As to not blowing his own horn and taking media with him to "events"; he participated at a YMCA event recently; only one fuzzy photo has turned up. Someone asked him if he was Clay and he replied he was Clay's twin brother "Clint", (snarky boy).
Pottersclay59
July 28th, 2006 7:44 PM
Thank you AI! Apology accepted...for me, all is forgiven! Let's move forward and see what 'shock & awe' Clay and his team hand us next. His success - personally & musically - are amazing. Clay is loved by many...in A Thousand Different Ways.
Blessings....Sandra
Francie
July 28th, 2006 10:25 AM
Thanks for this apology, to Clay and to his very loyal fanbase. NOW, maybe some others will start to take him more seriously and finally learn what we've known all along.
Rita
July 28th, 2006 3:58 AM
Thank you, I agree with all that has been said about Clay. As he is living his life it make us all know we can reach higher and do more for others. His voice and life has touched us deeply, not just his sing voice but his spoken voice as well, also his example. He does use his voice for good. May God bless you for speaking out about the true man. May He keep on blessing Clay!
Thanks again
Francine
July 28th, 2006 12:23 AM
I have no idea what note of yours prompted this but out of it came something good...your honest research into Mr. Aiken's dedicated work to help children everywhere, promote education, awareness and inclusion for people with disablilities, open minds and hearts and your article has helped to do this too so thank you for being man enought to open your mind and heart and create awareness with facts. Clay is a wonderful versatile singer who owns the stage and an amazing human being who humbly cares and gives and teaches by example. He is intelligent, funny, open to learning, true to himself, he has a vision and fame has never made him forget it. He has touched so many hearts and souls and has brought so many to tears...AI should know ...remember the finale of AI 05 ...Clay shined by letting another young man shine and by caring more about making Michael happy than promoting his own upcoming CD... Love and respect is not given freely and Clay has earned our love and respect time and time a
Barb
July 27th, 2006 11:03 PM
You did the right thing. Kudos to you for stepping up to the plate and apologizing. I didn't see the original article that prompted this but maybe there is a bigger lesson to be learned here. You catch more flies with honey...maybe many of his fans (myself included) will visit more often now. Why is it that the media, tabloids, night time talk show hosts, etc. think people will listen to, view, or read their papers more regularly if they take cheap shots at the expense of others.
Josh
July 27th, 2006 9:30 PM
Rick, well said. I always thought he had a killer voice, never knew that much about him. My girlfriend got me interested in what Clay is all about. I respect him and I really do hope the sewer dwellers lay off of him and look at what he is really about. They might learn something useful. He doesn't deserve it. I actually got to meet him at a concert with my girlfriend. He was a riot. Good article. Thanks
Rick
July 27th, 2006 8:38 PM
Comment #11 by Linda illustrates perfectly exactly the kind of blind, ignorant, unwarranted hatred that Clay & his fans have had to endure for the past 3 years. It seems that whenever someone comes along who truly wants to do good in the world, there will, unfortunately, always be evildoers slithering out of the shadows to try to run that person down, twist everything he or she does into something dark, & attempt to stop or at least taint the goodness being done. Thank God that Clay is a man among men who stands proud & tall above it all & doesn't lower himself to respond to the slimeballs. He is a true class act & example for us all. There are many more charities & simple acts of every day kindnesses you could add to that list of Clay's philanthropic heart, most of which never get any publicity at all & his fans only hear of them after he fact, or witness them for themselves. He has been doing this kind of work since his teens, long before any cameras
Susie
July 27th, 2006 5:31 PM
Thank you very much for this great article focusing on Clay's humanitarian efforts and his work for children around the world.
Darby
July 27th, 2006 4:27 PM
Nice apology and well-written article.
A nice followup might be to go to a live Clay Aiken performance on his next tour. There is nothing like hearing that voice live.
Donna
July 27th, 2006 4:06 PM
You showed real class in your apology and by setting things right with your article on Clay's charitable endeavors. There is alot more to the man Clay Aiken than just a beautiful voice.
