CDD Christmas 2006

GENERAL: 'American Idol Worship' Praises Clay & The Christmas Tour

2006-12-24T15:36:00.000-05:00

Our friends over at American Idol Worship are complimenting Clay left and right in their fantastic new write up on Clay's current Christmas tour:

"Clay is in a league of his own with Christmas carols, and this tour proves as much. His range has grown each year of his career, and the finale, “All Is Well” is a how-to primer on soft, low notes sung with passion up to the soaring, glory notes well above a tenor’s range."

"In each city, while Clay might have crossed his fingers and planted his feet for luck in hitting that final note, the audience shot to its feet and screamed in appreciation as he hit it. Even more impressive is that for the last week, Clay has been suffering from a debilitating inner ear infection that has given him vertigo and dizziness.

He was forced to sing an entire concert from a seated position on a stool, gripping it with both hands to keep his balance. Most entertainers would have canceled, but Clay wanted the show to continue even though he had to be helped on and off the stage by an assistant."

It is also important to note that during each concert, Clay stresses the need to reach out to others. He spends a few minutes talking about his work with UNICEF and the Bubel/Aiken Foundation, and encourages people to reach out and contribute any way they can to whatever organization they choose to support. He then launches into “Don’t Save It All For Christmas Day,” the last song of his set before the “All Is Well” encore.

GENERAL: Christmas Tour Draws To A Close

2006-12-24T11:22:00.000-05:00

After 10 near or complete sellouts, Clay's hit 2006 Symphonic Christmas Tour has come to an end. We'll be here as Clay kicks off his "ATDW" tour sometime in the new year.

Recaps
You can find some of the Clay nation's best recaps here. Don't forget, we have all the Christmas tour highlights RIGHT HERE on this CDD Christmas Tour 2006 blog.

Tour Dates
More of a keepsake than anything else, here are all of the concerts Clay did:

December 1, 2006
Waukegan, IL
Genesee Theater

December 2, 2006
Merrilville, IN
Star Plaza Theatre

December 4, 2006
Verona, NY
Turning Stone Resort

December 5, 2006
Englewood, NJ
Bergen Performing Arts Center

December 6, 2006
Baltimore, MD
Lyric Opera House

December 7, 2006
Norfolk, VA
Scope Arena

December 9, 2006
Williamsport, PA
Williamsport Community Arts Center

December 10, 2006
Wilkes Barre, PA
FM Kirby Center

December 11, 2006
Easton, PA
State Theatre

December 12, 2006
Hartford, CT
Connecticut Convention Center

December 14, 2006
Greenvale, NY
Tilles Center

December 15, 2006
West Point, NY
Eisenhower Hall Theatre

December 16, 2006
Red Bank, NJ
Count Basie Theater

December 18, 2006
Detroit, MI
Max M. Fisher Music Center

December 19, 2006
Grand Rapids, MI
DeVos Performing Hall

December 21, 2006
Jacksonville, FL
Moran Theatre

December 22, 2006
Charlotte, NC
Blumenthal Performing Arts Center

December 23, 2006
Greensboro, NC
War Memorial Auditorium

GREENSBORO: Recaps

2006-12-24T11:16:00.000-05:00

Clack
ClackUnlimited.com

From the CB's sorkid78:

VERY LOOOONG! You are warned now....

O....M.....G....:thud ! Two days of Clay Aiken IN A ROW! :thud I don’t know if I can take that again? I mean, I WILL do it again, but after two days...:thud , I’m already planning my wedding invitations now. :grin WOW! Probably...no DEFINITELY the one of the best weekends a person can have. I already explained Charlotte’s show and if you haven’t seen it...well look in every possible blog, yahoo or message board, IT’S THERE!

Now let’s talk about Greensboro. I just hope I don’t leave anything out because I know you all want to live vicariously through me right now. First I drove from Charlotte by myself but it’s wasn’t that bad a trip so once I got there I called Karen (kcudawg) who was the one to give me the ticket at Charlotte and she told me that CarolinaClay had a gathering of CV and CB at Carrabbas, so I decided that would be a great chance to meet a bunch of wonderful Claymates. It definately was. There were I believe 35 or so there so that was neat to see few. (I wont name them all because I really don’t want anyone to feel bad, in case I left you name out.) You will see in reviews I am sure a few of them. But I had to make that quick because I was to meet Karen at the Sherraton so we could drive together. We got the to venue at 630p and could not believe how many people were already in line to get in. The front lobby was FULL! So instead of waiting inside we decided to meet up with more die hard fans. I was supposed to meet both Diann and Candy but it just didn’t work out. So let’s skip past this boring stuff. Do I really need to go into detail that we got to our seats? Yes, no? Good. Ok so we were seated Orchestra Leftside Row W seats 7-8 and now I got your curiosity as to who I was sitting with huh? Marilyn or aka Claysrainbow. She was a hoot! My goodness if you knew how much of a fan she was? You’d :thud and call an :ambulance ! Lights go down and the show begins...

The orchestra was really good. Not as good as Charlotte but pretty close. The conductor was funny and put a bit of a different spin to his segment. Ok so intermission. Gee, can you guess what was next?

The most beautiful, sweet, smartarse, cuttie, loving man in the world is who. “Please help us welcome our guest, multi-platinum artist CLAY AIKEN! “ So here we rise for what felt forever. We were still standing when he began the song so you clack waiters, may not hear as much of the beginning of CW as you would normally. He wore a black business type suit with a white shirt and burgundy tie. P.O.P. H.O.P! He was to die for and believe me I would’ve if he was the one holding me in his arms. If my last breath was with him looking me in the eyes...oh good lawd! Let me stop right here. So you know the order of the songs, I don’t need to go into detail. But I will tell you which I should’ve before that I called Clayperfect to let her know anything you guys or she wanted to know prior to the show. And fair warning this is gonna be a looooooooooong review. So if you want to skip some or all...well you are gonna miss it all. Too bad!

So he comes up to the welcome banter. I can’t remember word for word, dang, if I could I’d be ‘stealing the show’ but he talked about the last three weeks, he showed us his socks, (green striped one on side and brown striped on the other.) He talked about being the controversy king again (or was that in the 2nd segment of banter?) Well whichever he spoke of that. He introduced Allison Lawrence and told the audience that Gregory Ellis and his mom and family were in the audience. He snarked about how he was bad in 9th grade, actually gave the microphone to Allison and she said that (I probably have this out of order) “he thought a note was to pass in class, a measure was an inch, a bar was where you go to drink, scale something you weigh on.” Darn my brain! I can’t think of all of them but you get the jist of it. He said he was a smart allic and had to clean the bathroom with a toothbrush. He did intros to MCWL. Sang it just top notch, until we had major mic problems. Oh lawd! I wish I were closer because then I could see he was getting a bit ticked (yeah I will use the p word when HE gets to it) off especially during HYAMLC. He played with it though and made the audience erupt into laughter many times during these mic’s trying times..:lol But I think (since I borrowed someone’s binos) that he was getting a bit mad. He called to his crew to fix it before he sang ‘Jesus’ songs. So he bantered about that as well before he called into the audience for the men and ‘fresh meat’ he picked on this one lady who ‘lied to me twice now. So you don’t get to hear this song.” So he briefly picked on a different couple and sang TCS and then :pray ed that the mic wouldn’t cut out during “Jesus” songs. He was just beautiful to look at and close up with them binos. Thank you Marilyn! Whew! I almost had to call in an :ambulance for myself! It should be illegal to see him that close up. So he sang MDYK and HTHAS/OCOYF and wow, ‘is it getting hot in here or is it just me?’ Those two are one of my favorite, along with OCOCE, DSIAFCD, AIW, and now that I think of it, HE is my favorite altogether because I can’t pick a SINGLE song I like best that he brilliantly sings. He just blew the roof off the building. Here we can cheer no mic problems beyond that. :ya He bantered more and I am sure clack (yes, there will be some, and I mean lots) will suffice when it comes to the banter segments. BEAutiful everything dealing with Clay Aiken. He introduced Mary, Jesse along with the “J crew”, of Jamie, Jennifer who gets to wake him up every morning’ Good lawd, I WANT her job! I’m sure we all WANT that job. He made some comment to the audience "so now you're pissed" about someone in the crew. I think it was Jennifer about waking him up or something. But he DID say the word. And he introduced Jerome, who I think could be almost close to as popular as Clay. He is just so nice and loves to please us fans with bringing and allowing Clay to go the extra mile for us. So thank you Jerome, you are a sweetheart. Yes, I did get to talk to him in Charlotte.

I’m all flustered I forgot where I left off....

Ah, yes, DSIA. So I called just out of a whim Clayperfect and streamed for the remainder of the show and found out AFTER that I was perfect timing because CV’s stream was crap so she said I was heard perfectly. I’m glad I was able to do that for you guys. :) AIW, perfect again! We gave him I believe at least 3 Standing O’s. So I just stayed on for the entire rest of the cert and buscert. Before I went to the busses I met Faye, and Allison. I actually talked to Faye and I don’t know if stream heard her of not but she called me ‘very sweet’ because I was drawing a blank to say what I wanted to say to her about Clay. I said something like “I appreciate your son and think he is wonderful’ or amazing, something to that. Wow. She is so nice to talk to us fans too. Grandma was there too. She is so cute! Allison was right beside Faye and so I waved and then headed to the busses. So I met more Claymates. And was speaking to Claysfavorite from CH and we relayed information for both CB and CH. So I am sure I am everywhere right now in name..:lol We stood waiting for Clay for a good two hrs I believe and I had a moment where I needed to find a facility and started heading toward the venue again and boom, ran RIGHT into Faye and family. WOW. Lucky me. Now understand I didn’t literally run into them but they were coming out as I was approaching to go in. Still no such luck so I waited and :pray ed I wouldn’t have to worry about water for a while..:lol We (the 300 or so) waited for everyone, Jesse and Jamie came out, then Gregory and family, then Allison, then Jerome go us to back away and THEN Clay and Greer (the little singer, she is so cute) Clay was holding her hand. Let’s ‘Awww’ now. And let me jump on a soapbox now, if I could. Those who used flashes when you took pictures of the bus and people were very inconsiderate and also if you continue to do so, you may ruin it for the rest of us next tour. He could just completely prohibit cameras and cell phones all together. Is that what you want? No? Then don’t use flashes, it hurts his eyes and ruins the essences of the concert anyway. I wanted to hound these people! Ok, so now I will jump off and back into Clay’s arms...oh, not dreaming, not dreaming. Reality. Yes, so he comes out and goes straight to the busses as Jerome is lining us up along the street, which the line formed for probably quarter of a mile! So he walks by, I’m still on with CP and I say hi and he (says without looking at me) “Hello.” I doubt stream heard it, it was so soft. Then he goes to the end of the line and works his way back. I touched him again :thud ! And he said and I believe stream heard too, “Thank you so much, Merry Christmas” I looked him dead straight in the eyes and I think he caught a glimpse of me too. So that was that and he did not stay at the window of the bus as he pulled out to go back to Raleigh.

Now here come the thank yous
:bawls That is the end of the tour but I have to say that was the best two days of my life and I would not have experienced it if it weren’t for Lisa M from ABB. I wouldn’t have been able to go to Greensboro if it weren’t for Karen (kcudawg). I met some wonderful people and had the time of my life. I will not forget the memories, nor the lovely Claymates I have met, the drive home by myself, with a huge smile on my face the whole way. It was like I swallowed a hanger I was so ecstatic!

Long live and forever live the Claymates and Claynation.

CHARLOTTE: Recaps

2006-12-23T14:50:00.000-05:00

Clack
ClackUnlimited.com

From the CB's sorkid78:

OMG! I am back now! Let me breathe and eat first and then I will be able to give you a review. What I will say is that was the most amazing experience of my life! And i get to relive it all again tomorrow night! KCUDAWG was generous enough to give me a ticket for tomorrow's show as well. WOW!

*ten minutes later, after eating*

I was so hungry when I got home so forgive me for taking a pause! :thud for sure! I hope that the cellcert worked for part of the show! I know you all know that I met Clay after the show! he shook my hand and said "Merry christmas" almost right directly at me. I believe we made eye contact! Now one amazing thing that happened was right when we were in the lobby, so was Diane Bubel and the first thing I thought was I wanted to meet her but I also remembered that I had this yellow envelope for Clay, so my other thought said "give it to her" so I got to meet and chat with Diane for a minute and asked her if there was anyway she could give this to Clay, she said absolutely and took it. She said "Thank you so much for your support." I said it was a pleasure meeting you and thank you so much". Well later when Clay announced her and she stood from her seat, she STILL had my envelope so I had no doubt in my mind I did the right thing. So happy that Clay will get that video. :banana

So anyway, I also have a bit of a moment that I had with Clay. Lisa and I were in the MZBX box seats or what Clay likes to call "hollywood squares box" and I was leaning over quite far and he glanced up to me and said "that girl's about to fall out." So yeah I was the blonde that was inches from fainting out of the box. :grin I wish I had a camera but I couldn't get my teeny tiny, itty bitty camera to work. And Lisa couldn't get her camera to work either. I was lucky that I was able to cert for almost 3 hrs with CP! That was fun jeanene, definately want to do that again. I hope for being a rookie I did ok? The reception was not the greatest!

Clay: OMG! :thud AGAIN! He was wearing a grey pin striped business type suit, with a blue shirt and silver tie. He had his brown boots on this time and no knowledge of sock color. He didn't show us. He had not quite the POP pants but NICE! :thud Gorgeous hair, gorgeous, butt. Gorgeous everything!

Voice: Oh Lawd! Do I even have to state what we all know, PERFECTION! Not one crack. Not one waver. JUST the most amazing thing to see it live. Those who said, it's like nothing you can see on tv or computer...:thud you were dead right! I think one of the best sounding concerts this series.

Humor: He always knows how to use the snark. Now, unsure of the word 'fart' being used, some are confused and some say NO. I'm not too sure, half the time I was about :thud and the other I was memorized by him. GOOD LAWD! He always knows how to involve and play with the audience.

Ok, now for the buscert. WOW! We waited there and the security guard said that he was already gone, but us Hard core fans didn't believe and even though Lisa (btw, this was her first concert EVER!) thought we should go I said no I have this feeling he is still there, so I said i wanted to wait and then CP told me that Chris (pack) wanted to meet me so after about ten minutes on the cell trying to figure out where she was I FINALLY met her so that was great we chatted for a bit before Jerome came out and said that Clay wanted to go down the line...just that we had to line up along the wall so Lisa and I ran to the wall and got a really good spot to wait. 'Lisa, I just love you and I wish we could've had longer of a time to hang out but we WILL meet again, no question!' so we waiting what felt forever and then everyone screamed and saw Clay coming out in the same suit. He walked by with Jerome real fast the other end of the line and worked his way through the line. I was still on the cert with CP and she heard all the people I met. Pack, Tdallasw, Claysrainbow, Youmakemesohappyforever, KCUdawg, Brightstar, xxx4clay, OMG, I'm fried right now, so I forgot anyone, which I know I did, I sincerely apologize! :hug2 Anyway, Clay came right to me and shook my hand and as I'm writing this, I'm realizing I wrote that like firsthand on this review..:grin
Worth mentioning twice anyway. What else? Umm, :thud He was just GORGEOUS!

I am going again tomorrow or well tonight now that I look at the clock but I want to throughly enjoy this one so I will not be certing for this one. Sorry. I need to have the full experience.

I'm new at reviews so forgive me if I was boring. I hope at least the Clay stuff will suffice.

Take care all and I just say, if you haven't been to a concert live, WHAT THE HECK IS STOPPING YOU???

From the CB's ClayMakesMeSoHappyForever:

This was the most AMAZING night in my life, EVER! I'm not good at recaps at all, so I'll tell you a few things. My mind is still a blur at the moment, all I have is the sight of Clay in my head. First of all, I WAS THE WOMAN IN THE FRONT ROW WITH THE BINOCHULARS. I got my front row seat, because of a wonderful new friend I met at the preparty, Ann. One of her friends had an extra front row seat, Ann told her about me, and that this was my first Clay Concert, so I got it. They both were very nice, and everyone else I met. I met the cellcerters, the only name I can remember at the moment is sorkid78, she was very nice and sweet. I'm sorry I can't remember anyone else's name at the moment, but my mind is so full of Clay. Anyway, so I ended up having front row center seat. It was during Clay's first banter, when he caught me with the binochulars. I was caught off guard, I figured he would catch somebody in the third or fourth row or something. It was such a glorious moment. He said, you're in the front row, and you have binocs, what are you looking at, I smiled, he said are you looking up my nose, I smiled and shook my head no. He asked how much I payed for my seat, I said $75, then I said that wasn't nearly enough, everybody laughed and clapped, and cheered. He asked somebody in the balcony how much did they pay for their seat, they said $50, he said it was a ripoff, because they were so far away, and that they were in Concord. He asked me if she could borrow my binocs, I shook my head yes, and said sure, and held them up to him. He never took them though. A little later he told me not to look at his crotch, I yelled, TOO LATE! During WW, when he got to the clown part he pointed at me and did a hand gesture thing, I held my hand and arm up and gestured back to him. During MCWL he looked down at me, and smiled at me, he smiled at me a couple more times too. During SR, he pointed at me once to do the giddy up, so ofcourse I did. I did go wait at the buses for him. It had stopped raining, and wasn't cold at all. The cop and security guard kept saying, he aint coming out, he already left, and to clear the sidewalk, they weren't nice at all. We knew they were lying. Jerome later came out, and told us that they, the security guard, and cop, didn't know us like he did, and we knew what to do, and to line up in a single file line. He said that Clay REALLY wanted to do this. Clay came out, I know I saw Jamie and Jesse, others may have been with him, he went down the other end of the line, and worked his way up quickly. He shook my hands, yes I touched both his hands, and one of his sleeves, his hands were very soft and very warm. He said Merry Christmas and Thank You, I told him Merry Christmas. He still had his very sexy suit on, and OMG yes THE PANTS OF PERFECTION WAS THE BEST EVAH! After Clay went by, Jamie went by and said hi, the Jesse was behind her, somebody I was standing near to, wanted to get their pic took with Jesse, so he did, I told him great job, and he said Thanks. When Jerome had came out to make the announcement, I gave the gift I had gotten for Clay to him, and asked if he could give it to Clay, he took it and said yes, he was very sweet.Clay sung so beautiful tonight. I have NEVER heard him sound better. Clay was fine, he was NOT sick at all. He was full of energy and pizazz. OCOCE, was AMAZING, my favorite. DSIAFCD, and AIW, is the best I've heard yet. Clay was AMAZING, what more can I say. I know I left alot out, I will add more later. OFCOURSE he looked HOT HOT HOT HOT! EVERYTHING , was SEXY SEXY SEXY SEXY, believe me, I had a PERFECT view of EVERYTHING from where I was sitting. Clay was SO VERY FUNNY TONIGHT, and he DID NOT insult ANYBODY. he was at his snarky best.That's all for now.
Arlene

From the CB's CharlotteClayFan:

I composed a recap trying to capture the unique things from my concert. One doesn't get a lot of time to theirself two days before Christmas, so forgive me if I don't go into the details of the music. Suffice it to say that Clay is sublime and his voice without compare. After going to a concert, it's easy to understand how some are following him around like the Pied Piper. He casts a spell.

A personal note or two.

First it’s always a rush to see the man walk on stage. Actually flesh and blood and in the room with you. I had forgotten that thrill, and all through the concert I had the thought “That’s really Clay right up there in front of us!” running through my mind. I don’t know how/why he does that and keeps on doing it, but I love it.

Clay loved our symphony. He said so a couple times and was aware he’d probably catch hell about it at home. I really wished the conductor and Clay had been on stage together for a bit, because Albert-George Schram is not the least bit “stuffy”, was extremely complementary of Clay, played up the “Claymates” and he called the Charlotte Symphony “the best warm up band in the world.” He was a hoot and I bet their rehearsal was a fun one.

I know the couple he dedicated TCS to, ClaystheMOAM and her hubby, they are good people. We were bought one pair of her, “not as good” seats. (And thankfully she got her front and center tix back from the lady she mistakenly sent the other pair of “not as good” seats she sold her)

We enjoyed being on the left side, we saw the interaction of Jesse and Clay, my daughter thought they were both very cute. And since Clay wasn’t nice enough to take off his jacket, we were forced to admire Jesse’s gluts instead… *g*

He got a lot of mileage from the EW Top Five Worst Albums of 2006 schtick, even introducing Jaymes as the EP of one of the Top Five Worst Albums. He cracked on her about not knowing to when to talk into a microphone, and made fun of her pitiful attempt at a Southern accent. She looked like she wanted to give him a smack on the head for picking on her. They have a very comfortable dynamic.

Clay walked over in front of us during DSIAFCD and gave us a little serenade. (oh if I only had the camera then!) Then our hearts lurched as he stumbled forward a wee bit and steadied himself. I looked at my daughter Devon, and she said, “He tripped on his own big foot!” (she had noticed his large feet on a few occasions – I’m concerned, she’s only 13) Immense relief that he’s was just suffering from klutziness and not dizziness.

One thing that maybe only we saw. We were sitting 4th row over to the far left, so we could see into the door where Clay entered and exited the stage. After DSIAFCD Clay goes through the door getting kudos from Jerome and possibly Jaymes. (It was dark so we could only be certain about Jerome’s silhouette.) He’s followed by Jesse and Dev cracks up at the height differences. Then Jesse and Clay head back out for AIW, which made everyone happy since it was close the time Clay said the lights were going to be put out. Clay and Jesse spoke briefly then he sang. It was perfect, no tension, no worries, just pure praise. I never once felt I had to will a note to be true, pray for Clay to pull it off, I relaxed and drifted off with that voice and tried not to get choked up. Afterwards the place went wild again, Clay smiled, waved and walked back to the door.

There was a single light or flame, held up high. A candle? No, Jerome had a lighter lit just like we used to do at the end of an Eagles concert. It just warmed my heart to see that admiration from him.

JACKSONVILLE: Recaps

2006-12-22T17:45:00.000-05:00

Clack
ClackUnlimited.com

From the CB's 2005lovesclay:

OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG

no words can describe what has happen tonight... so many highs and lows... i got to meet up with shireen from the board (:wave hey shireen)my sister and i had pretty good seats, not close, but good... we were dead center but about 30-35 rows back... but still AMAZING!!! the symphony was amazing and really nice to watch! clay came out though in the second half and he looked gorgeous! no tie, no stubble, and the black pants of perfection:thud his voice was amazing, and was on. he was cracking jokes with the audience left and right.... bethie and my favorite... "if i fall asleep on stage tonight, and then ya'll fall asleep... you can say you all slept with clay aiken" or the story about how the miad at the hotel accidentally let raliegh and durham out of the hotel room...OMG he was great... there are no words honestly... MDYK was amazing and OCOCE:thud , all the songs though were pnenomenal... when he got to his soapbox for the night... i knew it was coming to the end... DSIAFCD was amazing... the glory note was kinda rusty... and we could tell he struggled a little bit... then he left... with a great bow... then jessy left... the orchestra remained seated, they looked confused, then they left to... NO AIW:waa :bluesniff so upsetting... i was really looking forward to it... we have no idea why.... they were no flashes until the end of DSIAFCD.... but clay also had said that he had a headache during the concert.... so we have no idea... my sister and i went out to the bus to get a shake... jerome came out and made us all line up single file around the building... after a 45 minute wait mr. aiken came out.... he was so BEAUTIFUL!!! hoodie, PJ bottons, and sneakers, said "merry christmas, thank you soooo much for coming... merry christmas"... he is just amazing, so generous he is... so my one and only concert for JNaT is now over...

i took no pictures... security was everywhere, told several to put away their camera's and cellphones...

i am :pray for clack!

oh and PS... if anyone in the Jacksonville/ North Flordia area can tape the local FOX news tomorrow... they were there video taping clay was he shook hands... thanks

From the CB's DancingDigits:

Hi, guys! Thanks for using my info about Jax at the top of the page.

Fans were waiting at the bus when I left. I had a friend who had come to pick me up and was stopped at the curb near the bus, so I had to go. It was starting to sprinkle then...rained some on the way home.

