Clay Aiken -He Brought The Crowd To Its Feet!
In 1997, Clay Aiken was a senior at Leesville High School in Raleigh, North Carolina. After participating with his school musical organizations for three years, Clay decided to audition as a soloist at Pieces of Gold, the annual arts extravaganza produced by the Wake County Public School System. They only accepted two solo entrants and Clay was one of them. 
Clay chose to sing This Is The Moment and he earned the only standing ovation of the night. GEOFFREY GRAYBEAL wrote the following about Clay’s performance in the Herald Sun –Raleigh Extra: `…It is exciting performing for such a big audience.” Leesville senior Clayton Grissom couldn’t quite shake pre-stage jitters. “I’m about to puke from nervousness,” he said… …Grissom brought the crowd to its feet with his rendition of “This is the Moment,” from the soon to be released on Broadway production of `Jekyll and Hyde.” It was the only standing ovation of the night as the crowd embraced his powerful voice. Clayton couldn’t take all the credit as he graciously recognized Mark…
It sounds like Clay has been a musical star for a long time. This Is The Moment is a song written by Frank Wildhorn and Leslie Bricusse. It is one of the most beautiful and pivotal songs from the Broadway musical, Jekyll & Hyde. 
This is the Moment is sung by Jekyll in the moment he decides to test his formula in himself. In the song he says how he waited for this moment and this is the greatest moment of his life. There is a transition in the stage between Jekyll’s living room and his laboratory, the places where the scene happen. When the song ends, he is at his laboratory, ready to test the formula. I am so glad there is a YouTube of Clay’s performance in 1997. It is exciting to hear young Clay singing with such a mature voice. On June 21, 2010, Clay returned to Raleigh and performed This Is The Moment again for the Raleigh audience. He participated in Bringing Broadway Home, a special benefit concert for the North Carolina Theatre. 
The program featured five outstanding Broadway stars from North Carolina. Clay sang many songs, but brought the house down with his performance of This Is The Moment. I included both videos because I believe it is interesting to see and hear the differences in the two performances. Clay was wonderful in both performances, but it is obvious that by 2010, Clay was more relaxed and comfortable in front of the audience. What do you think? Did you see or hear any other differences? 
Clay Aiken News Network is an unofficial fansite. We are not affiliated in any way with Clay Aiken or his management. This website was made by fans for fans and makes no impression or impersonation of the official site, which can be found under the domain clayaiken.com.
Clay Aiken – “Memories Will Never Fade!”
“Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine.” ~~~~~Memories on this beautiful Sunday…15 years!! What fun we have had! 
Thank you to Suereu for the video!! 
Clay Aiken News Network is an unofficial fansite. We are not affiliated in any way with Clay Aiken or his management. This website was made by fans for fans and makes no impression or impersonation of the official site, which can be found under the domain clayaiken.com.
Clay Aiken – “When Autumn Leaves Start To Fall”
The falling leaves drift by my window
The falling leaves of red and gold
I see your lips, the summer kisses
The sunburned hands I used to hold Since you went away the days grow long
And soon I’ll hear old winter’s song
But I miss you most of all, my darling
When autumn leaves start to fall Lyrics by Johnny Mercer 
Fall…Its here…The first touch of Autumn. Yes, today is the Autumnal Equinox, meaning that the sun will be directly on the Equator of the Earth and the hours of day and night will be equal. 
I know that many of you are still suffering through sweltering temperatures and thinking about fall is the furthest thing from your mind. Some others are being buried in torrential rains. But a few of you will feel autumn in the air as the chill tickles your skin. 
I love it when you see the leaves start to drop, a bit of gold here and a little scarlet there. Early autumn harvests of pumpkins, apples, and grapes tantalize our senses. The fall season gifts us with an array of color, texture, and taste…jack-o-lanterns, pumpkin pie, apple cider and pie, fresh grapes, and wine…I say bring it on! 
I have no idea where Clay Aiken is today and I doubt he even realizes it is the beginning of fall. But, there are a few places he might be: If Clay is home in Raleigh, he might visit the Cedar Creek Farm. It is the home of the largest maze in North Carolina, with a 12 acre adventurous maze for families and smaller 2-acre interactive maze for children or the young at heart. That sounds like a fun thing to do on the first day of fall! 
If Clay is in the Los Angeles area of California, the weather will be great…clear and a high temperature of 83. He might enjoy visiting Oak Glen in the heart of Apple Country. It’s a great place to enjoy the day! 
Of course, Clay might be in New York City…I know Clay feels home in Central Park, but if I was there for the day, I would enjoy the beginning of the fall colors and walk as much as I could!! 
Now, that is beautiful!!
It’s a stretch, I know…….but I still hope you will enjoy the following video of “Falling.” 
