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Clay Aiken, Chaka Khan sing 'I Believe We Can.' View Phineas and Ferb song full screen at YouTube.
Video Chat on for Tonight
Fans Celebrate 'I Believe We Can'
One year ago (8/2/2010), recording artists Clay Aiken and Chaka Khan guest starred on the celebrated Phineas & Ferb episode Summer Belongs to You by singing the inspirational duet, "I Believe We Can."
My grandchildren, Kai and Lia, are really into Disney and other kiddie channels; so this blog was written as I looked up links for them. However, you are welcome to come along for the ride and celebrate the episode's one-year anniversary with the four videos below.
The one-hour Summer Belongs to You episode premiered on DisneyXD on Aug. 2, 2010, and was telecast four days later on the Disney Channel. The catchy duet was released on iTunes and other online outlets as part of a digital album of music from the Phineas & Ferb series.
Phineas and Ferb: Summer Belongs to You, Part 1. View full screen at Disney Replays Channel on YouTube.
Phineas and Ferb: Summer Belongs to You, Part 2. View full screen at Disney Replays Channel on YouTube.
Phineas and Ferb: Summer Belongs to You, Part 3. View full screen at Disney Replays Channel on YouTube.
Phineas and Ferb: Summer Belongs to You, Part 4. View full screen at Disney Replays Channel on YouTube.
Perpetually on summer vacation, Phineas & Ferb centers around two stepbrothers always embarking on some grand project. Their sister Candace angrily watches them, never able to get their mother to catch the duo in the act.
The two also have a platypus named Perry, a secret agent for an all-animal government organization that primarily takes on Dr. Heinz Doofenschmirtz, an evil scientist.
Wacky by adult standards, but it works!
Below are clickable screen caps from animated Clay's performance of "I believe We Can."
As if anyone in the Clay Nation needs a reminder, the singer will hold a live video chat with Official Fan Club members at 8:30 pm ET tonight.
The "bleachers" are already filling up. See you there!
Clay Aiken performs 'It's Impossible.' View montage by hosaa full screen at YouTube. Download video with this Sendspace file.
On Clay Aiken Fan Boards
Drought Brings on 'Listomania'
For some Clay Aiken fans, the weeks the singer is not performing are just like the song -- impossible. For others, there is no such word in their vocabulary, and a kaleidoscope of activities has begun filling this go round of down time.
The opening montage by hosaa features clips from the singer's 2011 Tried & True Tour by farouche, Scarlett, goldarngirl, and MBlovesClay. Venues represented include Towson, Minneapolis, Glenside, Cleveland, Sarasota, Knoxville, and Houston.
This weekend, along with the usual recipe exchanges, family graduation/wedding posts, and latest photos of grandchildren, Clay Cyberspace celebrated New York's passage of the Marriage Equality Act Friday night.
And then, thankfully, there's the "listomania" phenomenon.
Fans Create 'Favorites' Lists
Polls have become an ideal pastime on fan boards. Perhaps you'd like to share your choices for two message board lists started this month by katymom.
Below are the guidelines, as well as her selections for the first list.
Songs for Singerman To Record
GUIDELINES: Clay must have performed the song at some time; he has not recorded it since 2003; and it is not a holiday song. Here are katymom's choices. What would yours be?
Where Do I Begin, Love Story Theme Home Tears Run Dry Alone Iris My Eyes Adored You The Prayer Fields of Gold Kyrie Hello Those Magic Changes I Will Be Here
Expandable graphic by AmazingCA with screencaps by Scarlett.
'Best of Clay Aiken' Tracks
Earlier this month katymom originated a "Best of Clay Aiken" album poll. Her listing, representing 12 non-holiday songs that Clay has recorded, includes tracks from the Measure of a Man, A Thousand Different Ways, On My Way Here, and Tried & True albums.
