The Family Equality Council Award

Clay Aiken Accepts Family Equality Council Award

Last night at Tavern on the Green in New York City, The Family Equality Council honored Terry Boggis, Director of Center Kids in NYC, with the first Hostetter-Habib Family Award for her over twenty years of service to the LGBT community. The Family Equality Council also honored Clay Aiken for his longstanding commitment to all children through his inclusion work with his own foundation, The Bubel-Aiken Foundation, his work as a Goodwill Ambassador with UNICEF, and for for all that he does to make the world a safer place for his own child and the children of LGBT parents.




Here is the video of Clay acceptance speech:



~Clay Aiken receives the Family Equality Council Award at Tavern on the Green on April 21, 2009. Video courtesy of Mustbeeme~



Clay and guest performer, Linda Eder






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An UNICEF Photo Album

Clay Aiken was appointed UNICEF Ambassador in 2004 for his committment to children and education. Since becoming an Ambassador, Clay has performed many duties on UNICEF's behalf including field trips to Indonesia, Uganda, Somalia, Mexico, and Afghanistan, school visits, and he even testified before Congress. Here is a photographic journey of Clay's UNICEF related work.

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A Possible Dream: Let All Play

A Must-Read article:

Caregiving: Clay Aiken to expand camps
By ALEX CUKAN



ALBANY, N.Y., July 31 Long before appearing on Fox's "American Idol" in 2003, Clay Aiken had a dream that did not involve being a pop star.

As a YMCA camp counselor, it saddened him that children with developmental disabilities had to be turned away from not only the fun of camp, but from the experience of being with other children, and he promised himself that this was something he would try to change.

"American Idol," several hit tours and 4.3 million album sales later, the pop star announced earlier this month that his dream is becoming a reality with the goal of raising $1 million to expand the Bubel/Aiken Foundation's "Let ALL Play" initiative so that 100 camps in 2008 would become inclusive to children with special needs.

It's simple concept really, but all too often, special needs children are excluded from everyday activities like swimming, arts and crafts, games, community service and physical fitness programs.

"It's an ambitious goal and it will be a challenge -- 100 camps and $1 million dollars in less than one year -- but we are about 20 percent of the way to that goal," Jerry Aiken, executive director of the Bubel/Aiken Foundation, told UPI's Caregiving. "But we also have a fan base with a tremendous amount of experience and strong passion for this issue -- we have close to 1,000 volunteers -- working with the foundation and we have been listening to them and they have some great ideas."

Jerry Aiken, Clay Aiken's uncle on his mother's side, held senior level positions at Nortel Networks, TRW and Fujitsu Network Communications, before coming to the foundation in May.

"I was told of a parent with a child with special needs and on the first day of camp the parent is coaxing the child to get out of the car and give camp a try, but a couple of days later the child can't wait to get to camp and is running inside -- when you hear these stories you see the value -- the self-worth element -- of inclusion," said Jerry Aiken.

"There was a 8-year-old child with autism, who was diagnosed at age 2 and he attended a YMCA camp this summer -- his vocabulary before the camp was about two words and after attending camp it jumped to 11 words -- that's huge."

There are several things currently in the works to raise funds, including working with a number of companies to gain sponsorship and there will be a celebrity version of the TV show on Fox's "Are you Smarter than a 5th Grader" that may offer us some opportunities as well, according to Jerry Aiken.

In addition, Jerry Aiken, a golfer, is working toward a golf tournament tentatively scheduled in Florida this year or in early 2008.

"I play golf and I have encouraged Clay to take it up, but golf takes a commitment and at the moment he doesn't have the time for golf, but he would be at the golf tournament," Jerry Aiken said.

The foundation is working with established camp programs such as the YMCA or other qualified American Camp Association members by providing financial support plus a detailed camp manual, training and ongoing assistance -- most of the funds that we raise cover training, additional counselors, equipment/supplies as well as a camp scholarships if required, according to Jerry Aiken.

"We stress to the camps they should not significantly change their program; the 'Let's ALL Play' manual and the training is about developing the camp team to provide a typical camp experience."

There is tug of war in pedagogy and psychological circles on how to best challenge the special needs child and the typical child so both experience optional challenges, according to Dr. Larry Lachman, a licensed clinical psychologist at Chapman University in Monterey, Calif.

"If either the special needs child, or the typical child does not get enough stimulation, it won't work," Lachman told UPI's Caregiving.

"Assuming the staff/counselors are trained in special needs, that the design of the program is appropriate and the typical children have the emotional maturity so they do not tease, this can be a highly beneficial experience and broaden the skill sets of both sets of children -- it sets the bar higher for all the children and opens everyone's eye to seeing something from a different point of view."

I saw things from a different point of view after I heard Clay Aiken in an interview several years ago with Diane Sawyer of ABC News. He said what made him passionate about being a special education teacher was the challenge -- the puzzle -- and how to figure out ways to help unlock the world so that a special needs child could connect and function better.

At the time, I was experiencing the "distancing" of friends of mine and friends of my father who treated the news of my father's Alzheimer's disease as if it was leprosy. I never heard from them again.

But thinking about dementia as a challenge, as a puzzle that can be solved, bit by bit, instead of giving up, made a big difference for me. It's certainly not the message I got from traditional healthcare.

So I understand why Clay Aiken's fan base is more than just the usual pop star fan base of teens -- many of his fans are caregivers -- who appreciate the message of inclusion.

In an era when many men in their 20s are only passionate about video games or have nothing else on their minds than perfecting their backhand, Clay Aiken talking about inclusion of those with special needs is enormously attractive to women of all ages, so I can understand why his fans are so devoted and why the foundation has such ambitious plans.


Clay Aiken, TBAF, Jerry Aiken Bubel-Aiken Foundation, YMCA, American Camp Association, Inclusion

Today: A Morning Surprise

Clay paid a visit to the Today Show this morning which was a total surprise to the fans---a very nice surprise. He was there to talk about his recent trip to Afghanistan for UNICEF. As always, he was articulate and passionate about one of the causes near to his heart. He discussed the readiness of people to rebuild their country, the thirst for education in children and women, the kindness of the Afghan people, and the need for access to education.



You can watch the interview here:




~Interview~


Clay being Clay also a bit of fun with some fans outside of the Today studio.

Clay also gave an interview to MSNBC before his Today Show interview:


Q: When did you get back from Afghanistan, how long were you there and what were you doing?

Clay Aiken: I got back on Wednesday, and I was there for about two weeks. It was a really eye-opening experience and was interesting because a lot of stereotypes were broken down for me. The people there were wonderfully nice, and the country was really beautiful and peaceful. It was a little surprising because of all the news we hear from over there.