Anyway: He was wearing a gray pin-striped suit, eggplant shirt, no tie, no glasses, no stubble. His boots looked black to me. His hair appeared to be a light-to-medium brown with some highlights. Very healthy and shaped. He ran his fingers through it at one point. :thud He never took his jacket off, although he did unbutton it for a bit. He mentioned sleeping and the maid came in and inadvertently let the dogs out...and it was a while getting them back because he wasn't going to get out of bed. :laugh

He was in top form with the banter. He zeroed in on a lady with twinkling lights in her hair and in her boa. Her friend also had the boa with lights, so they both stood. He said it was tacky--in his snarky, joking way. :grin

Clay gave many accolades to the orchestra and to the children's choir (which really was excellent.) He said he was glad to be back in the South. :)

He talked about what a big city Jacksonville is in area. (It's the largest city in the USA landwise.) He said he went to eat at a very good restaurant, but it took them 45 min. to get there. Wouldn't give the name of the restaurant because "you'll stalk me." (I'm thinking he may have gone to the beach.) He did say that he had stayed at the Omni.

There were quite a few men there and many, many audience members of both sexes who had never been to a Clay concert. I was listening to the comments of a couple in back of me, and they started out not understanding what the big deal was (the Claymates gave OMC a standing O for the longest time, when he first came on.) Later, that same couple said what a good voice he had and how funny he was. I heard them both laughing. They also said he is a good entertainer. :thumbup

One of our major Clack suppliers was in the row in front of me, but I didn't see her taking video or pics. I saw no flashes at all, but I didn't turn around and was up front. There were 5 rows of pit seats that weren't offered online, and I was told that they released a bunch today. I saw some of the NE FL Clay fans there, as well as CH members. I was in Row B Center, on the aisle, which I thought would be 2nd row--but with the pit seats, it turned out to be 7th row. Still a good view, but I used my binoculars to see those great expressions as he sang and talked.

On DSIAFCD, I thought his voice sounded a little rough and nearly cracked on one note. Nevertheless, I was expecting the AIW encore, but he didn't do an encore. I guess he felt it was best not to attempt it. I'm sure he is also anxious to get back to NC and finish this tour.

An usher knelt down beside me (I was on the center aisle) and told someone in the row in back of me that she would not tell her again--NO PICS! Any Clack that comes out of this concert was taken VERY surreptiously. I took binoculars, but no camera.

I wonder if all the talking he does (which we do love) affects his voice. My favorites of the night were Grown Up Christmas List and Mary, Did You Know. Winter Wonderland was fun.

I'm glad I was able to go, and hope we won't have to wait too long for a regular tour. :lubdub

From the CB's amyrrhielle:

Since I get so good reviews from all the people here at CDB and someone gave me the opportunity to let me go to a Clay Aiken show from the Claynation, I thought it was my duty to give everybody a review last night.

I was seated at the balcony. Way up high, but I had my handy dandy binoculars. A friend of mine told me that Clay looked cute up close from those things.

Of course the show was started with the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra playing some songs and then there was also special music from the Jacksonville Children's Chorus which made my spine tingle 'cause I remember what it was like back home for me and being in the chorus as a child and thinking that these children are so lucky 'cause they got to perform before Clay Aiken starts the show.

As for the population of the audience, I think there were about 2,500. The capacity of the Moran Theater is 3,000 and there were some empty seats on the right side of the balcony. It was full on the orchestra section, I think. On the left side where I was seated, it was pretty full. Sadly, I got to sit with people who were a little stiff (who probably came for the symphony orchestra 'cause some of them were trying to look at their watches and some of them were grumbling and I wanted to tell them, "Hello, he's got a great voice and he's entertaining people!" Of course, I didn't do that. As usual I became my silent self in a crowd).

I was on cellcert, too. I called my friend who bought me the ticket. I hope she heard pretty well but everything sounded good even up in the balcony so I'm sure she could hear. When Clay went out to the stage, I could describe it as being surreal. I'm a new Claymate and well, I've never been to a concert before and this is my Clay Aiken show and I usually don't get to see big stars. So when he walked out, I actually realized that I was in the same room with Clay. Maybe I'm over a hundred feet from him, but he was in the same room as me. He is actual a real person.

So there, he came and he sang The Christmas Waltz and then The First Noel. Then he said, "Thank You Jacksonville." And he started talking about how the city was big. And then some people from the front argues about whether it was Jacksonville and Miami and he said, "Well, argue later. As for now, I'm gonna go with Jacksonville 'cause I am here and not in Miami." That got us laughing. Oh yeah he was wearing a brown suit, brown shirt, no tie, no contacts. So handsome, I thought I was going to fall off my seat. I kept holding my mom's hand just to know that I'm still awake and not dreaming. He was talking about going to a restaurant that was 45 minutes across the city that's why he thought it was so big. Someone asked him where and he said that he won't tell her 'cause they'll be stalking him and then he talked about staying right across the street at Omni Hotel (I wanted to stay there but well, I couldn't afford it and I had to go home to Gainesville immediately) and the housekeeper let Raleigh and Durham out for 15 minutes and she couldn't catch them and he wouldn't get out of bed. And he said that if he was going to fall asleep at the concert then we could all sleep here and we could actually say that we slept with clay aiken and then that would be in the tabloids again. We were hooting with laughter. And he mentioned that he was always a target of scandals and tabloids and that he should cover his mouth more often (and he covers his mouth). More laughs from us!

Then, he notices these two ladies who wore green feather boas which were really tacky. He said they'd do anything or wear anything so that he could notice them. There were also some ladies who wore some sort of halo hats. He asked them whose idea it was to wear them?

He sang MCWL and then WW. Oh yeah he talked about his shirt being wrinkled so that why his suit was buttoned. In the end, he took off the button or maybe it just came off. He kept on introducing Jessie Vargas due to the fact that he forgot to introduce him at Grand Rapids. He asked about how many guys were there and that he wouldn't tell anybody that they were in a Clay Aiken show. Then about binoculars 'cause there was this lady from the second row who had binoculars and she has no on in front of her and then he came up to our side of the balcony and asked us how much we paid for those tickets and we shouted, "Too much. We want to be down there!" He made three women from some rows transfer to the three seats on the front row. Everybody laughed 'cause after they moved, three others moved into their seat. It was so crazy. Then he asked who wanted to move to the seats on the 8th row. People from the balcony shouted, "Us, us!"

There were some people from the back who shouted, "Clay, we're from Raleigh." They kept shouting 'cause he was talking to this couple up in front who were at their first Clay show. He got his stool and he kept on hearing the shouting and then he said, "Lord, I'll see you when I get home!" Then he proceeded to talk to that couple and he sang the Christmas song but I guess he got too preoccupied with talking that he started to sing HYMLC. He got around the second stanza. When he sang HYMLC, he actually emphasized the first words to tell everyone that he got it right. After he sang that, he went right into Sleigh Ride and he was having fun with the giddy-up. You could hear him laughing as he sang 'cause he encouraged people from the front to giddy-up and then he made someone do a giddy-up and it wasn't the giddy-up part of the song. You could actually hear him say, "Ha!" in between the lyrics of the song.

Then the word of the day and he mentioned that he wasn't really classy and into those Italian words...that music notes were foreign to him. He was saying those words crescendo, descrendo, karaoke...and we all laughed then he let Jamie in with the word of the day. Saltando. He asked several people. The first was from a lady on my back wearing red. Her name was Barbara by the way. He couldn't hear 'cause we were so far away. he asked her and she didn't know the meaning. Then there were others, even a music teacher whom he made her sit down 'cause she would definitely know. No one could answer the question he asked the guy who was the first viola (he was cute, by the way, but Clay's more my type). he said it meant jumpy and then he proceeded to give a demonstration. He was pretty good.

Then he sang Hark the Herald/O Come all ye faithful...Then he asked who were at their first Clay show. I raised my hand of course and I think it was around 50% of the people. Some of them were season ticket holders of the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra I think. And then he asked those who have been to other Clay show and he was with his usual banter about them asking our home phone number, home address, etc and then we'll be at the computer 25 hours a day (which I am actually doing already).

Then he talked about Angela and Quiana (who sang MGUCL during the JNT for the past two years and gave him a sort of break during the concert). He said to listen very carefully to the words of the song 'cause it described what America is like right now or something. Then he sang and I swooned because I loved that song.

He said something about mentioning Christmas Jesus Mary and etc and he'll be ok it would be a christmas show anyhow. and then he talked about o come, o come emmanuel and how they sang it at church, "Turn your hymnals to page 294, O come , o come emmanuel." He said that it was sang in a minor key so it was a little bit and not very Christmassy. And then Steve Curtis Chapman rearranged it and it's become one of his favorite songs to hear and to sing to and he sang that and it was wonderful.

And then he started talking about the charities that he's so passionate of BAF and Unicef and he was encouraging people to support if not his charities, other charities in the community. And then he sang DSIAFCD...And once again, I swooned. He nailed the glory note! I loved it and I love him...

Too bad he couldn't go back to do AIW because it was already late and there was a time constraint, but I just loved the whole concert. I'm going back to another one someday soon...Whee!

GRAND RAPIDS: Grand Rapids Press: Aiken has "the right touch"

2006-12-20T18:04:00.001-05:00

Woohoo! The Grand Rapids Press published this truely delightful review of Clay's Grand Rapids concert, which was held before a sold out crowd last night:

Claymates everywhere slept easy Tuesday night.
Diehard fans of Clay Aiken go online each night their "American Idol" favorite has a concert to listen to that evening's pirated, cell-phone recording. They need to know if their guy hit the high note of his encore, "All Is Well."
He did.
Aiken was a hoot and a holler, full of Southern charm, telling stories, cracking jokes, bantering with the audience.
He also sings rather well.
But beyond the songs, it's the whole package -- the easy grin, the down-home demeanor, the good ol' boy charm -- that made the former special-education teacher from North Carolina the kind of celebrity who makes headlines just by clapping his hand over Kelly Ripa's mouth.

Amen!

GRAND RAPIDS: Recaps

2006-12-20T17:53:00.000-05:00

Clack
ClackUnlimited.com

From the CB's MIGAL4Clay:

Okay, I think my feet are unthawed after waiting for the buses for about 1.5 hours. There was a huge line and he came by quickly. The bus was parked in a garage at the venue. He left in the bus. I doubt there were any flights out of Grand Rapids at 11:30 pm unless they traveled to Detroit or Chicago.
It was great to see that the place was sold out and filled to the brim. Lots of stubble, looks like we are growing a beard. Had on a blue-gray shirt and blue gray pants. Busted a lady in the front row with binoculars and then he proceeded to turn around and give everyone a back view. Thud! He also busted a lady doing a cellcert in the front row.
He voice sounded great, cracked in a couple of places but to the average person, they probably didn't even notice. Very touching tribute to Brett on his 21st birthday yesterday. The change ups in DSIAFCD were great and he nailed the glory note! AIW is simply awesome...breath taking.
He snarked on the Grand Rapids symphony that they are Grammy nominated and he's not. Made reference to the Ripagate and the lady next to me yelled out that she deserved it and the place went crazy!
Okay, now I have post concert depression...

From the CB's LUVClay26:

I want to thank God, and that I owe him one for last night.
When I write the full recap for Grand Rapids, I advise the squeemish just read the parts about the concert itself. Let me just say I will not be drinking anything that looks like a chocolate milkshake for a looooooooooong time (nor Sierra Mist - less refreshing on the way up than the way down...).
Literally when I hit the city limits of GR, lemme just say I got sick in my car. This continued until about 7 PM in the VERY NICE Amway Hotel room. I called a friend and started feeling better and thought, "**** it! I'm going!" My stomch seemed ok and I said a very very very very very very urgent prayer to God to just let me have an hour or so where I was well enough to just sit in the audience.
I unfortunatly missed the first half. I saw them when they had Bugs Bunny on Broadway and I agree they are top notch as symphonies go. I sauntered into the theatre with no makeup, no earrings and looking pale as heck. I didn't care. This was my last concert of this tour. I WANTED BADLY to be there.
When I got to my seat (which I had sat in before in the beforementioned concert), the ladies that were rude (is it mean to hope they caught my stomch virus???) claimed my ticket was not real. Then they claimed I had not had the ticket as long as they. Sweetheart, I had the ticket since the presale so kiss it. (Sorry, that may get deleted by a mod, but they were so rude that for DSIAFCD when Clay asked people the hug, I just got a couple noses in the air.)
In the haze of praying I would stay well, Clay was so on as usual. You should see the local paper's review. He got 4 1/2 stars out of 5 and DESERVED it!
There were a couple jokes about this big gap between front row and the stage. Clay mentioned it was a moat and he finally got one. Later on he said he had a frog in his throat and said that it fits with the moat.
What is it with his obsession with Hollywood Squares in the Michigan shows???? It was cute. When the person got the word of the day right, he said "Circle gets the square!" hehe He also said the lodge area looked like a game show panel. I actually knew what mercato was too!! It is accented notes. It just means there is an added "punch" to the notes as you play them. See, I paid attention in band and music theory in high school after all.
There was some conversation with a guy named Elmer. That was funny as Clay said Elmer shouldn't wear white. Also, I love it when he really lets his accent roll on the "turn to page 345 for 'Joy To The World'..." It reminded me of Reverend LoveJoy from "The Simpsons." So cool!!
As far the the "Wizard of Oz" reference, he was mentioning the Symphonic Boom series (Bugs Bunny, him and Pink Floyd) and the last show in April is the orchestra playing Pink Floyd. He said, "Be sure not to come stoned" and then said "Afterwards you can listen to it backwards and watch the 'Wizard of Oz.'" AWESOME!! hehe (Of course I'm going to see this show too. I feel so blessed to have been living so close to 2 fine orchestras - Detroit and GR - to have the opportunity.)
He made some comment about not being close enough to have the front row spit on by accident and the gals cheered. he went "ewwwwwwwww" with the CUTEST face. Oh man.
He was just so funny last night and it helped me forget being so sick.
One part that made me cry was when he did GUCL for Bret's 21st birthday. He has the prayers of so many people to come home safe. Even though Clay and his family are virtually strangers, I care so much as many people do. May God watch over Bret.
He asked how many show's we been to. It is comforting to see 28 is not that bad. Yes, I have been to 28 shows as of last night over a period of 3-4 years.
Like I said I plan on full recaps of the 6 Christmas shows. I have been so busy with life and dealing with stuff. GR may be a tick graphic (and I guess bodily fluid mentions are frowned on on this board...), but the rest are sans losing lunch for 20 days references.
I can't wait until the next tour. Clay, you are so worth it and you rock!
LUV
edited to add one more funny thing he said...
He almost said (I think) debacle about another show (maybe last year's show - I forget.) I laughed and thought that was funny and he said something like "Oh, I didn't win that show." (It may have be a ref to AI - hehe)

GRAND RAPIDS: Program Scans

2006-12-19T16:59:00.000-05:00

Thanks to the CB's claikendee for these scans from the Grand Rapid Symphony's holiday program, which includes two pages on Clay. This program will be handed out at tonight's concert at the DeVos Hall in Grand Rapids.

DETROIT: Recaps

2006-12-19T16:23:00.000-05:00

Clack
ClackUnlimited.com

From the CB's lovingclay247:

I was there, and am still so overwhelmed that i don't know how much i can write! I have seen clay 17 times already in concert, and i swear everytime i feel so satisfied and so comfortable withen myself that i am so relaxed, that i never remember a thing! LOL....i mean i remember everything, but you cannot put it into words.
Sorry, had to get that out.
Anyway....i drove from toledo by myself, and had a great time blarring clay's music, and singing on the top of my lungs. (1 of the positive things for going by yourself:thumbup ) Found the venue no problem. Went in to my box seat, smack dab right in the middle of the venue, and introduced myself to claymates sitting around me. Nobody from the clayboard, but i was so happy to be surrounded by clay people. There were 3 people who were seated behind us who had never been to a clay concert, and pretty much didn't know too much about clay. ( i figured this out during the raise your hand banter, and their comment's in between the show..i never talked to them)
He was sooo funny the whole show. He was making the funniest faces to people like "are you nuts?" while he was singing! Then he would go over to the other side, and would nod to see if thet all agreed, then he looked over at the nutzo side, and would make the same face again! (I am not cutting up the nutzo side, they made the show so fun!) It was mostly during winter wonderland, but he was making silly gestures throughout the whole show til that point while singing at least. I was cracking up! Claymate66 who was sitting next to me let me look through her binoculars for a minute, and YES there was stubble. His behind did resemble somewhat of a melon, and it was BEAUTIFUL:tasty
Sorry...ok, i am off to bed. Sorry, but i can go on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and...well...you get the idea.
I know this was supposed to be a review of the concert, but i guess it is a review of my feelings at the time.:laugh
I love you clay!

From the CB's Jackie75:

I am so happy!!! It was around the back, they had it taped off. One of the security guys came up to me& this other lady & said Clay will be out to shake hands, but it will be awhile. I was so excited! I have no idea how long we waited, maybe about an hour? My feet were numb from the cold! But then out of the shadows comes this tall, good looking man.....walking straight towards me!! I remember clasping my hand over my mouth....I was in awe....then he walked over to the left of me & began shaking everyone's hand.....he was so quick! Then, I stretched out mine....which I really didn't have to do, he was right there in front of me....he said "Merry Christmas guys!" He gave my hand a little squeeze.....my gosh....he was stunningly beautiful....I REALLY hope there is clack of it....I can't believe how gorgeous he was in real life....just too beautiful for words.....

I got so giddy afterwards. I was like, "YES!!! Finally!!" When he was done he turned around to wave to all of us before getting on the bus. I yelled out "Thank you Clay!" It's hard to explain, now I know what people mean when they said when they met him, how he puts you at ease....I felt like I was calling out to a great friend....I just love that guy!!!!! :inlove

And I swear....I put my hand up to my nose afterwards, & I smell soap or something...definitely a mans smell.....not perfume....:thud The essence of Clay.....sigh.

Hope this makes sense....I'm in a daze. He's soooooo gorgeous.....

SAndy...:hug2 Next time!!! I think I saw you there....I was a couple rows behind you in a red shirt....I wasn't too sure if it was you or not.....

From the CB's All4Luv:

OK...I'll try to fill in the blanks, hard to think past THE PANTS!!!

How could he strut out on that stage so confidentally with the POP on (actually JBT version...Elvis songs!!!) I really had a difficult time getting past those PANTS!!!

I was in 6th row on left facing stage...did not need binocs for thoat seat!! All the laughing in the begiining was due to the ladies in a box, upper level, other side. They were hooting and hollering and giddayupping...whatever. At first he did seem to notice cuz he was on my side...then we kept pointing to those ladies and it seemed he thought we were trying to tell him his zipper was down...OMG lots of howling!!!!

He talked fast, sang fast, stupid venue and its rules, but great seats! When he brought up the WORD of the night, who comes out with the card but a surprise guest...Quiana...she got a standing o!!! The word was scora...sumpthin!!! One lady siad it meant how many times he scored this tour:yow He siad none and this was a family show!! It really had to do with tuning the orchestra with a violin. FUNNY!!!

The hair was gorgeous, the PANTS...OMG the banter and MDYK was just so stunning. We knew he would come back for AIW cuz Jesse walked off and gave the Thumbs-up to the orechestra, so it was ON...and it sure was!!!

I had not seen Clay live since his bday last year, so I was almost sobbing at the end, it was so wonderful! Then he came out to the line about 45 in after show...so cute!!!

I wish I could have gone on to Grand Rapids...stupid job, can I say I hate working, it interfers with the FUN!!!

GRAND RAPIDS: Grand Rapids Press Pre-Concert Article

2006-12-17T15:36:00.000-05:00

We have another of these wonderful pre-concert articles to share with you. The Grand Rapids Press published this article today. Clay will be in Grand Rapids on Tuesday for a near-sold out Christmas show:

It's Clay Aiken's most wonderful time of the year

Clay Aiken loves Christmas, but snow? Not so much.

"My opinion on snow is that it's cold," the Southern boy quipped in a recent phone interview from his North Carolina home. "I don't like standing out in the cold to let the dogs out."

Aiken is alpha daddy to two dogs, Raleigh and Durham, named to honor his home state.

The pampered pooches are along for the ride as Aiken tours the country this month, warming the hearts of chilly fans with Christmas tunes backed by symphony orchestras. At the moment, though, he had his hands full with an overly rambunctious dog.

RED BANK: Recaps

2006-12-17T15:21:00.000-05:00

Clack
ClackUnlimited.com

From the CB's Kelly4Clay:

I'm sitting here at my mom's house with Sue4AllYouDo after an incredible night in Red Bank!

Clay sounded amazing tonight, despite the fact that he was clearly not feeling well. How he continues to entertain us with such funny banter while feeling ill is beyond comprehension. And the voice tonight was incredible. You could tell as the night progressed that he was becoming more and more unsteady, but he still gave 100%. After DSIAFCD, he looked extremely uncomfortable, so we weren't surprised when he didn't come out to sing the encore. Regardless, the concert was phenomenal! The audience was so supportive tonight and really showed Clay the love. Of all the concerts so far this tour, this crowd really seemed to be the most enthusiastic and electric and Clay was really feeding off that energy.

It was great to finally meet, NyMom, Zippy, sanebc, Sash, SLC and Mamarose!! And thanks Sue for filling in at the last minute, and traveling with me to Red Bank.

Last but not least, thanks to Clay for an incredible evening, and we hope you feel better soon!!!

From the CB's Shycon:

My last concert and I cried thinking that maybe it will be quite a while till the next tour. :bluesniff

He was gorgeous and so casual and seemed lighthearted. He saw familiar faces in the first few rows as always and there was lots of interaction as always.

Too many darn flashes and they really bothered Clay especially toward the end of the concert. Once while he was on the left side of the stage, he actually staggered several steps. Lots of holding on to the stool while singing tonight.

The dizziness was especially evident during DSIAFCD and when he said good night and signed thank you to us, he then staggered off the stage to the wings....the lights came up and canned music played so we knew there would be no encore. So sad. Of course we were worried about him and as reported by BFS he looked so vulnerable walking to the bus and getting on board.

We stayed till the bus pulled out, sad to see him off, not knowing when we will see him again.

He was very snarky tonight asking who had been to more than 5 of this year's Christmas shows. I raised my hand but ducked my head down. Hee! I think he said we are the ones to be afraid off...following him all over the country. LOL

Wonderful concert except for the worry of seeing the vertigo kick in.

dda,I enjoyed meeting you and rosebud and ncctl tonight. I love putting faces to names.

God speed, Clay!

From the CB's CorieLuvzClay:

How do you reach down inside yourself and choose from the array of emotions…exactly which one to write about…at some point they begin their own little race…love is so very far ahead…oh no, wait a minute…heartsick is catching up…but then there comes pride rounding out the bend…and tonight they are in a dead heat and there is a triple tie!!!

He takes the stage like a Prince…tall, sleek & slender as ever. The shoulders are broad and straight, he walks with his head held high and with such confidence. The chestnut colored mane has a silky sheen and it flows, beautifully framing his gorgeous face and sparkling Jade colored eyes. Clay was happy, upbeat and spot on with his amazing voice. Articulate and eloquent in the pronunciation of each and every word and hitting his notes effortlessly. He was as funny as always…telling the husbands in the audience that they would be happier after the show, when they got home, that they had come…and then he made a cute remark that this was a family show. Clay even reassured us all that his fly was zipped up tonight!! And then with the first banter of the evening he asked for the house lights to come up and for the spotlight to be killed and as they were lowered Clay would say all the way, all the way…kill the spotlight. Then he told us that he’s been sick and that he was feeling dizzy tonight. Even with that he told us that if he was going to fall off the stage he shouldn’t do it in front of the center orchestra seats….that he’d better “go over here” where they looked like they wouldn’t eat him up or eat him alive and pointed to right orchestra…being funny and cute and clever in the face of all the pain he was going through.

It never ceases to amaze me how he can quip and joke and be so quick witted when obviously so ill. I was heartsick for him as the night wore on…he squinted in the harsh lights, said his head hurt, every now and then he would touch his right ear and make a painful face and then touch the side of his neck right under that ear. A few times he touched his other ear as well. My heart was just breaking for the obvious pain he was in and all I wanted to say was…Clay, please leave the stage and crawl into bed…in the dark and in your comfy PJs, we love you and you can do that…we’re a family. Go to bed honey and don’t worry about us…you’ve already given so much! This was my one and only concert this season and I would have gladly given it away to know that he would be resting and snuggled under his covers, finally in blessed peace and quiet.

