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Access Atlanta > American Idol Buzz > Archives > 2008 > May > 02 > Entry
5/2: Clay Aiken interview, ratings update, song choice
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Those Clay Aiken fans have been waiting for this since I’ve been teasing it. But his first album of originals since 2003, “On My Way Here” comes out Tuesday. (The Claymate crew will be at Manuel’s Tavern, 602 N. HIghland Ave., Atlanta, at 8;30 p.m. Monday for an album release party.)
Clay is definitely the gabby sort. I had a lengthy list of questions to ask him for my 15 minutes, including several from Clay fans I solicited. But I only got in a handful of my own before the publicist said time was up. We spoke on April 23, a couple of weeks before his final “Spamalot” show on Broadway, which is Sunday.
What’s the coolest part about doing “Spamalot”?
This deal was for 18 weeks. I really thought I was going to hate it by now. [He then compared it to school and how the third quarter is such a drag.] I’m in the third quarter. And I’m not miserable! I’m not! I’m enjoying it. This show is funny. It’s a little different every night. It’s always fresh. At the same time, the people I work with are unreal… I was worried they’d hate me. I came off a reality show! I didn’t pay my dues. i didn’t have to audition. But they’ve been warm and inviting. I’ve been thrilled. I’m not going to say I’ll shed a tear, but I’ll miss it a little bit. I’ll miss the people. I’ve made friends I’ll have for a long time.
What was the toughest part of doing Broadway?
Everything has to be precise. You can’t change anything. But the hardest thing for me the first few weeks was not looking into the audience. I’m so used to playing for the audience and looking at them. At concerts, you have a spotlight on you so you can only see the first two rows. In this show, you can see the first 15 to 20 rows. And for me, it takes energy to be another person. I think I’ve gotten it down.
But it was some work to be able to do that. The reason we did this show versus others because it was work. Most other shows were about singing, no dancing, less acdting. This one was so far out in left field. I had to learn a British accent! It took some training to go from a Southern redneck to proper British!
So do you sing much at all?
It’s comedic. The song that I do is actually a patter song. It’s spoken though they changed it in a couple of places so I sing some notes and do my thing. Still, it was a challenge to do. That’s why we chose it. I wanted to expand myself, something people wouldn’t expect. Maybe that’s why I’m not bored. It’s so different!
I saw you at Chastain last summer and yes, you interacted with the crowd a lot.
I’m constantly doing that. I stop the show to talk to people.
I remember you commenting a lot about the bugs flying around.
Forget bugs. In Asheville. N.C., we had bats! Those are rodents with wings! And the moths were so big, one flew down the tops of one of my background singers. We had a bit of fun with that!
Why has it been so long since you did a full album of originals?
The record label latched on to me doing a Christmas album. It kind of made sense. It worked beautifully for whatever reason. The truth is, we ain’t radio people. Clay Aiken and the radio don’t happen as easily as Kelly Clarkson or Chris Daughtry. They wanted me to do an album with songs they could sell on TV. Radio is like an advertisement for your album. They thought they could sell Clay Aiken songs for commercials. So I did mostly covers. It ended up being a product I liked quite a bit though there was some resistance from the fans. They call me the next Barry Manilow but at least he has his own music. I wanted stuff that was mine whether it gets played on the radio or not. We went at this saying, that’s not a priority. I don’t want to think about doing radio friendly songs.
Look-I’m not top 40. I’m not cool enough to be on there. If you walk into a nightclub and they put on Clay Aiken music, I hope they’ll run out.
How about soft rock stations?
The “lite” stations? We might have a shot there. We are trying to do AC [adult contemporary] stations. I spent five years trying to be a politician. That’s stupid. We obviously have sold enough, I’m able to be comfortable to do what we want to do. We’re fortunate to have people come to concerts without airplay. Let’s do what feels right. That’s really all that matters.
Do you think your first single “On My Way Here” can do well on radio?
