Six Years and Counting

Today is the 6th anniversary of "Take"--the first time many of us heard Clay sing in the Atlanta audition episode on American Idol. To commemorate the occasion, here is this lovely retrospective montage by hosaa:





For other wonderful blogs on Clay Aiken, visit Carolina On My Mind and Clayigraphy: In Honor of the Sixth Anniversary of "Take"....


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Technorati Tags: Clay Aiken Atlanta Audition Take Somewhere Over the Rainbow montage retrospective American Idol

Guillermo's Mustache Magic

I'm so glad I watched Dancing With the Stars last night. You never know who is going to pop up in the latest Jimmy Kimmel skit. Who knew that Clay needed help with his performances, a boost in his confidence or changes in his life! I always thought they were pretty perfect. I guess he thought they needed that extra little oomph, that little razzle-dazzle. If the artist in him screamed for that extra little something for his performances then I'm so glad he discovered Guillermo's mustache magic. He does like to please his fans. Not only are his performances better, but he looks fabulous. I've always had a thing for smarmy used car salesmen. *g*









~~DWTS Jimmy Kimmel Skit~~

Related Tags: Clay Aiken, Jimmy Kimmel, Dancing With The Stars, Finale, skit, Guillermo's Mustache Magic

Memories of AI2: Top 4 -- "To Love Somebody" & "Grease".

May 6, 2003 American Idol 2 Top 4 show was BeeGees Week. Coincidentally AI6 had BeeGees Week for their Top 4 also. Instead of Barry Gibb who was mentor for AI6, AI2 had Robin Gibb as guest judge. The first of Clay's two songs was "To Love Somebody". He impressed the judges with his fantastic performance, and Simon said it was probably the best of all the Pop Idol/American Idol performances. Next he sang one of my favorite performances, "Grease". His stellar vocal performance was lost in the jaw-dropping sight of Clay Aiken in his red leather jacket, tight jeans, and swivelling hips. Simon of course hated it declaring, "Everything about that was Horrible". The Grease performance even made Simon's poorly selling AI book under worst AI Performances furthering the impression that Simon really is clueless. Of course, that is my opinion since I am rather fond of the Grease performance.

~Performance of "To Love Somebody"


Judges Comments:
Randy: Yeah, yeah, yo, man, you know what? Dawg, I gotta give you your props, man. You really came on tonight. You're really tryin' to win this, and you're doin your thing. That was brilliant, brilliant, brilliant.
Robin: You've got an absolutely fantastic voice, and this is the way the song should be sung, and it's just brilliant.
Paula: The last two weeks have been my favorite Clay moments because you've really found a safe place with your vulnerability, and your maturity as a performer has caught up with your beautiful voice.
Clay: Thank you very much.
Simon: Clay, I think this is the third Pop Idol or American Idol I've done if you include the English one, and that's probably one of the best performances I've ever heard throughout the competition.
Ryan: I guess it's safe to say you're having a good time tonight.
Clay: I'm enjoying myself, yes.


~Performance of "Grease"~

Judges' Comments:
Randy: Yo, Clay, man, I'm just sitting here laughin', man, I'm havin a good time tonight, man. I like that you're up there doin' your dance steps, dawg. I like the moves, baby!
Robin: Actually, no, I love your voice anyway, but it was, yeah, it was a great job, and ah, I love your interpretation of it.
Paula: You know I'm proud of you, Clay. You know what? You shook your thang, but most important, you know what, having a little bit of humility, and having fun, and not taking yourself so seriously....
Clay: A lot of humility.
Paula: It's a blast watchin' you, and it's just wonderful.
Simon: (shaking head speechlessly) Horrible. I mean, Sorry! Everything about that was horrible. It was!
Paula: - You're horrible!

Audience: booooooo!

Simon: I don't care! Will you shut up! I'm tryin' to talk! You know, a great performance, and then it was all thrown away with that. That was horrible.
Paula: You're horrible.
Randy: Bad Judge!

Performances:


First Song:
1. Josh Gracin- "Jive Talkin" (1975)
2. Clay Aiken- "To Love Somebody" (1967) **thud**
3. Kimberley Locke- "I Just Want T Be Your Everything" (1977)
4. Ruben Studdard- "Nights on Broadway" (1975)

Second Song:
1. Josh Gracin- "To Love Somebody" (1967)
2. Clay Aiken- "Grease" (1978)
3. Kimberley Locke- "Emotions" (1978)
4. Ruben Studdard- "How Can You Mend a Broken Heart" (1971)

Technorati Tags: Clay Aiken, American Idol, Top 4, Grease, To Love Somebody, Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson, Robin Gibb, Bee Gees

The Battle of the Bee Gees Group Medley

Michael Orland told Entertainment Weekly that that this season's Top 6 was the strongest ever (something we hear every single season). "The strongest season ever" mantra must be written into everybody's contract because surely the strongest Top 6 would have some great group medley's. Last night the Top 4 performed a Bee Gees Medley just like they did in Season 2. I think these two videos tell the story on which is the strongest group ever.

You decide.



