New York Daily News
Clay Aiken's Big Knight on Broadway
QUOTE
Clay Aiken's big knight on Broadway
Friday, January 18th 2008, 4:00 AM
Clay Aiken debuts as the cowardly Sir Robin in the hit musical 'Spamalot.'
Joe Dziemianowicz
In January 2008 there were various mentions of Clay in the news including USA Weekend, People, Newsweek, OK magazine, Buffalo News and Toronto Globe and mail.
On 1/1/08, Billboard released a list of the top selling Christian Catalog albums. Clay's Merry Christmas with Love earned fourth spot among older albums.
On 1/6/08, The Raleigh News and Observer posted a list of things to look for in 2008. Clay's name appeared in reference to Quiana Parler and also his debut on Broadway.
1/23/08 - Playbill publishes magazines for each Broadway play. These mini magazines include cast lists, biographies, and the breakdown by scene of the play. As you enter the show you receive one free or you can order one off their website for a fee.
1/14/08 - During the week prior to opening on Spamalot there were many articles that appeared. Most of them discussed his Newsweek interview and were edited versions of that. Some of this promotion included CNN, WRAL, USA Today and the New York Post.
On 2/17/08 Broadway Cares held an auction of their bears designed for various Broadway plays. The bear designed for Spamalot was fashioned after Sir Robin, the part played by Clay. It was auctioned off for the highest amount...17,000 dollars. The Spamalot bear was signed by both David Hyde Pierce who originated the role of Sir Robin and Clay who is now playing Sir Robin. Overall the event raised 127,000.
In February there were some great articles about Clay:
2/23/08 - People - Dishing with Clay Aiken/
2/24/08 - Spamalot ad in NY papers/
2/21/08 - Reality TV Magazine Online/
2/28/08 - Figure Skating Magazine Article/
Linda Winer theatre review
In February there were a few more odds and ends that we didn't cover:
2/2/08 - Playbill Theatre Quiz about the Broadway Bears/
2/4/08 - Cleveland Plain Dealer had an article about Clay's Spamalot Blog/
2/6/08 - 2/7/08 - There was an Insider Poll,/
2/11/08 - An In Touch article about Clay's new look/
2/15/08 - The Charlotte Observer included an article about American Idol passing on the Carolinas, /
On Feb. 4/08 WRAL aired an interview they had recorded with Clay. In it he discussed his recent trip to the flooded areas of Mexico on behalf on UNICEF. Clay had spent Christmas there with his mother and brother. A summarizing article was also posted on the television station's website entitled Clay Aiken Reflects on Charity Trip to Mexico.
On 3/29/08, AceShowbiz had an article about Clay's new album including a track list and a new picture by Eric Ogden. It was entitled Clay Aiken Reveals On My Way Here Tracklisting!
On 3/21/08, Billboard featured an announcement about Clay's upcoming cd, titled "On My Way Here". It had some great highlights including: a summer tour, appearances on GMA and the View, the title of the cd, and the producer and release date.
On 3/18/08 Entertainment Tonight spotlighted the UNICEF Tap Project . Clay talked about his experiences working for UNICEF, traveling the world and seeing how many people have no access to safe tap water. The Tap Project encourages patrons at participating restaurants to donate $1 for the water they are usually given for free, with all the proceeds going to UNICEF to help provide safe drinking water in developing nations.
On 3/1/08, Playbill came out with a new handout featuring a great full page item. This is used in all the Broadway theaters this month. The New York City Guide also had a two page spread on the Spamalot show with a half page ad for Clay.
On 3/25/08, The release date and info for "On My Way Here" hit US websites. ET, Yahoo, Pause and Play, and The Insider were a few of the websites who spread the news.
On 3/18/08 and 3/19/08 the word about the TAP project spread. Just Jared.com and ecorazzi both included articles about Clay's work with the UNICEF project.
Raleigh Observer - 4/1/08 - April Fool Headline/
USA Today Life - 4/4/08 - Aiken is well on his way to the new CD/
Reality TV Magazine Online - 4/4/08 - article about album/
RCA Records email - 4/7/08 /
OK Magazine - 4/10/08 - I haven't watched Idol in Four Years/
Clay's name appeared in OK magazine, the Life Section of USA Today, on RealityTV Magazine, and in the Raleigh Observer for an April Fool's Joke. RCA Records also sent out an email.
On April 29, 2008 the Easter Bonnet Celebration for the Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids took place. Spamalot took second place and the competition raised a record 3.7 million dollars all together.
On 4/28/08 the auction ended for Clay's title page of music for his show stopping number, "You Won't Succeed on Broadway." This auction was to benefit the Broadway Cares/ Equity Fights Aids Easter Bonnet competition.
