I wonder wether those poor kids would ever buy Clay's albums. I'm not a fan of him, but that was nice of him. Oh and my husband said he looks like Bill Gates on that picture :-)

Clay is the type of person who would give the children his albums should they ask. Clay is a good humanitarian as seen through his work for children with disabilites. Uniceff chose well having Clay represent them.

I believe you, Linda. He seemed to be very down to earth as far as I could see.

Clay Aiken is an extremely talented and versatile artist with a beautifully pure and powerful voice. Clay is known as a very intelligent and articulate man, who excudes witt, charm and personality, great stage presence. However, more importantly, Clay Aiken is a young man who possesses a genuine selfless spirit and a heart full of unconditional love for everyone, but especially for children. This has been evidenced in the formation of the Bubel/Aiken Foundation whose purpose is the inclusion of all children with special abilities/development disabilities into society, alongside those children who do have have disabilities. He is a man of strong faith, integrity and convictions whose desire is to "make a difference in this world" for the children, all children. God bless you Clay for your dedication, loyalty, love and commitment.

another feather for St. Clay - seriously, he seems like a very sincere, great guy

As far as Clay is concerned, his work as an ambassador has nothing to do with his career as a recording artist. He did not go to Aceh to promote his album but to represent UNICEF and to help those who have been left devastated in the aftermath of the Tsunami. Hence, it would make no difference to Clay if these children would or would not buy his cds.

Clay is a man who has used his fame to acquire a bigger platform to advocate for children with additional needs and to serve children around the world.

It is to the credit of UNICEF to recognise that Clay is able to represent UNICEF and to contribute to the work of UNICEF.

I am proud to be a fan of Clay. I am proud of Clay for his selflessness, and his desire to change the world for the better.

For that, I say "thank you Clay for being the man that you are".

I am fully aware that he was not promoting his albums while visiting Aceh, that is why I posted this piece on Culture instead of Music. And about my asking whether those kids could buy his albums have nothing to do with personal sentiments against him. What I meant is that those kids are so poor that they can't buy a cassette (CD is far more expensive there)which is only 2 USD. Oh and I wouldn't write about this if I disliked his manner in this case...these were the children of my homeland whom he was helping.

I am so proud to be a fan of Clay, he is what we need in this world to day, someone that is definitely a role model for young and old.UNICEF should be commended for chosing, someone like Clay. He also has the most amazing voice, cant get enough of it. God Bless Clay, you are in my prays every day, your fan from Cape Town, South Africa.

Clay is one of rare personage whom walk the walk, talk the talk, and remain staunch in their faith while backing up their actions with soulful humility. Eventhough he's in a position where some become vain and self-serving, he instead, sees his good fortune as an adventagious way to offer aid, and hope for the better in their lives for the days ahead. I want him to know he is loved, and is a source of pride for humanity.

I'm not a huge fan of Aiken, but the more I see of him in situations like this, the more I am open to becoming one. He certainly is one of the good guys among the pack of mostly worthless celebs. Probably because he was a teacher first. I might even buy his next album if it's more rockin'!

Clay Aiken is truly a humanitarian. Yes, he is a young, nice-looking, American celeb, who actually has great singing ablility, BUT as I have followed his career, I am amazed at the sincerity his actions convey about his passion for children in need.

I had the priviledge of hearing him speak to a group of educators about children with "abilities" different from normal and eloquently spoke to how the only ones with "disabilities" are those who do not understand that each has much to offer to the other.
I admit, I was there asa fan, BUT I LEFT AS A BELIEVER NOT ONLY IN INCLUSION, BUT AS A BELIEVER IN CLAY AIKEN AS AN INCREDIBLE HUMANITARIAN.

