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| December 31, 2009 | 2009 Moments in Time: The year started with and ending: Clay did his final few performances of 'Monty Python's Spamalot' on Broadway. While Clay was comparatively quiet during much of 2009, partially necessitated by his jaw surgery, we did get the odd glimpse of him. A couple of David Foster concerts featured him as a special guest. He appeared as himself on the hit network comedy, '30 Rock'. He was a guest judge on Tyra Banks' popular 'America's Next Top Model' and was back home in Raleigh as a presenter for the 'Capital Awards'. The big story with regard to his music was his departure from Sony/BMG's RCA branch and signing with Universal's Decca records. Fans eagerly await the first CD from this new partnership. | FD Recap | | | |
| December 31, 2009 | At year's end, Billboard did a comparison among the sales for debut CDs from all of American Idol's first & second place finishers. Clay still sits at the top of the heap. In accumulated sales to date for initial CDs from that same group of contestants, Clay's 'Measure of a Man' is second only to Carrie Underwood's "Some Hearts" album. In their look back at the decade from 2000 to 2009, Billboard ranked the Idol television show third among the 50 Top moments because of its continuing impact on both television rankings and music sales. Only the death of Michael Jackson & the iPod were ranked higher. | Fd Recap | Music Milestones | 2009 News | |
| December 31, 2009 | Year & decade end commentaries on music & television often included American Idol references and mentioned the most successful alumni. Clay was usually among that list. On well-known television forums website named him as the best contestant ever on the show, saying "this nerdy, bespectacled redhead showed the world that talent comes in many unlikely packages long before Susan Boyle." | Fd Recap | 2009 News | | |
| December 30, 2009 | The UNICEF website posted Clay's Huffington Post blog in their 'Field Notes' section the following day. They included a great photo of Clay with Somali children taken during his visit to the area. | FD Recap | Somalia and Kenya | Events - UNICEF | |
| December 29, 2009 | Dec. 29/09 Clay posted a blog/article on developments in Somalia for the Huffington Post on-line news site. Having traveled to the country in his capacity as UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, he had personally seen the conditions in the country and knew of progress made and improvements still desperately needed. | FD Recap | Events - UNICEF | 2009 News | |
| December 17, 2009 | TCPalm posted a short mention of the up-coming 'Golfing for Inclusion' to be held in January 2010 at Mirasol Country Club in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. Pro golfer Wayne Player will return to co-host and provide a seminar for attendees. TV Guide had a brief reference to the classic Idol contest between Clay & Ruben. Two radio stations included Clay songs in their Christmas promotions. Oddest mention goes to a passing reference in Automobile on-line. His name has certainly brings 'hits' to any article that mentions him. | FD Recap | 2009 News | 2010 Golfing for Inclusion - February 1, 2010 - Mirasol Country Club in Palm Beach Gardens | |
| December 16, 2009 | Each December supporters of the Bubel/Aiken foundation have set up wrapping stations in malls to raise funds & awareness of the foundation's goals. This was the first year under the new name 'National Inclusion Project'. reports from those involved indicate a positive response to the new name! Clay's story about a rather chilly trip to get the family Christmas tree was among a group of celebrity Christmas tales posted at a website. Clay's cousin Jamie posted a great pic of herself with Clay & good pal, Ruben at the David Foster at which concert they both sang. Another Clay friend posted a picture of him with Clay in Hamburg, Germany. Clay has been in Europe working on the up-coming CD. | FD Recap | 2009 News | | |
| December 15, 2009 | The National Inclusion Project announced an opportunity for young people to become more involved in the field of inclusion. They are participating in a national summit with the goal of "developing an advocacy campaign that builds awareness and support for the full social and educational inclusion of people with disabilities". 'The National Inclusion Summit' was being organized by the N.I.P in conjunction with its partners: The 'Including Samuel' Project', a program of University of New Hampshire's Institute on Disability Imagination Stage & Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation | FD Recap | Events - National Inclusion Project | National Inclusion Summit - January 8 - 10, 2010 | |
| December 11, 2009 | Decade-End Charts: Billboard magazine produces annual lists of the best sellers in a wide range of musical genres. Since 2009 is the end of a decade, they also produced the 'End of the Decade' lists for sales from 2000 through 2009. Clay appeared on six of those lists! Considering the number of albums released over the past ten years, that's a great accomplishment. Singles (Physical CDs. Downloads not included.) Singles Sales Artists: Clay Aiken # 7 Single Sales: This Is the Night/Bridge Over Troubled Water # 5 Albums: Holiday Albums: Merry Christmas With Love #10 Christian Albums: Merry Christmas With Love #12 Billboard 200 Artists: Clay Aiken #120 Billboard 200 Albums: Measure of a Man #170 | FD Recap | 2009 News | Music Milestones | |
| December 8, 2009 | Dec. 8/09 Even a comment on a private blog can quickly become public on the internet. Clay's off-the-cuff remark about his disappointment with a local election result brought the 'King of Controversy' into the open media again. Rather than allowing what he saw as a ridiculous 'investigation' into his voting status to continue, he blogged a response and announced that he would change the location of his voter registration. While he may vote elsewhere in the future, he vowed to continue to speak out about issues close to his heart no matter where they occur. | Fd Recap | 2009 News | | |