I suffer with migraines and I cannot even begin to imagine what it was like for Clay these past three nights to be under blaring lights, sing the strenuous songs and notes he sang all while enduring a 30+ piece Symphony playing right on top of him. The man is dedicated to a fault, he is the consummate performer and I have never been prouder to be a Clay Aiken fan, nor have I ever felt as much love as I have for him with this concert series.

My friend came with me and I merely told her that he’s had an ear infection for a couple of days and told her nothing more…by the end of the show she was gripping my arm and just kept saying “OMG, poor baby”, “Oooooh poor baby” she could not believe the strength and determination Clay had to try his best to finish the show.

I don’t remember which song he was on but definitely by OCOCE he had been steadying himself against the stool and it was difficult to watch as he’d put his hand behind him onto the stool, try to bring it to the mic again and then go right back to the stool. By DSIAFCD, I knew in my heart that he would not be coming back out again for the encore song…he was teetering a bit and clearly had trouble balancing and Jesse Vargas quickly followed Clay out. The friend I was with knows Jesse through a Community Arts center she works with called Plays in the Park here in NJ…she loves Jesse and said she was sure that by the time Jesse got to Clay he turned to the Orchestra and made a hand signal for them to cut…they began getting up and taking their instruments with them. Although I would have loved to hear Clay sing AIW in person and hear that voice reverberate off the walls, I was relieved for his sake that he did not come back out, I felt terrible because I knew that that meant that he felt worse then last night and the night before, but relieved nonetheless that he would be getting the care that was so obviously needed!

It was a stellar performance, by a stellar performer…he sang every song and hit every single note…there was even a time where by the end of the song there was actually a light echoing and I can’t remember now which song it was but I hope it was captured on clack, it gave me chills!! Clay got several, well deserved Standing O’s. The honey coated voice flowed smoothly and sweetly tonight, we were treated to gentle whispers and stunning heaven bound notes. Clay sang from the depths of his heart just as he does every night.

Every single time I think I could not love him more, every single time I think I could not be prouder of him…Clay one-ups himself and tonight…yet again…I fell in love all over again, deeper still, with this exceptional young man and was struck anew with deep pride for him and how he handles life situations, both personal and professional. I just couldn’t be prouder if he were my own child!!

Thank God there is a day off tomorrow…God Bless you Clay and thank you for all you give to us!

GENERAL: clayniac2's WONDERFUL Christmas Tour Photos

2006-12-16T14:38:00.000-05:00

The Clayboard's clayniac2 has some wonderful Christmas tour photos posted on this Clayboard thread. Here's a sneak peak... get ready to THUD!

WEST POINT: Recaps

2006-12-16T07:48:00.000-05:00

Clack
ClackUnlimited.com

From the CB's cmbcarab:

Clay was amazing tonight. He was really on from his first step onto the stage. He was obviously feeling better and was ready for fun. He was the funniest I've ever seen him. A member of the orchestra called him over to give him a present while he was starting his word of the day banter. He turned to the audience and said something like 'see what you've done, you've got the orchestra yelling out now'. He got it from them and took off the wrapping and it was a dictionary of musical terms. His banter was priceless. The word of the day was totally made-up. The orchestra demonstrating it was absolutely hilarious. It was something like 'to make sounds using only the mouthpiece.' The orchestra members were basically humming a song (can't remember which one-possibly Jingle Bells or one of the simpler ones like that) while making noises in their mouthpieces. Very,very funny. He was hilarious with the guy on the cellphone. Turns out he was on with his wife's friend - Clay was hilarious talking about this suspicious relationship. He took the phone and sang all of DSIAFCD up until the glory note with the phone to his ear. When he went for the glory note he grabbed the stool. You could tell the vertigo had just hit. He was very tentative walking off and back on again for the encore. He waited for Jesse after AIW to walk off. Jesse just followed him-didn't touch him. Not sure the newbies would have noticed. The audience was all internet fans up front and the second half were almost all newbies. LOTS of men and kids. Definitely a lot of new fans made tonight.
Our babysitter canceled at the last minute and so my husband had to stay home. My mother-in-law said she would keep me company. She doesn't watch any TV except PBS and C-SPAN. She had NO CLUE who Clay was or what he looked like. I dropped her off at the entrance while I drove off into the parking maze and was gone about 1/2 hour. I hope whoever she talked to will post cause I found her chatting with 2 women when I got back. She apparently had asked them if they had ever seen this fella before and they proceeded to fill her in. She never even heard of American Idol and their conversation must have been hilarious. Anyway, her impressions were great. She thought he was a 'really nice kid.' The audience's reaction reminded her of what Elvis used to get!!!!!!! Thought he was adorable looking. She wanted to know if he was married. She thought his quiet-song voice was superb and mesmerizing. She wasn't a fan of glory notes but figured from the fan's reactions that's what they wanted and that's why he did them. Asked why she never hears him on the radio. The funniest thing was when the orchestra came back out after intermission, the first violinist was late sitting down, he looked about 50 with what looked like grey hair from where we sat. She asked if that was him. Then she asked if Jesse was him. When he came out she whispered--he's adorable. She loved the concert, and was anxious to tell her lady friends. She thought his stage presence was superb!!!!!!! Very fun to go with her.

From the CB's MixnJude0:

The drive up there was treacherous, we (my very handsome hubby and I ) climbed some huge mountains in the dark, the directions were vague and West Point is this massive city unto itself ...so it seemed to take forever to get there, find parking, get a shuttle and get to Ike Hall...but once there, WOW!!

I guess they are used to the symphony crowd, where too close is a bad seat, cuz everytime we showed our tix to a cadet, they would say "OH wow, you're wayyyyyyyyyy down in front, keep going..the place was massive with 3 balconies!
The first guy said, when you get wayyyyyyyy down there, ask that cadet where your seats are. So we get to the next cadet and he says, "oh, you're wayyyyyyyy down there...and escorts us to our seats ROW 4, PIT, aisle, 10 ft from the stage! GAH! I'm in heaven!

So the orchestra was great, but I NEED water, I'm dehydrated...no drinks allowed inside, so we high tail out at intermission, suck down a bottle of water, when we hear SCREEEEEEEEEEEEEAMMMMMM...we run back to the theatre, and from wayyyyyy at the back of the theatre , making our way all the back up front, I will never forget the sounds that completely filled that theatre, as Clay takes the stage! It was an awesome experience, I will never forget! That roar, that energy, that sheeer joy and happiness went right through me!

And so it went for the whole show!

Clay was STUNNING!! Really!! Crisp white shirt, no tie, blue pinstriped suit, with a peach lining I could see at the cuffs (cuff links) and his HAIR, omg, his hair! It's styled, shiny, beautiful...no glasses!

His voice soaaaaared through that massive theatre, and his eyes were like green diamonds...sparkling from the inside out!

He waltzed back and forth across the stage..the house lights would go up after every song and he would relate with "his fans" who he so obviously LOVES as much as we love him!

His humor, my God, I've watched the clack, but seeing him so close, so quick, so sharp, he really has a gift! I never stopped laughing! He amazes me with his perfect comedic timing and quick wit! He interacted with people all the way up to the highest balcony!

Klynnie (Bolt Babe) got a major shout out, she was one row in front of me, dead center, with Ginger! It was priceless!!

I met jojoct!! finally and ficus and diventinya (?) from the Clack House...very sweeeet!

I looooove his 'New Yawk' accent and he gets a kick out of doing it!!

One guy was doing a cellcert for his wife's friend, who got sick at the last minute and couldn't come and without missing a step, and completely unannounced, Clay took his cell phone and sang DSIAFCD, the whole song, into the phone for her!! I would have DIED! It was precious!

It is such a great show, his humor, his stunning good looks...and that VOICE!!

He did get stunned at the end when someone in the FIRST ROW flashed a pic right in his eyes. He made no secret that he was displeased and that it hurt his eyes. He got dizzy after that and sat down, clutching the stool! I was so mad!!

I also was amazed that MOST of the crowd had never seen Clay in concert before...and was NOT surprised that all those who had seen him before, completely filled the best seats, up to 15 rows back!

It was a great evening, I can't get enough of him and will be going to NJ tomorrow!! I can't wait!

Thank you, Clay!!! I can't imagine my life without you being a part of it, and hope I never have to experience that

WEST POINT: Times Herald Record Pre-Concert Article

2006-12-15T17:02:00.000-05:00

What a treat! We got this lovely pre-concert write up delivered to our inbox this morning courtesy Google News. You can read the entire Times Herald Record article here, but here are some highlights:

Those that don't know every detail of his life, as his fans the Claymates do, might be surprised to know he's not just a second-place winner of a national TV talent show. Or maybe that guy who made headlines recently for an on-air encounter with chatty "Live With Regis and Kelly" host Kelly Ripa. How much has that "incident" affected him?

"Oh, Lord, none whatsoever," Aiken says. "I've laughed at it, are you kidding me? None whatsoever. I didn't know I was that big a star."

When told about the Record's message board filling up in response to it, he replies, laughing, "Oh my gosh, people need to worry about bigger things."

The bigger things Aiken cares about come through in his charity work. This pop star uses his celebrity to help others. When his career as a special education teacher was halted after his success on "American Idol," he co-founded the Bubel/Aiken Foundation. The foundation helps open doors for developmentally disabled children, encouraging their interaction with all children. He was also recently appointed to the President's Committee for People With Intellectual Disabilities, was ambassador for UNICEF and spokesperson for Toys for Tots.

Hopefully that won't affect fans' chance to hear "that note" in "Don't Save It All for Christmas Day." On the CD, he holds a note perfectly for what seems like minutes. In actuality, it's precisely 22 seconds.

"You've been timing me?" he asks, laughing. "Twenty-two seconds. Now I'm going to have pressure to see if I can do 23."

The challenge is on, Clay.

... and here is a cute Q&A the Times Herald Record conducted with Clay:

Q: Colored or white Christmas lights?
A: White

Q: Cute or classy ornaments?
A: Classy

Q: Eggnog or cider?
A: (pause)
Q: You don’t like either?
A: Dr. Pepper
Q: Dr. Pepper?
A: (laughs)

Q: OK. Tinsel, garland or popcorn?
A: Tinsel’s like the shiny ...
Q: Yes, yes
A: Garland is ...
Q: The long shiny strings of it, the ropes of it
A: Oh ...
Q: Popcorn strings?
A: You know what my mom uses a lot on the Christmas tree? She uses baby’s breath.
Q: I do, too!
A: Yeah, baby’s breath and hay. And the first time I saw her do it, it was not hay so much as what looked like dead grass. The first time I saw her do it I was like, that’s the ugliest thing I’ve ever seen in my life, and then she turned the lights on and it was the most gorgeous Christmas tree I’ve ever seen. So I say dead grass.

Q: Great. Star or angel?
A: Angel

Q: OK, tough one: Rudolph, Charlie Brown or the Grinch?
A: Oh, the Rudolf claymation thing is so much, it’s so good, it’s a Christmas tradition, you know what I’m talking about?
Q: Yes, yes, of course. That’s one of your traditions?
A: Well, I mean, I remember watching it.

Q: Turkey or ham?
A: Turkey

Q: Real tree or fake?
A: Fake. So the dogs don’t eat it.
Q: Yes, although my cats eat my fake one. Which I shouldn’t have said (I’m panicking now) ’cause I know you don’t ... (Clay has an immense fear of cats).
A: Oh my God ...
Q: I’m sorry, I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to, but I love dogs, I have a dog, too. OK. In a fight, who would win: Santa Claus or Hanukkah Harry?
A: Who is Hanukkah Harry?

GREENVALE: Recaps

2006-12-15T16:45:00.000-05:00

Clack
ClackUnlimited.com

From the CB's HopelesslyDevoted:

There are definitely a myriad of emotions running through my mind and my heart right now. Clay has some nasty inner ear infection...thats for sure....how he was able to get through this evening and still be his funny, snarky self and still sing so divinely is beyond me...it wont be too soon before I can get the visual out of my head of his hands grasping the seat of his stool for dear life....of the faces he made that seemd to say.."Im not sure if I can keep going but Im going to try my best"....but Ive been told he has a slew of medical professionals surrounding him tonight and I am confident he is getting the best of care. What I noticed tonight more than ever is just how much he appreciates us and the love that flowed back and forth between so freely. You could almost feel the audience willing him through the last few songs....

Someone jumped up to the front to take his picture after AIW and he told her.."stop taking my picture while Im all invaild" :laugh Even though Im sure he felt like his head was about to spin off he was still being snarky

Ill try to post more details after Ive had a few minutes to compose myself....Clay Aiken is one amazing man....

He was sweating alittle bit at the end of AIW...and there were definitely a few times where I was afraid he might fall off the stool :bluesniff But he is a trooper and an extreme professional....the fact that he came back out at all for AIW is amazing given how obviously dizzy and off balance he was feeling. He'll get some antibiotics and hopefully be fine by tomorrow.:pray
The banter from this show will be priceless...he had some really good snark this evening...hard to remember it all right now....I know Jojo was getting video.
(and oh yea...I got to move his speaker :innocent )

He tried to imitate a 'new yawk' accent...too funny!

Picked out a lady in the 6th or 7th row with HUGE binocs...told her to keep the view from the waste up :yow

Was cracking up when 14 yr old boy said he was from Dix Hills...said it was a mental hospital in Raleigh

Some girl got engaged last night and he called her up to the stage and she proceeded to tell the WHOLE story...:laugh

Said something about (paraphrasing) if he fell off the stool it would make you tube....then mb they would stop watching the 'bad note'...joked that it was baaaad :laugh poor clay:hug2

Lots of banter with Matt (faken aiken)...asked him to turn the monitor so he could hear himself better....then proceeded to ask me to move the other one:yow

Lots of standing O's tonight...he definitely felt the love...he sang amazing tonight.....I cant believe how he was able to get through it....he is one amazing man:lubdub

From the CB's PinayRN4Clay:

Just a quick post because I have to work uhmm, today.

The show was amazing! Not only was the voice phenomenal but much more so, is the courage of Clay Aiken to go through the show although he was suffering from vertigo. He was witty throughout the show. My friend who came with me marveled at how quick and funny he is with the banter. He gave out a loud laugh when the front-seat audience members giddy-yapped out of sequence; I think he jumped a line. :laugh

I was at the balcony and so I didn't see his face in pain. I did see him gripping his stool. But the voice did not waver. I had closed my eyes at several of the songs and all I heard was the beautiful melody. My, oh my, he nailed the high notes on OCOCE, DSIAFCD and AIW. His powerful vocals reached out to the rafters and the crowd responded with gusto and cheer.

Did I say how phenomenally amazing he is? :bow

:bluesniff AIW made me cry. For the encore, he was helped out by his cousin Jaimie, and even from afar, I could see that he was in pain. He was stiff as he clenched his knuckles and held on to the sides of the stool. Some of the audience menbers had tried to make their way out after DSIAFCD. Probably not message boarders since they did not know that he was coming back for an encore. As soon as he breathed life to the song in his gorgeous low register, everyone was rooted on the spot.

All is Well. As sung by Clay it takes on a spiritual sense. It becomes an inspiration, a song of hope, an eloquent assurance to us all that All Is Well. He gave the song his all. It is the most spine-tingling performance I had ever seen from him. And the stunned audience erupted in full apreciation for the gift he had just given us.

HARTFORD: Symphony Director Calls Clay Aiken Christmas Show A Success

2006-12-14T17:15:00.000-05:00

With 10 out of the 18 tour dates completely sold out, the Hartford Symphony's director Edward Cumming is calling Clay's Hartford, CT Christmas show a success. He made these comments in a Hartford Courant mini-review of the concert:

Between holiday songs, Aiken, in a blue suit and really big shoes, joked with the audience, including a third-row fan who brought binoculars sporting a Christmas motif, and made fun of himself by bringing up several times the whole "hand-over-the-mouth" controversy that occurred when he was a guest host on the "Live With Regis and Kelly" morning show a few weeks ago.

"Just call me Mr. Controversy," he said jokingly. "I'm a scandalous person." Performing with the Hartford Symphony, Aiken's performance marked the first time the convention center has been used for a concert.

"When you do something the first time you don't know what to expect," said symphony music director Edward Cumming. "But sometimes doing something new works out well. We think this did."

GENERAL: Christmas Tour A Smash Hit - 10/18 Concerts SOLD OUT!

2006-12-14T17:13:00.000-05:00

We're very thrilled to confirm that 10 out of 18 Christmas shows are now near sold out or completely SOLD OUT. Wow! This is a tremendous achievement for Clay!

Thanks to the CB's Joy2talk2U for this list:

Friday, Dec 1............Genesee Theatre, Waukegan IL - 8pm CST
Saturday, Dec 2........Star Plaza Theatre, Merrillville IN - 8pm CST
Monday, Dec 4..........Turning Stone Casino, Verona NY - 8pm EST SOLD OUT
Tuesday, Dec 5.........Bergen PAC, Englewood, NJ - 8pm EST
Wednesday, Dec 6.....Lyric Opera House, Baltimore MD - 8pm EST
Thursday, Dec 7........Scope Arena, Norfolk VA - 8pm EST
Saturday, Dec 9........Comm. Arts Center, Williamsport PA - 7:30pm EST SOLD OUT
Sunday, Dec 10.........FM Kirby Center, Wilkes-Barre PA - 7pm EST SOLD OUT
Monday, Dec 11........State Theatre, Easton PA - 8pm EST SOLD OUT
Tuesday, Dec 12.......Connecticut Conv. Ctr., Hartford CT - 8pm EST SOLD OUT
Thursday, Dec 14......Tilles Center, Greenvale NY - 8pm EST
Friday, Dec 15..........Eisenhower Hall Theatre, West Point NY - 8pm EST
Saturday, Dec 16......Count Basie Theatre, Red Bank NJ - 8pm EST SOLD OUT
Monday, Dec 18........Orchestra Hall @the Max Fish, Detroit MI - 8pm EST SOLD OUT
Tuesday, Dec 19.......DeVos Hall, Grand Rapids MI - 7:30pm EST SOLD OUT
Thursday, Dec 21......Moran Theatre, Jacksonville, FL - 7:30pm EST
Friday, Dec 22..........Blumenthal PAC, Charlotte NC - 8pm EST SOLD OUT
Saturday, Dec 23......War Memorial Auditorium, Greensboro NC - 7:30pm EST SOLD OUT

WILKES BARRE: Review, Program Scans from LUVClay26

2006-12-13T17:02:00.000-05:00

The CB's LUVClay26 has posted some goodies from the Wilkes Barre, PA concert's program and a few press reviews. Cool beans!

HARTFORD: Recaps

2006-12-13T16:44:00.000-05:00

Clack
ClackUnlimited.com

From the CB's PJMain:

Ok, here are some things I learned tonight...

1. Always always spend as much money as possible for the very best seats

2. Always go to more than 1 concert/tour

3. There are MANY Clay fans who are not on the message boards. This one suprised me. Of course, everyone at the pre-concert dinner are on at least 1, but I talked to a lot of people waiting to get into the hall and sitting around me - all were fans, not on the boards. THESE PEOPLE DO NOT KNOW ABOUT ALL IS WELL. Some left before the finale (the house lights came up, it did look like DSIAFCD might be the very last song - luckily no!!)

3a. There were too many flashes! Probably due mostly to the fact that many fans are not on the message boards. I AM SURE THAT CLAYBOARDERS KNOW BETTER THAN TO FLASH. But the venue was so big I hope it didn't bother Clay's eyes

3b. Many people have not heard the same jokes before and laugh appreciatively, in a different way than many of us who have heard them before laugh for CLAY

4. Being in the same room as Clay Aiken is magical...But then, you all knew that, didn't you?

Couple comments from the songs that I'll be interested to see if they hold up when I d/l video (and there should be some good stuff judging by who was in the audience!):

-Seemed like he had to jump into the lyrics "Chestnuts roasting on an open fire" - he talked too much? and orchestra got ahead of him.
-NICE fingers through the hair during this song - Around the lyrics, "By the fireplace was we watch the chestnuts pop"
-Keeps at someone in the audience to do the "giddyups". Hysterical
-Directly points at someone on the last word "together with...YOU!" Hope that's someone filming!

-Not much audience reaction for "Ooh baby that's a fact". Kinda nice, I thought, shake it up a bit - instead of cheering on cue whether its sexy or not (IT WAS!!)
-Glory note at end - Did his voice crack just a bit? Whatever it was, it made for a VERY SEXY seque into the next line...Look for it in DSIAFCD

Beautiful night.

:cloud9
PJ

From the CB's Claymorous:

Wow, what a night. I first want to say that I've read the cellcert thread and the suggestion that Clay "almost" said the F-word. That is not correct. Clay was talking about Angela being out on tour with Jamie Foxx right now and someone cheered about that. He made a face as if he was shocked and asked if that person thought that was cooler than Angela being on tour with a Clay Aiken Show? Apparently she nodded because he then told the audience "Gee, she didn't even hesitate,,,,she said yes". Then he said, "not everyone has an Academy Award"! Further snarking was about to happen, but he stopped and joked that he almost stated an opinion! "Gosh, that's not allowed" He was laughing at himself . AT no time did he "check" his language. He was just being silly. I wanted to clear that up.
The ballroom at the Convention Center is beautiful, and even with a sold out show, it did not feel cramped at all in the area of the table seating. When he came out and started right into song, the accoustics were superb. Every note, syllable and word were perfectly clear and not a bit distorted. He sounded fantastic throughout the show. He was extremely impressed with the orchestra. Said more than once that they were the best he has had the pleasure to work with on this tour so far.
Clay was wearing a dark taupe suit-fitted perfectly,a dark shirt and a brown tie. Very classy. I'm surprised no one has mentioned that he has had a haircut! Well, just a trim, but it looks very classy and neat. Every time he moved around his hair moved. And he kept running his fingers through it. Made us want to drool. And of course, his fabulous glasses.
He was not wearing his ear phones so he could hear all the audience chatter and responses to him. AT one point, a couple of fans yelled out "I love you Clay", followed by another group in another corner of the room yelling out the same. Clay then asked if there were any others, and the whole room called out "I love you Clay". and he then said, "Okay, now that we have that overwith, we'll go right into the next song."!
I'm propping my eyes open here but it's not working, I'll elaborate more if anyone wants me to after I catch a few winks here.

From the CB's Shar8517:

GREAT GREAT CONCERT!!!! Clay was totally ON last night. His voice was PERFECT - No worries there!!! He was hysterically laugh my butt off entertaining last night. He was very snarky and I've never seen anybody think as quickly on their feet like Clay does. You have to pay attention every minute or you'll miss something. Of course I never took my eyes off Clay and I did notice just a tiny bit the POP

During the banter about cheating with the word of the day he said Maybe if I had cheated I would have won AI.

It really touches my heart that he promotes charities like he does - they are so close to his heart - especially BAF and UNICEF!! He talked aout My Friend Mikayla and said to buy the book for all the elementary schools. He said to look up BAF on line and spelled Bubel but said if you don't know how to spell Aiken then 'WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?"

When he asked people to raise their hands if they've been to other concerts and told people who hadn't been to any to look around is when he mentioned Jacksonville. He just said that if people weren't careful Claymates would be driving them to Jacksonville to a concert. Very cute!!!

When he took the young girl's binoculars, some of the decorations fell off and he said he wasn't responsible for that and told her she could go into the restricted area to get it and then ran across the stage as he pretended to be afraid because she was nuts. He asked if it was open bar and made the drinking motion a few times and said Claymates were known to have a few. He was very very funny and people were laughing hard.

There are no words for his voice. The note in DSIAFCD was amazing. He held it forever!! I was afraid that he wouldn't have time to sing AIW since they had given him a 15 min. warning and he rambled on as only Clay can about UNICEF and BAF. Love when Clay rambles on. He said he had to stop talking and sing and a few people booed and he said well I could talk and not sing and some cheered and he said you haven't paid $100 to listen to me run off at the mouth.
When he came out for AIW he had his usual nervous face but no need to be nervous it was absolutely beautiful. We all leaned foreward collectively and you could feel the energy of all of us lifting Clay up and holding him close to our hearts. When it came time for the last note he planted his feet, braced himself and took a breath and let it rip - ABSOLUTE PERFECTION AND HE HELD IT FOREVER!! Then he got this look of thanksgiving on his face and he was gone.

So special to see him in concert again after the long wait. Really really was wonderful and Clay is such a special guy. He LOVES what he is doing and we LOVE what he does so it is all good.

