Judge Aiken: America's Next Top Model

This week Clay will be starring in America's Next Top Model as judge and a mentor in the acting challenge.

Promo:






Here's an interview from the Associated Press with the exciting news that Clay is fielding offers from record labels, television and stage.

Aiken judges aspiring models' acting abilities

By MARTHA WAGGONER
The Associated Press
Monday, April 6, 2009; 1:53 PM

RALEIGH, N.C. -- Performer Clay Aiken says he thinks his "American Idol" experience helped contestants appreciate his comments when he was a judge in an episode of "America's Next Top Model" due to be aired Wednesday.

"It was interesting to be on the other side of the table and think of all these things that I went through in 2003," Aiken told The Associated Press in a phone interview, referring to the year he finished second to Ruben Studdard during the second season of Fox's hit reality show.

"I think the girls kind of appreciated that, the fact that I had been in a similar position," Aiken, 30, said in the Friday interview. "I was going to be a judge, yes, but be a judge who understood a little bit about what they're going through."

Aiken's stint as a judge and opposite the contestants in an acting scene airs Wednesday night on the CW Network. He said he was selected to judge acting because of his time in "Monty Python's Spamalot" on Broadway and because the competition focused on stage acting.

It also didn't hurt that the show's host and creator, Tyra Banks, has been a friend since Aiken appeared on her talk show in 2006.

Aiken appears with the contestants in a quick scene designed "to show their ability to act in a large and comedic way," he said. "A lot of the struggle for these contestants is to be able to come out of their shells."

He doesn't know who won the season, although he does know who gets voted off Wednesday. One clue is that the women who stay are "the people who are willing to be themselves and not worry," he said.

Aiken, who was famously remade during his time on "Idol," said he was out of his element for the fashion part of "ANTM." "I'm wearing a UNICEF T-shirt and University of Tennessee pajama pants," he said. "I can't judge that."

Except for a temporary gig in New York while performing on Broadway, Aiken has lived in Raleigh for the past three years. Right after "Idol" ended, he lived in Los Angeles, but was unhappy there.

Aiken demurred from answering any questions about his son, Parker Foster Aiken, who was born in August to his friend, Jaymes Foster, and was conceived by in-vitro fertilization. Her brother, music producer David Foster, told AP Radio last week that Aiken is a "spectacular father" and Jaymes is "a natural mother."

Aiken's recording contract with RCA has ended, and he said he's considering other labels, while also looking at stage and television offers.

"All three look enticing, and I'm in the luxurious position of letting them sit down and come to me," he said.

Technorati Tags: Clay Aiken Tyra Banks ANTM America's Next Top Model judge mentor career

Capitol 4th Revisted

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY


Revisit Clay Aiken's 2004 Capitol Fourth appearance in this montage by Yollie950:

Montage by Yollie950


Technorati Tags: Clay Aiken Capitol Fourth 2004 God Bless the USA Measure of a ManStar-Spangled Banner Washington DC fireworks PBS

The Survival Project: One Child at a Time

From violence and abuse to fundamental health issues such as lack of drinking water, children around the globe are facing threats that challenge survival. CNN looks at these issues, solutions that are working and how you can make a difference.

A historic global broadcast on CNN and CNN International

© CNN 2008/Gajilan

Dr. Sanjay Gupta meets children living in some of the least developed neighborhoods of Lima, Peru.

NEW YORK (June 23, 2008) — Tune in to CNN on Sunday, July 6 at 8 and 11 pm (ET), when CNN will explore why 26,000 children die every day from preventable causes, and what UNICEF doing to save young lives.

Hosted by CNN's chief medical correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, "The Survival Project: One Child at a Time" is a one-hour historic broadcast examining what kind of action is required to stop the unnecessary deaths of children under age five.