The label thinks so. We never tried to find a single. We used to try to do that. We tried and tried. Nothing worked. We do things that are good for me, that sounds believable. If you saw the show the last time, I did a bit of “Sexyback.” It was totally a joke, totally tongue in cheek. If I tried to sing those songs sincerely and put it on the radio, that’d be a caricature. I know that. Give me a cool song. I start singing it, it’s not cool anymore.
What’s different about this vs. your first album?
I used to not care about lyrics. I could have sung about watermelons as long as it’s pretty. This is the first time we looked at lyrics. I wanted every single song to connect with me lyrically. Some of them are songs that don’t necessarily connect with me directly but a majority of people will experience.
We produced a very diverse sounding album. If some of these songs were sung by someone else, they might end up on Q100… Lyrically, it’s all connected.
I have time for one more question. I just saw you on ‘American Idol Rewind,’ the week you did “Grease” in that red leather jacket. Good memory or bad?
[He laughed.] That’s the one week I’ve wiped out of my memory completely! I remembered “To Love Somebody.” That was great! The truth is, the little hip thing I did. [He did a hip thrust during “Grease.”]. That’s a really good connection about what we were just talking about. That was not cool.
About the jacket - we always went shopping with a stylist and we had a budget. We can spend so much money each week. I wanted to wear stuff that looked good but not too edgy. I’m not edgy. You can’t make me look like Justin Timberlake. The stylist kept pushing me. That week, I gave in. I bought this red leather jacket. I had never spent money on clothes. I was really cheap. So I had some money stored. I spent $2,000 on that jacket and wore it. It didn’t work.
In other “Idol” news:
-The Tuesday episode, at 25.1 million, was only 6 percent lower than last year. But the results show, at 22.8 million, showed the biggest discrepancy of the season to a comparable episode at 28.8 million a year ago, when Phil Stacey and Chris Richardson were eliminated in the first double elimination since the first season. That’s 21 percent lower than a year earlier. Most years, the results show is about 10 percent lower in ratings than the performance show. That’s kind of understandable. The results show is 55 minutes filler. But last year for reasons I wasn’t ever able to fathom, the results show did better than the performance show most weeks.
-Barack Obama read the top 10 list last night on “The Late Show With David Letterman,’ which were surprising facts about Barack Obama. No. 2? “This has nothing to do with the Top Ten, but what the heck is up with Paula Abdul?”
-Entertainment Weekly got up close and personal last week with “Idol” to watch rehearsals. The focus? Song choice.
”I’ve had people going into fetal positions over song choice,” says vocal coach Debra Byrd. ”The judges say song choice, song choice, song choice constantly, so they’re in agony all week over it.”
The article’s take on Archuleta: his dad is indeed heavily involved. Brooke won the tiebreaker pick-a-name-out-of-a-hat for “I’m a Believer.” They couldn’t condense “Holly Holy” properly to 90 seconds. He got rid of songs with inappropriate lyrics for him and settled on “Sweet Caroline” and the cleverly patriotic pick “America.”
Jason had a brother and friend visit, taking time away from practicing. And when he met with Neil Diamond, as we saw on screen, he didn’t know the song well enough to get constructive criticism. “I’m kind of ready to go home,” Castro said. We could tell!
Syesha struggles over song choice. It’s interesting to read how she agonizes over the choices. Simon says she’s very Broadway. We knew that, too!
When Cook picked “All I Really Need is You,” Byrd said it’s boring but he thought it had a “November Rain” feel to it. Diamond liked him. Simon says “I’d like him to win it.”
Finally, Brooke is having a tough time because songs are either about women or alcohol. She picked “I’m a Believer” over Archuleta in the hat and was still doubtful about it at first though she eventually came around on it, even after Simon dubbed it a “nightmare.”
Comments
By JTesla
May 2, 2008 9:37 AM | Link to this
Thanks for the interview, he didn’t seem as defensive as I imagined he would.
By flats
May 2, 2008 10:10 AM | Link to this
SECOND!!!!!!!WOOOOOHOOOOOOO!!!!!!I’LL TAKE IT!!!!LSU FINALLY KICKED THERE QB OFF THE TEAM FOR GOOD!!!!!GOOD LUCK BUDDY LIVING A LIFE OF CRIME!!!!!
