Watch this video from celebtv.com of Clay Aiken getting a skating lesson from Sasha Cohen during rehearsals for the Capitol One Holiday Celebration on Ice Special which will air on Christmas Day.
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Clay, Aiken, Sasha, Cohen, Holiday on Ice, Skating
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Clay Aiken Sings at Neil Sedaka's Tribute
On Friday, October 26th Neil Sedaka celebrated his 50th anniversary in the music business with a tribute concert at Avery Fisher Hall in the Lincoln Center in New York City.
Featured Performances came from:
Natalie Cole
Connie Francis
Clay Aiken
Dion
Captain & Tennille
Paul Shaffer
David Foster
Renee Olstead
The Bad Plus
Cousin Brucie Morrow
Lou Christie
and, of course, Neil Sedaka!
Watch Clay's amazing performance of "Solitaire" below:
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Saturday, October 20, 2007
Clay Aiken and UNICEF
How Involved Are Celebrity Charity Activists, and Do They Have Ulterior Motives?
Read entire article HERE
Celebs and Causes Go Way Back
How Do Celebrities Get Involved?
Preparing for a Trip
What Really Happens on Field Visits
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Clay, Aiken, UNICEF, Ambassador, Celebrity
Read entire article HERE
Celebs and Causes Go Way Back
Celebrities' association with humanitarian aid organizations is nothing new. Danny Kaye was one of the first actors to join a charitable organization when he was named a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef) in 1954. The comedian paved the way for other entertainers, among them Audrey Hepburn, Sarah Jessica Parker, David Beckham and Clay Aiken.
Lisa Szarkowski, who heads the ambassador program for Unicef agreed.
"Celebrities have the ear and attention of the public," said Szarkowski. "They tend to command more attention than talking heads from our organization."
How Do Celebrities Get Involved?
It's not easy to be selected as a Unicef ambassador. The group sets high standards for celebrities to live up to.
"In terms of becoming an ambassador, it's definitely a process," said Szarkowski. "We like to work with people who are committed to the cause and the mission and to align themselves with us for the long term."
Aiken made the cut when he was named a Unicef ambassador in 2004. The organization approached Aiken after hearing of his involvement with his own charity, the Bubel/Aiken foundation that helps young people with special needs.
Aiken said he felt obligated to help those in need.
"One of the most important responsibilities that you have if you're answering to the public is that you try to use that position in a way that serves the people you're trying to entertain," said Aiken. "I think you have a responsibility when you realize you have kids watching you. ... You can set an example to have kids doing drugs, or you can set an example to have kids helping their communities or their world."
Preparing for a Trip
Despite some common misconceptions, celebrity representatives don't just jet set off for a photo-op; they prepare for months before taking a trip.
...
"We study as much as we possibly can before we go," said Aiken. "And I study after I go, because I want to be an expert on it. I think it's a disservice to the country you're going to and the children you're trying to help if you don't know what's going on and can't speak knowledgably about your experience."
"It wouldn't behoove anyone if we just went in to take pictures and came back," said Aiken. "The goal of all these visits and the reason we sit through extremely long sessions sometimes is so when we come back we know what we're talking about."
What Really Happens on Field Visits
Aiken and others pay their own way when they travel on behalf of Unicef. However, once they reach their destination, they don't have the need for many expenses. Most nights they're sleeping in tents on the ground.
In addition to the bare bones travel accommodations, celebrities must cope with extremely dangerous situations. In order to avoid conflict, Prendergast said every minute detail of the trip must be mapped out.
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Clay, Aiken, UNICEF, Ambassador, Celebrity
Friday, October 19, 2007
Is Clay Aiken Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?
Tune in to the Celebrity Edition of the show currently scheduled to air on November 1st at 8:00pm EST on Fox to find out!
