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AIKEN GREETS FANS -- Clay Aiken signs autographs and visits with fans following Spamalot performances. Graphic by Amazing_CA, photos by Butterflyshine.
Stage Door Photos Shared
Parker Stars in New Montage
The "queen of procrastination," I am knee deep in income tax preparation while keeping up with the American political scene, college and NFL football, as well as the latest Clay Aiken news.
So maybe there's no royal title, but I am definitely an authority on putting any and everything off until the last minute. Of all the items on my crowded TODO list, the most frustrating is my habit of waiting until the final deadline to compile tax info.
For CA fans who may have wondered what happened to my normal three-day -- literally "set-your-clock-by" -- blogging routine, that's it in a nutshell.
Procrastination on hold, Good Morning America screen caps and Shubert Alley photos following weekend "Spamalot" performances have been added to bulging coffers of clack; mine is no different. As usual, must-have montages are not far behind.
This entry celebrates excellent versions of the latest CA visuals, no doubt headed for external drives throughout the fandom.
ATD Accompanies Parker's Intro
SueRue's latest montage, A Thousand Days, features images from the Thursday-Friday GMA interviews during which Clay and Jaymes Foster introduced their son Parker. In addition to the video on YouTube, here is a Sendspace download for the montage: ATD.
A Thousand Days by SueReu
Administered by Aiken4ClayinSeattleWA, the board invites younger CA fans to join the fun at their Cyber corner. If you fit the parameters, check out the board. I cruised through the site as a visitor, and it is very well-organized with forums/threads for pictures, videos, YouTube, news, Spamalot, TV appearances, music.
The welcome thread is open for those who qualify. The older crowd can stop by to visit anytime.
Back to crunching numbers ...
Happy Rosh Hashanah! Have an awesome week, Clay Nation!
Caro
TECHNORATI TAGS: Clay Aiken, On My Way Here, Monty Python's Spamalot, Broadway, Jaymes Foster, Parker Foster Aiken, Good Morning, America, A Thousand Days, The Young Claynation, montage, procrastination, Official Fan Club, Clay Nation
Entertainment Tonight promotes Clay Aiken's Thursday-Friday interview on Good Morning America. Screen cap by Gerwhisp.
Responsibilities of a Father
Aiken Tells His Story on GMA
I can't raise a kid and teach him how to lie, teach him to hide things. I can't raise a kid and teach him to keep secrets. And at the same time, I also don't ever want to raise him in an environment where it's not OK for him to be exactly who he is, no matter what.
Following through on a promise he made to himself as a new father, Clay Aiken will let his guard down and publicly acknowledge he is gay in an interview airing on Good Morning America Thursday and Friday.
The singer's interview with Diane Sawyer will be telecast in a two-day segment on GMA. See ABC News for the complete story by Jonann Brady. Interview videos from both days can be viewed at ABC News/GMA.
Here are Sendspace downloads for the GMA interviews: Thursday and Friday. An excellent discussion about Clay's future career was aired this week on CNN's Showbiz Tonight.
Clay and best friend-music producer Jaymes Foster are the parents of Parker Foster Aiken, born Aug. 8 in North Carolina.
Jaymes, Clay, and son Parker
Photos by Michael Lavine
He's an incredible caregiver. As far as changing the diapers and seeing what's wrong with [Parker] and getting him to go sleep, Clay's a natural and he's really, really good with that.
On a larger scale, he's the perfect person. He's been a school teacher, we have the same morals, family is very important to him, and Parker means everything to us.
We'll talk more, but suffice it to say, for the first time in recent memory, I am speechless. I'm so proud to know and love all of you.
My family is so much larger than Parker, Jaymes, Mom, Brett, etc. It extends to each of you, and I couldn't be more blessed.
What does this mean for me and my fandom? Nothing. He’s still the best voice I’ve ever heard, he’s still the best concert I’ve ever attended, he’s still one of the funniest entertainers that I’ve ever enjoyed and his good works with UNICEF and his own Bubel/Aiken Foundation have opened my eyes, my wallet and my heart to issues that I should have been paying attention to long ago. -- The ConCLAYve
SHUBERT ALLEY -- Clay Aiken greets fans in Shubert Alley following weekend 'Spamalot' performances. Graphic by Amazing_CA, photos by Dancerdad.
There was an invasion on Broadway this weekend, as American Idol star Clay Aiken returned to Spamalot to reprise his role as Sir Robin. Aiken first played the role last Spring, and then left for the summer.