| December 4, 2009 | Being a celebrity has definite advantages! At special events & on special occasions, they sometimes receive gifts from companies looking to promote certain products. Clay & his family were among the list of celebs who got a Christmas 2009 gift package from Distinctive Assets. Baby & daddy can now wear bow ties together (a bow-tie onesie was included) and Parker can even have his hair spiked with special baby hair gel! | Fd Recap | 2009 Year at a Glance | 2009 News | |
| December 3, 2009 | The success of Susan Boyle's first Cd spotlighted Clay's excellent sales for 'Measure of a Man' in 2003. He remains #2 on the list of reality show runners-up for first Cd sales. TV Guide included Clay in their list of favorite singers to emerge from reality television/singing competition series. An item about 'Operation International Children', the organization headed by actor Gary Sinise, mentions Clay's fans among contributors to their cause. | Fd Recap | 2009 News | | |
| November 30, 2009 | Nov. 30/09 Several media sites noted Clay's 31st birthday. Entertainment Tonight had him as their mystery celebrity in their video birthday list. | Fd Recap | 2009 News | | |
| November 27, 2009 | Photographer David Jacobs released a new book of celebrity portraits in November 2009. Entitled 'Close", the pictures are close-up shots of a wide variety of celebrities. The pictures were originally part of his newspaper column "On the Scene ... With David Jacobs" | fd recap | 2009 News | Photo Shoots | |
| November 24, 2009 | The http://examiner.com website noted the Christie Cookies charity contest win by the organization. The creator of the video used at the 2009 Gala in October posted a blog comment about their production. (The Beery Blog.) | Fd Recap | Events - National Inclusion Project | National Inclusion Project | |
| November 24, 2009 | The National Inclusion Project was the topic of two items. The http://examiner.com website noted the Christie Cookies charity contest win by the organization. The creator of the video used at the 2009 Gala in October posted a blog comment about their production. (The Beery Blog.) | Fd Recap | Events - National Inclusion Project | 2009 Champions of Change - Raleigh | |
| November 23, 2009 | Nov. 23/09 "It Pays to Be an Idol Loser" was the title of a slideshow at the CNN site. Successful 'American Idol' non-winners were spotlighted for their accomplishments. The photo used is from a 'Foster & Friends' concert performance earlier in 2009. | fd recap | 2009 Year at a Glance | 2009 News | |
| November 23, 2009 | Nov. 23/09: 'Yule Be Merry' was a compilation CD available at 'Pier 1 Imports' stores across the USA. Twelve Christmas tracks by various artists included Clay's version of 'Sleigh Ride'. | fd recap | Compilations and Duets | Discography | |
| November 23, 2009 | This CNN slide show looks at the careers of 'American Idol' contestants who have made successful careers in the business in spite of not winning the title during their season. | Fd Recap | 2009 News | CNN | |
| November 15, 2009 | Nov. 16/09 Clay's work with the YMCA in Raleigh was mentioned in this Comcast slideshow entitled 'Before They Were Famous" | fd recap | YMCA | 2009 News | |
| November 10, 2009 | Nov. 10th: The National Inclusion Project posted a report on the October 'Champions Gala'. Supporters helped to raise over $465,000. The funds raised will be used to give children with disabilities the opportunity to experience life along side their typical peers. | Fd Recap | 2009 Year at a Glance | Events - National Inclusion Project | |
| November 10, 2009 | The Champions Gala honored several people for their contributions to the inclusion movement. Cheerleaders Sarah Cronk & Sarah Herr created a non-profit organization called "The Sparkle Effect" which encourages high school students to include children with disabilities on cheerleading squads. At the suggestion of Louisville marching band director Dr. Greg Byrne, Patrick Henry Hughes plays in a marching band from his wheelchair pushed by his father, Patrick John Hughes. Mitsubishi Electric has invested more than $9 million in various programs to help young people with disabilities, their families and communities. | FD Recap | Events - National Inclusion Project | | |
| November 6, 2009 | Cool shades, dude! Clay stopped at SF Optics in San Francisco to pick up some new sunglasses. The business posted this great photo with Clay wearing one of the two new sunglasses that he purchased. | FD Recap | 2009 Year at a Glance | 2009 News | |
| November 6, 2009 | Nov. 6th brought a surprise appearance by Clay at the San Jose stop of the 'Foster & Friends' tour. He sang 'Unchained Melody'. As reported by a fan names 'moonriver919': "David Foster had a shtick going on (which I'm sure you guys have heard about by now). After singing a note, David would ask a member of the audience in the front row to come up to the microphone and sing it back to him. The first two times, the audience members were normal audience members. But the third and final time, it was Clay! David sang a note, and Clay sang it back but the note was too high. David said something to the effect of what he can do when he produces and then sang another note. Clay sang it back perfectly. David then introduced Clay as his brother-in-law, mentioned that his sister and Clay had a baby together, and invited Clay to come up on stage." | FD Dawg | 2009 News | David Foster and Friends | |
| November 4, 2009 | 'Make a Wish' annually selects honorees for their dedication to the Foundation's mission by helping grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions. In November 2009 they added this year's recipients of the "Chris Greicius Celebrity Award". Clay was one of those honored in 2005 and appears on their cumulative list. | fd recap | Make A Wish Foundation | Other Charities, Committees and Foundations | |
