Friday, December 30, 2005

Has Clay helped you improve your life?

Recently I read an interview with Clay where he said he sometimes envies his friends who are now teachers, because they are doing something to help people, whereas what he is doing helps no one...

I wish I could tell him that that is so not true! Many of us, like me, are encouraged and inspired to find greater meaning in life thanks to Clay, his singing, his personality and simply who he is as a role model for a great human being!

Thursday, December 29, 2005

"More to this life"

A song I downloaded recently from a Clayfan site speaks to me more than most. I don't know where Clay sang it, because it clearly wasn't at a concert (there are no screaming fans!), nor is it on any of his albums. It was perhaps from the album he recorded after he graduated from high school (it was his Mom's graduation gift!). Maybe, because though it is obviously Clay's pure voice, he is not yet as polished or as solid as his voice is now, in his mid-20s.

The song which moves me has the following phrase: "There's more to this life than living and dying, more than just trying to make it through the day". It gives me hope and energy to continue every day, even when I am down - or worse. It tells me to think about the greater purpose of my life and my place in the universe, rather than focus on the daily trials and tribulations which can mobilize all one's attention and energy if one lets them. And goodness knows, I'm no better than the next person in avoiding being caught in the daily trap of rush-rush-rush and complaining.

You can download "More to this life" by going to the demo MP3 page on the All Things Clay Aiken Web site.

I love the fact that Clay's songs always have meaning. He refuses to sing songs which have no meaning, which are devoid of his own values or which in fact, go against his values. I respect that about him. He is such a unique singer and star in that sense, as well as many other ways, of course!

Friday, December 23, 2005

Sunday, December 18, 2005

One of the reasons why I love Clay Aiken...


Clay cradling a tiny baby while in Indonesia with UNICEF Posted by Picasa

Here's just one of the reasons why I am so partial to Clay Aiken. The love he has - and concretely shows - for children is so real and palpable. His hand gently cradling the baby's head, the tiny one's eyes looking right up into Clay's. A moment of sweetness so typical of Clay that it makes me find more happiness around me, more peace in this world which seems at times to be so full of pain.

Saturday, December 10, 2005

How does Clay stay so busy?

I'm always amazed at how active Clay is, doing six tours in just over two years. Two years in which he also did the following:

- set up and remains involved in the The Bubel/Aiken Foundation
- finished up and received his undergraduate degree in special education
- began working part-time for The Insider
- wrote a book - "Learning to Sing"
- hosted and participated in a number of television shows, including Christmas specials
- recorded and released two highly acclaimed albums ( Measure of a Man and Merry Christmas With Love )
- and lots more!

Clay is a highly sensitive person, and usually sensitive people need lots of time to themselves to wind down and process all the emotions they go through (I speak from experience!), but Clay seems to thrive on action, activity and having lots of people around, such that he has little alone-time and he's always on the go. I wish I could be more like him!

Thursday, December 08, 2005

What would you say to Clay if you met him?

Like other Claymates, I sometimes imagine what I would say if I ever met (when I meet? - here's to dreaming!) Clay in person.

Although I am 15 years his senior, I'm sure I would blush and stutter, out of sheer emotion at meeting this amazing young man. Then I would probably say something like "I feel so privileged to meet you Clay; I can't tell you how much joy and hope you have brought to my life." I know many of us imagine experiencing a real connection with Clay - and so do I. I imagine him looking into my eyes, and really seeing me, talking with me, not just as another fan at a meet-and-greet, but as a (potential) friend. I fantasize about him asking if I want to get together with him later that day, and we do, and we talk all night, a real heart-to-heart about life, love, commitment, purpose and social justice.

If it were earlier on in my life, say 15 years ago (I would be Clay's age), I would undoubtedly fall in love with Clay and imagine us as a couple. But being in my forties now, I feel more like an older sister doting on her beloved younger brother.

Clay has such a rich spiritual life, and is such a wise, sensitive soul, that I would love to just spend time with him, walking and talking, sharing about our lives, goals and experiences coming from histories of abuse and neglect. I know we would have lots to talk about! And I know I would come away from such a meeting with a feeling of being uplifted, of increased strength to meet the challenges in my own life.

What would you say to Clay if you met him in person?

Sunday, December 04, 2005

Featuring ... ClayManiac - the Website about Clay's fans

I like visiting the website called ClayManiac - the Website about Clay's fans - it has Clay art created by fans, photo galleries, fun pages, a yearly Clay calendar and fan stats. But one of the things I like best about this site is the section called Confessions (why we love Clay); which, as one can imagine, includes writings by fans who share why Clay appeals to them so.