Clay Aiken News Network is an unofficial fansite. We are not affiliated in any way with Clay Aiken or his management. This website was made by fans for fans and makes no impression or impersonation of the official site, which can be found under the domain clayaiken.com.
Clay Aiken – You Can Help Now
Yesterday, September 20th, Clay Aiken posted the following Tweet: helps as thousands seek shelter from . You can help now by donating @ https://www.redcross.org/donate/hurricane-florence-donations.html/
As most of you know, Clay has lived in North Carolina almost his entire life. Right now, he posts his home on social media as North Carolina & New York City. He has so many friends and family there and has his North Carolina residence near Raleigh.  A backyard lunch with Mom I am sure that in many ways, his heart is a bit broken when he sees so many in need after Hurricane Florence. According to the website VOX, the National Weather Service reported Thursday that the overwhelming amount of rain from Hurricane Florence over three days was a 1,000-year event. Torrential downpours dropped upward of 50 inches of rain in some areas of the Carolinas. Florence dumped about 8 trillion gallons of rain, enough to fill more than 12 million Olympic swimming pools.
 North Carolina – 09-20-18 The CBS News website says: North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper said he knows the damage in his state will add up to billions of dollars, but said with the effects on the storm ongoing, there was no way to make a more accurate estimate. “The flooding is like nothing we have ever seen. People in hard hit communities do want to go back, but many are still having to wait…” The storm continues to severely hamper travel. Parts of the main north-south route on the East coast, Interstate 95, and the main road to Wilmington, Interstate 40, remain flooded and will likely be closed at least until nearly the end of September, North Carolina Department of Transportation Secretary Jim Trogdon said.
 Red Cross in Chapel Hill on September 18th. It is so hard to look at these pictures. I know that many of our readers live in the Carolinas. I wish we could help each one of you!! This got me to thinking. CANN has about 450 email readers…and then we have other readers who click on the website…anywhere from 250 to 400. What if each one of us sent just $10.00 to the Hurricane Florence American Red Cross (or whatever place you feel comfortable ). We could help a lot!! Thank you, Clay, for your post that reminds each of us to help when we can!! I just can’t imagine walking into my house and seeing so much under water! ~~~~~ Even though I have heard Clay sing this song many times, I never tire of it and I think it is appropriate for today! Verse 2 and 3 When you’re down and out
When you’re on the street
When evening falls so hard
I will comfort you
I’ll take your part
Oh when darkness comes
And pain is all around Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down Sail on, silver girl
Sail on by
Your time has come to shine
All your dreams are on their way
See how they shine
Oh if you need a friend
I’m sailing right behind 
Clay Aiken News Network is an unofficial fansite. We are not affiliated in any way with Clay Aiken or his management. This website was made by fans for fans and makes no impression or impersonation of the official site, which can be found under the domain clayaiken.com.
We’re Here To See Clay Aiken
I will always remember the first time Clay Aiken sang at the Miss America Pageant. It was on September 20th, 2003. Clay was the featured musical guest of the pageant. About 30 minutes into the show, Tom Bergeron introduced Clay as “One of America’s newest Pop Superstars.” Clay sang “This is the Night” as the contestants paraded down the runway. 
There was lots of press for Clay’s appearance. The following are two of my favorite articles: USA Today : Here she comes, Miss America (ABC, Saturday, 8 p.m. ET/PT) — and for three hours, yet. On the up side, we get a performance by American Idol’s Clay Aiken. And the down? The show will cut away to a “viewing party” hosted by Bachelor’s Ryan Sutter and Trista Rehn, who would no doubt host a party for When Animals Attack if it meant more airtime. 
Press of Atlantic City A group of 11 women clustered around the “Miss America Souvenirs” sign on the Boardwalk and smiled for the camera. They never saw each other before Saturday evening, but by now they were the best of friends. One thing held them together – and brought them to the Miss America Pageant. “We’re here to see Clay Aiken,” the women, age 19 to 70, said almost in unison. The group met on the Internet and decided to come to Atlantic City to see “American Idol” runner-up Aiken croon to the pageant, said Emily Beaston, 35, of Hellertown, Pa. Just for one song? “It’s worth it. We’d pay more than that to see him,” said Geri Carabella, 56, of Staten Island, N.Y. “He’s done a lot (for charities) in the short time he’s been a celebrity.” Colleen Siegel, of Lafayette Township, came to see the pageant, but screamed with delight when told Clay Aiken would perform live. Her daughter was diagnosed with brain cancer last year and just finished her chemotherapy and will survive. “We do nothing but listen to Clay Aiken’s tapes,” Siegel said. “It helps her get through her day.”
Yes…Clay Aiken added a lot to the pageant in 2003. Did any of you see him perform live for this performance? Clay Aiken News Network is an unofficial fansite. We are not affiliated in any way with Clay Aiken or his management. This website was made by fans for fans and makes no impression or impersonation of the official site, which can be found under the domain clayaiken.com.
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