Clay Aiken
News (Page 8)

Ever the humanitarian, we've received word that Clay Aiken has posted a plea to his fan club on its official site to help the children displaced by the recent Middle East conflict.

Officials say more than a third of those already killed or injured in the fighting between Israel and the Lebanon-based Hezbollah group have been children, and estimate that as many as 350,000 children forced to flee their homes.

UNICEF is working around the clock to deliver aid to the many children and families isolated by the destruction of roads and bridges, and you can continue to the effort by following the link HERE.

On the musical front, we have learned from a number of Clay's fans that his upcoming CD is in fact finished. We previously reported that it was still being recorded, but A Thousand Different Ways is apparently ready to go and rumored for a September 19 release.

This date has been reported by the likes of FYE, Variety Magazine, MTV and others, and Clay's fan club says the album and tour are still scheduled for late 2006. Special thanks to the fans who brought this to our attention -- and to Clay for his continued efforts to help the children affected by this terrible conflict.

Clay Nation is getting restless.

At least some members are, according to various blogs. Fans are wondering why their favorite Idol has been absent as of late. While it's true that our main man Clay Aiken hasn't been in the news too much lately, although he's got at least several good reasons. Not only is he busy with his foundation and other charities, but Clay has been working on his new album, the follow-up to his 2003, double-platinum smash hit, Measure of a Man (right).

Dick Hodgin, a partner and producer at Osceola Music in Raleigh, N.C., reports that Aiken was recently recording some vocal tracks at Osceola.

"And we got a keeper vocal on Sunday," Hodgin said.

There's been talk of a fall release for Clay's as-yet-untitled third full-length CD, but his official site is still vague on the release day, and it it looking like it may not hit stores until the end of the year, if not in early 2007.

NOTE: American Idol Worship would like to apologize for its previous remarks about Clay Aiken that some fans have taken exception to. While it was never our intent to disparage Clay, we realize that our attempt at humor was in poor taste and we would like to formally apologize to both the singer and his legions of fans.

It has been suggested by one fan that we highlight Clay's charitable work, and it is our pleasure to give the 27-year-old his due.

Apart from his music career, Clay has dedicated himself to education and children's causes across the world. Few people can match his amazing record of giving and we feel all American Idol fans should be made aware of it, as he is helping make the world a better place.

His interest in autism issues led him, along with Diane Bubel (whose son Michael is autistic, and was tutored by Aiken), to found the Bubel/Aiken Foundation (BAF), which supports the integration of disabled children into the life environment of their non-disabled peers. The BAF, which was given a $500,000 grant from the U.S. government, runs summer camps which reflect this mission, and also presents awards to volunteer efforts of children with physical and mental disabilities.

Aiken has often donated his time and voice to benefit events and concerts, including the 2004 Rosalynn Carter Benefit, the America's Promise Benefit, and Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, and the "Arthur Celebrity Audiobook (Stories for Heroes Series)," which benefits the BAF and other charities.

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