On December 26, 2006, Days of Our Lives had a special holiday episode. Clay Aiken was a celebrity guest, playing himself. According to the storyline, Clay gave a special, private concert at a Salem club called Dune. The audience was only Patch (Stephen Nichols) and Kayla (Mary Beth Evans). It seems they offered to help Clay get to the airport when his car got stranded. Clay performed two songs. First, “Oh Holy Night” was used in the background. Then Clay sang “Everything I Have” for the private concert.
The episode was originally taped on November 14th. Clay joked on one of his blogs that he was a bit concerned that Kristy and Mary would be a bit too excited at the taping and make spectacles of themselves. It seems both are big Days of Our Lives fans.
Stephen Nichols writes a blog. He wrote a small article about Clay’s visit.
Coming up: in their new found bliss, Steve surprises Kayla with tickets to a Clay Aiken concert, but Steve’s reading of the Christmas story at the hospital runs late, so he and Kayla miss the concert. Steve runs into Clay on his way out and talks him into doing a private Christmas concert. There were so many people at the studio who are fans of Clay — the excitement was palpable. Josh Taylor said he was a big fan, and Clay’s best friend and roommate, Christy, is a huge fan of Days, so I asked Josh if he could introduce Christy to the rest of the cast. He was happy to do it. Clay was very gracious, taking photos and signing autographs.
When we got to rehearsal and tape, Clay asked if he needed to stick to the script because he would “never remember the lines.” I told him I had tweaked my lines around a bit and we could just play and not worry about the script. He was happy to improvise with me. In this situation, Clay just being himself worked well and it didn’t have that staid feeling of something scripted. Kudos to our director, Roger Inman, for always being there to get the shots. The song was very sweet and quite apropos for Steve to offer Kayla. All in all, I think the day was a success. (You can see all photos at stephennichols.net.
It was a very successful visit for Clay. There was a huge amount of publicity regarding the performance. There were mentions on almost all the on-line entertainment sites and short mentions in many magazines, including People and Soap Opera Digest.
According to Soap Opera Network, the rating for the show was very good and everyone seemed impressed with how a visit from Clay Aiken could boost the ratings so much.
It is always fun to see Clay guest on a TV program. We can only hope that there will be many more in 2010.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8VE-fiQ-ODM
I so remember watching this episode. Loved it! Clay is so handsome singing that song. Glad to hear it had a good rating. I used to watch DOOL faithfully a few years back.
I was soooooooo lost when I watched that episode. I had never watched Days of Our Lives pre Clay Aiken and never watched an episode post Clay Aiken, but I did love that one 😀
Clay was such a natural on that episode.
Cannot wait for what is to come with Decca!
I hope to see Clay Aiken on my TV a LOT in 2010!!!
I'm not a soap watcher, but that was great fun to see Clay Aiken serenade Patch and Kayla!
I had never seen Days of Our Lives so I knew nothing of the story. However, I loved seeing Clay on the show. I would be glad to take him to the airport or anything place he needs to go!!
Thanks for posting this. It's nice that there is a place I can count on tho get some Clay fun!!
I loved this episode and I don't even watch Days. (because I work during the day) This song grew on me. The music is beautiful and the sentiment behind it even more so.
the only time that I watched a soap opera was when Clay Aiken was on it, and he was just wonderful, wish he would get a regular role on TV…I can dream can't I?
Loved Clay Aiken's singing and acting on Days. Want to see more.
Wish Clay could come and sing for ME!! Hopefully he'll have some great new stuff with Decca – here's to hoping for a great 2010 and wonderful new music from him.
I loved seeing Clay on Days. He did a great job and sounded so good! I hope he'll be doing much more TV in the coming year. We've been waiting "somewhat" patiently. 🙂
Thanks Musicfan. you always come through with wonderful Clay tidbits. Hope we will see lots of Clay in the coming year.
I'm not a soap fan, but certainly watched the day Clay Aiken was on.
I don't watch the soaps but I did tune in the day Clay Aiken was on "Days of Our Lives." Clay is good at whatever he chooses to do. I really liked his appearance on that episode.
Clay Aiken looked really good on Days. I hope he gets to be on another soap opera again.