to unknown futures.

What was evident to all was that during the course of the American Idol Tour, Clay Aiken became a star. A man born to perform. A man with an easy charm and quick wit. With a wink and a smile and a tug he captured hearts across the county. And my heart…well he already had it, but seeing Clay live sealed the deal forever. There is nothing in the world that compares to seeing Clay Aiken live!!!

Whew, it's really hot in here, isn't it?!!!!

Thanks to MnM for all the great photos from that special night.

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Clay Aiken
American Idol

Clay Aiken and The Attack of The Killer Bees

2006-05-19T12:12:00.000-07:00

I had bees in my house yesterday! I hate bees! Ok all you bee lovers, I do love honey and Winnie the Pooh and Tigger too, but I don’t want bees all over my ClayStation. Yes that’s what I call my computer desk…get it…ya know…like PlayStation…hence the name of my blog. Some people play computer games...me, I play Clay!

One by one they came in flying around my head and my computer. With my trusty flyswatter and can of Raid I was ready to save my ClayStation. Envisioning the Attack of The Killer Bees covering my beautiful computer, I sprayed the little stingers and swatted them to death. It took every bit of courage I had to accomplish this feat. But they kept coming! The bees were relentless. So, off I went to see what was happening outside and where they were coming from. Eeek…a swarm was developing outside under the eaves and coming in through the fireplace. They were plotting to get me. Forget this! I had just sent my husband off on a business trip and my daughter was about to leave for the weekend which meant it was just me and the bees. Rut Roh! No way! This was to be my weekend of Clay and The Da Vinci Code…and these pesky insects were shooting my plans to pieces. I called the bee removal service stat.

Within two hours my knights in shining armor appeared ready to do battle with the beasts. They caulked and sprayed and I think they talked to the bees. Have you ever wondered why anyone would want to be a bee removal expert? At this point in time I didn’t care if they wanted to have dinner with the bees, I just wanted them gone. I was told that the swarm I had seen was just scout bees and the real swarm was yet to invade. Oh goody. Just as the bee people finished, I kid you not, the swarm came flying in, and I guess they weren’t interested in dinner so they took a hard left and off they flew. Whew! Finally, alone in peace with my ClayStation.

Once I settled down and was sure I was not going to have to fight off any more bees, I needed to take a minute or ten…or an hour and look and listen to some Clay Aiken. Heck maybe I should have just played some Clay for the bees and we could have coexisted just fine. Anyway, here are a couple of videos that saved the day!
Thank you to the videographers. Thank you to scrpkym for the terrific photos!

Iris

Alone

See, that just makes everything perfect!

Next time I'll tell you about the very first time I saw Clay Aiken live!

Technorati tags:
Clay Aiken
Bee Removal
Pop Live
The Da Vinci Code

Remembering Clay on Oprah

2006-05-18T08:23:00.000-07:00

Now that the show I never watch is down to the final two it just makes me think about Clay Aiken all the more. From what I’ve read in the news it seems his is the name always brought up as a standard for what American Idol hopes to achieve.

Thinking about this I remember the Oprah appearance Clay and Ruben Studdard made on the day their respective singles were to hit the stores, June 10, 2003. Also along for the display was Justin Guarini, who’s CD was dropping. Dropping would be the operative word.

One by one Oprah brought them on stage. First there was Ruben, then Clay, then Guarini. Ruben was his big old teddy bear self and he was naturally beaming from his Idol crowning. Justin…brought in after Clay, was a pale shadow and a post script. In fact, I have always felt that Justin’s appearance on Oprah was one of his downfalls. To me, he came across as smug, smarmy and well, he was just plain irritating. Not to mention, the song he sang just sucked. Now he very well may be a great guy, but that isn’t what I got from the show so unfortunately…buh bye Justin.

Now, let’s get back to Clay. When Oprah announced his name the audience went nuts and there he stood looking a bit like a drowned rat and younger and even more vulnerable than he did on Idol.

Rumors were that Clay had suffered an allergic reaction right before the show time. Whatever the case, his hair wasn’t all spiked and he looked pale, but his personality literally jumped off the television screen.

