The Clay Factory

THE CLAY FACTORY IS MOVING!!!

2008-10-09T18:50:00.003-04:00

THE CLAY FACTORY WILL NOW BE LOCATED HERE!
THE NEW CLAY FACTORY LINK!
NOW YOU CAN DISCUSS NEWS WITH OTHER FANS! PLEASE TELL EVERYONE YOU KNOW ABOUT THE MOVE!

ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS REGISTER TO BECOME A MEMBER!

Clay Blogged!

2008-10-04T14:10:00.001-04:00

According to OFC members, this blog is allowed to be posted in other places so here it is for your reading pleasure! It's Lovely!

Killing the elephants in the room.
10/03/08
What a week or so this has been. In fact, it's just been two weeks since I started back to the Spam. Jerome and I were just talking the other day, though, about how the past two weeks have felt like a month. So much routine to get back into and yet so much routine and consistency to break. No doubt, many of you have been going through quite a bit over the past week or so yourselves. What a bunch of headline news we have had in the past 10 days! Wall Street falling to it's knees. Congress propping it back up. Two debates. Hijackers in Somalia. New leaders in South Africa and Japan. You'd think with all of the important events going on in the world, there would be plenty to fill up the pages of America's newspapers, websites and blogs without the need for information on the private lives of the country's singers and entertainers. But, alas, thats never the case. In fact for the last five years, I've found what seems to have been an inordinate amount of interest (not from the public, but from the media) in my own personal life. The questions never seemed to stop. Oh sure, they die down for a period, but they resurface. The wind blows another direction, and I do yet another interview worried that my personal life will become a topic of discussion. No doubt the birth of Parker would bring the same scrutiny, just heightened. It's an interesting time we live in. Gone are the days when entertainers could go about their lives without the invasion of privacy that we now see everyday in the form of paparazzi and internet tabloid bloggers. So, in the hopes of being able to sing and act (and dance poorly) and do what I love to do for a living while raising my son in a hopefully more private and accepting environment, I chose to go ahead and confront things head on. Yes, I would have preferred to separate my personal life from my professional life. I would have been just as happy to go on without discussing my orientation. But, it seems like that was not an option. Make no mistake, its not because I am ashamed. No, not for a minute. I haven't always been as comfortable as I am now, but I am without a doubt, proud of who I am and make no apologies for it. Instead, I would have been happy to have kept my personal life private for that very reason. Because it's personal life and I have always considered myself a private person. But, living as myself without discussing my sexuality publicly would have been as impossible. One chance to expose the truth would have been a payday for any greedy opportunist.

I went to American Idol, much like many of us did "back in the day". Naive. Unlike the contestants who join up today, we had no idea of the power and pull of Idol when we signed on. (I'm sure many of us season two folks like to think we are the reason the show got so big!!! ;-) ) There I was two months off of the biggest show in the country, sitting at a table with a reporter from Rolling Stone who was asking me every single question I would never think of. Twenty-four years old in the rest of America is a LOT younger and more naive than twenty four years old in the media business. So when this guy started asking me about things that I didn't really know how to answer for myself... things that I was not yet ready to admit to folks like my mother and my family.... things that I found intimidating and invasive, I responded in what I assumed was a benign way at the time. I attempted to "out spin" a professional. I wasn't as good as I thought I was. But, I have no regrets. The truth is, I don't apologize for the responses I gave to that reporter or any reporter over the past five years. I did make every attempt I could after that one interview to never say "I am not gay" or "I am straight". And I never said either. (some interpreted my vague answers to mean that... but I never said either) Some will say thats misleading. In truth, it might be defined that way. But, a better definition and a more accurate way to describe it for me, is a redirection and an attempt to change the topic to something that matters more. For some of you it won't be enough, but I can't apologize for keeping my personal business to myself. If someone feels that they were mislead, I can totally understand that viewpoint and apologize for that feeling, but I can't apologize for how I handled questions that affected me and my right to privacy.

In my opinion, sexual orientation is ALWAYS a private thing. I think the OVERWHELMING majority of people agree with that. Why in the world should someone's sexual orientation be a news item? Why should anyone care? Yet, for all we espouse as a society about tolerance and open mindedness we forget to allow folks the opportunity to be who they are without judgement. Making a decision to come out to family is a difficult and heavy decision. But, for every young man or woman who is struggling with it, it should be a decision that is made on his or her own schedule ONLY. It's never acceptable for anyone to make such a decision for anyone else nor to coerce someone to take such a significant step before they are ready. Not a friend, not a stranger, not the media. So, I waited until the time was right for me. For that I can't apologize either.

There are plenty of you who have anticipated this blog in hopes that I would "set the record straight" or "admit to lying for five years and apologize for it". For that small group of people, I am afraid I will have to disappoint you. My decisions over the past five years have been made with lots of deliberation and at times even heartache. Always with concern for folks who might feel mislead. Don't doubt that. But they have also been made as an attempt, not to hide my true self, but instead to allow myself the same liberties and rights that every single gay man and woman in the world should have... the right to determine for myself when I was ready to discuss my personal life. In as much as that, at times, was interpreted as misrepresentation, I feel badly. But I reserved that right for myself and I can't say I regret it.

I have endeavored over the past several days to allow folks to vent and express themselves as freely as possible without restriction on these message boards. There is no way to change a person's mind when you tell them they are wrong. We all, when backed into a corner, have a human instinct to swing. Having different feelings and opinions and viewpoints are only natural. The only way to deal with that is to accept everyone's right to disagree, and allow them to discuss their feelings. I always have, and I always will. That said, it hasn't been, nor do I imagine it will be, my intent to make the message boards or the OFC a clearinghouse or discussion zone for sexuality or such topics. I hope we can always continue to discuss the same things we have always found important. The need for inclusion for children with disabilities. The desire to make sure every child in the world has access to their basic needs for survival. And any other topics that will make our neighborhoods, our regions, our country and our world a better more acceptable place (where that relates to issues involving sexuality, I hope we are able to advocate, at those times for the acceptance of others)... and I hope we will all still use the message boards for the lively discussion of the need for better entertainment and music in the world!!!! ;-) That said, as of this posting, I have asked the moderators to archive the thread regarding the People magazine article and close it from discussion. For those of you who are still struggling, I encourage you to continue to talk to your friends and neighbors and fellow OFC members in the thread devoted to such support. It is not going to be as easy as accepting something over night, but I believe that we are on the right track. The moderators will resume their regular duties of moderating the boards in the fashion that they did prior to last week, and I (and hopefully all of us) will resume our routines in the same fashion as well. Talking about music, talking about potential tours and other performances and appearances, talking about me forgetting my lines of tripping on stage in Spamalot, and discussing with our friends how many times we have seen the show and will see it! (And... looking forward to the announcement of out Playbill contest winner!!!)

Finally, I will say that, also representative of most every other gay man and woman in the world, that I am not defined by my sexuality. No more so than each of you are defined by your sexual orientation. No more than a man or woman is defined by race or ethnicity. It is, simply, a small facet of the same person I have always been. Most of you realize that nothing has changed. I hope to continue being able to entertain you in the same way I have for the past five years. And I hope you will allow me to continue to inform you of the causes that I find important and entertain you with the music and performances I love. For I love and cherish you all. Yesterday, now and forever.

c

Clay Media Download Link!

2008-09-28T13:23:00.003-04:00

If you'd like to download all the recent media recent days involving Clay then CLICK HERE to visit CLACKUNLIMITED which has all the download links!

Good Morning America Part Two

2008-09-28T13:19:00.001-04:00

Sorry for the delay on this! I had a hard time finding it on YouTube.

Good Morning American Part One

2008-09-25T21:27:00.000-04:00

People Magazine Scans

2008-09-25T21:05:00.009-04:00

Clay Aiken Coming Out

2008-09-24T09:21:00.000-04:00

E!Online article!

Clay Aiken is joining the ranks of the out and proud.

The unlikely heartthrob, whose Southern gentlemanliness has made the young'uns love him and their moms want to pinch his cheeks, has revealed that he is gay in an upcoming cover story for People magazine, on newsstands Friday.

So whether you're saying "Huh?!" or "About time!" this is the new state of the Claynation.

"We can confirm that Clay Aiken and his son are featured on the next issue of People" the magazine confirmed in response to questions about its leaked cover, which boasts the pullout quote: "Yes, I'm gay."

"It was the first decision I made as a father," Aiken says. "I cannot raise a child to lie or to hide things. I wasn't raised that way, and I'm not going to raise a child to do that."

The 29-year-old pop star's sexuality came under increased scrutiny when he admitted to fathering a child with fiftysomething Jaymes Foster, sister of famed music producer David Foster.

Parker Foster Aiken was born Aug. 8 in North Carolina, with Aiken writing on his blog that all families involved were "thrilled."

In this week's issue, the born-again crooner acknowledged that revelations regarding his sexuality may be difficult for some in his fanbase.

"Whether it be having a child out of wedlock, or whether it be simply being a homosexual, it's going to be a lot," he says.

Aiken, who last week reprised his role as Sir Robin on Broadway in Monty Python's Spamalot, added however that he hopes his fans "know that I've never intended to lie to anybody at all. ... But if they leave, I don't want them to leave hating me."

As for how his own family dealt with the news, the onetime American Idol runner-up admitted dropping the bomb on his mom four years ago when they accompanied his younger brother, Brett, to camp Lejeune before the latter deployed to Iraq.

"I started crying in the car," Aiken recalled. "It was dark. I was sitting there, thinking to myself. I don't know why I started thinking about it ... I just started bawling. She made me pull over the car and it just came out."

And while it took some time, he said his mom eventually learned to accept her son's sexuality.

"She started crying. She was obviously somewhat stunned. But she was very supportive and very comforting," Aiken notes. "She still struggles with things quite a bit, but she's come a long way."

The singer stressed that it was necessary for him to own up to what everybody kind of already knew for Parker's sake, so his son can be raised in an atmosphere that is "accepting and allowing him to be happy."

Said Aiken: "I have no idea if he'll be gay or straight. It's not something I'll have anything to do with, or that he'll have anything to do with. It's already probably up inside the code there. . .No matter what the situation you're in, if you're raised in a loving environment, that's the most important thing."

Clay comes out in People Magazine!

2008-09-23T17:25:00.003-04:00

Clay has officially come out of the closet in the new edition of People Magazine! He also talks about his decision and about Parker!