Sacrificial Love - OMWH Ashes - OMWH Where I Draw the Line - OMWH You Don't Have to Say You Love Me - TNT Unchained Melody - TNT Perfect Day - MOAM Shine - MOAM Everything I Do - ATDW As Long As We're Here - OMWH Suspicious Minds - TNT Because You Loved Me - ATDW The Way - MOAM
Taking this polling pastime a step farther, I'll pose the question. Choosing from Clay Aiken tours, concerts, TV performances, and montages, what are your 5-10 favorite videos?
In no particular order, my list begins with three from the Soft Place Hard Rock Tour. Remember when Clay turned the tables on Scarlett and used her camera to take his own clack?
That was the 8/16/07 Fort Myers, FL, concert of the SPHR Tour. Always ready with a backup, the clack goddess pulled a second camera out of her bag and continued videoing.
Clay, Quiana sing 'Listen' in Sterling Heights, MI. View video by goldarngirl/luckiest1 full screen at YouTube.
Impromptu Duet Performance Magical
One of the best examples of Clay's innate ability as an entertainer was the unplanned "Listen" duet he and Quiana Parler performed in Sterling Heights, MI.
Whether seated in the Freedom Hill Amphitheater at Sterling Hills, MI, or connected via a cellcert stream thousands of miles away, fans immediately recognized that the unscheduled duet by Clay and Quiana would long be remembered as one of the most incredible, magical moments in a long line of stellar performances.
Subbing for the ailing Angela Fisher, who nightly sang the "Dream Girls" song in concerts, the unrehearsed duo brought down the house and elicited exclamations that continue to this day wherever fans gather.
Totally unrehearsed, the glorious vocals soared with beautifully balanced harmonies. At the conclusion, music director Jesse Vargas joined the amazed audience in a spontaneous standing ovation.
Photo by Irishbookgal links to IWTKWLI 'Trio.'
Orlando Duet Becomes Classic Trio
Scat singing, amazing vocal ranges, and uninhibited ad libs never had it so good as in the gorgeous "I Want To Know What Love Is" duet that evolved into a magnificent, classic trio in the Orlando, FL, finale of the SRHP Tour.
Throughout the tour, Quiana and Angela had cleverly teased Clay as to which of the two would be his duet partner on the song.
In Orlando, they both were.
If You Don't Know Me By Now - Clay Aiken Montage by Aspiegril 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, SecretlyLovesClay, and canfly172.
Also accompanying "If You Don't Know Me By Now" are photos and graphic designs by Sally, AmazingCA, fivegoldens, ABeautifulMind, and Ambassador of Love.
Clay Aiken Sings Signature 'Unchained Melody.' View montage by Wowzers4Clay full screen at YouTube.
There are many wonderful videos of Clay performing his signature version of "Unchained Melody," arranged for the Tried & True album/tour by Ben Cohn.
I chose the 2/16/11 Atlanta Concert montage by Wowzers4Clay from the T&T Tour. Videographers represented include ImAllEars, MBLovesClay, goldarngirl, and Scarlett.
Now it's your turn.
1. List 10 songs you would like to hear Clay record. 2. List 12 tracks for a Best of Clay Aiken Album. 3. Name/provide link for 5-10 favorite performance/montage videos.
New Fan Finds Clay Through NIP
A recent incident relayed by aikim demonstrates how information, videos, and montages attract and educate new Clay fans.
Last night in the OFC Chat Room I met a woman who is a new fan. She has a son with autism and was looking around the internet for information and found the National Inclusion Project.
She knew nothing about Clay, never watches American Idol, but mentioned him to someone she knows and they turned her on to his music. Now she is hooked!
It was so much fun talking to someone who doesn't know anything of the last 8 years and is just a fan of his voice. Her husband has been deployed, and she is home with her kids. Clay has become a diversion, but a good one.
We explained some terminology, and she got a laugh out of that. She doesn't know anything about the message boards, Right now she is lost at YouTube watching clack.
Have a wonderful week, Clay Nation, and Happy Listomania!
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!
