"Aiken
... showed true star quality. Not only was he a natural onstage, conversing
with confidence and glee, but he also commanded the stage." (Minneapolis
Star Tribune)
"When
Clay started into his hit single, ‘This is the Night,’ the screaming was
so loud it drowned out most of his vocals. When he appeared onstage later
in the evening wearing a Minnesota Wild hockey shirt – well, our ears are
still ringing. ... Clay was the crowd's clear favorite." (Pioneer Press)
"Kimberley
Locke finally introduced Rolling Stone cover boy Clay Aiken, whipping the
crowd into an ear-bloodying frenzy of Nickelodeon-sculpted screams." (Chicago
Sun-Times)
"If
there was a winner of this perpetual competition, it was Aiken. While he
and Studdard have comparably strong voices... only Aiken has the natural
charm to do justice to the 'Idol' mantle. Expect him to steal your heart.
... the evening was all about Aiken and Studdard. When the former appeared
on stage, the volume from his screaming fans nearly overwhelmed his voice."
(Chicago Tribune)
"Move
over Ruben, it's now Clay's show." (Toronto Sun)
"One
thing was clear after seeing these kids play live. While Ruben Studdard
was likely voted American Idol fair and square, the people's Idol is, without
a doubt, Clay Aiken." (chartattack.com)
Something
huge is happening here, and it goes way beyond the work of a few obsessed
fans. As one journalist put it, "Clay Aiken is an over-the-top, smash-one-out-of-the-park,
big-as-Elvis superstar sensation. The planet, it seems, can not get enough
of the genial, mop-topped American Idol runner up."
My wife and I just love Clay!
He is truly the American Idol. The whole Ruben
thing was a joke the producers pulled on America. Real funny Fox!
-Ken G. ( A Harley Davidson-riding
machinist)
[Webmaster's note:
Let's hear it for straight, macho men who love Clay!]
We are listening, God.
You have our full attention now. Life seems full of wake-up calls
lately and shadowed by fear. Gone are the bucolic days of exploring
this world blissfully ignorant of the evil that lurks. We understand
now. We did it ourselves. Somehow we created this environment
and let this evil grow in our midst. We were so busy with this hectic
pace that we forgot to look out for each other. There is only one
place to start and that’s here with ourselves. Our own doorstep needs
fixing and cleaning and our children need to see the good of our hearts
out there again. Each of us needs to be a beacon of light in this
darkness to guide the lost back to the beauty. . But you have
not abandoned us, God. The sun still shines brightly in the morning
and your grace still lives in our hearts, we just lost our way a bit.
I just wanted to thank you today for the messenger in the darkness. . .
for the voice that goes not unnoticed and the hope it brings with it for
the kindness of the future. I see it happening slowly around me and
it brings peace to my heart.
Thank you, God,
for this day of light, for this moment of peace and thank you, God . .
. for Clay.
Ghostposting
for Clayshel who quotes this from Todd Venice posted on Bolt: Quote:
Everyone
knows by now I am a huge Clay Aiken fan. I admire his heart, his talent,
and his ambition. But, I confess I never understoond the sexiness part
or the full thudworthiness of Clay. I guess because I am a guy, was only
willing to go so far.
Well,
last night I watched the St. Louis "air drums" video. My first reaction
was how adorkable. But then I watched it again. I saw it. I saw "the look".
I am not sure Clay knew he was on camera, but I swear I saw it. I was convinced
that "the look" was part of his makeover and he was just playing to the
camera. Well...Um...apparently it is not. This realization has forced me
to throw caution to the wind and make the following statement.
As
a proud life long heterosexual male I proclaim that Clay Aiken, you are
the cutest, most adorable, and dare I say sexiest guy I have ever seen.
Girls,
I am not sure how you can look at him without dying right there on the
spot.
NOTE
FROM WEBMASTER: "ROTFL!"
A
little about myself: I'm a 54 year old married male. I have four grown
girls. Two are married and I'm a Grandfather 3 times.
Up
until I first heard Clay sing on AI2, (I watched all the shows from the
very beginning) I had never been star struck with any particular singer.
When I was growing up in the 60's I really liked certain rock singers and/or
groups, but no one has affected me the way Clay has. The first time I heard
him sing on AI2, I looked to my wife and said; "This guy is amazing, he
should win the title." She whole heartly agreed.
We
both watched as this skinny kid from NC, turned into a very attactive and
grew from a very good singer to the best we have heard in as long as we
can remember. Sure, he sang well in his first audition, but as he progressed
through the show, he seemed to grow as a singer/performer right before
our eyes.
My
wife and I both think Ruben is a good singer, just not a great one. He
just doesn't have the voice or charisma that Clay has. In fact, we felt
Ruben should have been voted off for his performance on one of the last
shows. The night Ruben was placed in the bottom three, that is the night
we felt he should have been voted off. His voice sounded strained, tired
and raspy the night before.
We
were just so sure that Clay was going to win the title of American Idol.
When he didn't, we were very dissappointed. But, we now know that Clay,
with all his great talent and his wonderful personallity, will become the
superstar that we new he could. He has taken the music industry by storm,
and yet some of the blue suites just don't yet get it. But, when his new
CD becomes one of the best sellers in recent memory, they no doubt will
then realize what we Clay fans already know.
When
Clay sings, most of the time I get tears in my eyes. He affects me in a
very emotional way. In all my life, no singer (female or male) has affected
me the way Clay has. His voice just touches my soul. In my opinion, he
is one the greatest singers of my generation.
