Archive through May 02, 2003
TV ClubHouse: Archive: American Idol (FOX):
The Clay Aiken Fan Club (ARCHIVE):
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Archive through May 02, 2003
Hermione69 | Wednesday, April 30, 2003 - 06:40 pm     That's a good point, Sadiesmom. I like Clay just as he is, and always have, quirks and all. |
Muse | Wednesday, April 30, 2003 - 07:38 pm     Sooo...everyone see what happened tonight (Ruben in the bottom two)? No one is safe. Remember that when you go to vote next week, Clay fans. By the way -- did you see how Clay and Kimberley were dancing during Ruben's song? Cute! |
Spygirl | Wednesday, April 30, 2003 - 08:13 pm     I will be voting for Clay and Kim L this next week as equally as possible. I do NOT want to see either of them in the bottom two. |
Tabbyking | Wednesday, April 30, 2003 - 09:19 pm     i see that ruben's fans are going to 'vote with a vengeance'. i like ruben just fine. i just like clay better. so let's not get too comfy. if you like clay, don't assume the votes are there from others; vote yourself. i have no idea why ruben ended up in the bottom 2, but maybe his supporters were feeling he was safe? let's not assume that about anyone we want to win. if you want clay, you have to back him. the same as if you want ruben, or kimberley, or josh. if you are for somebody, make your vote count, whoever that person is. |
Nanarobin | Thursday, May 01, 2003 - 12:26 am     Add me to the Clay fanclub, as well... for some reason, I totally missed that there even was a AI thread on TVCH...not sure what to say except DUH DUH, Robin!! I messed up my first time voting this week as did not understand the 2 hour time limit...next week I will be on the phone and the cell (now that I have figured out test messanging!) for our dear Clay for whole 2 hours. I have to say he is the most improved singer of them all...taking criticism and acting to correct his so called flaws. I am not sure why they Simon had not corrected Josh's facial expressions, not Rueben lack of any expression or feelings. He just stands there in all that hot leather and "205" gear. At least Simon calls Rueben on the clothes some weeks. He is just not idol material...nor is country Josh (and I am a country music fan for the most part) As I stated in the other thread...I hated what happened in the voting tonight...so we all need to support Clay next week..eh?? |
Betty | Thursday, May 01, 2003 - 05:07 am     So, how do we know everyone that gets called down really have the fewest votes? Did AI spell it out or is it just assumption on the audience's part? Yes, of course they must call down the one with the least votes, but the other people may only be for suspense. I missed Clay this week and from what all you've said he was great. He does have that tingle power! |
Stardog | Thursday, May 01, 2003 - 05:58 am     CLAY CLAY CLAY ALL THE WAY As someone ineligible to vote I cannot lurk any longer and would just like to say, Please everyone quit cancelling out your votes by voting for more than one person. Let your fingers do the talking and vote CLAY CLAY Clay. On Tuesday he gave the best performance of everyone and deserves the vote. Can you tell I am a CLAY fan. |
Hermione69 | Thursday, May 01, 2003 - 06:33 am     Betty, no one really knows. Although last week when Josh was in the bottom three with Trenyce and Carmen, and Trenyce was the one sent back to safety, people were speculating the same thing because everyone knows Josh has a huge fan base and has always done better than Trenyce in the polls. But then Paula apparently made a comment on ET that it was the first time Josh had been in the bottom TWO, which reinforces that they do keep them down there by lowest vote number. I'm just as astounded as anyone about Ruben, but if they were really doing this for suspense, I think Clay would have been in the bottom by now. I think Ruben's voters may have gotten a little complacent. Kim L.'s voters know they can't so they are continuing to fight for her. Josh's voters knew he was in danger so they came out in full force. I think Ruben legitimately ended up there for whatever reasons, but I think this will wake up his fans and they will be out in full force NEXT week. It may even end up as Clay's turn in the bottom two, but hopefully it will be Josh that goes. I have no ill will towards Josh, but I don't think he is as talented as the others. I wouldn't even be interested in following his career after this is over, unlike several others I will follow, including Ricky who went several weeks ago. Trust me Stardog, I am not voting for anyone else but Clay next week! Glad to have you and Nanrobin, and any others peeking in for the first time, on board. I'd like to add my voice to those warning against COMPLACENCY. It happened to Tamyra, it almost happened to Ruben. Let's do our best to make sure it doesn't happen to Clay. If you like him, VOTE.
