Let's Talk Clay

Clay Aiken Gets a Skating Lesson

2007-11-21T21:06:00.000-05:00

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

Clay Aiken - The Lost Medley

2007-10-31T21:54:00.000-04:00

Everyone must see this awesome "Lost Rossini Medley" montage that SueReu created!

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Clay, Aiken, Rossini, Medley, SueRue

Clay Aiken Sings at Neil Sedaka's Tribute

2007-10-28T01:15:00.001-04:00

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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Clay, Aiken, Neil, Sedaka, Tribute, Lincoln Center, Avery Fisher Hall, 50th Anniversary

Clay Aiken and UNICEF

2007-10-20T23:38:00.000-04:00

How Involved Are Celebrity Charity Activists, and Do They Have Ulterior Motives?

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

Is Clay Aiken Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?

2007-10-19T10:04:00.000-04:00

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

Clay Aiken joins Monty Python's SPAMALOT

2007-10-16T19:39:00.001-04:00

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 Narrates American Idol Rewind Season 2

2007-10-14T22:45:00.000-04:00

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

On This Day in Clay Aiken History....

2007-10-14T13:49:00.000-04:00

October 14th 2002:

Clay auditions in Charlotte, NC for a chance to represent his city at the American Idol Auditions in Atlanta. He sang "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" but was not selected. Fortunately, this did not deter Clay and he decided to go to Atlanta to try out on his own!

October 14, 2003:

Clay's first solo CD "Measure of a Man" is released. It goes on to sell 612,859 copies in it's first week.

Later that afternoon, Clay appeared on TRL to promote his new CD.

October 14, 2007:

Clay attends his good friend Ruben Studdard's concert at the North Carolina State Fair in Raleigh, NC.

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Clay, Aiken, AI, AI2, American Idol, Audition, SOTR, MOAM, Measure of a Man, CD, TRL

Tyra Banks Dishes on Clay Aiken

2007-10-13T08:26:00.001-04:00

Clay appeared on the Tyra Banks show in November of 2006. It was a great show! Tyra said it was one of her best interviews ever! Clay and Tyra had lots of chemistry which made for a fun hour for them as well as the viewers. They talked about Southern cooking, they danced, they (sort of) sang together, and they even busted on the ridiculous tabloid rumors!

Apparently Clay and Tyra really hit it off the day of the taping and have become good friends.

This week on her show, Tyra talked about two of her dinners with Clay:

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Clay, Aiken, Tyra; Banks, dinner, interview

Clay Aiken - A Look Back, Part 1

2007-10-12T11:15:00.000-04:00

With the second season of American Idol Rewind starting, I thought it would be fun to take a look back at when we first found Clay! He has sure come a long way since those early days on AI, yet his voice is still as pure and magical as ever!

Here is Clay's Group 2 Performance of "Open Arms" from March 2, 2003:

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clay, aiken, AI, American Idol, Open Arms, Group 2, Season 2

Church has no plans to cancel Clay Aiken concert

2007-10-11T16:59:00.000-04:00

BY JOE RODRIGUEZ

The Wichita Eagle

http://www.kansas.com/news/local/story/197882.html

A concert by Clay Aiken at Wichita's Central Christian Church will go on as scheduled next month, a church leader said Wednesday as the leader dismissed a tabloid's article that the church was under attack for hosting the performance.

Aiken, who gained fame on the show "American Idol," is set to perform a Christmas concert at the church Nov. 26.

An article in the most recent issue of the National Enquirer cited a source who said "the church received a lot of attacks" when it announced earlier this year that Aiken would perform. The evangelical church has Wichita's largest Protestant congregation. The article claimed the outrage was centered on Aiken's sexual orientation.

One church leader characterized the article as "just absolutely false." Senior Pastor David Welsh was unavailable for comment.

In June or July, shortly after the church decided to hold the concert, church leaders crafted a memo that addressed, in part, questions that could arise about Aiken's sexual orientation.

A copy of the letter, circulated among church leaders, made many points, including:

• "Clay has always spoken openly about his Christian beliefs. He doesn't drink, smoke, swear or womanize. He won't sing about sex or even use lyrics with innuendo. During his Idol appearance in 2004, Aiken wore his WWJD bracelet each show."

