News and Press: July-December 2010 Options

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MTV Newsroom.com

Aug. 12

Clay Aiken And Ruben Studdard's 'Timeless' Tour: Medleys, Exorcisms And Borscht Belt Comedy

Posted 1 hr ago by Jim Cantiello in Music

On Wednesday night (August 11), Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard brought their joint "Timeless" tour to New York's Hammerstein Ballroom at the Manhattan Center. Well, it was supposed to be at Hammerstein, but at the last minute it was moved to some secret ballroom on the seventh floor, which had the decor (and odor) of an untouched 1970s wedding reception hall.

It turns out the venue switch (due to low ticket sales) worked brilliantly for Clay and Ruben, since their show played like a long-lost Carol Burnett/Julie Andrews variety special. (With less of a budget.)

The setlist is set up like the tagline of Terri Garr's favorite radio station: Featuring the hits of the '60s, '70s, '80s, '90s and today! Except scratch the "today" part. The only songs from this decade were their debut schmaltzy "Idol" singles, performed in an opening "battle" mash-up that winked at the fan-wars that erupted after Ruben won the second season of "Idol." (They didn't even perform their post-"Idol" hits — I guess Clay's "Invisible" and Ruben's "Sorry (2004)" were deemed too musically adventurous for this tour.)

"Timeless" is wall-to-wall decade medleys. I counted 69 different songs represented in the two-hour show. And most of them are tracks you'd find on one of those cassettes your parents used to buy at a car wash: "Harper Valley PTA," "Turn the Beat Around," "When I See You Smile," "Caribbean Queen," "Can't Fight This Feeling," "Basically Every Song That's Ever Appeared On A Time-Life Compilation And/Or '80s Movie Soundtrack."

In between sets, Clay and Ruben delivered their finest stand-up material, whether it was bantering about 1960's race relations (!!), joking about Clay's sexuality (!!!) or performing endless sketches about "Pastor Ruben" curing Clay's "lack-of-rhythmitis." (!!!!!!!!!!!)

Feast on these sample exchanges:

Clay: Thanks for opening for me tonight, Ruben!

Ruben: I didn't open for you!

Clay: I'm pretty sure you came out first!

Ruben: I'm pretty sure you came out first!

Ba-dum-dum!

Ruben: We have a lot in common, Clay! I love my wife!

Clay: And I love "Desperate Housewives."

Ba-dum-dum!

Bruce Vilanch earned his pay check, folks.

And this was long before Clay busted out tear-away Hammer pants to perform a '90s medley that included hits from Montell Jordan, All-4-One, Billy Ray Cyrus, Bell Biv DeVoe, Backstreet Boys — you get the picture.

The "Timeless" tour throws back to two eras simultaneously. One is when variety shows ruled the school, but it also references a time when "American Idol" was set up to find exceptional vocalists versus contemporary music artists (a la David Cook). Simon often criticized contestants for being "cruise ship singers," but sometimes a reliable workhorse performer is what "Idol" would produce. In case you forgot, Clay and Ruben can sing really damn well. And although I went to the show to bask in (and gawk at) its unabashed hokiness, I can't deny that Ruben's "Superstar" and Clay's "Mandy" covers left me with goosebumps.

By the time the "Timeless" show wrapped up, I felt like I was in the Catskills circa 1964. Then again, maybe that's because the grand finale had Clay and Ruben singing "(I've Had) The Time of My Life" from "Dirty Dancing." (As my buddy Brendan said: "Nobody puts Cluben in the corner.")

What saved the show from being a totally depressing exercise in seeing washed up reality stars is the realization that Clay and Ruben aren't taking themselves seriously at all. They have created a show exclusively for their tried-and-true, intensely devoted fans. (Although, judging from the way the fancy hairdos stood up and sat down depending on which performer was singing, I'd say 99.99999 percent of the ticket holders were of the Claymate variety.)