Not
only is Clay a great singer, but he's also a great person as well. He appears
to be a great family man, loves and respects his mother and has such a
feeling for children with dissabilities. I have no doubt that he will make
a special woman very happy someday.
Clay
has done more (and I'm ashamed to admit it) for children than I ever have
(apart for my own). Sure, I have donated money to charites, but have never
donated my time as Clay has done. He has such a big heart.
It's
a shame that the producers of AI and 19 Entertainment had no idea (I still
don't think they get it) what a talent they had on there hands with Clay.
Every week he sang like an Angel and garnered more and more fans (many
more than Ruben, which I have no doubt).
In
my opinion, Clay will one day (and very soon) will get the recognision
he truly deserves from the music industry. If the 5 recent songs, recently
released on the Internet, are any indication of what his new CD will be
like, I predict that in 2004, OMC will sweep the Grammy's. He will (or
should at least), when a Grammy for best new male artist. He also most
likely will win a Grammy for his CD as album of the year, and possibly
a Grammy for best song of the year (possibley Solitare).
I'm
very proud to call myself an ardent Clay Aiken fan. I'm also very excited
for all the wonderful music I have to look forward too from this incredible
talent by the name of Clay Aiken.
"eddyj"
from the Clayboard
Morgan
Rowan
-from
a message board
The
Mystery that is Clay Aiken. . .
It was not long ago that the world as we knew it was shaken to its very
core. We hugged our babies and cried for all of the human race. Somehow,
we believed most of the good people must had left this earth and all that
remained were sad excuses for human beings that wished us dead. We felt
violated and without hope. We cried ourselves to sleep wishing we had never
brought children into this darkened future. And then one day the clouds
started to break up and drift away and out of the lingering smoke of Columbine
and the horrible gray dust cloud of 9/11 a voice seemed to fill the room
with joy and there beneath that incredible voice unfolded an enigma of
innocence and hope named Clay Aiken. He restored our hope for our children's
futures. He made us believe again in the warmth and compassion of mankind.
His pixie-like smile brought light to the dark places of our hearts and
we found we could laugh and smile and reach out to each other again.
How could you not fall in love with someone who gave you such a priceless
gift. How can you not be mesmerized by the spell he casts. Clay Aiken's
voice is the rebirth of hope for the future of this planet. And for this
we will bask in the glow of his warmth and find a way to thank him with
our love and support. . .
"Stop
caring so much what the world expects of you as " older women " and
acknowledge that you are forever 16 behind your eyes and inside of your
heart. What safer place to place your fantasies than a 24 year old
fundamentalist Christian who is surrounded by body guards !!!! .....
Just let go and have fun with it."
From
a Message Board:
Male
perspective on Clay's "X" factor
Topic:
My Thoughts on Clay Aikenmguffey5
29/M/US
Jul
19 2003 10:47PM
After
being on this board for the past 2 months and making a lot of new friends,
and reading their posts about Clay. I've decided to post my thoughts on
Clay Aiken.
So
being from the Male side of the forum which is quite smaller than the female
side, I hope this provides a perspective on how we Male Clay Aiken fans
feel about him, and I am speaking for myself on this.
There
really are no words that I can use to describe how Clay has affected me
so much, but I will give it a try. I've read a lot of people's posts that
talk about his X-Factor and what "IT" is that Clay has that nobody can
figure out. Well I'm not here to debate that because I do believe that
he does have the X-Factor and whatever "IT" is.
Clay
has not just given you ladies something to talk about and swoon over, he
has also given his Male fans something to ponder. Everyday I wake up with
a sense of purpose that I don't think I had before I saw Clay or heard
him sing, atleast I don't think I had it. I would go from day-to-day, working,
eating, and sleeping, and not really paying attention to the world beyond
my own little space. But when I heard Clay sing for the first time at the
Atlanta audition it stirred something within me, I didn't realize it at
the time but now I know that he stirred my soul to its deapest core. I
have never had that happen to me before. Some of you have read my previous
post a few weeks ago called Thank-you Clay, where I stated after hearing
him sing, Blood Will Never Loose It's Power, and In Not Of, I went back
to Church after 15 years away, and felt whole again.
Everytime
I hear Clay sing, it doesn't matter what song, he has such a beautiful
voice that get chocked up, and I wonder why Clay, why now? Then it dawns
on me being in the Military and seeing all that is going on in todays world,
I believe God sent Clay at this time, and place to give us hope, and Faith
that he still loves us. To me Clay's voice is that of an angel, although
I don't know what a true angels voice sounds like, I would like to believe
that Clay's voice would be one.
Everytime
I hear Clay speak, and he is not afraid to say what he means, or tell people
that it is none of their business, I swell up with Pride, I don't know
why that is. But everytime I hear or see him, he makes me want to be a
better Man. So here is where I add my tidbit on his CD title. Us Men out
there should look at Clay Aiken and see the TRUE Measure of Man and strive
to be more like him in our daily lives, he is what we should be, and I
am striving for that yesterday, today, tomorrow, and into the future. He
has made me look within myself and find the person I was hiding.
Clay's
"X-Factor" - What is it? Nobody really knows, but I believe he has it,
like everbody else. For some people, it can be his Sex appeal, for others,
his voice, and still others his Faith. Well I belive it is a combination
of all of those things plus others to include Family & Friends.