WHERE DO I BEGIN: View Clay Aiken's Tried & True Atlanta Concert start to finish with this link. Download the high definition video/audio files by Scarlett here. Entire Tried & True Concert
High Def Videos Replay Atlanta
It's been YEARS since my schedule has succumbed to an all-out upper respiratory assault, but this week has been one for the books. If you read the Carolina blog for Clay Aiken news, there have been exciting headlines -- everywhere but here!
Around midnight Wednesday the "Scarlett-Hope Clack Team" completed the process for rendering and uploading the former's high definition Tried & True Atlanta videos into a complete concert playlist on the latter's Wowzers4Clay Channel at YouTube.
Links for viewing/downloading audio and video concert files are printed below the opening video, as well as on the Wowzers4Clay site.
Allergies Play Havoc with Schedule
Thankfully, my battle with the elements began after I played oboe for Sunday's Lenten Cantata at Jamestown United Methodist Church. However, after a glorious weekend of Bach, Beethoven, et al, it's been all downhill. A scratchy throat should have been a red flag, but the springtime allergies I have avoided for several seasons have found me again.
Monday I taught a round of piano students at Wesleyan, but by Tuesday morning the coughing and sneezing signaled the onslaught of a monster cold that had arrived to stay a while. Lessons were rescheduled, and the battle to overcome the unwanted symptoms began.
The simple, common cold is such a royal pain; and, hopefully, one day there will be pill an instant cure. The worst is finally over, and my middle school violin trio will rehearse Thursday afternoon. Their repertoire this spring includes classical solos, Irish fiddle tunes, and selections from "Sound of Music."
Aiken To Guest on 'Drop Dead Diva'
While I was out of commission, much of the publishing world and social networking sites announced that Clay Aiken will be a guest on Drop Dead Diva, the popular, quirky Lifetime show. The series, which begins its third season in June, is set in Los Angeles, CA, but filmed in Peachtree City, GA.
Because of their Broadway background, Clay and Lance Bass received a great write-up in Broadway World for their upcoming guest appearances:
Broadway veterans Clay Aiken and Lance Bass are set to star in the fifth episode of the third season of DROP DEAD DIVA. Bass will star as a casting director and Aiken as a witness in a mail-order bride scam case.
Aiken made his Broadway debut playing the role of Sir Robin in Monty Python's Spamalot in January 2008. On August 14, 2007, Bass began a six-month stint playing Corny Collins in the Broadway musical Hairspray, coinciding with the play's five year stage anniversary.
Season 3 returns with previously announced guest stars LeAnn Rimes, Wendy Williams, Paula Abdul, Louis Van Amstel, Nick Zano, Mario Lopez, Tony Goldwyn, Jennifer Tilly and Howard Hesseman.
You can read more at the Broadway World link above. Fans without the Lifetime channel can view or download the episode at Drop Dead Diva on Free TV. According to Sansue, the program will be online about a week after it airs.
Below are five screen caps from Scarlett's Atlanta videos.
Have a wonderful weekend, Clay Nation! It's great to be back amongst the living!
NOW AND THEN: Fountaindawg's expandable graphic utilizes similar shots with an American Idol 2 screen cap from 2003 and a 2011 Tried & True Tour photo by PermaSwooned.
Blue Lights Up Autism Awareness Day
Montages Replay Tried & True 2
During the weeks after a very popular Clay Aiken tour, fans can always expect a second version to commence online with montage collections from the ever expanding libraries of video clack.
Sure enough, Tried & True Take 2 is in full swing with high definition videos, a series of "best of" compilations, photos and graphics, still popping up daily in Clay Cyberspace.
Below are three such videos spotlighting the many T&T versions of "Who's Sorry Now," the finale of an eight-part highlight collection, and a montage on the auto-tune series. Special thnx to melobru, forgetyou1276, and mrbaconclayaiken17, respectively.
The Best of 'Who's Sorry Now' from Tried & True Tour. View montage by melobru full screen at YouTube.
Videographers whose clips comprise the eight-video series below include Thankful4Clay, MBlovesClay, Mee4Clay, goldarngirl, hereforclay58, canfly172, Scarlett, hosaa, farouche, ClayIzzaQT, toni7babe, and dlh7777.