These two singers brought an immense amount of joy to their followers last night. Yes, the "Timeless" tour may be as dated as the secret ballroom on the seventh floor of the Manhattan Center, but sometimes it’s fun to tap into your inner grandma. And Grandma Jim left the show with a big dopey grin on his face.

That being said, if six years from now Kris Allen and Adam Lambert are putting on a similar show, I might jump out of a window

This post has been edited by laughn: Yesterday, 04:18 PM

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Fox All Access.com

Aug. 12

CLAY AIKEN & RUBEN STUDDARD TAKING A SUMMER VACATION TOGETHER

Clay Aiken has had a terrific career since he was a runner- up on the second season of American Idol. He has made various successful albums over the years, and received great reviews for his stint on Broadway.

Aiken just released a new album, Tried And True, featuring songs which are old standards from the 50’s and 60’s. Aiken has been on tour with his old American Idol buddy, Ruben Studdard (who stole the American Idol crown over Aiken), singing songs from his new album.

We caught up with Aiken, who gave us insight on his current tour. (Click on the audio player to hear Clay Aiken)

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Star Tribune::Our Voices::Staff Blogs (Minneapolis)

Aug 18

Clay Aiken, age 71, coming to State Theatre

Is it just us, or did Clay Aiken age about 40 years between his last album and his current release, "Tried and True?" The new CD itself is an old- and crusty-sounding collection of standards such as "Mack the Knife," "Unchained Melody," "Moon River" and other songs they play at senior care centers to keep the residents from waking up. Now that Aiken is making TV appearances to promote the record -- including a special on the ever-gray PBS instead of the youthful FOX -- the "American Idol" contestant who lost out to Ruben Studdard looks paunchy and pale, as if he has been hanging around with undertakers. And now comes word that his "Tried and True Tour" is coming to the State Theatre in Minneapolis -- but not until March 5, 2011. Tickets go on sale Aug. 23 at 10 a.m. for $53-$63. That's the kind of long lead time given out to Broadway shows and other events for folks who like their calendars very planned out.

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Broadway World.com

Aug 20

Clay Aiken TRIED AND TRUE Solo Tour Tickets On Sale 8/23

Following in the wake of a critically acclaimed tour with fellow American Idol alum, Ruben Studdard, Clay Aiken is hitting the road once again. The singer who first wowed audiences in the 2003 American Idol competition, will hit 20 cities across the U.S. beginning February 10, 2011, which includes his third PlayhouseSquare visit for one 7:30 pm performance Saturday, February 19th at the Palace Theatre.

Tickets for the February 19th concert go on sale Mon., Aug. 23rd at 11 am at playhousesquare.org, 216-241-6000 and at The PlayhouseSquare Ticket Office. Tickets will be $75, $55, $45, and both $20 & $10 Smart Seats.

Aiken's "Tried & True Live!" DVD was released July 27th, with the special LIVE DVD capturing Clay's first PBS concert special, Tried & True, now airing across the country and locally on ideastream's WVIZ-PBS-TV.

The DVD showcases the singer's March 10th performance in his hometown of Raleigh, NC, plus exclusive material not seen on PBS and a bonus EPK on the making of his latest CD, Tried & True. The CD was released June 1st on Decca, and made an impressive debut in the Top 10 of Billboard's Top 200 Album Chart. Considered the record Aiken was always meant to record, it is comprised of songs from the '50s and '60s that are Clay's personal favorites he grew up listening to. Clay will continue to perform these standards on the national "Tried & True" tour.
For complete information on Clay's national tour, visit www.clayaiken.com.