By War Eagle
May 2, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this
flats, all you can do is give a thug a chance. It’s up to them to act right.
By KPH
May 2, 2008 10:38 AM | Link to this
That will help the Dawgs wont it Flats.
By flats
May 2, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this
KPH…Big time,we go there this year.There other 2 qb’s suck.Eagle,poor guy has no idea what he’s plssing away.He was the freaking mvp of the sec championship game!!!
By Deona
May 2, 2008 12:10 PM | Link to this
Thanks, Rodney, for a great interview with Clay. Very interesting.
By Kathi Hill
May 2, 2008 12:14 PM | Link to this
Good interview. I’ve subscribed to the Atlanta Journal/Constitution al my adult life. My husband, daughter and myself are fans of Clay Aiken. We enjoy his voice and appreciate the type young man he is. We support his charitable efforts. Thanks for the interview.
By Linda
May 2, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this
Thank you for a very well thought out and insightful interview with Clay Aiken. Great to get something different from the usual run of questions.
By Vickie
May 2, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this
Enjoyed the interview with Clay. Thanks
By Hillary
May 2, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this
Wow. Good interview. Good questions. Interesting answers. Thanks.
By Jenna
May 2, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this
Thanks Rodney for a great interview with Clay Aiken. He is such a nice guy and has such a keen wit about him.
By Jenna
May 2, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this
Thanks Rodney for a great interview with Clay Aiken. He is such a nice guy and has such a keen wit about him.
Glad to hear that he has enjoyed his time on Broadway. I enjoyed it too but I am now looking forward to him getting back into his music. I heard “On My Way Here” over at Amazon.com but I can’t wait to get his new CD when it comes out on May 6th.
By Jenna
May 2, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this
Thanks Rodney for a great interview with Clay Aiken. He is such a nice guy and has such a keen wit about him.
Glad to hear that he has enjoyed his time on Broadway. I enjoyed it too but I am now looking forward to him getting back into his music. I heard “On My Way Here” over at Amazon.com but I can’t wait to get his new CD when it comes out on May 6th.
By L.
May 2, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this
Your original questions made for a very interesting interview. Thanks.
By Sarah
May 2, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this
Rodney, thanks for the Clay Aiken interview. You asked wonderful questions.
Is there by any chance that this interview will be in print or is it only online?
Thanks again for a wonderful interview. two thumbs up
Sarah
By Janis
May 2, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this
Enjoyed your interview with Clay. Great questions and informative responses. Looking forward to his new CD and new music.
By Mike
May 2, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this
Interesting interview- he seems like a well grounded guy in a world of crazy self-indulgent pop stars- Hope the album does well- he deserves it.
By War Eagle
May 2, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this
Clay sucks
By flats
May 2, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this
We were talking about the QB situation at LSU not wanker stanker!!!!GOOD AFTERNOON MUSHDAWGS!!!!!SPORTS!!!!!WOOOOHOOOOO!!!
By DawnH
May 2, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this
What’s up with his hair?
By Lily
May 2, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this
I love a great Clay Aiken interview. He’s very honest and smart. He goes along graciously with the “I’m not cool thing” which actually only makes him ultra cool. Honesty, self-awareness, humility and strength in my estimation are cool in a way most self-indulgent, spoiled popstars of today could never comprehend. Think of all the energy Clay saves not having to worry about keeping up with the Jones’ and all the while making great music
By DawnH
May 2, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this
So, um, what’s up with his hair?
By JTesla
May 2, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this
Don’t look at the hair DawnH, the hair will steal your soul.
By flats
May 2, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this
Clay and Jason are huge fans of the gays.That’s why they did and are doing well on idol.gay men just love them.
By War Eagle
May 2, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this
DawnH, feminine men wear their hair that way.
By flats
May 2, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this
Clay really started that movement back when he was on.
By Harmony
May 2, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this
Ok, popping in to say hello , taking a short break from demolition. The rains coming back right on schedule for Saturday.
Deirdre, I know you can’t reveal anything about LOST now,but as soon as it’s over I want a full report ,please and thank you.