Clay
has stirred something within the Soul of America and made us sit up and
listen, and take a good look at ourselves, somethings we've found we didn't
like, others we found we had and didn't realize. Some of those things we
don't like, is the racist card that is played sometimes between Clay and
Ruben, which is completely ridiclious, and another is the competition that
some people keep trying to push, when they both have said there is no competition,
they are both happy for each other, and I am happy for them both. Things
that we've found that we didn't realize we had are the power to make record
company executives listen to the fans!! Being able to come together on
the internet as a "Family" where all of us can enjoy and talk about Clay
and hopefully not be bashed for our opinions. The power to influence Radio
stations, albeit slowly, but we are doing it.
I
don't recall in my short 29 years of existence that a new artist has been
compared to the likes of the Beatles, Elvis, and Frank Sinatra. There is
something very special about this young man, everday I find myself pondering
the Question, What is it about Clay Aiken that has attracted all of us
to gather together in Friendship and talk, share, rejoice, and sometimes
cry for or about him? I have yet to come up with a clear and distinct answer
to this question. But like I've said before here are some of the things
that I've noticed:
1.
Charisma
2.
Voice
3.
Passionate
4.
Faith - Spiritual
5.
Compassion
6.
Warmth
7.
Humor
8.
Love
9.
Strength
10.
Witty
11.
Human
12.
Patient
13.
Confident
14.
Sincere
15.
Truthful
16.
Loveable
17.
Down Home
18.
Awesome
19.
Inspirational
20.
Friendly
Clay
has such an aura about him that he draws people in and makes them comfortable
being around him, It amazes me to this day, I have never seen anything
like it. One final thought I'm sitting here listening to Clay sing "She
Said Yes", and the one line I keep thinking of is "They lit a Flame with
the Match God had Made", and I have this to say, "Clay lit a Flame with
the Match God had Made when he opened his Mouth to Sing", and that Flame
will never fade.
Beavers
On Idol
American
Idol: A New Breed of Fans for a New Breed of Star
by
LWLHD Committee (2003/07/17)
The
New Breed of Fan
There’s
a new breed of American fans out there. To borrow a phrase, a softer, gentler
breed . These are the fans who don’t grab the media’s attention because
they don’t make splashy sound bites. You won’t see them clamoring for autographs
or jumping in front of studio cameras or pushing through the red carpet
line. In fact, you probably wouldn’t have noticed them at all if they hadn’t
multiplied by the hundreds of thousands, behind the meteoric rise to fame
of American Idol star and Billboard chart topper Clay Aiken.
Somehow
Clay Aiken attracts the kind of fan who doesn’t really like the label “fan.”
Many of the people buying Clay’s singles and requesting airplay for his
songs have never before belonged to a fan club. They are themselves somewhat
perplexed by their fascination with the young singer from North Carolina
.
Scratch
almost any Clay Aiken internet fan club, and you won’t find the homogenous,
frenzied, teenaged pack you’d expect. The tweenies are there, of course,
but they’re joined by an older, steadier crowd who has helped put Clay
over the top because their own brand of fervor is backed by their pocketbooks.
*If
you enter a Clay internet message board, you could find yourself exchanging
messages with folks who have Masters degrees, who run their own businesses,
who are up for partnership at their firm. Sometimes you have to pry that
information out of them—they still haven’t quite convinced themselves that
there isn’t something unseemly about adoring a 24-year old pop star.
But
as you talk, you discover this brand of adoration isn’t much like the usual
fan club fawning over a star’s eye color or love life. There’s a little
more to it. People are talking about Clay because of who he is beneath
the stage makeup and newly-spiked locks. Why the fascination?
New
Breed of Star
Clay's
explosive rise to fame confounded accepted industry wisdom about what America
wants in a “pop star.” Why did the first single from a relative unknown
sell more units its first week than those of any recording star other than
the venerable Elton John, whose single “Candle in the Wind” was a tribute
to the immensely popular Princess Diana?
Yes,
Clay does have a tremendous set of pipes. But, honestly, so do a lot of
other people the media never says boo to. And, yes, he’s easy on the eyes.
But in the entertainment industry, personal trainers and the magic scalpel
guarantee that a pretty face is no rare commodity. And winsome personality?
Sure. Clay’s got that in spades. As do a lot of other celebrities—or, shall
we at least submit that projecting charisma on Leno is second-nature for
most in Tinseltown. So how did Clay Aiken get picked up on the radar screen
like an incoming missile?
Let’s
pull out an old-fashioned word: character. Your character is the genuine,
guileless you. The you that decides what’s most important in your life
and pursues it, consciously or unconsciously And if you’re an artist, your
character—your heart, your soul, your intentions, your dreams-- is what
distinguishes your art from the art of others.
*Why
is it when Clay Aiken sings, jaws drop? Because his character and personality
well up and out of his throat in a way that turns his amazing range, tone,
and near-perfect pitch into a sound that transcends technique. It’s a sound
that raises goose bumps. It’s a sound coming from somewhere deep inside
Clay. And people don’t forget it.
Clay's
character is what makes the whole greater than the sum of its parts. Something
shines above and beyond his good looks and raw talent. Something pulls
it all together into a whole that rises enough above the rest of the pack
that we sit up and take notice. It’s Clay's character that propels him
uniquely apart from the generic, pouty-lipped pop stars the music industry
hands us with a knife and fork.