And for a bit of eye-candy today: I love this recent picture from the Joyful Noise Tour...

Clay in Youngstown, Ohio, November 27, 2005 - JNT05 - thanks to Smugmug's online gallery of photos ! Posted by Picasa

Wednesday, November 30, 2005

Happy 27th birthday Clay!

HAPPY 27th BIRTHDAY CLAYTON HOLMES AIKEN!

YOUR FANS ARE THINKING ABOUT YOU TODAY!

Wishing you much love, peace and music, today and always.



Clay montage Posted by Picasa

Wednesday, November 23, 2005

Tuesday, November 22, 2005

Clay's "It" factor - featuring the Website "Clay Aiken, the Ideal Idol"

Finally, I found it! I have been looking for an hour. Here is the article I had seen once, then couldn't find again... I really like it - it says it all for me in terms of Clay's "It" factor. What does he have anyway? What is so special about this young man? It's hard to put one's finger on what it is that makes Clay so appealing to us Claymates. Of course, there is the voice. There is his loving heart. But what makes the whole package, what makes us be so devoted, so ferociously protective and loyal towards this young man? Whatever it is, WE know what it is because we feel it!

When reading this article the first time, I was smiling and nodding, because the words could have been taken right out of my mouth. Just read the article for yourself: "Clay Aiken - His "IT" Factor" . As I mentioned above, it is from the Clay Aiken, the Ideal Idol Web site , which has all kinds of Clay stuff, to read, look at, write and download - check it out!


A Cl-ose-up (close-up of Clay!) Posted by Picasa

Monday, November 21, 2005

Clay in his trademark fedora


Gotta love that fedora ! Clay in Toronto, August 25, 2005 Posted by Picasa

Sunday, November 20, 2005

Featuring ... Finding Clay Aiken

Today I would like to share with you the Web site called Finding Clay Aiken.

It is another fan site which, like All Things Clay Aiken, offers information on Clay, links to videos, MP3s and pictures, other fan-sites and much more. Two of the unique features of this Web site, for me, are the following:

- Pre-American Idol songs sung by Clay
- links to Clay song lyrics

Check it out!

Monday, November 14, 2005

Featuring ... All Things Clay Aiken

In the next few posts, I would like to highlight some Clay-fan Web sites I have found which I think are great. I begin today with All Things Clay Aiken , which offers information on Clay, links to videos, MP3s and pictures, other fan-sites, TV, newspaper and other media interviews, and much more. Always something new and tantalizing! I check it often and plan to make a contribution to the owner via Paypal as soon as my finances allow.

Sunday, November 13, 2005

Clay in action at the JBT concert in Toronto


Clay in action at the Toronto concert, August 25, 2005 Posted by Picasa

Saturday, November 12, 2005

"Tears Run Dry" in Toronto, Canada - at the Jukebox Tour concert on August 25, 2005

I love this picture, because it shows exactly how Clay was singing when he gave the world premiere of one of his new songs "Tears Run Dry" at his Jukebox Tour concert in Toronto, Canada on August 25, 2005. And it reminds me of exactly how I felt at the time.

It was towards the end of the concert and his voice was cracking, giving out a bit after over 3 hours of sharing his silky voice with his admiring audience. I'm sure I'm not the only one there who - while enjoying immensely Clay's rendition of this beautiful song - felt bad for Clay and wanted him to rest his voice! Goodness forbid Clay hurt his vocal chords!


Clay in Toronto, Canada, singing the world premiere of "Tears Run Dry" Posted by Picasa

I can no longer find online the audio file of Clay singing this song at the premiere in Toronto. However, by by clicking on this link, you can listen to "Tears Run Dry" as Clay sang it at another concert.

Saturday, November 05, 2005

Let's please give Clay's sexuality a rest!

I get so tired of people speculating about Clay Aiken's sexuality - and I won't dignify the stuff that is said by repeating it.

I love Clay for the person he is and I don't give a fig whether he is attracted to women or to men. What is most important in my mind is that he be happy and healthy, and that he continue to be the incredible human being that he is. What I wish for Clay is that he love someone and be fulfilled in that relationship, regardless of whether it is a man or a woman.

Give it a rest, media and people who have nothing better to do than discuss whom Clay might or might not love!

