Clay Aiken - A Thousand Different Ways (part III)

[doodlebug]

Kimmel just keeps getting better and better. And it is definitely Clay's favorite show to go on. JK certainly loves him some Clay. Always a good show when he is on. I wish there was a way JK would replace Leno instead of stupid Conan. He is just way too obnoxious to be on the biggest talk show. I see them losing tons of viewers when he takes over. His "humor" is very bad and questionable in most cases. Very low class.

[sue]

The charities would benefit from Clay's participation too. I still say it's HUGE slap in the face for him to be snubbed for an event of this sort. I can only hope that it does signal a complete break from the Idol people if that happens.

I really don't expect Clay to be part of the charity event, but I must say that I am truly offended not only for Clay, but for all the winners, runnerups, and the more popular contestants that made it to the top throughout the last six years. I can't believe that AI would ignore the people that helped make it the show that it is today, and instead go with the bigger name acts. The way I see it, for them to chose to go with acts that only a couple of years ago would, more then likely, not even want to be associated with a show like AI is a real slap in the face. To ignore the kids that drew in such huge audiences when on tour, while some better known acts couldn't fill near as many seats, is ridiculous in my eyes. Surely AI must know that the idols would be very capable of pulling in big bucks for this charity event, so for AI not to invite them to be a part of this speaks volumes to me. If anyone should take part in this event, it should be the very people that AI made money of the backs of. I would think getting "big named" stars is AI's way of showing the world that they are now well respected by the music industry, which, in their eyes, seems to be more important then having people on that put millions and millions of dollars in their pockets and would very likely put millions of dollars in the hands of Unicef.

I'm hoping that I'm wrong and that AI still might invite some of the former contestants to be involved in this charity event, but if that's not the case, then like I said... I am truly offended for the kids and sickened by the way AI has treated them.

I see Idol is trying to soften their image. LOL

It's all good. Even though it is blatant manipulation, the charities will benefit and that is the bottom line.

Bottom line is that the charity would benefit very well by having former AI contestants participate in this event just as much as it would with the lineup AI is going with now.

[griz]

sue said:

The charities would benefit from Clay's participation too. I still say it's HUGE slap in the face for him to be snubbed for an event of this sort. I can only hope that it does signal a complete break from the Idol people if that happens.

I really don't expect Clay to be part of the charity event, but I must say that I am truly offended not only for Clay, but for all the winners, runnerups, and the more popular contestants that made it to the top throughout the last six years. I can't believe that AI would ignore the people that helped make it the show that it is today, and instead go with the bigger name acts. The way I see it, for them to chose to go with acts that only a couple of years ago would, more then likely, not even want to be associated with a show like AI is a real slap in the face. To ignore the kids that drew in such huge audiences when on tour, while some better known acts couldn't fill near as many seats, is ridiculous in my eyes. Surely AI must know that the idols would be very capable of pulling in big bucks for this charity event, so for AI not to invite them to be a part of this speaks volumes to me. If anyone should take part in this event, it should be the very people that AI made money of the backs of. I would think getting "big named" stars is AI's way of showing the world that they are now well respected by the music industry, which, in their eyes, seems to be more important then having people on that put millions and millions of dollars in their pockets and would very likely put millions of dollars in the hands of Unicef.

I'm hoping that I'm wrong and that AI still might invite some of the former contestants to be involved in this charity event, but if that's not the case, then like I said... I am truly offended for the kids and sickened by the way AI has treated them.

I see Idol is trying to soften their image. LOL

It's all good. Even though it is blatant manipulation, the charities will benefit and that is the bottom line.

Bottom line is that the charity would benefit very well by having former AI contestants participate in this event just as much as it would with the lineup AI is going with now.

I'm a Taylor Hicks fan, but I must say, I so totally agree with you. AI is not really looking for talent anymore - they are looking for whoever can move CDs off the shelves the fastest - their greediness is so transparent this year. And for them not to invite the very talent that made the show what it is is disgraceful. I sure hope AI is on it's last legs, because I for one have gotten very disallusioned with it. The disrespect they have shown Taylor (and Clay in years past) is shameful. I guess winning doesn't mean anything anymore. Pity.

[giovannina]

sue said:

The charities would benefit from Clay's participation too. I still say it's HUGE slap in the face for him to be snubbed for an event of this sort. I can only hope that it does signal a complete break from the Idol people if that happens.