Traditionally,
the music industry dictates what’s “cool” and we nod happily and run out
to spend our money on it. Sit in at an industry board meeting while they
map out the schema for their next star-in-the-making. Do you really think
you’d hear them suggest the next big thing will come in the shape of a
24-year old who says grace in public restaurants, who never swears, and
who refuses to drink alcohol in public? All of which Clay Aiken does. Or
do you think they’d propose the star-to-be de-emphasize his entertainment
career by stating that he’s only doing this for a few years before returning
to a teaching job? Which Clay has also done.
Music
industry types might not have chosen Clay Aiken as the arbiter of “cool”
for their star-making machine, but, by sticking to his guns, Clay has managed
to redefine cool. Clay is going to follow his own moral compass no matter
what you think. And it doesn’t really matter if Clay’s beliefs and actions
are ones you yourself would choose. Living inside your own convictions,
without apology, without concern for others’ opinions, is perhaps the coolest
thing of all. And it’s also, without doubt, one of the most attractive
traits an individual can possess. Good bone structure and a nice set of
pipes can’t even touch the sheer force of a steady self-assurance.
Where
Star and Fans Meet
So
it only makes sense that a pop star who breaks the mold will engender mold-breaking
fans as well. Clay’s got character. He stands for things. And Clay’s fans,
that new breed, want to stand for things too.
Here’s
an example. Clay has stated publicly that he wants to use his celebrityhood
to raise public awareness of a cause close to his heart: helping children
with autism. So what do his fans do? They organize bake sales and car washes
and donation drives to raise funds for their local autism societies. They
set up web sites and non-profit associations to bring attention and money
to autism support services. That’s work. That’s a little more than buying
posters or concert tickets.
If
you talk to these fans, many will tell you that Clay first caught their
eye because of his undeniable talent. But Clay stayed in their sights as
little parts of his character trickled out into the media. The fans point
out that Clay—who has been handed more instant fame and money than most
of us can even imagine—said the first thing he’ll do with his money is
open a foundation for autism. And this is not idle talk: foundation setup
is under way.
Many
fans assert this young man from North Carolina has re-ignited their own
ideals, which had somehow gotten lost under the shuffle of job, marriage,
and children. In some way that’s still not entirely clear, Clay has struck
a chord. And, to judge by record sales, hundreds of thousands of people
are responding.
So
we’re left with a new breed of fans for a new breed of star. If you push
one of these new fans hard enough, you’ll probably get an abashed admission
that, yes, as a matter of fact, Clay is pretty darn hot. Wanting to do
good works doesn’t preclude wanting a hug or a five-minute conversation
with Clay. But just as Clay refuses to view himself as a pop icon, so does
this new breed refuse to treat him as a commodity that must be shared with
any stranger who asks. These fans prefer to honor Clay without hounding
him for attention or pushing themselves into the spotlight alongside him.
Clay
Aiken, by remaining true to his character and his passions, demands a respect
we would much less likely give any prefab, impossibly cool, pop-star product
doled out to us by the music industry. And so these new fans step back
from the autograph line, step towards non-profit work, and make room for
the young singer who has reminded them of what matters most in their lives
and their world.
From
a message board
July
21/03
Here
are my thoughts on the Cleveland (American Idol) concert. I am not going
to repeat what has already been posted but I do have some other observations.
Also please keep in mind I am a guy so if I don't talk about Clay being
sexy you will know why....lol.
Let
me start off by saying Cleveland was mentioned and represented well by
the idols......Charles was in Cleveland attire all evening...Ruben wore
a Cleveland Indians baseball cap all the time....and, of course Clay wore
a Cleveland Indians jersey with "Aiken" 03 on the back during "Invisible".
All the idols yelled and screamed "Cleveland" several times some in between
their song lyrics especially Ricky and Charles.
It
was definitely a Clay crowd...... for every Ruben fan there must have been
100 Clay fans. I don't think I am exaggerating at all! As far as signs...tons
and tons of Clay signs everywhere, a few Ruben's in the stands and floor
and a trace for the others mostly from the floor seats. I really believe
this is why the crowd may have been a little more quiet as the majority
was there to see Clay so it was only loud when he was performing.....just
my observation.
Ok,
on to Clay.....what can I say? This man commanded the stage..took charge
and connected with the crowd better than any of the others. He is the one
who told the man dressed as Carmen to come up on stage, he is the one who
lead Ruben through the panties and underwear part. He even put on the underwear!
He is the one that told them to put up the lights and take them down. He
was so natural as if he has been doing this for a lot longer than he really
has. He thanked the crowd over and over again for putting, not only him,
but all the idols where they are today. he was always ad libbing with the
fans.
He
continually gave up the spotlight for the other performers...never hogged
the stage at all. He also made a point to come over to Charles at the very
end and raise his hand so that he could be acknowledged one more time by
his hometown crowd. I saw him whispering to some of others before he did
this...my guess is no one else took up the initiative to do it so he walked
over and did it!
I
forgot to mention Clay's voice is awesome we all know that but to hear
it live is just incredible!
Clay
was definitely who people wanted to see and they were not disappointed!
Captured
on Todd Vincent's "Everything Clay Aiken" board
I
don't care if Clay is gay, straight, neutered or hung like a horse.
I
don't care if he is liberal, conservative or communist.
If
he hates cats, dogs, foreign cars or babies, it is of no concern to me.
Allergic to half the food pyramid? So what?
Buys
all his clothes at JCPenney? Who cares?
I
don't care if uses a flat iron or a waffle iron on his hair, or if it's
dyed, permed, braided or duct taped.
Loose
pants? Tight pants? Striped shirts? No shirts? Shoes? Sandals? Whatever.
