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Access Atlanta > American Idol Buzz > Archives > 2008 > December > 01 > Entry
12/2: Clay Aiken to be featured on E! Hollywood Story 12/12, a sexed up Idol promo
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I may as well post this press release before MJ gets to it! :)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
*”CLAY AIKEN: THE E! TRUE HOLLYWOOD STORY” PREMIERES FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12 AT 9PM ET/PT ON E! *
One-Hour Special Uncovers The Inside Story Of The Quirky American Idol’s Rise To Super-Stardom And Recent Revelations About His Personal Life
Los Angeles, CA, December 1, 2008 - Clay Aiken may have finished a close second to Ruben Studdard in Season Two of the mega-hit reality series “American Idol,” but the 29-year-old North Carolina native turned his loss into a major victory. His first album, “Measure of a Man,” became the number-one-selling solo debut from an artist in a decade, launching several cross-country concert tours. From there, the popular crooner authored a best-selling book, worked as a goodwill ambassador for UNICEF and took center stage on Broadway. As his fame grew, Clay maintained a squeaky-clean image, but in 2008, he shocked even his most beloved fans with news that he fathered a child with his 50-year-old record producer, Jaymes Foster. Then, following years of rumors about his sexuality, Clay finally set the record straight and publicly announced he was gay in September of this year.
This revealing episode features an exclusive interview with former Army Green Beret John Paulus, who claims he was romantically involved with Clay for one night in 2006. There is also a new interview with Clay’s number-one fan, comedian Kathy Griffin, who explains why she was afraid she would run into Clay after joking about him during her act. Other new interviews include: actor/director Terrence Mann, who directed Clay in regional theater when he was just starting out; Rickey Smith, a finalist with Clay on “American Idol,” who gives his opinion on Clay’s performance on the show as well as on him becoming a proud father; Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLADD) President Neil Guiliano, who comments on Clay’s recent controversial announcement; and several devoted Clay fans at a performance of his Broadway show, “Spamalot.”
In addition, the special contains unique video of Clay from his early years, including footage of him performing as a wedding singer and appearing in a local stage producction of “Oklahoma!”
-And here’s a “family friendly” Idol promo that would fit nicely on E!’s “Girls Next Door” or any trashy VH1 reality show. I have a feeling this is not the rawer, more real “Idol” Fox has promised but a desperate way to draw, um, 18-34 males????
Comments
By JTesla
December 1, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this
Oh boy. That’s all I got.
Thanks for the info Rodney.
By JTesla
December 1, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this
OK, I can’t leave it alone. Was Clay’s first album really titled “Measure of a man?” Seriously? The show itself sounds like trash, why do I want to hear from someone who claims to have had a one night stand with Clay? And an interview with Kathy Griffin? She will talk to anyone with a camera, great investigative reporting there to get the so called “True Hollywood Story.”
“Measure of a man.” That’s a joke right?
By Deirdre
December 1, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this
How can you be “romantically involved” with someone for ONE night? Key word, for those of you who are about to answer my question, is “romantically”.
By kelly&carriefan
December 1, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this
Y’all…LOL! :)
For the record, this is just a trashy tabloid show on Clay. Is there really a need for it?
By Blkshepherd
December 1, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this
Oh good grief. I will give clay and A for that voice. but who cares about some closet ex green beret(actually the correct term is Special Forces, as I used to be a Red beret(82nd Airborne Divison Ft Bragg) There is no such unit called green berets(Hollywood gave them that name sorely based on its color yet you never hear some one call 82nd Airborne Paratroopers Red or burgandy berets..Whatever, I like Clay. Knew he was gay from AI. but I only cared/care about his voice. The man can sannnnnnnng. His private life I could care less about and dont care to hear about it. NEXT!
By Eileen
December 1, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this
What, no interviews with Clay’s friends, or relatives, or anyone who actually knows him? Just a lying psycho stalker and the unfunniest “comic” in the universe. That’s all I need to know about this show’s lack of any credibility whatsoever.
Even the known Idol famehos like Carmen and two Kims have stayed away, and they never miss a chance to comment on anything Clay-related.
By JTesla
December 1, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this
I take it that Eileen won’t be watching this episode of “True Hollywood Story”
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
December 1, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this
JT…
ya reckon? ~¿@
By Nana
December 1, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this
Claymates are gonna come strike again!!
It really doesn’t make any difference what his sexuality is, Clay has a voice and the talent needed to take him where ever it needs to and has already made him rich. I liked him on AI and still do.
Blkshepherd, my oldest brother was stationed at Ft Bragg as a master Sergent, Green Beret Special Forces with the 82nd Airborne unit. Glad to know you where too.
By Dana
December 1, 2008 5:58 PM | Link to this
I love Clay but I think I’ll need to wash my hair that night. It is telling that not one person that is close to Clay would have anything to do with this hatchet job.
By Harmony
December 1, 2008 7:37 PM | Link to this
WELCOME BACK NANA!!! You were missed. That is a perfect name for your new puppy,I hope you have lots of good memories of your brother.
I’m still loving the Falcons.