I really don't expect Clay to be part of the charity event, but I must say that I am truly offended not only for Clay, but for all the winners, runnerups, and the more popular contestants that made it to the top throughout the last six years. I can't believe that AI would ignore the people that helped make it the show that it is today, and instead go with the bigger name acts. The way I see it, for them to chose to go with acts that only a couple of years ago would, more then likely, not even want to be associated with a show like AI is a real slap in the face. To ignore the kids that drew in such huge audiences when on tour, while some better known acts couldn't fill near as many seats, is ridiculous in my eyes. Surely AI must know that the idols would be very capable of pulling in big bucks for this charity event, so for AI not to invite them to be a part of this speaks volumes to me. If anyone should take part in this event, it should be the very people that AI made money of the backs of. I would think getting "big named" stars is AI's way of showing the world that they are now well respected by the music industry, which, in their eyes, seems to be more important then having people on that put millions and millions of dollars in their pockets and would very likely put millions of dollars in the hands of Unicef.

I'm hoping that I'm wrong and that AI still might invite some of the former contestants to be involved in this charity event, but if that's not the case, then like I said... I am truly offended for the kids and sickened by the way AI has treated them.

...

Bottom line is that the charity would benefit very well by having former AI contestants participate in this event just as much as it would with the lineup AI is going with now.

Word to that!

It really is a slap in the face to all the Idol winners as well as to Clay, Chris, Bo, Jennifer Hudson, and all other former contestants who have gone on to have success in CD sales, radio play, concerts, Broadway or film, etc. Especially those who have been involved in charitable work for Africa (e.g., Clay), New Orleans (e.g., Bo, George Huff, Taylor), etc.


Message:
Folks, Idol can make you a star! -- Only when we want a really star-studded roster, we go outside the fold and even to rival record companies (e.g., Warner) to find our big draws.

[maxwell]

I don't look at Clay not being included as a slap in the face. There are many factors that play into shows. What I won't understand is if none of the former contestants appear. It will be odd if they only include acts who a few years ago may have declined being on the show. They seem to have treated Taylor badly and I don't understand it.

[giovannina]

Maxwell, Clay would be an obvious inclusion because he's been a UNICEF ambassador for a couple years now, working both in Asia and Africa (e.g., Darfur). But Carrie, Chris, and Kelly would be obvious inclusions because their CD sales (like Clay's) are competitive with those of people like Groban and Buble (or at least close enough to justify AI including them). Maybe they haven't caught up with Madonna yet, but I can't see snubbing them in favor of Pink, Gwen Stefani, Josh Groban, and Michael Buble.
(Of course, the inclusion of Il Divo is totally transparent.)

[giovannina]

neally said:

giovannina said:

The charities would benefit from Clay's participation too. I still say it's HUGE slap in the face for him to be snubbed for an event of this sort. I can only hope that it does signal a complete break from the Idol people if that happens.

I really don't see the "slap in the face" that you refer to. First, all of the aforementioned artists who will be appearing on the show are non-AI alums; if an AI alum were on the show, I could somewhat see your point.

Which begs the question, "Why are they all non-AI alums?" Whazzup wit dat? ???

Second, all of the scheduled artists are largely internationally popular, something Clay will hopefully someday be (perhaps the show will be broadcasted outside of North America).

Well, Clay has hardly ever been allowed to do concerts or promote his CDs outside North America, but that's beside the point.

Pink and Michael Buble are huge international artists? Bigger than Kelly Clarkson?
I did not know that.
But I'm not sure that would matter, if the only people who can participate in the "event" (i.e., vote) are those in the USA.

The only one artist that does not fit in the group IMO is Il Divo- HUH ??? Possibly they are on as a result of Simon's nonstop pimping of his 'prodigies'.

Ya think? ;)

On a different note, here is Clay's sales this week according to USA Today 'Idol Chatter':

Off the chart: I just have Clay and Ruben numbers this week: Clay sold 1,000, down from 1,100, total 504,000.

I'm actually a little surprised ATDW sold that well, considering it's really not getting any promo or push from RCA or even from Clay any more (and you basically can't find it on iTunes without really, really going out of your way).