He was chatty, witty, cute and laughed a lot. How could you not love him? Then he sang “This is The Night” the song that went on to chart topping success. I would venture to say that while he’s always good, and more often great, this wasn’t his best performance. Not that he was bad, quite the contrary, he still sang beautifully and the audience loved him. He smiled at Ruben and Oprah while performing the song and if he didn’t already have your heart, I believe he stole many that day.

I watched this show the day it aired. Oprah repeats during the early morning hours (or it did at the time…I haven’t been keeping up with her schedule). So early the next morning I awoke from a sound sleep and just knew Clay was on TV. Without waking my husband I quietly ran downstairs and turned on the television. There he was…Clay…right at that very moment…right there again on my television being adorable and funny and singing his heart out to me again. This had to mean something…some kind of a sign. Right?!!! Whatever it meant, what I know for sure is that I couldn’t have loved him more!!!!!

Clay’s Oprah appearance was just the beginning after American Idol of what I consider to be his legend in the making status. So much has happened in three short years and we have so much more to look forward to. What a ride! While waiting for Clay’s new CD I think I’ll just relive some of the momentous moments of the thrill of his career.

And then look to the future and what wonders await us all...

Thanks to PermaSwooned and clayniac2 for their great photos.

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken American Idol Ruben Studdard

Clay Aiken and The Fedora

2006-05-16T22:44:00.000-07:00

From Wikipedia
The fedora is a soft felt hat that is creased lengthwise down the crown and pinched in the front on both sides. It was invented in the mid-1910's. Any hat that resembles the soft felt version is also usually called a fedora. Similar hats with a C-crown (with an indentation for the head in the top of the crown) are occasionally called fedoras. The popularity of the fedora has resulted in being able to purchase one in nearly any style. Fedoras can be found in nearly any color imaginable, but black, grey, and tan/brown are the most popular and universal.

Just look at him in his fedora!!!!!!

Notable wearers of the fedora...
Indiana Jones, the fictional archaeologist and adventurer, is known for his brown fedora and leather jacket.
The Blues Brothers wore fedoras in both movies.
James Bond actor Sean Connery wore a fedora when portraying the secret agent.
The comic strip hero Dick Tracy wears a yellow one.
Clark Kent was often seen wearing one (including in the 1978 feature movie of Superman), though in more recent incarnations it has been absent.
Frank Sinatra, performer of the mid twentieth century and member of the Rat Pack, was often depicted wearing a fedora.
Bob Dylan, legendary American songwriter, musician, and poet has been wearing a fedora when performing live in the new century.
CLAY AIKEN, pop phenomenon, singer, entertainer has been known to wear a fedora when performing live. (And is he ever hot!!!!)

Oh, ok...so I added the last one, but he is hot!!!!

Here's some more of the hottie with the hot hat. And there's stubble, too!

Isn't this fun? I know I'm having a great time!!!!!

I don't have a clue who this dude is, but this is the ad copy that went with his photo...
"Now you can be pimped out with style in the Houndstooth fedora. Part Grandpa, part Lenny Kravitz, this hot hat will have you stylin, yo."

Well, he's no where near as hot as Clay is in this photo...and be sure to check out the fan video montages of Clay featuring the fedora! Thank you Amy hearts Clay and K4Clay2!
Thanks to all the photographers for their great pics.

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken

Lost Beatles...Hanging on to Clay Aiken!

2006-05-16T10:40:00.000-07:00

I’m tired today and not in a very good mood.

Speaking of The Beatles…well I was…yesterday, I forgot to mention all my Beatles memorabilia. I had one box full of goodies and it was mistakenly thrown out during a garage clean-up a few years ago. I had my tickets from both Hollywood Bowl shows, programs and much more. Then I see this the other day…

Shown below are original tickets from both Hollywood Bowl concerts - quite different from the ones that Capitol made. Only a handful of Hollywood Bowl complete tickets exist today in collectors' hands. These tickets are near the top of the list in historical significance and value.

It's enough to make me cry!

I’m much more protective of my Clay memorabilia and I have quite a bit more than just one box full. Concert tickets, programs, magazine articles and my list goes on and on. I will not lose these prized treasures. My family knows not to mess with my Clay swag. Do Not Touch!!!!