By Nana
December 1, 2008 9:00 PM | Link to this
Thanks Harmony. I appreciate the welcome back. Memories are one thing that no one or anything can take away from you. My brother left so many of them and I will cherish them each and every day. He may be gone in body but in my heart he will always be alive. I can’t wait to get my puppy. I haven’t even seen her yet and already I am totally in love with her.
How is your daughter doing? Isn’t her baby due in a few weeks?
By JTesla
December 1, 2008 10:23 PM | Link to this
Nice to see you back Nana.
“Male enhancement pills”, welcome back. I see you are gearing up for the new season.
By Achin4Aiken
December 1, 2008 11:29 PM | Link to this
I only wish Clay would record more material along the lines of “Measure of a Man”, a truly great CD. The guy’s voice is incredible, natural and capable of so much more than he’s recorded. I saw his second performance in Spamalot and his singing so outshown everyone else on stage. His acting was surprisingly good and he received the largest ovation. I just hope he is happy. Everyone, no matter their sexual preference, deserves to be happy.
By Eileen
December 1, 2008 11:50 PM | Link to this
Achin4Aiken, have you heard Clay’s latest album, “On My Way Here”? It’s great! The best work he’s ever done.
By DavidCookFan
December 2, 2008 3:06 AM | Link to this
A review of the Idols in Concert holiday show from Pittsburgh, PA. The guy really liked Diana DeGarmo: http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=20210299&BRD=1282&PAG=461&dept_id=182115&rfi=6
By Deirdre
December 2, 2008 7:30 AM | Link to this
Morning!
Hey A4A..how’re you doing?
I’ll be attending Target’s senior citizen shopping hours today. Mom wants to get some of her Christmas shopping done and Target is offering to wrap everything she buys. Clever! Anyway, it’s VERY early this morning so I’ll chat with you later.
By Umm Okay
December 2, 2008 8:11 AM | Link to this
Good morning everyone:
Just cooking some eggs and toast. I need to go to Whole Foods and get some juice.
Does anyone know if Beyonce’s CD opened at number 1, its first week?
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
December 2, 2008 8:44 AM | Link to this
Umm Okay…. beyonce? where did that come from, LOL!!!
hope you got your juice!
morning everyone, welcome back Nana, i think i forgot to say that yesterday… your pup sounds like it was a Godsend… how sweet the connection with your brother that will always exist!
all of you in Georgia, don’t forget to get out and vote in the runoff. There are two fairly important runoffs, and one very important one.
catch you guys later!!!
By Achin4Aiken
December 2, 2008 9:18 AM | Link to this
Morning All, I have not yet heard Clay’s newest release and thanks, Eileen, for reminding me that I have to go get it. I’ve been chained to a desk for a month.
Hi, Dreirdre, and thanks for the hello. I’m great and the business has expanded which accounts for my absence. Looking forward to this year’s Idol. Y’all have a great day.
By Deirdre
December 2, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this
lol! linny, Umm Okay was mocking me for telling y’all about the Target trip. Which went well, btw.
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
December 2, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this
oh i get it now … D’OH!!!
i get slower as i get older, i’ve noticed…
By Liz
December 2, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this
I will not be watching, who cares about Glay? He is so phony! I feel sorry for that kid of his. How will he ever hold his head up with clay for a father? Everyone knew he was a catcher from the AI days. I really wish Paula had not bought him back as a wild card. Maybe then, we would not be talking about him and that kid would not have this shame to bare.
By harrietth
December 2, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this
Liz, thanks for your opinion. Thankfully, it is in the minority here.
By JTesla
December 2, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this
harrietth, consider some of the recent posters to be a warm up for when the Idol season starts.
Shame… yeah right. I’m no fan of Clay, but I know that kid is not going to feel any shame.
By Rose
December 2, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this
If that child inherets any of the talent from either the Fosters or the Aikens he’s going to be one super talented kid. BTW, Clay’s latest album will surprise you. Its probably the best album released this year by anyone. Too bad so many people pre judged it based on the cover cd they mmade him do last time. Its 100 times better than his first one which everyone liked. It isn’t all ballads or all power anthems. You really should give it a listen.
By Rose
December 2, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this
If that child inherets any of the talent from either the Fosters or the Aikens he’s going to be one super talented kid. BTW, Clay’s latest album will surprise you. Its probably the best album released this year by anyone. Too bad so many people pre judged it based on the cover cd they mmade him do last time. Its 100 times better than his first one which everyone liked. It isn’t all ballads or all power anthems. You really should give it a listen.
By Rose
December 2, 2008 12:38 PM | Link to this
If that child inherets any of the talent from either the Fosters or the Aikens he’s going to be one super talented kid. BTW, Clay’s latest album will surprise you. Its probably the best album released this year by anyone. Too bad so many people pre judged it based on the cover cd they mmade him do last time. Its 100 times better than his first one which everyone liked. It isn’t all ballads or all power anthems. You really should give it a listen.
By harrietth
December 2, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this
JT, yes, I know what is to come, my friend!
By JohnnyReb
December 2, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this
Yeh, I just bet ol’ “Gayken” knows aaaaall about the measure of men! American Idol & 99% of “reality TV” is pure trash. No suprise the “rootless cosmopolitans” in Hollyweird glorify yet another sodomite!
By harrietth
December 2, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this
JT!!
By harrietth
December 2, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this
Laughable.