[audiogarden]

giovannina said:

The charities would benefit from Clay's participation too. I still say it's HUGE slap in the face for him to be snubbed for an event of this sort. I can only hope that it does signal a complete break from the Idol people if that happens.

As one who HATESSSSSSSSSS American Idol, I see things 180 degrees differently.

I don't want Clay anywhere near that show, and I hope he is changing labels very soon. Run far, and run fast, Clay.

[getrealnow]

I'm curious as to whether that April so called big name artist's show will be up against another show finale like Dancing With The Stars or a music awards show. Isn't there another country music award show coming up? AI is probably trying to attract that audience that doesn't watch Idol to pull in the ratings. Yeah, they will be helping charities around the world and in the USA but the bottom line is they're shooting for the TV ratings. The clip with Simon in Africa was so freekin phony, it was a joke.

I don't think it would be fair to put on one AI winner, alumni, etc. and not the others on this type of show, but who knows. However, when has AI ever been fair?

[maxwell]

Well I know what I will be watching. It will be DWTS. I prefer singing contests but I like the host (Tom Bergeron) better on DWTS and the judges too for that matter. The second female host has changed each year and I didn't care for them as much. What I like is the respect they give to the contestants even when they lose and Tom makes some good jokes. I liked the Rock Star contest the first year for awhile but the contestants on that show seem like posers and I did not finish watching either year.

Does anyone know anything more about the song SCC wrote for Clay that was supposed to be on ATDW? Recently I've been mixing songs from past concerts in with ATDW. I love Rosanna, Fields of Gold, Carolina on My Mind, Sailing, Alone, Perfect Day, I Survived You, You Were There, Chain of Fools, Fool (Cherie Song), Not Supposed to Love You Any More and others. I was a downloading fool for awhile. It was disappointing when I reached the end.

[HellonUrth]

It could be that most of the alumni will be on tour in April and Clay will be off on a Unicef mission. Even if AI didn't want to showcase it's past stars, Clay would still have been a good fit for the show as a current Unicef Ambassador.

Maybe they wanted Taylor, Chris, Kelly, Clay, Carrie etc but they weren't available.

[sue]

It could be that most of the alumni will be on tour in April and Clay will be off on a Unicef mission.

Mikers, I highly doubt that's the reason why they are going with big names. You don't get a lineup like Gwen, Pink, Josh Groban, and Michael Buble as second choice because all the AI alumni happen to be busy with something else. Nope...I'm not buying that.

The disrespect they have shown Taylor (and Clay in years past) is shameful. I guess winning doesn't mean anything anymore. Pity.

Griz, I'm not a fan of Taylor's, but I think it's terrible the way he is being treated by AI. It's like he doesn't even exist. I wonder if they will have him on the show this year?

[neally]

Well, Clay has hardly ever been allowed to do concerts or promote his CDs outside North America, but that's beside the point.

Pink and Michael Buble are huge international artists? Bigger than Kelly Clarkson?
I did not know that.
But I'm not sure that would matter, if the only people who can participate in the "event" (i.e., vote) are those in the USA.

Pink is a huge international star: her sales and radio airplay of her current record are far better in countries like Ireland, Germany, UK, Australia than the US. Furthermore, she has sold out huge international venues during her world tour. Michael Buble is also a very big artist outside of North America: his songs and/or albums have reached the top 10 in countries, like UK, Australia, Phillipines to names just a few from different parts of the world. Il Divo is hugely international, with their albums reaching number one in UK, Spain, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Australia, just to name a few; they even went on a world tour with Barbara Streisand.

I agree with Sue and several other posters above: with respect to this upcoming charity event, AI is possibly trying to show it's viewing audience (like it did at last year's finale) that AI is so huge and vital to the musical industry that it has the ability to bring HUGE names onto it's show if it so chooses. Most viewers of AI are not on music boards and probably think that AI could at any time get it's most successful alums (eg: Carrie, Chris, Fantasia, Ruben, Clay, Kelly, etc.) so from a marketing perspective, it makes $ense to bring on big-name non-AI artists for show and for ratings, because we all know AI is suffering in that department.

[exquisite]

sue said:

The charities would benefit from Clay's participation too. I still say it's HUGE slap in the face for him to be snubbed for an event of this sort. I can only hope that it does signal a complete break from the Idol people if that happens.