Friday, November 04, 2005

Never "Invisible" with Clay

I had never seen Clay's videos until this morning when I followed a few links and found two: The Way and Invisible , downloadable from BigTime Videos .

Once again, I'm not surprised to feel moved to tears by Clay... I had heard that during the video for Invisible, he sang to a chubby girl and so many fans were touched that he did so. But when I actually saw it for myself, tears came to my eyes, as I watched him single out and sing directly to the young girl - who was herself moved to tears when he did that. She put her arm around Clay's shoulders while doing her best to continue singing the words along with Clay, through her tears.

Clay wanted to have a variety of diverse people in this video, not just skinny-beautiful-model types. As usual, his heart full of love towards all people, of all colours, sizes, ages and abilities, shines through and through!

Wednesday, November 02, 2005

Clay's requests for his JN05 tour concerts - fellow Claymates please read!

Yesterday evening, Clay - now in beautiful Vancouver, British Columbia, in preparation for tonight's launch of his Joyful Noise 2005 tour - made a long entry to his fan club blog (you have to be a member of the fan club to read...so join!). Among the musings he shares with his fans, he makes some requests to concert-goers which will help ensure his band's health, safety and well-being. I think they are important - and some things I never even thought about, so probably many of you didn't either.

Clay wants everyone to enjoy the show and be able to take home some live souvenirs (photos, video footage, whatever), but he doesn't want it to be at the expense of his or his band members' security. So I thought I would post here some of his main points, as a way of getting the word out - which he asked us to do.

Here's to you, Clay - and your health and safety, as well as those of your fellow band members!

- don't use the flash on your camera - it causes headaches and blinding for those onstage; it can also increase the risk of someone getting hurt

- if you can't disactivate the flash, cover it with black electrical tape.

Tuesday, November 01, 2005

Clay's Joyful Noise 2005 Tour starts tomorrow... in our country!

Tomorrow is November 2nd, the launch of Clay's Joyful Noise 2005 Tour, in Vancouver! I can't wait to hear about the concert from Claymates! If any Vancouver concertgoers read this, I wish you a great concert. Knowing Clay, how it could be anything other than a great experience? Have a wonderful time!

Friday, October 28, 2005

What makes a true Claymate (Clay Aiken fan)?

I have a hard time with the Sally-come-latelys who began to be fans of Clay Aiken only once he became popular. They are also often the ones who swoon over his "sexiness", his eyes, his etc. etc. Blah! I liked Clay the moment he first opened his mouth at his American Idol audition, regardless of his so-called "geeky" look. See for yourself - you can see the video of his audition here:



Throughout the AI process, Clay changed his look... and the teeny-boppers jumped on the bandwagon in droves as he became more pop-idol-like in his appearance.


Clay during American Idol2 after a number of weeks... Posted by Picasa


Like so many other true fans (thank goodness, we are legion), I "came for the voice, stayed for the man", as I got to know him over time and learned to love his talent as a singer and his endearing spirit as a person, no matter what he looks - or looked - like.

Thursday, October 27, 2005

Clay relaxing during the 2005 Jukebox Tour


Clay relaxing during the 2005 Jukebox Tour Posted by Picasa

Clay fall picture


Clay fall picture Posted by Picasa

Tuesday, October 25, 2005

"When doves cry"... the crowd's supportive reaction

At one of his concerts this past summer, during the Jukebox Tour, Clay sang Prince's well-known song "When Doves Cry" (in my opinion, he sang it much better than Prince himself - but that's another story, because obviously I'm biased!).

One of the lines goes "Maybe I'm just like my father...too cold". The first couple of times I listened to the recording, I noticed the crowd roaring its disapproval whenever Clay sang that line, and I wondered why. Then I figured out what was going on: fans were chanting: "Noooooo" when Clay sang that particular line, letting him know that he is a warm and loving person - not at all cold, like his father and stepfather were in real life!

And that's the difference between Clay fans (or "Claymates") and fans of other singers / pop stars: we truly care about Clay, how he is and feels and who he is as a person. We know how sensitive and warm he is - and we let him know we care in every way possible!

Sunday, October 23, 2005

Clay's concerts

I so wish I could attend Clay's Joyful Noise 2005 tour , which will be launched in Vancouver, Canada next week (November 2nd). The band will then cross back over to the United States and proceed to give 39 more shows from west to east, ending on December 30th in the U.S. southeast, in Clearwater, Florida. Unfortunately, none of the concerts is really close enough for me to get there without having to miss work and spend a ton of money, so I'll have to wait until Clay heads out to my neck of the woods. Here's hoping that will be for his 2006 tour !

