7/02/09 
Behind the scenes with…Mike Pleasant, concert manager (Part 1) 
Clay Aiken - It was a hard show to work because for the first time we had two shows that day. The first show sold out in 9 minutes and the second show sold out in 11 minutes. There was such a buzz in the arena before the show that you could just feel the excitement. People came from all over the U.S. to see this show. There were as many people from out of state as there were from N.C. We had big screens set up on both sides of the stage and people taped the show from all angles. It took the crew 7 hours to build the set for the stage. They put in an elevator to raise him up through a clam shell with fog and he walked down a set of stairs to the stage. I will never forget how loud the crowd got when they saw him come up out of the fog. The stage was beautiful and the light show was unbelievable. 

And for others, there's American Idol. 

That's not saying that the singers who do well in the enormously popular Fox vocal competition are undeserving of instant fame. But it does tell you that more Americans are at home watching their TVs on Tuesday and Wednesday nights than are hanging out in clubs. They are watching and, in a way that always infuriates those with gilded musical tastes, democratically electing the voices that will be heard on the radio, the songs that get stuck in your head at night, and the faces that will appear on the cover of Rolling Stone. 

Without American Idol, we might never have heard of Jennifer Hudson, Clay Aiken, Kelly Clarkson, or Carrie Underwood, talented as they are. 

6/15/09 
Blame gets shared for dark side of reality TV fame
But yanking TV contests off the airwaves seems impossible, for now, because the shows are among the network's most-watched and they bring in millions of dollars of advertising revenues. 

Moreover, for every Susan Boyle, there is a Clay Aiken, a runner-up who went on to a successful life and new career. 

6/12/09 
Change partners: Elvis Costello and...Clay Aiken?
One of the most delightful surprises on television recently was last month's "30 Rock" season finale, featuring an all-star sing-along on a faux-anthem called "Kidney Now." Elvis Costello served as ringleader, opposite Mary J. Blige and even Raleigh "American Idol" star Clay Aiken. Costello will bring an acoustic band to Cary's Booth Amphitheater for a show on Sunday; and if Aiken were to turn up wanting to crash the party, Costello would probably just roll with it -- the man is used to unusual collaborations, after all. 

"Maybe your local boy might want to sing some country?" Costello asked with a laugh during a recent interview. "He can hop on up and do some harmonies with us; maybe some gospel. You never know what might happen!"

Well, probably not. But as to what might really happen at Sunday's show, complete with lots of talk about Costello's new album, check out the interview in Friday's paper. 

Frankly, those Clay Aiken concerts sound like fun compared to trying to win in the West with the Kings’ roster. Enjoy yourself, Paulie! 

And what about some of the newer artists? 

"Yeah, American Idol," volunteers Ray. "You've got Clay Aiken. Kelly Pickler. Fantasia. We intend to induct them." 

They've already seen enough reality TV shows to know that American Idol crowns only one winner, but if you don't win, it's not the end of the world. 
You could still end up like Clay Aiken.

Attention citizens of Doylestown, Pennsylvania! Do you have a head shot, an interest in sketch comedy, and reliable transportation? If so, it's time to start getting psyched for The Justin Guarini Hour! Yes, you read that right, we said an hour. With Justin Guarini. We can't wait to hear Clay Aiken's review. 
 

Making a Difference: Clothes Off Our Back

5/22/09
29 million see ‘Idol’
Nielsen ratings give “American Idol” a huge win as Kris Allen beat Adam Lambert to become the show’s singing champ.
Nielsen says nearly 29 million viewers tuned in for the finale Wednesday. “American Idol” viewership, one-third larger than the total audience logged by Fox’s rival networks ABC, CBS, NBC and The CW.
The 2003 finale between Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken remains the most-watched, with 38.1 million tuning in.

5/21/09
10. Clay Aiken 
He started out as the nerdy kid with the wire specs, got cut in the round of 32, came back as a wild card, got a makeover, became an unlikely heartthrob and rode a powerful set of pipes — and the whole "geek to chic" thing — all the way to the finals of season two, where he lost a nail-biter to Ruben Studdard. But he didn't let that stop him: Post-"Idol," he's sold a ton of albums (his debut, Measure of a Man, bowed at #1, selling a staggering 613,000 copies in its first week), starred in Broadway plays, became a pop-culture touchstone, proved that he has a rather deft touch for comedy and, oh, came out of the closet. Not too shabby. 

The 10 Greatest 'American Idol' Contestants Of All Time 

5/21/09
Clay Aiken, Season Two: The flame-haired crooner and his coterie of devoted Claymates are easy to mock, but let's give Aiken some credit. Four top-five Billboard album hits. Two platinum-selling albums. A memoir on the New York Times best-sellers list. Still, the now openly gay father might be a little too full of himself at this point: Did we really need The Very Best of Clay Aiken six years after his first release? Apparently not, as the disc stalled at #173 on the Billboard chart. Then again, he did have a brilliant cameo on the season finale of "30 Rock" last week. Success score: 4 out of 5 "Idol" stars 

~Will Adam's career be more like Justin Guarini's or Clay Aiken's?

5/20/09
Set your DVRs! Seacrest promised that tonight’s three-hour show is so packed with goodies that it’s likely to go over. (Please let it involve Clay Aiken!) 
[Not holding our breath]

Down to the 'Shoe-In vs. Dark Horse' Moment

5/20/09
Second season winner Clay Aiken’s work in front of the camera has been limited to television. Technically this feature is supposed to highlight any movie work that past “Idol” contestants have done, but I couldn’t help myself in this case. Aiken appeared in an episode of “Scrubs” shortly after his “Idol” win, but he stepped into the spotlight once again last week with a cameo appearance – one of many that night – on NBC’s “30 Rock.” Aiken’s cameo happened to stand out from the rest because it was revealed that, in the show’s fiction, he is the cousin of lovable NBC page Kenneth Parcell (Jack McBrayer).

