Clay's new album is "on its way here"!

Hello everyone,

By now, most of us have heard that Clay's upcoming album is scheduled to drop on or around May 6th. We have also heard that it might be called "On My Way Here". Well, now we have confirmation of the album title! In the last 48 hours, the Amazon.com listing for Clay's new album started posting an album cover image. And here it is:



I was chatting with other members of the Online Fan Club last night, and for many of us, seeing this picture is making it that much more real - the new album is really on its way into our lives and our hearts. And what a beautiful picture of Clay on the cover. Though I'm not a huge fan of the super-blond hair he has been sporting since late December, I find that it looks very natural in this picture; it suits him. The expression on Clay's face is also quite whimsical and pensive - reflective, I think, of what Clay wants to share with us through this album.

To me, the picture shows Clay's maturity. He has been through a lot these past few years. Much of it good - I believe he truly does appreciate and care for us fans, and he sees the love and admiration that we hold for him. But there have also been many dark times: the ridiculous made-up story some guy (who will remain nameless) told publicly about him and Clay; the fabulation of a female "fan" and her supposed relationship with Clay (not). There really are some sick people in this world, sadly, and as a celebrity, Clay has been directly confronted with some of them. In very personal ways.

These are all experiences that while lived, are extremely draining on an emotional level. Clay himself has told us that he was taking antidepressants for a while, and that he occasionally has anxiety attacks. But if one can move beyond them, these challenges make a person stronger, more mature and fuller as a human being. I see Clay as having done that. He is wise beyond his years, always has been. And now, he is growing into a man with an even richer, multi-layered personality and outlook on life and humanity.

Clay, I'm watching you - and I'm so proud!

-- ClayKat

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What Clay and I have been up to

Hello fellow Clay fans,

It has been too long! I have to write when I'm inspired to do so, and for the past month or two, I have been busy and somewhat preoccupied with a number of things in my personal and work lives. Mostly good things, such as buying a first home with my sweetie! But also challenges, such as dealing with the fact that a long-time co-worker was recently fired - and in my opinion, unjustly fired... Lots of emotional events and issues to deal with. But overall, life is good, so I'm dealing well.

I have been pretty much keeping up with news about Clay and what he is up to. Now, we all know he has been acting in the Broadway musical Spamalot, since January 18th. He's on a run until May 4th, and it is keeping him very busy. Many people seem surprised at how well he is doing, playing a number of parts, the biggest one being that of Sir Robin (check out Clay's Spamalot blog). It doesn't surprise me at all, to hear that he is doing well. Clay is a consummate performer, a multi-layered talent, a resourceful and dedicated artist, and a hard worker. He can do whatever he sets his mind to - even dancing! I would love to see him on Broadway, but it's not going to happen, and that's ok. I enjoy reading the stories fans share with us of their experiences at the show, and at the backstage door, where Clay has been greeting fans and autographing playbills. Check out Clay's Daily Double's ongoing coverage of Clay in Spamalot, and especially, the thread called "What's Hot From Spamalot". The stories and pictures will put a smile on your face!

Clay has told us that he is taking advantage of the fact that he is in New York City to finalize recording for his next album. He says it should be launched on or around May 6th. I'm very much looking forward to this album, for a number of reasons. The most important being that this album will be the most true to Clay himself, his values and his tastes, of all his albums. He has said as much himself. Just check out the video called "Clay Aiken Spills the Beans About Upcoming Album" on Raleigh, North Carolina's WRAL news' Website, which has a special section on Clay called "Claymania".

It seems fairly sure that the album will be out this spring, in any case. And we know what that means... summer tour! I certainly hope that he will tour this summer, and I hope that I will be able to be there. Maybe he'll return to somewhere in eastern Canada (please, please, Clay?).

In the meantime, those of you who are seeing Clay in Spamalot, enjoy! And tell us all about it!

-- ClayKat

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