BTW, I also hope his next album ROCKS.
cb

I think how some give money and that is very important but there are always others who are just a little braver, have just alittle more drive and they are the acheivers in life. Mr. Aiken seems not just be a person who is just a singer, he seems to be a person who is an all around human being. A man with a Good, Strong Foundation. It's takes a lot just to volunteer but to be a leader. This man, seems NOT to be afraid of any situation and will lead others to get these schools built and school supplies flowing. I'm happy their is another celebrity ready to lead the charge when
the world needs help. I'm glad Mr. Aiken has stepped forward!

I am always exciting to read about Clay's Humanitarian tour. Everyday I open my computer, not to check my e-mails first but instead, check the development of his mission.The more I read about it, the more I feel more proud to be a male fan of Clay. I found him sincere to what he is doing now. Yes, I hope his next CD is going to be a platinum again. I'm proud of you Clay.

Remember, Clay is NOT a singer or "idol" first. He is a teacher who happens to have a gorgeous voice. As a man in a spotlight, he has chosen to shine his light where it will do as much good as possible.

That said... I too eagerly await his next CD... (MOAM on continuous repeat in the background)... *grin*

Thank you for a very nice article; concise yet informative. Yes, Clay taught children with special needs, and according to his own teachers, he was very good. Fox's AI2 video of "Clay's Hometown Tour" shows how much his students love him -- that was when I realized what a truly good person he is (kids just don't love that much, otherwise!) Since then, I've also had the privilege of hearing him speak, and his eloquence changed, for the better, my perception of and attitude toward other people -- ALL people, not just those with different abilities.

Btw, about your CD comment, I was suprised and pleased to read on his fan boards that he has a sizeable fan base in Indonesia. Maybe they use radios and TVs, rather than expensive CDs?

Clay Aiken is my favorite male singer and male entertainer and male celebrity and humanitarian. Clay Aiken is the greatest and the best male musical artist ever!!! Clay Aiken Rules!!!

Kacy4Clay, I read on an Indonesian newspaper that Clay was even surprised to know that he was known in Indonesia. I can understand that though.
Despite of the poor tsunami victims, there are other provinces in Indonesia which are luckier. Indonesia consists of more than 13,000 islands with more than 200 millions population. With the help of MTV and radios as you said, it's not impossible for Clay to be famous there, although people never watched American Idol. Just for information, the last time I was in Indonesia (2003) a CD costed 5 USD, and it was considered to be very expensive there.

I am in awe of this guy. He truly is using his celebrity to help others. The look on his face in the picture shows his happiness at being where he is and contributing what he can to help these devastated children. It warms my heart to see the smiles on the childrens faces. I hope he can continue to bring awareness and relief so that there can be some semblance on normality brought back to their lives. I say thank you to Unicef for allowing Clay the opportunity and thank you Clay for sharing your heart with the world. Can't wait for his next CD. James

Jesus Christ, why don't we just canonize him right now?

You Faikens need to relax. This guy will be out of the business in 2 years thankfully. And he's not such a "nice guy" either. He's a fucking asshole.

Check out this story of what a "nice guy" Clay Aiken is. Spend about 5 minutes googling "Clay Aiken asshole" or "Clay Aiken rude". You could blow a whole day doing that.

Bottom line--the guy is a stuck up prick with a voice meant for high school productions of Bye Bye Birdie. That's about it.

Commence yelling.

If you don't believe Gawker, perhaps you'll buy it from the Philadelphia Inquirer, hardly the place for tabloid fodder.

BTW--Clay Aiken is not only a sanctimonious asshole, he also sings like shit.

Can't canonize him yet. Before anyone can get canonized, they must first go through the process of beatification.

And before anyone can get beatified, they must be deceased.

So it'll be quite some time before we can canonize Mr. Aiken.

Reference source:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canonization

Don't tell that to the Faikens. They want it NOW!!!!

I'm telling it to you, the only one to mention canonizing.

Well, well, then I guess nobody's perfect.

