Bostonist: Claytacular Concert Tonight!

Evan

Fri, 09 Dec 2005 17:47:35 -0500

I guess I don't understand gay culture to see that having someone's sexual identity being questioned in a derogatory way isn't supposed to be an insult. I would think that anyone, regardless of preference, would find it loathsome to have strangers insist that they know your inner self better than yourself. I've watched Conan O'Brien and Kathy Griffin and others with their "Clay is Gay" jokes, but they're said with such bile I wonder where is the joke. Aiken has an amazing voice and is an excellent performer on stage, yet few will give him a chance because of all the ridicule. In a perfect world, being called "Gay" isn't supposed to be an insult, but it is when it's used to demean or degrade as it frequently is with Aiken. Regarding the show itself, his voice was beautiful. I fell for the sap a few times during the show and wept a little. I loved his "Don't Save It All For Christmas Day" and "Good News". Those two songs by themselves were worth the money, effort and time of traveling to see Aiken in concert.

Katie

Fri, 09 Dec 2005 08:11:12 -0500

As the author of this piece, I would first like point out that I am indeed a female and straight, so I am Clay's number one demographic. (Some of you out there assumed I was gay-bashing male, perhaps?) If I was a huge Clay-hater as some of you are calling me, then why would I even mention him on this site, which only promotes his concert in Boston by writing about it? That doesn't really make sense, does it? Everyone can have an opinion on Mr. Aiken...I can and obviously all of you can as well.

Becky Fuller

Fri, 09 Dec 2005 01:45:49 -0500

Hey, I love Clay Aiken but don't be messing with The Office now. The Office RULES. (And so does Clay).

Pam

Thu, 08 Dec 2005 23:43:50 -0500

TJosh, Not all of us fans of Clay feel the need to make anything clear about Clay's sexuality. If you read my post, I asked the author why He was so hung up on the subject. And true Clay fans don't need to constantly say in words how Clay makes us feel, we show at the ticket counters and the cash registers! Clay KNOWS how he makes us feel when he sings with his wonderful voice!

Josh

Thu, 08 Dec 2005 22:37:37 -0500

Damn! I knew Clay was popular, but I didn't realize his fans were so loyal and vociferous. But how come everybody feels the need to make it so clear that CLAY IS NOT GAY? I mean, if he's so damn talented, what difference does it make? Youse should be saying that you don't care whether Clay is gay, straight, bi, or perfectly asexual, so long as he keeps making you swoon with heartfelt and perfectly crafted ballads. That way, if he does end up being gay, he'll free to come out on his own terms, knowing that his most devoted fans will love him no matter what. (Then again, maybe a period of being in the closet is a necessary part of gay pop stardom. After all, would we have gotten all those awesome, saucy videos from the Faith album if George Michael had been out back then?) (Seriously though, so nobody posts comments about how I'm so insensitive, I don't really want anyone to have to be in the closet. Not Clay, not George Michael, not nobody.)

Joanna

Thu, 08 Dec 2005 21:45:28 -0500

Dear Bostonist-- I couldn't agree with you more! Regardless of whether he is straight or gay...he is absolutely untalented. I could find a better singer in the local karaoke bar! P.S. He is definitely gay!

Pam

Thu, 08 Dec 2005 18:17:35 -0500

How sad that in order to get into the holiday spirit, you feel the need to insult a stellar young talent. Take a chill pill and stop being so concerned about someone's sexuality vs their talent. Is it really ANY of your business? Why so interested in that? Ummm..maybe YOU have conflicts with your own sexuality, which may be why you feel the need to attack Mr. Aiken in this way...........ummmmmmmm? Our entire family went to see Clay's JNT2 concert: ages- 5, 22, 26, 48 and 62! We all enjoyed it immensely and the two twenty year-olds are hard-rock lovers! Before you judge, see the concert. If you can't make it to this JNT2 concert, make plans for his next Pop concert, and you will be unbelievably surprised at his live talent and stage presence! Pam