By harrietth
May 2, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this
Have a good weekend, everyone. MikeS, I hope the rain does not ruin Mrs. S’s party.
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
May 2, 2008 4:33 PM | Link to this
Harmony…. nooooooooo, LOL!!! Deirdre can’t tell you about LOST until I‘ve had a chance to watch ALL of season FOUR (LOL!!) the whole WORLD has to stop while I catch up!!!!! Didn’t you KNOW???
GRIN
as IF!!! [actually, she just needs to say LOST SPOILER at the top and i’ll do my BEST to NOT read it!!!]
~¿@
By stargazer
May 2, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this
Very nice interview. I love that Clay seems to be more and more forthcoming as the years go by. He has nothing to lose and everything to gain. His voice is amazing for those who love good vocals. Keeps me wanting more for sure. I love that he’s just an average guy who has made good. It seems to drive some people nuts. Yay Clay, keep on driving.
By Julee
May 2, 2008 5:52 PM | Link to this
Thanks Rodney for a good interview. I am anxious to hear Clay’s new CD. I’ve listened to snips of it on Amazon. At least several of the songs sound really great. It will be interesting to hear the entire CD. He does have some amazing pipes.
Julee Roswell, GA
By Lili
May 2, 2008 7:08 PM | Link to this
Hi Rodney, Great interview with Clay Aiiken. Good questions! I enjoyed it very much.
Lili
By Margie
May 2, 2008 8:10 PM | Link to this
Thanks, Rodney, I really enjoyed reading your great interview with Clay! Your questions were spot on and his answers were quite insightful. I’m so looking forward to listening to his new CD when it is released next Tuesday!
By War Eagle
May 2, 2008 8:46 PM | Link to this
It’s not surprising that there are very little comments on a thread that features Clay.
Lack of comments equals boring topic.
By ,,,=^..^=,,, from home
May 2, 2008 9:07 PM | Link to this
at least those who are NOT interested in Clay have refrained from ugliness :-) and left the blog for those who wish to speak about Clay or to Rodney about the interview.
While I am not a Claymate, I appreciate a good interview with most anyone. And Rodney DID manage to make the interview a bit more than the usual blah blah yada yada. Kudos to Rodney
By War Eagle
May 2, 2008 9:15 PM | Link to this
I wasn’t being ugly, I just stated a fact.
By Lacey
May 2, 2008 9:41 PM | Link to this
UGH! Not a Clay fan.
By War Eagle
May 2, 2008 9:49 PM | Link to this
In what genre is Clay’s music in?
Honestly I have never heard any of it.
By Lacey
May 2, 2008 9:52 PM | Link to this
It’s in the overrated section labeled Adult Crap.
By War Eagle
May 2, 2008 9:56 PM | Link to this
LOL, Thanks Lacey. That maybe why I never heard any of it.
By War Eagle
May 2, 2008 10:30 PM | Link to this
The Hawks are looking good at home again tonight.
By War Eagle
May 2, 2008 11:03 PM | Link to this
Series tied 3 - 3 going back to Boston. They’ll probably lose there but still a fine showing by the Hawks in the playoffs.
By Harmony
May 2, 2008 11:12 PM | Link to this
I actually knew about the Hawks tonight War, maybe they won’t lose game 7.
Linny, I meant that I wanted a full recap of LOST when the show is over for good, not this season.
By War Eagle
May 2, 2008 11:21 PM | Link to this
Harm, it would take about 75 years to recap “LOST”
That show is mind boggling
By Harmony
May 2, 2008 11:50 PM | Link to this
War, I don’t think I have 75 yrs. left,I need a recap alot sooner than that.
By Harmony
May 3, 2008 12:09 AM | Link to this
I don’t remember what I have learned about LOST, and what I have learned I don’t remember, the point being is that I am lost concerning LOST.
By tanning lotion
May 3, 2008 2:55 AM | Link to this
I just can’t picture Clay Aiken doing Broadway.
tanning lotion
By Deirdre
May 3, 2008 9:17 AM | Link to this
Sorry Rodney, I was away all day yesterday and didn’t get the opportunity to comment on your Clay interview.
