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Clay Aiken - New photo from Curtis Brown shoot. Expandable image edited by Sally.
Clay Nation Celebrates Designs
'Aiken' for a New Screen Saver? Last week Clay Aiken changed his profile photo at Facebook and inspired a flurry of artistic activity throughout the fandom.
The photo leads countless message boards across Clay Cyberspace, while fans easily may have set a record for photo reposts at the social networking site.
You have to look closely to detect the minute alterations by Sally. One step removed the contact lens circle in the singer's eyes. Can you locate another slight edit?
Fountaindawg created widescreen/regular graphics of the photo, and longstanding computer screen savers were promptly changed. Both thumbnails of the Curtis Brown photo are clickable:
Anyone for a new screen saver?
DWTS Couples Waltz to Aiken Favorite
It was a very good week for Clay Aiken montages, too.
Dancing With the Stars fans can always count on LovesClaysVoice for exquisite montages of the current season's contestants accompanied by a variety of Clay Aiken songs.
The one below features three Season 13 couples waltzing to the singer's rendition of "She Said Yes."
Dancing With the Stars: 'She Said Yes' by Clay Aiken. View montage by LovesClaysVoice full screen at YouTube.
Season 13 dancers in the above montage include Chynna Phillips and Tony Dovolani, David Arquette and Kym Johnson, and Hope Solo and Maksim Chmerkovskiy.
To view LCV's montages from past DWTS seasons, check out her YouTube Channel. Among Clay Aiken songs featured are "Suspicious Minds," "Those Magic Moments, "Unchained Melody," "Everything I Have," "Touch," "When You Say You Love Me," and "Sacrificial Love."
UNICEF - 'It's In Every One of Us' by Clay Aiken. View SueReu's montage full screen at YouTube.
Montage, Song Speak to Human Race
Appropriately, David Pomeranz's "love song to the human race" backs SueReu's montage about UNICEF's "Believe in Zero" campaign. Clay, a UNICEF Ambassador since 2004 and one of many artists who have recorded the inspirational song, included the track on his On My Way Here CD.
In just half a century, child mortality rates have been cut by 60%. However, there are still 21,000 children who die every day due to preventable causes.
With innovative programs focusing on nutrition, education, immunization, health care, clean water and protection from exploitation, UNICEF is leading the way to cutting that number to zero.
In 150 countries around the world, UNICEF is on the ground, working daily to meet the needs of children.
Translated into numerous languages and recorded by a long list of artists, It's in Every One of Us has been heard around the globe through recordings, concerts, churches, synagogues, school choirs, hospitals, charities, corporate/personal growth seminars, the Olympics, you name it.
No doubt today's third birthday celebration for Parker Foster Aiken is a joyous occasion for him, his parents Clay Aiken and Jaymes Foster, extended family, and friends.
Fans of the little tyke's famous father, who is also a Celebrity Ambassador for UNICEF, have chosen to honor the 8/8/08 anniversary by making donations to in his name for children at risk in the Horn of Africa.
A $10 donation will feed a child for 10 days, immunize over 30 children, and literally make a difference between life and death.
SueReu's montage, set to the singer's "Grace of God" track, displays the catastrophic need for the two million children at risk in the Horn of Africa -- Kenya, Ethiopia, Djibouti, and Somalia.
The montage by LovesClaysVoice features earliest images of Parker with his dad singing "In My Life," a Tried & True favorite.
Happy Birthday, Parker Foster Aiken!
Video is accompanied by Dad singing 'In My Life.'
View montage by LovesClaysVoice full screen at YouTube.
Africa's worst drought in 60 years is compounded by rising food prices and a refugee crisis, creating a true children’s emergency in the area. UNICEF urgently requires additional funds to maintain critical lifesaving services for children who face malnutrition, disease and death.
Read more about the Horn of Africa crisis on this UNICEF page. You can make a donation here. If you use Paypal, you can also leave a message.There are no totals; but according to preliminary message board accounts, little Parker has helped lots of children in the Horn of Africa today.