Victor--I sense some anger in your tone, sir. Not sure if you've ever exaggerated for the sake of making a point. That's what I was doing. I'll be sure to let you know going forward when I am being literal and when I am not.

there is an entire underground of Clay fanatics, Clay detractors, and Clay reporters, as I found out when researching a rumor that Clay had actually written a song attributed to Richard Marx. As far as I can tell it was false - Clay himself told me so over the phone (or at least someone who sounded like him).

This is very strange and creepy terrain.

Admiring a celebrity is understandable and generally harmless, although carrying it to a fanatic degree is certainly not wise.

The people who waste their energy on hating celebrities perplex me a bit, though. If you don't like the singer, okay, don't buy the music. But why make up derogatory names for people with musical tastes you don't share? That kind of fanaticism bugs the hell out of me.

I find this quote most curious - "My purpose of coming here is to ensure that the aid given from the USA have been used correctly..." I think he went on in a later interview to say that he could attest to ALL the aid being used for the purposes intended. A young singer with absolutely no experience in the field spends a couple days on a VIP tour of a small part of the diaster area and feels that he can speak with such certainty that ALL the aid is being used well? Either he's sorely lacking in judgment or is not lacking in arrogance.

Exactly. Frankly, I'm a little concerned that a guy who couldn't even win American Idol is verifying that my $100 went to the right place. Did this article originate on The Onion?

Thanks for the article! I think it's great to see a celebrity actually use their fame for good rather than sitting on their dead butts spending money that would be of better use in those countries. It's so refreshing to see Clay doing some awesome things and bringing more attention to those areas destroyed by the tsunami.

This is my first post although I have been lurking for a while and find that most of the comments for Clay are what they should be, for someone who has risen up out of nowhere and followed through on doing exactly what he said he would do....make a difference. For those who know nothing but gutter language, you have a problem, but Clay isn't it. I just wish we had more Role Models among the celebraties that knew what real giving is all about. Thank You, Clay. You have made a difference in my life and to know you is to know love.

Matt, I missed The Onion. This piece was written based on local Indonesian newspapers. They are in Indonesian, of course, but if you want they can be read here and here.

I always have to shake my head in amazement when someone posts comments about somebody else, calling them names such as "arrogant prick" when in reality the very attitude and language of that poster would indicate that indeed he or she is also an "arrogant prick". Only one of those two "pricks" is in a foreign country trying to do what he can, while the other is in our homeland writing nasty little comments that are totally useless.

People are amusing aren't they?

Clay Aiken is truly a remarkable young man. I don't know many of his age who would give up on their personal life to work for the causes that he believes in so dearly. UNICEF could not have chosen a more perfect person to represent them than Clay Aiken. If you have never seen him work with or converse with children, it is truly amazing. It is said that you can't fool a child and you can tell that children everywhere love and adore this man. I have no doubts whatsoever that he really scrutinized the use of funds that have been sent to the tsunami relief, especially for the children.

I am amazed that an article discussing Clay's trip to an island in Indonesia that has been ravaged by the Tsunami, has turned into a bashing opportunity for some people. The email on gawker, a gossip website, was written by a teacher who was not even present at the rehearsal. The journalist who wrote and published the article on Philadelphia Inquirer took her information from gawker. What kind of journalist would write an article based on an email taken from a gossip website?

"I find this quote most curious - "My purpose of coming here is to ensure that the aid given from the USA have been used correctly..." I think he went on in a later interview to say that he could attest to ALL the aid being used for the purposes intended. A young singer with absolutely no experience in the field spends a couple days on a VIP tour of a small part of the diaster area and feels that he can speak with such certainty that ALL the aid is being used well? Either he's sorely lacking in judgment or is not lacking in arrogance." by Samantha Klein.

Clay didn't decide to go to Aceh on his own to conduct a "fact finding" assignment. He was asked to do so by UNICEF. How is that lacking in judgment or Clay being arrogant? He had one week to do that and he tried to do an evaluation within the time frame allowed. Basically, Clay just did what he was asked to. I don't think UNICEF would just send Clay and not continue the investigate just because of Clay's evaluation.