| November 4, 2009 | 'Make a Wish' annually selects honorees for their dedication to the Foundation's mission by helping grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions. In November 2009 they added this year's recipients of the "Chris Greicius Celebrity Award". Clay was one of those honored in 2005 and appears on their cumulative list. | fd Recap | Make A Wish Foundation | 2005 Year at a Glance | |
| October 31, 2009 | AT the end of October, Sony Music Canada released a series of Christmas CDs. Each had 10 tracks and focused on a specific theme. (Favorites, Classics, Country, Jazz, Classical & Pop) The "Superstar Christmas Pop Hits" edition included Clay's version of 'The First Noel'. | fd recap | 2009 Year at a Glance | Compilations and Duets | |
| October 31, 2009 | October Odds and Ends - A few October odds & ends: | fd Recap | 2009 Year at a Glance | Out and about list | |
| October 27, 2009 | AT the end of October, Sony Music Canada released a series of Christmas CDs. Each had 10 tracks and focused on a specific theme. (Favorites, Classics, Country, Jazz, Classical & Pop) The "Superstar Christmas Pop Hits" edition included Clay's version of 'The First Noel'. | fd recap | Discography | 2009 Year at a Glance | |
| October 27, 2009 | AT the end of October, Sony Music Canada released a series of Christmas CDs. Each had 10 tracks and focused on a specific theme. (Favorites, Classics, Country, Jazz, Classical & Pop) The "Superstar Christmas Pop Hits" edition included Clay's version of 'The First Noel'. | fd recap | Discography | 2009 Year at a Glance | |
| October 21, 2009 | On Oct. 21st, Amazon.com listed the 10 albums that had the highest number of pre-orders in its history. Clay's "A Thousand Different Ways" was #10 on that list. Back in January 2007 they had listed "Measure of a Man" as one of the Top 10 at that time. It was ahdea of ATDW which had been released the preceding September. The two lists contradict each other with regards to Clay's pre-orders. MoaM outsold ATDW by a huge margin, so the 2007 list seems to be more accurate with regard to his CDs. | FD Recap | 2009 News | | |
| October 21, 2009 | Reuters News Agency picked up the National Inclusion Project's win in the Christie Cookies contest. CITGO's Facebook page featured an opportunity for charities to win a gas card to help with their expenses. The N.I.P. won that as well. While it wasn't a contest, Clay's name came up in an item about famous people who attended or worked with the YMCA in their past. | Fd Recap | 2009 News | | |
| October 18, 2009 | After voting over a period of weeks at the Christie Cookies website, 'The National inclusion Project' took first place and the $10,000 prize! Sue O'Donnell, representing the company, appeared at the 'National Inclusion Project' Gala on Oct 17th to award the prize to co-founders Diane Bubel & Clay. That amount will fund one complete inclusive summer camp where children with varying abilities can share activities and fun. | Fd Recap | Events - National Inclusion Project | 2009 News | |
| October 17, 2009 | The Champions Gala honored several people for their contributions to the inclusion movement. Cheerleaders Sarah Cronk & Sarah Herr created a non-profit organization called "The Sparkle Effect" which encourages high school students to include children with disabilities on cheerleading squads. At the suggestion of Louisville marching band director Dr. Greg Byrne, Patrick Henry Hughes plays in a marching band from his wheelchair pushed by his father, Patrick John Hughes. Mitsubishi Electric has invested more than $9 million in various programs to help young people with disabilities, their families and communities. edit Delete caption LikeUnlike | FD Recap | 2009 News | Events - National Inclusion Project | |
| October 17, 2009 | The Live Auction is always a fun part of the Gala, with Clay playing "Auctioneer's Assistant'. The gray jacket from the 2004 Independent Tour drew a large donation as did the 'Day with Clay'. Imagine having a tour of Raleigh with Clay as your guide!!! The 'one and only' copy of 'Back For More', a fan favorite from the Jukebox Tour, is a treasure for its new owner. many wonderful items were donated for the Silent Auction as well. He sure has some talented fans! | Fd Recap | 2009 Champions of Change - Raleigh | | |
| October 17, 2009 | The National Inclusion Project held its first gala under the new name in Raleigh. Linda Loveland acted at MC again. Awards were given to some fine people who demonstrate inclusion in their daily lives. Diane Bubel gave an inspirational address. Clay spoke to the assembled guests and performed four songs. | Fd Recap | 2009 Champions of Change - Raleigh | | |
| October 15, 2009 | "A Bride's DJ' is a blog centered on choosing music for wedding celebrations. Some of Clay's romantic ballads would be perfect choices according to the blog's readers! Is someone you know looking for that perfect song? Check out http://weddingmusicblog.com/ for suggestions. | Fd Recap | 2009 News | | |
| October 15, 2009 | Past Idol competitors often get lumped together on some media sites, no matter how varied their styles may be. Clay's name often pops up as one of the successful ex-Idol stars. This month he was mentioned along with 1. a Carrie Underwood Christmas special (Clay was the first to have his own special), | Fd Recap | 2009 News | | |
| October 14, 2009 | October media references included two comments on the chart success of "This Is the Night" and a random tie-in with a song Clay performed during "American Idol". His name also came up in a review of the opening episode of '30 Rock' on which he made a guest appearance last season | Fd Recap | 2009 News | | |
| October 9, 2009 | The Official Fan Club announced the sad news of the passing of Joseph Aiken, Clay's beloved grandfather. At the Raleigh 2005 Joyful Noise Tour stop, Clay performed a special bluegrass song for him, "Beautiful Star of Bethlehem". Clay's 'Papa' loved country music! | FD Recap | In Loving Memory of Joseph Alvis Aiken | | |
| October 8, 2009 | America's Giving Challenge: The national Inclusion Project was the first daily winner of bonus money from this new charity fund raising effort. The top two charities daily will win bonus money and the Top 7 overall fund raisers will also win bonuses. Supporters from a wide variety of causes participated. | Fd Recap | Events - National Inclusion Project | 2009 News | |