If you would like, download the montages with these Sendspace links:Grace of God and In My Life.
Happy Birthday Week to Parker! Have an awesome August, Clay Nation!
Caro
Vote 3 ways daily for the National Inclusion Project in August's Pepsi Refresh Challenge:
1. First, vote at the Pepsi Refresh site. See much more info on power codes in the previous Carolina blog entry.
2. Sign out and back into the Pepsi site to cast your Facebook vote.
In the blog, the UNICEF Ambassador outlines the famine and water crisis in Somalia and across the Horn of Africa.
More than 2.3 million children are acutely malnourished, including half a million at immediate risk of death. Thousands of families are crossing the border from Somalia as emergency therapeutic feeding centers are being set up by UNICEF and other humanitarian agencies in neighboring countries.[SNIP]
UNICEF is using every means possible to reach these children. Their unrivaled expertise in responding to the unique needs of children affected by emergencies of all sorts is precisely why they have saved the lives of more children across the globe than any other humanitarian organization.
But they are entirely dependent on donations. They urgently need more than $300 million over the next six months alone to meet the basic needs and save the lives of countless children.[SNIP]
The average family spends about $100 a month on watering their yard in the spring and summer months. That $100 dollars can feed a child for 100 days! Three months!
I challenge us all to consider reallocating our watering allowance to a cause so much more important than fescue.
I'm sure we can all agree that we would rather our grass die than a child.
Rise Up from the Ashes - UNICEF Montage by SueReu can be viewed full screen at YouTube.
To lend your assistance, text "FOOD" to UNICEF (864233 to give $10, which can feed a child for 10 days, or visit Help Save Children in the Horn of Africa at the UNICEF site.
Canadians donating for Somalia should do so through UNICEF Canada as donations through that site are being matched dollar for dollar by the Canadian government.
A Week for Special Birthdays
The National Inclusion Project celebrated its eighth birthday Thursday. Today we not only commemorate the Inclusion Project's anniversary, but also the birthday of Sally -- friend, CA fan, photographer, graphic artist, and mentor for many whose designs are published in this blog throughout the year.
For me, Sally is a sister-friend. To my grandchildren, she has become a "fairy godmother," spearheading an online baby shower and celebrating Kai and Lia through creative graphics and photo edits.
Sally's party continues below the fold with five of her classic Clay Aiken graphics.
Clay Aiken and Diane Bubel, Inclusion Project co-founders.
Aiken, Bubel Form Foundation
The National Inclusion Project, originally The Bubel/Aiken Foundation, grew out of the relationship between Clay, Diane Bubel, and her then 13-year-old son Mike, who had been diagnosed with autism.
While pursuing a career in special education at the University of North Carolina - Charlotte, Clay met the Bubels with whom he shared a vision of a world where children like Mike could be fully immersed in society.
Having witnessed children with disabilities repeatedly turned away from activities open to others, they believed that with the right support system, doors could be opened to these youngsters and an organized effort would facilitate community inclusion and empowerment of individuals with disabilities.
Diane Bubel and son Mike in 2003
The goal became a reality when Clay and Diane co-founded TBAF. The official announcement was made on July 28, 2003, in New York City. For a timeline and much more, see TBAF Events at the Clay Aiken Kids site. Below is a clickable wallpaper by Fountaindawg commemorating the foundation's beginning.
The Inclusion Project serves to bridge the gap that exists between young people with special needs and the world around them, supporting communities with inclusive programs and helping to create awareness about the possibilities that inclusion can bring.
We are, as they say, the product of the choices we make. I challenge each of you to make the choice that leads to full access, celebrating the human rights we all deserve. When you see a child in a wheelchair, will you choose to see the child? Or the chair?
When you stand in the presence of someone who cannot speak, will you choose to hear only silence? Or will you choose the tapestry that is found in the language without words?
When you’re facing parenting or teaching a child with a disability, will you choose to be overwhelmed by the challenges? Or will you choose to recognize a different kind of hero who brings you one of life’s most precious gifts – hope?-- Clay Aiken
In the past eight years, the NIP and its supporters have participated in a variety of fundraising and volunteer projects to insure a world of inclusion for all children.