And pray tell, what has Clay being a runner up on a singing competition got to do with Clay's work as a UNICEF ambassador?

Whatever you may want to believe about Clay, let's not confuse the issue with the assignment that Clay was sent to do and may I repeat, an assiagnment that was the request of UNICEF, and American Idol or rumors taken from a gossip website or an article that was written by a journalist whose source of information came from an email posted on a gossip website. Parents and teachers whose children or students were also involved in his concerts had nothing but praise for Clay's interactions with their children. Why is it that these distractors choose to believe a teacher and a journalist who were not even at the rehearsal and
not believe the parents and teachers who were actually there?

Like someone said, if you don't like Clay, don't buy his music. There is no reason to degrade him or demean his work as a UNICEF ambassador.

They are either jealous themselves or they are fans of someone who isn't as good as Clay and they know it. Rowena had it right, either put up your time and money like Clay does or simply "shut up". It's obvious that they do not have anything worthwhile to add to society.

We cannot believe that this society is so full of hatred that an article about someone trying to help others turns into a disgusting bashing session. We wish people who are so angry at the world would go fight their war in the real war. I think their nasty comments should be deleted. It is certainly the last time we come to this website.

Samantha: In answer to your question, "A young singer with absolutely no experience in the field... feels that he can speak with such certainty that ALL the aid is being used well?" -- Clay is not just a "young singer" with "no experience", he is a 26 year old teacher with a degree in special-needs education and he taught children with disabilities and autism for several years. Perhaps the author of this article didn't make it clear that Clay was responding as an Ambassador of Education for UNICEF, and was answering the question "Why are you here?" with the purpose of his UNICEF trip. Since the aid he is checking on is that portion going to children's education rehabilitation, he is very qualified to make such an evaluation -- no doubt that's why UNICEF appointed him.

Correction to Clay Aiken's UNICEF title -- Clay was appointed a UNICEF National (not "goodwill") Ambassador, in 2004, with these goals (from the UNICEF Web site):

"...I hope that as an Ambassador I can encourage people to join UNICEF's mission to make education a reality for children throughout the world."

The work
:: Committed to supporting education programs for children.

Thanks for the correction, K.C. Parent.

Thank YOU for a very nice article, Ayu! I don't know what the difference is between the two, but UNICEF makes the distinction, so...

Req: Thanks for pointing out that this was just an email, NOT an article or editorial, and email isn't researched -- anybody can say anything. Clay did Joyful Noise concerts in 20 cities using local school choirs, and in every report, the kids and teachers were delighted (as was Clay with them, lol). I have clippings from several newspapers with pix of Clay with the students...

--------Original Message----------

Hello all.

Backstory is here.

I have the privilege of working very closely with the exemplary kids in the Vocal Ensemble at the school where I teach. In addition to having many of them in class, I interact with them as an Ensemble chaperone and as the assistant director of the musical theater program. They are wildly talented, brilliant young people. They have performed at Carnegie Hall (and will again in May), the National Cathedral in DC, the Today Show, in a variety of venues on the East Coast and in Canada, and will be featured performers at a music educators' conference in LA in February. They are the "real deal."

Earlier this week, several members of the group were invited to perform with American Idol-also ran Clay Aiken in Washington Twp. The kids spent several hours in rehearsal and sound check for this last-minute "opportunity." In the course of the day, the following incidents took place:

*Although the students were promised photos/autographs/a little bit of face-time with Aiken, he refused all of these after two excited Ensemble members tried to take photos when Aiken entered the theater. In fact, security threatened to have the students removed from the venue. The 50 CDs that the music program purchased for signing were essentially wasted.

* Aiken was extremely terse with the students, at times berating them for reasons that are still unclear.

*The road crew refused to turn down or turn off their music so the students could rehearse the music they had only received 2 days prior.