His return to the show was greeted with an outpouring of enthusiasm and accolades from fans. The most passionate Aiken fans are known as Claymates, and they rival the theatre gangs of long ago.
The loyal fans of American actor Edwin Forrest and British actor William Macready fought to the literal death spurred on by their loyalty to their respective actor. The Astor Place riots were a real theatrical tragedy caused by passionate fans.
Well, Clay Aiken can rest soundly at night knowing that he has his own passionate gang of theatre and Broadway fans known as Claymates, and they are ready to do battle for Clay if need be. No worries about violence, the Claymates seem more about celebration than intimidation.
Clay Aiken returned to the scene of his triumphant Broadway debut Friday September 19th as he reprised the role of 'Sir Robin' in the Tony Award-winning Best Musical, Monty Python's Spamalot. Clay's debut on Broadway earlier this year was met with wild enthusiasm from both his legion of fans and the New York press.
He'll be performing the role of 'Sir Robin ' at the Shubert Theatre from September 19 2008 - January 4 2009. BroadwayWorld.com made sure our camera was there as he made his return to the New York stage!
Sir Robins Clay Aiken and James Beaman
And then there was Clay Aiken. I think he is very amusing as Robin and I enjoyed many of his choices and personal touches. He plays it rather foppish and fussy, a bit eccentric.
Clay may be inexperienced as a stage actor, but he has great instincts and a goofy comic sensibility which works for "Spamalot." And then of course, there's that effortless, amazing voice--and the creators of the show have inserted a few bits into the show for Clay to show off his vocal talents.
Clay Leads Lycos Searches
#1 AT LYCOS: On the week of his return to Spamalot, Clay Aiken was the "most searched" topic at Lycos 50. This marks his 458th consecutive week on the Lycos list.
HAIL, SIR ROBIN -- Broadway.com salutes Clay's return to Spamalot:
If you were taking a cab across 44th Street on Sept. 19, chances are it wasn't cheap. With Daniel Radcliffe appearing down the block in previews for Equus, the sidewalks got even more crowded with fans and onlookers, thanks to Clay Aiken's splashy return to Spamalot.
After leaving the show in April (and becoming a father last month), the pop phenom reassumed the role of Sir Robin and brought down the house with his seemingly effortless performance and an ace rendition of "You Won't Succeed on Broadway."
Aiken's signed on through January 4, so if you missed him the first time, here's your chance to be impressed. And trust us, the guy's pretty darn amazing.
Pop Star Clay Aiken makes blue corn crusted bass, Ace of Cakes' Duff Goldman shows off a recipe for blue velvet cake, and Paula makes a blueberry crème Brule tart for Grammy winner Dionne Warwick.
Happy Fall, Clay Nation!
KING CLAY -- Singer Clay Aiken takes an opening night bow Friday following his return to 'Spamalot' in the role of Sir Robin. Photo by J. Pellegrini (Broadway TV).
Fun Begins Anew
Spamalot Crowd Crowns King Clay
That's how Broadway TV summed up Clay Aiken's triumphant return to Broadway as Sir Robin in Monty Python's "Spamalot" Friday night.While he may be playing a "Sir" on Broadway in Spamalot, it is safe to say that he was King Clay Aiken at last night's opening.
American Idol star Clay Aiken is a natural on Broadway. This the excitement that happens on those rare occasions on Broadway.At the moment, forget Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe in Equus, and Katie Holmes, Tom Cruise and their entourage of Scientology protesters at All My Sons, or even forget Entourage’s Jeremy Piven in Speed-The-Plow, or Ace Young in Grease.
The big story on Broadway today is Clay! He is back on Broadway, and the fun has begun.
It’s SHOW TIME!
Later, aiken4aikenstouch posted a first person report at the OFC:Clay was fantastic tonight! He was full of energy, dynamic in all respects. When he first appeared, at the guard window, the whoop and holler that went up was unbelievable. It went on for many minutes.
In fact, every time Clay appeared in a new scene, the screams and applause were resounding. I think the theatre must have been filled with Claymates. And we yelled and screamed for all the other stars as they appeared also.
At the very start of the curtain call, the entire audience stood up and remained standing until the final curtain closed. We gave very warm applause for everyone, but Clay got a thundering ovation. At the very end, he was standing on stage grinning from ear to ear. I think he's gloriously happy to be back where he's so loved and appreciated.
He came out to the stage door after about 15 minutes to another round of raukus screams and hollers. He looked stunningly handsome and happy. He didn't stay too long, maybe only five minutes.Just before he went inside, Clay got down on his knees to sign a playbill for a young lady in a wheelchair. The moment was captured with a picture taken by her father.