Currently, you can register, login, and vote five times daily at TWBE The Best Charities Ever to help the Inclusion Project earn funds.
In previous years, Sally shared her talent for graphics and photography in an OFC blog. On occasion, she included instructional entries about how she obtained certain effects.
A couple of years ago we surprised her with a birthday bash in her journal. I "picked the lock," and several graphic artists supplied the decorations. The above birthday banner was created by ABeautifulMind.
Sally also started the Paint Shop Pro Forum at Clayversity in which her step-by-step lessons for various aspects of photo editing and creating designs provided excellent references for many novice graphic artists.
Students Make Teacher Proud
A teacher, I understand how proud Sally is of her "students." In some instances, she opened an AIM account just to guide novices through the initial steps of graphic design. She proudly admits that some long ago surpassed their teacher.
In other entries, the Carolina blog has featured examples of Sally's floral and landscape photographs. Today I thought it would be an exceptional treat to let her bring her own party decorations.
The five graphics below represent earlier Clay Aiken tours and performances -- Jukebox, Joyful Noise, and Singerman's "confetti moment" at the AI5 Finale. In addition to screen caps, photographers represented include Tasapio, 1, and Invisible926, 3.
Thank you, Sally, for being such a special friend. Everyone, enjoy the party!
Happy Birthday to Sally and the National Inclusion Project! Have an awesome weekend, Clay Nation!
Caro
Today's entry is #600 for the Carolina On My Mind blog, which began withThe Real Rebels of Musicto July 13, 2006. A year later, ClustrMapandFeedjitwere added to note visitor locations.
To date, you have come to this corner from 169 countries. Thank you for your visits, comments, and support of this blog.
Clay Aiken joins Drop Dead Diva cast members for 'Prom' episode. Pictured from left are April Bowlby, Margaret Cho, Clay, and Ben Feldman. Photo by Bob Mahoney.
Singer Urges Somalian Support
Clay Debuts as Bad Guy on Diva
After weeks of media promotion, Clay Aiken joined the cast of Drop Dead Diva Sunday in a villainous role that is the direct opposite of his "good guy" persona.
US residents who missed the telecast can view the show on the Lifetime Network at Drop Dead Diva Episode 5: Prom. Canadians are streaming the episode at Free TV Online. You can purchase a high-def download of the show at iTunes for $2.99.
In the course of an hour, the program incorporated several storylines, the main being the real life incident of Mississippi teen Constance McMillen, who sued her high school after the school board barred her from going to the prom with her girlfriend.
Even though his "bad guy" role had nothing to do with the McMillen story, Clay spoke with Pop Culture Passionistas about appearing on this Diva episode with a cause.
" ... the storyline is something that resonated with me. Being a part of this episode was exciting for me."
In addition Aiken said he believes that beyond this episode, the show is truly unique to television. "The message of the show is different than anything that's on TV. It really tells a story that resonates with so many people.
It talks about the importance of how image should not be as important as often times we make it in society. And it does that while being really funny, so it's not preachy at all. It gives a really positive message without preaching, and that’s really hard to find on TV."
In addition to Clay, guest stars included Wanda Sykes, Amanda Bearse, and Lance Bass. Read the complete article at Pop Culture Passionistas. You can also link to the episode and post a comment at DDD's Facebook link.
UNICEF Ambassador Clay Aiken visited Somalia in 2008.Expandable graphic by AmazingCA.
Singer Uses Voice for Somalia
Clay is helping to spread the word about the drastic need for funds for children affected by the famine in Africa. Everywhere you look, there are stories like the one below touting the dire need for assistance.
When he's not busy belting out tunes, Clay Aiken is using his voice to speak on behalf of The United Nations Children's Fund as an ambassador for the organization.
The singer spoke at length with AOL Music in a Q&A about the African country in the midst of a two-decade ongoing civil war.