* Aiken's people promised to feed the kids at 5:30. Once that time came and went, and the kids were starting to really fade, Ensemble staff bought pizza for the kids with out-of-pocket funds. At about 7 pm, Aiken's staff showed up with ...get ready...McDonald's Happy Meals.

* When an Ensemble staff member expressed her discontentment with the way the kids had been treated, Aiken engaged the woman in a verbal altercation. This resulted in mini-diva Aiken barring the staff member from the venue, and security escorting this very distinguished educator (a recent NJ State Teacher of the Year) from the theater.

* When the offer to sing was extended to the Ensemble, Aiken's people promised a decently-sized donation to the Ensemble. A relatively ostentatious show was made of the presentation of a check to a choir member. Later, when the student opened the envelope...it was empty.

Now folks, I have never sent anything to every single person on my contact list until now. Of the thirty kids who performed last night, I saw around 20 of them in classes today. One particularly reflective young man complained, "You know, I'd say I felt like a prostitute, but even a whore would've gotten paid. It was more like we got raped." Hyperbolic, perhaps, but still an apt analogy. Aiken got credit for including local "Claymates" on stage. The kids got a whole lotta grief and not much else.

In response to Tristan and all other posters who discussed about the Joyful Noise Concert in Sewell.

A letter from a father whose child was involved in the choir, participating in the same Sewell concert.

"To the Editor:
I am writing in the interest of fairness.

I have read several articles and letters in The Philadelphia Inquirer and the Gloucester County Times concerning the recent performance of Clay Aiken at the Commerce Center for the Performing Arts in Washington Township.

Students and teachers from Clear view Regional High school have complained about broken promises and unfair treatment. I cannot dispute their claims. I can only share the experience of my daughter, Madeline Brewer.

Maddie,who is 12, is a member of the
Gloucester County Children's Choir,
which was invited to support Aiken's performance on Dec.2, the same night the
Clearview students performed.

My daughter had to leave school early,
and like the Clearview students,she
spent the afternoon and early evening
rehearsing. Her group was also given a free McDonald's meal, which seems to me
a fairly inexpensive way to feed a large group.

Maddie didn't complain about the meal
or anything else. Instead, she came home
that night all excited. She said that she had a wonderful time and that Clay Aiken was "really nice". He came around and shook our hands and talked to us and gave us autographs. It was really cool." The chance to perform on stage with a "star" was thrilling to her.

After the performance, Aiken joined the kids for a question and answer session. Each child was allowed to ask one question, and Aiken answered it. Maddie told me she couldn't think of a question. "so I just told him I really liked his hair".

This was a great experience for my
Daughter, and she was grateful and happy for the opportunity. I don't know why her experience was so different from that of the Clearview students, but it was.

Just thought you might like to hear
another perspective."

Mark R Brewer
Pitman

12/30/04/letters to the Editor Gloucester County Times


Quote:
"First, there are numerous reports all over the internet by children, teens, parents and teachers who worked with Aiken during his concert tour. All positive. The kids were thrilled, the parents proud, the teachers impressed. Not a bad word about Aiken, his staff, crew or venue management. At every show, Aiken is encouraging to the kids during rehearsal and takes time with them after each show for one-on-ones, photos and autographs. There are numerous pictures floating around from each show with beaming kids surrounding a smiling Aiken.

Reports on this particular show start out the same. Especially from the elementary school. But then comes the high schoolers. There are teachers in this story - the choir director (male), the so-called Teacher Of The Year (female) who had no real business being there except to star-gaze, and the Suspended Teacher (who wasn't there at all, but felt the need to bash Aiken on the gossip site). What I'm reporting comes from a select few who claimed to be there, either as parents or staff of the venue. Take it as you will:

The true "Diva" in this tale was the Teacher Of The Year. She is not a music or drama teacher or choir director and really served no function at the rehearsal. She was there because some of her students who happened to be in the choir were singing with a famous pop star. She was loud and bossy all day. She berated the crew who were setting up the stage, lights, etc. for interferring with the rehearsal. They were trying to do their job and the kids were trying to do theirs. The choir director was a nice guy who didn't cross her, but was obviously embarrassed by her controlling behaviour. She came in with an attitude of "this is our show" and proceeded to try to run it.