Click Here to read the PerezHilton article
Click Here to read the Huffington Post article

More coming ASAP!

New Clay Message board for the younger fans!

2008-09-23T12:24:00.001-04:00

A new message board called The Young Claynation is designed for the younger Clay fans!
CLICK HERE to check it out!

Spamalot Clack!!!

2008-09-21T14:15:00.003-04:00

Clay's second night is Spamalot was just as successful as ever as an enormous crowd gathered outside the stage door. Pictures from the curtain call and outside the stage door are posted HERE on the Clay Factory MySpace.
Here is a video taken by a fan from outside the stage door:

SPAMALOT! + Blog

2008-09-20T11:30:00.002-04:00

As you all know Clay opened up once again in Spamalot as Sir Robin with great success! I have posted many pictures from curtain call and from outside the theater door for your viewing pleasure on MySpace! CLICK HERE to see them!
Clay has also posted up a new blog on his website! If you are an official member of the Clay Aiken fan club you can view it HERE!

A Tale of Two Cities

2008-09-20T11:18:00.003-04:00

The musical "A Tale of Two Cities" opened up on Thursday with many people in attendence including our very own, Clay Aiken.
CLICK HERE to watch a video of Clay at the opening of "A Tale of Two Cities"
All the photos from the even can be viewed HERE at the ClayFactory MySpace!

BAF-UPDATES!

2008-09-20T11:11:00.002-04:00

LIFE IS GOOD

I have chosen several items from the Life is Good line of products that I thought most people would like to buy for themselves or as gifts for someone celebrating a birthday, a graduation or as a 'thank-you' or 'anytime' gift.

These items are from the Life is Good standard line of products and do not include any reference to The Bubel/Aiken Foundation or the inclusion mission.

To place an order, please email me at Npalbo@aol.com with what you'd like to purchase along with your full name, address, and email address. Please use LIG in the subject line of your email.

I can accept Paypal payments, personal checks or money orders only; no credit cards. Checks should be made payable to Nancy Roseen. A check will be sent to The Bubel/Aiken Foundation on a weekly basis until the fundraiser has ended.

Once you have sent an email with your order, please wait for an acknowledgement from me, which will include shipping charges. I will ship via standard first class mail, unless you specify that you require the items more quickly.

The amount sent to The Bubel/Aiken Foundation will be 50% of what you pay for your items (not including shipping). For example; if you purchase a beach towel for $35, $17.50 will be sent to the Foundation. If you have questions regarding this fundraiser, please email me at the address above.

Only items purchased from me, from my page will count toward this fundraiser. Items purchased from the Life is Good website cannot be applied to the amount raised for this event.

I'm excited that the kind people at Life is Good have given me this opportunity to raise money for my charity of choice,
The Bubel/Aiken Foundation

Thank you for your support.

www.bubelaiken.org

www.lifeisgood.com
CLICK HERE TO SEE LIFE IS GOOD FUNDRAISER PRODUCT PAGE

____________________________________________________________________

Time For The Inclusion Charity

Time 4 Inclusion

Do you have the time to help out? Everyone needs a wardrobe of watches for their collection, and to match each and every outfit, so this is an excellent way to start that out. The following fundraiser has been approved and listed on the Clayboard.

APPROVED BAF FUNDRAISING PROJECT

The SCRR Beta Alpha Bears proudly announce their project: Time 4 Inclusion, we offer a Wrist Watch with text on the back of watch face reading "Everybody Counts". There will be 300 made and cost is $25.00 (includes shipping and handling). We are donating 10 to BAF for their use.

All profits after the cost and shipping goes to BAF. The first 100 watches sold will cover the manufacturing and shipping and handling, the remaining income from the other 200 watches ALL GOES TO BAF. So that means after 100 watches have sold, every penny GOES TO BAF.

For Paypal: scrrbabs@gmail.com (Checks make payable to BAF, email Marilee at at either addy listed for her mailing address.
mrussell61@hotmail.com
Coordinator: Marilee Russell
Beta Alpha Chapter: SCRR Beta Alpha Bears

The Time 4 Inclusion wrist watch with "Time 4 Inclusion" and the TBAF logo on the face and "Everybody Counts" engraved on the back is a "timely" project to raise awareness about inclusion. All proceeds support TBAF.

Broadway Cares!

2008-09-18T11:56:00.003-04:00

You and a guest will receive VIP House Seats to see the return of Clay Aiken in the Tony Award-winning musical, SPAMALOT. After the show, you’ll go backstage where he will give you a special behind-the scenes tour. You will also have the opportunity to have your photo taken with Clay and get his autograph. Go home today with a SPAMLOT poster, autographed by Clay and the cast when he was in the show earlier this year.

CLICK HERE for more information!

Clay Sighting in NYC. SPIKES?!?

2008-09-18T11:56:00.001-04:00

All of this brought to you by The ClayBoard!

Nikki (Claysbabygurl) and NJSoccer00 saw Clay last night exiting the theater(posted it in the OFC sightings thread)....after last night's performance and after stage door, i think, apparently Nikki saw Jerome and then a few minutes later Clay and Jerome exited stage door...they said hi and he said "hi guys"...account is very short on details...so hopefully she will answer the questions asked about what he was wearing, how his hair was styled, color, length...etc...
(this is apparently the sighting found on myspace today, i think)

ETA:

She is now reporting light blue button down shirt, khakis, brown shoes, glasses and spike hair ala Idol

from OFC
Yes he was. Nikki and I were at stage door waiting for the actors to come out and sign our playbills at Spam last night. Nikki saw Jerome then 5 minutes later saw Clay then Clay and Jerome came out of stage door and were walking fast to a car. Nikki and I said Hi Clay and he said hi guys. Oh and by the way Nikki and I were the only ones there!!!

From OFC
He had on a light blue button down shirt, khaki pants and brown shoes. He had his glasses on and his hair was spiked up like back in American Idol days.

From OFC
He looked very good last night. He seemed very happy and so was jerome. I am sure glad of going to spamalot last night I had a blast during the show and after. I love his hair

From OFC
Nikki says his hair was brown with blond highlights!!!!!

From OFC
Yup it was sure brown with blonde highlights and he didn't look like in the ai days more like the IT tour

From OFC
They had the SD wide open and you can see everybody in there, so I just glanced in to check and see if Tom or Rob was coming out and I see Jerome and I'm like thinking to myself hmm...no way....then I saw Clay and I was like shocked and i was like eeeeeeeee omg hes here

His hair wasn't that short, but in between.

From OFC
It's like darker then scrubs hair but a bit of blonde highlights

from OFC
I was in total shock like this when I saw him coming towards the sd

Clay's Return to Spamalot in 2 Days!!!!

2008-09-17T22:41:00.012-04:00

Just thought that I would remind everyone that Clay once again will take on the role of Sir Robin on September 19th in Spamalot! The Clay Factory MySpace will constantly be updated with the most up to date Clack from Spamalot!

http://www.myspace.com/theclayfactory

Bubel/Aiken Foundation Updates!

2008-09-17T22:41:00.005-04:00

Founders Day Cruise to Alaska Will Benefit The Bubel Aiken Foundation

Have you ever dreamed about going on an Alaskan Cruise? How about an Alaskan Cruise that includes Faye Parker and Diane Bubel, co-founder of the Bubel/Aiken Foundation? Well, Diane Walsh has done it again and will be making the arrangements for all those interested in this fantastic deal. Why not come sailing with us?

The cruise will be on the Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines ship Rhapsody of the Seas and will depart from Seattle, Washington on May 22nd 2009, returning to Seattle on May 29th, 2009. You will need to arrive in Seattle on the May 21st 2009 in order to be there in time for the cruise departure. Royal Caribbean will donate a portion of the cabin charge for every cabin booked, and used to the BAF. Other means of benefiting TBAF will be discussed pending approval from the Foundation.

Your ports of call, at this time, will be Juno, Skagway, Tracy Arm Fjord, and Victoria, British Colombia. Pricing upon request, Diane must get your commitments now however, as time and space are limited. Don't forget that there are about 30 excursion trips that may be added to your voyage, including panning for gold, flying over the glaciers, wilderness trips to gaze upon the grizzlies. The excursions are at an extra charge, but they can add to the total cruise experience.

Since space is limited, deposits must be in by September 29th if you want a guaranteed balcony or junior suite. The deposit per cabin would be $500.00 or if you are sharing it would be $250.00 per person based on double occupancy. Inside cabins, if still available, can be deposited on at a later date, but must be arranged at this time. Airfare can be arranged through Royal Caribbean or you may obtain it on your own.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve you. Please e-mail Diane if you have any questions at dawalsh2@aol.com.

____________________________________________________________________

Beta Alpha "Cooking For Inclusion" Cookbook will Be Reordered If Enough Copies Are Requested

Did you order a Beta Alpha "Cooking For Inclusion" cookbook and now wish you had ordered one for your mom, sister, and best friend? Or did you just not get your order in by the deadline? Apparently there are quite a few others in your shoes right now, and requests have been made for more cookbooks.

Cindy, who along with Carol, put in lots of hard work to put these cookbooks together, has spoken with the publisher about the possibility of reordering, and here is the news she brings to us:

I have many requests for additional cookbooks. I spoke with the publisher, and I would need 200 orders to get a reprint.

I am keeping a waiting list, and if I think we approach that, I will reorder, so if you are interested in ordering and/or have shown it to people and they are interested in ordering, I need to know to track the additional requests. Please email me at cindyskuce@cox.net. We will also correct the few minor errors we came across when we do a reprint.

So, if you are interested in becoming your own version of Rachel Ray or Paula Deen via this wonderful cookbook (I've already checked out the recipes!!), send an email to Cindy and let her know how many you'd like to order. Remember, this is a fundraiser for The Bubel Aiken Foundation. Also, your Beta Alpha Group gets credit for $10 per cookbook if you let Cindy know the name of your group.

Here is some more information about the cookbooks:

"COOKING FOR INCLUSION"
2008 VOICES OF BETA ALPHA COOKBOOK
TO BENEFIT
THE BUBEL/AIKEN FOUNDATION

We need 200 additional cookbooks to reorder
Price: $20.00 (includes shipping)
Cost Breakdown: $10.00 goes to TBAF
$6.25 covers printing expense
$3.75 covers shipping

The cookbook includes 461 recipes from the chapters, Faye Parker, Aron Hall, Kristy Barnes, Jerry Aiken and the rest of the TBAF board and staff. There is also a write-up about each chapter and what inclusion means to them. They make a great gift.