Clickable Map: Horn of Africa
Clay also shared new PSA videos describing the crisis and how others can help with donations for ready-to-use therapeutic foods. See additional videos at the UNICEF USA YouTube Channel.
Ten dollars can feed a child for 10 days. Text FOOD to UNICEF (864233) to donate $10, or donate through the UNICEFwebsite.
As Long As We're Here - Clay Aiken View montage by gerwhisp full screen at YouTube.
Time for Reflection, Relaxation
Mid-Week 'Mini' Provides Choices For me, Tuesdays are wall-to-wall music lessons at Wesleyan Christian Academy, fortunately followed by lazy Wednesdays during which I catch up with friends and family online and off, listen to Clay Aiken music, and watch movies.
Somewhere along the way, my friend Scarlett tagged this mid-week day off a "mini," often wishing she had one, too. Of course, a "mini" only lasts one day; and then it's back to teaching lessons on Thursday.
In checking through email saved for just such a Wednesday, I discovered a thoughtful piece shared a couple of weeks ago by Marlyne. See what you think.
Something To Think About
1] Prayer is not a spare wheel that you pull out when in trouble, but it is a STEERING WHEEL that directs the right path throughout.
2] So why is a car's WINDSHIELD so large and the rear view mirror so small? Because our PAST is not as important as our FUTURE. So, look ahead and move on.
3] Friendship is like a BOOK. It takes few seconds to burn, but it takes years to write.
4] All things in life are temporary. If going well, enjoy it; they will not last forever. If going wrong, don't worry; they can't last long either.
5] Old Friends are Gold! New Friends are Diamond! If you get a Diamond, don't forget the Gold! Because to hold a Diamond, you always need a Base of Gold!
6] Often when we lose hope and think this is the end, GOD smiles from above and says, "Relax, sweetheart; it's just a bend, not the end!"
7] When GOD solves your problems, you have faith in HIS abilities. When GOD doesn't solve your problems HE has faith in your abilities.
8] A blind person asked St. Anthony: "Can there be anything worse than losing eye sight?" He replied, "Yes, losing your vision!"
9] When you pray for others, God listens to you and blesses them. Sometimes when you are safe and happy, remember that someone has prayed for you.
10] WORRYING does not take away tomorrow's TROUBLES; it takes away today's PEACE.
ALAWH Describes Aiken's Advocacy "As Long As We're Here," the On My Way Here song from gerwhisp's opening Clay Aiken montage, beautifully reflects the singer's humanitarian philosophy.
A UNICEF Ambassador since 2004 and co-founder of the National Inclusion Project the year before, the singer is well known as an advocate for children the world over. His goal of helping others has inspired many of his fans to take up his causes.
Inspired by Clay's UNICEF projects, these graphics were designed by AmazingCA, 1, 2; cindlu2, 3; Clayquebec1, 4, with photo by Invisible926; and claystruck, 5. All but the animation are clickable.
Going to the Movies Miles Apart
Somehow I made it through the past three decades watching only a few movies here and there. I didn't subscribe to premium channels until a couple of years ago when I signed up for DIRECTV. Later came U-Verse, augmented by Netflix.
My friend Sally gave my film repertoire a real boost the Christmas she sent me a box of 50+ carefully recorded movies she knew I would like. In no time at all, I was hooked! She frequently recommends movies that immediately go on the list.
I can't tell you how enjoyable it is to watch a movie simultaneously with a friend 1,125 miles away. Scarlett and I coordinate our film adventures through chat on Facebook. Typical opening of a show is little more than, "I'm paused at MGM. Say GO!"
And then we are off to the races watching just about every genre in the book! Ironically, each has introduced the other to several movies.
Some our recent movies are A Single Man, Bonneville, Cookie's Fortune, Date Night, It's Complicated, Death at a Funenal (British), Life Is Beautiful, Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont, My Cousin Vinny, Music Within, October Sky, Secretariat, Searching for Bobby Fischer, The Blind Side, The Great Debaters, The King's Speech, The Paper, The Dream Team, The Reader, Unstoppable, With Honors, and Wooly Boys.
Could SFF Be in My Future?