[Clay sees a video clip of President Bush dancing with a Senegalese dance troupe in the Rose Garden on Wednesday]

What in the world is he doing? Please, be joking.

[He regains his train of thought.]

I was observing programs run by UNICEF, observing schools where women are getting an education, often for the first time in their lives.

Q: Why were you particularly attracted to this trip?

CA: I used to be a teacher. I was a special-ed teacher in North Carolina, so there was some synergy there.

Q: You're familiar with our "Where in the World is Matt Lauer" series, which begins on Monday. What's the most interesting place you've been to, and where would you like to go that you haven't been to before?

CA: Well, definitely Afghanistan was the most interesting place. Not just because it was exotic and dangerous, to some degree, but also because it is so beautiful and peaceful. It's the third country I've been to with UNICEF -- I had previously been to Uganda and Indonesia. But I had never been to a place that beautiful and peaceful.

As for a place I'd like to go...I'd like to go to Zanzibar. I imagine it's beautiful, and it makes me sound smart to say I know where it is.

Q: Apparently there's a version of "American Idol" in Afghanistan -- did you see it?

CA: It's called "Afghan Star," and I didn't get to see it.

Q: Have you been able to follow the current season of "American Idol"?

CA: I haven't seen any of it.

Q: Have you heard anything about Sanjaya and his performances?

CA: We were actually in India when everything was happening with him, and people over there were talking about it.

Q: The big entertainment news today is that Rosie O'Donnell is leaving "The View" in June. Any reaction?

CA: Good for her. Do what you want to do. But she will be missed on that show. But I'm sure she'll do something just as big and fantastical -- if that's a word -- as she did when she was on "The View."

Q: What's next for you?

CA: I have a tour coming up this summer. It starts July 4 in Dallas, and tickets are on sale now.


Update on Clay's $100,000 in Ten Days for Afghanistan Appeal: According to the UNICEF Field Notes blog, a total of $181,783.03 was raised, 82% more than the goal. Congratulations to Clay and all the supporters of the Appeal.


Technorati Tags: Clay Aiken, Today, Today Show, Afghanistan, interview, video, UNICEF, MSNBC

Day 8: FieldNotes Update

On Day 8 of Clay's 10-Day $100,000 Afghanistan Appeal, $161,798.82 has been raised as of 9:00 am this morning. This includes money donated by Canadian fans. A message has been passed on by UNICEF Canada Ambassador Ben Mulroney,

"We were excited to see Clay’s Canadian fans join this campaign with such enthusiasm and generosity," said Ben Mulroney. "Thank you so much to Clay and all his fans for your support!"

Two more days to go. To donate go to the Unicef Afghanistan donation form. Every little bit helps.


~A thank you from Clay~


Clay will also be on Entertainment Tonight on Friday discussing his recent trip to Afghanistan. You can see a video and text of his interview on the ET Website.

Excerpt: "It was interesting," he says. "I was actually in Kabul at the same time DIANE SAWYER was, and she was at a hotel less than a mile away from where we were. We were trying to get together for dinner, but we couldn't because she couldn't leave her hotel and I couldn't leave mine [at night]. That's the situation in Kabul."

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An Idol Giving Back

The following is Clay Aiken's blog at Fieldnotes: Blogging on UNICEF's child survival work in the field . Please visit the site for more on Clay and other UNICEF projects.

It's not that fun being wrong.

Fortunately for me, I don't have to do it very often! HA HA!

Okay... I'm kidding. I spend plenty of my time on the side of inaccuracy. But, few of my misdirections or misconceptions could possibly compare to how far off of the mark I was in my assumptions about my trip to Afghanistan.

I doubt it would come as a surprise that my mother was none too thrilled when I told her I would be traveling with UNICEF to a country that many consider to be one of the most dangerous in the world for Americans. My brother had just returned from his second tour as a U.S. Marine in Iraq when I let my mother know, so her blood pressure probably stayed high even after my return. I wasn't so at ease about it myself. Hostage takings, suicide bombings, and insurgent attacks are all seemingly daily occurrences in many parts of the country. At least that's what we see on TV and read in papers and magazines.

I couldn't have been more wrong about Afghanistan. And I couldn't have been farther off target about the Afghan people. With the exception of maybe my grandparent's house, I have never felt more welcomed. The Afghan people are some of the most gracious and inviting people on Earth.

After centuries of having their land filled with travelers and explorers, I guess they have hospitality down to an instinctive science. Everywhere we traveled we were greeted with warmth and welcome. Even on the streets of Kabul and the rugged hills of Bamyan. But nowhere as gracious as the schools and UNICEF programs that we visited. Despite the most meager accommodations, we were always invited in and shown every simple resource with the utmost of pride.

And, why shouldn't they be proud. Until a few years ago, most of these students were forbidden by the Taliban regime from going to school. And now?.... Now over 6 million children are piling into broken down buildings and UNICEF tents everyday to catch up on the lessons that they have missed out on for years. That's if they are lucky. Many, if not most, haven't even the luxury of a tent. Just a dusty ground outside in one of the world's most beautifully scenic landscapes. And still, they come to class. Many walk for miles; for hours.

With frankness I'll tell you, there is little to show off at these schools. The schools I visited had such limited resources that most made the average American 3 year-old's bedroom look like a learning lab. I can remember my own collection of books as a 2nd grader, and it looked liked the Library of Congress compared to the school library I saw at a school for over 2000 students. (And, I doubt I ever read half of them.)

Yet, the hunger and desire to read and to learn is so strong that, despite no enforced laws making schools compulsory in Afghanistan, children are clamoring to go to schools.

As I saw on my trip, UNICEF is there. UNICEF is providing tents so children can study away from the elements. UNICEF is struggling to provide school supplies to every young boy and girl in Afghanistan who wants to learn. UNICEF is providing literacy courses for women who have been forbidden far too long from a right of education that so many of us take for granted. But there is so much more that needs to be done.

Afghanistan is so far from the "lost cause" that I had expected to find in the rugged hills of south Asia. It is, I believe, one of the world's countries with the most potential. The people are perhaps it's most valuable natural resource. They are determined to break through the years of oppression they have endured. They are sponges for knowledge, and poised for success.

Winter is over in Afghanistan. It's time to get ready for amazing growth in Afghanistan's spring.
The people... make that the COUNTRY of Afghanistan showed me and my fellow travelers such AMAZING hospitality despite meager means.

As a people of substantially more means... we can help UNICEF return the favor.