~AI2 Top 4: Clay, Rube, Kim, Josh~


~AI6 Top 4: Melinda, Jordin, Lakisha, Blake~




No comparison really.



Related Tags: Clay Aiken, American Idol, AI2, AI6, Bee Gees, Group, Medley, Kim Locke, Ruben Studdard, Josh Gracin, Lakisha Jones, Blake Lewis, Jordin Sparks, Melinda Doolittle

The Battle of "To Love Somebody"

Poor Barry Gibbs seems not to have heard Clay's rendition of "To Love Somebody" since he said Jordin Sparks' version was the best he has heard. *g* At least his brother Robin who was guest judge during AI2 knew the best version when he heard it. I doubt Jordin would have changed his mind.

Judge for yourselves:

~Clay Aiken~
<

~Jordin Sparks~


I rest my case.


Related Tags: Clay Aiken, Jordin Sparks, American Idol, Barry Gibb, To Love Somebody, Top 4, Bee Gees

Memories of AI2: Top 5 -- "Build Me Up Buttercup", but don't break my heart or I'll be going "Solitaire"

April 29, 2003 -- This was the first night where the remaining contestants sing two songs--one from the 60's and one composed by Neil Sedaka. Clay started with a very sexy rendition of "Build Me Up Buttercup" and finished by singing an amazing "Solitaire" which brought Neil Sedaka to tears. All three judges praised the performances and Neil Sedaka said, "you sing like Andre Agassi plays tennis - PERFECTION, PERFECTION - and I would kill to write and produce your first CD." After "Solitaire", he declared, "I have lost my song forever to you. It will always be a Clay Aiken song". This was also the night that I knew that no matter what happened Clay Aiken would have a music career if he wanted it. Thank you Obi Wan.

~~Build Me Up Buttercup~~


Judges' Comments:
Randy: Yo, yo, Clay, yo, man, you know what, you know what? What I'm impressed by tonight, you tried to change the thing up a little bit like we been sayin', it sounds the same every week, dude you did a great job, man, I was entertained!
Neil Sedaka: Clay, you sing like Andre Agassi plays tennis, perfection, perfection. And I would KILL to write and produce your first CD.
Paula: OK, Clay, I feel like I wanta get up a give you a hug.
Clay: And dance?
Paula: I really do, you know why? Cause when I critiqued you before it wasn't about dance steps, it was about your spirit dancing... and you did... good for you!
Simon: Why do you think that's a good thing for you to give somebody a hug? I'm horrified. Umm... actually, I agree with most of what everyone's said, I think you've made the effort you came out to entertain... I've just never known what that song is about... Build Me Up Buttercup, what does it mean?
Clay: Ha ha, it's a British song......
Randy: Good answer Clay!


~~Solitaire~~


Judges' Comments:
Randy: Clay, you know what dawg? I'm lovin' this part of this competition 'cause with you and Ruben and Kimberley Locke coming up, and Trenyce, and everybody trying to win this... Dude, you did your thing, man, I'm so impressed, dawg.
Neil Sedaka: Bravo, Clay, I've lost my song forever to you, it will always be a Clay Aiken song.
Paula: One of the most brilliant songs written. Absolutely, Clay, it's one of your most vulnerable performances ever, and you didn't give any like staged look... you just were. And I think that you've broken out of what other judges have critiqued you as better suited for Broadway, and you are now the pop singer, and you just ARE.
Simon: Ummm... I have to congratulate you, Neil, on that song, that is a 10, that song, it's just superb, and Clay I want to say something to you... I think you're one of the few people I've met throughout all of these competitions 'cause you can take criticism like a grownup. Learn... you definitely got better you've lost some of these facial things which I think was distracting, and you just did a really grownup, fantastic, performance. Congratulations.

Other Performances:

1st song:
1. Ruben Studdard- "Ain't Too Proud to Beg" (The Temptations)
2. Trenyce- "Proud Mary" (Tina Turner, Credence Clearwater Revival)
3. Josh Gracin- "Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye" (Eddy Arnold)
4. Kimberley Locke- "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" (Gladys Knight &the Pips, Marvin Gaye)
5. Clay Aiken- "Build Me Up Buttercup" (The Foundations)

2nd song:
1. Ruben Studdard- "Breaking Up Is Hard to Do" (Neil Sedaka)
2. Trenyce- "Love Will Keep Us Together" (Captain and Tenille)
3. Josh Gracin- "Bad Blood" (Neil Sedaka, Elton John)
4. Kimberley Locke- "Where the Boys Are" (Connie Francis)
5. Clay Aiken- "Solitaire" (Neil Sedaka, The Carpenters, Elvis)





*Clickable Wallpaper*



Related Tags: Clay Aiken, Neil Sedaka, American Idol, Solitaire, Build Me Up Buttercup, Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell

Memories of AI2: Top 6 -- "I Could Not Ask For More" than an Idol like Clay Aiken

Top 6 Week





April 23, 2003 was Diane Warren week on American Idol 2 with Diane as the guest judge. Clay sang "I Could Not Ask For More" in a black leather jacket. Yum. The night before was the hour-long Halfway Home special which was hosted by Ryan Seacrest. The judges did not appear on this show. Each contestant got their own segment, consisting of a video montage, a short interview with Ryan, and a performance of a song previously done on the series. Clay was on last. In his interview, he discussed his love for teaching and how the show's stylists helped him improve his look. Clay sang "Somewhere Out There" from movie night, this time hitting the last note which he warbled on previously. The show closed with a group sing of "All Night Long".