The lady is is doing her best to turn me into a Sci-Fi Fantasy fan, but she's got a ways to go. I did view Inception twice, but she had to explain a zillion times about participating in and extracting information from another person's dreams. *g*
Ever the techno goddess, Scarlett maintains an up-to-date, color-coded spreadsheet document entitled "Ultimate Movie List" with dates movies are viewed, where the film is available (DVR, purchased DVD, Netflix, Amazon, etc.), the date last watched, even the IMdb viewer rating.
Our running dialogue during the movies is frequently hilarious. The multi-tasker is almost always rendering clack on a neighboring machine. With so many choices, the biggest question on movie nights is ... where do we begin.
Where Do I Begin - Clay Aiken on Tried & True Tour View montage by molino79 full screen at YouTube. Video footage by Scarlett and farouche; photos by Invisible926.
Tonight's movie fare is The Shawshank Redemption from Netflix and Amazon. I have seen the film several times, but this highly-rated movie will be brand new to my cohort. Upcoming features include The Cure, The Next Three Days, August Rush, The Town, and Calendar Girls.
Hope you're having a wonderful week and maybe even a mini! Seen any good movies lately?
Clay Aiken - This Is the Moment View montage by SueReu full screen at YouTube. Download with this Sendspace file.
Montage of Magical Moments
Video Pays Tribute to Eight Years
It's impossible for one montage to capture all the stellar moments of Clay Aiken's eight-year career in the entertainment business, but SueReu's new montage of the singer's "This Is the Moment" performance comes very close.
Superimposed onto Scarlett's video of Clay's 2010 Bringing Broadway Home performance are highlights of a public career that began with the Atlanta audition during Season 2 of American Idol.
Among the amazing moments SueReu included are the double platinum plaque awarded Clay the second week of Measure of Man album sales, the Big Apple's mega autograph party for his New York Times best seller Learning to Sing: Hearing the Music in Your Life, a starring role in Spamalot, and testifying before Congress on behalf of GLBT youth and children with disabilities.
There have been magical moments in concert, on television and in print. Mixed in are also moments of caring -- from the formation of the National Inclusion Project to being named a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.
The climax or closing scene is typical Clay, whose longtime desire to become a father was realized on Aug. 8, 2008, with the birth of his son Parker.
Events Mark June Anniversaries
Among the special moments marking anniversaries this month are the premiere performance of the PBS Special, Tried & True ~ LIVE at WTTW-TV (June 12); Bringing Broadway Home, NC Theater Benefit Concert (June 21); and this, the 400th week of tracking Measure of a Man CD sales.
Read about these and many other events through the Year at Glance section at the Clay Aiken Kids site.
Below are graphics that highlight occasions of the past eight years, including AmazingCA, CD promo photos by Diana Levine, 1; PBS Special screen caps by Scarlett, 2; UNICEF, 8; Fountiandawg, 3 (DVD cover), 4 (BBH), 5 (MOAM 400), 7 (Washington, DC); cindilu2, photos by Levine, 6, and UNICEF animated design, 9. All but the last one are expandable.
Good Vibes Greatly Appreciated
Many thnx for the good vibes in your constant flow of messages, posts, thoughts, candles, prayers, and inquiries RE my melanoma surgery. Much ado about a small place on my right shoulder that, thankfully, was removed at Wake Forest University Medical Center Monday.
I am fortunate family members accompanied me for the main event. My BIL, a minister, was with me during pre-op and used his "direct line" to offer up a prayer. My sister, who spent the afternoon, evening, and next morning with me, said the surgeon is very optimistic.
I will return for a two-week checkup on the 28th. Meanwhile, I am at times loopy from pain killers, wearing a sling on my right arm as a reminder not to use the shoulder, and looking forward to teaching my summer piano/violin students at Wesleyan Christian Academy on Friday.
Who knew? I was planning to keep Tuesday's teaching schedule, but the "no driving" time frame changed that. The sling may be short-lived, however, as it feels like wearing a saxophone neck strap 24-7!