Technorati Tags: Clay Aiken, blog, Afghanistan, UNICEF, unicefusa, Idol Gives Back

Clay in Afghanistan

~~UNICEF Ambasaador Clay Aiken met with Nasrin in Afghanistan. She is 11 and is in school with 1,050 other girls. There are only 16 teachers. The community urgently needs funds to train teachers so more kids can attend classes.~~


~~Clay Aiken met with Jamad on his trip to Afghanistan with UNICEF. Jamad attends a unique school where boys and girls from grades 1-9 share classes and study in the open. The school is in urgent need of funding to buy tents and materials to build a new school to allow more children the opportunity to be educated.~~


~~UNICEF Ambasaador Clay Aiken met with Fawzia in Afghanistan. Fawzia attends a unique school where boys and girls from grades 1-9 share classes and study in the open. The school is in urgent need of funding to buy tents and materials to build a new school to allow more children the opportunity to be educated.~~

Update on the $100,000 in 10 days for Afghanistan program, As of Friday afternoon, Clay fans have helped UNICEF raise $69,638. If you can help,please donate through this link.

Blend by ClayPerfect

For more information visit fieldnotes.unicefusa.org

~Video of Clay in Good Morning America Segment~



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UNICEF: Afghanistan

Besides being a pop star, Clay Aiken is dedicated to making the world a better place for children, be it children with disabilities or children living in amongst conflict, war, stife, political upheaval, or poverty. Every child deserves a chance in life, and Clay is doing his part to see that it happens.

Clay recently returned from a UNICEF trip to Afghanistan. He notes that the need in that country is great. There is a goal to raise $100,000 in ten days. Please check this UNICEF link and lend your support.



Press Release

Clay Aiken, UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador:

It is a pleasure to be here, we have had an amazing time observing the programmes and the people of Afghanistan over the past week. I've traveled with Catherine, UNICEF's country representative here in Afghanistan, and my high school teacher, Mary Props, two people who individually who have in different ways had a major impact in the way that I look at world affairs and the needs of children all around the world but especially here in Afghanistan.

There's a very distinct impression that those of us in America have been given about Afghanistan, the people and the children and the situation here in Afghanistan. Because of major media in the US unfortunately only had the opportunity to see the more negative aspects, the more painful images of what's going on here in Afghanistan. For that reason I didn't really know exactly what to expect when I found out I was traveling here and was not really anticipating such an amazing and positive welcome from the people both in the city of Kabul and in Bamiyan where we have just returned from. The people of Afghanistan are without question it's greatest natural resource because we have been greeted by nothing but wonderful hospitality since we've been here and it's been really amazing to see not only the generosity but also the strength of the people. Some of the most impressive people without question, I would think are the national staff in the office at UNICEF. Not to negate or take away from the international staff, like Catherine [UNICEF representative] and those who have come from other countries. But there's an amazing number of [national] staff from right here in Afghanistan who are working with UNICEF to make sure the children of this country are given every opportunity to survive be that through education, through health and nutrition, through sanitation and water access. There's a lot of work going on here by UNICEF through not just the people who have come from outside Afghanistan but also lots of Afghans too.

Thanks to Catherine and her colleagues we had an opportunity to visit a high school here in Kabul [Macfee High School] where we met a number of young women who have an amazing positive outlook on their future now in post conflict Afghanistan and it really provides a backdrop of hope, there's an amazing sense of hope and promise not only in the country but in the young people here too.

In Bamiyan, which is some the most beautiful country that I have ever seen in my life. We had an opportunity to visit other schools and one very interesting school where boys and girls are learning together in the same classroom which is extremely promising and very exciting for me to see. We visited clinics I actually got an opportunity to give polio vaccine to a new born [baby] that was exciting for me and risky for the mother and the new born! But it's indicative of the type of work UNICEF is doing in every area of the country but in Bamiyan they are having a lot of success with polio vaccines, with healthcare in general, prenatal and postnatal healthcare in Bamiyan.

I could speak on and on about the different activities and programmes that we saw taking place, we did see a literacy centre for both young and old women who are learning to read now in post Taliban Bamiyan. Instead of pin pointing each and every experience that we had I think it's more important to give you a sense of the overall feeling that we got. I have never in my life, and I've traveled with UNICEF to a number of countries and of course have seen all parts of my own [country], I have never in my life seen such a thirst and an excitement for learning, seeing children, women, men, boys and girls to be so excited about learning, to be so excited about being in school it's actually something I know makes my former teacher [Mary Props] quite jealous! That kid's are so excited about being in school and really being on the forefront of making sure that they have the best education possible and that's exactly how and why I know that Afghanistan is such a powerful force to be reckoned with because the natural resource in its humans and the people who are thirsty for knowledge is just so evident.

That idea that education is so important is why I asked my high school teacher to join me. A lot of the children in the US don't really have access to or the desire to learn about issues that are facing our world outside of our own country which I find to be a horrible situation, that kids don't have that desire so I asked my teacher to come along and she'll be able to provide some different perspective on education here in Afghanistan from an educator in the United States perspective and Catherine will be able to provide more insight into exactly what UNICEF is doing.

I really appreciate you giving us the opportunity to be here and talk with you.

Thank you.

Question and Answer Session:

GMA: You have spoken about visiting Bamiyan and a high school in Kabul where there is peace. Have you visited or have any information from southern provinces where the people live in fear and horror?

Clay: Unfortunately I didn't have an opportunity during this trip to visit south. We visited the areas which are a little bit secure and where we can visit children. I will let Catherine speak about the south because she has been to Kandahar. Before she starts I would imagine just by seeing the amount of enthusiasm from kids here in this area that there is still that thirst [for education]. Because I think just in general children in this country have been oppressed for so long that they may have not had access to education, access to such an opportunity so I can imagine that there in the south where children continue to live in the darkness they still must have the thirst for education. And Catherine can speak about it more specifically.

Catherine: You remember a few weeks ago when children started going to school some six million children are now back to schools, including children from the south. Of course there are concerns. But ladies and gentlemen from the media we count on you to continue to help us mobilize and talk about education in this country and that children want to be educated and that children have nothing to do with conflict and that they are thirsty to go to school. Look at areas which are not secure, the communities come together with all partners to take care of their community schools. Even though there are security problems, they are taking steps, they make demands, they go to the government and local authorities to say they need schools and we are ready to pay for that. Of course we are concerned about that but we are working with communities to make sure that even in those places, there should be schools.