Each Beta Alpha chapter will get credit on their BAF scoreboard for the number of cookbooks ordered under their chapter. If you do not belong to a chapter, you can designate which chapter is to get your credit. To clarify, if you order 5 cookbooks and $50.00 goes to BAF, that $50 goes on your chapter scoreboard.

____________________________________________________________________
(Really sorry that this one didn't get posted sooner!)

Macy's "Shop For A Cause" is a One-Day Shopping Event on Saturday, September 20th.

With the purchase of a $5 shopping pass the bearer will have special savings on select merchandise throughout the store. All proceeds of the sale of shopping passes go directly to the Bubel/Aiken Foundation. By purchasing a $5 shopping pass you can support the BAF and enjoy a full day of fantastic discounts and events throughout the store.

The sale of these passes can benefit your Beta Alpha group as well. With each sale of a pass we are asking that the buyer designate which Beta Alpha group they would like to have credited with the sale.

To purchase shopping passes please send an email to me at

illinoisvoices4inclusion@yahoo.com

with your name, email address, address, the number of passes requested and the Beta Alpha group you would like credited to. We will then respond with payment information.

Thanks - Karen
http://theclayboard.yuku.com/topic/25971

____________________________________________________________________

BAF Fundraiser - Don't forget Our Friend Mikayla

School is Back So Please Remember They May Need Our Friend Mikayla

Our Friend Mikayla Book

Written and illustrated by third-grade students, Our Friend Mikayla, is an honest portrayal of the children’s first reactions to Mikayla, their barriers to acceptance and finally the true friendship they formed with her. At her parents’ request, Mikayla was included in a regular classroom. Not only did Mikayla’s classmates accept her, but they also began to see her as “just like them.” Their relationship with Mikayla and their journey to acceptance inspired the book. Our Friend Mikayla became the class project, mainly because Mikayla’s friends felt they had an important message to share with other children. Their goal was to teach other kids that, “From Mikayla, we’ve learned that people with disabilities aren’t really different. It doesn’t matter if your friend is in a wheelchair. Their disabilities don’t mean you cannot be friends. Having a friend with a disability is cool.”

Yes, school is opening and it is time to remember that there are school's out there that still do not have a copy of Mikayla in their library. Perhaps even your local library, or hospital could use a copy. So why not stop by the BAF Store and order your copies today? Think of all the sweet young lives you will be enriching...

____________________________________________________________________

Coloring for Inclusion - BAF Fundraiser

Since school has opened in some areas, and will be opening soon in others, we thought it would be a good idea to bring over some information from the Clayboard that is an excellent idea for children in schools, libraries, YMCA, or hospitals to name a few. Also, never forget holiday gifts for those children in your life.

Per Dianna:

I hope you all will want to support this wonderful project! The price is $6.00 + the cost to mail, and will be discounted for quantity orders of 5 or more. The more ordered, the better the price! And we will combine shipping. After production costs, 100% of the $6.00 will be donated to TBAF! We are hoping many will buy in quantities and donate to local schools and daycares. To view some sample pages of the 24 page book, please visit our website www.connectingforinclusion.com/Store.html

Please respond to Dianna Sharp at dianna@connectingforinclusion.com with an approximate number of coloring books you think you would be interested in purchasing or for more information. The books should be available for shipping the first or second week of September.

Thank you all!
Dianna and all Connecting For Inclusion members

____________________________________________________________________

BAF Bear for Inclusion Awareness

The TBAF Logo bears are now available!! They are plush 9 inch, in the BAF colors, perfect for sitting on your office shelf, your classroom computer monitor, on your bedroom dresser, for gift baskets, or you can donate some to a local children's hospital or program for a child's special cuddly friend. Combine it with a Mikayla book for a wonderful teacher's gift. The footpads display the message" INCLUSION AWARENESS". Each bear comes with a BAF hangtag. All lettering and the logo are embroidered. This is the first of 3 editions planned, you'll want all 3 for your collection, and each edition will be different. We only have a limited amount of the first edition, and production on the second edition will begin when these are sold out. BAF will receive $10.00 for each bear sold. ( See pictures below. ) Many have been sold already and the positive feedback has been wonderful and very much appreciated. Don't miss out on having one of the first edition before we go on to the second edition.

total cost: $17.00 (incl shipping)
BAF- GETS $10.00
My cost for bear- - $5.50
materials/shipping- $1.50

I take Paypal or checks. Please PM me or email cindyskuce@cox.net to order and I will provide payment information,. If using Paypal, there is an additional cost of .53. I do ship international and to Canada, but there are additional shipping charges (a few dollars) for those locations.

Thanks!!
Cindy Skuce
Beta Alpha/Rhode Islanders for Inclusion Awareness

____________________________________________________________________

BAF Fundraiser - Empty Ink Cartridges

There has been a wonderful fundraiser for BAF that has been going on continually for the last two years and has raised over $8500 so far for BAF. That is almost one camp, that is what we need to do even it it is one camp at a time. We appreciate the efforts of this group to see that this fundraiser has gone on for so long. Please check out the information from the Clayboard

Thanks to the CDD for the all of these articles and pictures!

I'm Back!!! Sorry for the delay! Updates Coming ASAP!

2008-09-17T22:41:00.004-04:00

Sorry everyone! I've had a lot go bad luck lately and just got out of the hospital after having ankle surgery! I will be updating the site with all the backed up information that I wasn't able to post! I will also be updating the feel and layout of the site and updating the Clay Factory MySpace!!! Please tell fellow Claymates/Fans about the site being updated!!

Love
-Ashley

Clay to return to Spamalot!

2008-08-12T21:11:00.001-04:00

Clay Aiken Returns for Encore Engagement in Monty Python's SPAMALOT, The Funniest Show in the World

08/12/08

Clay Aiken will return to the scene of his triumphant Broadway debut in the Tony Award-winning Best Musical, Monty Python’s SPAMALOT this Fall. Clay’s debut on Broadway earlier this year was met with wild enthusiasm from both his legion of fans and the New York press. He will reprise the role of 'Sir Robin ' at the Shubert Theatre from September 19 2008 - January 4 2009.

When he made his Broadway debut in SPAMALOT at the beginning of this year, Newsday said “Aiken is a charmer” and the Associated Press said that “Clay Aiken deftly handles supremely silly.”

Clay Aiken became a music superstar following his success on the "American Idol" television series, and has sold more than six million albums; co-authored a best-selling book; and, played six sold-out concert tours, said “Since leaving SPAMALOT in May, jokes have just not been funny. Food has lost its taste. The grass is no longer green -- the sky no longer blue. And, babies WON'T stop crying!! I'm so excited about coming back to the funniest show in the world!"

This spring, Aiken released his fourth album, On My Way Here, his first album of original songs since his 2003 chart topping, double platinum debut Measure of a Man. On My Way Here's debut in Billboard Magazine's Top 5 continued his streak of all four of his albums having debuted in the Top 5.

Directed by Mike Nichols, who won his eighth Tony Award for his direction of the new musical, Monty Python’s SPAMALOT has a book by Eric Idle, "lovingly ripped-off" from the screenplay of the Pythons’ best- loved film, Monty Python and the Holy Grail by Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones and Michael Palin. The music is by Eric Idle and John Du Prez.

Tickets are available online now at telecharge.com or by calling (212) 239-6200/(800) 432-7250.

Other members of the SPAMALOT creative team include Casey Nicholaw (choreography), multiple Olivier Award-winners Tim Hatley (sets and costumes) and Hugh Vanstone (lighting) and Acme Sound Partners.

Winning more awards than any other show in the 2005 Broadway Season, including the Tony Award for Best Musical and the Grammy Award for Best Cast Recording, SPAMALOT has set box office records since opening on Broadway to critical acclaim in March, 2005 at the flagship Shubert Theatre.

Monty Python’s SPAMALOT is currently running in London’s West End at the Palace Theatre and is also on National Tour around the US. Monty Python's SPAMALOT is produced by Boyett Ostar Productions, The Shubert Organization, Arielle Tepper, Stephanie McClelland/Lawrence Horowitz, Elan V. McAllister/Allan S. Gordon, Independent Presenters Network, Roy Furman, GRS Associates, Jam Theatricals, TGA Entertainment and Live Nation.

For more information on SPAMALOT, please visit: www.montypythonsspamalot.com

Download Links to Clay baby Media!

2008-08-09T11:35:00.004-04:00

Here are the links to download the media from all of the information on Clay's new bundle of joy! Thanks to ClackUnlimited for providing these videos! To download right click and "Save Target As" or "Save Link As"

CNN
TMZ
E Channel
The Insider
Entertainment Tonight
Access Hollywood

Clay's Baby is Born!

2008-08-08T13:28:00.002-04:00

From Local Raleigh News Station
Raleigh, N.C. — Clay Aiken became a father Friday morning with the birth of a baby boy, his mother told WRAL’s Lynda Loveland in an exclusive interview.

Aiken’s best friend, producer Jaymes Foster, gave birth at 8:08 a.m. at an undisclosed location in North Carolina.

Parker Foster Aiken weighed 6 pounds 2 ounces and was 19 inches long.

Aiken’s mother, Faye, said the baby has dark hair and that her son is smiling from ear-to-ear.

Mom, dad and baby all are doing fine.

Aiken and Foster will raise the child together. They met when Aiken appeared on American Idol. Foster has produced several of his albums.

Reporter: Lynda Loveland

____________________________________________________________________
From OFC Blog
...Sorry we haven't spoken in so long. But, I'm sure you know... I hate putting the cart before the horse. Not my way to tempt fate...

My dear friend, Jaymes, and I are so excited to announce the birth of Parker Foster Aiken (No hyphens. One first name. One middle name. One last name.)

Parker was born at a hospital in North Carolina just this morning at 8:08 AM. Wow... 8:08 ..08/08/08

Weighed in at 6 lbs 2 oz and measured 19 inches

The little man is healthy, happy, and as loud as his daddy. Mama Jaymes is doing quite well also.

The Aiken family, the Foster family, and the Parker family are all thrilled.

_____________________________________________________________________

E! Online
Good news, Claymates: the Claynation has welcomed its first heir.