~Performance of "I Could Not Ask For More"~



Judges'Comments:


Randy: Yo, yo, what's up, dawg, what chu doin', man? Clay, you know what, you know what's funny? I keep thinkin about this contest we're doin', and I think we're tryin' to find the best that we can find in America, an' dude, every week you come up with it, dawg, you're definitely one of the best in America, dawg. Gotta give it up!
Paula: Another wonderful week. Great vocal performance. I really think that the only bit of constructive criticism for you, and I'm not gonna say dance, I promise, is just continue down the path of being truthful to who you are as an artist. Let go and continue. Your voice is the star, and just keep goin', you're a definite contender for the finals.
Diane Warren: Wonderful, Sarah Evans did a great version, Edwin King did a great version, and now Clay did a great version. Beautiful, excellent! I love your voice. Thank you!
Randy: Simon Cowell? You have anything to add?
Simon: Well, I mean, if I, it's, you know, ahhh, blab blab blab blab blab (tongue tangling), if I was gonna give you advice, which you probably wouldn't listen, but anyway, I would say as a Broadway artist, you will make a fortune on the back of this. I just don't see you as what we were looking for originally, which was a great (fans uproar in background), a recording artist. That 's not to say that you haven't got a great talent, you have, but when I was talking about, if I was casting for Phantom of the Opera or something, you'd get the part, and that's not being rude. Because you've got that type voice.
Randy: You talkin' 'bout that show with that mask?
Simon: No, not Mr Personality.
Randy: Oh, right, yeah, yeah, ya not that show .
Simon: But you know what I'm saying. That's why I'm trying to be a bit more constructive this week as to... I don't know what...
Diane: Simon, I have a t-shirt for you...
Randy: Diane has a gift for you, Simon...
Diane: You need to wear this t-shirt...
Randy: Hold that up Simon it's for you...
Simon: (reading shirt) "Sorry, I don't do nice" OK, but well done!


~"Somewhere Out There" Performance on the Halfway Home Show~




Related Tags: Clay Aiken, American Idol, AI2, Season 2, Diane Warren, I Could Not Ask For More, Randy Jackson, Paul Abdul, Simon Cowell, Somewhere Out There, video, Halfway Home

Memories of AI2: Top 7 -- "Tell Her About It" and throw me a vote or two

~Clickable~

April 15, 2003 -- Billy Joel Week with guest judge Smokey Robinson. Clay sings "Tell Her About It" starting the song in a slow tempo and then takes a surprising turn by taking the song uptempo to change it up. Simon is a bit of an ass this week by saying he prefers Clay with his eyes closed. I for one, prefer him with my eyes and ears open.




Judges' Comments:
Randy: Yo, baby, I just got one thing to say, man, it's good to see you switch it up! Yeah, you did your thing, man, you did your thing, dawg.
Smokey Robinson: You normally do sing ballads, but you proved tonight that you can sing anything. It was terrific.
Clay: Thank you very much.
Paula: Smokey, I just gotta say I love your eyes so much, I was always in love with you, I just had to say that. Clay..... you have such a great voice, I love it, I love it, I just can't wait to see you just let loose and dance a little more. Please, please, just for me?
Clay: I'm workin up to it. Slow, baby steps.
Paula: Thank you!
Simon: You're drunk again....
Paula: No, it's just that you didn't take your happy pill, that's all.
Simon: Clay, don't take this the wrong way, but I prefer you when I shut my eyes...
Randy: What does that mean????
Simon: It's a compliment, it's a compliment, it's your facial expressions...,I find them a bit theatrical, but you've got such a great voice... if you could just calm down that weird thing you do with your face...
Randy: Can you do it, Simon? What he does?
Simon: I'm not gonna do it.... but it's a compliment 'cause he sounds great...
Paula: Nice backhanded compliment.
Ryan: You know, it's funny, 'cause I prefer Simon when my eyes are closed!






Related Tags: Clay Aiken, American Idol, AI2, Billy Joel, Smokey Robinson, Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson

Memories of AI2: Top 8 -- "At This Moment" and every moment, Clay Aiken does his fans proud

~Blend by Fountaindawg~

On April 8, 2003, AI2 had their Billboard #1 song theme show. Lionel Richtie is the guest judge. Clay "At This Moment" by Billy Vera and the Beaters.