Feet,
fingers, ass, thighs, eyes, lashes, ears, tummy...all just body parts.
Pleasant to look at, but I can take or leave.
I
don't care what the "cool" people, or the "hip" people think of me for
loving Clay. It's irrelevant.
What
I do care about, with the blazing passion of a million suns, is that the
man can sing his ass off.
Listening
to Clay sing is like standing naked on a rock under a waterfall, his voice
sliding lazily over you like cool water on a hot day.
It's
true, I'm selfish. I will always support Clay and his singing career because
I want him to sing for me forever and a day.
author user name: "Sister"
From
a message board
Author/Date
unknown
Think
back if you can, over the span of your life and try to remember any single
performer or musical group that caused so many people of all ages to stop
dead in their tracks and listen. I've thought long and hard about this,
I am pretty knowledgeable about all kinds of music and I couldn't come
up with ANYONE!
Some
new performers catch the teen and pre-teen market. Some appeal to just
young men with angry attitudes, some catch attention of the 20 something's
who go to clubs, many appeal to all three. Then there is music for the
forgotten market of the "older, more mature" buyers. Many of us stick with
classic rock or music from our youths because there is little out there
that we like. If you’re 40 and older your just about completely forgotten
about in the minds of many in the music business today. They just don't
think you'll buy the music so not much time or effort is spent trying to
convince you to.
Then
there was Clay.
By
doing nothing more than trying his best to win a singing contest-gracing
us with his amazing voice and stellar performances each week, buy being
just himself he single-handedly changed the face of the music buying public
and the radio listening public. Clay literally has fans as young as toddlers
and as old as people in their 90's and everyone in between! I have been
amazed at the ages of some of the fans that have been so taken with all
things Clay, both male and female.
He
appeals to kids and parents at the same time-how the heck did that happen?
A rare thing indeed! They've been fighting over music since the inception
of music. Typically in parents eyes of a modern society, the next best
thing is usually their worst nightmare-they feel they will either have
to suffer through listening with their kids or ban some inappropriate things
all together.
Then
there was Clay.
He
has many women of all ages unabashedly swooning over him and men wanting
to be his best bud(mostly to take advantage of Clay's ability to attract
women who swoon over him!) Guys seem to admire him for the same qualities
that women do(besides his awe-inspiring voice)-his character, his sharp
wit, his sometimes sarcastic sense of humor, his humbleness, love for children,
his positive attitude and on and on it goes.
Grannies,
daughters and granddaughters all have a crush (to different degrees) on
the same guy at the same time. Has this EVER happened before? Sure, people
will try to say this happened with Elvis but it didn't happen for him until
he had been in the business for a while. Kids are the one's who discovered
Elvis-parents were not amused. Years later Elvis has a following with a
widely ranging fan base.
Again,
think about it, think hard but I don't think you will have an answer unless
it's...
Then
there was Clay.
Because
of him these older fans out going out and spending money hand over fist,
adult women are buying teen mags, just to get a new picture of Clay, or
to read a new article-put Clay on it or in it and it's a surefire big seller.
Many have bought their first cd's in years, they are listening to (and
wading through) songs on the radio just for a chance to hear Clay. People
talk about him with such passion and conviction to their friends that many
of them have become fans as well. It's like this massive groundswell, a
tidal wave of good feeling for music again. What we naturally do when we
love someone is to share in the things that make us happy. Clay makes us
happy so we tell two friends, then they tell two friends and so on, and
so on.
All
of this has happened for a reason. The exciting thing is this is only the
first chapter. Hopefully, Clay's enormous success will open the doors for
other talented people that have a positive message to their music. We'll
just have to wait and see how it all unfolds.
From
a message board
7/13/03
Ok,
I admit, I have watched the
"Invisible" (concert) video about 50 times now in the last few days
(maybe an exaggeration, but not by much, lol) and I've been giving some
thought to Clay's newfound MOJO and his ability to drive us even more wild
than usual.
Someone
was saying yesterday that they want to see him perform this song shirtless
and a bunch of people jumped on that bandwagon pretty quickly! lol
I
don't know if people were serious or not, but here is my take on it.
I
think Clay is sexy BECAUSE he keeps his clothes on. Think back to when
we first saw that People mag. pic of Clay on the bathroom floor--we were
all so excited about that picture because we actually got to see his arms
(lol). Sure, arms are a pretty average, everyday thing for most people
to reveal but up until that point, Clay had not so we LOVED it. Of course
it was more than that, the photographer took a great shot and that tiny
crooked smile Clay had on his face knocked us for a loop.
Then,
we have the Rolling Stone pic, I think it hit many of us like a bolt of
lightning because we were SHOCKED that Clay had not only unbuttoned another
button(I had been pining away all season for just a bit of clavicle,LOL)but
he actually revealed a few inches of tummy-now known as "Clay's Yummy Tummy-the
topic that launched a million internet discussions". Many of us had thought
he was sexy all along but come on, were only human! LOL
Now
that picture was positively PG-rated as far as Rolling Stone goes but for
Clay, I think it was quite a big deal. We all know he is modest and we
appreciated that about him. In my opinion that picture is very sexy and
edgy for Clay and it's more appealing to me because he is still left as
a mystery. He reveals a little tease but leaves it up to your imagination.