Donna
SJR
July 27th, 2006 3:48 PM
I am glad you finally showcased his endeavors. One of his haters posted that he does this for publicity. That is so far from the truth. He does events that his fans do not find out he did till much later. No publicist there, no media there. Many celebrities just attach their name to a charity. Clay becomes actively involved. Thank you again.
JC
July 27th, 2006 3:10 PM
Thanks for recognizing Clay Aiken for the work he would like to be remembered for, when all is said and done.
It's one thing to be a successful singer and a rich man, it's another thing to put the misfortunes of others before your own interests, as Clay does.
He is so much the best thing to EVER come out of American Idol, bar none.
Gothic
July 27th, 2006 2:40 PM
Clay Aiken is GOD of American Idol. He is best singer and artist from that show. He is one of the best singers to ever walk into this world and on our planet. I love this guy so much!
Polly
July 27th, 2006 12:17 PM
I never have understood why members of Am. Idol (the show) and others in the media have dissed Clay at every opportunity they had. If Clay had not accomplished anything with his celebrity, that would be a different story. But quite the contrary. There is so much more to the man, Clay Aiken, than just a singer and should cause pride in all those who "discovered" him. The world is turning upside down!
Thanks for the apology. Now if others would follow your lead it might be a "Perfect Day!"
DAVID
July 27th, 2006 10:45 AM
BRING A HUSBAND OF A CLAYMATE,I KNOW ABOUT CLAY AS A SINGER AND AS A MAN.AFTER READING THIS APOLOGIE,WHICH IS LONG OVER DUE. I WAS MISTY EYE IN THE FACT THAT HE IS SOOOO GIVING AND UNSELFISH.IF A PERSON DIDN'T (HARD TO IMAGINE)LIKE HIS SINGING.YOU WOULD HAVE TO BE MOST IMPRESSED WITH HIS GIVING.
Katie
July 27th, 2006 8:45 AM
I too would like to thank you for your apology. I didn't read your original article but I'm guessing you quickly felt the wrath of scorned claymates in response. We take negative comments about Clay to heart. The greatness of Clay has unfolded before us over the past three years, not because he throws it in our faces, but because from the very beginning he drew us in with his voice and charisma. From then on, we have eagerly followed (or tried to follow) his every move. Clay is an amazing talent and an even more amazing human being.
It is quite frustrating when ignorant people make statements about things with which they are uneducated. That has always been my pet peave and it's continually highlighted when it comes to the media reporting about Clay. Nonetheless, it is commendable that you realized the err of your ways and apologized. For that, I thank you!
Judy Conn
July 27th, 2006 8:10 AM
Clay Aiken is so deserving of your apology, as well as his fans, and I for one thank you. Being an American Idol is more than being able to sing or have a pretty face and Clay has proven that beyond everyone's expectations. Mr. Aiken is an exceptional human being who has made not only our country proud, but also his fans around the world. It's about time his accomplishments were recognized and applauded.
Amanda
July 27th, 2006 6:19 AM
Thank you for your apology - it is appreciated. It's very easy to take cheap shots at people who don't defend themselves - not quite so easy to apologise!
Your article does a good job of spotlighting one of the many reasons why Clay is so beloved by his fans. Aside from his musical talent, he is a remarkable man, and an inpsiring humanitarian.
When he said on American Idol that he wanted to use his celebrity in a postive wasy and make a difference it wasn't just words - he meant it!
Claydreamer
July 27th, 2006 2:07 AM
Thank you so much for the apology. It has helped bring back some of the respect I lost for the show, due to the LACK OF RESPECT given Clay. As you can see by the many attibutes to him.. He is by far much more than just a "GORGEOUS VOICE"..
I am thankful every day for Clay, he is such a tremendous Role Model for the children of today. There is NO End to the "heart and soul" of this man. Thank you for taking the time to Showcase just a FEW of the MANY things Clay has done these past few years.. The list could go on and on..