~Performance of "At This Moment~


Judges' Comments:
Randy: Yo, yo, Clay, what's up dawg, what's up baby?
Clay: How are ya?
Randy: how do ya feel, baby, good?
Clay: OK!
Randy: First up tonight, that's good. Listen, it's definitely been proven week after week that you can definitely really, really, sing...,but the choice of song this week, and even a little bit last week, didn't really slay me, I mean, to me it just makes it a little bit... it shows a little less of your voice, it brings out the theatricalness in it, but I think that you can definitely blow, but I just wasn't crazy about the song.
Lionel Ritchie: Well, let me tell you how I feel about this. First of all, I am still in awe that all of that is coming out of that body. Unbelievable. Can't get over it. Who is that guy? I don't know, who are you? The most important thing is that, you know, Randy, it's all in the selection of the song, and even the fact that the song, if I had another choice, it would be another song, but the fact that you just pulled that off with such power and such conviction... you... I think you did a great job, man, great job.
Paula: You know I'm a big fan of yours, don't you? Clay, here's the thing... I agree with what Lionel's saying, it was good. The only thing that I think is it's a gutwrenching song, and I didn't feel that there was enough urgency, or heartbreak, but I'm a huge fan, as always.
Simon: Well this show proves that Randy Jackson hasn't got a clue what he's talkin about because that song was perfect.
Randy: Yeah, right, yeah, right.
Simon: Absolutely on the money, well done.

Performances of the Night:
1. Clay Aiken- "AT This Moment" (Billy Vera & the Beaters)
2. Kimberley Locke-"My Heart Will Go On" (Celine Dion)
3. Ricky Smith- "Endless Love" (Lionel Richie and Diana Ross)
4. Kimberly Caldwell -"Everything I Do, I Do It For You" (Bryan Adams)
5. Josh Gracin- "Amazed" (Lonestar)
6. Carmen Rasmusen- "Call Me" (Blondie)
7. Trenyce-"Power of Love" (Celine Dion)
8. Ruben Studdard- "Kiss and Say Goodbye" (The Manhattans)

~~Images from the performance and results shows~~

Related Tags: Clay Aiken, American Idol, Billboard, Lionel Richie, At This Moment, Billy Vera, Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson, Top 8, 2003

Memories of AI2: Top 9 -- No Question of "Everlasting Love"

April 1, 2003 -- Disco night and the infamous Disco Pants of Perfection. Guest judge of Verdeen White of Earth, Wind, & Fire. Clay sang "Everlasting Love" hitting a note that lasted 14 seconds.



Judges' comments:
Randy: Yeah, yeah, dawg, Clay, man, see? You know what I'm sayin? That's how you do it, dawg, that's how you do it right there. No matter what it is, you make it your own. That was brilliant dawg.
Paula: Arright, Clay.... you've proven it doesn't matter what genre of music you're singing, your voice is your voice, it's golden, it's golden. And I just was lookin for ya to dance a little...
Clay: hahahaha!
Paula: Butcha didn't. Great job!
Clay: - I need some help on that, yeah.
Verdeen White: Clay, I saw ya backstage this afternoon and you didn't look like you could sing like that. Man, you can sing, you got chops man!
Simon: Simon on his last episode of American Idol... um... First it was a disco genre and I have to say, Clay, if I'm being honest, within the context of this competition, I thought that was terrible.
Paula: booooooo
Randy: what? What you mean dawg?
Simon: Sorry... no no no no no... I'm sorry maybe I'm just missing... maybe I'm missing the plot here. I'm looking for a future superstar and based on that I just didn't get it, sorry, they disagree...
Randy: Don't you think it was the best so far tho?
Paula: Way to go, Clay, way to go!

Perfomances of the Night:
Performances:
1. Ricky Smith-"Let's Groove Tonight"
2. Carmen Rasmusen- "Turn the Beat Around"
3. Kimberly Caldwell- "Knock on Wood"
4. Clay Aiken- "Everlasting Love"
5. Trenyce- "I'm Every Woman"
6. Ruben Studdard- "Can't Get Enough of Your Love"
7. Kimberley Locke- "It's Raining Men"
8. Joshua Gracin- "Celebration"

Note: Corey Clark did not perform this night due to his arrest coming to light (or because AI decided to pull the scandal of the season card to boost ratings).

~~Performance of "Everlasting Love"~~





Technorati Tags: Clay Aiken, American Idol, Disco Night, Top 9, Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul, Verdeen White

Memories of AI2: Top 10-- "Someone Else's Star" and ours.

March 23, 2003 Country Rock night on AI2 with Olivia Newton-John as guest host. Clay sang "Someone Else's Star" which is originally sung by Byran White. It's more love song than country song or country rock. I am a little surprised that Clay did not show off his country side a bit more. He did do a demo of country songs all of which sound much more country than "Someone Else's Star".


Someone Else's Star

Alone again tonight without someone to love.
The stars are shining bright so one more wish goes up.
Oh, I wish I may and I wish with all my might.
For the love I'm dreaming of and missing in my life.

You'd think that I could find a true love of my own.
It happens all the time to people that I know.
Their wishes all come true so I've got to believe.
There's still someone out there who is meant for only me.

I guess I must be wishing on someone else's star.
It seems like someone else keeps gettin what I'm wishing for.
Why can't I be as lucky as those other people are?
I guess I must be wishing, on someone else's star.