American Idols Do Hollywood

5/17/09
"...the [GLEE] pilot will be aired this Tuesday night on the back of Fox's powerhouse ratings bonanza, America Idol - which is actually more about marketing than real musical talent. That said, it has been responsible for Clay Aiken - who went to Broadway in 2008 with Spamalot. So it's a good strategy to pair these two together - although a preview months before the show starts is questionable."

http://crossoverman.livejournal.com/607388.html

4/28/09
May sweeps is also the time when some shows sign off for good – say farewell to Prison Break and King of the Hill in the coming weeks – and regular series wrap up with big-ticket season finales. Quite often these finales will include stunts and celebrity guest appearances, but this May's list is noticeably lacking in star power. 

Beyond the delightful Ms. Fairchild and the wedding between McDreamy and Meredith on Grey's Anatomy (May 14), the season-finale forecast is not so great. 

In case you're making a list, Carl Reiner plays a cranky old patient on House (May 11). Gerald McRaney, formerly TV's Major Dad, does likewise on the finale of CSI (May 14). And Alan Alda and Clay Aiken – together at last! – turn up on the last outing of 30 Rock (May 14). 

Revenues are down, and so is the sweeps hoopla 

4/23/09
Just Tweeted: 

DaveKentShow (Dave Kent) 

http://twitpic.com/3tyb9 - faye parker clay aiken's mommy stopped by... clay and baby are great 

"What my little eyes spy... Who am I looking at in the lounge at JFK?!? Umm... only freaking CLAY AIKEN!!! He's sitting on the other side of the room from me. Should I say hi?!? Fun! :) " 

4/19/09
All that said, this is THE strongest group of finalists in American Idol history.  Previous Disco Weeks have bordered on ridiculous and baffling (except maybe Clay Aiken's kitschy and fabulous-in-retrospect rendition of "Everlasting Love"), but if anyone can make it a good night, it's the Season 8 contestants! 

American Idol: Jen Dishes The Latest

4/12/09
I didn't know Clay Aiken was A) An acting pro, and B) A fashionista, but the former American Idol contestant was both on ANTM this week, when he guest judged and coached the stick figures in a stage exercise by playing a diva fashionista. This was all in preparation for the always entertaining CoverGirl commercial shoot. The models were plagued with the usual forgotten lines and bland delivery -- and it was no shocker shy Tahlia's ad was the worst in the bunch. I knew acting week would take her down for good, and it did. 

This Weeks Reality TV Update

4/7/09
Clay Aiken, fashionista, model expert 

Quote: 
American Idol-spawned musical sensation Clay Aiken, 30, says he was an awesome judge on an episode of America's Next Top Model because of his experiences on Idol. 

"It was interesting to be on the other side of the [judges'] table and think of all these things that I went through in '03," he said. (In '03, he finished second to Ruben Studdard on Idol.) 

"I think the girls kind of appreciated that, the fact that I had been in a similar position." 

Clay's episode airs tomorrow night. 

Clay Aiken, fashionista, model expert

4/7/09
CLAY AIKEN JUDGES "AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL" RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) Clay Aiken knows what it's like to be judged. That's why he thinks he was a good guest judge on "America's Next Top Model." He says the ladies on the show appreciated that he had been in a similar position as they are. He knows who gets voted off this week and he says the women who stay are "the people who are willing to be themselves and not worry." The episode airs tomorrow on the CW.

KXNet.com

~Playlist Series

The shoe’s on the other foot as Clay Aiken sits in judgment of contestants on the April 8 episode of “America’s Next Top Model.”

“It was surreal to be stepping into the position of ‘judge’ on a competition show, having come from one myself,” says Aiken, a longtime fan of the show.

On the show, Aiken works with models on an acting challenge before sitting with Tyra Banks on the judges’ panel.

“The show’s been able to stay true to its goal of giving amazing opportunities to real young girls who might not have had such chances before,” he says.

Stargazing

The Time of My Life Blog 

Simon Cowell Predicts American Idol Top 2 - Adam Lambert and Danny Gokey 

3/28/09
Past winners (pf American Idol) including Kelly Clarkson and several runners-up, such as Clay Aiken and Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson, have gone on to lucrative music careers as well as appearing in films and on Broadway.

Fans pare "Idol" top 10 with Sarver elimination

3/21/09
"Our opening night was made a bit more special than usual by a visit from none other than Clay Aiken. Clay drove six hours in order to see his good friend Merle Dandridge, with whom he performed in "Spamalot" on Broadway. I admit that when I heard he was out front, I got a couple butterflies; one always feels that extra scrutiny from another performer who has played the same part. But turnabout is fair play--I got to see Clay perform when I was in New York last fall-- and I was actually delighted to show him my take on Sir Robin. He stopped back stage after the performance and was very complimentary to me. It was nice to see him again, and what a good friend he is to come and see his buddy Merle strut her stuff. "

http://jamesbeaman.blogspot.com/ 

3/21/09
"Last night I happened to watch our local Fox news....entertainment, they mentioned stories coming up...heard Clay Aiken. It was about 30 rock. The story says...Clay Aiken is taking a break from singing to appear in the 30 Rock finale. 
The local anchors: 
Her: I LOVE Clay Aiken. 
Him: I didn't know he was taking a break from singing. 
Her: I guess..shrugged. 
Him: I THOUGHT HE ALREADY WAS. 
Her: Shrugged again...and says again, "I love Clay Aiken". 
Him: You love AI and have a big poster on the wall. 
Her: Yeah with a big heart around Clay Aiken."

~rcknrllmom

3/19/09
I-Peeper 

Pronunciation: Eye-peeper. 

Function: Noun. 

Definition: A person, usually in the workplace, who looks at someone's iPod screen to see what they are listening to, then comments on it, or uses that information later for some other purpose. 

Examples: “Hey, I don't mean to be an I-Peeper but I see we have a mutual Clay Aiken thing going on.” 