So just to make me feel better I'm just going to look at a couple of hot pics of Clay Aiken.

Thanks to Invisible and unknown photographer for the great pics.

Whew, now I feel much better!!!! Don't you?!!!!

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken The Beatles

2006-05-15T10:30:00.000-07:00

The Beatles, Clay Aiken and Me The Beatles, Clay Aiken and Me I was reminiscing today about the Beatles. I was a huge Beatles fan from the beginning. Guess that dates me. Oh well. Just because one ages chronologically doesn’t mean one is out of touch. I watched the Beatles when they appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show, February 9, 1964, with my family and was captivated. I was very young at the time…just thought I’d let you know. The Beatles on Ed Sullivan

In August, 1964 when the Beatles came to The Hollywood Bowl for the first time I was part of that screaming crowd. But…I didn’t scream…no really, I didn’t. Really! I was too busy trying to see the stage through my binoculars and trying to hear the Fab Four sing. That was impossible. You couldn’t hear anything through all the screaming. But nevertheless, I was there. It was an event. It was history. I loved it!

The Beatles at the Hollywood Bowl, August 23, 1964. The following year the Beatles returned to the Bowl. Well, I couldn’t miss that now, could I? I went with my best girlfriend at the time, leaving my boyfriend, later to become my dear husband, behind. We spent the entire weekend doing all things pertaining to the Beatles. I even got a jaywalking ticket wandering around Bel Air (everyone was wondering around Bel Air, the residential community where the Beatles were staying) trying to get a glimpse of the boys. Actually did see them in the backyard of the home where they were staying. (Hey, I was very, very young, ok!) We even followed their road manager to the market and got in line right behind him. (Hey, I said I was very, very, very young, ok!) We chatted up everyone…used our fake English accents and had a blast. (Hey, how many times do I have to tell you, I was very, very, very young). What a great time it was being a part of something I just knew was only the beginning even if I was very young (just thought I'd mention it again). John, Paul, George and Ringo. Greatness, if you will, in the offing. I’ve always had a special affinity for great singers, great bands, great music…period. I love all kinds of music…all kinds of good music… but nothing in my past appreciation of various artists prepared me for what would eventually become such a huge part of my life. Skip just a few years and jump to 2003. Well, maybe more than just a few. Oh ok, so quite a few. Sheesh! Yes, I am one of Clay’s “older” fans. Wanna fight? Oh, come on, I’m just kidding. You see, being older chronologically (see I said it again) does not deprive one of musical taste, or the lust for life. I ain’t dead yet! Besides I took one of those online tests to show your “real” age and it said I’m a young 28 years old. (My guess is, everyone is 28 years old when they take the test, but I don’t care. It’s my story and I’m sticking with it.) So you ask, what the heck is my point? My point is Clay Aiken. Not since the Beatles have I reacted in such a way to any artist. When I first saw Clay on American Idol (see my blog, Thursday May 11), I knew I was witnessing history in the making. Scoff if you want, but I’ve rarely been wrong in my little prognostications. And frankly, this one is an easy call. To me, there is a sense of destiny surrounding Clay. There is no denying real talent...great talent that will not be denied. A talent for the ages. That is Clay Aiken.

Well, as you all know now, I’m not as young as I was when I first witnessed the Beatles in concert, but every fibre of my being reacts the same way and more when I see Clay Aiken in concert. This is something not to be missed. This is a revelation. If you haven't seen Clay beyond AI, run don't walk to the nearest download. Clay is the past, present and future all rolled into one incredible "great ball of fire". I haven't yet figured out how to post video, but check out some of the links I have listed (TheClayBlog has some great video) or head to YouTube. You won't be disappointed!!

Clay from the 60's portion of the Jukebox Tour

Thanks to Tasapio and Qoatg for the great pics.

Oh, and did I tell you he's pretty hot, too!! I told you I'm not dead yet!!!!!