TRIED & TRUE - Fans celebrate the many hats Clay Aiken wears -- singer, actor, humanitarian. Graphic by cindilu2 with photos by Diana Levine.
Round-the-Clock YouTube Rewind
Fans Document Clay Train Ride The next best thing to Clay Aiken "live" is clack from past concerts; so while the Carolina singer is not on tour, performances from the past decade are in round-the-clock replay in a smorgasbord of clack at YouTube.
For the novice, the term "clack," a play on the words Clay and another highly addictive substance, has been a part of the CA fandom since its inception in 2003. Clack quickly became the byword for video, audio, photos, etc., from the singer's concerts and other appearances. Featured in this blog are montages by Hope (Wowzers4Clay) and SueRue that celebrate Clay past, present, and future. Some even incorporate pre-American Idol performances with the more familiar events of the past eight years.
Clay Aiken Still the One 1999 - 2010 View montage by Hope at YouTube.
'Clay Aiken Still the One 1999 - 2010' spotlights the singer's performances at the JCC Country Music Show (1999), the Solo/NAT Tour Raleigh Concert (2004), and the Timeless Tour show in Lancaster, PA (2010).
The montage incorporates video/audio clips by Shellyfish, Scarlett, Solo, SecretlyLovesClay, Deemer and Canfly172 and photos by MBLovesClay, Tasapio, Suzieq977, VO5Clay, and PatriciaLuvsClay.
Decade of Unchained Melody - Clay Aiken View montage by Hope full screen at YouTube.
Personally, I think 10 years of Clay Aiken singing "Unchained Melody" is pretty hard to beat.
In the UM montage, Hope highlights the decade with clips from the singer's Redefined demo, American Idol (2003), the Jukebox Tour (ImAllEars, 2005), Starch Search with David Foster (Scarlett, 2006), and the 2010 performance on the The View promoting the Tried & True CD.
The Real Me - Clay Aiken New montage by Hope can be viewed at YouTube.
"The Real Me," a fan favorite from the singer's On My Way Here album, received a one-time only performance on March 1 in Cincinnati, Ohio, during the 2011 Tried & True Tour.
Hope's montage features clips and screen caps by videographers LauraQ, ClayIzzaQT, Goldarngirl, Lissical, and Scarlett. The audio is from ClayIzzaQT's video.
Clay Aiken - A Simple Thank You (Finale) View montage by SueReu full screen at YouTube.
The final video in SueReu's "Thank You" series, this montage, like its predecessors, rewinds many memorable vocals and humorous moments from Clay Aiken tours.
To download videos and montages, visit Clack Unlimited where you can also donate to support the site. In addition to searching for Clay Aiken clips on YouTube, you can link to many at Unlimited Clack on Facebook.
Visual Artists Chronicle Clay
Also documenting the eight-year Clay Train ride are the talented visual artists who photograph and create graphic designs from an array of images.
The handsome graphics below are a sampling of the countless designs that have graced Clay Aiken message boards since 2003 and the Carolina blog since 2006.
To locate visuals by a particular photographer or graphic artist at this site, type the person's screen name in the top left search box beside the orange B just above the Carolina masthead.
Featured below are graphics by AmazingCA, 1, 2, 3; cindilu2, 4; ABeautifulMind, 5, 6; Sally, 7, 8; and Fountaindawg, 9, 10. Photographers represented include PermaSwooned, 2; Scrykym, 5; Tasapio, 8; and Jim R. Bounds, 9, 10.
Designs capsule CA concerts, interviews, the singer's activities as a UNICEF Ambassador, and his charity work with the National Inclusion Project. Some are double clickable, and some are not.
Join this celebration of clack by linking your favorite montage, video, photograph, or graphic design in the comments below. A special thank you to all artists who share their talent with the Clay Nation!
Clay Aiken on the Tried & True Tour trail. Double click to expand graphic by queen.
YouTube Round the Clock
Past Performances in Full Swing Clay Aiken may not be on tour, but videos and montages of his past performances definitely are as round the clock traffic to the singer's incredible vocals and humorous concert banter is in full swing at YouTube.