IRIN: I would like to know your personal commitment to children of Afghanistan. What would you do to change the situation of children here in Afghanistan when you return the US? In the meantime I would like to know Mary's opinion about the education system in Afghanistan?

Mary: First I am glad to be an invited guest as part of the UNICEF delegation. I was excited and interested to learn about Afghanistan's schools and have chance to talk with teachers and students. I think my first impression was on commonalities that educators across our two countries face and particularly despite some of the challenges that the teachers and students face with resources, facilities, meeting the needs of all students, the learning styles the list could go on. We do in fact have a lot to share. I would like to echo the fact that Catherine and Clay have already made is that the most impressive thing that I saw was the desire. While there are steep roads ahead there is a desire for these students. I saw them learning Dari, English, math and in the high school in Kabul they were studying other subjects particularly in social sciences which interested me, and economics and geography. So overall I have a positive impression of the educational system.

Clay: It is our goal in UNICEF to raise awareness and money. I think probably the most important thing I will be able to do is to talk about some of the positive things I have seen. Because very few people in the US have the opportunity to learn about the positive things that are taking place in Afghanistan. And that is the kind of thing that encourages people to get out of their seats. I think the most positive and exciting thing about this trip for me is that I have been with UNICEF to Indonesia and Uganda and what is the different about this country and what helps us in some ways is that Afghanistan is in the forefront of Americans minds right now unlike Indonesia or Uganda unfortunately. People in America do care about what is going on here in Afghanistan. They want to learn more about Afghanistan and know what exactly is happening here. And there is a distinct desire and drive amongst the American people to do what they can to help out here. So I am looking forward to be able to go back there and say not only do we need your help but here is why because here are the great things that are happening here and these are the positive outcomes of your support.

RFE: You said that media reports very grim picture about Afghanistan. How do you find Afghanistan?

Clay: I would like to restate my earlier comment. We do see a lot of negative in the US. Most of it is associated with conflicts, troops, military activities in Afghanistan and unfortunately we see reports of insurgent attacks or suicide bombings and there is not much stories at all about children in Afghanistan. And the reason there is so much negative is because there has not been much about children. There is a lot positive things going on with children and if we did see more about the kids we will see more positive support and help. Obviously there are needs as Catherine said there are needs for every conflict situation, there are needs for kids to have access to safety, to be safe in their schools and have access to clean water. There are the needs that would be there even if there was not a conflict in Afghanistan at all. My major impression was a population of kids who really want to learn and a group of communities and a group of international aid workers and NGOs who are working together as much as they can to make sure that this is possible.

Radio Farda: My question is for Ms Mary, the teacher. What will you specifically do for children in Afghanistan after you return to the US?

Mary: In the US I think we have a strong curriculum in all subjects. In history we tend to concentrate on history a lot and not on current world issues. My message in going back is that we need to do more in our curriculum to make sure that our students not only understand the past but they can also relate it to today and what today's problems, issues and concerns are.

BBC: There are reports that the Italian Emergency Hospital is going to leave Afghanistan. Do you have information on this? If they do leave what will be the impacts on Afghanistan?

SIO: I am only aware of this from media reports, about the Emergency Hospital that may or may not be leaving Afghanistan. Whenever an organization comes to Afghanistan to help the people of Afghanistan we have always welcomed and encouraged this. If we hear of an organization leaving Afghanistan not only does this sadden us all here in the United Nations but it is also a loss for the Afghan people. We want organisations that come to help to stay here and work hard on behalf of the Afghan people because as you all know there is much for all of us to be doing to deliver the progress that people want to see and so richly deserve.

Pajhwok: My first question is for the UNICEF representative. Is there any change in the 26% children who are earning bread for their families? And my second question is for Clay. You have seen some other post-conflict countries. How do you compare the condition of Afghan children with that of those countries?

Catherine: A very good question. Today in the afternoon we are going to visit an organization called Ashiana which is doing a very good job in Afghanistan particularly in Kabul. We are going there to learn from them. We have concerns about street children in Kabul and we really want to make sure that we benefit from all organisations who have experience in dealing with these vital issues. In other countries we have good lessons learnt and we want to share them with organizations here in Afghanistan so that we can pull our resources together to make a better impact for these children. So this afternoon we have an education trip to Ashiana and there are some other organizations that are doing a lot for street children and we are looking forward to work more closely with them.

Clay: With regard to the question about my other travels and comparison, I have been to Indonesia in Banda Aceh right after the tsunami in 2004 and I was in northern Uganda in 2005 to visit the children in the northern part of the country who have been victims of a 20 year long conflict. Probably the biggest or the most striking contrast, I guess in the US we call it hardiness, the hardiness of the Afghan people, it has been a long dark three decades here in Afghanistan and it has been extremely trying unlike other situations like Indonesia it was a natural disaster. The people here are very strong and they are very proud of their country, their homeland and themselves and it seems to be for that reason or because of those things they seem to be poised in a wonderful position to really pick the country up and move it forward in the way it needs to be moved forward. It is not that I have not seen this elsewhere but I believe that I have seen it more here in Afghanistan, just the strength and conviction of the Afghan people and their ability to make sure that this country returns to its glory after such a long darkness.

SIO: If I could just pick up on the question that was addressed to Catherine earlier about street children, I know that the World Food Programme runs an extensive school feeding programme. One of the main issues that we are faced with here is why are children not able to go to schools? And why are they on the streets? One of the key factors is poverty. So if we can encourage school children to go to school and at the same time provide food for their families and themselves then this can be a real motivating tool to encourage parents to send their children to school and keep them off the streets. Great efforts have been made on this vital area of work by the WFP and UNICEF and these efforts are continuing.

GMA: You said the UN Secretary General has issued a statement condemning violence. I just wanted to know whether he means by violence the beheading of Ajmal Naqshbandi or some other violence since there is a lot of violence in the country.

SIO: The Secretary General's concern is the safety of everybody living and working in Afghanistan. Over the last few weeks we have seen not only innocent civilians being targeted we have seen journalists being targeted and we have seen international and Afghan forces targeted. This is of course a mater of great concern for the Secretary General and that is why we saw the statement from the Secretary General. It is indication of the closeness with which the Secretary General is following events here and the commitment that the Secretary General and the United Nations has here in Afghanistan. If you pick up a copy of his statement from the side table you will see that it makes a specific reference to Ajmal Naqshbani's case, Canadian soldiers that perished in Helmand over the weekend and also the horrific attack we saw in Laghman province on April 1 in which nine civilians were killed including five children. Like all of us, the Secretary General wants to see peace and stability in Afghanistan and that is what we remain focused on achieving.