I really don't expect Clay to be part of the charity event, but I must say that I am truly offended not only for Clay, but for all the winners, runnerups, and the more popular contestants that made it to the top throughout the last six years. I can't believe that AI would ignore the people that helped make it the show that it is today, and instead go with the bigger name acts. The way I see it, for them to chose to go with acts that only a couple of years ago would, more then likely, not even want to be associated with a show like AI is a real slap in the face. To ignore the kids that drew in such huge audiences when on tour, while some better known acts couldn't fill near as many seats, is ridiculous in my eyes. Surely AI must know that the idols would be very capable of pulling in big bucks for this charity event, so for AI not to invite them to be a part of this speaks volumes to me. If anyone should take part in this event, it should be the very people that AI made money of the backs of. I would think getting "big named" stars is AI's way of showing the world that they are now well respected by the music industry, which, in their eyes, seems to be more important then having people on that put millions and millions of dollars in their pockets and would very likely put millions of dollars in the hands of Unicef.

I'm hoping that I'm wrong and that AI still might invite some of the former contestants to be involved in this charity event, but if that's not the case, then like I said... I am truly offended for the kids and sickened by the way AI has treated them.

I see Idol is trying to soften their image. LOL

It's all good. Even though it is blatant manipulation, the charities will benefit and that is the bottom line.

Bottom line is that the charity would benefit very well by having former AI contestants participate in this event just as much as it would with the lineup AI is going with now.

Word to your entire post. I also believe AI thinks that having big name
artists lends them credibility within the music industry, and sadly,
it probably does.

[HellonUrth]

Some of you are making good points about AI showing it's relevance in the music industry by bringing in big stars but it also shows that they see the music industry as a 2 tier system and that they don't consider the stars that came from AI as legitimate stars. If they did then at the very least Kelly would be invited since she is the only one to have had a world tour so far. Clay has also had a lot of press worldwide and he has the Unicef connection. I would think that if the AI producers viewed the AI artists as equals in the industry that they would be treated as such.

[neally]

mikers said:

Some of you are making good points about AI showing it's relevance in the music industry by bringing in big stars but it also shows that they see the music industry as a 2 tier system and that they don't consider the stars that came from AI as legitimate stars. If they did then at the very least Kelly would be invited since she is the only one to have had a world tour so far. Clay has also had a lot of press worldwide and he has the Unicef connection. I would think that if the AI producers viewed the AI artists as equals in the industry that they would be treated as such.

I agree with you 100%, Mikers. The 'slap in the face' that someone earlier referred to is probably more accurately directed at all AI alums, especially the more successful ones. Sadly, neither Clay's success or UNICEF connection, Kelly's huge worldwide success (more than several of the musicals guests on the upcoming show), Carrie's highly successful debut (more than any former AI alum), etc. are enough for AI, the machine, to warrant bringing them back for this big upcoming show.

IMHO- I was soooo happy and eager to see Carrie last night but sad to have to see her on the AI venue (I hope Clay or Kelly does not follow suit because I prefer seeing all three of them distanced from what AI has become, and I thankfully doubt we will be seeing Clay or Kelly on the show in the near future, but unfortunately will have to see Carrie on AI in the future, given her recent Grammy date and AI appearance).

In AI's defence, I do think that AI's viewing audience will forever associate nearly all AI alums with AI, even Kelly Clarkson, Mikers. For this reason, AI, the machine, is doing what it does best- show off, just like every week when Ryan Seacrest, the robot, reads his lines *instructions* from the producers spouting off another "record" statistic about this week's number of phone votes, viewers, etc. As you can tell from my post, I too am becoming more disillusioned with the AI machine. I am sooo curious what it's newist artists' (Taylor, Katharine, Chris, etc) contracts look like and how they differ from the veterans (Kelly, Ruben, Clay)......

[Jade Cobalt]

It's kind of a double edged sword. You want them distanced from AI and standing on their own yet you get insulted when AI ignores them and their accomplishments.

That "You" was the collective you.

[poutylips]

New concert date: July 7th...Grand Praire, TX at the Nokia!!!!

[shandrim]

It sounds like we may get TWO tours this year!

From another board:

I just recieved an email from the Qwest Center in Omaha, NE telling me that they were unable to get Clay for the first leg of the tour because they are mostly outdoor venues but that they are in the running for the second leg.

