France celebrates Bastille Day on July 14. Bastille Day is the equivalent of America’s July 4th. It is celebrated across France. Celebrations include fireworks, parades, and Fireman’s Galas, in which firehouses across France open their doors to the public for a night of partying.
Bastille Day remembers the end of the French monarchy and the beginning of the French Revolution.
The flag of France has three colors; Blue, white and red. They symbolize the Republic’s three ideals: Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity for all French citizens.
So…to all our French readers, we wish you a wonderful holiday.
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On July 14, 2004, Clay Aiken was a guest on CBS for their Summer Concert Series which is part of the Early Show. Clay’s performance was originally scheduled for July 7th, but had to be re-scheduled. Clay was doing the rounds of the talk shows in preparation of his “Not-A-Tour” that started in July.
The studio was crowded and there were more fans there than could make it in to see the concert. Hosted by Rene Syler, the interview before the concert was animated and interesting. Much of the conversation was about the impact of Clay’s success on his life.
“It’s like a whirlwind dream,” Clay told Rene. “It’s fun, you know. Every day’s different. Every day’s new and I’m excited all the time.”
Rene asked Clay about his biggest fan and he said it was his mother. Clay said of his mother:
“I think she always thought I’d do this, more so than I did. I think she dreamed this for me before I did. She would probably say that she knew this all along. So it’s just, for her, I think it’s just what she always expected. For me, it’s great to have her be able to be a part of it and to make her proud.”
Clay revealed in the interview that he was busy recording a holiday-themed CD that was to be released the following holiday season. He also was a spokesperson and reader for Stories for Heros, a series of classic children’s stories on CD. A majority of the proceeds from the sale of the audiobook benefited The Bubel/Aiken Foundation.
For the mini-concert, Clay sang “I Will Carry You”, “Invisible” and “The Way.” The audience was excited and supportive and the entire program was a great success.
I hope you enjoy this fun video! It sure looks like Clay was having lots of fun!
This was many years ago…Do you remember this concert?
This was the first time I saw Clay after the idol finale. I had sort of lost track of him. This was the day I truly became a fan, or if you ask my family, “The day I went off the edge” . Happy Anniversary to me.
Virtuoso performances from OMC! HAPPY 15TH ANNIVERSARY! Thank you, CANN!
I wrote this for clay your soul is like a diamond shining bright the depth I can see when darkness comes your soul shines bright so all the world can see you will always be a shining star for all the world to see shine on clay shineon
15 YEARS AGO….!!!! Yikes.!! Loved watching the videos again. Thanks Musicfan.
Happy Bastille Day as well to France.
Thank you for the videos. I can not believe it has been 15 years. I have been a fan from day one. Thanks Musicfan.
I didn't see this when it was live on TV because I was still working and not able to record any programs. It is so much fun to see Clay at the beginning of his AI 2 career. I did see the Not a Tour when it came through my town 15 years ago.
Loved it, Loved it , Loved it Thanks for Sharing it Cann.
wow 15 years I have been a clay aiken fan from day 1 also happy bastillie day as well to france
Nice ::)<img src="https://s04.flagcounter.com/mini/rzN/bg_FFFFFF/txt_dddddd/border_ffffff/flags_0/.jpg" width="1"/>
I did see this and it is just as thrilling to see these videos today! Have been a fan for all of these years and hope to continue for many more!
Thank you for sharing the videos, pics, and Happy Bastille Day for France even if it is a little late!