Clay Aiken and platonic baby-making partner Jaymes Foster welcomed their first child together in North Carolina this morning, the singer's rep confirmed to E! News.

The American Idol alum's mother turned proud grandma first announced the stork delivery this morning.

Faye Aiken told Raleigh radio station WRAL that her son's longtime producer gave birth to son Parker Foster Aiken at 8:08 a.m. in an undisclosed location in the singer's home state.

Parker tipped the scales at 6 pounds, 2 ounces and measured in at 19 inches.

Faye Aiken also broke the news that the Aiken progeny did not inherit dad's fiery red mop, instead saying that he has dark hair and that, upon seeing him, the "Measure of a Man" singer was "smiling from ear to ear."

Per the elder Aiken, mom, dad and baby are all doing fine.

Foster's pregnancy was first confirmed by her brother, legendary music kingpin David Foster, back in May. He verified what everyone was thinking and announced that the "couple" conceived the child through artificial insemination.

Aiken, 29, and Jaymes Foster, whose age has been pegged somewhere around the 50-year mark, have been friends for years. She worked on several Aiken albums, including A Thousand Different Ways and On My Way Here.

Although theirs is not a romantic relationship, the duo plan to raise the baby together.

(Originally published on Aug. 8, 2008 at 8:05 a.m. PT)

Congrats to the Aiken and Foster families!

Clay Aiken calls for Kenya's kids to return to school

2008-07-22T19:13:00.000-04:00

UNICEF Ambassador Clay Aiken recently visited the East African countries of Somalia and Kenya, where UNICEF provides children with health care, education, nutrition, clean water and sanitation. This is the last in a series of blog posts he has written about his experience in the field.

In early July, after visiting Somalia, I traveled to Eldoret, in Kenya’s Rift Valley, to visit camps for internally displaced people. This is where some of the worst violence took place following the Kenya elections in early 2008. Thousands of children were made homeless by the unrest.

Everywhere we went, there were the charcoaled remains of homes, schools and shops. We drove for hours and everywhere we went, we saw people trying to get their lives restored.

Although many schools were re-opened, far fewer children are turning up for class than before. And classes are taking place in schools that have been completely destroyed. I saw children sitting on rocks and bricks—which used to make up the foundations and roofs of their schools—using them now as desks and chairs.

Fortunately, this was not the situation everywhere. In most IDP camps, UNICEF has provided classroom tents and School-in-a-Box kits, along with teaching and learning materials, and even desks and chairs.

Getting children back to school is vital for their protection, and helps build a sense of normalcy in their lives. The re-establishment of schools in the most difficult circumstances is a testament to the commitment of UNICEF and to Kenyans. Many displaced parents told UNICEF that getting their children back to school was their top priority.

Every child has the right to an education. Education transforms lives and breaks the cycle of poverty that so many children are caught in. And an educated child will make sure his or her own children receive an education too. This is just another one of the many amazing ways UNICEF is helping children today, while also building a safer Kenya tomorrow.

Clay Spotting

2008-07-21T14:10:00.004-04:00

I found this from CDD who go it from The Clayboard, and it was originally at Clayversity and The Ideal Idol. The blog is called "The Wyatt Times" and is just a typical family blog, until you get to the part about Clay:

After church, we went to Smithfields BBQ, and guess who was there? Clay Aiken. He was sitting outside in the shade with a couple people, not drawing any attention to himself. It was kind of fun to see someone famous, even if it was just an American Idol guy.

Then a friend commented back to her something nice:

How cool was it that you saw Clay Aiken at Smithfields? Was that the one in Morrisville or Rocky Mount?

Its obvious from her comment that she's not a Clay fan, but I thought her comments and her friend's comments were very nice about it being "fun" and "cool" to see Clay. And, of course, its great to know that Clay is enjoying his time off with friend and family.

I thought this would be nice to post since there hasn't been much Clay news lately!

Keep spreading the word: Field Notes By Clay himself

2008-07-15T23:05:00.000-04:00

NICEF Ambassador Clay Aiken recently returned from Somalia, where UNICEF provides children in the war-torn nation with health care, education, nutrition, clean water and sanitation. This is the second in a series of blog posts he will write about his experience in the field.

For children in Somalia, the situation is dire. But, it's just amazing to me that UNICEF is still able to make a difference in children’s lives in one of the most dangerous places on earth.

For instance, while I was in northwest Somalia—where 45 percent of the population are children and women—I observed how UNICEF improves water, sanitation and hygiene conditions for everyone in the region. One of the ways they do this is by drilling "borewells" so that clean drinking water is easily accessible and readily available. Without these borewells, children would have to walk hours to fetch water instead of going to school and getting an education.

I also visited health clinics where women waited patiently in long lines to get insecticide treated bed nets to prevent malaria. With an estimated 700,000 cases annually, malaria is a major public health problem in Somalia. One bed nets used to cost a Somali family about $4—an enormous sum in one of the poorest countries of the world. But UNICEF now provides them for free.

UNICEF also provides much needed support to the education system in Somalia with teacher training and the funding of school supplies. Every child I met wanted to be in school. And because of UNICEF, these children—who would probably never have had any type of education—can go to school and learn in a safe, clean environment.

Educating children is much easier when teachers are trained and school facilities exist. And, providing healthcare is more easily done when aid workers do not have to worry about their security. I applaud UNICEF for doing whatever it takes to make sure children get the healthcare and education they deserve, even in Somalia.

And, I applaud you too. Since my previous blog post, you have donated over $50,000 for children Somalia. On behalf of these children, I can't thank you enough. But I also challenge you to not stop now... encourage your friends and family as well. Ask them to learn more about UNICEF's work in Somalia and around the world, and cheer them on to help out too!

Sun Sentinential: Celebrity Travel

2008-07-14T10:03:00.002-04:00

As a UNICEF ambassador, Clay Aiken gets to travel the world. The singer says one of his favorite countries has also been one of the most unlikely: Afghanistan. (Eric Ogden/Tribune Media Service)

Clay Aiken is in the news a lot these days. Besides getting good reviews for his performance in the Broadway musical "Spamalot," the former " American Idol" contestant is busy promoting his latest album "On My Way Here."

But the congenial redhead is keeping mum about the juicy tidbit that has the tabloids drooling: becoming a baby daddy with his good friend Jaymes Foster, who also executive produced his CD. Aiken is more vocal about his love of music and traveling. "There are no plans to tour at this time," says Aiken, 29. "I'd love to tour but there's just no time right now with all the other things going on. I think I've had just one day off in the past few months. It's crazy, but in a good way." A former teacher, Aiken was appointed UNICEF ambassador in 2004. Between touring and making field visits for UNICEF, Aiken has seen a good chunk of the world. But he says he will never forget the beauty and grace of Afghanistan and its people.

WHY AFGHANISTAN: Honestly, I prefer to go to places where no one else goes that haven't been ruined by the touristy thing. I don't know if I would've ever gone to Afghanistan if it hadn't been for my work with UNICEF, but it has been one of my favorite places I've ever been in my life. I stayed eight days there in the central highlands of the country in an area that was relatively fortunate when it came to Taliban attacks. Bamyan is in the central part of the mountains and it is just such a beautiful area.

FAVORITE MEMORIES: I remember going to vacation bible school as a kid and reading about how people lived in biblical times with earthen huts and traveling on horses. I remembered that when I walked around Bamyan. You walk around town and all these huts have satellite dishes on top of them and everyone has cell phones, but a lot of people still sleep on their floors. It's a fascinating combination of new and old. The people there were so nice and welcoming.

Clay to speak on UNICEF/ Delta Kappa Gamma CD

2008-07-14T09:54:00.002-04:00

A special announcement will be made this month about a CD produced by Delta Kappa Gamma and UNICEF where though Clay will not sing, he will speak about Afghanistan. The CD will be sold to raise funds for The Afghan Teacher Training Project. Delta Kappa Gamma is a professional honor society of women educators who is involved in this project. Janice Moen, the International Music Representative of the society, has written the following information about the CD on her blog called Moen's Musical Moments:

Music for the Afghan Teacher Training Project

There will be an exciting announcement made in Chicago this July. Delta Kappa Gamma has teamed with UNICEF to produce a CD that will serve as a fund-raiser for the Afghan Teacher Training Project. We are so excited to tell you all about it. The CD features the song "We Sing for the Children" which Northwest members sang in Vancouver, B.C. last summer. There is an update on the work being done in Afghanistan and interviews with Afghan teachers, UNICEF staff and the popular singing star Clay Aiken. You will be able to get a CD by making a donation of $15.00 or more at the convention.

In addition, after receiving several questions about purchasing this CD, Ms. Moen writes the following info at Moen's Musical Moments about how the CD can be purchased:

The CD will also be available after the convention. It will be sold through Delta Kappa Gamma and at the United Nations Gift Shop. All the proceeds, wherever purchased, will go to the Afghan Teacher Training Project.

Clay Aiken will only be speaking on the CD. He is a US Fund for UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.

The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International - Afghan Project

The current project for which Delta Kappa Gamma has partnered with UNICEF is funding for teacher training in Afghanistan. Afghanistan's education system is in a state of virtual collapse. Aside from the war damage to the country, the Taliban regime barred girls from the classroom and prevented the majority of teachers, who are women, from working. As an international women's organization dedicated to excellence in education, an opportunity exists for Delta Kappa Gamma to become a key partner in improving the education of hundreds of thousands of Afghan children.

Members of The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International are invited to join the U.S. Fund for UNICEF to support a partnership in education which includes a compelling training program for educators in Afghanistan. UNICEF has been entrusted by the Government of Afghanistan and the Ministry of Education to play a major role in the reconstruction of the national educational system.

Please download and print out the US Fund for UNICEF's brochure, which contains a contribution form and give as generously as you can to this worthy project.

Thanks to CDD for this information!

Where is the Outrage?

2008-07-09T13:33:00.002-04:00

UNICEF Field Notes posted by Clay Himself. CLICK HERE to read the article in its original context.

Where is the outrage?

I recently returned from a UNICEF field visit that took me to northwest Somalia. What I saw there was both amazing and heartbreaking. In many ways, the children I was able to meet are doing better than their counterparts in the rest of Somalia. But in other respects, the situation there is still quite serious.

UNICEF Ambassador Clay Aiken with children he met on his recent visit to Somalia.