Sorry this is so disjointed, but only had about 2 hours sleep.

From the CB's WhoseLineBabygirl2006:

omg...last nights concert was so amazing he did such a good job! When he first came out onstage everybody gave him a standing ovation and he hadent even started singing yet, as soon as he started singing everybody sat down and got very quiet listening to him. After the song he goes into his banter to see how many men were in the audiance and he looks and counts and hes like "no man in the front row? are they not allowed? However there are 8 guys on the side so are they banished to the side of the room?" He asked the guys to raise there hands to see how many there were a few did but most of the woman pointed to them, and one guy he says "is that bad sir? where your lucky you have a table you can just put your head down and go to sleep we'll try not to disturb ya!" During the beginning of the song TCS he did a little hair flip with his hands and a few people screamed and he gave them a weird look like "what? i just needed to get my hair out of my eyes people!" someone had binoculers on the 3rd row who was like 13-14 years old and he pointed it out and said "ah dont get that! your in the 3rd row and theres people so much further away. How much did you pay for these seats?' and shes says $100 and he says '$100?? That is a rip off!! Ah wouldnt pay that much to see myself!" And he goes into this thing about his hair whether he should keep it long or short and everybody starts shouting out and he goes "well ya dont have to be so mean about it! Cut it!!!" That had me in stitches i about died laughing when he said it and then he said "someone put her hand over her mouth please" and everybody cheered and he had the girl come and hand him the binoculars and she said she was shaking and he says "why you shaking for?" she says something and he pretends to get all fangirly and goes "omg omg!" lol he eventually gives them back to her but not before teasing her about if she can see up his nose with them and seeing birds in Delaware with them. And he goes into the word of the of the day which was Bisbigliando or something to that affect..it was a word i couldnt pronounce even if i tried! Someone shouted out what it meant and it turns out she had a dictionary with her and he says "Gimmie that thing!! This woman is cheating!!" he asked her if she was proud of herself and shes like yup lmao! and he proceeds to quiz her about another word and he has the dictionary so he says "i got your book now whatcha gonna do??? Whatcha gonna do??!!" She says what it means and he says "oh crap she already knew" He then asks what the word of the day meant to the other people in the audiance since we didnt hear what the lady with the dictionary said and someone got it right and he says "What is it with these Connecticut people they know it all!" i was like hell yeah we are!!! And he asks the lady who got it to come up and play it because apparently she knew it because she saw the dress rehearsel and she didnt know how so Clay says "See what happens when you cheat!!!" I know he spotted my friend MixnJude because she was waving her phone at him and he says "Yeah i see ya, You thought i was gonna come to you and call on ya huh? well not tonight!" i didnt know it was Mixxeey he was talking to until she told me after the show was over, i kinda maybe had a hunch it was her because i told him to look for us in the audiance i dont know if he spotted me but he did look in my area a few times so i'm not sure if he saw me or not. He was so last night he had me in stitches laughing like crazy and i applauded so much i thought my arms were gonna fall off! During DSIAFCD at the very last high note he seemed to have held it a little too long because his voice cracked at the end of the note but he pulled it together in time and he got a huge standing ovation after the song was over and he even did the last few verses of the song without the mic which made me thud i was like omg because his voice carried even without the mic!! He brought it home with AIW and he hit the very last note and it was long!! i dont even have words to describe how great of an experiance it was to see him sing that song live and nail the last note!!! it was unbelievable! After the show i heard pretty much everybody giving compliments on how great he was and i was like yeaah Clay you Clayverted many people tonight! So after the concert me and Mixxeey went to go see where the busses were gonna come out and we wait until 1 am and they didnt come out so i'm gonna assume he stayed at the motel but we did have a cute moment while we were waiting because Raliegh and Durham came out and were being walked by Jerome and Jaime they both are soooo cute and Durham is a barker my goodness! He was mainly barking because there was a police cruiser there with a dog himself, so he was all barking at that dog while Raleigh just looked at the dog and didnt do much lol she just wagged her tail! And even after they went to the parking garage you could still hear Durham barking like crazy Raliegh just takes everything in stride now Durham will get to that point to! I had so much fun last night!! and i wanna thank MixnJude for it thank you hon!!!:bighug :bighug :bighug

EASTON: Recaps

2006-12-12T16:32:00.000-05:00

Clack
ClackUnlimited.com

From the CB's hanapepe:

Easton was my fourth and last concert, and in many ways, it was the BEST! The Chelsea Symphony Orchestra was zippy and young, and it was an enjoyable program BEFORE the main attraction. The theater was small and intimate, and packed! There were signs in the lobby that photography without flash was allowed, but no audio or video recording, and the security were galloping everywhere. They threw out two people down the road from us, and Clay noticed, and asked Jerome to let them stay, so they were reseated after a while. Clay even called one of the venue people with a microphone that was running around a telemarketer! I was happily shooting along with my long lens and NO FLASH, and Security busted my lens, so I had to drop back to a shorter lens. There was NO intermission, and Clay just tore through the first few songs with very little banter. It seemed like there might be a union deadline or something to get out of the venue earlier. He finally started to banter with the crowd, and was really quite smutty with the open fly/crotch/"chesnuts roasting" lingo, and he was cracking himself up! He was very hilarious once again, and the thing that was the most outstanding about this venue was that the lighting was gorgeous. In Williamsport, he was spotlit with the harshest white light, and this venue backlit him with colored spots and special effects that were magical...it was stunning! That made it really stand out visually for me to finally have some special lighting instead of just harsh white spots that washed him out. The crowd was very appreciative, and roared during DSIAFCD and AIW. Clay actually took a drink of water before AIW, crossed his fingers, and just before hitting the last glory note, once again planted his feet, looked skyward for strength, and let 'er rip.

The bus was moved to a narrow road behind the theater, and we were already all lined up single file when he started at the back of the line, and I got a lovely, warm, handshake-gah! It was the perfect ending to an incredible 4 concerts, and I am one sad girl to be driving back to Baltimore and flying back to Portland tomorrow. It 's been fun to be the "girls from Oregon" with Clayniac2 and codmag, and to watch the casual fans' mouths drop open when we tell them how far we have come for the concert!

Talk show comedian Clay combined with snarky Clay, combined with voice of an angel Clay, combined with HAWT Clay is something to behold-gah! It's been an amazing week!

From the CB's LynninNJ:

This was my third show (did Englewood and Baltimore which were FANTASTIC!) but this was by far the best show of the tour i think!!!!!!!!

THE VOICE....omg - the VOICE!!!!! The acoustics were IN FREAKIN CREDIBLE this evening...and his voice was just SOARING!!!!!!! Black suit, purplish shirt......black boots and GLASSES...they were nice to see for one show - but i'm ready for his GREEN BRIGHT eyes again!

Highlights? MGUCL with this amazing twirling spotlight overhead was BREAKTHTAKING.....it was then on again for MDYK....holy crap!!!!!!! Glory notes were SUPERB although he looked a lot nervous before AIW.....but had no reason to be!
The crowd was AMAZED by his talents - lots of first-comers in the audience...which i LOVE!!!! The lady next to me said "Who sings like that??!" after it was over.....she was awstruck of course! AND THEN IT SNOWED (inside)...bubbles from the ceiling - what a nice tough - Clay would have loved it!!!!! (esp if he could have played with them!)

He was DEAD ON with the jokes 2nite too......i loved the crotch schtick and his audience banter - people are now RAISING THEIR HANDS to talk to him..it's a HOOT!!!!! Shout out to the Jersey Girls.......love the jackets and that Clay has now seen them!!!!!!! WAY TO GOOOOOO!

The buses were fun as usual and we did get "hand" this evening - which was GREAT!!!!! Clay had to walk uphill and then downhill (don't ask!) so he was really looking where he was going, but still made sure to shake EVERYONE'S hand and say "Merry Christmas"...what a sweetie!!!!

Cannot freakin WAIT for this weekend....3 more sleeps til i see Mr Aiken again........eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!

WILKES BARRE: Review from Citizen's Voice

2006-12-11T16:43:00.000-05:00

The Citizen Voice had some very nice things to say about Clay's Wilkes Barre concert last night:

Clay Aiken brought a surprising dose of humor along with holiday song and spirit to his Christmas concert before a sold-out crowd" and " Aiken brought a refreshing contrast to a traditional holiday concert by mixing the more familiar Christmas standards, such as “Hark the Herald Angels Sing’’ and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,’’ with some newer selections like “My Grown-Up Christmas List’’ and “Merry Christmas with Love,’’ which were as equally received as the more well-known tunes.

WILKES BARRE : Recaps

2006-12-11T16:35:00.000-05:00

Clack
ClackUnlimited.com

From the CB's SizzlePie:

I was about 15 rows back and had the most amazing time. He wore a gorgeous grey suit, a song or two into the show he said he had to "open it". His banter was amazing. Such wit and he is so very quick with his comebacks and comments.

One gentleman was talking to his mom, Candy, on the phone; he said she was ill and couldn't come to the show. Clay took the phone and had cute conversation with her. He then sang "Mary Did You Know."

He allowed a little girl from a local pageant to come on stage and sing part of "Don't Save It All for Christmas Day" with him; her "dream" at 6 years old was to sing with Clay, and she did. She was so cute; Jerome helped her onto the stage and she was in a cute gown and tiara. Clay hugged her a few times afterwards.

He sounded spectacular. He never failed to hit a note. His voice never cracked once. He did have a coughing spell, but a front-row fan gave him a cough drop. He talked to the crowd until he finished it. Very cute.

No stubble tonight, he joked about how he gained weight and that at the AMA's a friend texted him and said "the weight looks good on you," and Clay didn't know how to take that. He went over the "rules" of coming to a Clay Aiken concert, which were really cute.

I was equally as impressed with his voice today as when he walked onto that "American Idol" audition stage and was chosen. I cried as he sung the final song, "All Is Well." I did see a lot of photos being taken, so I hope someone will be putting some up soon....

I cannot wait for the next tour. Amazing, simply breathtakingly amazing.

From the CB's ooc4clay:

Last night was my second of this tour, saw him in Englewood last week. He just keeps getting funnier and snarkier every day and I just love it. One of his funnier moments last night, to me anyway, was when he was looking for someone to give him the definitiion of the "I"talian word (as he says it!) for the
musical term. One girl raised her hand, said she didn't know the answer but wanted his attention...he said now you have it what is you want to say...she said she wanted to dance with him...he then said if she could give him the correct answer in 5 seconds, he'd dance with her...he counted to 5 and said, "oh, sorry bout that!" She said it again, and he said..."oh you'd like to dance with me.........thought for a moment, then snarkily said...no! He came over to our side of the audience still searching for the answer, and at one point said "dancer girl" you wanna try again! LOL I thought that was hilarious! He really loves bringing up the Ripa hand over mouth debacle and making snarky remarks about it. He is just so funny and quick with his wit!

My only dissappointment was he didn't shake hands at the bus afterwards, and I know that he isn't obligated to do so, but that would have been a nice finish to a wonderful evening, to get "hand" from my old fat boyfriend!....LOL :laugh

He truly seems to love all the banter, I could sit there all night and listen to him talk and sing, talk and sing...I can't think of a better way to spend an evening!:lubdub

WILLIAMSPORT: Recaps

2006-12-10T13:49:00.000-05:00

Clack
ClackUnlimited.com

From the CB's claysbuttercup99:

Oh, how even more exceptional this was, when I thought it couldn't get better!! I've met so many people, connecting usernames to faces. I'll lay it all out in as much detail as possible, just like I have done in previous reviews!

I couldn't leave the house until about 1 PM, so that left limited time to meet new friends & reunite with people, as well! After a drive from the Baltimore area, at 4 PM, I finally arrived. I got a call from Claymate351 that she had seen Jerome go into the bus & backstage. Also, another friend of mine saw Clay walk in backstage wearing the same clothes he wore since shaking hands in Baltimore! Haha! :) After I got a call from Claymate351, I proceeded to go meet her! Of course, there was a big fence in between us while she was by the buses.. haha!

Then, my mom and I went to check in & get our room. 818, I could never forget on a night like this! Just wonder if it was 919!!! Claymate351 and I were hanging out for a long time. We met many Clay fans as we were walking around - hard to miss them! :) Just the word "Clay" mentioned once, it was a big fan meetup! I saw many Baltimore Claymates, as well as fans from NY, GA, KS, and other states!

After meeting all these fans, a very good online friend of mine called me to tell me she had arrived! I, then, proceeded outside to wait for & meet her! It was so great to meet some best friends and new fans to keep in touch with! My two friends and I went to dinner at the Genetti, which was pretty good. We kept our Clay ringtones to see what would happen - that seemed to be the best way to meet fans; let them hear Clay and decide if they want to chat! :)

After eating, and talking about "you know who!!!" for 20 minutes, we walked to the Community Arts Center. Turns out, the Community Arts Center was small, yet beautiful, do Row Z honestly wasn't too bad! The symphony sounded great, and I knew they would be exceptional with Clay added! As Clay came on, Tara and I (Tara being the one Clay spoke to for Word of the Night) sang along! We danced and sand through all of his songs, hearing people around as giggle at how perky we were.

When Clay first raised the lights, Tara and I stood up and waved from Row Z, and Clay kept glancing over. Finally, with Tara & I persistently waving, he said, "Yeah, I see ya!" We both looked at eachother and back and Clay. We smile the biggest smiles we have smiled all day!

Later, during the word of the night, Col Legno, Tara thought she knew the answer so she raised her hand. She wasn't sure, so I kept reassuring her that she had a chance to talk to Clay and she thought she knew it, so I told her, go ahead! Clay went ahead and decided to call of her!! I saw it on her face- uhoh! She didn't know it! Clay said her name the cutest way! "Tahhhrah." Hahah! When Clay asked what it was, Tara replied with her "Uhh-Uhhhhhhh." LOL! It was so funny, but she was so excited she talked to Clay!

Clay was absolutely phenomenal all night!! Claymate351 insists that it was the best Clay concert she's ever been to. But just like last time, the concert is only a third of the actual experience.

After the very last note of All Is Well, Tara and I looked at eachother and said - "BUSES!!!!" We ran outside to find about 20 people there. It's kind of crazy that soon it amounted to be 200 or more!! Jerome & Clay himself mentioned how large the crowd was. I got a security guard to take a picture of the crowd before we were told to line up single file line. I will post that as soon as I get home! Jerome told all 200 or 300 fans to line up the across the fence (that was quite a long stretch of fans, let me tell you!) It took Clay about 20 or so minutes to finish greeting fans! Clay got to Claymate351 and I, we nearly fainted! He wore orange pajama pants under a gray jacket, I believe. He walked at a fairly fast pace, but it was worth it!

And even the buses, a lot happened! I have met quite a few fans while I sit at the public computer watching Clack & typing this review, I've met quite a few Clay fans, including NKY4Clay, karma4clay, solitaire234, & clayniac2. Sorry if any of these were incorrect, it's hard to think at 2 AM! I'll post the Williamsport pictures soon!

NORFOLK: Lucky #18 Lands Claymate A Clay Aiken Hug

2006-12-09T17:33:00.000-05:00

Claynana has shared this really cute story on the Clayboard. Just goes to prove a little luck can go a long way!

WHAT A CONCERT......WHAT A MAN!!

"18" MUST BE MY LUCKY NUMBER!! This was my 18th concert and I had purchased 18 tickets for family and friends to see Clay in my home town of Norfolk. That's what got Clay's attention at the concert and got me a one on one conversation and hug from the man himself.:rocker

I know many of you have read about my encounter with Clay at the concert on the cellcert. He was asking how far people had traveled to see him. I was on the front row and shouted, "My son came from Orlando, Florida!" He then asked my son if he really came all that way to see him in concert to which my son replied, "No, my mom bought my ticket and brought me here!" He then turned to me and asked how many family members I brought. I introduced my 8 family members and my best friend. My husband was sitting on the 2nd row behind me and a few seats down. Clay said, "Oh, I see, your husband is sitting back there and here you are up front." I then introduced my oldest son, Joey, whose birthday is also November 30th, Clay said, "Happy Birthday!" When I introduced my daughter-in-law, Rebecca, I told him she was carrying our fourth grandchild, to which he replied, "Fourth grandchild! Everybody say hello to Rebecca!"

My friend, Kim, was sitting beside me. I introduced her to Clay and told him she had just moved to Raleigh. He said, "You're not a stalker, are you?" She almost died.

He then said, "You bought 8 tickets to the concert?" I said,
"No, I bought 18!" The entire second row and three seats on the first row." I was fortunate enough to have gotten in on a pre-sale for local people back in September, thanks to Melissa (clayzthe1 on our board, who told me about the sale) and there was no limit on the number of tickets you could order. The rest of the tickets were for our local Clay Club members.

He asked me if I had the number for the person I ordered the tickets from and believe it or not, I had the business card from the gentleman I had picked the tickets up from in Norfolk in my purse. I got up out of my seat and walked right up to Clay and gave it to him!! He said, "You are mighty brave walking up here!!" I didn't even think, before I knew it I was standing in front of OMC!!:yow He was sitting on the edge of the stage and I can remember putting my left hand on his leg :thud and asking him if I could hug him. He reached over and gave me the most tender hug:thud ::!! Then he said, "I'm going to sing to you!!" "Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas," one of my favorites, made me wish time could stand still. At the moment I felt surrounded by love with my family, friends and "Clay" looking straight into my eyes with that enchanted voice of his filling my heart and soul. There was a lot more said between us but these were the highlights.

As if that wasn't enough, a few songs later he came down off the stage walked thru the audience and ended up dancing with Faye who was sitting two seats from me. They were dancing right in front of me. How tender he was in the way he wrapped his arm around her pulling her close to him and whispering in her ear. You could just feel the love and respect he has for her.

When we got home from the concert my family and I sat up until 1:30 a.m. talking about the concert. My grown children and even my grandkids have at times give me a hassle about my Clay addiction; however, after the concert they all said he was awesome, funny, unbeliveable and one terrific entertainer. My granddaughters added, "He's hawt, Nana!!" Things I've been trying to tell them for three years now. Just proves "Mommy knows best!!"

In our local paper this morning (The Virginian-Pilot) there is a concert review with the heading "Give Clay his due: The fellow delivers." It is a great review and the last paragraph says:

"YES, CLAY AIKEN CAN SING, BUT THAT IS ONLY PARTLY WHY HE IS A PHENOMENON. HE GIVES HIS AUDIENCE - UNINTERESTED IN HIS PERSONAL LIFE, YEARNING FOR SAFE AMERICANA - WARM, CHERRY-PIE CAROLS APPROPRIATE FOR HANGING STOCKINGS AND TRIMMING THE TREE. CLAY IS A VESTIGE OF WHOLESOMENESS IN A POLLUTED WORLD. CERTAINLY, THERE'S NOTHING WRONG WITH THAT."

I think this reporter gets it!!

And the people said..................."AMEN!!"

BALTIMORE: Another Showstopping Performance

2006-12-09T09:57:00.000-05:00

Did you like last week's impressive Merrillville AIW performance? Check out this clip from this week's Baltimore show. Thanks to Southern Girl for the heads-up.

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, ATDW, All Is Well, Merry Christmas With Love, Invisible

EASTON: The Express Times Pre-Concert Article

2006-12-08T19:22:00.000-05:00

NJ's Express Times published a pleasant pre-concert article today, leading up to Clay's sold out concert at the State Theater in Easton, NJ next Monday. A condensed version of the article is shown below:

Aiken's appeal
'American Idol' runner-up to return for sold-out State Theatre show.

By SUSAN KALAN
The Express-Times

Clay Aiken will be performing his special Christmas show, accompanied by the 50-piece Chelsea Symphony Orchestra of New York, to a sold-out house Monday at the State Theatre in Easton.

Aiken's life was hectic in 2004 when he granted a 10-minute telephone interview to The Express-Times. He was on the heels of his first-ever headlining tour with 42 dates in three-months. His life on the road consisted of "staying in a hotel, catching up on interviews, doing a sound check, doing the show, and getting back on the (tour) bus," in his words.

He made headlines earlier this year when he started sporting an edgy, stylish look, opening "a new chapter" in his life, he told the Associated Press in September.

He launched a new album on RCA Records, "A Thousand Different Ways," with 10 classic love songs and four original tracks. It was a project headed by music mogul Clive Davis.

In July 2003, he established the Bubel/Aiken Foundation to help needy children. This past September, the foundation published the book, "Our Friend, Mikayla," written and illustrated by third-graders at Lower Nazareth Elementary School about their classmate, Mikayla Resh. The book aims to teach other kids about befriending people with disabilities.

NORFOLK: Reviews from Daily Press, Pilot Online

2006-12-08T19:15:00.000-05:00

(photo courtesy The Daily Press)

We found two nice reviews of Clay's Christmas concert last night in Norfolk, VA we'd like to share with you.

The Daily Press says:

Clay Aiken may have placed second on "American Idol" a few years ago, but he's still tops with the thousand or so fans who turned out Thursday to hear the star sing live.

Several fans said they were attracted to Aiken's boy-next-door charm.

Walker was glad that Aiken has softened the new fashion statement he unveiled a few months back. "I didn't like the long-spiky-hair-down-in-his-face look. I like a clean-cut image for a clean-cut guy."

"He's so all-American," said Darlene Shearer of Norfolk.

Her friend Diane Estes said she got interested in "American Idol" because of Aiken. After he was crowned runner-up, she stopped watching the program.

"He opens his mouth and out comes magic," Estes said. "And he seems like such a nice person."

...meanwhile, Pilot Online posted their review, saying:

Clay Aiken is a phenomenon.

He lost on “American Idol,” but his debut “Measure of a Man,” sold 3 million copies. He has appeared on TV with Oprah Winfrey, Barry Manilow and a digitally revived Bing Crosby in “A Clay Aiken Christmas.”

He is a force. He is a movement, one led by a tribe dubbed “Claymates.” These people came to see Clay – Clay is on a first-name basis with his fans – sing Christmas standards Thursday night at Norfolk’s Scope.

He emerged wearing a slim ebony suit and pointy black boots with high chunky heels. His thick hair was razor-sharp and teased; he gently swept locks from his face with a finger all night. He sang “The First Noel” with control and verve, and later “Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire” and “Hark the Herald Angels Sing.” Clay’s renditions were superbly done – potentially flawless – yet it’s enough to cause sudden pangs of numbing boredom.

But here’s why Clay is savvy: he knows this. He had the confidence of a minister. He wooed the shrieking women and cracked jokes, some at his own expense. He asked men if their wives dragged them there. He said the Enquirer would soon have a story about his love child.

NORFOLK: Recaps

2006-12-08T18:52:00.000-05:00

Clack
ClackUnlimited.com

From the CB's HappyClayDay:

Good morning! Made it back from Norfolk and climbed into bed at 2:30 and was up at 6:00. I'm not good at recaps at all but there are a couple of things I'd love to share.

My mom and I ended up with front row center seats that I was able to get at a good deal Wednesday. Excited doesn't describe the feeling of walking into that venue and down to that front row. I told the lady looking at our tickets to be prepared to call an ambulance because I would probably faint. Anyway, we're sitting there talking to others around us and here comes Faye and Aunt Francine. I was in seat 9, my mom in seat 10, Aunt Francine in seat 11 and Faye in seat 12. I spoke to Faye and told her that she had had her picture taken with my mom in Greensboro in July 2004 - that many people think that look alike and she said yes, she remembered. Well, a few minutes later here comes a reporter with a camera lady, he sticks a mic in my face and says, "Here are the real Clay Aiken fans right here." I answered, "Absolutely." He then stuck the mic in my mom's face and she said the same thing I did. Then the guy goes on to say this is Clay's mom, talking about my mom. I said, "No, no that's Clay's mom, this is my mom!" It was hilarious since we had just been discussing the resemblance between the two.

Aunt Francine told my mom that Faye really hadn't planned to come to this show but Clay called and told her to come, that it wasn't that far. Sounds like he might be missing home a little bit.

Now for Clay. When the man came on stage I was totally in awe. He is such an entertainer. It was a complete snarkfest! When he was talking to a lady in the 3rd row about being on her cell phone with a Carol from Raleigh he looked down at me and said, "Your on the phone too!" I replied yes, but mine is from Missouri. He snarked back, "Your phone is from Missouri!" "No Clay, my friend is from Missouri!" He is a card!

I don't know if ya'll really caught this from the cellcert but when he was talking about the girl from Charlotte having his love child his words were, "someone I've never met before," and then he added something like, "I'm used to it." - You'll see from the clack.....