Now,
he has progressed to whipping us up into a frenzy over his "Invisible"
performance. The song itself and his delivery of it are awesome--he is
so confident and he just oozes charisma, magnetism and sex appeal--all
while remaining completely covered up! Then , when he sings the line "gonna
make you mine tonight" he does that move, the shirt tug with the hip swivel
that has finally sent us off the deep end! He reveals nothing, no skin
whatsoever yet we all feel like we could physically FEEL IT when he makes
that "oh so sexy" move.
Why
is that? I think it's because of the mere suggestion in both his voice
and he sure is reminding us how much we love that tummy.lol
I
guess what I'm trying to say is this--he is sexy to me because he remains
a mystery, he doesn't reveal much skin but he leaves it to our own active
imaginations to fill in the blanks. This is extremely sexy tome and I daresay
there isn't another singer out there that can elicit such a frenzied response
from women by remaining completely clothed. He's got his MOJO working big
time and we're eating it up with a spoon.
I
like the tease, I like the mystery AND I'm thoroughly enjoying the workout
for my over-active imagination. It does a body good.
Ah,
yet another reason to love Clay.
Here's
another funny one from Nicmike at TTC:
July
24, 2003
Dear
Clay,
Well,
it’s been over a week since the tour launched. The reviews have been spectacular.
Nice work.
We
know that you are busy and not really getting much chance to sleep or anything,
but it is hard to believe that you don’t check your fan boards at least
occasionally. (You don’t have to be more than a teeny, tiny bit egomaniacal
to want to know what people are saying about you. Plus, what self-respecting,
self-proclaimed nerd wouldn’t be online?) So, on the off chance that you
will be checking in here today on your day off, I’d like to give you an
update of the past week and a half here in Clayworld (Yeah, I still don’t
really understand why your name has to become every part of speech, but
it’s become a tradition)…
Platinum.
Love it! Congratulations and you’re welcome!
The
concert. Those of us who have seen it loved you. Those of us who will be
seeing it are looking forward to loving you. Those of us who can’t see
it are shooting ourselves in the head and obsessively asking themselves
why they aren’t lucky enough to have the chance to love you.
The
panties. Yeah, you knew someone would bring it up. Some of us have been
overly worried about your reaction to the panties. Some parts of the group
feel you were prompting people to throw them, others believe you find underwear
icky (especially since you don’t wear traditional ones yourself). Others
(and to be honest, I’m in this group) think the whole thing is just funny.
Well? What do you think?
While
we’re on the topic…any requests? Is there a particular type of undergarment
you’d like to seen thrown next? We aim to please. Or at least we aim. We
know – just make sure it is something soft and clean. Gotcha.
The
Pop Tart/Tampax preshow. Rumor has it the Pop Tarts spin on screen. Some
of us wonder why the Tampax don’t spin as well. Not to worry, we still
love you even if this oversight isn’t handled. The frozen chocolate poptart
idea is a bad one. (People have tried it. We’re like lemmings I tell you!
No, no one has tried freezing Tampax.) Many of your more loyal fans are
boycotting the chocolate poptarts altogether in honor of your chocolate
allergy. Sorry, I’m not that loyal.
The
program. Just a note from me and only me…spell “thanks” with a “k.” I’m
an English teacher – creative spelling causes sirens to go off in my brain,
making it harder for me to hear you sing.
Dirty
dancing on stage. There’s a BIG debate as to whether Jesus would dance
on stage like that. (I guess we skipped right over the “would Jesus be
a rock star in the first place” debate.) Most of us like that you are dancing.
Everyone thinks you are doing a good job of it. No one wants to see you
that close to either Carmen or Julia ever again. Stop it now. Thank you.
“Invisible.”
Everyone likes you singing it. No one likes that some pseudo-angsty boy
band sings it in the UK (Yes, we've seen their website. Many times...)
We’re a little torn over the creepy, stalker lyrics. (I am having fits
over "If I was..." It should be "were." Again, the sirens.) At any rate
– we’ll buy it. (Lemmings!)
The
clutch/claw. Yes, everyone loves you grabbing your shirt during “Invisible.”
Keep that part of the choreography in. May we humbly suggest you add more
and maybe raise your shirt higher? We love you all angsty (show those UK
boys how it is done) and a little glimpse of tummy is never a bad thing.
(Besides, I’ve seen pictures of Jesus shirtless.)
Backstage
passes. Ok. Why does it seem that EVERYONE is getting backstage? I’m going
to see James Taylor in concert in a few weeks and don’t think I have a
snowball’s chance in Hades of getting backstage to see him. I’ll be seeing
you next Wednesday (Cleveland Rocks!) and have a feeling that I could actually
take you out for coffee or a beer (or something you actually would/could
drink.) It just seems strange…
Michelle
Branch and P. Diddy – we don’t think you should date either of these people.
While some of us love Puffy and think he was respectful on TRL, no one
likes Carson and everyone pretty much hates Michelle.
The
video. We can’t wait. Everyone is hoping that the orange makeup (and makeup
up your nose) was necessary. We like the bare feet. We like the jeans.
We like nearly everything. The things we don’t like we will learn to like.
Just get it released.
Measure
of a Man. Yeah, we all bought it. We bought it before it had a name. We
like the title, but who are we kidding? You could have named it “White
Boy on Fire” and no one would have cared. I’m glad it has a name, though.
I feel a little less freakish. Now when is the release date?
Signs.
Every person going to the concert is racking his/her brain to come up with
something to get your attention. Mine will either say, “Clay Aiken. The
other white meat” or “Got Panties?” (I’m not that creative.) Look for me,
okay?