I sit here in the dark and stare up at the sky,
But I can't give my heart one good reason why.
Everywhere I look it's lovers that I see.
It seems like everyone's in love with everyone but me.

The performances of the night were:

1. Joshua Gracin- "Ain't Going Down Until the Sun Comes Up (Garth Brooks)
2. Trenyce- "I Need You" (LeeAnn Rimes)
3. Kimberley Locke- "I Can't Make You Love Me" (Bonnie Raitt)
4. Corey Clark- "Drift Away" (Dobie Gray)
5. Carmen Rasmussen-"Wild Angels (Martina McBride)
6. Ricky Smith- "I've Done Enough Dyin' Today" (Larry Gaitling)
7. Kimberly Caldwell- "Anymore" (Travis Tritt)
8. Ruben Studdard- "Sweet Home Alabama" (Lynyrd Skynyrd)
9. Julia D'Amato- "Breathe" (Faith Hill)
10. Clay Aiken- "Someone Else's Star" (Bryan White)

Clay's Performance of "Someone Else's Star"


Judges' Comments:

Time seemed to be running short for Clay who was the last performer. Sometimes short is sweet.

Ryan: Randy, Paula, Olivia, all seem to agree with a standing ovation, Simon Cowell?

Simon: Well I hope I can sum up, it was very sweet, but it sounded identical to last week, had nothing to do with the show, identical to last week, coulda swapped songs. Very good.


Technorati Tags: Clay Aiken, American Idol, Country, Someone Else's Star, lyrics

Memories of AI2: Top 11-- "Somewhere Out There" Wishing On Our Bright Star

Somewhere out there
Beneath the pale moonlight
Someone's thinking of me
And loving me tonight

Somewhere out there
Someone's saying a prayer
That we'll find one another
In that big somewhere out there

And even though I know
How very far apart we are
It helps to think we might be wishing
On the same bright star

And when the night wind
Starts to sing a lonesome lullaby
It helps to think we're sleeping
Underneath the same big sky

Somewhere out there
If love can see us through
Then we'll be together
Somewhere out there
Out where dreams come true

And even though I know
How very far apart we are
It helps to think we might be wishing
on the same bright star

And when the night wind
Starts to sing a lonesome lullaby
It helps to think we're sleeping
Underneath the same big sky

Somewhere out there
If love can see us through
Then we'll be together
Somewhere out there
Out where dreams come true...

~Lyrics to "Somewhere Out There" from An American Tale~

March 18th is the 4-year anniversary of American Idol 2 Top 11.The theme was movie songs and Gladys Knight was guest judge. Clay sang "Somewhere Out There" showing off his range. Even if he warbled a little on that last note, he was far and above his competiton. Gladys called Clay a mystery, I call it magic.

Performances of the Top 11:
1. Corey Clark- "Against All Odds"
2. Ruben Studdard- "A Whole New World" (Aladdin)
3. Trenyce- "I've Got Nothing" (The Bodyguard)
4. Clay Aiken-"Somewhere Out There" (An American Tale)
5. Kimberly Caldwell-"Shoop Shoop" (Mermaids)
6. Joshua Gracin- "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing" (Armageddon)
7. Carmen Rasmussen- "Hopelessly Devoted to You" (Grease)
8. Charles Grigsby- "You Can't Win" (The Wiz)
9. Ricky Smith- "It Might Be You" (Tootsie)
10. Julia D'Amato- "What a Feeling" (Flashdance)
11. Kimberley Locke-"Home" (The Wiz)


Watch the Clay's performance:



Judges' Comments:
Randy: How does that feel man, does that feel good?
Clay: It's amazing.
Randy: Amazing right? Dude, I'm still sayin', man, where does that voice come from?? Dude, the power, the range, I mean every week, I er, I go, wow, man! This is a good show guys!
Paula: it's a great show.
Randy: This is good, you did your thing, baby.
Paula: Another one... you know, Clay, you are effortless, you are effortless with your voice, and you are so natural... this season, truly, it's amazing to be sitting right here in my chair, as we all are sitting here, it's amazing to watch you guys, it really is. Congratulations!
Gladys: You're... you're a mystery... you have your own look... there's something very magical about your look...
Paula: Sexy!!!
Gladys: And your voice is so pure... I don't know in the contemporary world, what's gonna happen with you, but something exceptional is gonna happen for you somewhere along the way because you are pure...
Simon: I just love songs about mice... actually, I'm kidding, it was, I think after this performance tonight, you're the one they've gotta beat...I really do.

Technorati Tags: Clay Aiken, American Idol, Somewhere Out There, Lyrics, Performance, Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson, Gladys Knight

Memories of AI2: Top 12-- Our Very Own Sugar Pie Honey Bunch

On March 11 and 12th, 2003 American Idol 2 aired it's Top 12 with a Motown theme. Lamont Dozier was a guest judge. Clay brought magic to American Idol that has not been there since. His voice and his personality melded to together for a Tour de Force to be reckoned with. The whole show had an innocence. A bunch of kids trying out for their dream. These days it's seasoned professional looking for their last chance break. Whatever happened on AI2, the manipulation and unfairness that went on, I will never regret the show that gave us Clay.