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Indonesian Music Charts

Aug 22

It's Impossible is #9 on this music chart in Badung Bali, Indonesia.
http://creativedisc.com/top-charts/mgt-101...untdown-13-aug/

This radio station is in Padung Sumatra, Indonesia. It's Impossible is #17 this week, up from #25.
http://www.classyfm.co.id/music/42-hitlist.html

Creative Disc::Top Charts
Indonesian Radio Stations Countdown Charts

Swaragama Weekly Top 24 – 21 Aug

101.7 SWARAGAMA FM JOGJA!
Kompleks Bulaksumur H-5
UGM Yogyakarta 55281

TW LW WOC TITLE ARTIST / Album / Label PP
19 21 3 It’s Impossible CLAY AIKEN / Single / Universal Music Indonesia 19

Classy 42 Hitlist – 21 Aug

August 21st, 2010 | 0 komentar
Kategori: Classy 103.4 FM Padang
Showtime : Saturday, 21 Agustus 2010, 19.00 Pm Till 21.00 Pm

This Week Last Week Weeks On Chart Title – Artist – Album – Single Peak Position Label Status
17 25 5 It’s Impossible – Clay Aiken Said And True 25 Verve ▲

DJ FM Weekly Top 40 – 15 Aug

August 18th, 2010 | 2 komentar
Kategori: DJ FM 94.8 FM Surabaya

DJFM WEEKLY TOP 40 COUNTDOWN
EVERY SUNDAY 13:00 – 15:00 PM
Airdate : 15 – 22 Agustus 2010

TW LW WO ARTIST TITLE LABEL
27 30 2 Clay Aiken It’s Impossible Universal

Ninetyniners Funky 40 – 15 Aug

August 16th, 2010 | 1 komentar
Kategori: Ninetyniners Radio

August 15th, 2010 33rd EDITION FUNKY PRODUCER DITTA PUTRI
This 1w 2w SONG TITLE ( album / label ) ARTIST woc peak
Week ago ago pst
16 25 31 IT’S IMPOSSIBLE (tried and true / decca) CLAY AIKEN 4 16

Mustang 40 Show – 15 Aug

August 16th, 2010 | 0 komentar
Kategori: Mustang 88 FM Jakarta

32nd Edition, on air-date August 15, 2010
Tw Lw 2wa Woc T I T L E ARTIST / ALBUM / LABEL PP
31 35 40 4 Its Impossible Clay Aiken/Tba/Not Listed 31

M Top 40 – 15 Aug

August 15th, 2010 | 0 komentar
Kategori: M Radio 105.8 FM Kendari

This Last Week on Artist / Title Week Week Chart
34 38 1 Clay Aiken – It’s Impossible (Alb.Tried & True / Decca)

Rase Adult Contemporary 9 – 15 Aug

August 15th, 2010 | 0 komentar
Kategori: Rase 102.3 FM Bandung

This Last Weeks Peak Title / Album Artist / Label
Week Week OC Post
8 New Entry It’s Impossible Clay Aiken
said & True Universal/ 2010

ITB 8eh Radio Chart – 14 Aug

August 15th, 2010 | 0 komentar
Kategori: ITB 8EH Radio 108 FM Bandung

THIS WEEK LAST WEEK PEAK POSITION WEEKS ON CHART TITLE / album / LABEL A R T I S T
16 27 16 3 IT’S IMPOSSIBLE / tried and true (universal) CLAY AIKEN

MGT Top 20 Countdown – 13 Aug

August 13th, 2010 | 0 komentar
Kategori: MGT 101.1 FM Bandung

33rd Edition, August 13th, 2010
THIS WEEK LAST WEEK WEEKS ON CHART TITLE ( album / label ) ARTIST
9 12 4 IT’S IMPOSIBLE (tried and true / decca) CLAY AIKEN

DJFM Weekly Top 40 – 08 Aug

August 9th, 2010 | 4 komentar
Kategori: DJ FM 94.8 FM Surabaya
DJFM WEEKLY TOP 40 COUNTDOWN
EVERY SUNDAY 13:00 – 15:00 PM
Airdate : 08 – 15 Agustus 2010

TW LW WO ARTIST TITLE LABEL
30 NEW ENTRY Clay Aiken It’s Impossible Universal

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New Zealand Herald.co

Aug 26

Time has been good to Clay Aiken

Not winning 'American Idol' didn't make a dent in Clay Aiken's music career. He's launched nine tours, released a best-selling book and appeared on Broadway.