Urbandictionary.com 

3/18/09
"Former “American Idol” finalist Clay Aiken [was spotted] sitting in the left orchestra section of the Cobb Energy Performing Arts  Centre for the opening night performance of “Spamalot.” The singer played the role of Sir Robin in the Broadway production of the hit Monty Python musical last year. We’re told he happily signed autographs for the theater-goers who recognized him."

"Peach Buzz" Atlanta Column

3/13/09 
"Getting into the final 12 is a big deal for the semi-finalists, because it means weeks of national and international TV exposure, a performance showcase that has spelled stardom, not just for each year’s chosen Idol, but similarly for some runners-up and also-rans, like Clay Aiken and Jennifer Hudson."

Inquirer Entertainment

3/06/09 
THIS  MIGHT BE MORE OF AN INTERESTING MENTION THAN A "NICE" ONE:

"He knows you're alone. You know what freaked me about "Watchmen," the splashy action movie that opened this week? When Rorschach, the grim vigilante played by Jackie Earle Haley had his mask pulled off, he looked eerily like Clay Aiken, "American Idol's" most famous runner-up. 

At first the likeness was disorienting. Then it made perfect sense. I suddenly realized Aiken is in the wrong line of work. He should leave behind the sappy ballads, the sappy show tunes and the sappy seasonal carols and instead pursue roles as a horror film fiend.

I'm telling you, Clay could be the next Freddy Krueger."

Dave on Demand: The television week in review

2/09/09 
[Try to tell us Clay Aiken isn't a household word; mentioned in at least 3 publications below regarding the grammy performance of Radiohead]

... Yorke was a captivating presence, shaking and jittering all over the stage like he had ants in his pants. Still, what was up with the Clay Aiken 'do, Thom?

Boston.com

Introduced by a fawning Gwyneth Paltrow, Radiohead was far more mind-blowing, playing "15 Step" backed by the USC Marching Band. Looking as much like Clay Aiken as ever, Thom Yorke did the digital rock star strut while the music shook the house. Not to fear: Neil Diamond took the rock-star vibe old school again with "Sweet Caroline." The guy doesn't sing so much as preside.

Boston Globe

Gwennie is out to introduce Radiohead … and the USC marching band!!! And they’re doing “15 Step.” EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE. This is pretty great — with the band, it sounds like some pepped up version of “The National Anthem” or “Life In A Glass House” — though I’d be lying if I said Thom Yorke’s feathery hair wasn’t distracting me a bit right now. Seriously, he looks like Clay Aiken.

 NewsRoom MTV

The company will have ongoing programs at the Barrett Academy in Akron, where students have multiple disabilities, and "Hands that Speak Volumes," an after-school program for deaf teens. 

Even Simon Cowell would have to approve of that.
 

-- James McCarty and Kim Crow contributed information

1/28/09 
This element of surprise is what initially drew me to Clay from the very first time that I heard him.  I had only just started watching the show, and I still got a kick out of the bad auditions.  When the cameras focused on Clay, I was ready for the worst of the worst.  He was a complete dork, with his spiky red hair, ears that stuck out to Minnesota, striped shirt that hung off of his skinny body, and glasses that sat unevenly on his face.  I braced myself to laugh my face off, and then Clay opened his mouth.  What poured out, of course, was beyond amazing, and I knew from that moment that he was going to win.  (And even though he didn’t, let’s be honest, he sort of did.) 

From: Jacksonville’s sun shines brighter than most Idol hopefuls 

1/28/09 
Although he didn't win, Clay Aiken became an overnight sensation, spawning a fanbase rival to those of pop stars of previous generations. 

From:  Has American Idol lost its way?

1/24/09 
LET'S PLAY
American Idol finalist Clay Aiken will be cohosting the first annual Golfing for Inclusion charity benefit at Mirasol Country Club, Palm Beach Gardens at 10 a.m. Monday.

The tourney, cohosted by PGA pro Wayne Player, supports The Bubel/Aiken Foundation's Let's All Play program, helping kids with disabilities go to camp.

If you're not so hot on the greens, the new dad -- the out and proud Aiken had a son, Parker, with his baby-making pal Jaymes Foster in August -- will take to the stage at 6:30.
From: Miami Hearld Entertainment

1/08/09
Clay Aiken, Bridge Over Troubled Water, Season 2, Finals. Clay had impressed viewers and judges with his high, sustained glory notes over the course of the finals in 2003, but it was the surprise of his rich lower range that raised the hair on my arms during the performance that should have sealed his win over Ruben Studdard (notably absent from my list). Many hated this overdone arrangement complete with gospel choir, but no one, not even grumpy Simon, could deny Clay’s vocal talent after his grand finale.

1/08/09 
From a MySpace blog

Saturday, January 03, 2009 

Clay Aiken - My New Inspiration 
Current mood: Proud and inspired 
Category: Proud and inspired Music 

Okay, okay, before any of you go crazy and yell and scream "What the hell is wrong with you?", let me explain: 

As you know, I just got back from a two week long trip up North or back Home: Massachusetts and New York. One of my christmas gifts from one of my very good childhood friends was tickets for my [formerish] band and I to see Spamalot! on Broadway. [which, sadly, ends Jan. 11th so GO SEE IT!!!] So we went out to eat at the Olive Garden down in Times Square which was crowded as ever due to the set up for the New Year's special, then went down to Sherbert Alley to the Sherbert Theatre where Spamalot! is performed. We sit down in our amazing seats [first mezzanine] and browse through the program and lo and behold: Clay Aiken's name appears. I admit, I was very skeptical at first and said "This will be interesting." So the lights dim and, of course, the puns start flying even before the first actor appears on the stage. Clay Aiken plays Sir Robin among other characters, but Sir Robin being his main role as one of King Arthur's Knights of the Round Table. No, I won't tell you what happens [though if you've seen Monty Python, you already know], but I will tell you that Clay is fantastic. He is outrageously funny, his singing talents are better than ever, his dancing is excellent...I don't think one single bad thing could be said about his performance and if he was having an off-night, I certianly couldn't tell. It is worth seeing because A - it will make you laugh nonstop as long as you take everything with a grain of salt, B - it closes very soon sadly to make way for the new upcoming '09 shows and C - Clay, along with the other actors and the band and the tech crew, is worth seeing. I have become inspired by his performance and I am happy that he has found his second grail and is doing what he loves to do and I am very proud to have seen him, both from afar onstage and upclose as he signed autographs. I did manage to break through the crowd of his fans and say to him, "You were phenomenal and I agree: you have found your second grail." He looked up from the program he was signing and smiled at me and mouthed "Thank you." I smiled back and nodded and he disappeared through the stage door. I admire Clay for all he has done and the change he has made for and of himself. I thoroughly admit I was wrong about him and I see that now. Give him a chance and you won't be disappointed. 