| October 7, 2009 | Oct. 7/09 Pediped On-Line Auction - Clay signed a pair of baby shoes for this fund raiser for the 'Make a Wish' foundation. The auction included celebrities from many fields. | FD Recap | Make A Wish Foundation | Other Charities, Committees and Foundations | |
| October 4, 2009 | The 'National Inclusion Project' (formerly the 'Bubel/Aiken Foundation') posted some updated information about the 2009 Wrapping for Inclusion (also included is an item from Carolina Newswire about that) and announced the date for the 2010 'Golfing for Inclusion' event. The organization was given a coveted 4 star rating by 'Charity Navigator', a group which evaluates how well any charity uses the funds they raise to support their specific cause. The N.I.P. should be proud of its accomplishments! | Fd Recap | 2009 News | Events - National Inclusion Project | |
| October 1, 2009 | BBQ and Allergies? Thank goodness Clay isn't allergic to his much-loved NC BBQ! He was mentioned in a write-up about Cooper's BBQ in Raleigh and a fan spotted his photo on their wall. Clay was also one of the celebrities included in Test Country's run-down of stars with well known allergies. | Fd Recap | 2009 News | | |
| October 1, 2009 | Neil Sedaka's on-going tour brought about a couple of Clay references on-line. During Neil's concert, the crowd sees a montage of the many great artists who have recorded Sedaka songs over the years. Clay's rendition of 'Solitaire' is included among them. | Fd Recap | 2009 News | | |
| September 30, 2009 | September 2009 saw mentions of Clay by Tyra Banks in an interview and in the comic strip "Adam@Home". A Great photo appeared in an online slide show titled 'In to be Out'. Clay posted an interesting profile pic on his Facebook. He looks confused by the tag 'Black Music' in a store. Music is universal so why attempt to classify it by a racial descriptor? We're confused, too, Clay! | Fd Recap | 2009 News | | |
| September 29, 2009 | A New York Times slide show about celebrities appearing to sign autographs and meet fans at Broadway stage doors included this great shot taken by a Clay Fan! | Fd Recap | 2009 News | Spamalot Stage Door Photos | |
| September 24, 2009 | Sept. 24/09: Clay attended a performance of the play 'Drift' in Raleigh. | Fd Recap | 2009 News | Out and about list | |
| September 20, 2009 | Sept. 18 & 19, 2009: This blogger is creating a card based game. He posted pictures of the drawings he plans to use. His inclusion of Clay brought him unexpected hits! | Fd Recap | | | |
| September 20, 2009 | Sept. 20, 2009: "National Inclusion Project' announcement. The change of name for Clay’s foundation was announced through Newswire. No longer known as ‘The Bubel/Aiken Foundation’, Clay chose ‘National Inclusion Project’ as it more clearly identifies the work and ideals of the foundation. | Fd Recap | Events - National Inclusion Project | 2009 News | |
| September 7, 2009 | Sept. 7, 2009: And now ... Montreal!!! Clay posed for a photo with this lucky lady on the streets of old Montreal. He looks happy, but that's quite the combination of shirts, Clay! | Fd Recap | Out and about list | | |
| September 5, 2009 | Sept. 9/09: Speakaboos is featuring stories from the 'Arthur' audiobook. They added a chance to win a copy of the CD signed by Clay. (Clay's recording of 'Arthur's Computer Disaster' was included on the CD.) | Fd Recap | | | |
| September 1, 2009 | These quick September mentions cover a wide range of topics. One reviewer thought Clay would make a better Teen Angel in grease than Taylor Hicks, Another refrenced his breath! More importantl was the mention of the National Inclusion Project's support to Public Television of Dan Habib's documentary 'Including Samuel'. A blogger who works in media commented about his work on a video for the N.I.P.'s October Gala. | Fd Recap | 2009 News | | |
| August 27, 2009 | Aug. 27, 2009: Decca Records Twittered this great picture of Clay with A&R exec David Novik at Decca's NYC headquarters. | Fd Recap | 2009 News | | |
| August 22, 2009 | Aug. 22/23, 2009 Atlanta Pics: After being MIA for some time, A couple of great pics surfaced from Atlanta. Clay posed with a woman and child at Varsity restaurant, a drive-in style diner popular with locals and tourists. The second photo was taken at the Atlanta airport the following day. | Fd Recap | Out and about list | | |
| August 21, 2009 | August 21/09: A local Raleigh media site mentioned the foundation name change. This gorgeous photo of co-founders Clay and Diane Bubel was posted on the "National Inclusion Project' website. | Fd Recap | 2009 News | Events - National Inclusion Project | |
| August 18, 2009 | Aug/ 18/09 Clay was officially added to the roster of recording artists for the Decca Group. | FD Recap | 2009 News | Professional/Career Events | |
| August 10, 2009 | Aug. 10 & 11/2009 Clay’s recently announced signing with Decca Records appeared on numerous entertainment blogs and websites. | Fd Recap | 2009 News | | |
| August 10, 2009 | Aug 10 to 12/09: More references on-line to Clay's new deal with Decca records. | Fd Recap | 2009 News | | |
| August 10, 2009 | On August 10/09, a notice was posted at the Official fan club stating that Clay had signed a recording deal with Decca records of the Universal group. A new CD in the first half of 2010 would be their first collaboration. | FD Recap | 2009 News | | |
| August 5, 2009 | Aug. 5/09: The BAF becomes "The National Inclusion Project"! The foundation created by Clay & Diane Bubel in 2003 morphed into its new incarnation on this date. On the next page, you can read the open letter written by the co-founders explaining why the change has come to be. | Fd Recap | TBAF - The Bubel Aiken Foundation | 2009 News | |
| August 5, 2009 | Back in 2004, Clay did some voice work for the 'Arthur' series 'Stories for Heroes'. The new on-line site 'Speakaboos' now includes one of those stories "Arthur's Computer Disaster". You can watch & listen to the story on-line or download it for your collection for a price. | Fd Recap | Arthur Celebrity Audiobook | 2009 News | |