Performances:
1. Kimberley Locke- "Heatwave"
2. Josh Gracin- "Baby I Need your Lovin' "
3. Charles Grisby- "How Sweet It Is"
4. Kimberly Caldwell- "No Where to Run"
5. Ricky Smith- "1-2-3"
6. Julia DeMato- "Where Did Our Love Go?"
7. Clay Aiken- "I Can't Help Myself"
8. Vanessa Olivarez- "Keep Me Hanging On"
9. Corey Clark- "This Old Heart of Mine"
10. Carmen Rasmussen- "You Can't Hurry Love"
11. Trenyce- "Come See About Me"
12. Ruben Studdard- "Baby I Need Your Lovin' "


Contestants each had a profile before their performance. Clay segment gave us the first insight into his humanitarianism with his words, "It's important that I make a difference in some way. If it's performing and touching someone that way, that's great; if it's being a teacher and helping some kid understand something, that's even better ... it's not necessarily how I make a difference, but I want to make sure that I do."


~Performance of "I Can't Help Myself"~


It's obvious from the beginning that Simon does not really get Clay. The Broadway comments start this night.

Transcript of the judges' comments:
Randy: Clay, Clay, Clay, what's up dawg? what is up, Clay... what's up, man...
Clay: I have no idea...
Randy: Let me tell you how I felt about that - you get the standin O, dawg, brilliant, baby, brilliant man.
Paula: What's so much fun to watch about you, Clay, is you have this confidence about you, that you're just goin, I can't believe, the second he walks out here, you're just like, "yeah just another day and I'm on American Idol, it's no big deal...
Clay: (laughing, shaking head) A whoa...!
Paula: ...I'm just gonna sing and I'm gonna sing the best I can
and it's no big deal"
Randy: brilliant, dawg...
Paula: It's amazing! It really is!
Clay: Thank you so much.
Paula: Thank you!
Clay: Noooo, thank you!!
Lamont Dozier: Clay, you look like you've already arrived, you look like a professional,
Clay: Aww, thank you so much...
Lamont: ...you look like you've been doin it for years, and that's the look of a star.
Clay: Thank you so much, thank you very much, Mr. Dozier.
Simon: Prepare to duck... I thought you sounded very good, but if I'm being honest, I thought that performance was Motown the musical.
Randy: Naw, come on, baby, don't even go with it, Clay, he don't know what he's talkin about...
Paula: Boooooooo
Randy: Booooooooo


Related Tags: Clay Aiken, American Idol, AI2, Can't Help Myself, Sugarpie Honeybunch, Lamont Dozier, Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul

Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me

~~Graphic by fountaindawg

Four years ago, we first heard Clay Aiken sing a fantastic rendition of "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me" in the wildcard round of American Idol 2. In fact it was so good that everyone else competing in the wildcard round came off as a complete amateur. (totally unbiased opinion of course *g*)He looked really beautiful too.



Here is the performance:


~~Wildcard Night March 4, 2003~~

Transcript of the Judges' Comments:

Paula: Clay, this is what this competition is about, this is what the wild card is about... big fan, I love your hair, you changed your hair...
Clay: a little...
Paula: you raised the bar, we talk about raising the bar ... you've surpassed the bar, you're a star and you've got this confidence about you that is quiet and subtle, that's not intimidating and you welcome everybody in - great job!
Clay: Thank you
Simon: Did you like him?
Paula: You know what - what I'm trying to say -- yeah, I liked ya, a lot.
Randy: Did you really like him, Paula?
Paula: I really did.
Simon: Get off the fence, here, Paula I wasn't sure about that...
Paula: Come back to me on that one...
Simon: OK.... undecided....
Randy: Clay, man, you're lookin fly, you got your look together, you went away, worked, did whatever you did... it was really, really, good, I gotta give you your props, I gotta stand up for ya man... right song for the right guy, did your thing, came back, did your homework, I love that!
Clay: Thank you very much.
Randy: That's what this is about, we hope people will come back and do the work, and I still say, where is that voice coming from?
Paula: It's unbelievable
Randy: God, dude!
Simon: Clay.
Randy: Simon Cowell over here...
Paula: He's in a good mood!
Randy: Cowell, what's up baby.
Simon: Wow. Wow. I was really impressed. And you know what's interesting is... I mean that was a fantastic performance, really, really, fantastic,
Clay: Thank you.
Simon: ...is I think the fact that you don't look like the conventional pop star actually in a way is probably a good thing because you are so memorable, and you're sort of looking better each week....
Randy: Yeah, man...
Simon: it was great,
Clay: Thank you very much.
Simon: really, really, great,
Clay: Thank you very much.
Simon: well done.
Randy: Yeah, yeah, good job, man

The other performances of the night were:

1. Kim Caldwell- "I Feel the Earth Move"
2. Clay Aiken- "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me"
3. Nasheka- "Wind Beneath My Wings"
4. Carmen Rasmussen- "Can't fight the moonlight "
5. Olivia Mojica- "Because You Loved Me"
6. Janine Falsone- "We Belong"
7. Chip Days- "Rock With You"
8. Aliceyn Cooney- "Angel"
9. Trenyce- "Let's Stay Together"

