It is always easy to post when you come across a positive mention of Clay Aiken and you have the pictures and videos to help out. I stumbled across the article and, although not new, I did not remember reading it. I bet some of you need a refresher too.
In 2006, Clay was out and about promoting his Cd, A Thousand Different Ways. One of the most interesting stop was to record the Walmart Souncheck. This event produced some wonderful videos of Clay singing some of my favorite songs from the album. The following is what the Wal-Mart Soundcheck crew wrote about the event:
THE ARRIVAL:
Idol Worship
The Wal-Mart Soundcheck crew made their way back to one of its favorite locations, Conway Studios in Los Angeles, to meet up with one of America’s top young singers – the charismatic Clay Aiken.New Look, New Songs
We met up with Clay backstage in the green room and discovered a whole new look for the former Idol star. Besides the dramatic new appearance, we were briefed on and listened to pieces of the new record. It was a humbling experience to get to hear songs that the legend Clive Davis helped pick out personally for Clay.
THE SET:
Electric / Acoustic Combo
The setup for the performance featured the best of both worlds: a touch of acoustic and electric instrumentation, and our star, Mr. Aiken, fronting the band on lead vocals.Love Songs
All the songs in this performance come from Clay’s new love songs record, A Thousand Different Ways. The set list, in order, featured “Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word,” Bryan Adams’ “Everything I Do (I Do It for You),” “A Thousand Days” and the Dolly Parton hit, “Here You Come Again” – a good mix of original cuts and classic covers fans are sure to love.
THE INTERVIEW:
The Love of Music
Clay’s one of the most laid back, gracious guests we’ve ever had at Soundcheck and his passion for music is clearly evident. “I like being able to say I do what I love, and not many people can say they love what they do for a living these days,” he said. “Everything that’s happened to me is because I’ve been open to opportunities as they presented themselves. So I don’t really think about where I’ll be in five years, I think more in terms of being happy and letting happiness lead my path.”The Love for His Fans
There’s a reason this man has so many ‘Claymates.’ “It’s really all about the fans,” Aiken says. “I say thank you a lot, and it’s really not a big enough word; so let me say it again how much I appreciate their support for allowing me to do what I love to do.”
THE POST-SCRIPT:
A Royal Treat
We weren’t sure what to expect in our first session with Clay. We had heard that he was a nice guy, but one never knows with fame and success. But we’re pleased to say that the Clay Aiken everyone came to love is still the same Clay Aiken of today. He is without a doubt one of the nicest artists we’ve had the pleasure to work with on the show, and can clearly see why his fans are so loyal.Enjoy the show, Claymates!
-The Crew at Wal-Mart Soundcheck
I always enjoy reading articles like this. The more you know Clay, the more you love and respect him!! I am posting the interview and two of my favorite songs.
Had you read this review before?
Which is your favorite song on ATDW?
I had never read the interview before and it’s fantastic. Clay sounds so great and looks so handsome. That first picture at the top is wow! My favorite song from ATDW is These open Arms. It’s so beautiful. Thanks for a great post!
Now that is a spectacular Review – but they were just being honest – we all know Clay is "All of That"
and then some!! Definitely "glowing and is so deserved by Clay" and us Clay Fans, Claymates, too! – thanks Musicfan for finding this review for this special 10th Year!
I love all of the songs on that CD – but for me "Here You Come Again" is very special.
I love that the writer "got" Clay. Wonderful writeup, and totally deserving.
Everything I do ( i DO FOR YOU)
love that look 🙂 Not read this article, thanks so much for sharing. my fav ATDW songs are
– Here you come again
– These Open Arms
– Lonely No More
– Because You Love Me (after an amazing rendition live at the Gala last year, Celine Dion's version that's stuck in my head for so long is now replaced! :))
– Everything I Have
Wow, thanks Musicfan for sharing this interview with us. I've never seen it before. I do love "Here You Come Again" the way Clay performs it. Of course, all the songs on this album are a treat to listen to. It is too bad that Clay never got to perform in Japan, because it is clear that he has many fans there (some even fly to the states for a concert)!
I don't remember ever seeing that article before. It is a good one-they wrote about the real Clay!
There are many songs on this cd that I enjoy, but I think Because You Love Me is my favorite also.
Thanks so much for posting this wonderful article.
I do remember reading some of that review – "The Interview" and "the Post Script", but not all of it. Definitely nothing about "that legend" Clive Davis.
I too really love hearing Clay's version of Here You Come Again. It pulls you in and lulls you into a feeling of comfort and contentment. His voice is magical.
Loved the videos, Clay is a great guy, I have seen all these videos but enjoy watching them again, I don't think there are too many videos of Clay that i haven't seen, I spend a lot of time on the internet searching for anything I can find about him, being old and retired i have a lot of free time, God bless him, he brings me joy! Thanks Musicfan xox.
I SO remember the Walmart Soundcheck. I used to watch that one over and over. He was just so adorable with that hairdo. I love almost everything on this album…but, I have to admit, from the first time I listened to ATDW…one song stuck out for me…Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word. Especially when that beat comes in. Definitely swoonworthty. I also liked how many times he thanked his fans for all they have done for him. He still does that to this day. He is just so adorable. And, his voice is just magical.
My favorite song on ATDW is "Because You Loved Me." The reason I picked that one is how emotional Clay got in Orlando singing that as a thank you to the fans. So that song is very special to me for that reason.