My favorite Clay quote; “Give me a cool song, I start singing it, it’s not cool anymore”. He seems to have a perfect understanding of his niche….I guess some artists never learn that, but those who do are usually pretty successful within their subset.
He sounds like a fun interview, and interesting. You did a really good job and I found myself wishing you’d had more time with him.
I’m glad that so many people popped in yesterday to tell you how much they enjoyed the piece. We mushblogians sometimes forget to give you credit for the work you do.
By usaallhomegr
May 3, 2008 9:32 AM | Link to this
my turtle, horizontal for the reaction adventures. came leaves School along planted or burnt, front yard
By Deirdre
May 3, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this
Harmony…that’s the point of Lost, we’re supposed to be feeling just as lost and confused as the crash survivors. We learn things as they learn things…and we’re also given info about their pasts and glimpses into their future. We’re not supposed to know anything that they don’t know.
By Beth
May 3, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this
Clay’s comments about how the label viewed him and tried to market him with his last album are very telling. Fans sometimes feel very at odds with his label, though Clay does not. He has loads of fans of all ages who would LOVE to hear him on the radio!!! From the snips we have heard, several songs on the album are earworms and we can’t wait to hear them on our own sound systems. Thanks for a good interview.
By kayla
May 3, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this
Thanks for all the insightfull questions you gave to clay. Finally clay gets to show his vision on this new CD. From the snippets I’ve heard it will be just amazing! Lots of uptempo songs as well as diverse appeal. Very radio friendly songs . Clay injoy the ride with this one !
By Helga Ganguly
May 3, 2008 7:26 PM | Link to this
What a great interview and from the last comments,what great examples of the people who speak without thinking love to hate Clay. I am saddened frequently by these snippets. Clay Aiken has a beautiful voice and soul. His talents include acting and dancing (despite his protests) and he’s even a fledgling songwriter. He has charisma by the ton. He LEARNS. He works hard at what he does and he cares. It’s hard not to love him. To do that,you have to listen to gossip,and not the man. He has a pathological fear of water and allergies to many common foods such as chocolate and nuts. What does he do? He spends part of every year voluntarily representing Unicef and traveling in that capacity. In 2006,he went to Afghanistan and with his allergies,dropped about 20 pounds living on rice and bread (and fear of being shot.) In 2007,he spent Christmas in the flood-struck parts of Mexico.Unicef sent him with his mother and his brother who was on leave from serving in Iraq. Fear of water-flood. He did what he had to for the greater good. Not everyone could do that. He’s special. He will continue to be a success because he is an extraordinary man.
By War Eagle
May 3, 2008 8:02 PM | Link to this
Rodney, if you put up another thread there would be more hits on your blog.
This Clay crap has brought it to a two day stand still.
By ,,,=^..^=,,, from home
May 4, 2008 2:05 AM | Link to this
whenever you see this D, i just finished Season 3….AAAAAAAAAAH!!!!
now i’m REALLY Lost!
And i have to somehow figure out how to get the first episodes from season 4….aaaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrgh!!!
By ,,,=^..^=,,, from home
May 4, 2008 4:38 AM | Link to this
except because i couldn’t sleep i found the episodes on abc.com and …. i’ll catch up LOL!!!
wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeHA!
By Deirdre
May 4, 2008 7:17 AM | Link to this
Congrats linny! Now you can watch it right up to where we are…nice job! Just try to keep your head from exploding! :-)
By L. Norris
May 4, 2008 7:22 AM | Link to this
Thanks for the interview with Clay. He so deserves much more publicity than he sometimes get, especially with Radio play. The songs on his new album coming out on Tuesday, are definitely for Radio Play. Maybe the radio stations will read these blogs and accommodate.
By ,,,=^..^=,,, from home
May 4, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this
LOL D— hubby has to work this beautiful afternoon, so i may indulge myself in a couple more..i’ll be careful!!! (and i got sleep right after my last post…just woke up!)
By Deirdre
May 4, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this
Rodney must be having a busy weekend so I’ll put this out there for y’all! From a blog called Vital Idol:
“Michael Johns and Carly Smithson performed for the first time since being kicked off “American Idol” on Saturday.