Woohoo!

[poutylips]

"Second leg" sure has an interesting ring to it.

I am hoping that the complete list of concert dates will be able to be published by the end of the month.

Not too many days till spring...I have never anticipated spring as much as this year. ;)

[giovannina]

neally said:

Well, Clay has hardly ever been allowed to do concerts or promote his CDs outside North America, but that's beside the point.

Pink and Michael Buble are huge international artists? Bigger than Kelly Clarkson?
I did not know that.
But I'm not sure that would matter, if the only people who can participate in the "event" (i.e., vote) are those in the USA.

Pink is a huge international star: her sales and radio airplay of her current record are far better in countries like Ireland, Germany, UK, Australia than the US. Furthermore, she has sold out huge international venues during her world tour. Michael Buble is also a very big artist outside of North America: his songs and/or albums have reached the top 10 in countries, like UK, Australia, Phillipines to names just a few from different parts of the world. Il Divo is hugely international, with their albums reaching number one in UK, Spain, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Australia, just to name a few; they even went on a world tour with Barbara Streisand.

I agree with Sue and several other posters above: with respect to this upcoming charity event, AI is possibly trying to show it's viewing audience (like it did at last year's finale) that AI is so huge and vital to the musical industry that it has the ability to bring HUGE names onto it's show if it so chooses. Most viewers of AI are not on music boards and probably think that AI could at any time get it's most successful alums (eg: Carrie, Chris, Fantasia, Ruben, Clay, Kelly, etc.) so from a marketing perspective, it makes $ense to bring on big-name non-AI artists for show and for ratings, because we all know AI is suffering in that department.

I see no reason why they couldn't have stars like Groban, Pink, Stefani, and Buble on the show and still involve some of the biggest Idol stars too -- especially those who are or have been actively involved in humanitarian work for the storm-devastated Gulf areas or Africa. If they don't include any of the Idol-spawned stars, I think it will send a strong message that those artists are second-tier artists at best - as Mikers said so well.

Let's not forget, either, that Kelly, Carrie, Clay, Taylor, Fantasia, Chris, etc., are probably bigger stars in the eyes of the American Idol audience than in the perception of the public at large. It's the American Idol viewers who were their first fans and really launched their careers. I'd think the Idol audience, including the more casual viewers, might be as excited to see special performances by Idol's top CD sellers and concert draws as they are to see people like Groban or Il Divo, whom they probably get to see on TV more often anyway.

[giovannina]

jadecobalt said:

It's kind of a double edged sword. You want them distanced from AI and standing on their own yet you get insulted when AI ignores them and their accomplishments.

That "You" was the collective you.

Why not include someone like Clay based on his having been involved with these very causes for quite some time now, as a UNICEF ambassador (in addition to having a not-too-shabby track record in CD sales and as a concert draw). It's not necessary, in an event like this, to focus on Clay's -- or Kelly's, Carrie's, etc. -- past history as Idol contestants. (Yeah, I wouldn't be too happy if they had Clay and Bo on the show and introduced them as "former Idol runners-up," as though that was germane to the charity extraganza.)

[neally]

giovannina said:

neally said:

Pink is a huge international star: her sales and radio airplay of her current record are far better in countries like Ireland, Germany, UK, Australia than the US. Furthermore, she has sold out huge international venues during her world tour. Michael Buble is also a very big artist outside of North America: his songs and/or albums have reached the top 10 in countries, like UK, Australia, Phillipines to names just a few from different parts of the world. Il Divo is hugely international, with their albums reaching number one in UK, Spain, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Australia, just to name a few; they even went on a world tour with Barbara Streisand.

I agree with Sue and several other posters above: with respect to this upcoming charity event, AI is possibly trying to show it's viewing audience (like it did at last year's finale) that AI is so huge and vital to the musical industry that it has the ability to bring HUGE names onto it's show if it so chooses. Most viewers of AI are not on music boards and probably think that AI could at any time get it's most successful alums (eg: Carrie, Chris, Fantasia, Ruben, Clay, Kelly, etc.) so from a marketing perspective, it makes $ense to bring on big-name non-AI artists for show and for ratings, because we all know AI is suffering in that department.