<Video Interview>

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Youtube

Aug 27

U.S. Fund for UNICEF: Clay Aiken on Pakistan flooding

UNICEFUSA | August 27, 2010

Singer-songwriter & UNICEF Ambassador, Clay Aiken, calls for more help for children affected by the devastating floods in Pakistan. Learn more about UNICEF's emergency relief efforts for children in Pakistan.

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The Daily Beast.com

Aug 27

The Semantics of Coming Out


After 43 years, Ken Mehlman, George W. Bush's 2004 campaign manager and former RNC chairman, confirmed Wednesday that he is gay. From Ricky Martin to Ellen, read how others announced their exit from the closet.

Ken Mehlman's coming out makes him the most high-profile Republican in history to admit that he is gay. "It's taken me 43 years to get comfortable with this part of my life," Mehlman said, though his sexuality had long been a subject of speculation. “Everybody has their own path to travel, their own journey," he told The Atlantic. For American Idol finalist Clay Aiken, it was fatherhood that prompted him to go public about his sexual orientation. "I cannot raise a child to lie or to hide things," he told People magazine at the time. Rosie O'Donnell avoided any apology in her public declaration. "I'm a dyke!" she proclaimed at a stand-up show. "I don't know why people make such a big deal about the gay thing."

From confessions to proud statements, read how other stars and public figures have publicly declared their sexual orientation.

<snip>

Clay Aiken

Many in the media had made assumptions about the sexual orientation of the 2003 American Idol runner-up, but Clay Aiken had always publicly denied he was gay until 2008. That year, Aiken announced that he and Jaymes Foster, the sister of record producer David Foster, had a son together via in vitro fertilization. Soon after that revelation, Aiken felt the need to be honest with his fans. "It was the first decision I made as a father," he told People magazine of coming out. "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 born-again Christian worried about audience's reactions, but in the two years since he came out, his only record Playlist: The Very Best of Clay Aiken, released in 2009, got plenty of play and the Claymates still seem to support their idol.

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Twitpic

Aug 27

Clay Aiken stopped by to support Elaine Marshall for US Senate.

Posted on August 28, 2010
by eMusing

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USA Today.com

Aug 30

Clay Aiken makes UNICEF PSA for Pakistan flood relief

In a new public service video, Clay Aiken, a United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) ambassador, calls for donations to aid children endangered by the recent flood in Pakistan.

"Right now, 4 million children are caught in the aftermath of the worst flooding in Pakistan's history," Clay says, adding that donations can provide "water, medicine and protection that the children of Pakistan need to survive."

To find out more about donating to UNICEF's flood-disaster relief for Pakistan's children, click here.

~~~~~

Contact Music.com

Pete Wentz - Wentz & Aiken Film Pakistan Appeal For Unicef

Musicians PETE WENTZ and CLAY AIKEN have filmed emotional appeals to help boost aid for flood-ravaged Pakistan.

The stars, both ambassadors for UNICEF, have added their voices to the campaign to help victims of the disaster as floodwaters continue to rise.

In two new public service announcements (PSAs), which show images of youngsters struggling to survive in the country, they say, “Right now, four million children are caught in the aftermath of the worst flood in Pakistan’s history. Homeless, hungry, traumatised. They need clean water, medicine and shelter to survive.

"(UNICEF) can stop kids from dying needlessly but we need your help. Your contributions go to provide the water, medicine and protection that children of Pakistan need to survive. Please visit unicefusa.org to learn more."

Scottish actor Ewan MCGregor has also filmed a video calling on his fellow Brits to donate cash to UNICEF's appeal.

More than 1,500 people have been killed and many more have been left stranded after monsoon rains caused the worst flooding in Pakistan for a century.

~~~~~

The Hollywood Gossip.com

Clay Aiken Makes a Plea for Pakistan

As a UNICEF Ambassador and all-around good guy, Clay Aiken has released a new video.