| August 5, 2009 | Clay and Diane Bubel wrote an 'Open Letter' at the new 'National Inclusion Project' website in which they explained the reason for the change in name. Check out the site! The organization has accomplished so much over the short time it has existed! | Fd Recap | National Inclusion Project | 2009 News | |
| July 30, 2009 | July 30/09 The Bubel Aiken Foundation celebrated the sixth anniversary of its founding by Clay Aiken and Diane Bubel. | Fd Recap | Events - National Inclusion Project | | |
| July 4, 2009 | July 4th 2009: A message from Clay! "Let freedom ring!" | Fd Recap | 2009 News | | |
| July 2, 2009 | July 2/09 The Hounds of Broadway: Monty the Spamalot doggie joins the rest of the autographed Broadway litter for this 'Broadway Barks' fundraiser. Money raised goes to support NYC animal welfare groups through the Picasso Veterinary Fund. | FD Recap | 2009 News | | |
| July 1, 2009 | Clay's name sometimes pops up in unexpected places. One personal blog mentioned Clay as a child. The writer's husband is related to Clay and they played with toys together as children. Mentions in an article about actress writer (30 Rock, Saturday Night Live) Tina Fey, the Broadway Hounds fundraiser and a general North Carolina references were more expected sitings. | Fd Recap | 2009 News | | |
| July 1, 2009 | Favorite NC State Fair Shows: In this interview, Mike Pleasant (concert manager for the Dorton Arena) lists his five favorite shows over the years. Clay's 2004 double concert ranks second on his list! Check out details about the Raleigh two-fer at the end of the 2004 Solo Tour folder: http://picasaweb.google.com/clayaikenkids/Concerts2004SoloTourFDSSummaries# | Fd Recap | 2009 News | | |
| July 1, 2009 | Several summer comments referenced Clay's charity work. Myspacetv noted his work as a teacher and with the YMCA as well as the launch of the BAF in 2004. Two BAF inclusive summer camp projects were noted in Cleveland and Naperville. | FD Recap | 2009 News | Events - Bubel Aiken Foundation | |
| June 30, 2009 | June sure provided a mix of items! This group runs from a comment about how Clay & some fellow AIers contrast with the current state of the music industry, to a recent pic of Clay at an airport prior to his first "Father's Day" and a list of celebrity dog names from a German blog. This mix earned the name 'Odds & Ends'! | Fd Recap | 2009 News | | |
| June 29, 2009 | Clay was included in an article on 'interesting' Idol hair choices. He looks pretty tame compared to some of the others! His first single, "This Is the Night", was included on a blog listing songs that topped the charts at #1 on Independence Day over the years. | Fd Recap | 2009 News | | |
| June 21, 2009 | Jan from 'The Ideal Idol' posted this lovely tribute to celebrate Clay's first Father's Day. You can find the original here: http://clayaikentheidealidol.com/Fathers-Day-The-First-For-Clay.html Take a look around her amazing site while you're there! | Fd Recap | 2009 News | The Ideal Idol Website | |
| June 20, 2009 | The 'Capital Awards' at which Clay was a presenter in May aired on local television. These are the area high schools' version of Broadway's 'Tony' Awards. | Fd Recap | North Carolina Theatre Awards | Television Show List | |
| June 15, 2009 | Instant fame can seem like a wonderful dream! Living with that reality can be a potential nightmare as you life is turned upside-down. This article (shown here from the Washington Post and a Brazilian news site) looks at some of the down-side to living in the public eye. ("Thank you" to Brazilian fan, Lucia, for providing the international link.) | Fd Recap | 2009 News | | |
| June 8, 2009 | Bubel/Aiken Foundation 'Champions of Change' award winner Dan Habib has received funding from the foundation for the new resources section on his site "Including Samuel'. Working on behalf of his son and children everywhere, Dan is dedicated to the cause of inclusion. Check out his site at http://includingsamuel.com for information about his acclaimed documentary and much more! | Fd Recap | Including Samuel | Events - Bubel Aiken Foundation | |
| June 8, 2009 | June 8/09 The director of a county-wide after-school program in North Carolina shared photos and information about a recent training session for her staff. They participated in a workshop in conjunction with the grant they got from the Bubel/Aiken Foundation through the "Let's All Play" inclusive summer camps initiative. Staff members tried out some typical children's summer camp activities, but with a twist. They used equipment that forced them to experience the activity as someone with a disability might do. Aron Hall of the BAF was commended for his excellent workshop with the staff, leaving them better prepared to interact with children of varying abilities. | Fd Recap | Events - Bubel Aiken Foundation | Let's ALL Play (Camp Gonzo) | |
| June 5, 2009 | Early June quick mentions: Clay's name came up in a couple of articles in the Raleigh 'News & Observer'. Elvis Costello, one of the other guest stars with Clay on the '30 Rock' season finale, was appearing in concert in the area. The other item references Clay as one of the many celebrities with allergies. | Fd Recap | 2009 News | | |
| June 4, 2009 | The 'Idol Chatter' blog posted some comparison numbers for the first singles released by the winners and runners-up from the first 8 seasons of Idol. (Note: Season 1 runner-up Justin Guarini did not have a single released immediately post-series.) | FD Recap | 2009 News | | |
| May 27, 2009 | May 27/09 Golf Auction Dinner Winner's Report: The lucky fan who won the dinner with Clay at January's 'Golfing for Inclusion' auction posted a recap of her evening. It sounds like everyone had a wonderful time! | Fd Recap | Events - Bubel Aiken Foundation | 2009 Golfing For Inclusion | |
| May 27, 2009 | May 27/09 Golf Auction Dinner Winner's Report: The lucky fan who won the dinner with Clay at January's 'Golfing for Inclusion' auction posted a recap of her evening. It sounds like everyone had a wonderful time! | Fd Recap | Events - Bubel Aiken Foundation | | |