Christa

Thu, 08 Dec 2005 14:41:17 -0500

As I sat in my seat to watch the Joyful Noise Tour, I saw a wonderful sight that made me feel warm inside. Families, husband & wives, Grandmothers with grandchildren, women friends and some teens to enjoy beautiful Christmas music. The women sitting next to me were a high school music teachers,who had met on the internet. Another behind me was a local opera singer. I myself have a masters in music.. What caught my attention that so many in the audience were so well versed in music.I enjoyed listening to them speak about Clay and about Clays voice. I asked some younger girls if they were also in high school choir and band. They said yes and explained why they respected Mr. Aikens talents. They weren't giggly girls who were shallow and only cared about looks, they were teen girls who seemed to care about talent and substance. No, you won't see bootay' bouncin' on stage, pyrotechnics at the Joyful Noise Tour, you will only hear beautiful Christmas music. You prbably don't even have to worry about getting stabbed or shot while attending. It's a family show. I would guess that most in the audience were between 30 to 50 years. It's all about the singing. Mr. Aiken asked a local community theater to sing background and they were wonderful. You should have come out to see and support them and to witness how wonderful they were. Mr. Aiken weaved a heart touching story around some of the most beautiful Chrismas music. Lovely, simply lovely. His voice was clear, pure and perfect. I looked around during the performance to see tears from so many in the audience who Mr.Aikens voice had touched. With Christmas getting so out of hand, You wonder why Mr. Aiken has such big following? There's a deep place in most of us that would like a Norman Rockwell Christmas. We are craving charming, sweeter and simplier times. That's what Mr. Aiken's Joyful Noise tour provides. A show that can fill a whole family with Christmas cheer, from grandma to a toddler a wonderful Christmas show. Remember sometimes we need to drink egg nog or hot apple cider, go on sleigh rides, hold loved ones near, and hear a beautiful voice, Clay Aikens voice. Thank you for taking the time to read. My Best, Christa

CarylAnn

Thu, 08 Dec 2005 14:02:19 -0500

I will never understand something, maybe you can help me with. Ok so Clay isnt your taste, which is just fine, but why is it that people put him down. He's so talented and so giving and compassionate and kind and every other good word you can think of and yet he gets put down, then you have music and musicians out there who have horrible messages in their music and are only out for themselves and yet you praise them and how wonderful they are, I don;t get it and never will - just please accept the fact that Clay has a fantastic voice that many of us enjoy hearing, live and on cd (radio would be nice to) and that he cares for people - whats the harm in that?

Dianne Melton

Thu, 08 Dec 2005 12:58:44 -0500

I am a firm believer in respecting everyone's right to their own opinion, as well as their God-given right to express the same. Therefore, I ask that you please afford me the same respect as I now attempt to express my own opinion regarding Clay Aiken and the "Joyful Noise Tour 2". In my own opinion, I find Mr. Aiken to be an extremely talented and versatile young artist/performer/entertainer who has been blessed with not only a beautiful, pure and powerful voice, but with a charming personality and a sharp wit, as well. When Clay Aiken sings, he does so with so much passion that it not only draws the listener into the words of the song, but deep into his soul, as well. Whenever he performs, Clay always maintains a wonderful rapport with the audience from beginning to end, always making each individual in attendance feel as thought he is singing, performing and/or bantering with them, as if they are the only recipient of his undivided attention. Based upon my first-hand, personal experience, I have had the privilege of attending numerous Clay Aiken concerts, including the Joyful Noise Tour. I have always come away personally overjoyed with the experience and not wanting the experience to end, anxious for the next time I see him in concert. Clay Aiken is truly a wonderful role model for young and old alike...he is a young man of strong faith, purpose and integrity, who is genuine in his unselfish care of and compassion for others. To name only a few examples: the formation of the Bubel/Aiken Foundation for the inclusion of children with "special abilities" into society; his being chosen to be last year's "Toys for Tots" representative; last year's representative for the "Ronald McDonald House" charities; and being chosen as UNICEF's Ambassador. These wonderful examples are only the tip of the iceberg. I do respect the fact that Mr. Aiken may not be your "cup of tea"; however, I would ask that if you have never seen him in concert, please accept and appreciate the opinions of those of us who have witnessed this young man's talents and abilities first-hand. Thank you. Dianne

Sandi

Thu, 08 Dec 2005 12:26:45 -0500

Well now that I know tou are watching The Office, it is understandable that you have no taste and therefore have no clue who Clay Aiken is. And by the way in the Spirit of the Holidays was it necessary to comment on the disgusting Kathy Griffin or if Clay is Straight, the Claymates know he is so we actually do not care what YOU THINK.

jk

Thu, 08 Dec 2005 12:12:20 -0500

Clay has an awesome voice and is a wonderful entertainer. He may not be everyone's cup of tea but the guy can sing -- there is no denying that! The show is delightful. His back-up singers are also very talented-- each singing a solo that the crowds love. Michael Joseph-- pianist-- opens and wows the crowd with his talent. So don't listen to the critics- go see this show for yourself. It has received great reviews so far. I'm not sure about you but I don't choose my music based on the entertainer's sexual oritentation as alleged by late night comedians or has-beens like Kathy Griffin. Clay has many girlfriends and apparently doesn't feel the need to make a daily spectacle of his heterosexual conquests.