Clay: I just want to go back to your question about comparisons of the countries I have visited. Afghanistan's terrain is very tough and is also full of so much promise. It has been such a key part of travel, dating centuries back. It is such a valuable country in so many ways. As you fly in or as we flew into Bamiyan and when we were flying to Kabul it is dark, rough and dusty. And as we were approaching Bamiyan on the plane I was told of the promise of the grass and the promise of green. When the summer comes there would be grass over the hills and that it is so beautiful and lush in the summer yet I didn't see that and some were skeptical that any grass grew in Bamiyan. When we flew out today and I looked out of the window and I saw a little grass peeking through. And I think that has been a kind of capstone experience for me here in Afghanistan that there is so much promise and it has been a long winter for Afghanistan and it is spring time finally. I think that is what UNICEF is excited about doing and being a part of the rebirth and re-growth and part of the spring time here in the country and I am thrilled to be associated with them for that reason.

Catherine: Ladies and Gentlemen of the media. You have such a great role to play. Today we talked a lot about children and I would like you to remember too that anything we have to do in this country has been for children. We talked about poverty reduction, conflict resolution please remember that poverty reduction starts with children. Conflict resolution begins with children. More children are going to schools, more children are going for vaccinations, more women go to literacy courses and we have recognise that. We have to tell that story and tell the world that the children of this country are the beginning of this country. If we invest in them, lots of problems are going to be solved.

SIO: I would like to thank our UNICEF delegation and particularly Clay Aiken for joining us here today and sharing their experiences with us.

Thank you.




Technorati Tags: Clay Aiken, UNICEF, Press Release, Afghanistan

A Night Full Of Champions

"He's the pebble tossed into the silent stream, sending forth small, yet relentless ripples of change into the lives of everyone around him"~~ClayIzzaQT at CV

Saturday night The Bubel-Aiken Foundation hosted a Gala in Raleigh to raise money for programs that allow children with disabilities to interact with their peers without disabilities. The night included a lovely dinner, an auction (that ended up raising almost $200,000), and a performance by Clay. Here are some thoughts and recaps from the attendees to give you are real feeling of the evening.

One of the most touching moments for me was Diane Bubel talking about her son Mike, on the video. He is autistic and is non verbal. She says she imagines conversations with Mike and believes he would tell her, "I just want to be a kid, Mom, I just want to play." Diane tears up at this statement and i think most of us did the same in the audience. The last few minutes of the video is of TBAF children playing with Clay singing Because You Loved me in the backgroud. It was the perfect song and it gave me a whole new appreciation for the it, it was a no longer a song about a man and a women, but it about anyone who is lifted up b/c of love...it was beautiful and another tear jerker moment.

The first award recipient was Jonathan Bunzey. Jonathan is deaf and has some other cognitive issues, but that does stop him from working on the We Build People Campaign at the A.E. Finely YMCA, Raleigh. He raises maoney for kids with special needs to be have the same, fun camp experience at the Y that he has had. He raised more than 6400. this year. His acceptance speech which was interpreted by his mother was so sweet and moving.
The next recipient was coach Jim Johnson. Coach Johnson, as many of you know was the high school basketball coach that allowed his student team manager, young man by the name of Jason McElwain, who has autism, into the final home basketball game. J-Mac scored 20 points in just over four minutes, including 6 three point baskets. We watched a brief video clip and listened to a moving and impassioned speech by this very special and compassionate man. I had the opportunity to thank him at the end of the Gala.

The TBAF Beta Alph Volunteers were given an award and were represented by Pam Gaither, Dawn Graham, our own RaleighAikenfan, and Teresa Moss. Pam gave a beautiful speech sharing the award with all the Beta Alpha volunteers.

The last and final volunteer was the corporate sponsor State Farm, and I missed most of this speeech, due to leaving the room for a few minutes. State Farm did make an additional 8,000 donation last night and the gentleman accepting the award made an additional 1,000 donation.~~butterflyshine at CV

Now, onto Clay. The first thing I noticed--beside how gorgeous he was and how great he looked in that beard -- is that he was totally happy and completely relaxed. I saw no traces of tension, stress, anxiety, or discomfort at all. He was an Adonis, a clown, a joker, a sweetheart, and a mischief-maker. He was beautiful, adorable, witty, happy, and knee-slappingly, side-splittingly, pee-in-your-pants hilarious.~~Brightstar at CV

If Clay had not sang a note at the Gala the night
still would have been magical.~~CAP121 at CV

When I was in line for "coffee" (I don't drink the stuff) at the coffee bar right by Clay's table, a general announcement was made about the rest of the evenings events. And the Claytinis were mentioned. So, Linda Loveland turned to Clay and "What's a Claytini?"

Clay replied, "It's a martini with a little bit of me in it. It's a little bitter."~~scrpkym at the CH

THE AUCTION. There are no words to describe the absolute adorableness of that man. He flirted, cajoled, pouted, danced and shook his bootie, was totally incorrigible. I sat behind Faye, one seat over. She laughed and really seemed to enjoy his performances. I can’t imagine how he was as a child. I’m sure she has been exposed to his wiles before. Good thing she was a strong woman and could resist him. I sat by a very distinguished gentleman and his wife. Very formally dressed. We talked a bit about Raleigh and Dallas. He traveled on business to Dallas before he retired. He seemed surprised that I flew in just for the Gala. I then told him many of the attendees did. He later talked to Faye, so I’m pretty sure he was an acquaintance.

My friend pointed out to me that Faye’s profile and Clay’s were very similar. And in person, it is very noticeable. The nose and mouth and chin. She looked very pretty and stood outside the dining room and greeted the attendees as we came in. She also sold raffle tickets table to table. ~~auntdementia at CH

Clay is so funny without saying a word. He used his eyes, his nose, his lips and his entire body to convey a thought. For example using the wango-tango shirt as a prop to show love (hugging it), growth of his body,( couldn't button it) sex (rubbing it on his body and sniffing it) and finally waving it around his head like a stripper. Best example of salesmanship I have ever seen. ~~FearofH2O at CH

He mentioned “family” toward the beginning, referring to all of us there. I truly think he does think of his fans fondly now, as an extended family perhaps. Some are quiet and sweet, some get a little hyper at times, and some may be considered his “crazy Aunt Bernice” or something. But he is so free now with what he will say to us, and joke about with us, imply with us, and even scold us about. There is a lovely close feeling there, at the best times at least, and that bond, that flow of love and caring, is one of the very best things, to me, about this fandom.