The world needs to HEAR and SEE Clay for who he is... Hopefully, this new CD will get the "AIR TIME" it deserves.. Just wait until the Sales of this NEW CD! The music industry is not going to know what hit them! He will surpass everyone.. hands down!
satscout
July 27th, 2006 1:40 AM
My son is on the autistic spectrum. I had never heard of Clay Aiken before I won MCWL on a radio call-in... I read the liner... I went to the BAF website... and I was hooked. I fell in love with his voice only shortly before coming to appreciate the whole package. Thank you for acknowledging that he is not your average celebrity. I came to understand "came for the voice, stayed for the man" after learning about Clay.
Shirley
July 26th, 2006 10:00 PM
I, too, thank you for your apology and the article. Being one of the older generation, Clay has been a breath of fresh air. He has actually brought families together in one accord as they follow the career of one young man who dared to stand up for decency. He is one role model I feel comfortable taking my grand-daughter to see and hear. I have followed his career since he first came to American Idol and I have found that Clay walks the talk. My family respects the man and appreciates the great God given talent that is his. Idols have come and gone, but Clay will long live in the hearts of his fans as time goes by. Thank you, again for sharing only a few of his good works, and thank you Clay for remaining true to yourself.
kfc (karenforclay)
July 26th, 2006 9:39 PM
Apart from his music career, Clay has dedicated himself to education and children’s causes across the world. Few people can match his amazing record of giving and we feel all American Idol fans should be made aware of it, as he is helping make the world a better place.
Thank you for your heartfelt apology and recent article outlining , for all to see, the wonderful deeds and differences Clay has made to our global village. I join all the clayfans who have previously written in saying that I , too, am so proud to be his fan.
I want to go a bit further and respond to the quote above. Clay has always encouraged his fans
to follow his direction and strive to make a difference in their world, no matter how small the contribution may be. And, Clay's fans, too, have faced uncalled for comments and have been ridiculed in the press for being so supportive of him. Very few readers are aware of all the charitable works carried out by Clay's fans in his name. The amount of time and money
canfly
July 26th, 2006 9:29 PM
Thank you for posting this article. In reading some of the replies, I'm so happy that some people have been enlightened. People who had NO IDEA about what kind of a man Clay Aiken really is have learned a few things today! If those of you who had no idea also have not seen Clay perform since American Idol and have not seen Clay perform in concert, you also have NO IDEA what an amazing performer he's really become!
July 29th, 2006 12:29 PM
What a fantastic article, thanks for that!
July 29th, 2006 10:18 AM
As to not blowing his own horn and taking media with him to "events"; he participated at a YMCA event recently; only one fuzzy photo has turned up. Someone asked him if he was Clay and he replied he was Clay's twin brother "Clint", (snarky boy).
July 28th, 2006 7:44 PM
Thank you AI! Apology accepted...for me, all is forgiven! Let's move forward and see what 'shock & awe' Clay and his team hand us next. His success - personally & musically - are amazing. Clay is loved by many...in A Thousand Different Ways.
Blessings....Sandra
July 28th, 2006 10:25 AM
Thanks for this apology, to Clay and to his very loyal fanbase. NOW, maybe some others will start to take him more seriously and finally learn what we've known all along.
July 28th, 2006 3:58 AM
Thank you, I agree with all that has been said about Clay. As he is living his life it make us all know we can reach higher and do more for others. His voice and life has touched us deeply, not just his sing voice but his spoken voice as well, also his example. He does use his voice for good. May God bless you for speaking out about the true man. May He keep on blessing Clay!
Thanks again
July 28th, 2006 12:23 AM
I have no idea what note of yours prompted this but out of it came something good...your honest research into Mr. Aiken's dedicated work to help children everywhere, promote education, awareness and inclusion for people with disablilities, open minds and hearts and your article has helped to do this too so thank you for being man enought to open your mind and heart and create awareness with facts. Clay is a wonderful versatile singer who owns the stage and an amazing human being who humbly cares and gives and teaches by example. He is intelligent, funny, open to learning, true to himself, he has a vision and fame has never made him forget it. He has touched so many hearts and souls and has brought so many to tears...AI should know ...remember the finale of AI 05 ...Clay shined by letting another young man shine and by caring more about making Michael happy than promoting his own upcoming CD... Love and respect is not given freely and Clay has earned our love and respect time and time a
July 27th, 2006 11:03 PM
You did the right thing. Kudos to you for stepping up to the plate and apologizing. I didn't see the original article that prompted this but maybe there is a bigger lesson to be learned here. You catch more flies with honey...maybe many of his fans (myself included) will visit more often now. Why is it that the media, tabloids, night time talk show hosts, etc. think people will listen to, view, or read their papers more regularly if they take cheap shots at the expense of others.