"We rallied up and proceeded to our next mission… a Broadway Show, wait no, that can’t be right… is it? What? But it was! Sgt. Maj. with his charm and tenacity the previous day, managed to inquire about tickets to Spamalot, which was in its last two weeks of showing at the Shubert Theater. Wendy, the theater manager was really honored that we would come to the show prior to our deployment and was kind enough to give us standing room tickets at no cost! As we waited outside in the brutally cold wind, our excitement kept us warm Of course the warm welcomes, applause and thank yous that we received from nearly everyone we encountered also helped. It was touching compared to the stares of wonder a uniformed Solider usually gets when traveling. 

The spectacle that was Spamalot was hilarious, and the hospitality of the the theater patrons was not atypical of what we witnessed outside. Two patrons gave up their very expensive 5th row seats to two of our lower enlisted, Spc. Richardson and PFC Clifton, after the first act. We laughed through the rest of the show and singing cadences of “Always look on the bight side of life, one of the numbers from the act. This song really got us fired up, and I believe that it will be the theme of the rest of the deployment. After the theater cleared out, we were warmly invited on-stage to meet, greet and take pictures with the cast. Clay Aiken, who played Sir Robin, even came out to greet us and give us his well-wishes for a safe deployment. Perhaps the oddest thing was that THEY treated US like star. This impacted me deeply especially after talking with some of the cast who repeatedly thanked us. 

“Because of what your do,” one said, ” we can perform this frivolous entertainment for fans. And it is only because of what you do, that makes what we do possible.” 

I really appreciated the hospitality of the cast of Spamalot and am so thankful of their appreciation. The time came to lave the theater and proceed back to South Ferry for our return to our barracks. Singing to our new-found tune the whole time."

1/02/09 
Regrettable Trends in Pop Culture: 2008 Edition 
Sing-Along Movies: It's considered rude to talk during a movie. It's even worse to use a cell phone. The adver-trailers make this PERFECTLY CLEAR. 
So what kind of crazy upside-down world are we living in when the audience is invited to sing along with the professionals? We've all seen "American Idol." Most of us suck. Don't be fooled by your shower acoustics. Chances are, you're no Clay Aiken. You're probably not even a Taylor Hicks. 
So to "Mamma Mia!" and "High School Musical 3," we say, "You were darling, dorky, adorable movies that we love like our own embarrassing relatives. But we don't want to have to pay to watch Betty Tonedeaf sing and shake her moneymaker, not when we can get that for free at the family reunion." 
In 10 years, this crazy trend will seem like an impossible/insane dream. Trust us. 

12/19/08 
 In entertainment, big-voiced Clay Aiken was an American Idol runner up to some chubby dude and look at Clay now!  Proud papa.

12/04/08 
"So...I was fortunate to get to meet David Foster tonight at my PBS station -- he was here for the pledge drive.

What a lovely man, and so friendly. Asked me my name, used it a lot. After a little discussion of some of the artists he's produced and written for, he insisted I go get my camera. While I was gone, my boss -- who had accompanied me -- clearly busted me as a Clay fan, because when I returned, he freely talked about Clay and Jaymes and Parker, asked how I was with all of the things that had happened with Clay this year (the coming out, the baby, etc.). I was, to say the least, surprised that he seemed to care so much about my opinion. I have to say that he was VERY complimentary of Clay, an extremely doting uncle concerning Parker, and beaming with pride when he talked about all of them."

~Pink Armchair

12/02/08 
Christmas Carol CDs for Less than $11: Cole, Crosby, Aiken and More
"Clay Aiken-Merry Christmas With Love (2004): Combining one of the most powerful voices heard in recent years with traditional Christmas songs, "Merry Christmas With Love" is the perfect blend of traditional holiday music and pop music. Clay Aiken delivers a powerful performance on songs like "Don't Save It All For Christmas Day", and on the same turn, offers a more gentle approach to songs like "Silent Night" and combines gentle and powerful on the track, "Mary Did You Know". At around $9.99, this album is perfect for pop fans and Christmas music aficionados alike!"

11/26/08 
Liz Smith: David Foster, a 'Hit Man' With Heart 

"David has five — count ‘em five — daughters. His sister, Jaymes, is the woman who made Clay Aiken a baby daddy. He is comfortable with women and most other aspects of life and love. Of his sister’s choice, he did say, “She was married for 23 years and always wanted children. The marriage ended. She and Clay were best friends and they found a way to have this beautiful baby. It’s great. She is a phenomenal mother. And they are all very happy.”

"Crystal and Ken strike again! This time New York lawyer Charlie Herschel, 29, was their target on Survivor: Gabon. In a phone interview from his hometown, juror No. 2 dished about being blindsided, why he was willing to starve, the Marcus bromance and his Clay Aiken connection. – Carrie Bell 

<snip> 

"It has come out that you were IM friends with Clay Aiken before he came out in the pages of PEOPLE. What are your thoughts on him being open and becoming a dad?"
No comment. No, I am happy for him. He is a happy guy and the whole thing is great. He deserves happiness."

