"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 beelieve 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 choccolate. 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.