July 27th, 2006 9:30 PM
Rick, well said. I always thought he had a killer voice, never knew that much about him. My girlfriend got me interested in what Clay is all about. I respect him and I really do hope the sewer dwellers lay off of him and look at what he is really about. They might learn something useful. He doesn't deserve it. I actually got to meet him at a concert with my girlfriend. He was a riot. Good article. Thanks
July 27th, 2006 8:38 PM
Comment #11 by Linda illustrates perfectly exactly the kind of blind, ignorant, unwarranted hatred that Clay & his fans have had to endure for the past 3 years. It seems that whenever someone comes along who truly wants to do good in the world, there will, unfortunately, always be evildoers slithering out of the shadows to try to run that person down, twist everything he or she does into something dark, & attempt to stop or at least taint the goodness being done. Thank God that Clay is a man among men who stands proud & tall above it all & doesn't lower himself to respond to the slimeballs. He is a true class act & example for us all. There are many more charities & simple acts of every day kindnesses you could add to that list of Clay's philanthropic heart, most of which never get any publicity at all & his fans only hear of them after he fact, or witness them for themselves. He has been doing this kind of work since his teens, long before any cameras
July 27th, 2006 5:31 PM
Thank you very much for this great article focusing on Clay's humanitarian efforts and his work for children around the world.
July 27th, 2006 4:27 PM
Nice apology and well-written article.
A nice followup might be to go to a live Clay Aiken performance on his next tour. There is nothing like hearing that voice live.
July 27th, 2006 4:06 PM
You showed real class in your apology and by setting things right with your article on Clay's charitable endeavors. There is alot more to the man Clay Aiken than just a beautiful voice.
Donna
July 27th, 2006 3:48 PM
I am glad you finally showcased his endeavors. One of his haters posted that he does this for publicity. That is so far from the truth. He does events that his fans do not find out he did till much later. No publicist there, no media there. Many celebrities just attach their name to a charity. Clay becomes actively involved. Thank you again.
July 27th, 2006 3:10 PM
Thanks for recognizing Clay Aiken for the work he would like to be remembered for, when all is said and done.
It's one thing to be a successful singer and a rich man, it's another thing to put the misfortunes of others before your own interests, as Clay does.
He is so much the best thing to EVER come out of American Idol, bar none.
July 27th, 2006 2:40 PM
Clay Aiken is GOD of American Idol. He is best singer and artist from that show. He is one of the best singers to ever walk into this world and on our planet. I love this guy so much!
July 27th, 2006 12:17 PM
I never have understood why members of Am. Idol (the show) and others in the media have dissed Clay at every opportunity they had. If Clay had not accomplished anything with his celebrity, that would be a different story. But quite the contrary. There is so much more to the man, Clay Aiken, than just a singer and should cause pride in all those who "discovered" him. The world is turning upside down!
Thanks for the apology. Now if others would follow your lead it might be a "Perfect Day!"
July 27th, 2006 10:45 AM
BRING A HUSBAND OF A CLAYMATE,I KNOW ABOUT CLAY AS A SINGER AND AS A MAN.AFTER READING THIS APOLOGIE,WHICH IS LONG OVER DUE. I WAS MISTY EYE IN THE FACT THAT HE IS SOOOO GIVING AND UNSELFISH.IF A PERSON DIDN'T (HARD TO IMAGINE)LIKE HIS SINGING.YOU WOULD HAVE TO BE MOST IMPRESSED WITH HIS GIVING.
July 27th, 2006 8:45 AM
I too would like to thank you for your apology. I didn't read your original article but I'm guessing you quickly felt the wrath of scorned claymates in response. We take negative comments about Clay to heart. The greatness of Clay has unfolded before us over the past three years, not because he throws it in our faces, but because from the very beginning he drew us in with his voice and charisma. From then on, we have eagerly followed (or tried to follow) his every move. Clay is an amazing talent and an even more amazing human being.