To get the best idea of the Chipmunks' appeal, look at another entertainment juggernaut, "American Idol." Both trade in the allure of rags-to-riches insta-stardom. Alvin opens his new movie without even a shirt on his back and ends it a celebrity. Both acts are squeaky clean, family friendly and, to be honest, not very original. Not unlike Clay Aiken, the Chipmunks have achieved fame through their song covers. Even the rights-shy Beatles gave them permission to record after Bagdasarian met them in London, and the Chipmunks have duplicated songs from rock stars as big as Elvis ("Heartbreak Hotel"), the Beach Boys ("Surfin' USA"), Little Richard ("Tutti Frutti") and Billy Joel ("Uptown Girl"). Ross Bagdasarian Jr., who took over after his father died in 1972, says artists are usually thrilled at the prospect of Chipmunkification. "They see it as a cultural compliment if the Chipmunks cover their tunes," he says. "They know we are going to do a faithful, high-quality production." 

She said they were sitting at the table with Donald Trump and a lot of big name celebrities but I cannot for the life of me remember who else.... 

Gayle said she is a Clay Aiken fan and has him on her IPod...!!! Yea Gayle!!!

Reported by BamaClayFan

A: I am very happy for him, and I am very offended that I was not asked to be the baby mama. I would like to think I'm at least on a short list. You know, I love to make fun of him, but I have all of his CDs, so good for him. 

~Kathy Griffin

10/26/08 
"My two other sisters live in Los Angeles and both of them are in the music business. Marylou remains married to Ian Eales, and she has been the music coordinator for a lot of big Hollywood films. Sometimes I meet big Hollywood players and the only reason I get props is because I'm her brother.

It's the same with my sister Jaymes. She worked for Warners for a long time and for the past decade has been working with me. She has a knack for finding talent before it hits. She has also been in the news recently because she just had her first child with Clay Aiken, of American Idol fame. She and Clay are best friends. She was producing music for him and they have now produced a child together-Parker Foster Aiken, DOB 8-8-08, at 8:08 a.m. (believe it or not)- and I applaud it. She was married for twenty-three years and after the marriage ended she realized she wanted children, so she had one.

What could be more perfect?"

David Foster in his book- Hitman: Forty Years Making Music, Topping the Charts, and Winning Grammys

10/23/08 
Idol Moments
"Clay Aiken, runner-up. North Carolina's own Clay Aiken -- he's a native of Raleigh -- is the most successful male performer in Idol history. He's sold millions of albums. He's written a best-selling book. He's worked in theater. And his personal life has kept the tabloids busy. An unlikely star, with a decent voice -- but he's going to stick around."

10/11/08 
Instyle blogger 
So where is this market you shop in?? LOL
Nice try! I shall never tell. A man deserves his privacy, especially after being called out on his penchant for Chef Boyardee. 

9/22/08
Sons' boosts Broadway box office 

"Monty Python's Spamalot" ($494,410) bumped up close to $80,000 to log the biggest jump of the week, with increased sales attributable in part to the return of Clay Aiken Sept. 19."

9/22/08
BC/EFA's Broadway Flea Market & Grand Auction Raises $496,380
This year's grand auction which featured longtime BC/EFA auctioneer Lorna Kelly and Broadway actor John Bolton (Curtains) featured 58 "lots" which raised $173,000. The top-selling lot was a pair of house seats to Spamalot and a backstage tour hosted by "American Idol" finalist Clay Aiken (which fetched $10,000), a walk-on role in the hit musical Wicked ($8,500), and a walk-on role in the international hit musical Mamma Mia! ($6,250).

9/20/08
Photo Coverage: 'A Tale Of Two Cities' Brings the Revolution to Opening Night!
Click on link above and scroll down for some nice photos of Clay from opening night at that show.

9/17/08
Top 10 Cities for Work and Play 
"Many people who are looking for a job or want to start their career stay within the city or at least the state that they grew up in. But why not branch out? We have the top ten cities that are making a name for themselves in this busy bustling world and the top careers within those cities that are most popular. So if you’re interested in a particular field, one of these hot-spots may be calling your name.
<snip> 
[Number 2 on the list]
Raleigh, N.C.

This past year was a turning point for Raleigh. This one time ''ghost town'' is now a popular place for companies to relocate to because of its reasonably priced housing market. And if you didn’t already know, home to American Idol contestant, now pop singer Clay Aiken. But singing isn’t the only gig here. Computers and pharmaceuticals make up most of the area's employment along with North Carolina's Research Triangle. It's one of the country’s largest and most successful research parks in the United States."

9/15/08 
Hibbard Will Return to Broadway's Spamalot Sept. 16 
"David Hibbard, whose Broadway credits include Anything Goes, A Class Act, Once Upon a Mattress and Cats, will return to the New York cast of Monty Python's Spamalot Sept. 16 at the Shubert Theatre. 

Hibbard will again step into the role of Patsy, succeeding recent star Drew Lachey. As previously announced, Sept. 16 also marks the arrival of Michael Siberry as King Arthur. Later in the week — on Sept. 19 — Clay Aiken returns to the cast of the Tony-winning musical as Sir Robin." 

9/14/08 
Reality News Online
RNO: You looked hopeful that you'd win the show, but were you surprised that Travis won it in the end?

Laurie: I wasn't surprised. Absolutely not! It came down to the top five and it was anyone’s game. I thought Andrew deserved and it could've gone any way. We have a lot of fans and consider us to be the Clay Aiken of Greatest American Dog. 

9/13/08 
From People magazine:
"The burning question is, will Matt Lauer still be speaking to them in the morning?

Lauer, 50, is slated to be the victim – that is, "honoree" – when the Friars Club gathers at the New York Hilton Oct. 24 and rakes the Today host over the coals, humorously, at its annual celebrity roast – an event noteworthy for wildly uncensored remarks at the expense of the guest of honor.

Among those scheduled to appear at the by-invitation-only, not-for-broadcast event include Lauer's predecessor Bryant Gumbel, his former sidekick Katie Couric and the current one, Meredith Vieira – as well as his across-the-channel rival, Good Morning America's Diane Sawyer.

Some may think Couric should know better. The year Donald Trump was roasted, she sat quietly on the dais only to be the target of a particularly raunchy remark by comic Susie Essman – for which Trump felt compelled to apologize.