This was all my dad's doing. He left SPAM early and saved me a spot right at the front. Clay came out and signed my Playbill. Dad asked if we could get a picture, and he said we'd do something. Jerome told me to stay put (like I was going anywhere!).
When Clay was done, he pulled me through the barrier, hugged me, and asked my name. Then he said, "Let's turn around"; and he knelt beside me for the picture. He gives the best hugs ever. Thank you, Clay, for making my dream come true!
Paparazzi Cover Sir Robin's Return
The paparazzi covered Clay's return to Spamalot en masse. At Getty Images, open the first photo and click through 21 images by Brad Barket from Friday's opening night. WireImage features 27 photos by J. Pellegrini.
There's already a new montage about Clay's 9/19 reprise of the Sir Robin role. See Stay by LovesClaysVoice at YouTube.
Recounting opening night for Clayversity, xxx4clay wrote, "Clay's performance was as if he had never left the show. The crowd was very, very loud. It was amazing to be there."
With four shows on Saturday and Sunday, opening weekend has just begun for those in the theatre, as well as fans around the globe celebrating via recaps and cellcerts.
Broadway Cares Bid at $8,200
At Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids, online bidding for VIP Spamalot tickets followed by a Clay-conducted backstage tour hit $8,200 at noon Saturday.
Further bidding for this package will take place during a live auction. All items in the Broadway Cares auction can be viewed here.
SueReu Wins LALATE2 Contest
Congratulations to SueRue, whose montage Everything I Needed To Know I Learned from Clay Aiken was named the winning video in an LALATE2 video contest.
SueReu's video has been added to LALATE2's premium celebrity page for Clay Aiken. You can view the winning montage at YouTube with this link: Everything I Needed To Know I Learned from Clay Aiken.
Below is a clickable of JPellegrini's lead photo from Broadway TV:
Have a wonderful weekend, Clay Nation!
Caro
TECHNORATI TAGS: Clay Aiken, On My Way Here, Monty Python's Spamalot, Broadway, Broadway TV, Getty Images, Wire Image, Broadway Cares, LALATE2, Official Fan Club, Clay Nation
This Is the Knight!
Clay Aiken Returns to SPAMALOT
Amid extraordinary media hoopla and a venue filled with faithful, ecstatic fans, this is the night Clay Aiken returns to the scene of his triumphant January Broadway debut in Monty Python's SPAMALOT.
Below are excerpts from Broadway World's 9/19 story: Clay Aiken Returns as Sir Robin.
Clay's debut on Broadway earlier this year was met with wild enthusiasm from both his legion of fans and the New York press. He will reprise the role of 'Sir Robin ' at the Shubert Theatre from September 19 2008 - January 4 2009.
When he made his Broadway debut in SPAMALOT at the beginning of this year, Newsday said "Aiken is a charmer" and the Associated Press said that "Clay Aiken deftly handles supremely silly."
Clay Aiken became a music superstar following his success on the "American Idol" television series, and has sold more than six million albums; co-authored a best-selling book; and, played six sold-out concert tours, said "Since leaving SPAMALOT in May, jokes have just not been funny. Food has lost its taste. The grass is no longer green -- the sky no longer blue. And, babies WON'T stop crying!! I'm so excited about coming back to the funniest show in the world!"
This spring, Aiken released his fourth album, On My Way Here, his first album of original songs since his 2003 chart topping, double platinum debut Measure of a Man. On My Way Here's debut in Billboard Magazine's Top 5 continued his streak of all four of his albums having debuted in the Top 5.
Directed by Mike Nichols, who won his eighth Tony Award for his direction of the new musical, Monty Python's SPAMALOT has a book by Eric Idle, "lovingly ripped-off" from the screenplay of the Pythons' best- loved film, Monty Python and the Holy Grail by Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones and Michael Palin. The music is by Eric Idle and John Du Prez.
Tickets are available online now at telecharge.com or by calling (212) 239-6200/(800) 432-7250.
Playbill Heralds Return of Robin
Playbill's 9/19 story is 'Idol' Finalist Aiken Returns to Broadway's Spamalot:
"American Idol" finalist and new dad Clay Aiken returns to the Broadway company of Monty Python's Spamalot at the Shubert Theatre Sept. 19.
Aiken, who played a Jan. 18-May 4 stint in the Tony-winning musical, reprises his role as Sir Robin through Jan. 4, 2009.
Aiken joins a cast that currently features Michael Siberry, David Hibbard, Tom Deckman, Rick Holmes, Bradley Dean, Wally Dunn and Merle Dandridge as Lady of the Lake.