On April 30th, 2008 several sites had photos and information on the Broadway Cares Easter Bonnet show. Clay and Hannah Waddingham performed The Prayer.
On 4/23/08, Clay's myspace was updated. They added banners and links to some special offers that will be available depending on where you buy the new cd, "On My Way Here." The QVC Home Shopping Network will also have an exclusive when he appears on April 28th to debut the new cd.
In April 2008 there were a number of web appearances and interviews that featured or discussed Clay:?
On April 10th, Madison Square Garden Network did an interview with Hannah Waddingham where she made very complimentary comments about Clay./
On April 17th Amazon US posted a video of Clay working on his new CD./
On April 21st Gather website hosted an interview that focused on his work with UNICEF and the Bubel Aiken Foundation.
On April 24, 2008 as part of its fundraising for the Spring "Broadway Cares: Equity Fights Aids" Drive Spamalot using the title Raisealot had a number of special items for sale on Ebay.
On 4/15/08 Spamalot joined the Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids Fundraising Drive. After the show Clay and various castmates take pictures for donations to the cause. Playbills, posters and cards are also available. There are also some of Clay's outfits online for auction.
On 4/13/08, A Spamalot Webisode was released on Clear Channel websites. Clay spoke about how challenging it was to prepare for his role in Spamalot. He also spoke about his upcoming cd and how overdue new material was.
On 5/27/08, AOL Sessions with Clay debuted. Clay and his band performed five songs: On My Way Here, Ashes, Where I Draw the Line, Something About Us, and Everything I Don't Need and Clay also had a question and answer section. These clips were recorded on 5/13/08.
On 5/16/08 Broadway.com announced the nominations for the Audience Awards Spamalot gained nominations in four categories: two for Clay, one for Hannah, and one for the show itself.
On 5/10/08, Broadway Cares Easter Bonnet Show DVD went on sale. It is still on sale at this time. However, the dvd does contain some scenes which may be inappropriate for some children.
5/5 - Grand Rapids Press/ 5/6 - David Foster Fan Site/ 5/9 - AOL Music Pop Scene/ 5/12 - US Weekly Magazine/ 5/15 - Steppin Out Magazine/ 5/17 - OK Magazine
On June 7, 2008, CNN aired an interview with Clay blending some 2003 TV Guide channel clips with some newer footage that was shot at the AOL sessions taping. This first appeared on-line and later on-air.
On June 1, 2008, Clay was part of a stellar cast at the Ford Theatre Gala who performed selections from the musical "The Civil War" for guests including President & Mrs. Bush.
On June 17th, 2008 a Korean fan brought over an interview that was done about Clay's album On My Way Here. It was published on Desirak, a legal music download site. Each week they publish a webzine interview about an artist. snowluv4 did the translation from the article into English for us.
Clay visited Somalia for UNICEF and appealed for world attention. He will appear on The Survival Project: One Child at a Time on CNN on July 6th, 2008.
On 8/13/08 Variety, Broadway.com, People, EOnline, Playbill and Clay's official fan club announced that Clay would be returning to Monty Python's Spamalot as Sir Robin from Sept. 19, 2008 until January 4th, 2009.
In August, there was a lot of media surrounding Parker's birth:
8/11/08 - 24 Hours/
8/13/08 - People/
8/14/08 - InTouch/
8/14/08 - AOL Screencap
8/22/08 - EW/
8/22/08 - Toronto Metro News/
9/18/08 - Opening Night! Clay attended the premiere of the new Broadway play, "A Tale of Two Cities". Broadway.com and Theatre Mania covered the event.
Clay Opens on Broadway ... Again! September 19th was the night of Clay's return to Spamalot. An eager crowd of fans was again waiting at the stage door after the show.
9/24/08 - In People magazine, Clay discussed his life in much more detail than he ever had previously. Baby Parker, his living arrangements, his hopes for the future ... all were part of an excellent article.
Broadway.TV had some fun with the recent 'Write Clay's Playbill Bio' contest, wondering why some famous Broadway-connected folks didn't win! They did congratulate the winner and post her complete biographical entry.
Aug 12, 2009 11:17 AM
Clay Aiken Kids
InStyle article about David Foster Birthday Bash View
Oct.29/08: David Foster's birthday bash included some very well-known people. Clay attended with Jaymes, David's sister.
On Oct. 10th, the winner of the contest to write a funny new biography for Clay was announced. This short piece would appear in the Playbill magazine that is handed out at every performance of Spamalot. Ms Lopez did a wonderful job of capturing the spirit of Spamalot while covering the highlights of Clay's career. People Magazine and Broadwayworld.com both included articles about the contest.