J

Thu, 08 Dec 2005 11:57:55 -0500

just reading this article after already having the pleasure of seeing Clay's show at the Orpheum on Tuesday nite. what a fantastic nite!!! you really missed out if you didn't attend this show. it's much more than just a concert. it was more of a play, with humor and many touching moments. the soundtrack by Clay and the talented back-up singers and band was fabulous! and it sent a much needed message to this world: appreciate your friends and family all year, not just at the holidays. i left feeling all warm and fuzzy inside! also, if you don't know much about Clay, he so much more than an idol runner-up. obviously he's an extremely talented singer that can sing just about anything, but he's also a humanitarian who does a lot of charity work. while in town for the concert, he visited a local school to congratulate the children on their fundraising for UNICEF, for whom he serves as an ambassador. i'm very proud to be a Clay fan, and i really think you should give him a chance next time he's in town.

Claybot

Thu, 08 Dec 2005 09:59:57 -0500

I love Clay. Clay is my master. Must listen to Clay. Clay is the reason the sun rises. Clay is more talented than Kelly Clarkson. Buy Clay's album. See Clay live. Go Clay Go.

Claybill

Wed, 07 Dec 2005 23:02:44 -0500

You are just saying that because YOU didn't hear Clay sing "Don't Save IT All For Christmas Day".... if you had, you would be sharing YOUR "it" right now. ;) The Christmas play is very clever, especially with Clay providing the 'background' musical themes. Most importantly, it is the feeling of compassion and family that captures the audience. Of course, hearing Clay's pure voice is the icing on the cake. If you did not have the opportunity to go to see the production in Boston, your New England opportunities are not gone. He'll be in Providence on Friday, and in Wallingford, CT on Saturday.... I've already decided to see it again! Oh Baby, THAT'S a fact....

Deb

Wed, 07 Dec 2005 21:04:32 -0500

Here we go again. Lame attempts at humor. You need to wake up. Kathy Griffin is such a D-level celebrity that she will say anything to try to get a laugh. Clay Aiken is straight. He has more real talent in his earlobe than any celebrity out there today. He has a great personality. He knows how to entertain. He can sing circles around other "pop" stars. He doesn't need to lipsynch. He is fabulous in person. The reason he is even better in person is that he has true talent and he can let his personality shine through. He connects with the audience. His audience is from 8 to 80, male and female, more female than male. He can make you laugh and make you cry. He can make your spirit soar. If you need a real Christmas lift, go to his concert. It is worth every cent and more.

Carol

Wed, 07 Dec 2005 16:52:03 -0500

There is sooooo much more to Clay Aiken than what you may have seen or heard previously. Frankly, the best way to find the answer to your question is to attend the concert yourself. But assuming you won't, Clay is transgenerational and is gaining more fans every day, as much for his good works and big heart as for his enormous talent and showmanship. He's the best thing that's happened to the music industry in years.

honey bunny

Wed, 07 Dec 2005 09:43:37 -0500

this article cracked me up. but Mrs DM's comments had me LOL-ing all over the office. there's nothing more hysterical than someone sticking up for a celebrity. and a horrifically untalented one at that. i'm with you...i'll stick to REAL entertainment. tonight i'll be at the She Wants Revenge show at TTs, rockin' out. ps) i'll bet your my tax return that clay comes out within the next 5 years. along with tom cruise and vin diesel.

Smoot

Wed, 07 Dec 2005 08:34:41 -0500

I heard that Clay is actually going to be purposing to Randy on stage. "Randy, you know you're my dawg. Rubean wasn't nothin but a ho!"

Mrs DM

Tue, 06 Dec 2005 23:15:19 -0500

{I would NEVER take anything Kathy Griffin has to say to be anything but disrespectful… some "comedians" don’t represent humor any more – they’re just plain disgusting!} [Quote from the Bostonist] Is the audience composed of only pre-pubescent girls or does he attract an older, more mature crowd of listeners? [end quote] Clay Aiken's audience is very diverse and he appeals to all ages... [Quote from the Bostonist] Perhaps... the possibility of someday learning the answer to the age old question "is he straight?"... [end quote] This question has already been answered! If anyone, especially in the media, paid any attention to Clay Aiken’s celebrity/career, they would know by now that he has publicly stated that he is NOT gay… try watching the “Primetime” interview with Diane Sawyer (10-9-03) – just one example. Also, if you took the time to actually go see one of his shows, you’d know that Clay Aiken is a very talented young man with some real showmanship! Hope you enjoy your TV show – but I bet it won’t be nearly as entertaining or as memorable as a “live” Clay Aiken show! Your loss… :-)