CNN will highlight four areas where UNICEF demonstrates its remarkable on-the-ground expertise in doing whatever it takes to save a child:

• Child protection in Iraq
• Water and sanitation in Laos
• HIV/AIDS in Peru
• Child survival interventions in Ethiopia

Leading experts in each of these key areas will contribute to a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Gupta.

Clay Aiken, Dayle Haddon, Joel Madden, Ne-Yo, Nicole Ritchie, Al Roker, Marcus Samuelsson and Amare Stoudemire appear in special video diaries of their volunteer experiences and encourage viewers to help children around the world.

"The Survival Project: One Child at a Time" is a chance to get a first-hand look at the plight of millions of children around the world, struggling each and every day for survival.

For more information, visit the CNN website

Technorati Tags:
Clay Aiken CNN UNICEF The Survival Project: One Child at a Time Dayle Haddon, Joel Madden Ne-Yo Nicole Ritchie Al Roker Marcus Samuelsson Amare Stoudemire

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

Talk The Talk

"The only possible form of exercise is to talk, not to walk." ~~Oscar Wilde

Last week, Clay played talk show host when he appeared on The Morning Show with Mike and Juliet. His last foray into talk show hostdom didn't end very well since Ms Ripa chose to blow the "hand-over-mouth" incident out of all proportion. This time Clay was hosting with two people who genuinely seemed to like and respect him. In fact, Juliet seemed very comfortable with Clay, calling him Bud, Aiken, and Babe several times. She mentioned twice that Clay can come back and host with her when Mike is away. For her reward, she got a nice hug out the deal. Not bad. Mr. Aiken does know how to give a nice bear hug. Not a bad way to end a successful hosting gig. Mike was also very complementary toward Clay calling him "a natural". Clay did make it appear that he had been doing the job for years. I doubt most people would know he was a beginner. He seemed more secure than when he co-hosted Live with Regis and Kelly. I am sure his co-hosts set the stage for a rewarding experience for all. There were no nasty digs, no hogging the camera, no not letting the co-host get a word in edgewise. If this was some sort of audition, I think Clay must have passed with flying colors thanks to both Mike and Juliet.

Here are some of the highlights from the show for me:

Wore a yummy tan coat for the outside segments.

Handled the "Ripa incident" with class and humor when Mike brought it up.

Loved the interaction with Mike and Juliet, especially Juliet.

Loved that UNICEF was brought up and we found out there would be a trip in April

Loved the camouflage ... Where did the box go?" bit!

Love the thong interaction with Juliet and the "Be careful. This is live TV" from Clay.

Loved the intelligent way Clay interacted with the guests during the Anna Nicole segment. He was both smart, serious, and funny...a heady combination.

His teeth looked great. *g*

Loved seeing Mr. Aiken on my TV for an hour.


~First Half of The Morning Show~

Note: The second half will posted when it is uploaded on YouTube.


~Cute video of Clay dancing (slo-mo) with Juliet set to "I Can't Help Myself"~


TechnoratiTags: Clay Aiken, The Morning Show, Mike & Juliet, Juliet Huddy, Mike Jerrick, talk show, talk show host

A Kimmel Valentine: The Candy Man Can

Clay stopped by Jimmy Kimmel Live on Valentine's Day. His second Valentine's Day appearance in three years. I'm hoping it becomes an annual event. Clay received many gifts from the fans including at least $17,000 for his foundation, The Bubel-Aiken Foundation which works for inclusion of children with disabilities into programs for children without. Clay came out bearing gifts for Jimmy: an airbrushed shirt with Clay's face on it (to match the airbrushed Jimmy face on his shirt) and some M&M's inscribed with "Aiken for Kimmel". The segment was rather short, but we did find out that Clay will be taking a UNICEF trip in the next few months, and that he had some dental work done the day before. His two front teeth slanted in so he had them fixed. They look good if not as Clay said himself, "blindingly white".