Trump now is on the bill to help roast Lauer.

Also promised by the entertainers' fraternity to deliver no-bars-held remarks at its event: Clay Aiken, Joy Behar, Bob Saget, Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones, Vanessa Williams, Aretha Franklin, Eric McCormack, Tony Shaloub, Jerry Stiller, Mario Lopez and others." [This even will not be televised.]
 
 

9/10/08
American Idol 
"Could Archuleta be the next Clay Aiken — a runner-up, small in stature, large in vocals — outshining the season’s winner? He hasn’t reached out to Aiken for any advice, instead leaning on someone a little more relatable in current career path and age — last year’s winner and Jive label-mate Jordin Sparks. "
[Webmaster's note: Clay is 6 ft. 1 inch tall.. not exactly small in stature...]

"In the press box after the game, I saw Clay Aiken singing on six TVs and Indianapolis and Chicago playing football on three. This is unlikely to happen in Philadelphia."

9/02/08
The Broadway 30 Hot Tips
"Clay Aiken makes triumphant Spamalot return on September 19. New American Idol father back on Broadway."

8/29/08
Cowell, Seacrest talk new season
"As for Idol’s new judge Kara DioGuardi, Cowell commented to Extra, “She’s going great.” Jackson added, “I think she’s doing swimmingly well.”

Jackson even had a message to Idol alum and new dad, Clay Aiken. Jackson exclaimed, “Big shout out to Clay, man. I sent him some diapers, a nice diaper bag and the whole nine. I told him that Ryan would babysit on Tuesday nights.”

8/28/08
Spamalot Will Welcome a New King in September 
"Michael Siberry will step into the role of King Arthur in the Tony Award-winning musical Monty Python's Spamalot at Broadway's Shubert Theatre beginning Sept. 16. 

Siberry arrives on Broadway after originating the same role in the musical's national tour and performing it for two years. 

In a statement, Spamalot director Mike Nichols said, "Michael Siberry has burned up the road as a brilliant King Arthur for a long time. So good was he in major cities all over the country that it became our hope that he could bring his funny, charming and, in the end, powerful Arthur to Broadway. That will now happen and we, the creators of the show, are very happy."

Siberry will join a company that features Tom Deckman, Rick Holmes, Bradley Dean, Robert Petkoff, Wally Dunn and Merle Dandridge. As previously announced, "American Idol" finalist Clay Aiken will return to the Spamalot cast Sept. 19."

8/26/08
Why Kelly Owns Miley
"Back in the day, my family and I used to be really into American Idol. We would watch all the episodes, argue over the worthiness of each contestant, and phone in to vote for the ones we deemed superior… every single week. This went on for three seasons of the show, reaching its peak during the Ruben-Clay feud (Clay Aiken still has a special place in my heart)."

``Grease'' has maintained solid biz since it opened last summer, thanks in part to the national profile bestowed by its reality TV ties. Show originally launched with an NBC casting skein that chose the two leads thesps. (Runners-up have since stepped into the production.)

Reality stars, especially ``Idol'' alums, have become an increasingly common presence on the Rialto. Also in September, ``Idol'' contestant Clay Aiken returns to the Rialto for a second engagement in ``Monty Python's Spamalot.'' 

8/25/08
American Idol Show adds fourth judge
"In what already looks like the biggest format shakeup in American Idol history, Fox announced this morning that the show's eighth season will feature a fourth judge. It's Kara DioGuardi, a songwriter/producer who's worked with past Idol champs Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, and Taylor Hicks (as well as working with Davids Cook and Archuleta, Clay Aiken, Bo Bice, and Katharine McPhee), not to mention Avril Lavigne, Pink, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Miley Cyrus, the Jonas Brothers, Natasha Bedingfield, Jewel, Marc Anthony, and a host of others."

8/24/08
Final thoughts: London, Shawn Johnson, cheerleaders
"Shawn Johnson could be to gymnastics what Clay Aiken was to American Idol. In other words, finishing second, and having stage presence, can be as good as finishing first. Aiken is the singer whose career skyrocketed while that of the Idol winner, Ruben Studdard, did not. All-around gold medalist Nastia Liukin will be a popular figure, but in a country that usually only embraces winners, silver medalist Johnson could be an exception. (She did win a gold on balance beam.) Johnson's publicist told a Des Moines, Iowa, reporter that shawnjohnson.net received 2.3 million hits on a recent weekend."

8/22/08
AndPop.com
David Archuleta just crushed the time of David Cook's life.

Archuleta's new single, "Crush", debuted at No. 2 on the Hot 100 singles chart, beating Cook's "The Time of My Life" by one spot.

This makes the 17-year-old the first Idol runner-up to outperform the winner since Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard from season two.

8/19/08
Night Owl Writes:
"Clay mention in Monday's Insider (NY edition). Swarms of paps around Ryan and Randy outside a restaurant. Voiceover about advice for new father Clay Aiken. Lots of noise and voices, but I think Ryan and Randy were saying they would babysit for him. Short but positive."

8/18/08
Playbill yearbook 
 500 page book, with an interview with Hannah Waddingham:

"Clay's fans were very full-on but lovely. they were so embracing of the rest of us as well, even after he left the show, i still get flowers and cookies from them, saying they liked me in the show as well"

"Most exciting celebrity visitor and what did he/she say: "Glenn Close. She didn't come to see me, she came to see Clay Aiken. I had just joined the show and I didn't realize she was there until I came out to the water cooler for a drink......." 

8/15/08
From a NY blog site called "Curbed" [no link provided]
"While we're usually treated to gloomy-and-doomy reports on the local and state economy, here's a bright spot: the city's hotel occupancy rate is rising. As reported by the Sun, the average cost of a hotel room in the city climbed to $350 a night, up from the $300 reported in May 2007, and the occupancy rate climbed to 90%, a 1% increase from the same period last year. Broadway attendance, however, was down in May. Can we blame Clay Aiken? [NY Sun]"
[Yes. Clay left the first week of May]

8/14/08
According to E! TV, Simon Cowell gifted Clay and Jaymes with a $300 baby gift basket.