Saturday, October 22, 2005

"Learning to Sing" - Clay's autobiographical book

Reading Clay's autobiographical book (from all of his 26 years, at the time of publication!) is how I truly got to know the man, his life, his thoughts, experiences, desires and feelings. It is very moving to learn of the challenges he faced in terms of his family life and as a young teen, at school, where he was bullied.


"Learning to Sing" - Clay's autobiographical book Posted by Picasa

You can check out his book at your local library, or order his book on Chapters.ca or on Amazon.com

Friday, October 21, 2005

Clay the humanitarian: UNICEF and the Bubel / Aiken Foundation

One of the things I love most about Clay is his social conscience.

As a teacher specialized in working with children with disabilities, he decided to commit his life to making a difference, especially with children. During his studies, he set up the Bubel/Aiken Foundation, whose mission "is to provide services and financial assistance to facilitate fully the integration of children with disabilities into the life environment of those without", by creating awareness "about the diversity of individuals with disabilities and the possibilities inclusion can bring".

He is also an ambassador for UNICEF, the United Nations' international agency for children's rights. UNICEF's purpose is "to work with others to overcome the obstacles that poverty, violence, disease and discrimination place in a child’s path", a mission that Clay can relate to I'm sure, considering his commitment to children, human rights and justice for every person, anywhere in our world. So far I know he has been to Aceh, Indonesia:


Clay in Aceh with UNICEF Posted by Picasa

... and to Uganda:


Clay in Uganda with UNICEF Posted by Picasa

... and probably other places too.

Inclusion. Love. Fun. Life. Four words which express values dear to Clay Aiken!

Thursday, October 20, 2005

Clay close-up


Clay close-up ;Posted by Picasa

Gotta love that sweet face as he concentrates on belting out those rich tones!

Wednesday, October 19, 2005

One of the most sensitive, loving men...


Clay dancing with quadriplegic woman Posted by Picasa

Just this week I discovered many Clay fan sites, and one included a number of photos, including this one. When I saw this picture and read the caption, I burst into tears right away, out of awe before the beauty of Clay's soul... During a concert, he noticed a quadriplegic fan who was dancing as she could, by moving her head to the beat of his music. He went to her and lifted her out of her chair, held her close and danced with her while singing. What other pop star would ever do such a touching, moving thing? He is truly a great spirit, treating all people as equals, no matter their ability, age, gender, health, colour or ethnic origin.

Tuesday, October 18, 2005

Clay Aiken is the best!

I had to start this blog to share with others the joy that I feel by listening to Clay Aiken's beautiful voice, seeing his smile, reading his book - feeling his spirit! When I first heard this young man audition on season 2 of American Idol in January 2003, tears came to my eyes - his rich and vibrant voice touched me right away, as it has so very many people then and since.


Clay on American Idol Posted by Picasa

I watched Clay all the way through the Idol competition, cheering him on, learning to get to know the person as well as the voice - at least, as much as one can when one is only a public spectator, not a close friend. And I came to feel very tender-hearted about this radiant young man with the heart of gold. He is truly a gift to this world. He is certainly a gift in my life. Clay may have come in second on American Idol - and goodness knows I liked winner Ruben Studdard a lot too - but Clay was always number one in my mind (and the minds of so many others, as we have seen with his popularity since that time).

He has so much love for people, such humility and such openness to everyone, no matter how small, how young or old, attractive or not, disabled or not. He does not judge people, he sees the individuality and the humanity which is equal in each one of us. And when he sings, he sings to our souls! He sings in my heart, that's for sure, and I can't help smiling whenever I hear his voice.

And yet Clay has much to be sad / mad / resentful for. His childhood was not easy, and neither his biological father nor his stepfather ever really recognized the special person he is. I mostly feel sad that they missed out on being an active part of this incredible young person's life - and his heart. But Clay is wise, young though he is (he will be 27 next month) and he is compassionate. He understands that those two men, who should have been central in Clay's life, had their own important limitations which made it impossible for them to reach out properly and be true fathers for Clay. Having gone through an abusive childhood myself, I can relate to how he feels, but I wish I had Clay's wisdom in accepting what he had to go through.

I am a middle-aged woman in my forties myself, but Clay Aiken, all almost-27 that he is, is one of the wisest people I know and one of the ones I admire most in this world.