Have a great day, everyone!! |
Djgirl5235 | Thursday, May 01, 2003 - 07:00 am     Herm - I totally agree! There's something interesting over at Sucks regarding Ruben & his fans. Of all the contestants, Ruben's the one that really doesn't have a lot of internet traffic - much like Tamyra last year. Clay has thousands of posts, and rabbid fans, and Ruben doesn't... it's interesting, that's all I have to say... Send a few Clay votes in for me too!! |
Nanarobin | Thursday, May 01, 2003 - 07:08 am     HERM...trust me, next week, my ole nimble fingers will be walking all over my landline and my cell to vote for "your" Clay ..can I just borrow him once in a while? Please...my son turns 35 today and he has an old rule that I cannot lust over anyone younger than him!!! lol.... BUT..what he does not know, won't hurt him!!!! I truly do think Clay is the best all around..as Rueben does not have the appearance nor the stage presence. He just seems to stand there. I am an old fat broad, so I cannot say anything about weight..but..he is just not IDOL material and has not worked nearly as hard to improve himself as Clay has...based mainly on judges criticism. I also note they NEVER seem to critique Rueben. AND A-L-L 3 judges are so OBVIOUSLY rooting for R to win--that does not seem fair to the other 3 contestants!! grrrrrr I laugh when I think of Clay's comment about not being able to do his hair like the stylists do for him...after all this time...I sure hope one of them takes time to teach him the "RyanS" hair styling secret!! GO CLAY...GO CLAY... p.s. I promise to take extra Relafen next week to ensure I have nimble fingers for dialing...thank God for redail!!! |
Hermione69 | Thursday, May 01, 2003 - 07:15 am     LOL, Nanorobin, I will not tell your son! You can have Clay one night every other month, as long as it doens't interfere with Tabbyking's session! ROFLMAO! Glad to have you! |
Nanarobin | Thursday, May 01, 2003 - 07:38 am     OK...Hermione...it's a deal...Christopher will never know!! I am willing to share... I stiil worry about the judges obvious bias for Ruben and so against Josh...that it affects the voting just to spite Dog, Simon and Paula. I do not like that they never critique Ruben...while anyone else is open season. I just wish I had discovered this thread earlier in the AI season... CLAY CLAY CLAY.... |
Hermione69 | Thursday, May 01, 2003 - 08:24 am     In fairness, Simon has pointed out a few things to Ruben. I think that Clay will have opportunities regardless. And I think he has a good chance here. Think positive thoughts!  |
Walker | Thursday, May 01, 2003 - 09:04 am     nana..i agree with what you said as far as ruben not being idol material..i just don't see him appealing to the teens today and they are the ones who buy the most music..and i'm just not sure that they are really into hearing a bunch of love ballads from ruben..jmho, but ofcourse i could be wrong but i doubt it..lol |
Tabbyking | Thursday, May 01, 2003 - 10:06 am     oh my aiken heart.....we have to keep this boy in!! if it can happen to ruben, it can happen to our sweetie, so vote like clayniacs next week! |
Tabbyking | Thursday, May 01, 2003 - 10:10 am     but, hey, remember neil sedaka said he would kill to have clay do a cd...so we know clay will always make it, but i want to see him win this, too. _________________________________ i was bummed to see the single of 'God bless the USA' selling for $4.49. way too much for a single IMO. i know that 50 cents goes to the red cross, but that is not a plus for me. i have a problem with donating to the red cross after 9/11...when they used that tragedy as a means of making money to fund all their things, not just what people thought they were donating to... |
Djgirl5235 | Thursday, May 01, 2003 - 10:40 am     Here is a FANTASTIC article about Clay, and what makes him tick, etc... It's for every Claymate out there (Especially Herm!) Clay |
Hermione69 | Thursday, May 01, 2003 - 11:14 am     Nice article, Deej! Thanks! I needed that smile. |
Meli456 | Thursday, May 01, 2003 - 11:23 am     What a great article... I didn't have a favorite between Clay, Ruben and Kim until just now. Guys, Clay HAS TO WIN!! He wants to start an institute for autistic children. Just this year, I found out that both my son and myself have a form of autism called Asperger's Syndrome. It is a relatively new disorder, in that it has only been recognized since 1994. They used to believe autism affected around 1 in 100,000-250,000 people. Now that Asperger's Syndrome and higher functioning forms of autism is being recognized, the numbers are closer to 1 in 250. Some say autism is an epidemic, there are hundreds diagnosed each DAY. Just think of how many people Clay could help, especially since it is very difficult to get insurance to cover all of the services any child with autism requires. If autism hasn't touched your life yet, it very well might someday. Clay is an amazing person and he deserves to win! |