Tried and True Highlights, Part 8 (AZ, CA) View all eight montages by forgetyou1276 at YouTube.
Tried & True Auto-Tune Memories View montage by mrbaconclayaiken17 full screen at YouTube.
April Ushers in Autism Awareness
National Autism Awareness Month received a special kick-off Saturday with prominent buildings around the world lit in bright blue shades of hope. Among the global sites heralding World Autism Awareness Day with the Light It Up Blue Campaign are the Empire State Building, Willis Tower in Chicago, Staples Center in Los Angeles, Niagra Falls, CN Tower in Canada, Christ the Redeemer Statue in Brazil, and the Sydney Opera House in Australia.
The blue light of hope can also be seen in participating airports, bridges, museums, concert halls, schools/universities, restaurants, and retail stores.
Throughout April, the National Basketball Association is partnering with international organization Autism Speaks to increase awareness and raise research/treatment funding.
For an in depth report on autism, the events of April 2, and Autism Awareness Month, see the Clay News Network blog.
Clay Aiken rocks out on 'Who's Sorry Now?' Orlando video by Scarlett can be viewed full screen at YouTube.
A Consummate Entertainer
Clay & Co. Present Superb Show
At the Orlando Tried & True Tour show Friday night, Clay Aiken once again proved he is the consummate performer.
The Hard Rock concert showcased many qualities that make the Carolina crooner an extraordinary entertainer in live performances. In addition to the magnificent vocals from the most tender phrasing to the powerfully compelling, there's hilarious shtick, some planned, some off the cuff; the ever-present quick wit; and Clay's uncanny ability to interact with audience members in any circumstance.
In addition to the rockin' "Who's Sorry Now?" and the "Solitaire" concert closer below, Scarlett has uploaded Bad Romance from the Orlando show to her YouTube channel.
Miami and Orlando audio and video files are available for download at Clack Unlimited. Note that CU requests donations from those who frequent the site.
Clay displays his incredible pipes in 'Solitaire.' View Orlando concert video by Scarlett full screen at YouTube.
Selected fan recaps help tell the Orlando story, but Corabeth summed up the evening with a statement that is bound to become a message board thread title throughout Clay Cyberspace: Tonight I saw Clay Aiken ... the best that ever was.You can read her full account at The ConCLAYve.
Here are portions of recaps posted by four fans:
Corabeth:[Clay] talked to the audience a bit more and then came over by us and sat down on the stage. He sang WKOFAI and Misty right there. An older couple in the second row about 6 seats down from me were filming and he asked the man about it. The man said Misty was their song. It was so nice that it worked out that way.
Quiana did her second solo and then he came out to do Crying. He looked at her with such tenderness and at the end, he said how great she was and he didn’t know what he would do without her. They remind me of a doubles tennis team, always knowing where and what the other one is doing or going to do.
Vocally, he surpassed himself. It’s funny, but no matter how much clack you watch in between tours, it simply doesn’t compare to seeing him perform live and even then, it’s still almost shocking at how well he can sing. He hit some low notes tonight that vibrated within me.
caperkeeper: Of course rocker Clay brought down the house just as the softness and nuance of In My Life and the power and emotion of Solitaire did as well. This is part of what makes a Clay show so entertaining and bringing me back for more.
In Orlando, if you had been at the Miami show, you could tell the difference. It was tighter and flowed better. He tweaked the auto-tune business by using a real song to talk and with the added kick of Clay not knowing what song from show to show, it will be fun. Better than reading from the newspaper.
Loved Clay doing The Way and Invisible as big band. So funny and entertaining, and Clay performed them beautifully. Changing up the set list is fun as well. When he started "Breaking Up Is Hard To Do," I visibly sucked in a gulp of air and I am not sure when I released it.
roxylovesclay: He cracked me up when people were suggesting musical styles. Someone yelled "Reggae," and he was so quick and witty: "Oh, we did that last night. You shoulda been there!" Bwah! Just the expression on his face alone was priceless!