For starters, the lack of a permanent central government has contributed to Somalia's status as one of the poorest and most volatile countries in the world. Decades of civil conflict have shattered social structures and exacerbated poverty.

In such conditions—combined with an extremely arid environment and difficult terrain with settlements scattered over vast distances—a Somali child's chances of surviving to adulthood are among the lowest of children anywhere in the world.

Fortunately, UNICEF is there. It has been on the ground since 1972 and is the humanitarian organization with the largest presence in Somalia.

Since the collapse of the Somali government in 1991, UNICEF has continued to provide services to children and women in Somalia.

In Hargeisa, I visited UNICEF-supported schools and hospitals, as well as places girls are able to learn about leadership, get life-skills and play sports. I also visited UNICEF-supported maternal and child health clinics to observe some nutritional feeding and immunization activities. The good news is that these programs are working in the northwest and keeping children alive. The bad news is that one in eight children still dies before his or her fifth birthday in Somalia.

One of the most incredible things I learned on my trip is that there are only 350 doctors left in the entire country, mostly because of the violence and insecurity. And many of these doctors are older than the average life expectancy in Somalia, which is only 45. I can't help but wonder, what is going to happen in a couple of years when there are no more doctors? What will happen to the children who struggle to survive?

What disturbs me most about this terrible situation for children is that most of the world has ignored it. Millions of children live in fear and poverty—where is the outrage?

At least we know something can be done. Help UNICEF save and improve the lives of children in Somalia. Donate online, right now.

Posted by Clay Aiken, UNICEF Ambassador on July 9, 2008 7:00 AM | Permalink

Clay on CNN's "One Child At a Time"

2008-07-07T13:14:00.000-04:00

Happy Independence Day!

2008-07-04T11:49:00.002-04:00

Have a happy and safe July 4th!!!

ET Mention

2008-07-04T11:31:00.005-04:00

A short segment on Entertainment Tonight mentioned the CNN special that will be on this Sunday, July 6. Clay will be included in this special, The Survival Project: One Child At a Time. In addition, ET mentioned that Clay (as well as Nicole Richie and Joel Madden) is supporting UNICEF's efforts in public service announcements.

In the short segment, Clay said, "Helping children have the basic needs to live is a no brainer." Be sure to tune in Sunday at 8 p.m.EST, with a repeat at 11 p.m. EST and 2 p.m. EST (July 7).

UNICEF USA Ambassador Clay Aiken visits Somalia

2008-07-02T20:09:00.002-04:00

By Denise Shepherd-Johnson

NAIROBI, Kenya, 2 July 2008 – During a five-day visit to the self-declared republic of Somaliland in north-west Somalia, UNICEF USA Ambassador Clay Aiken was moved by the work that UNICEF is doing under challenging circumstances.

“In a country that’s better known for conflict, insecurity, drought and floods,” said Mr. Aiken, “it’s truly remarkable that UNICEF is still able to make a difference to the health, education and well-being of Somali children.”

Mr. Aiken travelled to Hargeisa, Gabiley and Boroma to see UNICEF-supported projects firsthand – projects that promote child health, safe water, sanitation and hygiene, primary education, child protection and girls’ empowerment.

Somalia is a country in which less than 25 per cent of the population has access to basic health services, and only 29 per cent have access to a safe water source. Fewer than 30 per cent of children attend primary school. It's also a place where almost every girl is circumcised, and it has amongst the highest maternal mortality rates in the world.

‘The right to an education’
Playing basketball with girls in the enclosed facility of the Somaliland Cultural and Sports Association (SOCSA), Mr. Aiken saw the opportunity given to females by the UNICEF-supported organization.

“Here, girls are able to learn about leadership and health, acquire life skills and play sports within a safe environment,” he said. “Even the youngest girls that I’ve met at SOCSA impressed me with how confident and articulate they are as a result of this project.”

At a camp for 1,500 displaced families in Hargeisa, Mr. Aiken met Abduraman, 11, who helps to support his five siblings and blind mother by working each morning to collect stones. He uses his earnings to pay for school, which he attends in the afternoon.

“Somalia has some of the lowest enrolment rates in the world, but every child has the right to an education,” said Mr. Aiken. “UNICEF is working to help ensure that even working children get to go to school.” UNICEF has also provided the camp with child protection monitors, teacher training and school materials.

Providing for basic needs
In Boroma, Mr. Aiken saw how the town’s water system is functioning with UNICEF’s support. Under a public-private partnership, the system provides safe water to 95 per cent of the town’s population including schools and hospitals.

Mr. Aiken also visited maternal and child health clinics to see nutritional feeding and immunization activities along with projects supporting children with disabilities, the eradication of female genital mutilation/cutting and the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV.

“Somali families want the best for their children and people really want to help bring about change,” he said. “Fortunately, UNICEF has always been there and continues to provide the support needed to make a difference.”

All 12 songs of OMWH in AOL's Top 20

2008-06-28T11:10:00.002-04:00

All 12 songs from the album are in the Top 20 on AOL's Most Listened to songs! Please continue to listen to these songs so that we can continue to see these songs on this list!

1. On My Way Here
2. Ashes
4. Grace of God
5. Everything I Don't Need
7. As Long As We're Here
9. Falling
13. Weight of the World
15. Where I Draw The Line
17. Lover All Alone
18. Something About Us
19. Sacrificial Love
20. The Real Me

CLICK HERE to view the rest on the list and listen to the songs!

Clay mention on Unicef Website

2008-06-28T11:06:00.002-04:00

"You may have heard, UNICEF Ambassador Clay Aiken was in Somalia, meeting lots of children and learning about the catastrophic conditions under which they struggle to survive every day.

Once Clay is back in the U.S., he'll be blogging right here about his experience, so please stay tuned. In the meantime, click here to learn more about UNICEF in Somalia. Or, to support our work to help save and protect the lives of children in this war-torn country, click here.

Tags:Clay Aiken field visit Somalia
Posted by Frank Susa, UNICEF USA on June 26, 2008 9:55 AM Permalink"

CLICK HERE to see the Field Notes Section of the Unicef site. This is where his blogs will be when he gets back.

Clay's Unicef Trip to Somalia

2008-06-28T11:03:00.002-04:00

Here are a couple of links to articles about Clay's trip to Somalia. Enjoy!:D

Clay on CNN Unicef Special

2008-06-27T13:47:00.002-04:00

Clay will be on the CNN UNICEF special at 8 PM July 6 to talk about at least one of his trips - He will be on video, not live. Some guests will be there, some will be on video. (thanks to playbiller over at IDF for the information :D)

Clay Aiken Calls Attention to Somalia(OK! Magazine Article)

2008-06-26T20:52:00.002-04:00

OK! Magazine Article discusses Clay's recent trip to Africa and the attention he hopes to bring to the country.
Clay Aiken is urging the world not to forget about Somalia.

The American Idol runner-up and a U.N. goodwill ambassador, appealed for world attention on the war-torn and hunger-stricken country on Wednesday.

"There hasn't been much discussion of Somalia since the early 1990s in the U.S.," Clay said during a visit to Somalia. "The American population kind of got a bad taste of Somalia in the early 90s and hasn't really had much interest in the country since."

In the past year, thousands of Somalians have died and one million were rendered homeless after insurgent Islamists rallied against the country's government and its Ethiopian military advisers last year. The violence and never-ending conflict has made Somalia "the most dangerous place for a child to be," Clay says.

"In the lower part of the country, southern part, I feel it's a more desperate situation than any place we've ever been," he says.

The diamond in the rough is the de facto independent state of the Republic of Somaliland, located north of Somalia. In existence since 1960, Somaliland remains relatively peaceful, but its independent status has yet to be recognized. Officials are hopeful a public figure of Clay's stature will shed more light on their difficult situation.

"In Somaliland, you really do have a sense of people who really want to help themselves, who want to do better, who want to effect change for themselves, that is very hopeful," Clay says.

Clay Aiken appeals for world attention on Somalia

2008-06-25T13:42:00.002-04:00

By Guled Mohamed

HARGEISA, Somalia (Reuters Life!) - Clay Aiken appealed on Wednesday for the world not to forget Somalia, where conflict and hunger have created one of the world's worst humanitarian crises.

Aiken said U.S. and international interest in Somalia had been minimal since failed military intervention in the early 1990s.

"There hasn't been much discussion of Somalia since the early 1990s in the U.S.," said Aiken, a U.N. goodwill ambassador, on a visit to Somalia. "The American population kind of got a bad taste of Somalia in the early 90's and hasn't really had much interest in the country since."

Somalia has suffered relentless civil conflict since the 1991 toppling military dictator Mohamed Siad Barre.

In the latest cycle of violence, an Islamist-led insurgency against the Somali government and its Ethiopian military advisers since the start of 2007 has killed thousands and made one million people homeless.

"It's the most dangerous place for a child to be," Aiken said. "In the lower part of the country, southern part, I feel it's a more desperate situation than any place we've ever been."

Aiken, 29, who was traveling on behalf of U.N. children's agency UNICEF, was in Somaliland, a relatively peaceful northern enclave of Somalia that has declared itself independent but not been recognized internationally.

While there have skirmishes with neighboring province Puntland, Somaliland has functioning political institutions.

"In Somaliland, you really do have a sense of people who really want to help themselves, who want to do better, who want to effect change for themselves, that is very hopeful," he said.

Somaliland authorities hope a high-profile visit like Aiken's may bolster their case for world acceptance of their separation from Somalia.

For 12-year-old, Ubah Mohamed, her wants were simpler.

"I understand he is famous. I hope he will give us food and build a school for us," she said, near to a refugee camp.

(For full Reuters Africa coverage and to have your say on the top issues, visit: africa.reuters.com/ )

(Editing by Matthew Jones)

OMWH MusicPass hits stores today!!!

2008-06-24T07:24:00.004-04:00

Clay Aiken's On My Way Here MusicPass Card!
The wait is finally over! The MusicPass Card you helped design will be available to purchase on June 24th! MusicPass Cards make for great gifts and collector's items and always come with a full album download and bonus content not found on the CD! Below is a list of retailers and the dates the cards will be available.

June 24- Target, Transworld Stores and Hastings
July 13- Best Buy

July 14- Fred's

I would also like to let everyone know that "Clay Aiken’s “On My Way Here” moved up one spot to #28 on the Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks chart this week. Any upward movement is a good thing, considering the song is getting no airplay."