Holly11 | Thursday, May 01, 2003 - 03:22 pm     Meli456, I wish you well. I have a mentally retarded daughter and I know of the hardship. Clay has always been my favorite but when I heard that about what he wanted to do for autistic children, was an added bonus. Thanks Djgirl for having the link to the wonderful article. |
Walker | Thursday, May 01, 2003 - 05:13 pm     meli..that is absolutely wonderful that clay wants to do that for autistic children..i like you and holly also have a mentally challenged daughter and it certainly isn't easy..that clay is something special and i certainly hope he wins this competition, he is terrific. |
Wcv63 | Friday, May 02, 2003 - 08:35 am     Thanks so much for the article Djgirl. This line really got me: "It's not the fame or the money, it's the influence." I've always been a fan of Clay's voice. I also knew of his work with autism and his special education interests. Clay could inspire his fans to reach out and make a difference. As you all know, I am a Kelly fan from way back (doh!). Her fans have organized many charitable drives including donations to a scholarship fund in her name, a book drive that has already amassed an amazing number of books to be sent to schools in need and Operation Thankful whereby donations will be used to send thousands of her CDs (with assistance from Walmart and the USO) to the troops in the Gulf. That is truly the spirit of an American Idol...someone that inspires those to not just chase their own dreams but to help others with theirs along the way. |
Demeter | Friday, May 02, 2003 - 12:30 pm     Is the article very long? I have tried to access it since yesterday and am unable to do so. Is it possible to post it here? |
Hermione69 | Friday, May 02, 2003 - 12:43 pm     From the Charlotte Observer Posted on Thu, May. 01, 2003 View is sweet for 'Idol' hopeful LEIGH DYER Staff Writer LOS ANGELES -- He's on the verge of stardom and living a celebrity's life: • A mansion overlooking Los Angeles. Of course. • A-list invitations, including to the hot "X2: X-Men United" premiere earlier this week. • Pricey togs from trendy stores. • Adoring women charting his every move. And there's the payoff -- minimum six figures, maximum the stratosphere. That's the world of Clay Aiken, the North Carolinian who finds himself in the middle of the TV phenomenon "American Idol." The show, one of highest-rated on television, drawing about 20 million viewers a night, has helped revive the talent show genre and made Aiken a household name. In a national USA Today poll in March, Aiken was voted the most popular contestant, and magazines, including Us Weekly and People, have featured him in articles. Last fall, Aiken, 24, of Raleigh was just another student, pursuing a special education degree at UNC Charlotte. Now, he's trying to remain humble and focused on his goal of starting a foundation to benefit autistic children. "It's not the money. It's not the fame. It's the influence," Aiken told The Observer this week in his first interview since becoming an "Idol" finalist. Aiken is singing to win the weekly contest, in which millions of viewers call in to vote for their favorite singer. The one with the fewest votes gets booted off the show. Following Wednesday night's vote, four contestants remained, including Aiken. Victory brings a record contract and the virtual certainty of a No. 1 album, as last year's "American Idol" winner Kelly Clarkson proved when her disc debuted at the top of the charts in April. Even being a top 12 finalist assures Aiken of six figures in payments from his work on the "American Idol" compilation album that was released Tuesday, the show's producers say. But first, he has to get past finalists Ruben Studdard of Alabama, a mammoth singer with a smooth voice; Kimberley Locke of Tennessee, who has moved up in the voting ranks after receiving increasing praise from the show's judges; and U.S. Marine Joshua Gracin. Studdard and Locke have been named front-runners by many, though Studdard was one of the two lowest vote-getters Wednesday. "I would absolutely love to be in the top three with Kim and Ruben," Aiken says. "We all have a mutual respect for each other -- I would absolutely say the two of them are my best friends here." Beyond the top three: "I would love to be in the top two, mainly because I want to be here to the end of the show," he said. Studdard and Locke express equal affection for Aiken. Studdard, who isn't one to get mushy, treats Aiken like a brother, pantomiming punches or grabbing Aiken's arm and bending it like a scarecrow's (a move he made on Monday as the show's finalists attended the "X2: X-Men United" premiere"). Asked about Aiken during a rehearsal for Tuesday's show, Studdard -- who frequently sports jerseys emblazoned with his hometown 205 area code -- joked, "All I can say