Loved the way he sat on the edge of the stage. He's got the biggest feet and I loved the boots. When he danced with his mom it was the sweetest thing. He was whispering in her ear. In this picture that's my mom's head on the left and Aunt Francine's on the right. I think this was taken by Clayzthe1.

Bridget was a riot. She had her hands all over Clay's legs and he didn't even flinch. And when she slipped and said hell the expression on his face was hilarious!

I did take a few pictures. I bought a new camera yesterday morning but nobody told me to buy batteries and not used the ones that came witht he camera. They died before the concert was even half over. I will try to figure out how to upload them in the next couple of days.

We were going to try and do the buses but Aunt Francine told us that the bus was in the parking deck under the Scope behind closed doors so I don't know if anyone got to see him off or not. She said they were driving back to Raleigh last night.

When the concert was over a guy came up to Faye and told her that he had not followed Clay and had never seen him in concert before but he wanted to tell her how much he enjoyed the show and that it was a blessing. You could tell he was really impressed with Clay. As we left my mom said to Faye, "You must be so proud of him. He is awesome." Faye answered, "Yes, I am."

From the CB's JaxOBX:

Hello all!!

Ok, I'm a lurker coming out to post because this was my first time ever with FRONT ROW tickets to see Clay.

We were on the far right but had a great view especially when Clay and Faye danced. Before the show, some people talked to Faye of course, but then someone took her over in front of us to meet some people (I am supposing... she may have known them). When she came back, my friend said to her "you are so beautiful" which stopped her dead in her tracks and she said "Oh, thank you! I should pay you people" or something to that effect. My friend then complimented her necklace and she said "Steinmart special!" Priceless... She did look amazing.

Ok, so lights camera action.... he's on with CW. He starts on the other side of the stage and keeps walking over towards our side. I WAS SHAKING... no... TREMBLING uncontrollably. Completely star struck (even though I've seen him in concert 8 times before). He stopped and turned back and I thought I'd melt out of my seat right there.:tasty

The concert was amazing. Being that close meant that when he sang near us I literally could hear his voice in addition to the microphone but with the naked ear. Very cool.

When the word of the day came up (Pizzacato?) I wanted to be silly and guess the word meant something about when a cat needed to pee but then I thought -- no my heart can't take a one on one or the banter backlash. Plus I thought -- gee a cat is his LEAST favorite animal so I kept my mouth shut. :tapedshut

My friend and I had a laugh watching Clay's feet sway to the music as he sat on the edge of the stage and sang. They were swaying, they were pointed out. Then one pointed up and the other was relaxed. They were like their own beings. We giggled like schoolgirls.

Did anyone not mention that he walked CLEAR out into the crowd down both sides of the middle aisle during HYAMLC? Jerome even came out to keep an eye out. I think he hadn't done that before.

I was embarrassed for my city that the announcer said Clay ATKIN. UGH! But I was so happy his family was there and kept snarking, "we're family, right?"

Also did anyone mention that when the Claymate (sorry can't think of her user name) said HE!! that Jesse hit the piano keys as if she had just said the TABOO WORD. It was SO FUNNY. Clay's face was so over the top. :pray for clack

Back to the beginning of the show.. the bit with the microphone stand was hysterical. He has amazing comic timing.

Oops one more thing about the lady who said HE!!... when she left the stage she had knocked over a giant candy cane and she placed it back on the stage. LOL LOL

Did I mention that AIW was almost the death of me?

It will take a LONG time for the glow from this one to wear out. How incredible that we have the new tour to look forward to! Now, I need to figure out how to get front row again (or close). THE END :tyty

GENERAL: GBB Asks - Clay Aiken... Singer or Comedian?

2006-12-07T17:12:00.000-05:00

The Clackhouse's GooodBabyBrush has posted this cute clip of snarky Clay on the current Christmas tour. No kidding this man wants his own TV talk show - he's a natural!

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, ATDW, All Is Well, Merry Christmas With Love, Invisible

HARTFORD: Tickets Still Available; Radio Interviews

2006-12-07T17:04:00.000-05:00

Clay's been busy promoting his Dec. 12 Hartford, CT Christmas show. CDD affiliate ClayReport posted this beautiful promotion poster for the concert issued by the Hartford Symphony.

There are still plenty of tickets available for this concert. Tickets are available at the Hartford Symphony's website or by calling 860-244-2999.

Several Hartford area radio stations have interviewed Clay. Click on these links to listen to MP3 caps or read recaps.

WTIC News Talk AM - Recap/MP3 here
Mix 93.1 - MP3 here (right click > save as...)

BALTIMORE: Recaps

2006-12-07T16:55:00.000-05:00

Clack
ClackUnlimited.com

From the Cb's tay4clay:

OHH MY GOOODD!! That man is sooo amazing!! He just doesn't come up for air in this concert - whether he's talking or singing- he really kept the show rolling! Whoever said Clay should be a stand up comedian was right! My favorite comment of the night was when he was talking about how rude he was when he put his hand over Ripa's mouth...he said shame on me!! and the he said, "And I'd do it again!!" haha he got a lot of screams on that one. One thing that also stood out was that he was talking to a woman in the first few rows and he said something like, "Hey we had a meet and greet here last year! And then he remembered her name! Then he shouted, "Dang, I'm good!" He also talked about a new tabloid that says he has a secret love child! He also saw someone in the first few rows who was at the show the night before and he said to her, "You scared the crap out me!!" It was sooo funny!

Singing: ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! He blew every song out of the park! When he came on for AIW, he was crossing his fingers as usual, and someone shouted, "You can do it Clay!" It was great to see so much support from everyone. well I know there are so many things I am missing, but I'm sure everyone already knows about them from the cellcert!!

From the CB's claysbuttercup99:

What a concert! I¡¦ve said, ¡§many times, many ways¡¨ that past concerts were the best ever, but this concert tops them all. Some of you may know that I have been working 7 months on a gift for Clay ¡V a scrapbook that over 300 fans from 74 countries sent their names and photos to me for. Well, tonight it got to Clay! I¡¦ll start from the beginning of it all!

I woke up bright and early at 7:30 AM. I was putting final touches on his gift until 10 AM. We left at 10:30 and stopped at Staples to pick up an extra 1 gigabyte camera card so I could get more clack for you all!

When we arrived downtown, everything was different than last year. No buses, not a thing! (Makes sense, his bus had broken down!) We circled the Lyric a few times (like last year when I saw Jerome & he gave stuff to Clay for me), but we had no luck. We decided to eat a very nice Italian restaurant just a short walk down the road. After eating there and talking to our very nice waiter about the concert (He had a gist of who he was; he knew he was a singer from American Idol), we went back to circling the Lyric. We found a friend who works for security for the university parking and let us park there.

Then, we went back, yet again, to the Lyric. No sign of Clay, Jerome, or anyone at all, except for a few symphony members who strolled in the back door. (I knew where that was because of talking with Jerome last year.) After a bit of walking around, I saw a tan, small truck (maybe like a Ford Explorer? Escalade?) and two large trucks, one of which I saw earlier, pull up by the back door. As the trucks all drove off towards the harbor, I see a glimpse of Jerome sticking his head out of the back door ¡V Team Clay had arrived and I just missed a sighting of Clay himself!!

Since Jerome was informed about the gift, I waved and said ¡§Hi, Jerome!¡¨ He waved and proceeded inside. I knew, from experience, you were allowed inside that door ¡V all they would do is ask what you needed or ask if you could leave. I went in an asked for Jerome (not expecting to get anywhere). Someone in the crew who I didn¡¦t see standing there offered to take me up to him! I didn¡¦t know what to say, so I just went.

After going up the two or three flights of stairs, it all hit me. I was backstage!! A sign to my right said ¡§Dressing Rooms¡¨, and I believe I heard Clay¡¦s voice! The man from the crew took me to where a sign said ¡§Stage Left.¡¨ I looked to my left and saw the symphony practicing ¡V was Clay there?! Nope. He WAS back in the dressing room! I watched the symphony for a bit as the stage crew went back to ask Jerome (who I believe was with Clay, but I have no proof of that, so don¡¦t quote me on that one!) if he wanted to take my gift. He came back, and sadly, he said just to give it to the crew. I was a little saddened, but I thanked everyone, took a last glimpse around backstage, and walked back out.

Clay had arrived around 2:40, and it was 3:20 now. We still look around, just in case, but obviously, no luck. My mom and I proceeded to go to the Baltimore Claymates pre-party, where I saw many people and shared my backstage story. After such a great time meeting lots of new people, and talking with old friends, everyone began to leave and go to the Lyric for CLAY! It was when I got back that I found my sister and my dad, (Clay talked to my dad!)

I had asked earlier when the doors would be opening, and I was told in-between 7:00 and 7:15. That was incorrect; doors were closed until around 7:30! While I was waiting, many people wanted to see my gift for Clay, so 3 or 4 fans looked through all 144 pages! As the door opened, we went inside. I proceeded to row BB (second row) knowing that many of my friends were in AA. Surprisingly enough, for a few minutes, there WAS no row AA! Chairs had to be brought out and row AA had to be created.

After this mini, very subtle, chaos, I found a bunch of my friends. There was a teenage male fan with a Mohawk who he had heard was VERY nice, so we went up and asked for a picture! He agreed, and we said he could come up to the front for the picture. He was very nice, joking that he was the ¡§main attraction!¡¨

And the lights dimmed ¡V people screamed and raced backed to their seats. We cheered and cheered! The symphony conductor came out, and joked saying sorry he wasn¡¦t Clay and such. He was very funny! Norfolk, you¡¦ll like him when the come to you! ƒº

After many great performances, and an intermission where I met up with two of my friends from the boards, CLAY CAME ON! Oh, goody!! Starting out with one of my favorites, Christmas Waltz, we were all so thrilled to see him! I could see the stubble without my camera! I could see each strand of hair, the line between each of his teeth, the dots on each of his buttons ¡V it was amazing!

He then sang TFN, MCWL, and WW. In the banter before TCS, the best moment of my life happened! Clay talked to a friend of mine & her husband and then he looked at my dad who was in a NC jacket and the conversation pretty much went like "how about you, sir, in the second row." my dad said "I came with my daughter, she's the biggest fan in the world". Clay then repeated "Ahhh, the biggest fan in the world?" He asked something like who was he with, and my dad said "My daughter, Kati." (Points at me clay looks at me!) Clay then says "oh, so you're with her?" My dad replies, "The whole family!" I point to my mother and sister and we all smile. He then says something along the lines of, "Oh so the whole family's here for Kati?" !!! Then my dad mentioned the special gift I had been planning to give Clay, and Clay told a security guard to come get it. He took it, and in the end, it did get to him, and Jerome later told me that Clay said "Thank you very much!" and that he appreciated it!

Clay then sang HYAMLC, and then SLEIGH RIDE! He kept doing little motions and saying things that get the crowd involved. When Clay said ¡§giddy up, giddy up, giddy up, let¡¦s go!¡¨ he did the little hand motion I love! At one time, he held down the microphone and we sang a line for him! It was held right in my direction! Clay went through the rest of the concert without a problem ¡V he sounded amazing! AIW blew everyone away!! ƒº

You would think that would be the end of my adventure, but let me tell you, it¡¦s not! We ran out to the front of the Lyric. There were limos out front, but I knew Clay would be coming out of the back door, so we went that way. We waited for a while when Jerome came out with Raleigh & let her go out, and Durham to let him go out! They looked so cute on their leashes! I said ¡§Merry Christmas!¡¨ to him and he said the same to me! After an even longer time, Jerome came back out and said that he tried to sneak Clay out the front, but Clay insisted on saying hi to us! How thoughtful is he!! ƒº As we were lining up, I said ¡§Jerome!¡¨ he turned around in that fun little voice he talks to me in and says ¡§Yes?¡¨ I said, ¡§Did Clay get my gift?¡¨ He asked which one and I said the scrapbook that my dad mentioned. He said, ¡§The one with all the pictures?¡¨ and I told him it was. Jerome said: ¡§Yes! Clay got it and he said to thank you very much. He appreciated it!¡¨ EEEEK!

So, Jerome said we had to cooperate, and we did! We lined up in a single file line and spread out. About 50 or so people were there? Maybe more! And then, after another half out, the magical words cried out: ¡§THERE HE IS!!¡¨ Clay was coming to shake my hand! He said ¡§Merry Christmas!¡¨ and ¡§Thanks for coming!¡¨ to most people. He was wearing red & black plaid pajama pants and a gray hoodie that said ¡§MARYLAND¡¨ in red for the sports team. When he got to two younger girls next to me, he said, ¡§Well, hello, ladies!¡¨ He came to me and said ¡§Merry Christmas!¡¨ and his warm hand shook mine. He was gone in an instant, but I¡¦ll never forget it! His hair was flowing as he swiftly walked by, his stubble was adorable, his eyes were sparkling! He walked all the way down the line and hopped in the black van waiting for him. The van sped away, and there goes the most amazing man on Earth.

It was such a spectacular experience and I will post photos & short videos tomorrow! I¡¦ll try to post a few photos right now, but it¡¦s nearly 2 AM, and I¡¦m tired!!

From the CB's hanapepe:

I'm sure you've heard suit, hair reports...I honestly couldn't say if the suit was brown or black or grey due to the spotlight-suffice it to say the POP were PRESENT! AND, he kept his left hand in his pocket about 80% of the time, so they were nice and tight across his "buns of bliss" as they are now saying! And no, I don't think he has gained a pound-yum, just yum! The hair has been trimmed/layered somewhat, and since I was on the right aisle, his profile with that sweep of hair was to die for! I'm still not liking it parted on the right side, but since it had been trimmed/shaped and fluffed a bit, it was incredible from the back side as well! AND, he kept running his fingers through his hair-the man has been reading the boards...

He was hilarious! Quite the chatty chuck. He did mention that there would be "something" popping up in one of the rags that he has a love child somewhere. My friend and I debated whether or not this was true, (I tend to believe him, and think that was his way of letting us in ahead of time it wasn't true). Anyway, his brand new bus broke down, the tow truck got a flat, the music was ON THE BUS back in NJ when they arrived at the Lyric. Suffice it to say, he did NOT have a good day before the concert. His voice was just a teensy bit raspy on MDYK, and I prayed and prayed he'd hit the glory notes in DSIAFCD and AIW. He wavered for a second or two on DSIAFCD, but then was able to hold on to the note. AIW was incredible! His low register tonight was incredibly sexy-GAH, just GAH! Well, the whole MAN was sexy! And for you stubble lovers, there was LOTS of stubble. Even though I was in row H, only with binoculars could I see the stubble.

There was NO security check of bags! I shot like a madwoman for 2/3 of the show, then a security Nazi went berserk taking away video cameras. After that, I really racked back and had to do some stealth shooting as he was like a roaring lion pouncing up and down the aisle. There were clack takers EVERYWHERE. Front row, and others. He confiscated two video cameras-one was HUGE! Lots of flashes-grrrrr! Lots of men in the audience, and really quite a few newbies. The entire first 5-6 rows seemed to be the Baltimore Claymates. I ran into 3 Claymates in the airport, but I didn't see them at the concert.

Clay was very, very chatty. If you sit in the first 5 rows, and have been to a few concerts, he REMEMBERS! In fact, he remembered somebody from a M & G from last year! I'm just so tired that I am not concentrating fully on the whole deal...I'll write more tomorrow.

I shot about 100 shots, and will be trying to find a Costco tomorrow to get the first two rolls developed. I would have shot a lot more, but Mr. Nazi had me skeered! They will all look the same because he really just roams back and forth across the stage. Visually, the JNT2 and JBT were so much more interesting to shoot due to all the song/set change-ups, but this was baby in his element!

My friend brought her male co-worker and he LOVED it-hooray! It finished very late, and since my friend had to work, we didn't do the bus, but there wasn't a bus to do anyway!

As to the camera confiscations, there was no security check of bags, no announcements were made, but as I was leaving, I saw signs on a side exit door that said no video-taping etc. People were checking their cameras out right in front of the security guards, but it seemed to be the video cameras that got them all riled up. Security roamed the side aisles non-stop on the far right where I sat.

I have listened to the cellcerts before this concert, so knew a few of the "schticks" that Clay has been doing. That being said, he was absolutely hilarious, and his comedic timing is so fine. He was truly in his element, knew that he had us in the palm of his hand, and was truly on a roll...add the gorgeous voice to all of that, and it was an evening of perfection.

ENGLEWOOD: Clay Teaches Englewood Fans A Lesson

2006-12-06T16:47:00.000-05:00

Clay played teacher with some of his fans after last night's sizzling hot Englewood concert. The CH's scrpkym posted this last night. Isn't Clay so cute?

Well, right around 12:10, Clay and Jerome walk out to the front of the bus. We hopped out of the car and crossed the street. There were about 20 people there. Clay is standing by the drivers seat, and Jerome comes out of the bus. Jerome says "Listen up! Clay wants to play!" And he goes on to say that Clay wanted to play a game, and whoever could answer correctly, would be allowed to go on the bus.

OH........MAH............GAWD!!!!!

Here's the test -- the first person to sing the first verse of ......... CRAP! I forget the name of the song! Darnit! Anyway....no one knew it.

Jerome and Clay left for a minute. Then they came back -- new test....

First person to name the president of the US that had the most children.....

NOPE! No one knew that one either. We're all screaming out president's names -- random guesses.

Clay said " nope -- wrong -- It's Tyler"

Next question......Name the capital of the COUNTRY of Georgia. Huh? Who the frick knew that Georgia was a country somewhere? (actually, I'd heard of it, but what the......???)

Nope -- no one got that one either.

Final question -- name the fourth largestest populated country. The top three are....China, India, US. What's number 4?

People are screaming out countries names. Clay is standing there pointing his finger, searching....he heard it. But who said it? He's searching......FOUND HER! No -- not me. But, it was someone I knew. (oh -- and the answer was Indonesia)

OMG! I was so happy for her! And playing with Clay was just sooooo FUN!! He was so animated standing up there in the bus watching us and playing teacher Clay. VERY VERY CUTE!!!!!! It was TOTALLY worth waiting around for THAT!!!

She got to go on the bus for about 5 minutes. She got her pic taken with Clay and got his autograph too. She was on cloud nine when she got off that bus!!!

ENGLEWOOD: Recaps

2006-12-06T16:35:00.000-05:00

Clack
ClackUnlimited.com

From the CB's cmbcarab:

WOW WOW WOW! He was superb tonight! I have never heard his voice better. Every note was fabulous! The crowd was terrific and very loud! He was very funny again tonight. There was a man on the left side in the orchestra section that was about 1/2 way back. He was sprawled out in his chair and really looked asleep. Clay saw him, said 'there's a guy sleeping' and really laughed and turned around and walked back toward the orchestra laughing. He and the guy had a funny exchange. Someone threw a gift up on stage for him during the show--it was a box of mac and cheese. He layed it on the floor through the concert. After DSIAFCD when he was exiting the stage, he ran back and grabbed it and then ran off with it holding it like it was a prized possession. Very funny. There was a seven year old girl in the audience and he spoke to her and used her for the jokes about staying away from these women who have been to many concerts. He said even though you're seven they'll have you driving them to concerts. The venue had a good crowd. The orchestra was full except for the last 6 rows on the two sides. The mezzanine and front balcony looked to be full. I think there were seats in the rear balcony that were free. But it must have been at least 90% full. Looked to see if anyone was filming, if they were they were very discreet. There were signs and an announcement about cameras being confiscated if they were used. He did the cellphone bit with a women who was on the phone with a friend and her daughter, they of course requested MDYK.

He was in perfect voice tonight. Absolutely spine chilling.

edited to add: There were mostly women in the front orchestra but a lot of men in the rest of the venue. It was the most men I'd ever seen at a concert. During AIW there were a lot of flashes coming from the second half of the orchestra. Seemed to be people that had no idea--they at least waited until the last song--but since there was no announcement, they wouldn't have known it bothers him. They did say no cameras so I'm sure that's why they waited til the last song. I didn't see any of the internet fans using flash. Mostly the ones who said it was their first concert.

He told the crowd the conversation about his zipper last night. Said that his pants had been fully zipped but opened a little cause he was fat. Said he was throwing them out.

One last edit-- I was thrilled to not hear anyone yell 'you can do it Clay' tonight before AIW. It was good the other night but I was hoping it would not keep happening. A few yelled I love you Clay but I didn't hear anything else. He crossed his fingers again though.

From the CB's ClayFlower:

Hi everyone! I just got back from the concert a little while ago and I must say he was AT HIS BEST tonight. Better than any concert I've been to of his (I was at the first JNT at MSG, Jukebox in Boston, 2 JNT2 in NYC & Albany). He nailed every single song including AIW. To hear that song live is breathtaking...the power in that man's voice is unbelievable. He looked drop dead gorgeous. I love his longer hair now....the hair paired with the stubble is :tasty :thud Also, he was so hilarious. When he spotted 2 people with the binoculars he tilted his head back again and did the thing with the nostrils and asked if they could see any boogers. :hehe :lol :hehe And then another time about them trying to see if he had gray hairs to which the lady said something about she couldn't tell because he was too far away and he was like..."what kind of binoculars are those...they must be like the cheapest set of binoculars from a candy store or something". :lol Then he was talking about all the musicians being professional and classy again and then he said something like "when I came in earlier after just waking up at 2 coming in here in pajamas and everyone was already dressed up". Then some people screamed cuz he talking about coming in his PJ's to which he responded "there is NOTHING, nothing SEXY about me when I first wake up! I still got eye boogers in mah eyes, I get a crease on the side of mah face cuz of how I sleep!". :lol :lol :lol Can I just say that the way he said "sexy" was so HOT. :drool

Ok...getting back to what I was talking about. :innocent He did a lot of little cute things when he was singing SR and WW...like the giddyup thing and just the way he was walking on the stage (what little room he had). He ran his fingers through his hair at least twice maybe 3 times. His hair is so so gorgeous in person. :thud :thud :thud

For those of you who where there I was in the second row in the center isle seat to the left side. I'm the 20 something girl with the long hair dressed in black and I was there with my mom. I saw the couple in the front row and made a bet with my mom that they would be the ones Clay would sing the Christmas song to and of course I was right. I made eye contact with Clay countless times which was SO amazing! :thud I about died everytime! Those beautiful sparkling green eyes looking at me was...wow! :thud :thud :thud During SR I thought maybe he would do the "sleigh ride together with you" thing to me...but he of course didn't...that went to the lady to the left of me in the 3rd row isle seat (catsmomsny? :wave ). The lady with the cell phone that got caught by Clay was directly behind me too. I just have to say that the closest I've ever been to the stage was 9th row and to be in the 2nd row was awesome!! :ya

Another funny thing was after DSIAFCD he ran off with the mac and cheese before coming out to sing AIW. Oh...and people kept screaming things out mostly in the beginning of the show and he hilariously said..."what is this open bar night?". Some people stood up and screamed something like "we cam from Ireland to see you!!"....and he snarkingly said "wow, that's really great...now take your seats". :laugh
He's too funny. I wish I could remember everything that he said and did but I'm so tired. His suit was brown btw...but not a true chocolate brown. The suit looked nice on him...but I wish the pants were a little less baggy. I guess he just didn't want another "fly" incident. :laugh The security was insane though...I really hope there is video clack of this glorious night!

All in all...he looked stunning, sounded fantastic, and I loved every minute of it! I can't remember word for word on everything but this is the jist of some of the stuff that happened. Btw..this is my first review too so don't be too hard on me. Goodnight all. I'll update if I can remember anything else.

From the CB's LynninNJ:

OH WHAT A NIGHT!!!!! Su in the front row getting all Clay's attention, Suzy and Abby on the cell phone - "Clay wants to Play" at the buses....it was all SOOO AMAZING!!!!

Highlights for me: #1 being with my BESTEST Clayfriends, mac and cheese from the woman in the front row, him saying 'dude' while bending down to pick up the mac and cheese with the long hair falling to the front (!), banter with Su (hotforclay) in the front row.....he was "scared" of her!,
Cellcert with Kym to Suzy and Abby, OCOCE clap "thanks to the one person clapping"...THAT WAS ME!, OCOCE being a religious experience, DSIAFCD (again to Su!) "hug" and glory note.....and of course....AIW - what a magical experience!!!
PJ's at the buses, OMG! from Clay, a long line of handshakes and "how are yas?", AIKEN SKIN with RINGS!, "Clay wants to play" trivia game, and farewell wave from OMC!!!!!