Mee4clay: As for the other person taping from the beginning, I talked to her and she is not on the boards. She is "new to all this", that's what she told me. I got her email address and will contact her soon.
The slide show below features Orlando photos by dc4clay, gerwhisp, irishbookgal, and claytonsmyccf.To view photos full screen, click on "View All Images" tab.
Tried & True Set List – Orlando
Overture Theme from Love Story There’s a Kind of Hush Moon River Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You Something about Us
Medley The Way Don’t Stop Believin’ Vogue (Quiana) I Want It That Way (Clay and Quiana) The Right Stuff The Glory of Love Love the Way You Lie (Quiana) Baby One More Time (Clay and Quiana) Footloose (Quiana) Invisible
Cry Me a River (Quiana) Bad Romance Suspicious Minds Buttercup Breaking Up is Hard to Do What Kind of Fool Am I Misty
Who’s Sorry Now? (Clay and Quiana) Mack the Knife It’s Only Make Believe A Foggy Day in London Town (Quiana) Crying (Clay and Quiana) Unchained Melody In My Life Solitaire
The final Florida concert takes place at Sarasota's Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall at 8 pm tonight. The bus then heads to Houston, TX; Atlanta, GA; Knoxville, TN; and points north. The complete Tried and True Tour schedule is printed in the 2/10 Carolina entry and in Scarlett's sidebar calendar.
Below is a clickable of dc4clay's opening photo in the slide show:
Have an awesome weekend, Clay Nation! See you after Sarasota!
Clay, Ruben, & Co. close Timeless Tour with 'Time of My Life.' View video by Scarlett full screen at YouTube.
'Time of My Life'
Finale Sums Up Timeless Tour
Just as they did every night, Clay Aiken, Ruben Studdard, & Company closed Saturday's final Timeless Tour concert in Biloxi, MS, with the "Time of My Life," summing up the two-hour experience for performers and concert goers alike.
Final shows are almost always an emotionally charged convergence of giddiness, sadness that the three-week summer run is over, plus a dash of relief that respite is just around the corner.While musicians no doubt headed to the nearest cave to catch up on much-needed sleep, fans are still reliving favorite moments from the 17 concerts through video/photo clack.
The gags and antics usually reserved for final performances were almost nonexistent in Biloxi, bowing to the bigger surprise in the early arrival of Eric Duboise's baby, putting the sub for the lead guitarist on a fast track to learn the 85-song show.
As a music teacher with several students taking fledgling steps in composition, I was most interested in the duo's search for a theme song. Clay first brought up the subject in Verona, NY, and the improv was added to the stool banter in the last three shows.
Duo Searches for Theme Song
At each show, Ruben accepted Clay's challenge and improvised three different theme songs in a variety of styles: "Yin & Yang" a la bluegrass in Verona, "It's About Damn Time" Reggae style in Hammond, and an operatic "Spaghetti and Meatball" rendition in Biloxi.
Below are videos by Scarlett and toni7babe that replay the improvisation segments. The first and third also include the stool banter.
Song search begins with 'Yin & Yang' at Verona, NY, show. View Scarlett's video full screen at YouTube.
Reggae-style theme song improvised at Hammond, IN, show. View video by toni7babe full screen at YouTube.
Search yields operatic 'Spaghetti & Meatball' in Biloxi, MS. View video by Scarlett full screen at YouTube.
Clack Sites Rewind Tour Treasures
If you are a Clay Aiken or Ruben Studdard fan, you know the websites to visit for downloading and viewing Timeless Tour clack. If not, bookmark Clack Unlimited (where donations are encouraged) and YouTube.
Below are two YouTube Channels loaded with videos from the 17 Timeless Tour shows. Hopefully, there will be more before this blog cycle ends.
The Timeless Tour set list provides a map for clack "treasure hunts." Have fun!