is, 205 beats 704." Locke expresses her feelings more directly. She and Aiken are such close friends that they've discussed becoming roommates in Los Angeles after the show's run ends, she said. "I love Clay. He's very much like me. He's very genuine," she said. When it comes to getting feedback on her singing, she said, "I always go to Clay because I know he's going to tell me the truth." Aiken, a Southern Baptist who describes himself as "happily single," followed an unlikely path to stardom on the show. In an early audition, judges questioned whether his unconventional looks -- rumpled red hair, glasses and his prominent ears -- made him pop-star material. "When he first walked in, let's face it, he looked like he had two satellite dishes growing out of his head," said the show's co-executive producer, Nigel Lythgoe. A makeover that introduced contact lenses and darkened his hair changed his appearance to match his smooth voice. "I think it's been a welcome transformation," says John Dahlstrom, one of the show's hair stylists. "I think it does wonders for him." Life in the mansion where the contestants live is hectic, with constant supervision from chaperones. Filming of promotional spots for each week's shows can take eight hours or more, and rehearsals are a daily duty. Stylists advise contestants on their wardrobes, and each is given a budget to buy on-air clothes; if a contestant wants to go over the set amount, which the Fox network wouldn't disclose, he or she must pay out of pocket. (During a tour of the wardrobe room, the brown leather jacket Studdard wore on Tuesday's show sported an $895 price tag; Aiken blushingly confessed to his mother that a favorite pair of shoes he's worn on camera three times cost more than $200.) In recent months, Aiken has marveled at his worldwide fan base, which fills Internet message boards with missives on his green eyes, his endearing awkwardness, his smile -- and his voice. Along with his success has come some backlash from the show's fans and critics, including those at Entertainment Weekly magazine. Some have said he's too theatrical and hasn't stretched himself enough with his song choices. Aiken admits to searching for his name on the Internet and visiting some of the pro-Aiken fan sites. But the extensive displays of online adulation and the boxes of fan mail he receives, which recently included a 500-foot-long greeting card signed by thousands of Raleigh-area residents, have surprised him. He tries not to absorb the fanaticism, he says. "It might give a false sense of hope," he says. He's grown accustomed to hearing whispers of "That's Clay!" when he goes out shopping, or having strangers shake his hand. One night, he was in a restaurant just three tables away from actress Glenn Close. Nobody approached her, but four people came to his table to talk to him, he says. Aiken says that he is more hyperactive in person than on the show. He also says he would be a little sharper-tongued with the "American Idol" judges, especially the tart-tongued Simon Cowell, in real life. "I think the real me would probably talk back to Simon some more -- I come across as more meek than I really am," he says. The reason he doesn't mouth off is the same reason he doesn't drink alcohol in public: because children might be watching. "I don't think that's an example I want to set for somebody -- not if I want to be the American Idol," he said. (In his pre-"Idol" life, Aiken says, he'd have a drink with dinner about once a month.) Another reason is that Aiken takes the criticisms from Cowell -- and other judges -- to heart. After Cowell ridiculed Aiken's facial expressions, Aiken determined to keep his face locked in a smile during his next performances. In response to singer Paula Abdul's requests that he dance more, he loosened up his moves. Still, he says with a grin, he'll never really dance. He says he pays the most attention to judge Randy Jackson, a record producer. According to Jackson, Aiken doesn't have much to worry about. In an interview, Jackson rated Aiken a virtual lock to be one of the show's final two. "It's a Clay-Ruben show. ... It's down to the two of them." Lythgoe says the outcome is not clear. The show keeps a tight lid on information about the top vote-getters to maintain suspense, but Lythgoe says the top three contenders in the group have shifted during the contest. Last year, Lythgoe acknowledged, that wasn't the case -- Clarkson was top vote-getter from the beginning weeks. Aiken says he's not counting on winning. "I'm so much further than I thought I would be -- just being here is absolutely amazing to me," he says. "If it's not meant to happen, I'm totally, totally happy with going back to being a teacher." |
Hermione69 | Friday, May 02, 2003 - 12:44 pm     Demeter, that's the article you asked for, the one I posted above. |
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