| May 22, 2009 | 'The King of Controversy' strikes again! At the Official Fan Club, Clay blogged to members about Idol season 8 in response to fan questions, setting off an unexpected media firestorm due to comments about one contestant. Clay blogged again on the public side of the fan club to clarify. | Fd Recap | 2009 News | | |
| May 19, 2009 | May 19/09 Clay returned to his roots. He presented an award in Raleigh at the 'Capital Awards'. These are Raleigh's version of Broadway's 'Tony Awards'. Students are honored for excellence in high school musical theatre productions. | Fd Recap | 2009 News | North Carolina Theatre Awards | |
| May 19, 2009 | Popwrap posted the Forbes list of the Top 10 American Idol earners for 2008. The top 5 positions were filled by female contestants who each had a very successful year. Clay was the top ranking male, earning an estimated $2,2 million from his CD 'On My Way Here', his two runs in Spamalot and his other ventures. It sure beats what he'd have earned if he had skipped the AI auditions in 2003 and stayed with his planned career as a teacher! | Fd Recap | 2009 News | | |
| May 15, 2009 | May 14/09 '30 Rock' season finale: Clay joined a large group of music stars to sing the parody song 'Kidney Now'. He was one of three performers who had speaking parts in another scene at the offices of the fictional television network. The plot identified him as a cousin of one of the regular weekly cast of characters, so perhaps Clay will drop in again to see his cousin Kenneth! | FD Recap | 2009 News | 30 Rock | |
| May 15, 2009 | Reviews of '30 Rock' were very positive. The show as a whole was entertaining and Clay was noted for doing a fine job with his brief role. The connection to the 'Kenneth' character had been predicted in some previews and it seemed to go over well. | Fd Recap | 2009 News | 30 Rock | |
| May 13, 2009 | May 13, 2009 Entertainment Tonight aired some backstage and rehearsal footage of the Foster concert. They had exclusive access. It looks like Clay and Donny Osmond hit it off quite well! | Fd Recap | Entertainment Tonight | 2009 News | |
| May 9, 2009 | "David Foster & Friends": Clay joined an extensive list of stars at the Las Vegas Mandalay Bay concert hall. During the show, he performed a medley of hits that David recorded with Peter Cetera (singer from the band 'Chicago'). He joined the cast in singing 'America's Song' to close the show. (David wrote that song with Will I Am of the Black Eyed Peas in honor of the inauguration of President Obama.) At the party after the main event, Clay sang 'Unchained Melody' for the guests. | Fd Recap | The David Foster Foundation | David Foster and Friends | |
| May 8, 2009 | May 8/09: FOX 5 San Diego briefly interviewed Clay at Las Vegas' Mandalay Bay, the site of the up-coming 'David Foster & Friends' concert. Clay credited David's success to being a musical genius, and being down to earth. He said that David puts people at ease because he is so easy to work with. | Fd Recap | Fox News | 2009 News | |
| May 1, 2009 | May opened with an interesting combination of items. A flashback from 2003 featured Raleigh, Clay's border terrier, when she was a puppy. On a more recent front, the Davie Brown Index showed where several AI alumni ranked on their scale. This type of research is used by ad agencies and marketing companies when considering how well a celeb might be received as a spokesperson for a product. Clay was the third highest ranking AI-er! Qualities used in compiling the final rankings include: appeal, aspiration, awareness, endorsement, influence, breakthrough, trendsetter and trust. | Fd Recap | 2009 News | | |
| April 30, 2009 | As the finale of NBC's comedy '30 Rock' neared, promos for the show began to run. | FD Recap | 30 Rock | | |
| April 30, 2009 | What a mixed bag! Clay had his own find a Word puzzle in a special Idol edition. He also was included in an on-line slide show about celebrities who were bullied and another about unlikely celebrity best friends, shown with his pal, Tyra Banks). | Fd Recap | 2009 News | | |
| April 27, 2009 | Apr 27/28, 2009: Broadway Cares sent out their newsletter summarizing the 'Broadway Bears' charity fundraiser. A 'Sir Robin' bear signed by Clay topped the bids for the second year in a row. Also Clay posted a link to a previously unreleased track called 'Just You'. He just asked that fans who downloaded it make a donation to the Bubel/Aiken Foundation. (The song had been one of the new pieces tested out during the 2005 Jukebox Tour.) | Fd Recap | Look to the Stars | BC/EFA - Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids | |
| April 27, 2009 | Clay mentored one of the groups of kids involved with Rosie O' Donnell's Broadway Kids' showcase. His group performed 'Corner of the Sky'. | FD Recap | Rosie's For All Kids Foundation | | |
| April 23, 2009 | The 'American Idol' show brought out a new product ... official trading cards featuring contestants from all eight seasons of the series. Clay has two cards in the set. A photo from his Mack the Knife' performance during his contestant days on AI2 fronts one card. The other features a picture from his 2004 visit during AI3 at which time he sang 'Fantasy' backed by that season's Top 4. | FD Recap | 2009 News | | |
| April 22, 2009 | The Family Equality Council blog carried a brief summary of the event, including links to photos and to some fan video that had been posted at various Clay fan boards. FOX 5 television carried a brief segment on their news recap. | FD Recap | 2009 Family Equality Council Award | 2009 News | |
| April 21, 2009 | Here are scans of the biographical page from the booklet prepared for the Family Equality Council 'Night at the Tavern' and one of the ads as well. The 'Tavern on the Green' restaurant was the site of the event. | FD Recap | 2009 Family Equality Council Award | 2009 News | |