Timeless Tour Set List
Ruben and Clay: Flying Without Wings/This Is The Night mash-up
Clay: Suspicious Minds Ruben: Bring It On Home To Me
60s Medley: In The Midnight Hour ... Up On The Roof ... Someday We'll Be Together ... Goin' Out Of My Head ... Can’t Hurry Love ... Happy Together ...Can’t Help Myself ... Cryin’ ... Soul Man ... Wouldn’t It Be Nice ... Shotgun ... Sugar, Sugar ... Just One Look ... Harper Valley PTA ... Ain’t To Proud To Beg ... Ain’t No Mountain High Enough
Casey/Quiana: Natural Woman Clay: Still the One Ruben: Mercy Me
70s Medley: Night Fever ... Ain’t No Stoppin Us Now ... Oh, What a Night (1963) ... Oh Girl ... On The Radio ... Turn The Beat Around ... Sex Machine (Get on Up) ... Don’t Go Breaking My Heart ... More Than A Feeling ... September
Clay: Mandy Ruben: Superstar Quiana: I’m Every Woman Ruben: Baby, Stay With Me Tonight?
Revival Skit
Clay: When I See You Smile
80s Medley: Eye Of The Tiger ... Rhythm Of The Night ... Glory Of Love ... Shout ... Africa ... Can’t Fight This Feeling ... Through The Fire ... All Night Long ... If This Is It ... Alone ... Caribbean Queen ... Nothing's Gonna Stop Us ... Footloose
Ruben: Everything I Do, I Do For You
90s Medley: This Is How We Do It ... Poison ... Achy Breaky Heart ... The Right Stuff ... Mmm...Bop ... End Of The Road ... I Swear ... I Want It That Way ... Remember The Time ... You Oughta Know ... Jump Around ... Baby Got Back ... Livin La Vida Loca ... One Sweet Day
Clay and Ruben: I’ve Had The Time Of My Life
These clickable photos from the Biloxi concert were shot by Invisble926:
Have a wonderful week, Clay Nation!
Caro
Thank you for your blog comments and props for the contributing artists. To leave a remark, scroll to the bottom of that section, click on the "Post a Comment" link, and write in the box provided. Many thnx for stopping by today! - Caro
Clay discusses Tried & True, Timeless Tour with BetterTV. Photo links to Clay's video on the Better TV website. Download interview with this Sendspace file.
'Decades of Favorites' on Tour
Singer Talks About Classic CD
Clay Aiken appeared on Better TV Monday talking about his new Tried & True CD and the 17-city Timeless Tour planned with Ruben Studdard from July 23 - August 14.
Double click on the above photo and you can watch Clay's Better TV interview. It's amazing to me how the singer breathes new life into each appearance he makes discussing the same topics.
His host takes viewers through the highlights of Clay's roller coaster ride since his American Idol days seven years ago. Below is a paraphrase of the interview:
He's written a book, starred on Broadway, and was even an executive producer for a TV show. Back to his first love, music, we talked to the singer about his latest album.
It's been seven years since Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken stood on that American Idol stage. Now Season 2's top 2 are reuniting for a tour through decades of their favorite music.
Clay's fifth CD, Tried & True, is filled with classics that he has always wanted to record. "More than anything else I've every done, this album is true to me. It is exactly what I have wanted to do for seven years."
At the conclusion, the interviewer encouraged everyone to give a listen to Clay's Tried & True album and to look for the singer and his pal Ruben Studdard on tour this summer.
Among the best ways for newcomers to "give a listen" to T&T are through the official Clay Aiken and International Media channels at YouTube. In addition to the preview of Clay Aiken: Tried & True ~ LIVE! below, there are also promo videos of the CD songs, as well as Clay's performances from Good Morning America and The View.
Clay Aiken: Tried & True - LIVE! View full screen at YouTube
Clay's PBS Special, slated in several markets as early as July 31, will reach a vast new audience. Master lists of PBS stations that have scheduled Clay Aiken: Tried & True ~ LIVE! are updated regularly at The Clayboard,Clay Aiken Fans, and Clay Aiken News Network.