Clay also serenaded his fans and Jimmy with a new Valentine's Day song which he made up from a bowl of candy hearts. :) He's quite the lyricist. *g*
Lyrics to A Clay Aiken Original:

The Candy Hearts Song

Love Me
True Love
Fax Me
Got Love
You’re so sweet
Yours forever
You are so sweet I’ve got stage 2 Diabetes
(that’s not gonna work)
Angel
Dear one
You’re a tiger
You’re mine
Jim--mee

Check out the appearance:

Technorati Tags: Clay Aiken, Jimmy Kimmel, Valentine's Day, Candy Hearts, song, lyrics, Bubel-Aiken Foundation, TBAF, teeth, dental work

A Visit to Good Morning America

Clay recently visited Good Morning America. His primary reason for his appearance was to discuss UNICEF, specially their Yahoo! Answers awareness campaign. Unfortunately, too much time was devoted to American Idol, but I guess that is the price Clay has to pay for getting his start on that show.

Watch the interview:








Don't miss Clay's visit to Jimmy Kimmel on Feb. 14th.

Related Tags: Clay Aiken, Good Morning America, UNICEF, American Idol

Clay and His Harem

"Clay Aiken has a harem... He controls them with a flick of a wrist"~~LiveJournal Blog





Clay recently appeared on the Megan Mullully Show. The fans always love when Clay makes talk show appearances because it gives people a chance to see him in a intimate setting and for those of us not lucky enough to be there, gives us a chance to get first-hand accounts of what went on at the show...a sort of behind the scenes kind of look. From all accounts Clay was a perfect guest by making it easy for the interviewer. His humor, wit, and charisma were in full force as seen in the interview video and the opening skit.

~~Opening Skit~~


~~Interview~~

~~Performance of "A Thousand Days"




Here are some excerpts from some recaps of attendees:

"I think one of the greatest things about this appearance is that it was very close to concert Clay in terms of the banter. During the breaks, he just chatted away with the audience, and as we noted several times, bossy Clay was in evidence, and all the staff got a big kick out of it.

I don't think they were kidding about being the best audience ever. A young writer gal was out at the line a couple hours before the show and passed out cards to ask questions for possible show fodder....what is the craziest thing you've ever done....what's the weirdest thing in your purse....etc. She first asked us who was excited about seeing the Megan show and everybody cheered. She grinned and said that she wished all the audiences they had were like us. All of the crew, director, etc. seemed very happy, and more and more staffers kept creeping onto the set to see what all the laughing was about." ~~Posted at the Clackhouse

"Disco balls again! Suddenly, they started to lower from ceiling... first one, then another... Clay said, "Megan's balls are dropping." The audience coordinator said, "I've been wanting to say that, but I need to keep my job." ~~Posted at the ClackHouse

"He was very animated on stage and interacted with the audience more than I've ever seen him. In fact, he looked around the audience once and seemed to be scanning faces - like he was looking for someone.

When Clay asked Angela how many copies of ATDW she bought. She said "one". And Clay said "and you paid for it?" And Angela replied "yes, remember? . . . you were with me when I bought it." And then he remembered and nodded yes with a chuckle. This followed him asking Quiana the same thing and she said that she had two - one purchased, one given to her by him. He then asked us how many we bought. I was so busy bending some of my fingers to make a total of 8 that he looked at me in wide-eyed astonishment like I was flashing 10 times 3 or something." ~~Posted at the ClackHouse

"Clay made a head-count of the guys in the audience...there were 8 and he said that was better than the usual percentages."~~Posted at Clayversity

"One of the people that came up today with me was the receptionist from my Dr. office. She likes Clay. I've given her DVDs and CDs before, but she has never seen him in person. She left the show in that ClayFog most of us experience the first time we see him up close. It's very cool to watch someone go through that for the first time -- to see that initial, personal comprehension of, and appreciation for, his charisma and talent, and the magic that he weaves."~~Posted at Clayversity

"Random ramblings. Of course I love his singing, talking, laughing, “dancing” and just plain old breathing. But…ONE OF MY ALL TIME FAVORITE THINGS is extemporaneous Clay. The TALKING, the banter on tours—like on JBT—engaging the audience, the off the cuff quips, the spontaneous quick wit, snarky, flirty, playful, funny, cute, adorable sexy…the stuff that is natural, regular, just plain old Clay. Nothing plain about him, but you know what I mean. This goes without saying, but I’ll say it anyway. I don’t know Clay, and I don’t pretend to know how he thinks or feels. So here’s some of what I experienced and observed.