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Clay, Aiken, Fifth Grader, AYSTAFG, Celebrity Edition
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Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Clay Aiken joins Monty Python's SPAMALOT
January 18 – May 4, 2008 on Broadway
Clay Aiken, who became a music superstar following his success on the American Idol television series, will join the Tony Award-winning Best Musical, Monty Python’s SPAMALOT, making his Broadway debut in the role of Sir Robin, at the Shubert Theatre, New York, from January 18 to May 4, 2008.
Tickets are available online now at telecharge.com or by calling (212) 239-6200/(800) 432-7250.
Directed by Mike Nichols, who won his eighth Tony Award for his direction of the new musical, Monty Python’s SPAMALOT has a book by Eric Idle, "lovingly ripped-off" from the screenplay of the Pythons' best- loved film, Monty Python and the Holy Grail by Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones and Michael Palin. The music is by Eric Idle and John DuPrez.
Clay Aiken, who has sold more than 6 million albums; co-authored a best-selling book; and, played six sold-out concert tours, said "I really couldn't have asked for a more wonderful group of people to work with. Let’s not lie, the chance to work with legendary creative minds like Mike Nichols and Eric Idle is, on its own, a reason to jump at this opportunity. But, that's not all. The producers and creative folks I have had the chance to meet and work with so far have been unbelievably welcoming and wonderful. They've really made me feel at home already, and I haven't even started yet!"
Director Mike Nichols said: "Clay Aiken is amazing beyond that glorious voice. Turns out he is an excellent comic actor and a master of character. People will be surprised by his wide ranging talent, since the first impression is of great country charm and a singer to remember. This guy is not only a star, he is a lot more. We are lucky to get him for SPAMALOT."
SPAMALOT author and original Python Eric Idle commented: "This is great news. I have been a Clay Aiken fan ever since I took my daughter to see him live on the second season of American Idol and she held up a big sign of his name. Maybe now it should read 'American Idle.'"
Other members of the SPAMALOT creative team include Casey Nicholaw (choreography), multiple Olivier Award-winners Tim Hatley (sets and costumes) and Hugh Vanstone (lighting) and Acme Sound Partners.
Winning more awards than any other show in the 2005 Broadway Season, including the Tony Award for Best Musical and the Grammy Award for Best Cast Recording, SPAMALOT has set box office records since opening on Broadway to critical acclaim in March, 2005 at the flagship Shubert Theatre.
Monty Python's SPAMALOT celebrates one year in London’s West End at the Palace Theatre this week. SPAMALOT is also on National Tour around the US and is playing at Wynn Las Vegas. An Australian production will open in November in Melbourne.
Monty Python's SPAMALOT is produced by Boyett Ostar Productions, The Shubert Organization, Arielle Tepper, Stephanie McClelland/Lawrence Horowitz, Elan V. McAllister/Allan S. Gordon, Independent Presenters Network, Roy Furman, GRS Associates, Jam Theatricals, TGA Entertainment and Live Nation.
www.montypythonsspamalot.com
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Clay, Aiken, Monty Python, Spamalot, Broadway, Debut, Shubert, Theater, Sir Robin
Clay Aiken, who became a music superstar following his success on the American Idol television series, will join the Tony Award-winning Best Musical, Monty Python’s SPAMALOT, making his Broadway debut in the role of Sir Robin, at the Shubert Theatre, New York, from January 18 to May 4, 2008.
Tickets are available online now at telecharge.com or by calling (212) 239-6200/(800) 432-7250.
Directed by Mike Nichols, who won his eighth Tony Award for his direction of the new musical, Monty Python’s SPAMALOT has a book by Eric Idle, "lovingly ripped-off" from the screenplay of the Pythons' best- loved film, Monty Python and the Holy Grail by Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones and Michael Palin. The music is by Eric Idle and John DuPrez.
Clay Aiken, who has sold more than 6 million albums; co-authored a best-selling book; and, played six sold-out concert tours, said "I really couldn't have asked for a more wonderful group of people to work with. Let’s not lie, the chance to work with legendary creative minds like Mike Nichols and Eric Idle is, on its own, a reason to jump at this opportunity. But, that's not all. The producers and creative folks I have had the chance to meet and work with so far have been unbelievably welcoming and wonderful. They've really made me feel at home already, and I haven't even started yet!"