All the parents & teachers were given free tickets in the VIP section. The TOTY demanded more tickets and was angry when she was told they weren't available.

Everyone was told from the beginning that Aiken would be in later to rehearse with them, but that to expect it to be Work Time and not Shmooze With The Star Time. There would be plenty of time after the show to hang out with Aiken and get photos and autographs. It is a known fact among his fans that he spends 1-2 hours after each show with the kids from both the elementary and high schools. Both the kids and the TOTY complained about this arrangement.

There was some kind of a mix-up with the catering for the kids. Some say the venue was supposed to provide it as they do for all artists. Aiken's staff ended up bringing them McDonald's food which makes sense since McDonald's is sponsoring the tour. But it was later than they were expecting and everyone complained. As someone whose wife has worked in theatre for years, I can tell you this is not at all unusual for perfomers to be fed late. But these were amatuers, so they took it personally.

The students were told by security that No Photographs would be allowed until after the show. Aiken's fans can attest to how strictly this rule is being enforced during the shows. It hasn't really been issue in his other tours, but this time union musicians (the orchestras) are involved and for some reason, photos of them are not allowed. Now comes the messy part.

When Aiken entered the venue late that afternoon, he was immediately set upon by several kids snapping photographs of him. Normally, this is not so much of an issue for Aiken, but he has been having some real problems with his eyes lately and flash photography has even been banned at his shows. Plus the teens were specifically told not to do this. Aiken's security reprimanded them. They continued to flash pictures at him as he walked through the venue to his dressing room. Aiken did not have to "sic" his security on the teens and he wouldn't have anyway, since he's never been known to do this to anyone at any time. His security know their job. His top bodyguard, Jerome, is well-known as being a no-nonsense guy when at work. Jerome confiscated the teens' cameras, not an unusual act for him.

This set off the TOTY. She started yelling at Jerome and the other security personnel about not just the camera fiasco, but also about everything else that was not to her liking all day. But that wasn't enough for her. She then started following Aiken down to his dressing room, screaming at him all the way. He turned around and told her off because well, Aiken is no wimp, as much as others try to make him out to be. And who can blame him? He'd just walked into the place, had no control over anything that had gone on before and now he's being verbally assaulted by someone he's never even met. This is when security escorted her out of the venue. Not at Aiken's bidding. Because it's their job.

The check presentation was nothing but a photo op. The school got their donation later - which was just that, btw, a donation. No pay had ever been contracted.

As far as Aiken berating any of the students, no one seems to know where that allegation came from. Some of the kids who'd had their cameras confiscated could have thought some of his words to the TOTY were meant for them. Perhaps something he said sarcastically during rehearsal was taken seriously. Nobody seems to know. But no one heard him dress down any of the kids, ever. And no one heard him threaten anyone, either. In fact, he took time to talk to the teens about their Carnegie Hall performance and asked them many questions about their other experiences. It seemed to observers that he was trying to be especially kind to them because of what had happened with the teacher.

After the show, Aiken met with the elementary school kids as he always does. But because the teens were upset about their teacher and still complaining and because some of them had broken the rules, Jerome decided that Aiken should not meet with the high schoolers. In circumstances like this, it is totally Jerome's call and Aiken usually goes along with what he thinks is best.

It was unfortunate that some of the kids who did not misbehave were punished for the actions of some of their peers and of their teacher, but that's life. From this perspective, Aiken had pretty much nothing to do with any of the complaints, except that he made the mistake of engaging in an argument with someone when he felt attacked. He would have been wiser to keep walking and ignore her, but the damage is done.

I'm not saying that all of the above is word-for-word fact, just that this is the other side of the story as reported by observers.