On Broadway Spamalot plays Tuesday-Friday at 8 PM, Saturday at 2 and 8 PM and Sunday at 2 and 7 PM.
HE'S BACK -- Clay Aiken returns to "Spamalot" Friday, reprising his role as Sir Robin in the Broadway hit musical. Graphic by Cindilu2.
Clay Nation, Too!
Aiken To Take Manhattan Again
Steadily ticking off final days, hours, and minutes until Clay Aiken's triumphant return as Sir Robin in Monty Python's "Spamalot" Friday, message board widgets nonchalantly keep the beat as fans euphorically make plans for opening night at the Shubert Theatre.
Not everyone is packing a weekend bag for New York City, however. Fans who will enjoy Clay's four-month Sir Robin reprise via recaps and clack also have the opening curtain circled on their calendars.
Helping to "raise silliness to an art form," the Spamalot website keeps Python afficionados abreast of the show's latest news, cast, story, media, and souvenirs.
For those who can't wait, there are multiple page listings of montages from Clay's first Spamalot run at You Tube. A popular example is SueReu's Clay, Find Your Grail, a photo montage celebrating the Broadway show and other moments from the past five years. Spamalot is going to be revved up for Clay Aiken's return! OK, you sold me. I'm going to NYC on business anyway. Might as well see the funniest show on Broadway. I am so ready for Spam 2. Even though I can't go back to NYC this time, I love all the reports and pictures. Clay Aiken fans know how to feed the rest of us who can't get to the man in person. Three more days before the sun shines brighter, the stars twinkle faster, and the earth spins a bit faster! Clay Aiken is returning to Spamalot!!!
Clay, Find Your Grail
Thank you for posting the fantastic photo blends in honor of Clay Aiken as he returns to Spamalot.
Countdown to Clay Aiken - The Star Returns to Broadway!
Three more days to go! Clay Aiken will soon be back on Broadway. Shubert Alley hasn't been the same since he left, nor has Broadway!
Counting down the seconds till Clay Aiken appears in Spamalot again!
I am going for Opening Weekend, and I am thrilled beyond - thrilled. You just took me over the top with those teasers. EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!
New York Times ad this week.
PHOTO INTERLUDE: Featured are graphics from Clay's original Spamalot run. Visual artists include Amazing_CA, photos by Joan Marcus, 1; Amazing_CA, photos by Toni7babe, 2; Claystruck, 3; Amazing_CA, photo by Scrpkym, 4; and MNmeesh, photo by Joan Marcus, 5.
Sponsored by It's All About Love, the Sixth Annual Claymmy Awards are off and running. People's Choice voting opened Sept. 11 and will close on Oct. 9. Winners will be announced on Oct. 14.
There are 10 categories in the 2008 Claymmy Awards: Avatar, Banners, Blends, Concert Pics, Fan Art, Miscellaneous, Montage, Poetry, Wallpapers, and Websites.
Monday I learned that Carolina On My Mind is among five entries in the websites division.
Besides supporting the specialties of other CA fans, following the Claymmy link is a great way to explore the many talents of the Clay Aiken Internet community.
A special thank you to the person who nominated the Carolina blog. Readers from 86 countries have stopped by this corner of Cyberspace during the past year. Your faithful visits and comments are most appreciated and the real reward.
Still, it is quite an honor to be among the 2008 Claymmy nominees!
Happy Birthday, Grandson!
Kai Celebrates First Candle
One year ago today, Sept. 17, the dearest, most precocious little fellow came into our family's life. Although we live several states apart, our Carolina clan first met Kai through the photos and videos his mother sent.
Thanks to talented CA fans, many of the photos also received graphic design status. The Picture Trail cube above includes selections from throughout Kai's first year.
In May, I finally met my grandson when he and his mother flew to NC for a one-month visit. Immediate pals, we quickly made up for lost time; but, of course, our month together flew by. I still remember the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse slogan and occasionally have to switch channels for a "monkey mail" fix.
While here, Kai learned to crawl and enjoyed playing my grand piano. He routinely "inspected" the piano books on the bottom shelf of a music rack along his route to watch morning TV shows with his grandmother.
Kai now stands alone and is on the verge of walking and talking. He is intrigued with buttons and keys on remote controls, cell phones, and computers. In fact, he even wrote a blog entry while visiting his grandmother.
As some of the pictures indicate, Kai is a very curious little guy, exploring everything in sight -- just like his mother did.
Happy Birthday, Kai! Have an awesome week, Clay Nation!
Caro
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