The pair made duets out of U2’s “One” and Sam & Dave’s “Hold on, I’m Coming.” They knocked them out of the park, especially the second tune.
Johns seems to have a natural star quality. He engaged the audience very well, and both songs fit right into his bluesy sort of style.
Smithson was more subdued working the audience, but she’s got the pipes. Her voice alone got the crowd behind her.
I don’t know what Simon would have said, but I would vote for both of them. Still, I doubt I’ll buy tickets to the “American Idol” tour.”
This performance took place in Chicago and involved Ellen Degeneres but the blogger doesn’t go into detail….he could take some lessons from Rodney.
And our top 4 were in Vegas this week seeing the Cirque de Soliel show based on Beatles music called Love!
By Justin
May 4, 2008 5:18 PM | Link to this
Random post, and probably no one cares, but I don’t care! I want to think about it as I type.
In some way this season, I’ve been somewhat shocked/surprised on almost every elimination, but a couple, that has occurred so far.
I wasn’t surprised by Amy or Joanne’s exit, nor Garrett. But that night I was a tiny bit surprised by Colton’s. I thought he did better than about 5 others that night (haha) so I thought he had maybe another week.
I was somewhat surprised when Alaina was out. And somewhat when Robbie was out. Not Jason Y. or Alexandrea, though.
Tiniest, and I mean tiniest bit, surprised when Danny was gone. Not surprised by Kady, not Luke. But then I was pretty shocked by Asia’h. Guess I just wasn’t aware like others seemed to be.
Was a tiny bit, by David H., but not a lot.
Only was surprised by Amanda’s because Kristy had survived, LOL.
Not surprised by Chikezie. Not Ramiele.
Obviously shocked w/ Michael.
Surprisingly surprised by Kristy’s. The last person I thought I’d be shocked. Well actually I was just surprised she was in the bottom 3.
Tiny bit by Carly, esp. that bottom 2.
And not Brooke.
Anyway, anyone who DID care, I’m just posting…cus I’m bored.
By War Eagle
May 4, 2008 5:26 PM | Link to this
Thanks D for picking up Rodney’s slack. I’m sure he is taking a much needed break after having to interview Clay.
I found this video of M.Johns from his earlier days. I actually really enjoy the song. It shows a lot more personality that when he was on idol. maybe he can get hooked up with the right people.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WquoHxNMo0Y
By Deirdre
May 4, 2008 6:00 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the youtube, WE! I liked the song a lot. It’s really too bad that he didn’t get a chance to do something like that on Idol!
By War Eagle
May 4, 2008 6:28 PM | Link to this
That’s one of AI’s biggest problems. All this theme week crap, such as Neil Diamond and Dolly, doesn’t allow the contestants to sing the types of songs that they do best.
By ,,,=^..^=,,, from home
May 4, 2008 6:49 PM | Link to this
D… i’m soooooo in trouble! i’ve watched all of Season 4 this afternoon (episode 3 through all BUT the last two!) … and if i’m not careful, i’ll watch those last two as well LOL….
and i’m still lost!!! well…. not SO lost as i was but… at least i’ll be up with everyone else!
and just as lost, i presume!
By Deirdre
May 4, 2008 7:28 PM | Link to this
Excuse me!!! Why would you have to be careful????? Get those other 2 watched before this week’s episode on Thursday and join in the discussion on Friday!!!Do you have ALL the Oceanic Six yet?
By ,,,=^..^=,,, from home
May 5, 2008 8:27 AM | Link to this
O6 - Jack, Kate (Does this include Aaron?), Hugo, Sayid (i can’t think…too early)
By Deirdre
May 5, 2008 8:35 AM | Link to this
Yes, linny, Aaron is part of the Oceanic Six!
By jan
May 5, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this
For those who want to know which genre Clay’s music is REALLY in, you can find it filed under” Music that actually has meaning and NOT the crap that’s played on Q100!!”
Great interview Rodney!
By kellyfan
May 5, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this
Not a Claymate by any means, but that was a good, honest interview. Thanks, Rodney.