The teacher who wrote to the gossip site is a close friend of the TOTY and was not there. Who knows if she was urged to send the email or if the TOTY was embarrassed by it? Whatever the motivation, it was extremely unprofessional for a high school teacher to involve her school in such a scandal by writing a vulgar email to an internet gossip site. I certainly wouldn't want someone with this kind of judgement influencing my kids. It's obvious she was suspended for taking the matter into her own hands and for her vulgarity in the email itself.

It's interesting to note that Aiken has at least 20 or more shows lined up on this tour and this is the only instance in which he has been accused in this manner. All of the other schools so far have been very happy with their experiences, if you read what they've been posting for weeks. It sounds to me like a case of one or two teachers and maybe a few students being just a little too impressed with themselves and forgetting that they were invited guests rather than the main attraction. And in the case of TOTY and her Suspended friend, they weren't even invited!"

Again to Tristan and all other posters who discussed about the Joyful Noise Concert in Sewell.

Article "Fort Garrison Students Perform with Clay Aiken at the Meyerhoff Symphony Hall:

"When the call went out from the Meyerhoff Symphony Hall in Baltimore asking for a children's chorus to sing with American Idol star Clay Aiken in concert on Saturday, December 4, Maryland State Delegate Bobby Zirkin immediately thought of the Fort Garrison Elementary "Clarke's Larks Chorus!"

Delegate Zirkin called Principal Susan Hershfeld on the 1st of December to book this prestigious engagement for the fifth grade choral group.

Pleased, excited, and honored, the school accepted the unique invitation. Under the direction of Connie Clarke, vocal music teacher, and with only two days until the big night, the "Clarke's Larks" started to rehearse.

Over thirty Fort Garrison choral students arrived at the Symphony Hall on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. to rehearse, this time with Aiken and his back-up singers, for the 8:00 p.m. show. The group performed two selections with Clay Aiken in the sold-out spectacular holiday show.

One student performed a solo, and other individual students read passages during a holiday song. Aiken's The Joyful Noise Tour also included members of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, who accompanied Aiken and the students throughout the show.

American Idol pop star Aiken was gracious and complimentary of the students, remarking about their professionalism and musical ability. Needless to say, the "Clarke's Larks" reciprocated the sentiments!"




Some abstracts of articles written about Clay's Joyful Noise Concert and another letter from a father whose child was a member of one of the choirs.


An abstract from the article "Clay Aiken Taps Fort Garrison Kids":

"Sydney Stein, 10, said she shared the collective jitters of her peers. The daughter of Chestnut Ridge residents Tracey and Bruce Stein, she said the performance was at once scary and exciting. It helped that the kid-savvy Mr. Aiken promised autographs to anyone who managed to look at the audience the whole time, and while the young Ms. Stein may not have made constant eye contact, she said she is confident that she did her part.

"It was kind of scary, but I was really happy," she said.

Fifth-grader Louis Levine took center stage for a solo on "Hark The Herald Angels Sing." The son of Andrew Levine and Temple Oheb Shalom's Cantor Lisa Levine, he recalled being "scared to death" in the hours before the show.

But a backstage talk with the star, he said, helped calm his nerves.

"I talked to Clay, and he told me he was really nervous, too," he said."



An abstract from the article "Westfield chorus joins 'Idol' on stage":

"Members of Westfield High School and Swift River Elementary School choruses spent Dec. 8 rehearsing in Lowell with members of Aiken's entourage before a final run-through with Aiken himself, who praised their professionalism.

"He said they are the best choir he has worked with in a while," Westfield choral director Korey DeGray Bruno said.

Swift River choral director Susan Hyatt felt the same way and said Aiken took time out to meet each of the 30 students from Belchertown.

A day after the show, Hyatt and her students, though exhausted, were still excited.

"It's like a dream," Hyatt said. "The kids were perfectly behaved, they did great; the Westfield chorus was awesome."

Though she had to stay backstage, Hyatt said she enjoyed the performance.

