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Aiken Rocks on 'Unchained Melody' 
Fri, May 15
Clay sings UM at David Foster After Party
A Week of High Notes
Clay Soars with UM, '30 Rock'
Once I heard Clay Aiken's luscious version of "Unchained Melody" on American Idol 2 in 2003, the song and especially his exquisite high note became the apex in my book.
In the past six years, the Carolina singer has performed the song countless times on tour and at various occasions. Fans who attended last weekend's David Foster & Friends Concert in Las Vegas raved that Clay's after-party rendition was incredible, but warned that chances of ever seeing a video were very slim.
On the morning after Clay's celebrated TV appearance on NBC, most fans are still in a 30 Rock stupor. (See links below.) Meanwhile, I was most thrilled to stumble across his 5/9 UM performance at the DF&F after-party.
The video isn't professional, but the voice comes through. With many thnx to Glasair03, a Josh Groban fan according to previously-posted videos, you can check it out on the above player or at YouTube.
Nursing home visits with my late mother, a public school music teacher for 35 years, were never complete without our playing a tape of Clay singing UM. Curious by nature and assisted by my flute, I played along with the video this morning to determine the pitch of this gem of a note.
During American Idol and the 2005 Jukebox Tour, Clay consistently belted out a fourth space treble "E." By the 2006 David Foster Gala, he had lowered the key a step and the pinnacle note is now a fourth line treble "D."
My favorite singer has an unusually wide range. For me, the UM high note is glorious and "still the one"!
Clay and Elvis Costello on 30 Rock.
Stars Turn Out for '30 Rock' Benefit
In a hindsight report, David Bauder wrote this about Thursday's final "30 Rock" episode:
NEW YORK — How hip is the room at "30 Rock" these days?
Hip enough to bring in Mary J. Blige, Clay Aiken, Elvis Costello, Norah Jones, Cyndi Lauper, Sheryl Crow, Wyclef Jean, Moby, Ad-Rock, Steve Earle and a backstage party's worth of other musicians for a "benefit concert" during the show's season finale. [snip]
30 Rock" may be slipping into its summer hibernation, but NBC will be quick to milk it by distributing copies of the benefit online and helping viewers follow the lyrics. T-shirts are already on sale with the "catch-phrase" of "That's a DealBreaker, Ladies!" It's a new paradigm _ television shows need to generate more money.
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- Aiken Fans Trick or Treat for Funds
- Top Prize to Clay Aiken's Charity
- Clay Aiken Fans on Gala Countdown
- Clay Aiken + DWTS = Perfect Match
- Aiken Fans Compile Cookie Votes
- Aiken Fans Amass Charity Votes
- Clay Aiken Fans Hit World Idol Poll
- Clay Aiken Signs with UMG Decca
From "30 Rock" this week, producers provided the perfect buzz-worthy curtain-closer for a buzz-worthy show.
To order a "That's a Dealbreaker" t-shirt, link to the 30 Rock site:
Clickable Dealbreaker T
Other popular "30 Rock" links on CA message boards today:
Stream the "30 Rock" finale here: Kidney Now!
For visuals from the episode, see 30 Rock Photo Slide Show.
For 99 cents, fans can purchase the hi-def "Kidney Now" video at iTunes.
Thanks to Gerwhisp, here is a video download of Clay's scenes.
Superstition Among Musicians
Sometimes a smooth-sailing dress rehearsal precludes a poor performance. I hope not because the stars were well-aligned for Thusrday's final run-through of our string-wind-harp-piano ensembles to be performed at Sunday's student recital. Besides "Ashokan Farewell" and "Star Wars," the solos and fiddle tune sounded great.
It was special to finally hear the harpist, and my very inquisitive students ("Why do the strings have different colors?" ... "What's the purpose of all those pedals?) came away with a music appreciation lesson.
Naturally, the violinists and violist had to sample the array of percussion instruments in this well-equipped band room one more time. The most exuberant players, however, were two little sisters who must have heard about the previous rehearsal and weren't about to miss out on all the fun.
Thank goodness, all the equipment will be safely stored in another room for the main event Sunday!
Grandma into Reporter Mode
Being 1,300 miles away from the birth of a new granddaughter has been very frustrating. For two days I could not get through to the new mother. A nurse finally checked and, sure enough, there was no phone in her room!
In addition, Poppy, who has his hands full with our 20-month-year old grandson, is a dismal source for statistics. He, of course, thinks I am the epitome of the opposite end of the dial and teases that my inquisitive reporter mode doesn't have an "off" switch.
Even so, I googled to find the hospital phone number and, after speaking with a helpful nurse, finally talked with our daughter, who gladly told her mother the requisite specifics: 6 lbs. 9 ozs.; 19 inches long; healthy in every way; an abundant crown of red hair.
After further investigation of family trees, I think the recessive strawberry blond tresses date back to my paternal grandmother and her twin sisters, one of whom had red hair.
Like her brother, Maya (or Lia) has three Hawaiian names, two with special meanings: Saipelia (Samoan meaning "strong"), Mahealani (which means "calm and peaceful"), and Maya.
The hospital photos are from a distance and through glass; so for now, we're still celebrating:
Cross your fingers that Grandma has some "calm and peaceful" moments Sunday. Have an awesome weekend, Clay Nation!
Caro
TECHNORATI TAGS: Clay Aiken, 30 Rock, Dealbreaker T-Shirt, Unchained Melody, David Foster & Friends, spring recital, granddaughter, Official Fan Club, Clay Nation
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