The financial down-turn is hitting Broadway hard. On Oct, 17th, Spamalot announced that it would close on January 18, 2009. It has been running as a successful show since 2005, even winning awards in its premiere year, so has been a great success. (Note: a later announcement changed the final date to Jan. 11. Clay finishes his run on Jan. 4th.). Broadway.com, Broadwayworld.com and Playbill all had articles about the end of the run.
On Nov. 8/08, the BAF Gala Report was posted at their website. The final numbers show over $500,000 raised in support of the inclusion efforts of the organization!
http://BROADWAY.COM had asked fans to submit questions for their 'Ask a Star' series. On November 4th, they posted the video with Clay's responses. Be sure to check out the video as Clay was his usual v-e-r-y animated self! BTW, don't expect to see him on 'Dancing With the Stars'! E-VER! {;-D)
Mar 23, 2009 1:39 PM
Clay Aiken Kids
Broadway.com covers Clay's visit to Spring Awakening View
Nov. 3/08: Due to the federal election, 'Spring Awakening' moved their Tuesday performance to Monday, a day most Broadway shows were 'dark'. Clay grabbed the opportunity to catch the performance and to meet the young stars backstage.
On 11/26/08, there was an after-party for Rosie's TV special. Clay had his photo taken with many of the other guests and signed the caricature on the wall. Broadway.com had coverage of the event on their website the following day.
In November, Clay posted a link to his 'Personality Profile'! You can find out your profile, too. Also TV Guide included Clay in their horoscope section and CBSNews.com included Clay in a photo essay.
Mar 23, 2009 1:46 PM
Clay Aiken Kids
Playbill - Thanksgiving Day Parade Broadcast news View
On Nov. 27th, Clay dropped by the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade coverage at CBS TV for a short interview. Playbill announced it on 11/13/08.
On 11/8/08, Clay participated in UNICEF's 'Believe in Zero' PSA to bring awareness and encourage donations. This campaign aims to reduce and hopefully eventually eliminate the unnecessary deaths of children world-wide from illnesses that are easily treatable or preventable.
UNICEF began a Christmas campaign to raise awareness and also money to provide necessary items for children in many needy areas of the world. Twelve of their Goodwill Ambassadors blogged, one per day. Clay's message appeared on Christmas Day
On 12/8 and 12/9, the 20th annual Gypsy of the Year competition was held. This was the second fund raising event of the Broadway year. Spamalot brought in lots of support money for 'Broadway Cares' during the 'Easter Bonnet' competition last spring. Once again, Clay lent his support by offering items to the on-line auction. One lucky fan must be really hungry! $15,600 for dinner!!! Of course you get Clay and some other cast members as fellow guests, so it's a bargain at any price!
Dec. 25th: 'Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids' posted pics of some of the Broadway Bears that will be auctioned next February. 'Sir Robin' was again featured in the collection, but in his wedding tux this time!
Dec. 2/08 NYC 'City Guide' did a great interview with Clay about his Spamalot experiences. The 'City Guide' is a popular resource for tourists looking for 'what's hot' in the city.
Here is a collection of brief items from mid-to-late December when many 'year end' lists are posted/printed:
TV Guide Online Slide Show/
12/01/08 - People - Clay Aiken A Total Hands-On Dad/
12/01/08 - OK Magazine - Clay Aiken's New Life/
People Magazine List of Celebrity Babies of 2008/
Comcast.net TV - Before they were famous
12/15/08 - British National Enquirer - Spam Actor
Early December news items include two items from/about American Idol & an on-line mention among some very famous folks who have dealt with anxiety at some point in their lives.
12/2/08 - American Idol News/
12/16/08 - Fox News/
12/17/08 - TV Guide /
Mar 23, 2009 1:49 PM
Clay Aiken Kids
Look to the Stars - Clay Aiken Blogs for Education View
12/30/08 - 'Look to the Stars' is a website the tracks stars and their charity involvements. If you want to find out what your favorite performer supports, check them out!
Mar 23, 2009 1:57 PM
Clay Aiken Kids
Look to the Stars - Clay Aiken's Charity Work View
12/30/08 - 'Look to the Stars' has a page the features Clay's charity work and a separate page from the Bubel/Aiken Foundation.
Dec. 29th: The OC Register news site posted a list of their top (most viewed) blogs by month. Their brief Clay mentions topped the list in both February and December.
Each December, People magazine does a retrospective on the big stories of the year. Clay and Parker were on the cover and theirs was one of the stories covered.
Dec. 29th, 2008: The OC Register news site posted a list of their top (most viewed) blogs by month. Their brief Clay mentions topped the list in both February and December.
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