There is an overall feeling of confidence about him; not to get weird…some call it aura. But he truly “feels” different of late—like an inner calm, a settling, like he’s really growing into himself. I saw it at the Kimmel sound check (a full hour and a half) and his whole demeanor and appearance at the CD signing and Kimmel’s. He seems confident and self assured. He seems at ease, comfortable, like his life fits—it’s the difference between his custom made designer suits and his Salvation Army baggy pants. Of course both good, but one is VA VA VOOM! He interacts with the stage people, band, Q and A both professionally and personally at the same time if that makes sense.

Please no darts. But I remember in the early days, USUALLY at a TV taping, he appeared to be all business. He came out on stage very serious and totally focused and took care of sound/backups/directions…the cameras came on and he lit up. It seemed like the “performance” was job 1 period—rather than the appearance/experience/performance all as one. It was almost as if he were trying too hard to be perfect. Performance over—lights off--and it was over. Often very little or NO audience recognition or interaction—before or after, especially at the end of a performance or show. He seemed a bit awkward, like he didn’t know quite what to do with himself. Just stood there, shifted his weight, made uncomfortable faces, didn’t know what to do with his hands and that was it. Of course, always LOVED HIM and the performance and all, but the appearances and his comfort level varied quite a bit—especially in regards to audience interaction. Sometimes he seemed in kind of a far away alternate universe and not quite fully there. I know there were a few Meet and Greets where a few felt he was preoccupied and wasn’t quite present. Two entirely different people—Real Life Clay and Performance Clay.

These days he seems—well, just different, easy, loose and relaxed—and it’s more than just growing older and maturing. I wonder if it might have been a conscious decision--like he wrote in LTS--as soon as he stopped worrying about what everybody else thought and was himself, life got good. Now, he comes out on stage and it’s the same person that “sings.” He is him and the performance is part of him, not separate from him. He enters, acknowledges the audience, smiles, waves, often says something, nods in appreciation of the cheering and welcoming fans. He interacts, sings, whatnot—and it all matches. Totally NOT IN A COCKY WAY, but in a playful way he almost hijacked the show—personally playing with the audience, teasing, bantering and Megan loved it! It’s the closest we’ve come to capturing Concert Clay on live TV. On the couch, he includes the audience in the conversation. He brings us into the performance so we can celebrate with him. He “invites” us in. Talking and teasing and being totally present and engaging with the host as well as us. It honestly felt like we were sitting around the living room eating cheese and crackers. It really is quite remarkable. These days he seems less guarded and more uninhibited, genuinely relaxed and having the best time. The “aw shucks” stuff was missing, and he even graciously accepted a couple of compliments—AND he didn’t even act embarrassed. Can’t explain it, but I’m so totally hooked—and I know I’m not alone. Clay recently seems to embrace his fans, and it looks like he really is just crazy about us and is proud of us. To me, he doesn’t “feel” detached anymore or incongruent. He also on the last several performances is nodding almost in a bow after sings and lets us cheer and appreciate him. That is so different. Now when the lights go off and the show is over, he doesn’t seem in such a hurry to “run.” His hugs to the hosts seem huggier. After I see him I feel like I’ve been so lovingly and warmly embraced and kissed sweetly on the cheek. (And all tingly from head to toe too.)