The varied selection of videos and montages are entertaining, funny, moving, and highly addictive; so be sure to block some time for a YouTube adventure. Because of the "research" required for this entry, I am speaking from personal experience.
Selections in this blog link to performances from 1999 to American Idol 2 and subsequent tours. Some of Clay's vocals are combined with current events or TV shows while others feature concert clips and the singer's charitable endeavors with the National Inclusion Project and UNICEF.
Dancing With the Stars Season 12 'Suspicious Minds' by Clay Aiken View montage by LCV full screen at YouTube.
Dancing With the Stars seems a natural fit for Clay's songs. In the montage above, LovesClaysVoice partnered DWTS Season 12 dancers Lil' Romeo and Chelsie Hightower, Hines Ward and Kym Johnson, Kirstie Alley and Maksim Chmerkovskiy and "Suspicious Minds" from the Tried & True album.
DWTS Season 11 - Viennese Waltz 'Unchained Melody' by Clay Aiken. Montage by LCV can be viewed full screen at YouTube.
In the second DWTS montage, LovesClaysVoice combined the Viennese waltz routines of Season 11 contestants with Clay's signature version of "Unchained Melody" as performed on The View.
Dancers include Jennifer Grey and Derek Hough, Rick Fox and Cheryl Burke, Brandy and Maksim Chmerkovskiy.
Montage Spotlights Royal Wedding
Montages frequently blend newsworthy events with Clay's tracks. An excellent example from the On My Way Here CD is "Something About Us," which accompanies visual art from the upcoming wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton.
Prince William and Kate - Something About Us 'On My Way Here' Vocals by Clay Aiken View LCV's montage full screen at YouTube.
Another popular "Something About Us" montage is Hotshortie's compilation featuring images of the First Family set the Clay's OMWH track. To date, An Obama Love Storyhas registered 766,166 views.
Clay Aiken, a Retrospective, Part 1 - The Music See four-part montage series by SueReu at YouTube.
Encompassing 2003-2009, SueReu's retrospective videos of Clay's career are subtitled "The Music," "Small Screen Fun," "A Special Guest," and "Photographs & Memories."
Clay Aiken's AI5 BUZZ View montage by zimarazi full screen at YouTube.
AI5 Appearance Epitome of BUZZ
A fan favorite since it was uploaded in 2007, zimarazi's montage presents an overview of the hoopla surrounding Clay's surprise performance at the AI5 Finale.
As the video shows, there was much more buzz about Clay Aikn around water coolers the next morning than the announcement of the Season 5 winner.
If You Don't Know Me By Now - Clay Aiken Montage by Aspiegirl can be viewed full screen at YouTube.
Set to a bonus track from Clay's A Thousand Different Ways album, Aspiegirl's 2006 montage features video clips by gerwhisp, Scarlett, canfly172, and SecretlyLovesClay with photos/graphic art by Sally, AmazingCA, ABeautifulMind, and fivegoldens.
Here are more montages you may enjoy. Suggested in the comments will be added to the list.
As Long As We're Here by Aspiegirl. From the OMWH CD, this song incorporates Clay's charitable endeavors with the National Inclusion Project and UNICEF.
Solitaire Then and Now by SueReu features Clay performing the Neil Sedaka hit on American Idol 3 (2004) and during the 2011 Tried and True Tour.
Clay Aiken sings 'You Don't Have To Say You Love Me.' View montage by molino79 full screen at YouTube. Download video with this Sendspace file.
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
CA Fans Rewind Tried & True Tour
The curtain closed on Clay Aiken's 21-city Tried & True Tour five days ago, and fans have begun the inevitable ritual of posting favorite recollections in what has become a tradition following memorable performances and extended runs.
In addition to wishing all a very Happy St. Patrick's Day, this March 17 blog features a special tour rewind by ymarie. Appropriately,theopening montage by molino79 spotlights the tour through video/photos by farouche as Clay sings "You Don't Have To Say You Love Me."