The 90-minuted DVD of the special, which will be released July 27, can be purchased during PBS fundraising drives, at Amazon and other online outlets. You can read about the DVD at Deccawhere the 18 tracks are listed.
CA fans are making sure they stream "Can't Take My Eyes Off of You" at Universal Music's Playlist on MySpace. Spins passed 10,000 Sunday night.
Meanwhile, I have friends and relatives in my email list who would enjoy Clay's album of jazzy, big band classics. Bet you do, too!
PHOTO INTERLUDE: Featured in this clickable collection are graphic designs from the Tried & True CD cover/liner photos, PBS special, and Popeater's "Day in the Life" by AmazingCA, 1 and 3; SueReu, 2; and Fountaindawg, 4 and 5.
Family Bids Farewell to Matriarch
In failing health for many months, my mother-in-law passed away peacefully Friday afternoon. In better times, she was a dedicated octogenarian fan of Clay Aiken and would have loved his new Tried & True CD. I'm sorry she was never able to enjoy the album.
Nina loved her family, state, and country; but she also enjoyed her NJU status in the Clay Nation. I kept her informed about the latest; and for a long time, she passed along Kai and Lia updates. She was especially proud of what a good mother her granddaughter is.
Until she became too ill to watch television, MIL relied on me for the exact times of Clay's appearances. I bookmarked her cable company so I could keep her viewing schedule straight. I think the only time she missed a show was when the West Texas winds were so strong that nobody received the feed.
Clay Fans Light Candles
Admitted to her hospital's critical care unit with heart failure in 2007, she was very moved when she graduated to a room with a telephone and I read her the encouraging messages posted at the Gratefulness Candle site by CA fans from around the world.
Nina had a talent for summarizing a situation in a few brief words. A perfect example was in August 2007 when I read to her Spotlightlover's account of meeting the Japanese Clay fans during the Summer Symphony Tour in San Diego. This was also one of my MIL's favorite Clay Nation stories.
Clicakble by mel ladi
MIL Provides Fitting Postscipt
The Japanese contingent not only attended the tour's four California concerts, but they also flew to North Carolina for the homecoming performances in Cary and Asheville.
As fans who connect from afar, the group was well acquainted with downloads at Clack Unlimited. In San Diego, they met one of the revered videographers who make it possible for fans around the world to enjoy concerts and other appearances. In a message board post, Spotlightlover described her chance meeting with these fans.
As we were preparing to leave the venue, I noticed that 20 or so Japanese ladies had gathered at the front of the stage in their kimonos. They had taken the set lists from the stage and were "oohing" and "aahing" over them.
I took a little footage of them and then asked if anyone spoke English. A couple of tentative nods; then the woman who was serving as translator introduced herself.
I told her I had a big souvenir of the entire concert, and there were a few gasps. We exchanged cards and I said I would be in touch. Then I talked a little more with a few of the women who spoke English. I asked if they were on the Internet.
One of them replied, “Clack Unlimited?” So I told them my board name. And the eyes of these wonderful women from a far country widened with recognition because they knew who I was.
For me, meeting these women was the most magical moment of the night. No, not because they knew who I was, but because across the vast Pacific Ocean, culture differences, and a language barrier, we have all become a part of this awesome phenomenon. I had shared something with them, not even knowing it; and that made us comrades from half a world away.
I think now, for me, that’s what this is really all about. It’s no longer just about a skinny kid from North Carolina with an incredible voice who got the chance of a lifetime. It’s how his effect on us has brought us together into a big family, and every concert is like a family reunion.
I read paragraphs from three August 2007 blogs to Nina. Her one-sentence response in the distinctive West Texas drawl struck me as a most insightful postscript:
The Clay Nation is doing things that poor ole missionaries can't get done.
Nina, 87 and weary at the end. will be laid to rest Wednesday morning. Good times together and on the telephone will be missed and remembered. Rest in peace, MIL.
Have a wonderful week, Clay Nation!
Caro
Thank you for your blog comments and props for the contributing artists. To leave a remark, scroll to the bottom of that section, click on the "Post a Comment" link, and write in the box provided.