Wish i could type forever this morning with a recap, but i just drug myself out of bed to get to work and then we're heading to Baltimore again.....so i will just say that Clay is the most entertaining, funny, generous, smart, talented, hot rock god man on the face of this EARTH!!!!!!!!!

I LOVE CLAY AIKEN!

From the CB's d4kkkks:

Happy Great Moment with Clay To All! I have a good time last night in BergenPac concert. I enjoy every minute of it.

When Clay showed up looking gorgeous in brown velvet suit, well styled hairdo, well polished boots, in person, full of life and smiling so sweetly, everyone were rejoicing. I am over joy. Maybe a good coincidence, when the restriction was announced repeatedly, I settled myself, sat back, relaxed and enjoyed the show. I was able to watched, listened to Clay every songs attentively, trying not to blink as much I could. I gave each of Clay song an standing ovation because he really deserve it.
What a night to remember with him. It was a bittersweet moment once again. Clay angelic voice and entertainment came to an end. My friends dropped me home at 11pm. After putting my stuff away, I immediately rewinded my mini cassette recorder, put on my earphone and listen to his concert again through an audio, while reading the cellcert thread. The reporters are doing a wonderful job. They are almost perfect in describing the audience reactions and Clay every songs. But nothing can describe Clay interactions with the audience and his fans, and the Clay/fans banter moments is the best . He is really gifted, talented and magical. Everyone have to be there with him to really appreciate Clay adorable personality. Clay is amazing, hilarious and humanitarian.

tidbit; the first time Clay requested the lights on, he looked straight to my direction, while I was waving to him. Clay said ""Hi everybody". I was in the middle, center, direct to the stage where he always position . I was watching him directly from where I seated, in the entire show.

In as much that we love to said goodbye to Clay in the bus. we are in this stage that this freezing cold can bring us down badly anytime. I am proud to those who bravely stayed in the cold. I am sure Clay really appreciate and concern to there health as well. Giving them a few minutes of his time and have fun is so precious. We feel the love of Clay. God Bless him.

HARTFORD: Clay on Hartford, CT's WTIC News Talk 1080 AM Tomorrow!

2006-12-05T17:03:00.000-05:00

SecretlyLovesClay has some cool news for Hartford fans! Clay will be interviewed sometime tomorrow on WTIC 1080 AM:

CLACK ALERT - ANYONE WITHIN THE HARTFORD LISTENING AREA....

My friend called me today and said she heard on her way home from work, they made an announcement on TIC 1080 AM (Yes, AM) that CLAY AIKEN would be calling in tomorrow. And you can win tickets to the Hartford concert.

I didn't hear this myself, but unless she misunderstood, she has no reason to lie.

Can anyone cap it? I guess it will be on their morning show...which I think is between 5-10.

It looks like this station streams.

www.wtic.com/

VERONA: Concert Review From The Daily Orange

2006-12-05T16:53:00.000-05:00

Woohoo! One of our first concert reviews, courtesy Syracuse University's student newspaper The Daily Orange:

Aiken interacts with audience during strong holiday show

By: Heather Mayer
Issue date: 12/5/06 Section: Feature

The scene couldn't have been more fitting just weeks before Christmas. The snow settled lightly on the grass in front of Turning Stone Casino and Resort, reflecting the decorative Christmas lights. Inside, the event showroom was a full house. People of all ages sat at assigned tables looking out onto the stage patiently awaiting the featured guest, "American Idol's" Clay Aiken.

String instruments played quietly as part of the Utica Symphony Orchestra's warm-up before Aiken's arrival. Unlike a traditional pop star concert, families sat together and sipped Diet Coke and coffee in the elegant theater.

The poor setup of the tables, which packed people tightly together, made it difficult to hear the strings and flutes over side conversations. The orchestra continued with a combination of "Good King Wenceslas" and "Dreidel, Dreidel," a nice touch to celebrate Hanukkah.

Once the last notes of "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" played, audience members stood up and began screaming and applauding Aiken as he entered the stage. Aiken's orange collared shirt seemed more like Syracuse University spirit than Christmas spirit, but the girls and women in the front row cooed at him nonetheless.

Aiken performed a long list of Christmas songs, including "Noel," "Walking in a Winter Wonderland," "Merry Christmas with Love," "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" and "Grownup Christmas List." In between songs, Aiken interacted with the front-row fans and the loud, outspoken fans sitting in the back.

After being told his zipper was down by one fan, he transitioned from pop singer to comedian, making the audience laugh about his recent encounter with Kelly Ripa on the "Regis and Kelly Show." Aiken poked fun at himself and how he offended Ripa by placing his hand over her mouth during the show.

"Don't put your hand over someone's mouth," Aiken said. "It's very rude."

Aiken was extremely interactive with his audience members, sending them into fits of laughter, cheering and applause. He made the night for one young fan, Erin Squairs, 15, of Liverpool. The singer asked the audience what a "fermata" (a held note) was, and called forth Squairs, a veteran pianist, to play a fermata on stage. Squairs, a diehard fan, couldn't believe her eyes or ears.

"I thought, how is he talking to me?" she said.

The dialogue with the audience seems to be what makes Aiken's fans come back for his shows. The show ended with an encore of "All is Well," sending the crowd to another standing ovation for Aiken. This Christmas show is part of Aiken's third annual tour, and he uses it to help promote charities events including UNICEF, in which he is actively involved.

Aside from one perturbed male audience member who expressed his opinion that Aiken should pay attention to people in the back row, the crowd loved Aiken's performance in conjunction with the Utica Symphony. Squairs gave Aiken "two thumbs up."

VERONA: Recaps

2006-12-05T16:34:00.000-05:00

Clack
ClackUnlimited.com

From the CB's MarLovesClay:

Hey, Riversend22 and I are sitting here after the Verona show. By the way, my video is uploading as we speak, look for AIW first!

We were shocked when he came out at like 8:30 without an intermission! Suddenly then introduced him and he was there! It was wild!

Anyway, this concert was absolutely amazing! Both of us were at stage tables, not sitting together though. I was fortunate enough to be sitting at the table where all the action occurred, with Mammat and the couple Clay talked to. I was sort of it shock because he was standing so close to the table, so I think I missed some of it. I have half of the banter on video and that will be up soon. Anyway, Mammat tapped him on his foot and told him his zipper was down. You probably heard about the rest, but like I said, I got some of the banter on tape. Then he was kidding with the older couple and she showed him that her email was "you give me hot flashes" @ yahoo. He found that so funny, and then sat there and sang to them. I saw him grin at Mammat several times. And oh yeah - he never quite got his zipper up all the way, it was indeed partially down the whole show, LOL! When he went to sing in front of the couple, he quickly closed his legs in front of Mammat, it was SO funny. You catch a bit of it on my video where I ended it! And then, when he said "This song is for you" and sang "Chestnuts roasting........" it was SO funny, 'cause he said something about that word.

Vocally he was amazing. He was smooth, clear, strong. No matter how many times I see him in person, I'm amazed at how much better it is in person. Just watching AIW when I came home, it's not nearly like it was in person, and the video is amazing! The sound, in person, his voice, just is a powerhouse in the room. He was good the whole night, and cracked a little bit for DSIAFCD. I admit I got nervous here, but he got himself all ready for AIW, and nailed it, I thought, better than Saturday night. He took a HUGE deep breath before it - you'll see in the video. Then he was visibly relieved afterwards. He sure gripped the mic too. River is telling me he ran his fingers through his hair after as he bent down.

Talking - I didn't think he'd be able to finish singing....the man TALKED ALL NIGHT! It was indeed the funniest show we have seen. I think he enjoyed the small venue and the tables. He was confused about if it was general seating or assigned, and we all said "Noooooo" when he asked, and then he was like "Sorry!!!!" He even talked to people way in the back, and kept wanting the lights on.

The "school" lesson tonight was particularly entertaining. He had a young woman come up on stage who played piano to demonstrate, it was cute, and I heard some "awwws" when he hugged her. I thought I videotaped it but I didn't - DUH!

Now, how about his looks..............I don't think he's ever looked better. Black suit with orange pinstripes and orange tie and shirt. His hair was amazing..........soft, sleek, beautiful layers, amazing. Nice stubble too. I don't think I've ever seen him look more heartstoppingly handsome.

He really had the audience roaring tonight......so much banter, some of it like the other nights, but fresh and funny again. He REALLY seemed to enjoy himself. I think he talked more tonight than ever, again probably 'cause of the venue.

I had my best friend's little girl at the table, and when he first was walking by with the first banter, she was waving to him and he stopped what he was saying and waved and said "Hi!!!!" to her. I sure hope someone has it on video, it was SO cute and she was thrilled!!!

This venue is probably the best I've ever been in. Everyone talked about the sound. His voice, like I said, just enveloped us.

Okay, I'm going to post this, and I'll add to it if I can think of more. I'll never have this kind of experience again, being so close and such an intimate venue.

Wait, one more thing. He walked over to the corner and there was a table with a bunch of women and he said something like "Oh my, look how close I am to you" and kinda ran away a little. It was SO cute.

How will I ever sleep tonight?????? Oh my.

JUST HEARD THEY GOT AIW. I asked them to put the banter about the zipper next (and I asked Mammat and the couple for their permission to post since they're in it, ha ha! Priceless!!!!!!!!!!!)

Cellcert transcript courtesy the CB's Cageme:

TRANSCRIPT COURTESY: Teddyhugz11, CLAYPERFECT, TLC4OMC, njclayfan, CorieLuvzClay, kiwifanofclay, LizinToronto, queenmama247, Clayshines

Yep, that's what they said 800 seat venue, it's apparently sold out and there's lots of men in the crowd tonight! The cellcert won't actually begin until about 8:45. So we have a little bit of a wait still.

It's BEGUN! He just got done with TFN. CRAZYNESS!!!! They all sreaming and screaming!

The water people in front...you're a little to close you know...

anybody done christmas shopping yet...something about a grandma....and how many generations here tonight? oh 3 together? how wonderful! Anybody has 4 generations? I'd have to see your driver's license because I don't believe you....

I'm a contrevery boy.....oh you're just tyring to video tape this aren't you? laughing laughing...oh she's not smart enough to do it? I won't be putting my hand over anybody's mouth tonight it's very rude!!!!! She did apologize. BIG DEAL! Oh my goodness I don't know where I'm going...you got me lost...but I like this!

We've done this Christmas show for a few years now....laughter laughter he must have said or done something funny. I don't know what! He's getting to his bit on MCWL....introduced by my high school choir...quickly became one of my favorite holiday songs....

MCWL now!

lots of laughter..started christmas tour in 2004..this crowd is wild..one of his very favorite songs.. MCWL

Remembering Christmas the way it had been so many seasons go children would reach for their stockings open the presents they found the lights on the tree would shine bright in their eyes reflecting the love all around....he sounds as gorgeous as ever tonight.....strong and beautiful....the stream is a lot clearer this evening!

voice is in fine form again...sounds very upbeat and happy..children will reach for their stockings..love all around.. lordy I just get lost in that voice..close my eyes and I am back in Merrilville.. merry christmas to all.. he sings this with such passion and joy.. merry christmas with looooove..

It's BEGUN! He just got done with TFN. CRAZYNESS!!!! They all sreaming and screaming!

The water people in front...you're a little to close you know...

anybody done christmas shopping yet...something about a grandma....and how many generations here tonight? oh 3 together? how wonderful! Anybody has 4 generations? I'd have to see your driver's license because I don't believe you....

I'm a contrevery boy.....oh you're just tyring to video tape this aren't you? laughing laughing...oh she's not smart enough to do it? I won't be putting my hand over anybody's mouth tonight it's very rude!!!!! She did apologize. BIG DEAL! Oh my goodness I don't know where I'm going...you got me lost...but I like this!

MCWL
Nice change up on Sound....

Talking about going to the spa today. (Need to take a moment to contemplate that one....ha!) Lots of laughs and now he's into MCWL. Sounds wonderful.

Winter Wonderland now.

and all of the shadows of lonely reminders driven away by the sound now a heart that four years had been silent was suddenly filled with a song....

Oh I love this man!!!

merry christmas to all who may dwell here....just one...may the joy of the season surround you marry christmas...merry christmas to all who may dwell here...merry christmas if even just one...may the joy of the season surround you...merry christmas....with love....

I think he's changed it up a little tonight. it sounds different...

With Love....

applause screaming appkuading they're loving it!

right on into winter wonderland!

WOW...the voice on this song is just beautiful...gets me all teary eyed Puttin' on the ritz with this one tonight...cell-stream is good tonight!!! and Clay is making this rendition a fancy one...lots of riffs (is that the right word???) AND he's getting the love in applause!!

merry christmas to all.. merry christmas .. reaching those high notes with no problem..changing up a bit.. sounds great..with lovvvvvvee.. and the crowd errupts in huge applause..lots of screaming ...they love our guy..

In the meadow we can build a snowman…I’d build a snowman with you Clay!

He said something funny just before they went into the song didn’t catch it but I’m sure we’ll know what it was later on!

Am I the only one cellcerting tonight????

he just sounds so playful.. full of energy and fun..he has to be prancing around that stage..showing off his stuff....his voice is spectacular..walking in a winter wonder land .. walking in a winter wonder land...this crowd is really on tonight showing the love in force..

Clay chatting..said someone put something on the stage so he would trip on it and fall in their lap.. talking to a girl from Canada now..Diane..hold on a minute hold on a sec..I am talking to bill..

They are a number of gentleman in the front tonight which is somewhat rare....what's your name sir? Bill? Where are you from? FROM CANADA?

Diane....she's what? what? what are you? hold on a second.....

what's your name?

Sharon....going like this! I am making of fun of you? Huh? What's in this glass? Hold on...I'm a little nervous of this lady right here....

SHE'S TELLING ME MY PANTS ARE UNZIPPED!!!!!!! OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!

You know I appreciate that!

I am a little nervous about this.. listen to this young laday right here.. .hold on a sec.. she told me my pants were un zipped and they are not..lots of laughing

Clay said someone told him his pants were UNZIPPED!!!!! But they weren't...the laughs were tremendous!!!

OMG...unzipped pants of perfection!?!?!?

something major funny Clay did.. I couldn't catch. it..he is talking so darn fast.. Diane did you notice my fly..laughter..Im kidding come on..he was forced to come to the show forced to wear a pin..think it said I love Clay Aiken.. the crowd is crazy ...

Must be doing something at the end of WW - lots of cheering!

Talking to someone in the front, saying they're waiting for him to trip over something. Lots of men in the front tonight. From Canada?! That's not too far. Where? Who? Diane. Hold on. I'm talking to Bill and Sharon is here going... (laughter.) Sharon, I'm making fun of you! She wants me to come right over. What's in that glass?

What's with this young lady right here? That audience is cracking up. Talking about getting fat and being on the AMA's. He got a text msg from a friend that said "the weight looks good on you." What do you do with that?!

Audience is screaming now! Can't understand what he said! He's talking to someone that was forced to come to the show. Audience is cracking up. Something about hot flashes!! Oh, he's ON tonight!!

Holy cow! They're ROTF

OMG OMG OMG OMG

You and Diane have been to how many shows? 15 shows? Did you drag her/him with you?

something about hot flashes? whaaaaaaaaaa?

Enigma? I'm an enigma? I'm just confused about all this? How long have you two been married? He's says 42 she says 41. Ya'll should just be quiet for a second...and you are the one who has been to 15 concerts...and you're the one who is holding video camera now.....excuse me? ....... Merry Christmas to you! laughing laughing laughing.....

chestnuts roasting on an open fire

good lawd! they're still laughing! they can't stop laughing. I can't make out some parts but WOW!!!!!!!

he was dragged to 15 concerts..he is just rattling on so darn fast and the laughter is humongous..something about first love and the crowd is wild..huge laughter....Clay singing now...crowd still laughing no idea what he was doing..

PHEW! I feel like I'm running a marathon here!

*takes deep breaths*

Someone bring me a fan. I'm in major need of one because it's just gotten suddenly HOT in here!

and I'm offering this simple phrase to kids from 1 to 92 although it's been said many times many ways merry christmas merry christmas merry merry chrstimas to youuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu

singing very softly and gentle..cutting out now ..back.. now...many times many ways merrrry christmas .. merry christmas.....to youuuuuuuuuuuuuu.. so beautiful.. lots of applause

have yourself a merry little chrstimas let your heart be light from now on our troubles will be out of sight have yourself a merry little christmas make the yoltide gay from now on our troubles will be miles away here we are as in olden days happy golden days of your faithful friends who are dear to us gather near to us once more.......

calm, peaceful, softness and beauty love it love it love it!!!

HYAMLC now. His voice is beautiful tonight. Great control.

from now on our troubles will be far awayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy held that a while.. voice is sold as a rock covered with velvet icing..shining star from the highest bowllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll.. have yourself a merry little christmas nighttttttttttt...

I'm typing a mile a minute here! I don't think I've ever typed this fast in my life...I'm glad for a small little break here while he gives us HYAMLC

Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas is on now. Stream kinda cutting in and out a teeny bit... But what I can hear he sounds so freakin good!!!!! beautiful note at the end... HEAPS of screaming...

boy he hit that hight note and held it.. some screaming in the crowd.. and he fades away so gently and passionately the crowd is really really showing their love tonight..

(you are so bad! - me too!)

Such a beautiful ending... and the crowd goes nuts!

Sleigh ride now

Crowd is loving this!! He sounded wonderful!

Sleigh Ride is starting up. Giddyap!!

lots of screaming.. Clay had to do something ..again lol..giddy up giddy up lets go....really chipper and bouncy..holding you hand..cheeks are nice and rosey...birds of a feather..boy he is singing fast..

Right on into SR! fun fun fun lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you....

giddy up giddy up giddy up!

darn I'm being called away to grad cheese for our tacos for dinner! Noooooooooo! I must stay here! I have to stay here!

POP POP POP

EEEEEEEEEEE

I love that POP!

he is really pouring it on..working it ...sounds amazing..giddy up giddy up lets go...giddy up giddy up its grand..nice and rosey ..comfy and cozy are we...this is the fastest I have ever heard him sing this song..crowd up and out of control once again..

I'll try to get back quickly everyone!

we're snuggled up together like two birds of a feather would be....

come on its lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you sleigh ride together with you sleigh ride together with you sleigh ride together with you sleigh ride together with you!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
talking about his birthday again.. lady thought he was 29.. crowd awess. .he said still depressing for me..so much noise I can't make anything out..talking to someone ..must be tables ..one empty ..someone didn't show up ..thought it was Josh Grouhan..not him..talking to a man.. are you with someone sir..talking that one lady will come up and make you wife her best friend and next thing you know your sitting back there..

Voice sounds smooth as silk tonight!! Audience is loving it!

Big cheers after SR. Someone is yelling? What? Happy Birthday? Yeah, older and fatter. Lady on the plane thought he was 29....well, it's still depressing for me. I'm only 28. What? It's the pineapple salad that's making me fat?! Audience is laughing and saying Noooo!!

There's a table that's completely empty. They didn't show up. They thought they were getting Josh Groban tix. Nobody here with binoculars? Usually there's someoone in the front row with binoculars.

Maestro? How do you say that? Trying to say different musical terms. Talking about being a teacher and learning fancy I-talian words. Tonight we have a word - Jamie, what is the word for tonight? Doesn't she look lovely? What is formata? (sp?) We don't call on people who are screaming! What? Cheese?! Audience is laughing! I don't think it's cheese. (Oh, no, just lost the connection!!)

told him they do it all the time..talking about his new word.. last night ..another one tonight..word of the night..frow papap..lol..asking if anyone knows what it is..asked man in audience what it was.. he said G..clay said G..in amazement..and the crowd laugh.. said nice guess.. asked who is driving..cause he shouldn't..hear a man yelling something to him..hard to make out..
said you were so young and I was so skinny.. look..word mean to hold the note..lady said..piano lessons for 9 years .. any good he says..bringing her up on stage I think..he said come here..

Okay I'm back for 5-10 minutes! That means I'm more than likely going to miss the rest of the show. ugh!!!!

okay are we....is this for me? oh thank you very much.....just spit it out.....studying piano....how long have you been doing that? are you any good? is your mother here? who paid for 9 years of piano lessons? You can play some right? COME HERE!!!!

Come on! Come on!

wanted to know who has been to another concert..one 3rd.. one 6..Karen...from Liverpool..she is going to take Jessies place on the piano..going to demonstrate the fullmepapa..lol..sounds great.. huge applause...

How are you? ... missed the name. where are you from? Liverpool....okay come here Erin....they're going to demonstrate now with Erin.....are you ready? Mystro! I don't know what they're doing but the crowd is loving it!!!!!

she has been to all three concert so far..MDYK..he asked what the next song was..lol..singing now.

I'm doing these Christmas songs....do you know the next one Erin? Mary Did You Know!

And the crowd goes stunningly silent

when you kissed your little baby you kissed the face of God....

gosh I can't get passed how hauntingly beautiful this song is each and every time

the sleeping child you're holding.....it's cutting in and out a little bit now....

The blind will see
the dead will live again
the lame will lead
the dumb will speak
the prasies of the LAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMB!!!!

He was right on with that note! RIGHT ON!

sounds wonderful..so natural ..effortless..did you know your baby boy..gods perfect lamb..really put his heart into it..very passionate and strong..the praises of the lambbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbb oh my that was great.. and held extra long..crowd screams..did you know your baby boy ...sleeping child your holding..the great I ammmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.....

Applause! Cheering. Screaming! They love it! I love it too!

HTHAS and OCAYF

Hark the herald angels sing glory to the new born....

O come all ye faithful joyful and triumphant....
right into HTHAS..glory to the new born king... peace on earth..christ is born in bethlehammmmm...tempo rising..christ the lasting lord..sounds like he truly is enjoying himself... glory to the new born king..OCAYF...such a perfect blend..come and behold him born the king of angels...adore him..adore him and his is rising ..the lorrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrdddddddddd. he is soaring.. oh comeeeeeeeeeeeeeee the .. whoww...come and behold him.. voice is piercing ..such power.. such beauty.. oh come adore him ocome let ussssssssss adoreee him christ the lorddddddddddddddddddddddddddd.. still holding ..the lorddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddd holy crap ola..the crowd is out of control.. he was amazing...simply amazing...

Good grief this crowd is crazy!!!!!

what are you doing with that phone? oh taking pictures? are they allowed? oh good. they better be...

what are you doing with your phone? what's that? you're doing what?

laughing didn't catch what he just said

okay....a little better....okay....you have called your friends on your cell phone... you have free minutes now right? you have called your friends on your cell so essentially they're listening in free......they're going to see video of this anyways.....the clack I know....

how many people have never been to one of these clay aiken shows before? I'm going to have a seziure....something about mics....

someone is yelling out.... what?

he doesn't know what they're saying!

UGH! Dinner is ready! Catch you all later!

Why must I be tortured this way and get called away!

talking again.. someone taking pictures.. ask are they allowed.. just checking..didn't catch that one.. but got lots of laughs..called her friend on cell phone..and offically you are stealing the show.. is that right..friend getting it for free..is that right.. she said but she can't see..Clack.. I know..someone has never been to a clay aiken show before..looking for some one.. found them..raise hand if have been.. crowd screams..great looking people..brainwashed..huge laughter.. raise hands for the first concert..all he said to her was watch out..lady in back pink shirt black hat .. by end of the night at least two people will have you name, address, work..and these two men will be out of the picture.. gone..

introducing Jessie..good applause.. his third tour with him..sometimes plays the piano sometimes conducts the orc...big hand for him...downsized for this orc..a bit.. angela working with Jamie Fox..and quiana not with him..she is at home with her new born...working into MGCL.. he stole it from her..

He introduced Jesse vVargas, and just said that Angela is out singing with Jamie Foxx while Quiana is at home with her baby getting ready to celbrate his first Christmas.
MGUCL now.

he owns this song now.. he does it so beautifully .. never endddddddddddd.. holding on the notes.. the talent this man has is just mind blowing.. crowd really quiet..enjoying every note every breath he takes and exhales..tempo really rising.. oh my ..this is great..never enddddddddddddddsssss..bit of a change up there very nice ..very nice..now softly closing the song....so gentl..crowd is really lcrazy...