Honestly, I don't remember a single one of the other performances. Once Clay sang, it was pretty much over. Nigel Lythgoe did say in an interview once that Clay received 80% of American's vote. I'm not quite sure what was up with the other 20%. *g*


Related Tags: Clay Aiken, Wildcard Round, American Idol, Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me, Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson

Fame Comes With A Thousand Different Downsides

~~created by claystruck~~


This year Clay Aiken has been plagued by people of dubious character looking to make a dime off of his celebrity. The latest such person is one that purports to be an old family friend even though she is at most an acquaintance. This so-called friend wrote an unauthorized biography and was shocked to find out that Clay and his family did not endorse her book. What a surprise! Now the author is charging Clay and his mother with defamation of character. Clay normally does not answer charges and lies about him, but don't mess with his family. Mr. Aiken has decided to kick some ass. Yay! I love a man who uses the word "scurrilous".

From the Associated Press: Author of Clay Aiken Book Sues Singer

*snip*
Aiken, in a statement issued by RCA Records, said Monday that he had"instructed my attorneys to not only vigorously dispute the claims that have been made but to also pursue all possible remedies against those involved in the perpetration of these untruths."

*snip*

The lawsuit seeks at least $260,000 in damages and asks the court to order Aiken to retract the critical comments or endorse the book on his official Web site, to write a positive introduction for the book and to sell the book at his concerts for at least five years.

In his statement, Aiken, 27, also said:

"As a so-called `celebrity'I have become used to scurrilous allegations and untruths being made about me and my work. I have always taken the path of not reacting to these matters and have accepted them as, somehow, coming with the `job.'However, I cannot, and will not, stand by when these attacks are made on my family."

On a happier note, here are three songs that will be on Clay's new album. I can't wait to see what Clay does with the Bon Jovi song. It is one of the four songs considered original for this album since Bon Jovi had only released the song in Japan and not the USA.

Note: YouTube seems to a bit wonky. If per chance the videos are not showing up, check back later.

Montage by Aspiegirl set to "These Open Arms" by Bon Jovi



Montage set to snippets of Clay singing "Without You"

Video of Clay performing "1000 Days" in concert




Technorati Tags: Clay Aiken, lawsuit, A Thousand Different Ways, Bon Jovi

A Single-lar Anniversary

June 10, 2003 is the anniversary of the release of Clay's first single, "This Is The Night/Bridge Over Troubled Water.

The single spent 11 consecutive weeks at #1 on the Billboard Singles Chart.

It was on the chart for an amazing 45 weeks.

It sold 393,000 copies according to SoundScan.

As of 5/9/04, 958,664 copies were sold.

TITN/BoTW had the biggest first-week sales of any single since Elton John's "Candle in the Wind (1997).

It was also the best-selling single of 2003 by far.

Here is an article from MTV.com on first week sales.


Clay gave some amazing performances of both songs. View the video of "This Is the Night" from the Miss America Pageant, and "Bridge Over Troubled Water" at the Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy Telethon:


"Bridge Over Troubled Water"


"This Is The Night"

Related Tags: Clay Aiken, Billboard, Number 1 Single, Bridge Over Troubled Water, This Is the Night, Best-Selling

Still A Star

"it's been almost 5 freakin' months since we've seen
him!! And that's about 4 months too long"

-- A Clay Aiken
fan
from The Clackhouse

Rumours are flying.



It was announced that Clay Aiken will be making an appearance on the AI Finale Show by both ET Online and The Insider. It's been quite a while since Mr. Aiken graced our TV screens, so there was some excitement over this appearance. Whether he will be there are or not is unknown, but the thought of the possibility brings back fond memories of his AI3 Solitaire performance where he looked gorgeous and sounded fabulous.



Singing "Solitaire"

Who can forget the 19 bondage-breaking Fantasy. Earlier, Clay had severed contractual ties with 19M reportedly due to conflict of interest. Clay had signed onto a new management company, The Firm, with Simon Renshaw as his manager. He sang the words:

Its your day, shining day, all your dreams come true

As you glide, in
your stride with the wind, as you fly away
Give a smile, from your lips, and
say

I am free,
yes I'm free, now I'm on my way

Singing "Fantasy"

Truer lyrics were never sung. Clay was on his way with some measure of control over his own career which 19M did not afford him.

So after a year's absence, there is a possibility Clay will again be on the that stage.* He might only be making a non-singing appearance, but that appearance would be seen by more than 30 million people. The American Idol stage might not be where I would want to see him, but realistically the show is a huge pop culture phenomenon. Clay is tied to it for the duration of its existence, so if there is some kind of symbiotic relationship, so be it. Clay hopefully can benefit.

Even if the information that Clay was going to appear on American Idol turns out to be no better than a rumor, it still proved Clay Aiken's star has not dimmed. Entertainment outlets from ET, The Insider, E!, radio stations, newspapers, etc were reporting an appearance by the Season 2 runner-up while virtually ignoring the confirmed appearances of Carrie Underwood and Daniel Powter.