It was the first time the students performed before an audience of 3,000 people and Kayla Smith, 10, of Belchertown, said she wasn't very nervous.

"I saw my mom in the audience," she said.

Kayla was one of a few students selected to read introductions to some of Aiken's holiday songs.

"It was like a Bible verse; something about 'there was a decree from Caesar Augustus'," she said.

Aiken and the Westfield chorus performed eight holiday songs together that evening, Bruno said.

Aiken has an "electrifying" personality but is not above engaging in high-jinks with his fellow performers.

"During a rehearsal, shoes were flying everywhere," Bruno said. "He is a lot of fun and his whole production staff is very young."



A letter from a father whose child was one of the members of the choir chosen to sing with Clay in his Joyful Noise Choir - San Jose

"Although I am familiar with Clay from the American Idol show, I personally did not really follow his ongoing career closely, and call myself a "fan" per se, after his season on American Idol concluded.

However, our daughter Zayna was among the group of children from Trace Elementary that were very fortunate to be invited to participate in the production this last Saturday night. And after the very positive experience we had with the crew, staff, and Clay himself... I can say that I was suitably impressed.

Preparation for the event was a 10+ hour day of learning lyrics, positions, practice, rehearsal... repeat... that could have proven to be quite an ordeal for kids (not to mention the handful of parents as well *laugh*), but the crew working with kids were patient, fun, and absolutely great to work with.

And, even though he was trying to take it easy and himself prepare for the show, Clay took special time to check-in on the kids throughout the day, give them great positive feedback during the rehearsal and production, and especially afterwards making a genuine effort to thank each and every child personally for coming. We thought this final gesture was particularly kind, given the rush everyone was in to wrap up the show, and get on the road. The kids thought it was just the greatest.

... and of course, the show came off without a hitch, sounded great, and the kids all had a fantastic time.

I hope everyone enjoyed the show as much as the kids from Trace Elementary and Lincoln High School did in participating.

It was a very positive experience for all of us............Thank you... it's certainly an evening the kids will treasure for a long time, and much of this is due to the great Arts program at Cory, Trace, Hoover, and Lincoln schools making it all possible."

Thanks, everyone. Now, I think all the complaint concerning Clay Aiken seem to have come from a single source...correct me if I'm wrong.

I once encountered Ruben Studdard in KFC.

Ayu, you are 100% positively correct!

good article, Ayu. im a huge Clay fan (luv the pic lol) and it's great that UNICEF aid is doiing some good and these poor little kids are starting to smile again! makes me smile to see it.

hey clay, you are the most pure hearted guy in the whole world. you r cute too. keep it up

So glad to finally see some comments from the other side of the story regarding the Sewell, New Jersy "incident" which the tabloids gleefully spun into a personal attack on Clay Aiken as a diva.

Jerome is awesome - even if some fans feel he is overly protective of Clay.

I attended two Joyful News 2005 concerts in Los Angeles. There were announcements about the ban on flash photography at the beginning of each show, and the L.A. audience was overall respectful, but I have seen videos of other audiences who completely disregarded the ban, despite the pre-show pleas.

These unfortunate audiences had to forego the lovely encore song, "Good News," which was too bad for the innocent members of the crowd.

But if there are no consequences, people will behave selfishly, not perhaps realizing that their actions are hurting others - the celebrity, him or herself, and fellow law-abiding audience members who paid for and are entitled to see a complete show.

Bravo, Clay! Your actions in choosing to feature local youth choirs, give them their moment in the sun, and encourage the dreams of their child performers, show the world what a wonderful teacher you are (and would have made daily, if you had stayed in that profession!)

Kudos for the articles and letters to the editor cited, which shared the positive experiences of the majority of the performing children and their families who shared stage time and backstage time with Clay Aiken on this tour.

And shame on the tabloids for telling only the sensational side of the story and maligning the reputation of a celebrity who tries hard to model and to practice genuine caring and concern!