• "His holiday CD includes several songs about Christ's birth. During a tour for Disney, he sang an explicitly Christian song ('You Were There') which references Abraham, David and Jesus."

• "In an interview with Rolling Stone magazine in July 2003, Aiken... stated that he is not gay. This fact was again confirmed in an interview with 'Today's Christian,' an internet website and service of Christianity Today, International."

The letter went on: "Keep in mind, this is an 'outreach event.' Many of Clay's fans are Christians, however some may never darken the halls of a church, but for this one event."

The Central Christian Church leader said that the memo surfaced outside the church within the past few weeks, when someone claiming to be "a concerned citizen" e-mailed the church about Aiken's sexuality. A copy of the memo was sent to the person, the church leader said.

The church has not made any changes in its plans to hold the concert.

"Our official position is we are hosting a Christmas concert and have invited Clay Aiken to be our guest," said Gary Walker, chairman of the church's Board of Elders, its governing body.

"He will be singing songs from his 2004 Christmas album. The concert is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 26 and tickets are $30, $35 and $40."

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aiken, church, clay, concert, lies, Wichita

Clay Aiken Featured on Fresh Bread Weblog

2007-10-10T19:01:00.000-04:00

Fresh Bread Weblog featured Clay Aiken again yesterday.

Monday, I featured Clay Aiken on my "Fresh Bread" blog. Today, I bring him into focus one more time. Not because he is a product of my "hero worship." Only Jesus fills that bill for me. However, I discovered on Monday that Clay has even more fans than I realized. He also has more harsh detractors.

So, today...I give honor where honor is due to one I consider a brother in Christ. I believe Clay is actively pursuing the passion of his heart and consciously demonstrating his faith...to bring healing to special needs children. Something he began BEFORE he became famous.

Who is my family? As Jesus said, "He who seeks to DO the will of My Father."

The video montage pictures Clay's heart. The music is one of my favorite songs, "The Prayer" by Josh Groban and Charlotte Church:

The Naked Truth About Clay Aiken's Cyber-Stalker

2007-10-10T17:01:00.000-04:00

Despite his assertions that he never filed bankruptcy and never defaulted on his debts, these documents prove otherwise.

"Listen if there was any information on me that was legitimate it would be on every Claymate operated blog before it could be verified. That's not moth balls your smelling, that's Claymate desperation.

John Paulus Homepage 10.07.07 -
11:22 pm #"
Posted by John Paulus in a comment on his blog Naked Truth.

Since you asked . . . .

Here it is. This is the first in a series where we will reveal legitimate information Paulus contends does not exist.

He posted in a comment on Naked Truth on June 15, 2006:

John Paulus said...

Hi I am back. I was away for awhile and then I was told
that someone was using my screen name on another blog. These games these people play. The lastest is the posting of my alleged bankruptcy. I thought that I had address that a few months ago and spoke about being a victim of identity theft by a soldier in my unit by the name of Anthony Harrison? They won't post the court papers which fixed it. I will let them play. I have those papers in a box and when I can I just might post those to make them feel stupid again. 12:42 AM

He alleges that someone by the name of Anthony Harrison stole his identity and filed bankruptcy in his name, presumably forging his name and appearing on his behalf in court. Paulus claims that he filed court papers to fix it. Really? Let's examine the real court papers.

Below is his bankruptcy petition:
Click on images to enlarge.

Please notice the signature on the second page of the official bankruptcy petition and compare it to the signature on the mortgage Paulus signed on property he used to own in Ft. Lauderdale (which will be the subject of a future blog). The signature on the mortgage was notarized, leaving no doubt that Paulus signed it himself. There is no doubt that the signatures on both documents are identical.

There are no "court papers which fixed it." This was a legitimate bankruptcy, signed and filed by Paulus to discharge all his debts. The case proceeded through the bankruptcy system in an orderly fashion and was concluded with a Discharge of Debtor signed by the bankruptcy judge:

Stay tuned for Part 2.