And yes, sitting so close to him was powerful and awesome, but he was also very real---a happy, beautiful, charismatic man, but also just Clay, the Raleigh man who made good, with an incredible talent but a down-to-earth, down-home demeanor—the jokester, the teacher, the boy next door, the caring, earnest man with a heart as big as the room. How anyone can not love him is beyond me. He has me for life.~~Brightstar

The "Lover All Alone" Manuscript is absolutely beautiful! My husband and I will hang it in our home with pride on behalf of all of you: Clay's dedicated, giving and generous fans. Someday soon, we will donate this back to TBAF in order for them to raise even more money; something this precious and beautiful is meant to be shared with others who can appreciate it. ~~Cheryl, winner of the "Lover All Alone" manuscript

We sat next to a member of the Cardinal Club who was there with his wife. They were not particularly Clay fans but bought tickets to the Gala just to support the "hometown boy." He also said that there were not very many CC members in attendance. They were both simply blown away by Clay, the amount of $$$$ he was able to raise for the children - and the impact he had on everyone in the room! They left the Gala as new Clay fans and planned to attend their first Clay concert in Cary this Summer! They also planned on letting the other Cardinal Club members know what an extraordinary event they missed out on! Yaaaayyyyy!!! ~~ClaytonClayniac at the CB

It was then time for LIVE AUCTION/COMEDY HOUR...featuring none other than Clay Aiken (who said he wasn't planning on being involved, but his butt hurt from sitting too long - so he was). He was excited about the auctioneer (and mimicked auctioneer talk - real fast talking...imagine him doing that) and it was obvious he was going to be very involved in the process. With the first few items, there was a vacation to the mountains of NC, and Clay liked it so much - he kept bidding on it himself, but the guy wouldn't take his bid.......it was funny! Then came other items such as signed Proud of Your Boy music score (which he doesn't remember....but he thinks he may have slept with), Invisible music/45, Grammy jacket came up and Clay really started getting into it with the crowd. He was interacting ALOT and pleading with the bidders for higher amounts "it's for the children" he would yell into the microphone....of which at one point - yes, ladies, he did have his finger in the mic stand....ONCE AGAIN. *thud*

The excitement came with a 2003 Wango Tango shirt (striped, bright colored) that he decided he was going to put on, take off, rub all over his body, and swing around his head like a stripper. NO LIE.

We think that went for $8k (OMG) and the winner got to collect on stage and got a big hug and kiss from Clay - sooooo worth the investment. The biggest item sold was the handwritten SCORE of Lover All Alone - music written from DFoster and lyrics handwritten by Clay........*sigh* and signed by them and Eman. This is the ORIGINAL and only 3 other "copies" are out there....and belong to DF, JF, and CA....whoa. Final winning bid.....$55,000.00!

He was cute, he was funny, he was flirty....he was sexy - he was playful....he was a TEASE. Especially when someone in the front row said "Clay, I'll buy your ring" And then led to the not only the bidding of his thumb ring (he left the other 2 at home - forgot to put them on after his shower) but of all his jewelery that he had on......ring (with the other 2 included later) and necklaces....that he whipped out from under his white shirt. He then proceeded to put the ring in his mouth *excuse while i take a moment* and roll it around with his tongue seductively - and also rumor had it he LICKED the necklaces as well.....be still my heart. Final bidding ended around $8,000....again, money well spent. ~~LynninNJ at CB

-- The singing -- all of it -- was stunning. I must admit I was a bit shocked that he could sing so well after all that exuberant talking. Why, he talked just as much as the auctioneer! I loved it when he said that his name was on the foundation and he could decide what to do! Reminded me of "mah name's on the ticket." ~~sweetcarolinagirl at CV

The whole night was just so special. BAF did a wonderful job and the opening video of the children was so touching. What wonderful strides BAF is making! The video closed with ""Because You Loved Me"" and it truly brought tears to my eyes....I was so full of pride and for Clay, Diane, Kristy and all the volunteers for all they have done!! Clay later joked what a great singer that was who sang that closing song!

So cute when he was auctioning off the thingy for the NBC skating show...he said he had to sing 8 songs and that was a lot of work...maybe they should be paying him more!! ~~toni7babe at CV

Somebody from the front row .. said.. "SELL YOUR RINGS!!! or something to that effect..
Suddenly, he pulled off the ring.. and the necklace.. and BOOM..
The bidding started.. .. Suddenly, I was transported to a different space and time..
Clay was truly mesmerizing.. He had all of us spellbound.. He was adorable when
He puckered up his mouth begging for a higher bid.. over the Wango Tango shirt..
I guess when he put that ring in his mouth.. all bets were off.. YIKES..

Well, I made an executive decision.. I really wanted to make a donation to the Foundation and since I had been out bid on every other item.. I felt like these rings were calling my name..
So…the bidding started.. and the next thing I knew.. I was the winning bid.. I was on the stage with Clay .. a big ole hug and a kiss on the cheek was more than worth it.. He is so sweet and kind. We are truly blessed to have such a wonderful role model in our lives. He has brought us all together because of his voice but we as a fandom are very special. We support the cause so near to Clay .. that of inclusion.. Let’s hold the feelings of the Gala and NAG in our hearts as we go into this year.. and never forget how proud we are of our boy. ~~clayladylei at CV

As for the Aiken- it warms my heart to see him genuinely happy. Makes me realize how much i think he was struggling before- and yet kept going. He is funny, articulate, a little naughty and had a smile that would light up the room. And when he sang- well the maturity and depth to his voice are beyond amazing. ~~jasr9203 at CV

Clay's fans know he is a special man--a man is bit different, a bit extraordinary.

The world is full of possibilities and potential. Picture clear, unlabeled bubbles of possibilities filling the sky. I think the average person recognizes, grabs and fulfills a number of possibilities, but I see Clay as one who does so much more. I almost believe he sees possibilities where the "average person" may not. I think he may see potential more clearly than most. I see him as one who strives to turn possibilities into accomplishments, potential into achievements. His desire to help--because there is the need for help--and to make a real difference in the world is admirable, yet it just seems to be an integral part of him. I am in awe, and will be so proud to see the many great things he will accomplish with his determination, his hard work, and a mind which at times may see a problem as just a solution waiting to happen, and a heart that is determined to make it happen.~~Brightstar at CV

I hope Clay continues to walk his path no matter what obstacles are thrown his way. I know I and many other will be there with him every step of the way.