In it, the former American Idol runner-up asks viewers to donate to emergency relief efforts for children in Pakistan, following that country's recent, torrid, fatal flooding.

“Right now, more than four million children are caught in the aftermath of the worst flood in Pakistan’s history,” he says below. “They need clean water, medicine and shelter to survive."

Give what you can, folks. It's a worthwhile cause.

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News Observer.com

Aug 31

Clay Aiken has a new political idol

Pop singer Clay Aiken helped Democratic Senate candidate Elaine Marshall at a Durham fundraiser Friday night.

Aiken was the special guest along with state Treasurer Janet Cowell at an event held at the home of Amalendu and Arundhati Chatterjee in Durham. The price of admission for the event ranged from $2,400 for hosts to $100 for guests.

Aiken, who grew up in Raleigh, had backed Cal Cunningham in the Democratic primary held this spring.

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Official Fan Club

Sep 3

Vote for National Inclusion Project on Pepsi Refresh

09/01/10 at 10:35 AM by brian

Please vote daily during the month of September to help the National Inclusion Project win $50,000 so that no child sits on the sidelines. Visit www.inclusionproject.org for a daily reminder to vote or learn more about the challenge. Click the link below to vote for our Pepsi Refresh grant and text Pepsi (73774) to the number 102308 for an additional vote.