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John, Paulus, Clay, Aiken, lies

Hoax Perpetuated Against Clay Aiken

2007-10-09T20:32:00.001-04:00

In a recent article published by a tabloid journal it was claimed that John Paulus never recanted his story about Clay Aiken. This is absolutely untrue. In the spirit of fair and complete journalistic reporting I am presenting proof that John Paulus actually did recant his fable about Clay Aiken:

I'd be willing to have a press conference admitting that this was all a lie and that Clay and I never met nor did he ever solicit me for sex and that as far as I know he is straight.

Are you saying Clay is not gay? And the evidence they had, was that Clay with a man or a woman? And where did you get your inside information? Like before going on GMA in Sept. that he was on meds?

When we started the blog there were people who disliked Clay's saying that LA had rotting guts and they were willing to share information on Clay. Clay pissed off some powerful people by not playing ball.

Percocet is just a numb front person. It's the others on there that are behind this whole thing. When I had my blog I would occassionally post and that's why you say different styles and why it appeared on was on all night. There are a group of 8 people. I was recuited back in July of 2005 from bigmuscle.com. They saw me there and that I was muscular, attractive, and from NC. and persuaded me to help them. So we worked out this scheme over 6 months and put it into place going over ever detail. I even took 3 prior lie detector test so that I could pass one by any media that gave me one.

Oh what about the cumrag? Used a prop.

And the cell phone calls? They were calls made by "haters" to my phone.

And the hotel room? There was really a room 207 and I really did check in and I did walk with someone into the room.

So who is revoles?

I am told that it's a guy with a close connection to 3 of these women. I do know that he is rich.

Were you paid?

My only compensation was that they would get me in touch with Lucas to do porno.

He did all this for a shot with Michael Lucas.

And all my bills paid for an entire year. Why do you think I had to start working again in December?

So, why after you were put in contact with Lucas... did the porno and hated it, did you continue the lie? Was it because of the contract with Lucas and your image as the 'guy who had sex with Clay Aiken'??

Because Claymates pissed me off and it was fun messing with them. I sort of forgot about Clay in the mix not until he called did I connect with him as a real person.

On Sept 28 2007, Paulus admitted that he had not spoken to the real Clay Aiken. He was fooled by an impostor and blogged about the fact that all of his saved Instant Messenger transcripts were with a Fake Clay.

Some may think that I am disappointed to learn that the person I was communicating with for nearly a year turned out to not to be Clay Aiken. I am not. I was greatly relieved to have learned that Clay Aiken and Ms. Parker were NOT using some single mother in order to manipulate me and the fans. It would have been easier for me to ignore the truth and to continue to post IM conversations from "Clay Aiken", but I would have compromised my integrity as a person. I will readily stand before you and admit that these perpetrators have fooled me as well as many fans than to continue to publish conversations which I have now learned weren't with Clay Aiken. My apologies to all those that were affected and I hope that the person(s) responsible will be sought out, found, and prosecuted.

In your e-mails to Perc, where you call him a pathological liar and so many other bad things, what was that all about?

That Jonahcruise@yahoo.com email is access by more than just me. I wasn't the one who sent those to her.

I have admitted that this was all a lie and that Clay and I never had sex. What's the problem. Time to move on. Clay has been a victim of a really evil scheme and I know that he is grateful for having such devoted fans who always believed in him. It's over Perc. The Claymates and Clay have both won. I hope they will forgive me for playing along with this ruse as Clay has.

Perc-
You want me to name names, but I have family I need to be protective of. IF these people are crazy enough to destroy Clay, then imagine what they might do to my family if I start naming names. The only protection I have is threatening to take them to the police.

They already know where your family is jackass.

I won't reveal who you guys are, If you just leave them alone then.

I knew you wouldn't name the names, John. Anytime I call you on ANYTHING you never come through. Real stand up guy. (rolls-eyes)

Why did you emerge here all of a sudden. I thought you were DONE with me? Something to hide or should I say protect? It's over with. I'm not playing. Leave Clay and his fans be and just enjoy Kelly and Ruben.

Percocet is a victim of the "haters" influences. When I started defending Clay they became unhinged. Clay and I never met nor have we ever had sex. To my knowledge he is straight or bi curious. I will share more about this scheme put together by posters on the 411 over the weekend.

I've called my friend at the N.E. He is very interested in hearing this was all a hoax. He will be contacting you tomorrow!

Great, I'd be more than willing to share.

And then, just last week he LIED to the National Enquirer.

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