~ Selling the Merchandise ~

Related Tags: Clay Aiken, Champions for Change, Gala, Raleigh, Bubel-Aiken Foundation, auction

iTunes Podcasts...Six Degrees/The Bubel-Aiken Foundation

I can barely comprehend this, but I do believe the ClayNation is falling down on the job. We have just yesterday discovered interview podcasts that are dated...ummm...Dec 11, 2006. Now that is a little embarrassing. An excuse could be is that they are not that easy to find which really isn't a big surprise with anything to do with A Thousand Different Ways album promotion. The podcasts don't come up if you search Clay Aiken. They are listed under your Idols. Not surprising that they were not readily found. A good portion of the fandom has nothing to do with Idol anymore. As for as they are concerned, "Game Over, Idol Found". Still, finding primo clack almost four months after the date is not the norm for the "enthusiastic" fans of Clay Aiken.

The interview (in five parts) is quite good. Clay speaks on how he choose some of the songs on A Thousand Different Ways.

In part one, he discusses "Here You Come Again". Dolly Parton was a great favorite of his mom's, so he grew up with her songs. He wanted to sing on AI during country week, but Michael Orland and Debra Byrd talked him out of it because they felt it had too much of a Broadway vibe. Something Simon Cowell kept harping on with him. He tells of how the song came to be an the album, and how it got changed to more ballad-like.

In part two, he discusses "Broken Wings". His mother almost entered him for Star Search when he was eleven, and he was going to sing "Broken Wings". Seventeen years later, he finally gets to record it. Clay explains how he came up with the ethereal version on his album.

In part three, Clay talks about the original songs on his album and how he came to choose them. "Lonely More More" Jaymes Foster, his executive producer wanted on the album because Clay helped write it. "Eveything I Have" was a favorite of all the females in Clay's life, "A Thousand Days" was a song that considered for his original song album. "These Open Arms" is Clay's favorite perhaps due to these poignant lyrics

What if everything you ever took for granted, was gone?
And everything you ever thought was right, was wrong?
And what if everyone you ever loved was torn, from the pages of your life?
Would you reach out for tomorrow, or try to turn back time?

In part four, he talks about blending his singing career with his work with children with disabilites, and his passion for he cause of inclusion.

In part five, he talks about UNICEF, how he came to be an ambassador, and his work with the organization.

These interviews are well worth the download. They are free, but you do need iTunes. This link will take you to the iTunes store.
At the right you click on "Get Episode". Only download one at at time. It downloads quickly. After it downloads, you can find it in your iTunes Library under podcasts. It will most likely say Your Idols. Click on the little triangle to see all five parts. Click on each and they will play in the iTunes player.

March 31st is the last day to donate for the Six Degrees project. Through the badge at the left on this blog, you can donate as little as $10 and keep The Bubel-Aiken Foundation in the Top Six badges for the matching $10,000 from Kevin Bacon's Six Degrees Project. TBAF has collected over $28,000 to date. Please donate to this worthy cause if you can.

More on The Bubel-Aiken Foundation

What We Do

The Bubel/Aiken Foundation -with your help- will address areas of the disability community traditionally under-served. Investing in the education community will give us a voice in the future. Providing services and financial assistance, creating awareness, and recognizing ‘Champions of Change’ will help us extend the boundaries of the human experience for all.

Providing Services and Financial Assistance
Our grant program will provide much needed funding to qualified programs serving families in need of funds to assist individuals in life skills and one-to-one social skills, but more importantly, to programs that provide social interaction with their peers. We will fund the development of curricula and the necessary training aimed at achieving full inclusion in the educational, employment, and recreational settings.

Our Mission

Creating communities where ALL children can learn, live, and play together.

The Bubel/Aiken Foundation will serve to bridge the gap that exists between young people with special needs and the world around them. We will support communities and programs in creating awareness and opportunities for full inclusion where barriers break and doors open. It is our goal to create an environment for children where inclusion is embraced.

Related Tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, iTunes, podcasts, download, The Bubel-Aiken Foundation, Six Degrees, inclusion

Clay and UNICEF

Yahoo UNICEF Profile

About me: Hi, my name is Clay Aiken. I believe that everyone deserves the best start in life and that education is essential to a child's development. Since becoming a UNICEF Ambassador in 2004, I have testified before Congress urging the government to allocate more funds for UNICEF so that its programs can reach all the children in need worldwide. I also traveled to Indonesia after the tsunami and Uganda to see the devastating conditions affecting millions of the world’s children first-hand—disease, malnutrition, and war, chief among them. You just cannot believe how some of these kids are forced to live. It’s truly heartbreaking, yet many people don’t even know these conditions exist. It is my hope that as a UNICEF Ambassador I can encourage people to join UNICEF's mission in support of child survival programs worldwide and to make education a reality for these children.
Find out more at http://www.unicefusa.org/clayaik...







**Clickable**



~Clay Aiken in Jakarta, Indonesia~



~Clay Aiken in Uganda with UNICEF~


~Clay Aiken in Indonesia~


~Clay Aiken in Indonesia~

Clay is also taking part in the Yahoo! Answers UNICEF Campaign

On the charitable side, Yahoo teamed with Unicef for a ten-day celebrity-studded awareness building campaign. Through Yahoo Answers, celebrities from film, TV, music and sports will ask questions of Yahoo's users to build awareness of children's issues throughout the world.

Actors Lucy Liu, Lawrence Fishburne, Alyssa Milano, Danny Glover, and Tea Leoni, musicians Clay Aiken and India Arie, NBA star Elton Brand, and celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson have been listed as celebrity participants for the program, which runs from today through February 9th.

The opening question, "What can we do to get more Americans committed to supporting programs that help children?", comes from singer and Unicef Ambassador Clay Aiken. Nearly 2,000 answers have been posted in response already; they range from thoughtful to useless, with answers in the latter category being voted down by users in favor of exposing the better ones in the thread.

Quite a few responses made early on touched on a similar idea: increase awareness of Unicef and its mission. There are a number of worthy causes people can support. If they only know Unicef from the Trick Or Treat coin collecting done each Halloween, that means there is room for people to learn more.

The Yahoo Answers campaign should be a good start toward educating more people, since Yahoo draws so much online traffic, and its Answers service has become a popular stop for users ever since its debut in December 2005.

~Clay Aiken's question~




Related Tags: Clay Aiken, UNICEF

A Teacher At Heart

From The Morning Call

Clay Aiken reads students’ book, treats young authors like American Idols

Like they did before a school assembly in May, the 19 Lower Nazareth Elementary student authors sat excitedly waiting for the program to start.

Some of the 5th graders knew what they were there for, of course, the VIP seating in Nazareth Area High School's auditorium and blown-up drawings of book pages giving away that the gathering was related to their special project.