"...he [Edwards] was the lead piece on 'The Insider' on Friday, ahead of Clay Aiken's new baby and the pop singer John Mayer ..."

8/10/08
From an e-mail from Clay Aiken's mother Faye Parker regarding her new baby grandson:
"he is perfect" she is "proud as a peacock" "looking forward to spoiling him".

8/07/08
Saratogian earns six awards in AP contest
Second place in the "brightest headline" category went to Paul Tackett for "Molding Clay into spam," about Clay Aiken joining the cast of "Spamalot."

8/07/08
Idol tour stops in Hartford, Worcester
"While most "American Idol" runner-ups do not fare anywhere near as well as the winners, some, such as Clay Aiken, have found success. "

7/23/08
Obama entourage casts wide shadow
"JERUSALEM – Democrat Barack Obama doesn’t travel light. 

Halfway around the world, the Obama campaign machine appears as sprawling and seamless as it is on its home turf. As the presumptive Democratic nominee tours five countries in five days, he brings an entourage that would make a pop star envious. 

<snip> 

His entourage is smaller than what a president would mobilize for a multinational trip, but dwarfs that of Republican John McCain, who solicits advice from a smaller circle of advisers after 25 years in Congress and numerous trips abroad.

McCain visited the Middle East and Europe in March as part of a congressional delegation, which was paid for by taxpayer dollars, thus limiting the number of staff he could bring. 

But when the Arizona senator traveled to Mexico and Colombia last month, he mobilized only eight staff members, including two foreign policy advisers, two press aides, two advance workers and two assistants to Cindy McCain, said campaign spokesman Brian Rogers. 

“Who does he think he is?” Rogers asked of Obama. “Clay Aiken?” '

7/21/08
Liveblogging: IAB Mobile
Randy Zadra, visiting fellow at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Media Lab, led the panel on Carriers and the Mobile Marketing Ecosystem: Accelerating Access at the IAB Mobile Leadership Forum. He posited initially that bound by their size and tradition, telephone carriers were long staid, nearly immovable organizations. Thanks to mobile marketing, though, they currently stand at the headwaters of cultural and commercial change, both within their own organizations and society at large. 

<snip> 

As a matter of course, carriers now seek to leverage popular culture in mobile marketing campaigns. AT&T did so many promotions with American Idol that Berman was not far off in declaring Clay Aiken “the father of text messaging.” Virgin, for its part, does promotions at rock concerts text messaging VIP ticket upgrades to those who carpooled. 

7/20/08
Alright (a blog)
"After church, we went to Smithfields BBQ, and guess who was there? Clay Aiken. He was sitting outside in the shade with a couple people, not drawing any attention to himself. It was kind of fun to see someone famous, even if it was just an American Idol guy. "

7/20//08
Cathy Dennis enjoys new life as hit songwriter
"Singer/songwriter Cathy Dennis stormed America at the beginning of the '90s with top 10 hits "C'mon and Get My Love," "Just Another Dream," "Touch Me (All Night Long)" and "Too Many Walls," and spent 67 weeks on the Billboard 200 with her debut album "Move to This."

After her third album in 1996, she launched a second career writing tunes for the likes of the Spice Girls, Kylie Minogue, Janet Jackson, Britney Spears and Celine Dion, among others.

She also signed with "American Idol" producer 19 Entertainment, delivering hits for Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood and Clay Aiken. This month, she scored her first No. 1 in the United States, as co-writer of Katy Perry's "I Kissed a Girl," which has ruled Billboard's Hot 100 singles chart for four weeks."

7/15/08
American Idol — Why Democracy Doesn’t Work
"Of all the American Idol alumni who are releasing records, the top two sellers are Idol winners, Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood. The next two highest on the list, Clay Aiken and Chris Daughtry, are non-winners. Being from different seasons than the above two, one can’t claim that they were “overshadowed” by the winner’s success. Following these two, in 5th and 6th place, are season 2 and 3 winners, Ruben Studdard and Fantasia. Given the length of time between their seasons and now, one can be sure that their album sales won’t climb much in the future– unlike Daughtry above them, who is still on an upward path in his career. In the case of Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard, Aiken– who finished runner-up to Studdard– has sold over 2 million more albums and his follow-up albums have peaked far higher on the charts than Studdard’s non-debut albums."

"Eat mor chikin, meet mor celebrities. At least, that's the way Bo Hawkins sees it. 

Hawkins thinks he is the luckiest owner of any eating establishment in Salisbury. He seems to open the doors to his Chick-fil-A restaurant every morning anticipating a famous face walking in to, well, eat mor chikin. That's what happens sometimes at certain restaurants so close to the interstate, in this case, I-85. 

"It's amazing," Hawkins said one day last week just before the lunch rush. "You look up and just see these people." 

Hawkins ripped off a few examples: 

<snip> 

The employees may not have known Dole, but they rarely have trouble spotting a celebrity from TV or movies. Reality shows like Survivor and American Idol have produced some screeches from the customers. Clay Aiken, for example, drew plenty of oohs and ahhs." 

Keep up the good work! You have an awesome voice and a good heart. =)"

Clay: I'm actually not reading anything right now, but recently bought my favorite book from when I was a kid which is The Magic Hat of Mortimer Wintergreen by Myron Levoy."

• First, ladies, we ask you — is David Cook really ready to support a family? Sure, he's riding high on a record contract and endorsement deals now, but long-term success doesn't come easy for most male Idol stars. We'll spare you our multivolume thesis on why he's no Clay Aiken, but, suffice to say, he is no Clay Aiken. "

PG: I get asked that question a lot, actually. Basically, when I created my screen name, most that I saw were just cocky, tough, and macho. I wanted to do the opposite. I wanted people to be embarrassed to lose to me.

Q: What do you think of Reuben Studdard’s new album?