Visitors have arrived at this site from 153 countries. Many thnx for stopping by today! - Caro
Decca Records and International Media released glimpses of CLAY AIKEN - TRIED & TRUE: LIVE! Thursday afternoon, and the Clay Nation has been feasting ever since. Saturday's brand new promo link has been added to this blog.
Tried and True, American Idol Super Star Alumni Clay Aikens first Public Television special, reaches back into the romantic past of the 50s and 60s, featuring many of the most iconic love songs ever written.
Shot at the Memorial Auditorium in Clays home town of Raleigh, North Carolina, Tried and True features a full orchestra and big band.
Clay is joined on stage by special guest and American Idol colleague Ruben Studdard, along with special guest Linda Eder, who is widely recognized as one of the best female vocalists of our time.
This special concert is the world premiere live performance of Clays forthcoming album, Tried and True, being released on Decca this Spring.
The video can be viewed full screen at the International Media YouTube channel, and hits/comments there are important. However, I know readers from some countries are unable to see YT videos. Here are Sendspace downloads for the T&T preview in video and audio formats.
Below are regular and widescreen clickable wallpapers of Clay's Tried & True: Live! preview by Fountaindawg:
Fans Embrace T&T Sneak Peak
So what do fans think of the sneak peak? Here are six, slightly edited comments from the YouTube Channel and this blog:
cindilu2: This needs to be on my TV NOW!!!! What a fantastic concert -- and this teaser is only the tip of the iceberg. Wait until you hear "Unchained Melody,"" Crying" (with the incredible Linda Eder). and all the fun with Ruben. Awesome!
vstreamer: Clay looks and sounds fantastic. He is in his element here; entertaining is in his blood. Oh, and the sound and lighting are also top notch.
GjpgD: I remember during Idol's Top 12 when Clay had to fill out a biographical form on the show's website. When asked his preferred genre of music from any era, he stated, "Big Band." Guess he's finally living his dream, thanks to a supportive label and fiercely loyal, tried & true fans. Rock on, Clay! You're a rock star of the heart and spirit, no matter what you're singing!
claydreamer: jhjujw45 5t rg5 ty 6 5t5 uhrg 5 t= !!!!!!!! That is from my four-year-old granddaughter who couldn't stop dancing as we listened to Clay sing! This is so wonderful. Clay's voice is always the best!
artz11: Yes, this is singing! The band and arrangements even in these small doses sounds incredible. A voice for now and forever!
Truth Rules: Full screen and headphones! I can't stop watching, and I was there! It's great that those who couldn't be in Raleigh that night finally get a taste of what we saw and why this got dubbed the OMG concert.
With special thanks to Bottlecap(1-5)andCotton (6, 7), below are seven screen caps from "Mack the Knife," "Who's Sorry Now." and "Build Me Up, Buttercup." Click on the caps to enlarge.
Decca Releases T&T Story, Updates Bio
Decca Records has released a media story about the T&T album and updated Clay's bio. Both can be read in their entirety on the singer's site. See the NEWS and BIO headings on Clay's page at Decca:
Clay Aiken Comes Full Circle with Album of Timeless Classics Tried and True
May 7, 2010 (New York, NY) -- Clay Aiken has never sounded more at home than he does singing the lushly arranged classics on his fifth studio album Tried and True — the international pop phenomenon’s first album for Decca Records.
Showcasing Aiken’s powerful voice and considerable interpretive gifts, the new CD is comprised of songs from the ’50s and ’60s that Aiken grew up listening to as a child. The platinum-selling artist and idol to many has arguably never sounded better. Tried and True will be available everywhere on June 1st.
For Aiken, Tried and True (so named because he feels the songs have stood the test of time) was about getting back to himself after a career performing more pop-oriented material.
"There are a lot of elements to this album that are about me returning to what I’m comfortable with," Aiken says. "To me, older songs are more melodically appealing and beautiful. So doing this album was an opportunity to just be myself."