Signs
– Part II. There’s been much speculation as to whether you read these boards.
Many fans believe that you are giving “signals” to us that you read what
we write. I think the supposed “signs” are way too subtle. May I suggest
you try to include one of the following clues…
“Hey,
internet people!”
“I
was reading an internet board about me the other day…”
Or
if you want to be more "secret agent" about it...
“When
James Taylor and I were drinking coffee…” or
(my
favorite) “I am the other white meat.”
I
hope this recap was helpful. This board moves pretty fast. If you don't
stop and look around once in awhile, you could miss it. (Bonus points to
whomever can name where the previous sentence comes from...)Try to get
some sleep and take care. Let me know about the coffee/whatever. Oh – and
rock on.
Until
Cleveland…
Sent:
7/24/2003 7:02 PM
Here's
another funny one from Nicmike at TTC:
July
24, 2003
Dear
Clay,
Hope
life is well on the road. We’ve been getting tour updates from Claymates
(again, I’m not sure about the “Clay” as all parts of speech thing, but
I’ll go with it.) Despite that you’re probably exhausted by this point
-- you have not disappointed a single city. Way to go.
I
thought you might enjoy another recap on your day off of what has been
happening here on the Internet with all of your fans. You must read some
of this stuff, right?
“Crazy
Like a Clay Fan.” Hmmm… this topic is a tough one. Those of us who heard
the interview with the obnoxious guy in Jacksonville (I will not print
his name as he, along with Michelle Branch (?), has most likely received
plenty of hate email already) realize that you didn’t really call us crazy.
It just sounded that way. Please try to not put “crazy” and “fan” in the
same sentence again. While some of us will own up the the fact that following
a 24 year old singer’s every move and pre-ordering albums that haven’t
been officially titled is a little crazy, the rest of us need to come to
the realization on our own. Clay, you shouldn’t taunt us crazy people…it
only makes us depressed…and depressed people don’t shop or pre-order. Enough
said. We still love you. (One moment please while I stop to take my meds…)
Girlfriends.
Yes, like the panties last week, you knew I would have to bring up the
“ex-girlfriend” radio discussion. As a group were torn about the whole
issue. We want to see you happy. We want to see you in love. We have a
morbid fascination with your personal life. BUT…it would probably be best
that you think of us the way you might think of an ex-girfriend. We want
to know that you have moved on with your life and hear every detail about
your next girlfriend, but once we get this information it makes us a little
sad…Maybe, since you seem like such a sweet and sensitive guy, you could
spare our feelings a little and try not to bring it up. Thanks. By the
way, my husband, for some strange reason, has a few girls he’d like to
set you up with…
Publicists.
Ok – as I said before, I am an English teacher. As a result, I have NO
idea what a publicist actually does. I know that you have three of them
though. Can I be the fourth? I’m not sure that I would be good at it, but
I am sure I could manage booking you for interviews with racist, “high
school,” baiting disc jockeys like the one you spoke with in Jacksonville.
So offer me a job – or maybe you should fire the person who actually did
book that interview. Just a thought…
Heaven.
There was a long thread on one board about people who say they will meet
you in heaven. Not to worry – they meant after your natural life span was
spent here on earth. We all like that you are spiritual. I’m a little upset
because I was raised Catholic and will probably end up in purgatory. Do
you think you could send me a postcard or something? You’re such a good
guy.
WWJD
part II. Ok, in a letter to the editor at Rolling Stone someone wrote that
Jesus wouldn’t have put you on the cover. Who thinks Jesus would work for
Rolling Stone in the first place? It makes me wonder why we always seem
to skip the first part of the Jesus debate.
UNCC
Graduate? Everyone is pleased that you might finish your bachelor’s degree
in December. (I am thrilled – I was afraid you would have to get a horrid
“honorary degree.” In my world those don’t count.) And as much as I hate
that you are using my REAL career is your fallback, I’m okay with it because
secretly being a pop star is my backup career. I know, good thing the whole
English teaching thing is panning out for me, huh? Hey, I’ll even send
you $20 as a graduation gift, which is big because I am cheap.
A
few petty gripes. Last time I nagged about your misspelling of “Thanks.”
This time I want to ask that you NOT wear Ruben’s pants ever again. I know
some people loved it, but it’s not really my kind of humor…just saying…
Favorite
threads of the week. On CA.com – will more people start naming their baby
boys Clay? My thoughts? Not if the husbands have any say in the matter!
In another thread, we’ve decided you have “masculine,” flexible knees.
No, I have no idea what that means. Yes, I guess it could mean that we
need a hobby. On TTC – what will you be doing in 20 years…good question…
Have you ever considered running for the Senate? No, me neither. I'm planning
on being a pop star...
Claynadians.
They are very happy that you stopped by. (I’m a little surprised that you
all sang “God Bless the U.S.A.” there. And yes, I blame the publicists
again.) Good thing Canada is so nice. They didn’t seem to mind. I hear
rumor that they tried to get customs to not let you out of the country.
Too bad you are ours. Nanny, nanny, ha, ha!
CLEVELAND!
Great job! Yes, I was at the show. Did you see me? I was wearing red…I
understand why you didn’t say you were “the other white meat” or any of
the other
codes we set up. (Yes, I blame your publicists.) I was a little
sad that you did not let me take you out for coffee/beer/something you’d
actually imbibe afterward like I offered last week. Carmen, Julia and I
had a great time though. Please don’t believe them when they say I threatened
them about dancing with you. I wasn’t -- that -- serious. Besides, I was
all hyped up on Pop Tarts – I swear…you have no idea what sugar can do
to a girl…
Rumors
about your being/doing <fill in the blank>. Yeah, not to worry. We’re
too crazy to believe any of them anyway. You had us at, “I’m the next American
Idol.” (movie allusion bonus points of the week for this one –I know –
too easy!)