I see no reason why they couldn't have stars like Groban, Pink, Stefani, and Buble on the show and still involve some of the biggest Idol stars too -- especially those who are or have been actively involved in humanitarian work for the storm-devastated Gulf areas or Africa. If they don't include any of the Idol-spawned stars, I think it will send a strong message that those artists are second-tier artists at best.

Let's not forget, either, that Kelly, Carrie, Clay, Taylor, Fantasia, Chris, etc., are probably bigger stars in the eyes of the American Idol audience than in the perception of the public at large. It's the American Idol viewers who were their first fans and really launched their careers. I'd think the Idol audience, including the more casual viewers, might be as excited to see special performances by Idol's top CD sellers and concert draws as they are to see people like Groban or Il Divo, whom they probably get to see on TV more often anyway.

I agree with you on what you said but as another poster said previously that AI is giving an impression that the successful AI alums are second-tier, as you have said also. I am very passive-aggressive about Clay re-appearing on AI: honestly, the bulk of me would prefer not to have my favourites (Carrie, Fantasia, Clay, Kelly) appear on AI again, and I will admit that I am honestly somewhat disappointed seeing Fantasia and Carrie recently on AI, moreso with Carrie with bringing Simon Fuller as her Grammy 'date', etc., because AI will love to pimp out all of the AI alum's successes, yet not have them on it's "big event" show, possibly for the two-tier reasons.

Not to be repetitive, but I do not like the machine that AI has become, and I hope that AI has an expiration date in the near future (likely not by current ratings, unfortunately).

[marylou]

AI definitely has reached an expiration date with me. I - a loyal viewer in the past seasons - don't care about it at all this year.

[deanie0923]

Maybe they wanted Taylor, Chris, Kelly, Clay, Carrie etc but they weren't available.

I don't usually post, but I wanted to reply to this. Remembering back to Season 3, Clay was scheduled for a Larry King appearance but was 'called away' to perform on AI. I feel if AI wanted those kids on that show, they would be there...unless the contracts have changed.

As you can see, I don't know how to use the quote ???

[maxwell]

I'm hoping we will hear some tour news soon. The tidbits we have heard are exciting.

[vafan49]

I don't usually post, but I wanted to reply to this. Remembering back to Season 3, Clay was scheduled for a Larry King appearance but was 'called away' to perform on AI. I feel if AI wanted those kids on that show, they would be there...unless the contracts have changed.

Clay was under contract to 19R at the time so they could force that issue. Today Carrie, Chris, Fantasia, and possibly Kellie Pickler are managed by 19R. I don't know about the special, but I expect to see them multiple times on AI this season. They would have no way to require Kelly, Ruben, or Clay to be on the show. I do think the former idols would want to be a part of this program however.

ETA: Oops, as usual I got my 19s confused. 19M is the management arm of 19. All of them are affiliated with 19R but that has no bearing on American Idol appearances.

[poutylips]

As far as I know Clay is still under 19E but out from under 19M.

I agree that if AI wanted any of the former contestants they would be there...just MHO.

I really do not mind that CLay would not be there for that special fundraiser. However, if they show a vid of him while he is on his UNICEF trip that would be very cool.

[doodlebug]

deanie0923 said:

Maybe they wanted Taylor, Chris, Kelly, Clay, Carrie etc but they weren't available.

I don't usually post, but I wanted to reply to this. Remembering back to Season 3, Clay was scheduled for a Larry King appearance but was 'called away' to perform on AI. I feel if AI wanted those kids on that show, they would be there...unless the contracts have changed.

As you can see, I don't know how to use the quote ???

When you have a comment you want to quote you can just click the "quote" button on the upper right corner of that post. It will open the comment box with the entire thing already there for you. If you just want to quote part of it, you can do it manually by copying and pasting it into the box, like what you apparently did here. Then add the quote tags before and after the quote using brackets and the word quote ---- like this [ quote ] (without the spaces) and at the end using the same thing with an additional / character before the word. [ /quote ] (again take out the extra spaces)

Hope that helps, and looks like you are still fairly new to brave the postings. Welcome to joining the party and definitely jump in more often.

[TeddyR]

Clay blogged at his fan club. Apparently, he went away for a week's vacation in Brazil and got hooked on guarana drinks. He'll be going on his UNICEF trip early this summer and might be taking one of his high school teachers with him.