| April 21, 2009 | The Family Equality Council hosted an evening that honored Clay for his positive profile as a gay parent, and also Terri Boggis who is the director of "Center Kids" at the LGBT Center in NYC. Entertainment was provided by singer Linda Eder. | FD Recap | 2009 Family Equality Council Award | Awards and Appointments | |
| April 19, 2009 | April On-line media was full of references to Susan Boyle's amazing performance on 'Britain's Got Talent'. Comparisons to Clay's AI audition popped up several times. He also was featured on a list of reality television stars who made the most of/cashed in on their opportunities. | Fd Recap | 2009 News | | |
| April 14, 2009 | Apr. 14/09 EW on-line's Idol 10 All Time Best Makeovers included Clay at the top of their list. His 'geek to chic' transformation was amazing to watch! | Fd Recap | 2009 News | Entertainment Weekly | |
| April 8, 2009 | Apr. 8/09 America's Next Top Model: Clay portrayed a very demanding designer while each of the contestants acted as over-the-top diva models. Clay seemed to enjoy the activity and was encouraging to his acting partners. As part of the judging panel, he showed solid insight into the strengths and weaknesses of each contestant. Comments around the internet showed that he impressed many regular watchers of ANTM. | Fd Recap | America's Next Top Model | 2009 News | |
| April 5, 2009 | Clay's up-coming appearance on 'America's Top Model' was featured as one of the television picks to watch in many listings. | Fd Recap | America's Next Top Model | 2009 News | |
| April 2, 2009 | Apr. 2/09: In an AP Radio interview, David Foster sang the praises of Clay & Jaymes as parents. His description of Clay as a 'spectacular father' was picked up by many celebrity news outlets. | Fd Recap | 2009 News | | |
| April 2, 2009 | During the first week of April, the CW network aired short promo clips for Clay's up-coming appearance on 'America's Next Top Model'. Fans got a quick glimpse of him in the acting challenge. It looks like a fun segment. Can we put the week on 'Fast Forward' so the show starts sooner? | FD Recap | America's Next Top Model | 2009 News | |
| March 31, 2009 | March Media Part Two - Car shopping, models and golf all made news in the second half of this month. | Fd Recap | 2009 News | In Touch | |
| March 31, 2009 | Sony records announced the release of new entries in their Legacy Playlist series. 'The Very best of Clay Aiken' would be released at the end of March. It would include only material previously released on his other albums. | FD Recap | Albums | Music Milestones | |
| March 30, 2009 | GLAAD Awards Online Press | FD Recap | 2009 News | GLAAD Awards | |
| March 30, 2009 | 'The Insider' television show carried a brief interview recorded as Clay arrived at the GLAAD awards. The on-line site had more extensive coverage. | Fd Recap | The Insider | GLAAD Awards | |
| March 29, 2009 | LAMBDA Family Equality Council's Night at the Tavern event | FD Recap | 2009 Family Equality Council Award | 2009 News | |
| March 28, 2009 | Mar. 28/09 GLAAD Media Awards: Clay presented the 'Excellence in Media' award to his good friend, Tyra. It was his first appearance at this event. | Fd Recap | 2009 News | GLAAD Awards | |
| March 25, 2009 | Comcast 'Eye on Idol' posted their rankings of all AI contestants. Clay was ranked at #4. Of course, we think he should be #1! | Fd Recap | 2009 News | | |
| March 18, 2009 | The rumors have been confirmed! Clay will appear on the season finale of the top-rated '30 Rock' television show. The episode is scheduled to air on May 14, 2009. | FD Recap | 30 Rock | 2009 News | |
| March 12, 2009 | Fans found ways to support the Bubel/Aiken Foundation through charity fund raisers. Every donation helps to fund one of the summer "Let's ALL Play" camps or one of the BAF's other efforts to get out the message of inclusion. | FD Recap | Events - Bubel Aiken Foundation | | |
| March 11, 2009 | It was announced that Clay will present the 'Excellence in media' award to his good friend Tyra Banks at the GLAAD Awards which will be held on March 29, 2009. | FD Recap | GLAAD Awards | 2009 News | |
| March 9, 2009 | 'Success' magazine did a feature story on the 'Clothes Off Our Backs' charity auctions. Clay has provided items for these on a couple of occasions, most notably the time mentioned in the article. Various parts of his 'Emmys' outfit from his stint reporting with 'The Insider' brought in $26,000 total. One of his shirts also was the top seller in an Idol-based auction held by Kim Locke for the organization. | Fd Recap | 2009 News | Clothes Off Our Back Foundation | |
| March 9, 2009 | The New York Post article on the best of Idol music included 'Invisible' at #2 on the singles Top Ten. Clay has two albums among the Top Ten best selling albums of previous contestants on the show. | Fd Recap | 2009 News | | |
| March 6, 2009 | Mar. 6, 2009: The Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation announced its newest inclusion project, a joint venture with the BAF and the national Center for Summer Learning at Johns Hopkins University. The partnership would expand access to high-quality, inclusive summer learning opportunities for young people by developing a curriculum to help summer camps fully include youth with disabilities. | Fd Recap | Grant Info | 2009 News | |
| March 1, 2009 | In March 2009, People magazine produced a special edition on 'Celebrity Transformations'. Clay had a two-page spread in the music section. he sure has had a number of different 'looks' over the past six years! | FD Recap | People | 2009 News | |
| March 1, 2009 | March Media - Check out candid Clay at the airport, AI Ultimate Playlist from EW, A promo for 'America's Next Top Model' and AOL's most viewed pics of the week.. | Fd Recap | 2009 News | | |
| February 28, 2009 | February Odds and Ends: Entertainment Weekly announces end of Clay's Relationship with RCA and Broadway sends out Clay Valentines | FD Recap | 2009 News | Entertainment Weekly | |
| February 26, 2009 | A signed Spamalot poster raised money for the National Military Family Association. | FD Recap | Other Charities, Committees and Foundations | | |