He's doing a beautiful job on MGUCL!! Just awesome! Change ups! Fantastic!! His voice is gorgeous, on and he's using it for all he's got!!!

lot of christmas songs written in the last few years.. DSIAFCD..lot of songs I grew up in church..asking if anyone had a favorite song.. OHN, WC, Emanuel...song of hope..curtis chatman..changed it up a bit ..he heard it two years ago.. without question my very favorite christmas song..... here he goes..Emanuel..

rejoice...rejoice..emanueeeeeeeeelllllllll...shall come to the..iseriallllllll..rejoice..rejoice..emanueeeeeeeeeeel...lordy he sound amazing.. ohhhhhhhhhhh rejoice......rejoiceeee..emanuellllll...I get lost in his voice.....voice is perfect.. now so soft and so smooth...rejoiceeeeeeeee...rejoiceeee...just breathtaking

talking again.. got his start in the arts program..talking about the musicians..very talented..good applause for them.. asking for people to support them and go see them perform in your area..privilaged and blessed to work with these guys..one more time Jessie..since I forgot the other night.. close the show with a great song with an important message..amazing opportunity last few years ...worthy organizations.. BAF..worked with kids with disabilites for years..many and many of you are involved and I do appreciate that.. after school programs.. summer programs..bigger blessing for those without disabilites. to get involved..some camps.. 2 NC ..2 KCMO 1 IN....school programs.. to held include kids with disabilites..privialge to work with UNICEF. .really had no idea what that was..except for children who trick or treat..went to INdosia.. and northern uganda..155 countries around the world..

time of year to think about giving back.. I was 24 when I realized that is more powerful..donations to charities..there are plenty of charities out there.. find one.a lot times we talk about or think about it.. .going into DSIAFCD

Talking about his charities now. Big UNICEF talk.
Thanks to that talk, I wrote my Christmas cheque to UNICEF last night.
music for DSIAFCD starting now....here we goo......

Talking about Bubel/Aiken foundation now (I'm so glad that he's telling everyone about this and all the hard work he does!) and UNICEF.

Segue into DSIAFCD...I feel like we need a soundtrack, don't you!

His voice is so strong and on tonight. That's the wonderful thing about Clay - he just keeps getting better and better..amazing

crowd silent..a little bit of loveeeeeeeeeeeaaa how many people are dieing.. some people are crying..dont save it all for christmas day.. find a way..to give a little love..voice is right on..holidays come and go..give loveeeeeeeeee..oh baby thats a fact...crowd screams.. how many people in this world ..how many people are praying for love...dont save it all for christmas day. .find a way.. to give a little love..he is soaring.. here we go.. hold on to you seats....give...loveeeeeeee loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee..loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.. his voice cracked a bit but he pulled it out beautifully crowd is absolutely wild.. OMG..

The place just erupted!!!!!!!! Clay must have hit the note but the stream is very bad right now so I couldn't tell for sure!!

The cheering and applause is deafening!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

they are still going crazy.. holy gheeezzzzzzzzzzz

Audience is absolutely crazy!!!!

Here it comes...

ALL IS WELL NOW..............

YES

that was wild..here we go...AIW..crowd still screaming..music started.. cutting out..very soft ..there he is..so far so good.. he is right on.. sing aliiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii sing aliiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiluya.......crowd extremely quiet now..all is well ..all is well...lift up you voice and sing.. very low regrister..the managerrrrrrrr.. sing all..............a lu..yahhhhhhhhhhhh voice rising. .all is welllllllllll all is well.. perfect.. lift up your voiceeeeeeeeeeeee and sing.. god he sound beautiful amazing.. astonishing. .born is our lord our savbiourrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr. .singing halllllllllllla lu ya...all is wellllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll he nailed it.. crowd is applauding.. now for the big boy.. born is the emanueeeeeeeeeeelllllllll born is our lord our savior.. singing alll. lu ya.. singing alll a lu ya..all is wellllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll HE FREAKIN NAILED IT AGAIN..

OMG!! He killed it!! He blew the place apart!! Absolute NUTS!~!

CLAY NAILED IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THE PLACE IS WILD...THE CHEERING AND SCREAMING IS ABSOLUTELY DEAFENING!!!!!!! THEY ARE GIVING CLAY ALL THE LOVE THEY HAVE TONIGHT !!!!! BABY WILL SLEEP WELL THAT'S FOR SURE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

YES!!!

ALL IS WELLLLLLLLL.....

ALL IS WELL!!!!!

HE NAILED THE NOTE

MERRILLVILLE: Clay's Best Christmas Performance To Date!

2006-12-03T11:39:00.000-05:00

Clay's encore performance of "All Is Well" at the Merrillville Christmas concert last night was by far his best thus far. Here's the proof:

MERRILLVILLE: Recap

2006-12-03T11:13:00.000-05:00

Clack

ClackUnlimted - Merrillville videos
Clayboard photo thread

From the CB's yaknelle:

There are moments in my life where all the elements come together to make a perfect moment, or as Oprah says that "Aha moment." Last night at the Merriville concert was a moment like that. On this board, I'm more of a commenter than a conversationalist. Something someone says hits me and I respond. Well last night the whole concert hit me. I was feeling bad that I only had one concert to go to this time, as I am somewhat of a concert whore, but I don’t think I could go to another one now, because for me it was the perfect moment. My seats were four rows from the stage way over on the left side of the theatre. Ethyl sat directly in front of me, so Clay tended to work that side a lot. Lucky, lucky me.

Clay Aiken walked out on that stage and there was a power surge. I looked at the hair for the one and only time, because after that I was lost in the power and charisma of the performer. His face, beautiful stubble, and eyes were so alive he glowed. You could see his brain in gear. He knew he was in control, and so did we. I literally enjoyed every moment. His voice soared. I mean the hair on the back of your neck soar. He was funny, and charming and very smart. You could see him take control of the audience. The married couple he singled out had never been to a Clay Aiken concert, after he sang to them they never took their eyes off of him. The older gentleman in front of me became enwrapped in the show, by the end of the evening, he was applauding and smiling and having a wonderful time. My own husband reached out several times and took my hand and held it very tightly, he was carried away with the music. Nobody talked in my little section talked. I mean nobody talked. Everybody listened.

The hands of Clay Aiken sing their own songs. Several times during the performance I was drawn to his hands. He would move them slowly, sometimes just a finger or two, contracting the muscles in them as he held or caressed a note. He used them to stroke the mike stand, yes it was sexual, very. His hands almost stole the show.

His humor was delightful. He was natural and comfortable. He was not mean, or demeaning , and he makes fun of himself as much as he pokes fun at us. The Tina and Anna bit was priceless. The word of the day, crescendo, was hilarious. My face hurt from smiling. It was a good hurt.

As you can tell this is not about how he sang the songs, but more about how the music and joy came out of him to me. I would be amiss, however if I did not mention “All Is Well.” We all knew he had struggled with that final note in Waukegan, and you could feel the moment of waiting for it. The voice started to build toward that note, and everyone who knew held their breath. Ethyl tensed up in front of me. The audience held their applause. The voice exploded, and he landed the jump, made the basket, and kicked the winning field goal. The audience went wild. We all jumped to our feet at once, we were hugging each other, and applauding and applauding and applauding. CRESCENO INDEED.

This time I do not need more than one concert. I’m truly afraid another one would never live up to that perfect moment I had last night. Those of you who have concerts coming I feel so happy for you. Those of you who took a pass on this concert, beg ,borrow or steal a ticket. Those of you who can’t go, I hope my words have helped.

From the CV's momof3boys:

Dear Clay, (and fellow fans)
I want to share a story with you from my experience in Merrillville.
If you recall Clay asked a show of hands from the men in the crowd. There was one man is section 2 that Clay noticed, and made mention that the man's wife pulled up his hand. Let me tell you Clay, the husband was the fan first. Here is the story.

We are in line waiting to be allowed to our seats, As we started talking to the people around us these two are very open to conversation. The husband was an AI fan and fell in love with Clay's voice, Called his wife to watch the show, she became a fan. OK, fast forward to December 2,2006. Never before has this couple seen a live Clay Aiken show, This couple has not followed Clay's career. Just by chance this couple happen to be driving along the road and they see the marquee, spot the beautiful picture of Clay, notice the show is the same night, they walk up to the ticket office and purchase tickets. It was that simple.

Now, the husband had a bit of reservation at first. Let me tell you Clay, the only reason for question on attending, He was dressed in a pair of jeans and did not think he was dressed well enough to attend a symphony Christmas show. We assured him you would not mind.

We fill the couple in on a few things, Tell them (after we found the husband to be a fan indeed) that he had his own "label" he was indeed not a claymate but that he now could be a part of the large group of male Clay Aiken fans. They just smiled.

As the show ended we went to ask them how they enjoyed them self. Well the man was so impressed, speaking high praise for Clay, He kept saying among praise for the beautiful voice that he hopes Clay stays true and humble, that he is a good guy, and we need more like him. The wife; Well she just walked out of her isle in full cry, not just tears, she was crying, If she said it once she said 15 times "I LOVE HIM" You touched her soul Clay, She was in awe.

Well, we didn't disappoint you Clay, At the end of the show we exchanged email addresses to follow up on sending a little Clack there way, And I just happen to have a copy of AIW. (after your statement on stage of saying they are gone I was not willing to give my copy up) Told them to look for that but they might not find it. When we asked if they had your CD the husband said no BUT WE WILL BE GETTING IT VERY SOON.

You are so right Clay, how we bond from the moment we meet, In the isle this woman reached over others to hug us all, As we walked out of the venue we were arm and arm. And I can tell you she was shaking with excitement, still saying I LOVE HIM.

Clay, I so hope you know what joy you bring to so many people, you indeed touch our hearts. As we walked out the couple thanks us, told us that they enjoyed sharing the evening with us, and that they will now keep an eye on what Clay is up to.