He really seems to have come into his own, hit his stride as some might say. OH, HOW I HOPE HE REALLY IS HAPPY. He sure does sprinkle joy all over the place everywhere he goes, and I feel ever so lucky to get a first hand dose once in a while. Delicious! And from what I’ve seen and where I sit—Kimmel day and Mullally day—HE WANT THIS—HE AIN’T GOIN’ ANYWHERE! "~~Posted at Clayversity

Note 1: A duet of "Silver Bells" by Clay and Megan was also taped to be shown on December 22nd.

Note 2: A Thousand Different Ways has been certified Gold by the RIAA. Congratulations to Clay.

Technorati Tags: Clay Aiken, Megan Mullully

Mr. Aiken Sings At The Capitol

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that
among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness." ~~Thomas Jefferson, Declaration of Independence

The Fourth of July holiday has come to mean parades, family picnics, fireworks, and a day off from work. I hope that everyone takes the time to remember what Independence Day means, about the blood that soaked the soil of this land to give us the freedom that many people in the world still live without.

My favorite 4th of July was when Clay appeared on PBS's Capitol 4th. I was on vacation that year, and I missed Clay singing The Star-Spangled Banner. Thank God for clack. Fortunately I was able to catch Measure of a Man and God Bless the USA. Clay was wonderful that night, and I felt a sense of pride for him and of him. I wonder what went through his mind singing for all those people on the Capitol lawn. The special education teacher Raleigh certainly had come a long way from singing at weddings and his Home Town Connection days.

Rehearsal Pictures



Screencaps and Blends

Video of Performances

Singing the National Anthem



Singing "Measure of a Man"



Singing "God Bless the USA"

Technorati Tags: Clay Aiken, A Capitol Fourth, Star-Spangled Banner, God Bless the USA, Measure of a Man, PBS, Fourth of July

Desert Island Fantasy

Last Sunday, the E! cable channel had on a show, Stranded with a Star: Who Would You Choose?.

From TVGuide Online: A tongue-in-cheek debate to find the most desirable star in categories such as best "Batman" or favorite "Charlie's Angel." A celebrity panel including Bai Ling, Brett Michaels, John Salley, and Leanne Tweeden discuss the merits of each candidate, while an on-line poll allows viewers to weigh in with their choices.

For some strange reason, Clay was pitted against Marilyn Manson in the category Freeks or Geeks. I'm pretty sure he was the geek, but with E! you never know. The D-list panel celebrity of has-beens or never-weres picked Marilyn Manson as the winner of that category. Imagine their shock when Clay won with 73% of the vote. Heh! That was fun. At the end of the show there was a overall, 'Who Would You Most Want to Be Stranded With' category. The 'very cool' panel was guessing Leonardo DiCaprio, Heath Ledger, George Clooney, Brad Pitt. Denzel Washington and Vince Vaughn, all those "manly-men" types. They totally freaked out when Clay won. Only Bai Ling called it, so kudos to her.

Bret Michaels put together pictures of Angelina (female winner) and Clay and asking, "Why America? I don't get it!" He then went on to say he was embarrassed to be on the show and what happened to manly-men. Well, I'd be embarrassed to be him. A former pink spandex-wearing, long blond-haired, blue eye-shadow wearing male should not be one to talk about another's manliness. I think it is hilarious that these macho guys have no clue as to what makes Clay Aiken appealing. Hey Dudes, most women are not attracted to muscles and pea-sized brains. Get a clue. No doubt with whom I would want to be stuck. As one message board poster put it,"Various D-listers are freaked by the power of the Aiken and Clay Nation". That was the most fun I've had in an evening in a while. *g*

View the video for yourself:




Some Great Blogs to Check Out:

The ConCLAYve: Paint Your Wagon and Fill it with Platinum Albums

Wandered Away: Do stale smoke and beer create talent?

ClaySpots: Bruce Springsteen and Clay Aiken...my two loves

Related Tags: Clay Aiken, E!, Stranded With the Stars, Bret Michaels, Bai Ling