Director Mike Nichols said: "Clay Aiken is amazing beyond that glorious voice. Turns out he is an excellent comic actor and a master of character. People will be surprised by his wide ranging talent, since the first impression is of great country charm and a singer to remember. This guy is not only a star, he is a lot more. We are lucky to get him for SPAMALOT."
SPAMALOT author and original Python Eric Idle commented: "This is great news. I have been a Clay Aiken fan ever since I took my daughter to see him live on the second season of American Idol and she held up a big sign of his name. Maybe now it should read 'American Idle.'"
Other members of the SPAMALOT creative team include Casey Nicholaw (choreography), multiple Olivier Award-winners Tim Hatley (sets and costumes) and Hugh Vanstone (lighting) and Acme Sound Partners.
Winning more awards than any other show in the 2005 Broadway Season, including the Tony Award for Best Musical and the Grammy Award for Best Cast Recording, SPAMALOT has set box office records since opening on Broadway to critical acclaim in March, 2005 at the flagship Shubert Theatre.
Monty Python's SPAMALOT celebrates one year in London’s West End at the Palace Theatre this week. SPAMALOT is also on National Tour around the US and is playing at Wynn Las Vegas. An Australian production will open in November in Melbourne.
Monty Python's SPAMALOT is produced by Boyett Ostar Productions, The Shubert Organization, Arielle Tepper, Stephanie McClelland/Lawrence Horowitz, Elan V. McAllister/Allan S. Gordon, Independent Presenters Network, Roy Furman, GRS Associates, Jam Theatricals, TGA Entertainment and Live Nation.
www.montypythonsspamalot.com
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Clay, Aiken, Monty Python, Spamalot, Broadway, Debut, Shubert, Theater, Sir Robin
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Clay Aiken Narrates American Idol Rewind Season 2
Schedule for AI2 Rewind:
Sept. 29: N.Y. Auditions
Oct. 6: Miami/Detroit Auditions
Oct. 13: Atlanta Auditions
Oct. 20: Austin Auditions
Oct. 27: L.A. Auditions
Nov. 3: Nashville Auditions
Nov. 10: Best of the Worst
Nov. 17: Hollywood Week Pt. 1
Nov. 24: Hollywood Week Pt. 2
December -- reruns of the auditions/Hollywood episodes.
Jan. 5: Group 1
Jan. 12: Group 2
Jan. 19: Group 3
Jan. 26: Group 4
Feb. 2: Wildcard Show
Feb. 9: Top 12 to 11 - Motown songs guest judge-Lamont Dozier
Feb. 16: Top 11 to 10 - Movie songs guest judge-Gladys Knight
Feb. 23: Top 10 to 9 - Country rock songs guest judge-Olivia Newton-John
Mar. 1: Top 9 to 8 - Disco songs guest judge-Verdine White from Earth, Wind, & Fire (top 8 to 8-no Corey Clarke)
Mar. 8: Top 8 to 7 - Billboard #1's guest judge-Lionel Richie
Mar. 15: Top 7 to 6 - Billy Joel songs guest judge-Smokey Robinson
Mar. 22: Top 6 to 5 - Diane Warren songs guest judge-Diane Warren
Mar. 29: Top 5 to 4 - '60's songs & Neil Sedaka songs guest judge-Neil Sedaka (2 songs performed)
Apr. 5: Top 4 to 3 - Bee Gees songs guest judge-Robin Gibb (2 songs performed)
Apr. 12: Top 3 to 2 - random, judge's, & favorite song choice no guest judge (3 songs performed)
Apr. 19: Final 2 - original song, Beatles' song, cover song (3 songs performed)
Aprl. 26: Finale - 2 hour finale 1st hour is fluff (auditions, interviews), 2nd hour top 12 singing top 2 singing a finale song again
Superstation WGN...Direct TV channel 307.
Check your cable listings.
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AI2, aiken, American Idol Rewind, clay
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