I just wanted you to know.
~~~~~~~~~~nancy

From the CH's Pink Armchair:

I wish you could all be here in this hotel lobby -- a lot of excitement, about 50 meers all drinking and laughing, and at least 10 laptops all humming away as everyone uploads.

I hope you don't mind a few quick impressions while they're still fresh in my mind...

This was an unbelievable show from beginning to end. The orchestra was fantastic -- it was a full pops orchestra as opposed to last night's chamber orchestra, the stage was a thrust (down, smutters! *g*) and much bigger (ditto! *g*) and the acoustics were vastly better. In short, last night's Sanka compared to tonight's freshly ground French roast. (Not running down last night's orchestra in the least -- it was just a different thing altogether.) The conductor was a cross between Victor Borge and Rodney Dangerfield if that makes any sense -- some high brow "classical music" humor mixed with some Vegas-y Borscht Belt schtick. Too bad he didn't get to interact with Clay -- that would've been a hoot.

Clay seemed much more relaxed and his voice was, too -- it sounded fuller and richer. As I said on the cellcert, he put extra flourishes on many things, and when he does that, you know it's going to be a good night vocally. And oh boy, was it! He seemed to be taking his time and relishing everything (and who wouldn't, with that incredible orchestra behind him?). And he seems far more comfortable with the concept of his fans and what they do for him and because of him, including (and maybe especially) the "clack," which he really seemed to enjoy snarking about. He seemed happy and proud of his fans, more than I've ever seen him.

I wonder how long he's going to milk the "king of controversy" thing -- it was very funny, and he's certainly making the most of it!

Re "All is Well:" Clay came out with his fingers crossed behind his back and he glanced back at Jesse, then brought his crossed fingers in front of him and looked at us as if to say...well, it was a cross between "Wish me luck!" and "Pleaseohpleaseohplease God, let me nail this!" Everyone all around me was leaning forward, afraid to breathe, almost willing him through it, and you could tell that he knew it. And when the time came, he grabbed the mic stand, planted his feet, squeezed his eyes shut and it just...came out. Wow. It was so gorgeous and so powerful. I heard a lot of gasps, and then everyone simultaneously jumped to their feet, screaming and applauding and jumping up and down (in high heels, no less!). He looked so overjoyed and relieved -- I guess you've probably seen the pictures by now. And we were so happy for him. I don't think I'll ever, ever forget it. Over an hour later, I still have chills.

Okay, so I guess that wasn't my official recap either. *g* Maybe tomorrow...

WAUKEGAN: A Rousing Succcess!

2006-12-02T11:03:00.000-05:00

Every Clay fan has been waiting with excitement for the first concert of Clay's Symphony Christmas Tour, and after reading The Clayboard Cellcert, I must say that it was definitely worth the wait!

The cellcert reporters all gave us our money's worth tonight...reporting the songs Clay sang, the audience's reaction, and the the interaction with the audience from the much chatty and snarky Clay!! Yes, not only do we get to hear 14 beautiful Christmas songs sung with both feeling and emotion by the most gorgeous voice I have ever heard, but we get to take part in a never ending flow of humor coming from a Clay who was most definitely comfortable and happy to be with his fans! It is forever obvious that not only do Clay's fans adore him, but Clay also adores his fans to the nth degree!

If you don't want to know the song program from the concert, stop reading right here. Otherwise here is the list in order of the Christmas songs Clay will be singing at all 18 of his shows:

2006 Christmas Tour Set List:

Christmas Waltz
The First Noel
Merry Christmas With Love
Winter Wonderland
The Christmas Song
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
Sleigh Ride
Mary Did You Know
Hark the Herald Angels Sing
Oh Come All Ye Faithful
My Grown-Up Christmas List
O Come O Come Emmanuel
Don't Save It All for Christmas Day
All is Well (encore)

Of course, each song was sung beautifully and received with loud applause. For songs such as Mary Did You Know, the audience became quiet and listened as Clay softly and reverently sang these songs from a heart of gratefulness.

Clay wore a gray pin striped suit, gray sweater, blue shirt, gray tie, and black boots. His hair was long and combed over to the side. In 3 words...he was gorgeous!

And did Clay ever give us lots of banter. I won't list it all, so be sure to check out The Clayboard Cellcert to enjoy all of the hysterical banter of Clay! At one point Clay apparently showed off his socks because "it was important to the boards"...the socks were striped--possibly green and black!

The cellcert reporters said that Clay was very animated during Winter Wonderland. Can't you just see him waltzing back and forth across the stage, having so much fun with that song!

Clay also took time to talk with a couple, Carol and Jim, who had driven 7 hours from Ohio to see the show. He asked them how long they had been married and they said "41 years", so he said he would do a special song for them. Clay also got onto someone for being on the phone during the show (probably a cellcert reporter)!

I got a kick out of 1inNebraska4clay who said, "My daughter (8) is mad, mad, mad!!! She just told her brother, 'Mom's mean!! She won't let me hear Clay sing too!'" Of course, what Claymate would give up her cell phone to anyone if she was listening to a cellcert!! :)

Clay took the time to thank the maestro and the orchestra, saying that they were so talented and professional.

Before singing My Grown Up Christmas List, Clay talked about Quiana singing it in the past, but then he said that he decided to steal it this year and sing it himself! I'm sure Quiana would have something to say to that!!

Clay also made certain to mention The Bubel Aiken Foundation and UNICEF and his work with them. He said that working with children is so important in this world and that it is good to think about giving not just this time of year, but to remember the children and give to our favorite charities all year long.

For Clay's final song, he came back out and put his jacket back on, and the audience went wild! Then all went quiet, and he sang All Is Well.

As someone said on the Clayboard, Clay was in good voice and a good mood tonight, and he was back in his element. It was a perfect concert with 17 more to go. Yes, all is definitely well.

CLACK LOCATIONS:

Pictures of Concert - The Clayboard-Pics From Tonight's Concert

MP3 of Concert - Clack Unlimited MP3

Video of Concert - Clack Unlimited Video

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, ATDW, All Is Well, Merry Christmas With Love, Invisible

WAUKEGAN: Recaps

2006-12-02T07:42:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Invisible926, zippy888 and ImFeelingItDawg for these gorgeous photos from last night's concert.

Clack

deborah760's concert MP3 is now up at ClackUnlimited.

From the CB's LUVClay26:

I am here so quick because I didn't want to wait around. The roads are like ice rinks now, so I opted to come back to the hotel. So here I am.

Clack report... There were people taking pix and all, but they were really STRICT tonight. The person next to me had her camera taken away and it is the breaks I guess. I got him singing one song and a couple stills that are a lil blurry (2nd row center pit seat, but my camera looks like it isn't super great). You may have seen reports that he was wearing blue (cute on him) shirt, a tie (blanking what color it was and too lazy to pull out the camera), greyish vest, grey and blue striped jacket, black boots, and grey and blue (VERY CUTE!!!) pants. He even showed us he had striped socks. One was blue striped and the other is a different color which my mind is in a haze now.

He was a real stitch tonight. I think he even commented that we were thinking he was too funny or something. I knew a couple moments I was dying of laughter and I'm glad too. I was freaking out the entire time so it calmed me down to enjoy the concert more.

He made not one, but TWO jokes about the boards tonight. I forget the first one at the moment, but the second one he joked that (paraphrasing) we were going to post and say he was so horrible. *sigh* What will we ever do with this dude?

He also joked about his birthday. (It is funny I am commenting on the banter before the music btw.) He said someone said he looked 29. Then said someone texted him saying the weight looks good on him. So he is a, in words something like, heavy 29 year old now. Oh man. He did comment on Ripagate and we all cheered. Said he was being stopped a couple times so people can have their picture taken with him with his hand on their mouth. All I can say is I would like that anytime...picture optional. *shifty eyes*

Midway through the set he took off his jacket and there were MANY catcalls. It was hottness. He said he was kinda rolling his eyes at our reaction. Doesn't get why he is so cute I guess.

He did some speech on Wednesday night church and went on about how he was only 7 and didn't want to go. "Now you are going to say I'm not a good Catholic boy" or something like that he said. He also talked about UNICEF and BAF. I cheered when he said KC (I saw my old crew there! I miss it there) for the camps. He then said good to give this time of year or (good segway) anytime of the year. This was for DSIAFCD. It was awesome.

This review will be more complete when I get my full recap done Sunday. There have been many adventures in "LUV-land." Speaking of which, I think there is a new vocab word. An Enclaybaler. :)

One memory that sticks out in my mind is in "Sleigh Ride" he did the giddy up reins move thingy. If you are reading, thank you Clay. If not, well, to my fellow fans, it was HOTTNESS!!! :D

MDYK made me cry because I just a ball of nerves tonight. I had several BAD anxiety moments today and was in tears part of the day. I was smiling until that song. I felt better after it. "O Emmanuel" was GREAT! He struggled at the end durring AIW. Poor thing. I am praying hard his voice holds up for the tour. He is a great singer beacuse he messed the end of the OCYOF medley thingy. I noticed, but I swear to god if you didn't know the song how he does it normally you would not notice. He of course called himself out. *sigh* It was fine.

So, that was my main impressions so far. In summary, he looked hott when the jacket came off. The new hair was great. he semed to have shaved (Thanks), and just was great. Mic stand action galore during some of the songs too. I will write more in my full recap, but I hope this glimpse was entertaining...

He was awesome. Now tomorrow night is Merrilville. Then that will be it for a lil while.

laters
LUV

edited to add - WAIT I remember the first message board comment now! He made some comment that after he mentioned Alison Lawrence that we all knew all about him from doing background checks on him. Then said we knew info in the message boads and I think that is how the topic of him pulling up his pants showing his striped socks came about. That was funny.

From the CB's Cageme:

From what I can hear on the CH cellstream, the symphony has been playing selections from the Nutcracker Suite. Very beautiful. I'm hoping it stays clear when Clay sings

can hear her talking but she hasn't turned the radio off yet.. can't make anything out

Intermission.

calling another girl.. asked about merchandise..didnt hear an answer cause she had the music on

TRYING TO MAKE CONNECTION TO STREAM....TRYING...

talking to toni now.. said its very exciting.. waiting for clay to come on..conductor made cute comment about clay really nice crowd loved it..

CH stream is reporting a packed venue, symphony was quite good, audience was receptive to symphony.

Also, reporting a strict camera policy, but hoping to get clack.

Says that the orchestra sounds good, quite excellent, place is packed, Ethel is there, orchestra was really happy with audience reaction when the announcement of Clay in second half.
Strict policy on cameras in this place. Spot is there, has aisle seat. Hoping somebody gets something.

talking about all the girls there..lot of fun..ethel lmaking way up and down the aisle saying hi to everyone.. certer sitting next to 3 10yr old boys.. waiting for their reaction to clay..theater extrodinary..gorgeous..white winter land outside..

announced no camera..cell cameras video.. lots of clack gathers there so they are trying.. jojo there..charlotte in the pit..not seen jerome or any security..

THEY DID ANNOUNCE NO PICS, VIDEO....BUT, THERE ARE A BUNCH OF CLACK GODDESSES ARE EVERYWHERE, SO WE WILL HOPE FOR THE BEST!

EVERYBODY IS SOOOOOOOO EXCITED!!!

No souvenirs for sale, programs were free, heh.
saw Clay's bus in parking lot. CNN was playing on his overhead TV.
Beautifulold fashhioned theatre. Lots of CHers present.

1st floor full.. lower balcaony full. .last 10 row of upper empty..and a few on each side empty.. but very good turn out considering the weather.. lots of excitement in the room..

guy behind them keeps asking what is this guys name who is gonna be singing.. he is teasing all of them...

Jesse Vargas just went on stage with scores and is at the piano. Now off stage again.

nothing much going on.. just chatting about who is there and isn't..coming back on stage.. piano player wasn't there before just came out.. everyone from the symphony made it but one..due to the weather..

Mary putting set list for Clay on floor on stage.

black and white flyer with the program with picture of Clay .. thats all they get..

Almost time. Conductor looking like he's ready ( Jesse Vargas?)
They are switching phones now.
babe in a really low cut dress sitting centre front, right in Clay's face, lol
"Should be interesting," she says.

THE EXCITEMENT IS BUILDING.....

soemone talking.. cant hear anything.. or make it out..here we go.. ladies and gentlemen welcome multi plat.recording artist Clay aiken.. my holy goodness they are out of freakin control. they are screaming like crazy.. gray sweater..Sleigh ride

Here he comes gray sweater

WELCOMING OUR MULTIPLATINUM RECORDING ARTIST CLAY AIKEN.....

AND, THE CROWD GOES NUTS...

HE'S ON! HE'S ON! OH MY GOSH!

He's On!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Gray sweater!!!!

Christmas Waltz!

He's on.....Christmas Waltz!
Big screams when he came on.

The audio is very patchy.
I know the certer is so close that she won't be talking but he sounds far away. It breaks up a bit.

board is running so slow.. Clay sound great.. 3.4 time wishing you .. same thing too.. has his rings on.. gray sweater.. hair very long..off to the side.. some major screaming now.. whooooo he did something to get them excited..

Blue shirt, gray sweater .... hair is long ... has his rings on.

Crowd just went wild in the middle of the song.

BLUE SHIRT

GREY SWEATER

VERY LONG HAIR.....

CROWD IS SWOONING....

blue shirt gray sweater gray suit just sang waltz

gray suit, sweater, tie.. blue shirt hair long..major applause after that song.. now singing.. Noel....

The First Noel

HE SOUNDS WONDERFUL....

The First Noel now. Sounds beautiful.

said whoooo he is great.. sound amazing.. lower regrister then bring it up ...let it flow off his lips ..noel noel.. noellllllll noellllllll rising .. born is the king..of Iserial....picking up tempo now..cutting out a bit.. crowd really showing the love..here he goes getting ready to rip.....born is the king born is the kind of iseriaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaallllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll

held note.. crowd screaming wildly

THE LAST NOTES......YUMMMMMMMMM

Wished us a Merry Christmas!

Lots of banter, audience is laughing.

LOTS OF TALK....NOT USED TO SINGING WITH FULL SYMPHONE...CLAY DOESN'T THINK HE IS THAT CLASSY (J/K).....SOMETHING ABOUT THE HAIR.....GETTING LOTS OF LAUGHS AND CHEERS....

Said the lady on the plane thought he was 29. Talking about his birthday yesterday. Everyone is laughing. Asks who agrees if he's 21?

Said he's a little nervous about performing with a full orchestra. Everyone is dressed nice and clean...and he's not that classy. He's a little scared. He doesn't know all the musical terms - just slower, faster...

His hair is not the only thing that has changed in the past year! Audience is howling! Something about his hand, I think...!! Don't jump up and put your hand over his mouth. That's rude! BWAH!

He's talking. Something about his birthday. He asking everyone how old he looks. Says that he is nervous. Isn't that classy. Says the sympany uses big words and he just says louder, faster, softer ....

He says something and lots of laughs. Said something about please don't put your hand on someones mouth ... how rude that is. (Or something like that.)

Now talking about all the snow.

He's talking to the audience and has the ROFL.
Talks about the orchestra being all dressed up and he's "not that classy."
They are killing themselves laughing and he is having a ball.

Yes he's in good voice!

Now talking about not getting that much snow in NC.

clay talking. .about his bd yesterday.. lady on plane thought he was 29.. he says 21. little nervous this evening never performed live with orch before.. you guys are amazing..I m not the classy ..little scared..talking today people were using big words.. and i dont know i just say slower faster louder softer..this christmas not the only thing different this year.this hair is not the only thing that changed this year..don't jump up and put your hand over your mouth.. thats rude..chicago lot of snow..it snowed eveywhere..put him in the christmas spirit..one of the very first songs remember most.. choir teacher..background checks on me etc..what kind of sock I am wearing.. crwod..nuts.. socks black and green..favorite MCWL

He’s very excited about the snow there in Chicago..."lots and lots of snow, " he says because they don’t get much or any of it in NC and it really puts him in the Christmas spirit! Joked about the lady on the plane last night thinking he was 29!

MCWL now.

Oh ... he also said something about his socks and perhaps even showed them what they were?

And ... his voice sounds fabulous!!!!

HE IS VERY CHATTY TONIGHT!!

MCWL NOW....MAY THE JOY OF THE SEASON SURROUND YOU, MERRY CHRISTMAS WITH LOOOOVE....

singing now. .softly .. sound so happy and confident with himself.........I can't even hear the orch..just Clays golden voice.. merry christmas to alll.. with loveeeee..love the way he lets love just roll off his tongue..

Merry Christmas With Love!

MCWL now.
Sounds beautiful!

I just close my eyes and I am there.. his voice is very strong.. and powerful.. with that gentle stroke of finess...whowww.softly fading away.. and the crowd is wild..WWL laughter.. dont know what he did..

Winter Wonderland!

JESSE VARGAS ON THE PIANO...

SOME CHUCKLING GOING ON...I WISH I COULD SEEEEEE!

Even with the cellstream cutting out, he sounds wonderful. Audience is cheering and showing him the love!! Jesse Vargas is on piano.

Winter Wonderland now! Audience is laughing! Sounds like everyone, including Clay, is having a good time!

Winter Wonderland now.

applauding in the song..can just imagine him prancing across that stage..raking in the claymate.. he must really be doing someting cute cause we get squillllllllls of laughter a lot..

He is on top again (of his game) funny showed his socks, cause he knew it was important to the boards

Reports that he was very VERY animated during WWL....messed up his hair during that one....that's what he says....not sure why though

IT SOUNDS AS THOUGH HE HAS SOME LITTLE BITS GOING ON DURING WW.....HOPE WE HEAR ABOUT IT....AUDIENCE RESPONSE IS GREAT....

THEY SAID HE WAS VERY ANIMATED...

MORE CHATTING...TALKING TO SOMEONE IN THE AUDIENCE...JIM IS HERE WITH CAROL FROM OHIO WHO CAME THERE FOR HOURS IN THE SNOW....LOTS OF TALKING TO THEM...

He's talking with a couple from OHIO who drove 7 hours to be there tonight and see him...laughing...awww'ing going...."They are STEALING the thunder," he says! More laughing!

They said he was very animated during WW.

He's talking again. Asking someone who they are there with.
Talking with Carol? Asking how they got there. They are from Ohio and drove seven hours.

Asking the audience question but I can't hear what is being said.

Got onto someone from being on the phone.

taling to jim in audience.. your hear with carol..from Oh..did she pay you to come..she slept the whole way while he drove in the snow..lots of laughter..he is really working this..are you two married.. how long..41 years.. whooo..gonna sing a song just for them.. happy anniversay.. he is singing to them..

Are you too married? How long have you been married? Woo, woo how long??? 41 YEARS! We'll do a song espeically for you tonight...

If I mess up my hair, I'll get in trouble. His focus was on some couple the entire time. He's asking them questions. Carol? Where are you from? Ohio? Seven hours? In the snow? Did she pay you to come? She slept the whole time!

Audience is laughing! Clay says they are stealing his concert. Wanted to know who told them to come? People are hysterical! He's taking pictures while she's asleep. He's an enabler. He's a man or the man? Are you two married? Ooh, how long? 41 years?! Audience cheers! She aint' done talking!

Audience is howling! We'll sing a song for you. Happy Anniversary. Don't make me do any work during this song.

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire....

HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS....SOUNDS KINDA JAZZY....CAN'T HEAR THE MUSIC WELL, BUT CLAY'S VOICE COMES THROUGH SOOOOO SMOOOOOOTH....

The Christmas Song. He is GREAT voice tonight. And a great mood too!

sitting on a stool told everyone to cuddle

Christmas Song! Very romantic and beautiful!

His voice is like buttah!

He was sitting on a stool singing to the couple. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.

Just finished "The Christmas Song" ..... now he is sitting on a stool and singing, "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas".

His voice is like buttah!!!!

He sounds spectacular tonight! Singing for all he's worth. Soft and tender, but so very powerful during HYAMLC!

He sounds like he's really warming up now. Voice is just beautiful. Piano is fantastic. Doing some embellishments. Oh, I've missed him!!! Audience is eating it up!!

Sleigh Ride now...and he's doing the "giddy-up"!!!!!

he looked so beautiful.. he looked so happy.. just wonderful...

Cellcerter said he looks very happy.

SLEIGH RIDE!!!!!

THE GAL SAYS...OMG, HE'S RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME....

SLEIGH RIDE NOW

GIDDYUP GIDDYUP AND CHEEKS ARE NICE AND ROSEY....

SR...he is really upbeat. .and sounds chipper and light as a feather.. imagine him bouncing and gliding acroos the stage.. of he visions...he really is on tongiht..voice is beautiful..these wonderful thing....sleigh bells jingling ..lvoely weather..sleigh ride..really singing fast...giddy up giddy up..its grand holding your hand..checks are nice an rosey...I am rocking in my chair...

do you like my shoes. .I had them shinnedjust for you today.. I knew you would be sitting at my feet.. intro orch..and group of people so wonderful to work with so talented so professiona.. Im not.. I cant read music.. just go with the beat.. laughter.. he said oh thankyou.. you a ticket your here..talking to someone in the crowd.. said he was so comfortable with the group..he is really joking a lot tonight and chattychatty..yelled out in the audience hi how are ya..anyone from waukegan..not much response.. anyone from out of town.. lots of screams

Do you like my shoes? I got them shined today….something about it being the only thing people would see for those sitting up very close….not sure exactly if that’s right or not tho! I could barely care if I’m on key talking more about the orchestra! You don’t have to kiss up for nothing….thank you…thse folks are extremely talented we really haven’t rehearsed much…just a little maybe….I’m feeling very comfortable…a wonderful and talented group of people…been good getting to know everyone.

Talking to somebody... did you know you'd be looking at my feet the entire time?

Give it up for these people right here (applause). Talking about the orchestra, been so great to work with, so talented, so professional, (I'm not) laughing.... I can barely read music... (laughing)... something something... I don't normally sing with orchestra music, there's a number of professionals from around N. Ill, somethingsomething... laughing....

Do you like my shoes? I had them shined today just for you because I knew you'd be looking at my feet the entire time. You're really close! Asking the audience to clap...I think for the orchestra. Introducing the maestro and saying how talented, professional, he's not. He can't read music, can barely tell if he's on key....audience boos. He stops. Well, thank you. You don't have to kiss up or nothing. Thank you.

Folks are extremely talented. No rehearsal except for a short run-through this afternoon. He's feeling very comfortable. Bunch of professionals from northern IL. Based in Zion. Audience cheers. Yeah, Zion! He's funny tonight. Anybody left in town right now? Anybody from Waukegan? If you're from town, spending the night, there's going to be a sing-a-long in Zion.

Don't sing tonight. Let him sing. He'll entertain us and then you can sing tomorrow. Go support music in your community. That's how he started.

Took off his jacket. Audience is cheering!

he took off his jacket and the crowd when nuts.. he rolled his eyes.. said he gained some weight..getting stool out.. lots of laughter

Saying he had his shoes shined so the front row could look at them all night.

Getting for the symphany now. Talking about them and giving them their spotlight time.

Said someone was trying to kiss up to him and he said, "you don't have to kiss up to me ... you already have tickets, you're here." HAHA!

Promoting something that is going on locally over the weekend. (So sweet.)

Let me entertain you tonight and they can entertain you tomorrow.

Oh ... big cheers ... he took off his jacket!!!!!! Says he is gaining weight or something like that. Says he looks like he is an overweight 29 yr old.

Sitting back on the stool.

MDYK!

From the CB's DontBotherImLost:

I just came back from Waukegan and I live in Northside Chicago. I went with my parents. The drive to Waukegan was long because didn't take the I-94 instead we took US-41. It was really long and didn't have many street lights. We got there around 6 and we had dinner at a Chinese restaurant within the vicinity of the theatre. I saw one of the orchestra members there and it was the guy who played the french horn.

After dinner, we went to park our car at the parking garage across the street from the theatre. We went in. I saw that they weren't selling any merchandise. It was very small and compact. They had two lounges. I've got to say that a lot of people were getting lost just to get to the restroom. I've had to point out at point while talking to somebody on my cellphone were the men's restroom was. My parents and I sat in Orchestra Left about 10 to 12 rows to the last row.

The show started at 8. There were a few stragglers who entered during the chamber orchestra's performance. I thought that the orchestra's performance was good. I thought that the pieces they played were just right. At times, I thought that the cello and bass section were off a tiny bit. The conductor was very good. They played Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite, Mannheim Steamroller, and another one which I can't remember. The conductor's wife had her solo during one of the Mannheim Steamroller piece's which I believe was the Holly and the Ivy. They also played Greensleeves. After the Nutcracker Suite, the chamber orchestra was finished.

There was a brief intermission.

Clay came on and everybody was just loud and excited. I can't really describe it. He was wearing a greyish jacket that was over a grayish vest with a blueish shirt with a tie. His pants were the same color as the jacket and he was wearing black shoes. He came on and he sang The Christmas Waltz. After that he went on to sing The First Noel. After he finished The First Noel, my dad commented that Clay was good live. My dad has never seen Clay. So yea. There was banter after The First Noel. He talked about his birthday. How somebody commented that he looked like he was 29 but he thought that he looked like he was 21. He also talked about how he wasn't used to the snow and that Raleigh didn't get that much snow. He talked about how he has never performed with an orchestra. He said that most of the time the band usually followed him. He talked about how the orchestra was nice and classy that he wasn't. He also mentioned how he didn't know the musical terms for when it got softer, louder, faster, slower and etc. Softer is diminuendo and faster is crescendo. I've learned some of this in my music theory class. Anyways, he talked about how his hair changed then he got into the subject of putting his hand on people's mouth. He talked about how people in the airport wanted a picture with him with his hand over their mouth. He talks about Allison Lawrence, his choir teacher, how she got him to remember one of his very first Christmas songs something along the lines of that. He said how the messageboards knew everything about him. So he lifted up his leg pant and showed his socks. I didn't quite see what he socks he had on because the person in front of me was block me. Then he sang Merry Christmas With Love. He sounded really great during MCWL. He sang Winter Wonderland after that. After singing the song, he said that he was distracted by this lady who had her cellphone and she was calling people telling them that she was seeing Clay. Something like that and how her husband was holding the cellphone. He then questioned the lady what her name was and who was the guy. The guy was her enabler. She said that they came from Ohio and it took them 7 hours to get to Waukegan. She said that they have been married for 41 years. They spent their last anniversary at Meadeville. The husband also mentioned how when they were driving to Waukegan, the wife was sleeping. He said that the next song is for you and don't make the guy do anything just listen. He sang the The Christmas Song sitting on the stool.
After that he sang, Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas. He then sang Sleigh Ride and he was really upbeat. He was making motions as if he were on a sleigh and steering the horses. Yeah!

After that he talks to a lady who was sitting in the front row. He comments on how she was really close to him and how she was so close to his shoe. He said that his shoes have been shined. He talks about the orchestra. How professional they were and how they had special guests performing in the orchestra. The orchestra was from Zion, Illinois. He said that the orchestra was going to have something going on at a church and there was a sing along Messiah thingy going on there. Then somebody from the crowd said something and he said don't sing tonight, let me sing. I know it's something along the lines of that because it was right after mentioning the Messiah event. He took off his jacket and put it on the mic stand. Then he commented about how he had gained weight. After that he sang Mary Did You Know sitting on the stool again. It was really good and the ending was just wow. He sang Hark the Herald Angels Sing/ O Come All Ye Faithful after. Wow. The end note on that was just ahhh!!!!

After singing that he talks about David Foster who wrote this song and that somebody has been singing in the past 2 years. He was talking about Quiana and how she's been singing the song in the past. He talks about taking it from her and singing this time around. He sounded beautiful and his voice was very strong during this song.

He talks about what his favorite song is at the moment. He talks about it has changed over the years. He also comments on a person sitting near the front and she had binoculars. I don't know what was going on there. He then asked Jesse if he knew the church version of O Come O Come Emmanuel. Jesse didn't know. So Clay talked about how this was his favorite song and that he did it last year. It was arranged by Steven Curtis Chapman, a new version of it. The out of nowehere Jesse starts playing on the piano what seems to be the church version of the O Come O Come Emmanuel. Clay mentions something that he doesn't know what type of music that is. The conductor comments that it is a Gregorian Chant. The Gregorian Chant by the way is the basis for most church songs. He sings O Come O Come Emmanuel. I think it was better performance than the one I heard on GMA. But yea.

After that he starts talking charities. He mentions BAF and Unicef. He talked about during Halloween, he collected money for Unicef. I wanted to yell Toga Treating during this because I did that this Halloween. I'm part of the Illinois Junior Classical League which is about the Latin/Greek language. We collected money for Unicef and dressed up in togas. So about the concert, sorry I veered off-topic. He talked about there were some peopel in the audience who helped out with BAF. He talked about the summer camps in Kansas City and Raleigh. He mentioned that there was also a summer camp in Gary, Indiana. During the talk about charities and such, he mentions giving to other people. He then says that it was a nice segue for Don't Save It All For Christmas Day. OMG. This is one of my fave Christmas songs ever. I died during this part to how amazing he was.

He leaves the stage and he leaves his jacket on the stool. he comes back for the encore which is All Is Well. I've got to say that it was good. It was more than good. It was great. No words can describe to how amazing it was. But it was just great. Then it was done after he sang the song.

There was a part in the show were he was talking about the shows and this was his third time doing it. He asked the audience if they had gone to the previous ones. The first year, second year, and both years. Yeah!

Right after the show, I had to leave because my dad had work early in the morning. On the way to the parking garage, my dad was humming All Is Well. I was glad that my dad liked seeing Clay as this was his first time. My mom seemed to be happy seeing Clay. I was really happy that I went and I didn't cancel because of the snow. I just wished that Clay sang a Jim Brickman Christmas song because that would've rocked. I mean the very first year, they included Sending You A Little Christmas. I'm happy that he at least sang Don't Save It All For Christmas Day.

I have to go to sleep now. I've got to do laundry in 5 hours. Really tired now. Good night!!!

WAUKEGAN: Clay Is "In Da House"!

2006-12-01T18:08:00.000-05:00

Tonight is the beginning of Clay's long awaited Christmas tour. It begins in Waukegan, Illinois in the Genesee Theatre, and according to BOUNCER15 at The Clayboard, butterfyshine at Clayversity has confirmed that "Clay is in da house"! Part of her conversation with a theater worker is as follows:

very nice lady: Hello, Genesee theatre

me: Hi, i know you must be answering this question all day long, but tonights show is still a go right....

very nice lady: (small laugh) yes, i have been answering that question all day, but yes he is in the house right now, the show will go on....

me: have you met him? you should he is a very nice guy

vnl: no, I am not allowed to do that

me: well, if you have the opportunity you should

vnl: laughs, I am not allowed....

me: thank you, i know you have answered that question 2 millions times today

vnl: laughs....at least that many....
me: well, thank you and have a nice night

vnl: you too, enjoy the show....

It is great to know that Clay made it safely there, and now let's hope that all those attending the show will arrive safely as well.

Stay tune for lots of clack tomorrow!

WAUKEGAN: Christmas Tour Kicks Off TONIGHT!

2006-12-01T18:07:00.000-05:00

In less than 2 hours, Clay will kick off his first and only tour of the year. The Christmas tour will open tonight at Waukegan, IL's beautiful Genesee Theatre at 8 PM.

As usual, the boards will be hosting cellcerts. Don't forget to tune into these cellcerts.

CDD will be continuously updating our special Christmas tour blog throughout the rest of the month. Starting tomorrow, we'll be featuring various goodies on the blog including:

Concert recaps
YouTube clips
Photos/Photo albums

GENERAL: Fanclub Email About Christmas Tour

2006-11-29T20:59:00.000-05:00

The Official Fanclub sent an email today reminding everyone of the 2006 Christmas tour which will kick off in Waukegan, IL this Friday.

Clay will be making some special appearances with a select number of symphonies and orchestras for special holiday shows in the month of December. These are not the Joyful Noise concerts of the past two years. For these shows, Clay is joining local orchestras for a special performance, many of which are part of the host orchestra's concert season. Each of these concerts in December will open with the host orchestra performing and then Clay will join them to perform the final hour of holiday favorites.

Date Location Venue

12.01.06 Waukegan, IL Genesee Theater

12.02.06 Merrillville, IN Star Plaza Theatre

12.04.06 Verona, NY Turing Stone Casino

12.05.06 Engelwood, NJ Bergen PAC Center

12.06.06 Baltimore, MD Lyric Opera House

12.07.06 Norfolk, VA Scope Arena

12.09.06 Williamsport, PA Community Arts Center

12.10.06 Wilkes Barre, PA FM Kirby Center

12.11.06 Easton, PA State Theatre

12.12.06 Hartford, CT Connecticut Convention Center

12.14.06 Greenvale, NY Tilles Center for the Arts

12.15.06 West Point, NY Eisenhower Hall

12.16.06 Red Bank, NJ Count Basie Theatre

12.18.06 Detroit, MI Orchestra Hall at the Max Fish

12.19.06 Grand Rapids, MI Devos Hall

12.21.06 Jacksonville, FL Moran Theatre

12.22.06 Charlotte, NC Blumenthal Performing Arts Center

12.23.06 Greensboro, NC War Memorial Auditorium

Date	Location	Venue
12.01.06	Waukegan, IL	Genesee Theater
12.02.06	Merrillville, IN	Star Plaza Theatre
12.04.06	Verona, NY	Turing Stone Casino
12.05.06	Engelwood, NJ	Bergen PAC Center
12.06.06	Baltimore, MD	Lyric Opera House
12.07.06	Norfolk, VA	Scope Arena
12.09.06	Williamsport, PA	Community Arts Center
12.10.06	Wilkes Barre, PA	FM Kirby Center
12.11.06	Easton, PA	State Theatre
12.12.06	Hartford, CT	Connecticut Convention Center
12.14.06	Greenvale, NY	Tilles Center for the Arts
12.15.06	West Point, NY	Eisenhower Hall
12.16.06	Red Bank, NJ	Count Basie Theatre
12.18.06	Detroit, MI	Orchestra Hall at the Max Fish
12.19.06	Grand Rapids, MI	Devos Hall
12.21.06	Jacksonville, FL	Moran Theatre
12.22.06	Charlotte, NC	Blumenthal Performing Arts Center
12.23.06	Greensboro, NC	War Memorial Auditorium

CHARLOTTE: Sellout #3!

2006-11-24T17:04:00.000-05:00

On the heels of Clay's other two sell-outs in Red Bank, NJ and Verona, NY, Clay's Charlotte, NC concert scheduled for Dec. 22 is now officially sell out #3.

Congratulations Clay!

For the latest on the 2006 Christmas Tour, please head on over to our tour section.

EASTON: Clay in Easton State Theatre's Christms Brochure

2006-11-22T21:04:00.000-05:00

With all the hoopla the past few days, we've neglected coverage of the Christmas tour which is scheduled to kick off in less than 2 weeks.

The CB's JesBen posted this scan from a brochure sent out by the Easton State Theatre in Easton, PA where Clay will bring his symphonic Christmas tour on December 11.

VERONA: Sellout Confirmed By Venue

2006-11-12T12:39:00.000-05:00

Clay is adding a second sellout to his name! It's been officially confirmed that Clay's December 4 concert in Verona, NY is officially sold out! The CH's Dance4Me reports:

We went to Turning Stone tonight for Ruben's concert which was cancelled about 1.5 hours before showtime.

The Casino is passing out trifolds of their November and December concerts. Clay is on the cover with Dolly Parton and Jewel. Inside the brochure is a listing of 22 concerts, with pictures of performers. Clay is one of three listed as SOLD OUT. I was told they actually have a few singles left, but it is a sell out for them. They also were playing videos & Invisible and The Way were in rotation.

DETROIT: Tickets Selling Fast

2006-11-05T15:39:00.000-05:00

Clay's Detroit Christmas concert is the bestselling concert for the Detroit Symphony this holiday season according to their website. With one sellout and this, we're pretty sure this tour will be another smash.

RED BANK: Concert a Sell Out!

2006-11-03T16:34:00.000-05:00

Congratulations Clay! Red Bank, NJ's Count Baise Theatre has officially announced that Clay's December 16 concert is SOLD OUT.

For more information, go to the Count Baise's website.

HARTFORD: Newspaper Advertisement

2006-10-29T16:04:00.000-05:00

The Hartford Courant published this big ad for Clay's December 12 Hartford concert in today's issue. Thanks to the CB's clayneticut for this scan.

GENERAL: Set List For Christmas Tour Revealed?

2006-10-24T17:09:00.000-04:00

The Hartford Symphony has published a set list for Clay's December 12 Hartford, CT Christmas concert. There is nothing new in the setlist, but it's exciting we get to hear these Clay Christmas classics live once again.

No news on whether this setlist will be used for ALL of this year's Christmas concerts:

Sleigh Ride
Winter Wonderland
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
A Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)
Christmas Waltz
Merry Christmas With Love
What Are You Doing New Years Eve?
Hark The Herald Angels Sing/O Come All Ye Faithful
The First Noel
Mary Did You Know
My Grown Up Christmas Last
Don't Save It All For Christmas Day
O Come O Come Emmanuel

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, ATDW, American Idol, Without You, Invisible

WAUKEGAN: Win Concert Tixs From Lake County News Sun!

2006-10-21T14:32:00.000-04:00

The Lake County News Sun is giving away tickets to Clay's December 1 Waukegan, IL Christmas concert! Here's the scoop from the News Sun's website.

Note the part I've bolded in red - there's a rumour going around that this concert is a near sellout! What a fantastic way for Clay to kick off this year's Christmas tour! Congrats Clay!

Free tickets to winner of 'I love Clay Aiken' contest

October 21, 2006
Are you a registered-in-good-standing citizen of Clay Nation, the band of worldwide devotees who adore singer Clay Aiken and his music? Then you probably already know about the former "American Idol" celeb's concert in Waukegan on Dec. 1.

But in case you're worried about not getting a ticket to the Genesee Theatre event -- there are rumors of a sellout -- we have a deal for you.

We just happen to have two tickets and we're going to give them away.

All you have to do is tell us in 100 words or fewer why you, above all others in the world, deserve these tickets.

Send your entries to Clay Aiken Contest in care of the Lake County News-Sun, 2383 N. Delany Road, Waukegan, Ill. 60087 or e-mail your entry to IloveClay@scn1.com. Or drop off your entry at our office.

Make sure you list your name, address and telephone number and be prepared to pick up the winning tickets at The News-Sun the week before the concert.

We'll publish the winning entries and pictures of the winners on the morning of Nov. 25. Entries close on Nov. 22.

You're allowed multiple entries, but each one must be submitted separately.

The staff of pixies (and one old troll) at the "3 Things" department here at the News-Sun will be the sole judges.

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, ATDW, American Idol, Without You, Invisible

Coming Soon

2006-09-12T17:18:00.000-04:00

CDD's extensive tour coverage is coming soon. Stay tuned for more information!

Photo Albums

2006-09-01T17:10:00.000-04:00