Carolina on my Mind Blog "The Little Engine the Could"

2008-06-24T07:21:00.001-04:00

'Little Engine That Could'

OMWH Songs Chug Up Charts

"On My Way Here," the lead single on Clay Aiken's new CD, has aptly been dubbed "the little engine that could" by Internet fans. Slowly but surely, the song and others from On My Way Here are chugging their way through a host of music industry charts, as well as into the hearts of many new fans.

Cagney1950 of Clayversity reported 120 Mainstream AC spins for "On My Way Here" Sunday morning, a +17 over last week and .235 audience impression. The song is currently #27 on the Mainstream AC Chart "with a lovely red bullet." Saturday the song #29 on the Mainstream AC Jump chart with +13 spins.

For the week ending June 12, "Ashes" was #9 on Billboard's Top 10 Video Streams, moving up from #20 the previous week.

Clickable AOL Top 11

"OMWH" and "Ashes" are currently #1 and #3 on the AOL Top 11 Music Video Countdown AND in the "most viewed" videos listing at AOL. [NOTE: "Ashes" moved to #2 Monday morning.]

At AOL Music, "On My Way Here" continues to hold its stronghold as the #1 "most played" song in all genres. At 3 p.m. Sunday, seven other OMWH songs were listed in the top 24, including "Ashes", 3; "Everything I Don't Need," 6; "Falling," 10; "As Long as We're Here," 11; "Something About Us," 19; "Lover All Alone," 22; and "Weight of the World," 24.

This list changes constantly and currently represents 509 songs. To join other CA fans streaming, listening, and viewing at AOL and Yahoo, use these links:

* Audio song tracks: AOL Music
* Five-song video performance: AOL Sessions
* OMWH video at Yahoo Music.

OMWH #4 on Blender 33 Most Wanted Songs in America

2008-06-22T11:08:00.001-04:00

33 Most Wanted Songs in America

1. Lil Wayne, "Lollipop" (Cash Money)
2. Danity Kane, "Damaged" (Bad Boy)
3. Mariah Carey, "Bye Bye" (Island Def Jam)
4. Clay Aiken, "On My Way Here" (RCA)
5. Vanessa Hudgens, "Sneakernight" (Hollywood)
6. Madonna, "4 Minutes" (Warner Bros.)
7. Three 6 Mafia, "Lolli Lolli (Pop That Body)" (Columbia/Hypotize Minds)
8. Motley Crue, "Saints of Los Angeles" (Motley)
9. Chris Brown, "Take You Down" (Jive)
10. Taylor Swift, "Picture to Burn" (Big Machine)
Click Picture to View the rest of the List!
Congrats Clay!

Clay will be mentioned on VH1's "I Love the New Millennium"

2008-06-22T11:05:00.002-04:00

Clay will be mentioned on VH1's series, "I Love The Millennium: 2003", airing Tuesday at noon EDT. The shows repeats at 10 PM EDT and the following Wednesday morning at 1 AM EDT.

The Acrobats?

2008-06-22T11:03:00.001-04:00

I have no idea what this is about or if it's even true but I saw this on another Clay site and decided to post it. There is a new listing on Amazon.com with a new album for Clay titled "The Acrobats"....I have no idea what this is. If anyone knows please comment!
Click Here to view "The Acrobats" page on amazon.

On My Way Here MUSIC PASS out June 24th!

2008-06-20T09:50:00.002-04:00

Earlier this year RCA asked fans to vote for their favorite design for the MusicPass version of On My Way Here. RCA is one of the several record labels testing out this new album format, which involves purchasing a card at a music retailer. The card comes with a special code and website link, where you can redeem it for an online download of the album with exclusive content.

The On My Way Here MusicPass, with exclusive video footage, hits stores next Tuesday, June 24!

Clay on Paula Deen Show "Paula's Party"

2008-06-20T09:48:00.001-04:00

Join Food Network's queen of southern cuisine, Paula Deen, for Paula's Party every Friday night at 10pm/9c for an hour of great food and outrageous fun with your favorite celebrity guests! Expect the unexpected when you drop in on Paula: you never know what's going to happen! Here is a small taste of who you can expect to see cooking with Paula at the party this season; Rosie O'Donnell, Tony Danza, Lorraine Bracco, Jason Priestley, Susan Lucci, Mario Lopez, Cameron Mathison, Isaac Mizrahi, Tyson Beckford, Patti LaBelle, Dionne Warwick, Clay Aiken, Antonio Sabato Jr. and many more! You won't want to miss a delicious moment!

ONMW debuts at #29 onHot AC Chart!

2008-06-18T09:29:00.005-04:00

Idol Chartwatch, June 17: New Idol Singles Hit the Charts
by Donna Reynolds -- 06/17/2008

It had to happen sometime. Older American Idol albums began to lose steam this week, with several falling fairly significantly on the charts. But two new Idols’ singles made their debuts, and you may be surprised to learn who they’re from. Read on for all the details.

For some reason, I always get a little bit excited when an Idol’s single debuts on the charts, especially if it’s from an artist that is all-too-often ignored by mainstream radio. And, strange as it may seem, finding Clay Aiken on the Billboard charts is almost cause for celebration, even for someone like me who is decidedly not a Claymate.

Yup, that’s right. Clay’s “On My Way Here,” the title track from his most recent, and I’d say best, CD to date debuted on the Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks chart at #29. Will it get any airplay? It’s too soon to tell, but having chart visibility could help sales of the album, which haven’t been robust. In fact, On My Way Here slipped from #106 to #162 on the Billboard 200 this week with sales lingering around 137,000 copies.

This is a really good start for OMWH, I think we can really get the plays and sales up if we call in for play. If there is an AC station that is played OMWH call them up and request it(but dont bagger them or call in a ton) Also if there is an AC station that dosen't play it call them and kindly ask if perhaps they could, again don't bagger them. Also continue to listen to the songs at AOL. OMWH continues to be #1 listened to and if it stays there and people continue to see it people will listen to it.

Hope everyone is having a good Wednesday!

Korean Magazine Interviews Clay

2008-06-17T10:15:00.002-04:00

CLICK HERE to view the Korean version

Here is the English translation, with this some things may not be exactly what Clay has said but the overall meaning of the answers is what should be taken :D

Dosirak: Congratulations on your new album.You must have been busy with working on your album.Tell us what you have been doing recently.
Clay Aiken: We just finished the musical on Broadway recently and we are now spending our time mainly on promoting the new album with TV appearances and interviews.
Dosirak: Your new album debuted at No.4 at Billboard chart.Congratulations.You must have a special feeling when you have a success with your every album.How do you feel?
Clay Aiken: Who would not be glad about it? I feel already previledged to be able to keep doing the music and I'm so happy that people keep support me.
Dosirak: When I listen to the lyrics of your single 'On My Way Here', it seems like it is about your story last a few years. What does the song mean to you?
Clay Aiken: We are educated at school but that is just a small part.We rather learn more from the experience in our lives. There is a saying 'If you give someone a fish,you're just giving him a meal for a day but if you teach him how to fish,you are giving him meals for rest of his life.' Every person you meet and every experience we go through in your life makes you who you are. This song is about learning from experience and becoming a wiser person.
Dosirak: Let's talk more about your album.Is there a favorite song on this album?
Clay Aiken: I love most of the songs so it's hard to pick, but if I have to choose one, I want to choose 'As long as we're here'. This is the first song that made it for this album. Three years ago when tsunami hit Indonesia, I went there for the Unicef trip,the song was recorded after that. It talks about 'Do not worry about small things and let's just care about important things and people you love as there is limited time for us in the world'.
Dosirak: We heard that before the release of the album, everytime Claymates have parties.Did your fans hold the party this time?And what your fans mean to Clay?
Clay Aiken: Claymates hold parties to celebrate the album release,not for me.Also,parties are held in various cities so I couldn't go there.I heard that many fans gather and have a great time. Of course,they mean a lot to me.Had it not been fans' support since American Idol,I would have not been here.
Dosirak: You're working as Unicef goodwill ambassador.Is there the most memorable moment as a Unicef ambassador?
Clay Aiken: There are many.One of them is that when I went to Indonesia, people quickly restored their environments and had postivie attitudes despite dire situation.It was really touching.They are strong and brave people.It gave me an opportunity to reflect myself.I thought how blessed we are for being able to live day by day safely.
Also,the most impressive one is when I visited Afganistan.It was shocking to see people living without all the energy facilities for a long time and above all I felt really sad when I saw children suffering.However,they showed the power not to give up despite their situation.
Dosirak: Along with Unicef,you also established the Bubel/Aiken Foundation.What is your plan for the foundation this year?
Clay Aiken: We try to make programs for children with disabilities to get along with children without disabilities so that they can experience the childhood that children without disabilities go through. This year,we plan to start summer camps and prepare a fund for future summer camps.
Dosirak: What do you think of 2008 American Idol? Is there a contestant that can be as successful as you are?
Clay Aiken: Unfortunately,I haven't watched American Idol for three years,so I don't know anything about contestants.
Dosirak: I guess you will tour after the album release,is there a plan?Plus,is there any plan to visit Korea.
Clay Aiken: Personally, Korea is the country which I really want to visit.However,right now,there is no plan for the tour.We don't have a plan even for the US.I think that if I promote the album now,people will get interested and then other countries will get interested in me.So right now we try to concentrate on promoting the album.
Dosirak: Last request,please say hi to your fans in Korea
Clay Aiken: It's always amazing and thankful that people listen to my song far away in Korea.Thank you so much to fans for likiing the music I like and
for continuing to support me since American Idol. But it's only a small part of me that was shown on American Idol. I want to show other parts of me more when I visit Korea.Until then,please keep listening to my music. Oh! Please spread words about me!

AOL Most Played List

2008-06-17T10:12:00.003-04:00

All 12 songs from the CD have made the AOL most played list:
#1 - On My Way Here
#3 - Ashes
#7 - Everything I Don't Need
#15 - Lover All Alone
#16 - Falling
#23 - As Long As We're Here
#25 - Grace of God
#31 - Where I Draw The Line
#41 - Something About Us
#46 - The Real Me
#49 - Sacrificial Love
#51 - Weight of the World

Please, Please keep listening so that Clay can continue to keep these songs on the list!