PG: I haven’t gotten around to listening to it yet. I mean, I’m not a Clay Aiken fan, but I’m not not a Clay Aiken fan (laughing). I have watched a ton of American Idol, though.
 
 

6/12/08
Clay Aiken: We didn't see this one coming, but congrats are still in order. Multiple Web sites have reported that the "American Idol" contestant and his roommate (and apparent Claymate) Jaymes Foster, are expecting a baby together <snip> Aiken plans to have "an active role in raising the child." Now that's the true measure of a man."
*Clay has not commented on rumors that he is to be a father.

Oh dude, that's cool.  He's a good guy.  He'll be a good dad, actually, Clay." *
*Clay has not commented on rumors that he is to be a father.

6/05/08 
American Idol Runner-up David Archuleta Signs Record Deal
17-year old American Idol runner up, David Archuleta, today announced his signing of a record deal with 19 Recordings/Jive Records. Archuleta is expected to release his debut album later this year.

Archuleta could potentially join other "Idol" losers who have gone on to reap huge success from their time on the show. Chris Daughtry, Jennifer Hudson and Clay Aiken lost in their season, however they have all gone on to solid music/entertainment careers. 

5/26/08
Where are they now?
Runner-up: Clay Aiken 

Aikenmight have been runner-up, but he's enjoying a successful career as a pop vocalist and Broadway performer.

He's sold more records than any other male from "American Idol" and is third only to Clarkson and Checotah native Carrie Underwood.

His recently released album "On My Way Here" debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200.
 
 

Aikens is the most successful male artist to appear on "Idol." He just released his first studio album in five years – "On My Way Here" – which debuted at No. 4 on Billboard. And he is wrapping up his own run on Broadway, starring in the Tony Award-winning musical "Spamalot."

5/20/08
StarTribune.com 
"Did you know that the song that David/David will sing tomorrow night will be from a contest that american idol said was writen by an "amateur"?.....They said.... "All top 20 2008 songwriting finalist are "AMATEUR's". So please...please....find 1 in this bunch, ok? How many will it take till someone does something? 
1. Top 20 American Idol Songwriting Finalist (Andy Zulla) is an engineer on Clay Aiken, Kelly Clarkson, Diana DeGarmo CD's. 2. Top 20 American Idol Songwriting Finalist (Windy Wagner) is a backup singer on the NEW Clay Aiken CD. 3. Top 20 American Idol Songwriting Finalist (Ryan Gillmor) wrote the theme song for the Fox television show "Unhitched". 4. Top 20 American Idol Songwriting Finalist (Dan Yessian) wrote jingles for Ford Motors. 5. Top 20 American Idol Songwriting Finalist (Luke Ebbin) is a producer on Austalian Idol 1st place runner-up Shannon Noll's CD. 6. Top 20 American Idol Songwriting Finalist (Regie Hamm) is a co-writer on the New Clay Aiken CD and he's also a co-writer of the winner of 2007's American Idol Songwriting Contest Scott Krippayne......Anybody see a pattern yet? 
3 of the 2008 American Idol Songwriting Contest Top 20 songwriters get credit on Clay Aiken CD's. Out of thousands and thousands of entries (At $10.00 each) 3 out of 20 work with Mr. Aiken. And nobody has a problem with this? For all the facts please visit....... http://americanidolexposed.weebly.com"

Jon Bream
 
 

5/16/08
Sometimes 2nd choice ends up being big prize
6. Clay Aiken: Finished second to Ruben Studdard in 2003 on American Idol but became the bigger hit and most successful runner-up in show's history.

5/15/08
"Will he be the next Clay Aiken? Who knows! Clay has a better personality than David A. does but David A.’s may develop as he grows older.."

5/12/08
RELEASE OF THE WEEK
A common criticism of "American Idol" finalists is that when they get into the recording studio, their talent is overshadowed by poor material selection and overproduction. There's not a hint of that on Aiken's first album of original material since 2003. Just listen to the title track and you'll be asking too, "Why didn't he win Season 2?!" Check out: "On My Way Here," "Ashes," "Everything I Need," "Something About Us."

"We Brazilian fans of Clay Aiken would like to know more about his plans after "Spamalot" and his new album."  ~ Lucia Rácz, São Paulo 

"Aikenwill be taking time off. He ended his three-month run in "Spamalot" this past Sunday and debuted his new album, "On My Way Here," on Tuesday, so he has been more than busy. The 29-year-old knows that fans would like him to tour again, but he says his tight schedule early this year didn't allow him to plan one. He'll take his downtime at home in North Carolina. "

5/10/08
Hits Daily double Rumor Mill
"YOUR WEEKEND TOP 10 CHART PREVIEW: Good news, kiddies—there will be five debuts in next week’s Top 10, and one of them will actually break 100k! That would be Neil Diamond, whose second Rick Rubin-produced Columbia album is headed toward the top of the chart, with a projected 125-130k. Behind the old-timer will be RCA/RMG’s debuting Clay Aiken, who should come tantalizingly close to six figures, with 90-95k."

5/07/08
The Great American Idol Blog 

"Millions of Claymates were beside themselves this morning when Idol's second season runner-up, Clay Aiken, debuted his new song "Coming Back for More" on GMA. It's amazing how a former Idol contestant who didn’t even win can still drum up hordes and hordes of fans after more than five years. Sure is a lot more than you can say for whats-his-face who actually won Season 2. — Gina DiNunno "

5/06/08
Aiken's Not Cool 
"(antiMusic) Forget Corn Flakes, the only way to start your day is with morning quicks! Fruit Loops are good though. So here is today's dose of music news you can't use: We start off with the quote of the week from Clay Aiken: "I'm not cool, you know what I mean? I'm not gonna lie," the good-humored singer told The Associated Press in a recent interview. "I'm not trying to be Justin Timberlake. Thank God we have him, but I'm not him. ... I'm not gonna bring anybody's sexy back." Hats off to Clay for saying that. (Except that part about thanking God we have Timberlake.) Read the article the quote came from."