www.refresheverything.com/nationalinclusionproject

Thank you so much for your help, support, and dedication to ensuring inclusion for all children!

~~~~~

New Store Bundles

09/02/10 at 10:00 AM by Vanessa

There is a new bundle up in the store! Right now your can get an On My Way Here T-shirt along with an autographed headshot of Clay! Be the first of your friends to get this bundle here today. Be on the look out for more merch bundles coming to the store soon.

Timeless tour shirts and tote bags are also now available in the store! If you couldn't make it to a Timeless tour date, head over to the store now to get it before it's gone!

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National Inclusion Project.org

Sep 4

National Inclusion Project Receives Back-to-Back 4-Star Rating from Charity Navigator!

September 1, 2010

Dear National Inclusion Project:

On behalf of Charity Navigator, I wish to congratulate National Inclusion Project on achieving our coveted 4-star rating for sound fiscal management.

As the nonprofit sector continues to grow at an unprecedented pace, savvy donors are demanding more accountability, transparency and quantifiable results from the charities they choose to support with their hard-earned dollars. In this competitive philanthropic marketplace, Charity Navigator, America's premier charity evaluator, highlights the fine work of efficient charities such as your own, and provides donors with essential information needed to give them greater confidence in the charitable choices they make.

Based on the most recent financial information available, we have calculated a new rating for your organization. We are proud to announce National Inclusion Project has earned our second consecutive 4-star rating for its ability to efficiently manage and grow its finances. Only 21% of the charities we rate have received at least 2 consecutive 4-star evaluations, indicating that National Inclusion Project consistently executes its mission in a fiscally responsible way, and outperforms most other charities in America. This “exceptional” designation from Charity Navigator differentiates National Inclusion Project from its peers and demonstrates to the public it is worthy of their trust.

Forbes, Business Week, and Kiplinger's Financial Magazine, among others, have profiled and celebrated our unique method of applying data-driven analysis to the charitable sector. We evaluate ten times more charities than our nearest competitor and currently attract more visitors to our website than all other charity rating groups combined, thus making us the leading charity evaluator in America. Our irrefutable data shows that users of our site gave more than they planned to before viewing our findings, and in fact, it is estimated that last year Charity Navigator influenced over $10 billion in charitable gifts.

We believe our service will enhance your organization's fundraising and public relations efforts. Our favorable review of National Inclusion Project's fiscal health will be visible on our website as of September 1st.

We wish you the best in all of your charitable endeavors.

Sincerely,

Ken Berger
President & Chief Executive Officer

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Electronic New Paper, Singapore

Sep 4

American Idol runner-up Clay Aiken is curt, defensive and condescending Has Mr Nice turned into Mr Nasty?

By Germaine Lim
September 05, 2010

TO HIS rabid fans known as Claymates, Clay Aiken is MrNice.


That was certainly not the impression The New Paper was left with after a 15-minute phone interview with the American Idol 2 runner-up yesterday morning.

Indeed, the 32-year-old was every bit as snarky and curt as ex-Idol judge Simon Cowell.

This, despite a June interview with Billboard.com when Aiken claimed he wouldn't be as "caustic" as Cowell is if he were invited to be on the Idol judging panel.

Aiken clammed up when asked about his two-year-old son, whose mother is his best friend, music producer Jaymes Foster. She is the sister of well-known Canadian producer David Foster.

Speaking from New York where he's based, Aiken politely told The New Paper: "He's well but we don't talk about him that much. We want to keep him out off the spotlight and try our best to let him have a normal life."

Then things took a turn.

The New Paper tried to clarify an incident when Aiken was reportedly shooed off last year's Idol set, according to Yahoo! News.

He'd allegedly arrived uninvited and hoped to mentor Adam Lambert who later became last year's runner-up.

When asked, Aiken snapped: "Check your facts."

The report had added that Idol executives were upset with Aiken for leaving 19 Entertainment, which manages Idol stars, and convincing Season 1 winner Kelly Clarkson to dothe same.

Asked if this was true, Aiken hissed: "I don't know what this has got to do with my album."

His fifth and latest record, Tried And True, is in stores now and features covers like Misty and Crying.

We then asked him for his thoughts on the ailing Idol series andthe judging panel rut.

After all, who better to comment on it than an Idol alumnus?

Cowell and US TV host Ellen DeGeneres have left the show while rumours are rife that Kara DioGuardi, who joined the show two years ago, has been axed.

Of the original Idol judges, only Randy Jackson remains.

Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler was recently added to the judges panel.

But when asked about Tyler, Aiken huffed: "Again, I don't know what this has got to do with my album." Okay, let's discuss your music and career then.

It took Aiken five years after he gained fame to publicly admit he is gay to People magazine in 2008.

Did he deliberate on it because he was worried about disappointing Claymates?

A condescending Aiken said: "You're funny. You said you're going to talk about my music and you ask me this. This is incredible."

Well, Aiken, if you'd let me go on, you'd see this has everything to do with your music.

His revealing interview with People magazine came out more than four months after he released his last album, On My Way Here, in May 2008.

Calculated move

At that point, it had seemed like a calculated move to prevent the potential dampening of album sales.

After all, On My Way Here managed to push 94,000 units in its first week.

In comparison, Tried And True only shifted 22,000 units over the same period when it was released in June in the US.

Despite the drop in sales, Aiken insisted that fans have remained loyal.

"I'm not worried at all. People have been supportive of me.

"I wasn't hesitant to come out. People take their own paths and make decisions over their own time frame. I just thought it was time."

Aiken had told People that he decided to reveal his sexuality because "I cannot raise a child to lie or to hide things".

One thing that Aiken was candid about was his lack of interest in Idol.

He admitted he hasn't watched the show since Season 4 when country singer Carrie Underwood won.

He said: "I appreciate the show for the opportunities it's given me. But after a while, plenty of people (like me) have stopped watching it. I don't have the time and (I don't) put it in myschedule to catch it."

Little wonder why Idol executives haven't approached him to be a judge.

Aiken was also frank about his post-Idol career.

He admitted he has not been as successful as Underwoodand Clarkson.

Nevertheless, he is still the show's most successful runner-up, having sold nearly five million records.

"I don't deny that they've had more commercial success than me. But I do think it's relative in some ways. I've not necessarily worked towards having heaps of radio air play like Kelly and Carrie.

"People take different paths. That's what the show is about anyway. I don't think people, at least not in the US, expect us to have super successful careers because we've seen somanyvaried paths in the show's history."

American Idol runner-up Clay Aiken is curt, defensive and condescending