Yes, they were going to be honored for "Our Friend Mikayla," the story they wrote and illustrated about their classmate who has brain damage and cerebral palsy.

The authors were right, but what they and the rest of the elementary school learned at just after 9 o'clock this morning is that the honoring would be done by American Idol finalist Clay Aiken.

Busloads of children -- the entire elementary school in fact -- filled the auditorium, and they listened attentively as Aiken read the book that tells the story of Mikayla Resh, a girl who loves lollipops and cheerleading and American Idol.

Aiken is founder of the Bubel/Aiken Foundation, a nonprofit he started with the goal of having children with disabilities fully included in everyday activities and events. His foundation paid for the cost of printing the books.

"This is a prime example of what we want to do … spreading the word of inclusion" said Aiken.

The fifth graders, he said, were perfect messengers.

After the assembly, Aiken hosted a private question-and-answer session with the authors that concluded with yet another treat: The singer had arranged for the children to return to the elementary school in limousines.

-- reporting by Arlene Martínez, The Morning Call


Technorati Tags: Clay Aiken, Lower Nazareth Elementary, Mikalya, book reading, The Morning Call

Good Deeds Unacknowledged

Last month Clay Aiken was one among twenty new officers sworn in to serve a two-year term in the U.S. President's Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities. The committee acts in an advisory capacity to the U.S. President and the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services on matters relating to programs and services for persons with intellectual disabilities.

It's unfortunate not more of the good works done by Clay and other celebrities is reported in the mainstream media, not only media darlings like Angelina Jolie, but the countless others who work to support causes that could use some positive press to bring awareness. Our culture seems to be very tabloid-centered, negative, and often times cruel. Why are not the good things done by celebrities worth a mention? Why do we only hear about punches thrown at paparazzi, drunken outings, car wrecks, break-ups, hook-ups, one-night stands etc? Why don't we ever hear about what might make a difference? Why is it that we only hear about Clay's "crazy" blue-haired fans when with a little research the media could report on how Clay Aiken fans support the BAF, Beads For Life, UNICEF because Clay Aiken brought awareness to the cause? Why not report something positive? I guess it is just too much fun to ridicule what you don't understand. Only one show that Clay recently guested on mentioned the President's Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities, and that was Jimmy Kimmel Live. It was a quick mention, but good for Jimmy. It's a honor worth mentioning. I know Clay will do a good job for a cause that is so close to his heart.

Clay Aiken's Bio posted on the committee's website is as follows:

Clay Aiken became an international sensation in the wake of his appearance on the hit television show, ‘American Idol.’ In spite of his growing stardom, Aiken has remained steadfast in his desire to remain true to the simple values he learned as a child in Raleigh, North Carolina. “I still live in the town where I grew up,” he says. “I like surrounding myself with people I know and love.” It is this authenticity that his millions of fans have responded to, an almost supernatural earnestness that feels unconventional in the cynical world of today. While the accolades that followed his stunningly close second-place finish on the second season of American Idol have validated him in ways that he never could have dreamed of, it is the charitable work that his musical career has enabled him to do that means more to him than anything else these days. Mr. Aiken created the Bubel/Aiken Foundation in 2003, an organization that promotes and funds educational and recreational programs for children with special needs. “I worked with Mike Bubel, who has autism, when I was going to school at UNCC,” says Mr. Aiken. “His mother was very instrumental in encouraging me to get into this business.” The Foundation remains close to the singer’s heart at all times. “My music career has allowed me to do the same thing I was doing before—work with kids with disabilities,” he says. “It has given me a big stage to talk about the same things I always cared about. I don’t get to be as hands-on with the kids anymore, but I do get to work toward enacting change on a much larger scale.” Also important to Mr. Aiken’s life as a humanitarian is his work as a goodwill ambassador for UNICEF. Since 2005, the singer has been passionately committed to supporting the organization’s education programs. Not only has Mr. Aiken testified before Congress urging the government to allocate more funds for UNICEF’s global work for children, he has also traveled to Indonesia and Uganda to see the devastating conditions affecting millions of the world’s children first-hand—disease, malnutrition, kidnapping, and war, chief among them. “You just cannot believe how some of these kids are forced to live,” says Mr. Aiken. “It’s truly heartbreaking, yet many people don’t even know these conditions exist. I am hoping to shed light on some of these problems and so that more resources can be allocated to help make things better.” Mr. Aiken’s upcoming album A THOUSAND DIFFERENT WAYS expresses the many different kinds of love in the world, including his deep love for his fellow man, particularly the littlest ones among us. Where did such a driving need to help others come from? “The need for help!” he answers matter-of-factly. “You know, my mother has always been someone who urged me to help people in need. Maybe that’s it. I don’t think it’s something you can learn. It’s just something you do.”

The bio used by the government site is from the RCA Press Biography, but it is nice to see that some people will read some good things about Clay Aiken because God knows we won't be reading them in the press. **click the link for the whole biography**





Technorati Tags: Clay Aiken, Biography, President's Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities, Jimmy Kimmel, Media

A Song in His Heart

Unchained Melody is one of the most beautiful songs ever recorded. Clay does a fantastic job singing it. Usually Clay's remake supersedes the original for me, but for "Unchained Melody" I never really let go of my love of the Righteous Brother's version. That is until Clay sang "Unchained Melody" at the David Foster Charity Gala. Now it's "Righteous Brothers who?". I just can't get enough of Clay singing "I hunger, hunger for your touch" with that look of his very expressive face. In the words of David Foster, "Wow....wow!". It's a totally gorgeous rendition. Check out the video:




"Unchained Melody"/videographer- Scarlett

Clay also sang "Without You" at the Gala. The arrangement is basically the same as Harry Nilsson and Mariah Carey, but when something is already perfect you don't want to mess with it too much. Clay totally sells this song when performed live as he does with so many. "Without You" is a song full of yearning, passion, despair and heartbreak. Clay Aiken delivers it. Check out the big hug David Foster gives Clay at the end of the video:


"Without You"/ videographer- Scarlett

The first song Clay sang at the Gala was "Right Here Waiting". I admit I'm not a fan of the original. I was never a big Richard Marx fan. This song is just the latest example of Clay making me love a song I originally did not like. I love the musical arrangement with the strings on Clay's version. Beautiful!


"Right Here Waiting" /videographer- Scarlett


A Thousand Different Ways is available for streaming at the Clear Channel Website.


Technorati Tags: Clay Aiken, David Foster, Charity Gala, Without You, Unchained Melody, Right Here Waiting, video