Whether you attended a T&T concert or experienced the show via cell stream and clack on YouTube, ymarie's essay will no doubt resonate with all fans of Clay Aiken:
Where do I begin?
From the first soft strains of these words wafting through the darkened theater in Miami, to the final lone microphone sitting on the empty chair in San Francisco, this tour has been one amazing experience after another.
The passionately powerful vocals of "Love Story" and "Unchained Melody" with the clenched fists, and strong arm movements that encompass the audience and draws everyone in; the playful and campy “Mack the Knife” with its finger snaps and jazzy moves, and the note that goes on forever; the laugh-out-loud hysterics of the “Who’s Sorry Now” variety of genres, proving the man can sing anything; and the soft melodies of "It’s Impossible," "Breaking Up Is Hard To Do," or "Misty"; the gentle caresses of the mic stand and wistful looks, or the closed eyes when he goes into that other-world to sing these songs.
No one will ever convince me he’s thinking about dinner when he sings.
Looking back at some of the recaps there have been a lot of descriptive words used: charming, funny, powerful, personal, familiar, gracious, perfect, fabulous, vocally stunning, adorable, awesome, passionate, playful, spontaneous, witty, emotional, sentimental.
We all have this sense of wonder at how this simple yet complex man can have and keep such a hold on us for eight years and counting. He doesn’t need pyrotechnics, dancers, or a loud rock band. He can just stand there in a sweater and jeans, sing his songs, and make us go from laughter to tears in an instant.
We can cringe one minute at a picture of a goofy hairdo and be speechless the next by cheekbones, lips, and eyelashes.
Something seemed different this time. Maybe it was the intimacy of the venues. Maybe he feels more comfortable around us now. Whatever the reason, it was a very welcome feeling.
So many got to meet him and whether it lasted 30 seconds or a couple minutes, whether it was the first time or the fifth time (‘cause we all know once is not enough), everyone seems to have come away in that fog that only he can create. He gives you his undivided attention, and for that brief moment you two are the only ones in the room.
If you were lucky enough to attend in person, were following along on a cellcert and reading "red" reports, or just catching up via YouTubes later, he managed to make us all feel special and loved.
So, while there is a tinge of sadness at the end of a tour, I am cautiously optimistic. He said he wasn’t quitting. He has "irons in the fire."
Clay, take all the time you need. Rest, relax, and regroup. Bask in the glow of a job well done. You don’t know me, but you showed me that you love me. In my life, I love you more.
The three photos by farouche are from the Glenside (PA), Towson (MD), and Minneapolis (MN) Tried & True concerts. All are expandable.
UNICEF Seeks Aid for Japan
Not everyone in the world can celebrate the joys of March 17. Thoughts, prayers, and assistance continue for the families impacted by the epic disaster caused by the recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan.
To support UNICEF in disaster relief for the children of Japan, visit the organization's website. A one-time donation of $10 will be added to your mobile phone bill by texting JAPAN to 864233.
For more information and avenues of assistance, see the article at the UNICEF link.
ALL THINGS GREEN -- Clay Aiken graphic by Amazing_CA.
March Honors Irish Traditions
Everyone's a little bit Irish on St. Patrick's Day!
This blog commemorates March 17 with a splash of "Spamalot" green, signature color of Sir Robin, Clay's celebrated role in the Broadway hit musical.
St. Patrick's Day, the most well-known March observance, honors the patron saint of Ireland, the man who brought Christianity to the Irish in the 400's A.D. March 17 is truly a day for celebrating Irish history, ancestry, traditions, and customs.
Around the globe, St. Patrick's Day festivities are generally themed around all things green and Irish. The secular version of the holiday is marked by wearing green or orange, eating Irish and/or green foods, imbibing Irish drink (usually Guinness), and attending parades.
Irish colonists brought St. Patrick's Day to North America. The event was first commemorated in the 13 colonies in Boston, MA, in 1737.
Below is Sally's graphic of an Irish blessing, one of many you will no doubt read today!
Have a wonderful week, Clay Nation! Blessings on St. Patrick's Day!