| February 26, 2009 | MENC 'Music in Our Schools' Month: The National Association for Music Education posted a list of the PSAs featuring artists from several genres of music. These were made to highlight the importance of music in a well-rounded education. These PSAs can be even be downloaded to your computer. | FD Recap | MENC | Other Charities, Committees and Foundations | |
| February 26, 2009 | "Why Music?" Clay was included in this series of Public Service Announcements concerning the importance of music education. | FD Recap | MENC | 2009 News | |
| February 20, 2009 | Cindi Berger Confirms Clay Aiken Leaves RCA | FD Recap | 2009 News | | |
| February 19, 2009 | The 'Edupinion' on-line site put the BAF in its celebrity educational activism spotlight. | FD Recap | Events - Bubel Aiken Foundation | 2009 News | |
| February 15, 2009 | The BAF posted a 'Golfing For Inclusion' report. Over $100,000 was raised during the event to support upcoming BAF initiatives in 2009. | FD Recap | 2009 Golfing For Inclusion | Events - Bubel Aiken Foundation | |
| February 15, 2009 | The 'Broadway Bears' 2009 auction was held. For the second year in a row, the Spamalot 'Sir Robin' bear was the top earner! A grand total of over $150,000 was raised to support Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids | FD Recap | BC/EFA - Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids | Other Charities, Committees and Foundations | |
| February 10, 2009 | The Californian had an article about a grant in support of a Monterey County CA to introduce a 'Let's All Play' after-school program that will include children with and without disabilities. | FD Recap | Events - Bubel Aiken Foundation | 2009 News | |
| February 4, 2009 | Clay's appearance on America's next Top Model was announced | FD Recap | 2009 News | America's Next Top Model | |
| January 31, 2009 | Plant Delights Nursery in Raleigh did a fun takeoff on Clay's People Magazine cover and a crossword puzzle using Clay's name was found on a fan site | FD Recap | 2009 News | Plant Delights Nursery | |
| January 31, 2009 | Poker star Greg Raymer is a supporter of the BAF. he played in another celebrity golf tournament for charity and earned $5000 for the Foundation! | FD Recap | 2009 News | Events - Bubel Aiken Foundation | |
| January 31, 2009 | Star magazine noted Clay's Sardi's honor | FD Recap | 2009 News | Star | |
| January 29, 2009 | An article describing BAF's new inclusive service learning program is posted on an ICI website | FD Recap | 2009 News | Events - Bubel Aiken Foundation | |
| January 29, 2009 | The Miami Herald had a short item about the 'Golfing for Inclusion' event. | FD Recap | 2009 News | Events - Bubel Aiken Foundation | |
| January 26, 2009 | The Bubel/Aiken Foundation's second annual "Golfing for Inclusion" provided fun, coaching and a great evening of fundraising and entertainment | FD Recap | Events - Bubel Aiken Foundation | 2009 Golfing For Inclusion | |
| January 25, 2009 | As a prelude to the 'BAF Golfing For Inclusion' activities, Clay performed a min-concert for the members of the host country club, Mirasol | FD Recap | Singing Performances | Events - Bubel Aiken Foundation | |
| January 24, 2009 | While in Florida preparing for the GFI event, Clay took time out to visit ex-Spamalot co-star Brad Oscar who was now working in the play 'Barnum' in that general area. | FD Recap | Out and about list | | |
| January 22, 2009 | Clay's new UNICEF blog was shared on the ONE website. It encouraged people to sign an on-line petition urging the new President to put a high priority on global child survival | FD Recap | Events - UNICEF | One | |
| January 22, 2009 | WRAL had a fun poll about auditioning for American Idol. 22% of the voters said they were Clay Aiken. | FD Recap | 2009 News | WRAL News | |
| January 20, 2009 | Look to the Stars blog promoted the BAF Golfing Auction | FD Recap | 2009 News | Look to the Stars | |
| January 17, 2009 | Lynda Loveland makes a career shift from television to radio | FD Recap | 2009 News | WRAL News | |
| January 17, 2009 | Ruben, Trenyce and Frenchie were part of the touring company of Ain't Misbehavin', Clay went to visit the show while it was in North Carolina. | FD Recap | Out and about list | Ain't Misbehavin | |
| January 15, 2009 | BAF grant winner - Dancing Wheels - their performances include dancers with disabilities integrated with those without disabilities. | Fd Recap | Events - Bubel Aiken Foundation | 2009 News | |
| January 15, 2009 | Last year in Somalia, Clay recorded a promo message for the up-coming 2009 TAP project | FD Recap | Tap Project | Events - UNICEF | |
| January 14, 2009 | As American Idol starts a new season, many mentions of Clay are seen online | FD Recap | 2009 News | | |
| January 13, 2009 | Clay was included in a TV Guide slideshow entitled American Idol: Where Are They Now? | FD Recap | 2009 News | TV Guide | |
| January 13, 2009 | Radio and Records Hit PredictorArtist Chart had Clay as #1 on their Adult Contemporary Chart | FD Recap | Music Milestones | | |
| January 13, 2009 | WHLI included On My Way Here in their top 50 releases of 2008 | FD Recap | Music Milestones | | |
| January 11, 2009 | Spamalot played its final performance on Broadway. | FD Recap | Broadway | Events - Broadway | |
| January 6, 2009 | Broadway.com has an article about Clay leaving and Martin Moran replacing him | FD Recap | 2009 News | Broadway.com | |
| January 6, 2009 | Broadwayworld.com has an article about Spamalot sales numbers | FD Recap | 2009 News | Broadwayworld.com | |
| January 5, 2009 | An article about baby names mentions Clay's choice of Parker | FD Recap | 2009 News | | |
| January 4, 2009 | Clay's last night in Spamalot | FD Recap | Broadway | Events - Broadway | |
| January 4, 2009 | Clay was mentioned in an article which discussed David Archuleta and the role of runner up. | FD Recap | 2009 News | | |
| January 3, 2009 | Stage Door - Last night he would appear | FD Recap | Spamalot Stage Door Photos | Events - Broadway | |
| January 2, 2009 | Stage Door - Clay's last week as Sir Robin in Monty Python's Spamalot | FD Recap | Spamalot Stage Door Photos | Events - Broadway | |
