How many great things have happened in the Clay Aiken neighborhood today?  Lets see:

Decca Tweeted about Clay’s new album.

deccalabelgroup:
“Listening to the upcoming @ClayAiken album in the Decca office and it sounds amazing! Fans will definitely not be disappointed!”

When was the last time you heard a positive comment about Clay from his record label? 
Thank you, Decca!!

Popsugar Rush lists the Top 5 Most Successful Idols

The list includes Clay Aiken, Kelly Clarkson, Chris Daughtry, Jennifer Hudson, and Carrie Underwood

The list is on video at the site.

PopSugarRush

12 Of The Best Idol Voices Ever – Neon Limelight

“If Clay didn’t give you chills at least once during his run on American Idol, you’re dead inside. Haul yourself off to the nearest morgue. He’s the first Idol to get hit with the “too theatrical” critique, and thankfully for those who’d follow, he made it OK.”

There is a great video on the site of Clay singing Unchained Melody

NeonLimelight

Clay is included on Simon’s Best and Worst Call at Idolator

Simon Call: “Okay. Very good. You don’t look like a pop star, but you’ve got a great voice. So now what? Clay Aiken, we’ll see you in Hollywood.”

Actual Outcome: Oh, ye of little faith. Thankfully for Clay, the mass market can sometimes see greatness beneath the surface. While he may have come in second (by a mere 130,000 votes), Clay went on to debut at #1 on the Billboard chart with the highest-selling first album by an Idol alum to date. He has scored a number of subsequent hits (though he left the RCA label in 2008), generated some $28 million at the concert box office in his first five tours, and starred on Broadway in Spamalot.

Idolator

TV Guide :  American Idol…Where Are They Now?

TV Guide – Where Are They Now

On a much sadder note:

I wonder if Clay Aiken will be asked to help with this tragedy.

The U.S. Fund for UNICEF is urgently appealing for emergency assistance to aid the victims of a devastating earthquake that rocked the Caribbean nation of Haiti early today.

The earthquake that hit Haiti today is believed to have caused significant damage to the capital, including damage to UNICEF’s own office.

The 7.0 magnitude earthquake was centered west of Port-au-Prince, less than 15km from the UNICEF office.

Dennis McKinlay is the Executive Director of UNICEF NZ. He stated that communications with Haiti are extremely difficult at the moment and phones that are functioning are being used for the emergency response.

“We have very little information at the moment, but early reports are that the population has sustained significant damage, including damage to our own office. We don’t know the extent of damage or injuries, but expect to have more details by tomorrow.

“In the meantime, UNICEF is working both locally and internationally to respond to the humanitarian needs that may arise from the earthquake, such as lack of clean water and sanitation, and the spread of diseases.

“Children are particularly vulnerable after a disaster like an earthquake and UNICEF will be working closely with the Government, other UN agencies and partner organisations to get help to those who need it.”

UNICEF’s country office in Haiti and the regional office located in Panama have already deployed emergency teams to assess the situation and determine what the emergency needs are for the people of Haiti.  They already know they need funds to help provide safe water, temporary shelter, and essential medical supplies.

According to UNICEF’s website, Haiti is the poorest country in the western hemisphere and has a population of 9.6 million inhabitants, of which more than half are under 21 years old.  UNICEF has been working in Haiti since 1949 and works directly with Haiti’s government on developing long term solutions to current problems caused by poverty and lack of basic health care, education and sanitation services.

To donate to the ongoing emergency relief efforts in Haiti and the Caribbean region, please visit: www.unicefusa.org/haitiquake or call 1-800-4UNICEF.