*Latest rumor:

Caught Bill and Sherri's show on the way to work this morning (WRAL FM), and
they mentioned it again - twice. They said they had received a ton of calls and
that it was confirmed again to them that Clay would be performing. They went on
to say that they don't know why there was all kinds of confusion, but that the
information they are getting now is that he will be there, and that he will
perform. They went on to say that with all the hoopla about what will and won't
happen, everyone will just have to tune in to see the finale and find out who
and what actually happens. It was all positive, including their mention about
all the calls they had received.

Posted at The Clack House

"Solitaire"



"Fantasy"

Related Tags: Clay Aiken, Solitarie, Fantasy, AI3, AI5, American Idol

WOW Moments

AI5 is almost over this season and there has been a decidedly lack of WOW moments...the performances that cause a buzz outside the fandoms. Clay wowed his overgrowing fandom week after week, but the buzz spilled out to the general public through media and watercooler talk. Who can forget the sassy uptempo "Build Me Up Buttercup", the cute and sexy "Tell Her About It", the haunting "Solitaire" with the soaring glory note, the sexy "To Love Somebody" or the stunning, take no prisoners, knock that note out of the ballfield "Bridge Over Troubled Water.


Bridge Over Trouble Water


To love Somebody


Build Me Up Buttercup


Tell Her About It

You can view the Solitaire video in the May 17th blog entry.


Related Tags: Clay Aiken, American Idol

There Was A Man

The defining moment of my fandom came during Neil Sedaka Night on American Idol 2 when Clay sang "Solitaire".

There was a man, a lonely man
Who lost his love, through his indifference
A heart that cared that went unshared
Until it died within his silence

And solitaire’s the only game in town
And every road that takes him, takes him down

And by himself it’s easy to pretend
He’ll never love again

And keeping to himself he plays the game
Without her love it always ends the same
While life goes on around him everywhere
He’s playing solitaire

Another day, a lonely day
So much to say that goes unspoken
And through the night, his sleepless nights
His eyes are closed, his heart is broken

And solitaire’s the only game in town
And every road that takes him, takes him down
And by himself it’s easy to pretend
She’s coming back again

And keeping to himself he plays the game
Without her love it always ends the same

While life goes on around him everywhere
He’s playing solitaire

Watch Clay's AI performance:



There was a man....a man that sang his heart out week after week, but who we never knew if he would make it until the end. The judge's seemed to have other ideas as to who should win the competition. The defining moment came when I knew no matter what happened Clay would be okay, that he would have a career, and when I knew that I would hear him sing beyond American Idol. At the end of Neil Sedaka night, Neil said he "lost my song forever to you, it will always be a Clay Aiken song" and said he would kill to produce one of Clay's CD's. Clay had set himself apart from his competitors. His true talent shone like a beacon on a lighthouse,(well that might of been the Son of God lighting he had that night, but nonetheless his talent could not be denied. Yeah, the man with the vox of gold was not going anyplace. All would be well with the world.

"Solitaire" was a WOW moment in AI history. One of those performances that was head and shoulders above performances that came before or after it. Clay had many excellent performances and more than one WOW, but Solitaire was sung with a heartfelt passion that came from somewhere deep inside.

It wasn't until Learning to Sing, Clay's inspirational memoir was published that we learned that emotion came from memories of his birth father.

"My memories of Vernon are few and fragmented. The most
vivid image I have of my birth father is of him sitting in his easy chair in his living room. It was a long, narrow room, with couches on two sides and a television at the end. Every time I'd visit, I'd lie on one couch, while Grandma Grissom, his mom, would sit on the other couch an crochet and he would sit in that La-Z-Boy recliner and play solitaire on a big piece of plywood. He rarely said anything. He just sat in the chair and played solitaire.

I would be lying if I didn't admit that when I sing this
song, I think about him."

Another day
A lonely day
So much to say that goes unspoken.
And through the night
His sleepless nights
His eyes are closed
His heart is broken.

Related Tags: Clay Aiken, Learning to Sing, American Idol, Solitaire

He Had Us At Take

There is a saying in the Clay Aiken fandom or ClayNation as it is sometimes called, "He had me at take". It refers to the first time we heard Clay sing at the Atlanta audition. Clay opened his mouth and glorious golden notes fell from his throat singing "Always and Forever".

Take time to tell me you really care
And we'll share tomorrow together
Ooh baby, I'll always love you forever

The saying "He had me at take" is not literal for most of us, even though I am sure it might be true for some. Instead, it really illustrates how special this very un-idol-looking guy sounded. It was a sit-up and take notice audition. He was someone we watched for during the rest of the audition process hoping he would make it through. While we heard his glorious voice in that audition episode, we were unaware at that point at Clay's potential, and what a big impact he would have on our lives.

Disclaimer: The Clay Aiken fandom is very large and very diverse. There really is no such thing as "we" or "us". The only thing for certain is that there is no agreement on anything except that we are fans of Clay Aiken.

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Clay Aiken
Atlanta Audition
American Idol