Clay at Spamalot performance

2008-06-16T08:08:00.003-04:00

It has been reported on numerous Clay sites that he was indeed spoted at Hannah Waddingham's final performance in Spamalot. People are saying that he was with Jamie and that his hair looked darker :D When more information comes i'll make sure to post it and if anyone knows of anymore information on this just send it to me leclayfactory@yahoo.com
UPDATE:
Found this on the clayaiken.com forums!
"OMG!!!!! I'm on the phone with BJ & BFS!!!!! Clay was at the show tonight!!!!! He was sitting in row T in the center....Jamie was sitting with him and they also saw Jerome! Clay was wearing a plaid shirt and shorts....sunglasses in the V of his shirt!!!!!! His hair is a little darker!!!!!

They are outside taking pictures and Rick and David and Brad and the guy who plays Mrs. Galahad and Tom and some of the other cast have been out! They're still waiting for Hannah!!!!

brb with more update!!!!!!

ETA: Hannah was crying at the end!!!!! Chris Sieber brought out her roses!!!! BFS is getting lots of pictures!!!!"

clay funsies

2008-06-14T09:48:00.002-04:00

"With all the negativity that has been present lately I thought it'd be nice to have some fun things to do and be a part of. What I would like is to have a few contest and cute things for the clay factory. I tried a caption contest a few weeks ago but it wasn't successful but now that more people know about the site I hope that these will work now.
:D
1. Is there a song that you have heard by another artist and thought about Clay? Is there a song that you'd like to dedicate to him? Then send me the name of the song, the name of the singer/band, and a small paragraph on why you'd like to dedicate it and I will post it on the site. If this works i'll post these on each Sunday.
2.Caption Contest- I will post a picture every week, and then you would send in a caption to go along with what is happening in the picture.
Here's this weeks photo

With your submission put your name so I can credit you!
3. Fan made video of the Month.
See a great fan made video on YouTube and would love for everyone to see it?
Made a video of your own that you want shown? Then send me the link and I will post the best one each month!
4.
Fan of the Week-
With this contest each person would write a small paragraph on why Clay means so much to them. Or write why a certain Clay song has touched them so much. Please include your name and if you'd like you can include your MySpace link.
:D
If anyone has any comment on these please feel free to do so!"
If you don't have a MySpace to send me a message on then send your submissions and comment to leclayfactory@yahoo.com :D

Biography Updated

2008-06-14T08:54:00.002-04:00

The Biography on ClayOnline has been updated. CLICK HERE to view it.
Quote from Bio
"One thing I have learned from all this is that you can't wait until it is too late to tell the people you love that you care about them. Being home lets me do that everyday."

Four Clay songs appear in the top 25 on AOL's most played songs list

2008-06-14T08:46:00.004-04:00

This week on AOL's most played list four songs make an appearance.
#1 On My Way Here
#3 Ashes
#10 Everything I Don't Need
#21 Falling

CLICK HERE to view the list and remember to head on over to AOL and listen to these songs and watch the AOL session videos so Clay can continue to make an appearance on these list.

Backstage with Barry Nolan

2008-06-14T08:45:00.001-04:00

Article in Happy Herald Magazine

2008-06-14T08:40:00.002-04:00

In the new edition of the Happy Herald magazine, they talk with Clay about the new album and some of the things he has learned over the past five years. The article is very positive so CLICK HERE to view it.

Clay Mention in Natalie Grant's blog

2008-06-13T11:22:00.001-04:00

NASHVILLE, Tenn.-”The Real Me,” penned by multi-Dove Award winning Curb singer/songwriter Natalie Grant, has been recorded by Clay Aiken on his best-selling new RCA/19 Recordings release, On My Way Here. The album debuted at #4 on The Billboard 200 for the week of May 24.

“‘The Real Me’ reflects my own journey of self-discovery and what God has shown me about who He is and who I am,” Grant says of the ballad, which was featured on her 2005 watershed release, Awaken. “God has a divine purpose for our lives, and there’s such comfort and peace in knowing that even when our lives are a mess, He sees the incredible beauty underneath.”

Last month Grant became the first artist in 13 years to win the GMA Dove Award for Female Vocalist of the Year three consecutive times. Her critically-acclaimed seventh recording, Relentless, released in February and was the highest debut and top album by a female artist on both Nielsen SoundScan’s Top Christian Albums and Christian Retail charts. With a formidable foothold at mainstream media and radio, Grant is a featured speaker and performer on the Women of Faith and Revolve Tours and is an outspoken advocate for victims of international human trafficking.

CLICK HERE to visit Natalie Grant's blog

Randy Comments on Clay's future Fatherhood

2008-06-11T21:25:00.003-04:00

In an interview with ET at his ceremony for father of the year, Randy Jackson talks about the qualities that will make Clay a good dad.
His comments are very nice so you should go check it out here!

Clay is #2 and #7 on AOL top 11 Videos List

2008-06-10T13:27:00.005-04:00

This week on AOL's list of the most popular videos, Clay appears twice. "Ashes" at number 2 and "Everything I Don't Need" at number 7. Keep on watching so Clay can continue to appear on the list!
CLICK HERE to view list.

CNN Soundcheck: Clay Aiken

2008-06-08T08:08:00.005-04:00

CNN has posted a small, really nice video of an interview with Clay. It was shoot on the same day as his AOL session. CLICK HERE to watch it!

A Few New Pictures From the Ford Theater Gala

2008-06-05T13:57:00.007-04:00

There is an article from JustJared also, CLICK HERE to view it.

Clay Factory MySpace!!!

2008-06-04T14:57:00.003-04:00

CLICK HERE to add the "Clay Factory" to your friends list. My adding you will be able to get bulletins telling you about updates and news stories...so don't miss out add The Clay Factory!!!

Clay #1 on Lycos top 50 internet Searches

2008-06-03T19:12:00.002-04:00

Search Term

Change

Last WK

#WKS

1	Clay Aiken Going to be a Father		3	443
2	YOUTUBE Online Videos	NC	2	11
3	Paris Hilton Engagement Rumors?		1	443
4	Angelina Jolie False Alarm Delivery		12	52

CLICK HERE to view the rest of the list.
Keep on searching for Clay so he can continue to stay Number 1

Clay performed Sunday at the Ford Theatre Gala attended by President Bush and Laura Bush

2008-06-02T07:31:00.003-04:00

June 1, 2008 - 10:18pm

Sunday, June 1, 2008 in Washington. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais) By NATASHA T. METZLER
Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) - Broadway came to the nation's capital Sunday night during a gala for the Ford's Theatre attended by President Bush and first lady Laura Bush.

Actor Hal Holbrook, country music singer Trisha Yearwood, former American Idol runner-up Clay Aiken and other stars performed songs and spoken word pieces from the musical "The Civil War" at the National Theatre, which hosted the event because the beneficiary theater is under renovation.

"Laura and I have been coming here now for eight years to the Ford Theatre gala and this is by far the best," Bush said after the performances. "It's such an uplifting performance and a reminder of what a great president Abraham Lincoln was."

The musical, which premiered in Houston in 1998 before opening on Broadway, follows the course of the war from multiple perspectives.

The spoken word selections invoked Frederick Douglass, Sojourner Truth and Lincoln among others. Holbrook read several selections.

Yearwood performed two numbers: "If I Should Lose My Way" and "The Honor of Your Name." Aiken sang "Sarah."

Other performers included actor Avery Brooks, musician Larry Gatlin and author Maya Angelou.

Angelou was one of the evenings two recipients of Lincoln Medals.

Actress Ruby Dee also was honored with a medal. Her daughter accepted it on her behalf.

"The Lincoln Medal brings Abraham Lincoln's legacy to life by recognizing his wisdom and vision in the work of today's leaders," the first lady said when introducing the recipients. "It honors those who through their accomplishments or personal attributes illuminate the character of our most beloved president."

???????

2008-06-01T21:03:00.003-04:00

1. I recently posted about a weekly caption contest but no one has sent me submissions. We can't have the contest if no one enters their submission. I know it's is mainly due to the fact that this site isn't well known...So go tell all of your friend about it!!! I'd really like to be able to do this contest....
2. If you are a member of IDF ClaytinaUNC is selling some of her old Clay merchandise...if you'd like to check it out CLICK HERE!
3. If anyone has any suggestions of how to make the site better or how to make it more popular feel free to comment or e-mail me at ashleyflutetay@yahoo.com...even if they're negative..that's cool...I need feedback...
Hope everyone is having a great Sunday

On My Way Here #1

2008-06-01T14:08:00.004-04:00

On this weeks AOL most played list, "On My Way Here" is Number 1. Also at number one is Clay's AOL session from last week !! Keep on listening to it so ONMH can continue to stay at number 1 on this list!!!

CLICK HERE to view Clay's AOL page
CLICK HERE to view the rest of the list and listen to ONMH
CLICK HERE to watch Clay's AOL Sessions

WEEKLY CAPTION CONTEST!

2008-05-31T12:05:00.002-04:00

Introducing the latest addition to the Clay Factory......A Caption Contest!
Here's how it works...
Each week I will post a picture of Clay and fans will submit a funny caption based off the picture.
To submit a caption e-mail me at ashleyflutetay@yahoo.com. With your submission include your name and caption...also if you have a myspace or any other site such as that you can also send the link so that I can put it up with your caption if you win! 5 captions will be chosen a week...so hurry up and get your captions in!

PICTURE FOR WEEK 1

Clay Wins A Broadway Award!

2008-05-31T10:02:00.004-04:00

Along with Clay's win for Favorite Male Replacement, Spamalot also took home two other awards including Best Female Replacement for Hannah Waddingham and Favorite Long Running Show!

Favorite Replacement (Male)
Clay Aiken, Spamalot

Favorite Replacement (Female)
Hannah Waddingham, Spamalot

Favorite Long-Running Broadway Show
Spamalot

Clay's Interview with ChannelNewsAsia

2008-05-30T18:50:00.003-04:00

Clay to be a Father.(HASN'T BEEN CONFIRMED BY CLAY HIMSELF)

2008-05-29T17:10:00.005-04:00

ET confirms that CLAY AIKEN is going to be a daddy! The singer is expecting his first child with JAYMES FOSTER, a music producer and sister of DAVID FOSTER. The baby is due in August.

A rep for Foster says, "By the way she looks great, glowing and very happy. she and clay have been good friends for a long time."

Keep checking back here for further details on this breaking story...