It is quite frustrating when ignorant people make statements about things with which they are uneducated. That has always been my pet peave and it's continually highlighted when it comes to the media reporting about Clay. Nonetheless, it is commendable that you realized the err of your ways and apologized. For that, I thank you!
July 27th, 2006 8:10 AM
Clay Aiken is so deserving of your apology, as well as his fans, and I for one thank you. Being an American Idol is more than being able to sing or have a pretty face and Clay has proven that beyond everyone's expectations. Mr. Aiken is an exceptional human being who has made not only our country proud, but also his fans around the world. It's about time his accomplishments were recognized and applauded.
July 27th, 2006 6:19 AM
Thank you for your apology - it is appreciated. It's very easy to take cheap shots at people who don't defend themselves - not quite so easy to apologise!
Your article does a good job of spotlighting one of the many reasons why Clay is so beloved by his fans. Aside from his musical talent, he is a remarkable man, and an inpsiring humanitarian.
When he said on American Idol that he wanted to use his celebrity in a postive wasy and make a difference it wasn't just words - he meant it!
July 27th, 2006 2:07 AM
Thank you so much for the apology. It has helped bring back some of the respect I lost for the show, due to the LACK OF RESPECT given Clay. As you can see by the many attibutes to him.. He is by far much more than just a "GORGEOUS VOICE"..
I am thankful every day for Clay, he is such a tremendous Role Model for the children of today. There is NO End to the "heart and soul" of this man. Thank you for taking the time to Showcase just a FEW of the MANY things Clay has done these past few years.. The list could go on and on..
The world needs to HEAR and SEE Clay for who he is... Hopefully, this new CD will get the "AIR TIME" it deserves.. Just wait until the Sales of this NEW CD! The music industry is not going to know what hit them! He will surpass everyone.. hands down!
July 27th, 2006 1:40 AM
My son is on the autistic spectrum. I had never heard of Clay Aiken before I won MCWL on a radio call-in... I read the liner... I went to the BAF website... and I was hooked. I fell in love with his voice only shortly before coming to appreciate the whole package. Thank you for acknowledging that he is not your average celebrity. I came to understand "came for the voice, stayed for the man" after learning about Clay.
July 26th, 2006 10:00 PM
I, too, thank you for your apology and the article. Being one of the older generation, Clay has been a breath of fresh air. He has actually brought families together in one accord as they follow the career of one young man who dared to stand up for decency. He is one role model I feel comfortable taking my grand-daughter to see and hear. I have followed his career since he first came to American Idol and I have found that Clay walks the talk. My family respects the man and appreciates the great God given talent that is his. Idols have come and gone, but Clay will long live in the hearts of his fans as time goes by. Thank you, again for sharing only a few of his good works, and thank you Clay for remaining true to yourself.
July 26th, 2006 9:39 PM
Apart from his music career, Clay has dedicated himself to education and children’s causes across the world. Few people can match his amazing record of giving and we feel all American Idol fans should be made aware of it, as he is helping make the world a better place.
Thank you for your heartfelt apology and recent article outlining , for all to see, the wonderful deeds and differences Clay has made to our global village. I join all the clayfans who have previously written in saying that I , too, am so proud to be his fan.
I want to go a bit further and respond to the quote above. Clay has always encouraged his fans
to follow his direction and strive to make a difference in their world, no matter how small the contribution may be. And, Clay's fans, too, have faced uncalled for comments and have been ridiculed in the press for being so supportive of him. Very few readers are aware of all the charitable works carried out by Clay's fans in his name. The amount of time and money
July 26th, 2006 9:29 PM
Thank you for posting this article. In reading some of the replies, I'm so happy that some people have been enlightened. People who had NO IDEA about what kind of a man Clay Aiken really is have learned a few things today! If those of you who had no idea also have not seen Clay perform since American Idol and have not seen Clay perform in concert, you also have NO IDEA what an amazing performer he's really become!