Have
a great day off (as if you really get any of those.) We hope you get some
rest. Oh, and eating a few of those Pop Tarts they give away wouldn’t kill
you. Wait -- maybe they would -- I think they're chocolate. Ok -- skip
the Pop Tarts but eat SOMETHING! You looked great on stage, really – but
thin. Take care…
P.S.
I won’t tell anyone it was actually me you kissed in Cleveland…it’ll be
our secret…
July
27, 2003
"He
is for all the world an innocent child most of the time - giggling, insecure,
clowning and then he suddenly becomes a man right in front of your eyes.
It makes the mother in us come screaming out !!!!" But then he goes
and throws confusion into the mix by having so much sex appeal!!
That sends up red flags that make women feel that their reactions are
innappropriate- but both the "mother attraction"and the "sexual attraction"
are so strong that he keeps us hooked and confused! "
From
a message board
BY
GEOFFREY GRAYBEAL : The Herald-Sun
A
friend of Clay's from School....
"Music
was never really Clayton’s first career choice, however. He wanted to be
a journalist, then a politician, then a teacher. "...Clayton Grissom
I
am including the whole article in case you guys never saw it...it's really
great!!
================
Clay
still Clayton despite ‘Idol’ changes
BY
GEOFFREY GRAYBEAL : The Herald-Sunggraybeal@heraldsun.comMay 20, 2003 :
10:24 pm ET DURHAM --
I
don’t really know Clay Aiken. But I remember Clayton Grissom quite well,
since he was one of my best friends at Leesville Road middle and high schools.
Although mutual friends have kept me informed of his latest happenings,
we’ve lost touch somewhat over the years though I still consider him a
friend. The past few months, watching that friend of 12 years, Clayton
Grissom, transform into "American Idol" finalist Clay Aiken has been surreal.
A few years ago, Clayton legally changed his name, taking his mother’s
maiden name as a way to honor her.
Best
I can tell, he dropped the "ton" to sound cooler for the contest. As a
legion of fans has emerged for the talented singer, and women young and
old swoon over the emerging star, I just smile. All these Claymates. All
this attention. All for Clayton. The same Clayton who was co-copy editor
of the middle school yearbook with me. Then, I click on the TV. There’s
super gorgeous model/actress Brooke Burke melting as Clay sings "Unchained
Melody."
The
same Clayton who as a middle-school student helped teach gym class to elementary
school students for an hour a day. Back on the tube, there’s Clay on "Oprah."
The same Clayton who was a broadcast journalist in the middle school’s
first student newscast, WLMS. I hop on the World Wide Web. Click. Clay
face adorns countless magazines, newspapers and fan Web sites across the
world And I think back to Clayton who in 1997 brought the crowd at a packed
Raleigh Memorial Auditorium to its feet during Wake County schools’ annual
arts showcase "Pieces of Gold."
I
check my e-mail. There’s a photo from a friend. It’s Clay re-united in
Hollywood with four high school friends who made the trip to watch him
live. The same Clayton who often served as a designated driver for those
very friends and others after parties. These are a few of the memories
I have. This is the Clayton I know. There have been some slight changes,
of course, but Clay is still Clayton. That same self-confidence is there.
Clayton believes he can accomplish anything and then sets out to do it.
Don’t
believe me? Listen to his first "Idol" audition in Atlanta where judge
Simon Cowell asks him why he’s here. Clayton’s response? "I’m the American
Idol." When asked if he saw the first show, Clayton, then-contestant No.
5230, boldly declares that talent-wise he easily could have been in the
top 10.
hough
few would have agreed at the time, my how right he was. For many years,
music has been a big part of who Clayton is. He has used that amazing God-given
talent to perform whether it was in the school chorus or belting out the
national anthem at Dorton Arena for the now-defunct minor league hockey
team, the Raleigh IceCaps.
Music
was never really Clayton’s first career choice, however. He wanted to be
a journalist, then a politician, then a teacher. Although his career goals
have changed over the years, the determination has remained with each pursuit.
On
"Idol", however, Clay seemed somewhat muted at first. The Clayton I know
would have had a sharp-tongued reply for some of the harsh criticism from
brutally honest judge Cowell. Clay(ton)’s sarcasm, wit and sense of humor
seems to still be intact. Remember the Ford commercial where all the Idol
contestants are pimped out except Clay at first. Aside from the Alfalfa
part, the red-haired bespectacled goofy looking dork that emerged is Clayton.
That’s Clay spoofing Clayton. Priceless!!
Obviously,
the look has changed the most. Clayton has gone Hollywood. The glasses
are no more. The spiked morning hair look a la host Ryan Secrest is the
new ’do. Stylin’. Profilin’. And of course folks certainly treat Clayton
differently now. Fame seems to do that.
The
slightly dorky kid who some classmates made fun of and picked on is now
the talk of the town. Gov. Mike Easley promised him his own bridge. Fans
flock to him. Even other celebrities come to hear him sing. And who can
blame them? America loves Clay. And I can only grin. And shake my head
in disbelief. I don’t need the contest to reaffirm what I already know.
That’s
my friend. Clayton Grissom. The American Idol.
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