Contest Ideas!

2008-05-28T17:41:00.002-04:00

I would like to start having weekly picture caption and fan made video contest. If you'd like so see this addition made to The Clay Factory please leave a comment or e-mail me at ashleyflutetay@yahoo.com. Thanks!

WEEK 3: HDD Chart

2008-05-27T17:40:00.004-04:00

CHART DATE: 05/26/2008

LAST UPDATE: 05/27/2008 14:26:13

NOW IN: FINAL

artist / album

label

power index

% change

22	39	CLAY AIKEN		RCA/RMG	14,391	-17%
		ON MY WAY HERE

AOL Sessions Performances and Interview

2008-05-27T17:19:00.010-04:00

Clay's AOL Session included an interview and 5 performances:
1. Ashes
2. Everything I Don't Need
3. Where I Draw the Line
4. On My Way Here
5. Something About Us
CLICK HERE to watch the interview.
To Watch a Performance Click On the Name of the Song You Want to hear!

Clay #15 on Cove Magazines List of Outstanding Pop Vocalist!

2008-05-26T10:48:00.003-04:00

1. Christina Aguilera (+50) -perfect score!
2. Mariah Carey (+49.7)
3. Michael Jackson (+49.5)
4. Celine Dion (+49.2)
5. Johnny Gill (+48.6)
6. Whitney Houston (+48.5)
7. Beyonce (+48)
8. Alicia Keys (+47)
9. Avril Lavigne (+44.1)
10. Usher (+44)
11. Dixie Chicks (+42)
12. Amerie (+39.8)
13. Enrique Iglesias (+39.5)
14. Mary J. Blige (+39.4)
15. Clay Aiken (+39.3)

CLICK HERE to view the rest of the list.

Happy Memorial Day!

2008-05-26T10:47:00.000-04:00

OC Register Poll: Favorite American Idol (Clay Obviously)

2008-05-25T14:34:00.003-04:00

CLICK HERE TO SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR CLAY BY VOTING!

On My Way Here AOL Sessions to premiere on May 27th

2008-05-25T14:21:00.003-04:00

Check Clay's AOL Sessions on May 27th, it is reported that he will song On My Way Here, Where I Draw the Line, and Everything I Don't Need. Pictures, videos and links will be up soon!!

Week 2: On My Way Here number 18 on the Billboard top 200

2008-05-22T17:12:00.002-04:00

This Wk

Last Wk

Artist Name Album Title

Imprint | Catalog No. | Distributing Label

Peak

Wks On

Clay Aiken On My Way Here

S/19/RCA | 28089 | RMG

Peak:4

Wks On:2

Clay breaks in at number 30 on the AC Mediabase Chart!

2008-05-21T17:02:00.003-04:00

LW: May 7 - May 13

TW: May 14 - May 20

Updated: Wed May 21 12:48 PM PST

Rank		Mediabase Sortable Stats™ - Click any Blue Header			Spins			Aud. /mill
lw	TW		Artist	Title	TW	lw	Move	Aud. /mill

CLAY AIKEN

On My Way Here

0.210

Clay In Steppin' Out Magazine

2008-05-20T17:13:00.008-04:00

Final HDD Sales For Week 2

2008-05-20T16:59:00.007-04:00

CHART DATE: 05/19/2008

LAST UPDATE: 05/20/2008 12:27:39

NOW IN: FINAL

artist / album

label

power index

% change

3	22	CLAY AIKEN		RCA/RMG	17,336	-81%
		ON MY WAY HERE

Updates

2008-05-18T10:35:00.002-04:00

Clay has been taken off the list of guest for the Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson. The details as to why have not been determined but according to Clay's Daily Double it may have something to do with the fact that he performed on Jimmy Kimmel within a week of his appearance on the Late Late show. The two shows show in the same time slot making them competitors, but this hasn't been confirmed.

Clay nominated for 2 Broadway Audience Awards!

2008-05-17T09:51:00.003-04:00

Broadway.com readers have revealed their nominations for 9th Annual Broadway.com Audience Awards, the only theatrical award that honors the best of the season as chosen by regular theatergoers. The nominations were determined after a week of online voting, in which readers were asked to choose from complete lists of eligible shows and performers.

Winners will be determined after a second round of voting, with all previous votes wiped clean. Winners will be announced on Friday, May 30 and honored at a private reception on Tuesday, June 3.

Clay was nominated for two awards listed below...

Favorite Breakthrough Performance (Male)
Clay Aiken, Spamalot
Max Crumm, Grease
Daniel Evans, Sunday in the Park with George
Lin-Manuel Miranda, In the Heights
Paulo Szot, South Pacific

Favorite Replacement (Male)
Clay Aiken, Spamalot
Blake Bashoff, Spring Awakening
Matt Doyle, Spring Awakening
Mario Lopez, A Chorus Line
Bob Saget, The Drowsy Chaperone

Spamalot was also nominated for favorite long running broadway show

CLICK HERE TO VOTE FOR CLAY!!!

Jimmy Kimmel

2008-05-17T09:41:00.002-04:00

GMA and LENO Videos! and a few picture caps from The Rachel Ray Show, Jay Leno, and GMA

2008-05-16T22:06:00.013-04:00

Jimmy Kimmel

2008-05-16T20:15:00.003-04:00

It was reported earlier in the month that Clay would only be a panel guest on the show however, now due to singer Kate Nash canceling Clay will perform AND be a panel guest! Also Ryan Seacrest will be panel guest on the show. Tune in tonight to witness it all unfold!

Rachel Ray Show

2008-05-16T15:58:00.003-04:00

The American Idol sensation tells Rachael about his recent turn as Sir Robin in Broadway's Monty Python's Spamalot. "It's one of those shows that's different every night," he says. "The actors and the people in the show were so great. They'd change it up and they'd change things up on me. I finished two weeks ago, and I'd just gotten to the point I was finally getting used to it and finally comfortable and then they told me to leave. I was just finally figuring out my part!"

Clay is eager to talk about another role he's been playing -- an ambassador for UNICEF. "I was a teacher before I was on Idol," he explains, "and UNICEF needed someone to talk about education." Clay says it's been an amazing opportunity to work on programs in Uganda and Afghanistan, and hopes that more people will get involved with the organization. "They know the name," he says, "but they don't know exactly how much it does. It works in 156 countries and they've saved more children's lives in the world than any other organization."

WEB EXCLUSIVE FROM RACHEL RAY WEBSITE

Clay on MyFox LA

2008-05-16T12:57:00.002-04:00

Los Angeles -- Clay Aiken has been a busy man this year. He has been performing on Broadway and has been recording songs for his first album of original songs since 2003. The new CD is called "On My Way Here" and it chronicles the last five years for the "American Idol" runner (Click the picture to watch the video of his appearance)

TV Appearances

2008-05-16T12:23:00.001-04:00

Don't forget to watch Clay on The Rachel Ray show and Jimmy Kimmel show today!
Check your local listings for showtimes!
Videos and photos from both shows will be up ASAP!

Clay with his handy-dandy IPhone!

2008-05-15T23:29:00.004-04:00

American Idol runner-up Clay Aiken chats on his Apple iPhone as he strolls along Montana Ave in Brentwood, Los Angeles on Wednesday. Clay looked summery in his linen blazer and leather sandals as he went to have lunch with friends at Louise’s. His latest album, On My Way Here debuted this week at #4 with 94,071 units sold this week. Clay’s previous album, A Thousand Different Ways, started at No. 2 in 2006, with the much larger sales of 211,000. Clay has said On My Way Here represents the last five years of his life, but that he didn’t write any of the material. He said he’s “not great” at songwriting and that he’d rather “let the people who are experts in that field do what they do, and I’ll do what I do.”

Clay at Benihanas

2008-05-15T22:59:00.005-04:00

Clay Aiken at Benihana
"Since 1964 Benihana has defined "Eatertainment." There are 80 restaurants world-wide. (Strangely there are more Benihanas in Venezuela than in Canada! And only one in Japan. Romania also has one.) Clay Aiken is a longtime devotee of Benihana's. We spoke a lot about the Claymate phenomenon, which extends to Japan, where fans naturally are called Claysians. (Fans in Kuala Lumpur are Maclaysians, which sounds a little fast food-y.) Much of our chat, which included a discussion of Pan-Claysian cuisine, didn't make it into the video below. Still I hope you enjoy..."

Clay Aiken Debuts at #4 on the Billboard Top 200 Charts!

2008-05-15T22:55:00.002-04:00

(From The Official Site)
(NEW YORK - May 14, 2008) - Clay Aiken's RCA/19 Recordings album, ON MY WAY HERE debuts this week at #4 with 94,071 units sold this week. Released on May 6th, ON MY WAY HERE is Aiken's fourth album, fourth Top 5 debut, and his first album of original songs since his 2003 chart topping, double platinum debut Measure of a Man.

The title track and first single from the album "On My Way Here" debuted at #1 on the AOL streaming chart the week of release, rocketed to #1 on the Amazon chart the week it was made available as a pre-release, and debuted at #1 on the Amazon download chart on release day.

Aiken debuted songs from his new album on a special "QVC Presents QSessions Live" event on Monday, April 28. Wal-Mart also released an exclusive, limited edition version of the album, which featured a different album cover and a bonus track "Forget I Ever Knew You."

Aiken made television appearances on Good Morning America, The View, The Today Show, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Entertainment Tonight, Access Hollywood, Insider, Extra!, E!, CNN, ABC Nightline, Fox News, and CBS News Path, all the week of release. Additionally, he appeared on AOL Sessions the week of release, and is scheduled to appear on Rachael Ray and Jimmy Kimmel Live on May 16th, and the Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson on May 19th.

ON MY WAY HERE chronicles Aiken's experiences over the past five years, ascending from the runner up on American Idol to pop superstar. The albumâ€™s theme came to Aiken when he and his executive producer Jaymes Foster fell in love with a song co-written by Ryan Tedder called "On My Way Here." The message of the lyrics â€” how the lessons we learn while growing up shape us into who we become as adults â€” struck a very deep chord with the artist.

WELCOME!!!

2008-05-15T22:29:00.001-04:00

Dear Clay Aiken Fans, My name is Ashley and I'm a major Clay fan, that is what has prompted me to start this Clay site. If you have any suggestions or information you'd like to share just email me at ashleyflutetay@yahoo.com I hope you enjoy!!!