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken American Idol The Beatles

Music Defines My Life

2006-05-12T14:20:00.000-07:00

myclaystation
Music Defines My Life

My family had a music store. My maternal great-grandfather founded the store and then my grandfather (an artist and cartoonist – more about that later) joined him in running the store. Subsequently my uncle, mother and father carried on the family tradition. None of my cousins nor my brother had any interest in the store. Me…I loved it!

We didn’t sell records, we sold musical instruments and sheet music. We had the largest selection of sheet music in the county. The local schools would rent/buy their band instruments from us…and we sold organs and pianos. It was a noisy store that music reverberated from constantly. The good, the bad and the awful!

I remember at one time we had this huge pipe organ that I loved to sit at and see what kind of strange sounds I could get it to make. Until I was told to stop since I was surely annoying the customers.

But what I remember and loved the most were the pianos. The beautiful, beautiful pianos. All kinds…spinets, uprights, player pianos and the granddaddy of them all…the grand piano. Oh how I loved the grand pianos. Especially the beautiful, glossy, black grand pianos. The sounds they made were incredible. I couldn’t get enough. I took piano lessons for about ten years. Not enough to be really good, but enough to really enjoy the experience.

With so many pianos (and there were a lot) they used to have to be tuned regularly. So it seemed to me an almost constant sound in my ear listening to the piano tuners pound on one key at time…over and over and over again. When I eventually worked in the family store, that sound was music to my ears. In fact, I think that sound is what made me so aware of pitch and to appreciate a singer who could stay on pitch. I’m no vocal coach, nor any kind of musical expert, but after years of listening I can tell when a singer goes off key and off pitch. Now that’s not unusual for many, but for me it’s like chalk on a blackboard.

This brings me back to Clay Aiken. Rarely have I ever heard him go off pitch. Most people who sing off pitch are usually singing flat or just below the note or at least that’s how I understand it. For me, Clay is ear candy and I’m never disappointed.

Then, last summer, I got the most wonderful surprise. Clay played the piano. Just for me! LOL Well, ok, me and a few thousand others. Clay is a singer…not a piano player, but yet he sat at the keyboard and played a lovely accompaniment to his version of Love Me Tender during the Jukebox Tour. Rejoice…my loves collided and I was ecstatic! He couldn’t have been any cuter or more sincere and beautiful and I loved him even more…if that’s possible. Concentrating so hard and singing so beautifully. He could have been playing Chopin because for me, it was that beautiful Take a look…

Thanks to Karen Eh for the great pic. And thanks to PermaSwooned for the previous pic.

If I ever figure out how to add video then you can hear this special performance.

Of course, when Clay decides to jump on top of the piano and wail...it doesn't get much better. We'll talk!!!

Thanks to clayniac2 for the great pic.

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken American Idol

I Don't Watch American Idol

2006-05-11T16:07:00.000-07:00

May 12, 2006

I Don’t Watch American Idol

That’s right you read it correctly…I don’t watch American Idol. While I do realize it is a vehicle to find new talent, I don’t care for the format, the judges (seriously, who in their right mind thinks Paula Abdul is a good judge of talent?), the public manipulation…oh I could go on and on and I just might. No, just kidding…hey this is my blog, I can say what I want…right?!!

So, you ask (surely you are asking, right), how is this a blog about Clay Aiken? He was discovered on AI. How did you discover Clay? Duress!! Through some powers of divine intervention perhaps, a cousin “forced” me to watch Season 2 of AI. I had never watched the show before…at.all. Then, there he was…and there it was…that voice. I couldn’t believe it…wow, what a voice. Wow, what a geeky guy. Wow, he’s really cute. (I always liked guys in glasses).

Then it happened. The night there was no turning back. The night Clay sang “To Love Somebody”. I was mesmerized, I was transfixed, I was transported…I think I died. What a performance…great voice, polish, charisma, the total package.

That moment in time...

I’ve got lots more to talk about. Like my other musical tastes. My family’s music store and all the music I grew up listening to. Or the night I woke up out of the blue and just knew Clay was on tv on the Oprah repeat. Some in my family think I am obsessed. My cousin…she blames herself. Maybe I am obsessed, but I’m happier enjoying my obsession…so deal with it!

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken American Idol