Elliott Yamin In Chile

I've been following Elliott Yamin's twitter account during the recent earthquake in Chile and I am glad that he is doing okay. Hope he is able to get out of there soon. Here are some of his tweets as it was happening (I have them in reverse order from twitter. From old to new):

#Huge earthquake just now in Chile!!....I swear I thought this was the end of my life!!!!! 10:43 PM Feb 26th

#Fuck!!!!!! I take it all back everybody!!....I just escaped w my life,from an 8.3 earthquake!!!...is everybody ok?...where was the epicener? 10:55 PM Feb 26th

#Complete and utter choas on the streets...no power...my heart is beatin outta my chest!....tsunami warnin...I am only a mile inland! 11:18 PM Feb 26th

#Hey everybody...we r totally safe and sound 4 the time being...I'm finally calmer,and dawn is approaching,which will help!..thx 4 ur prayers about 23 hours ago

#I'm totally calm now....were all 2gether...got blankets from our rooms, and we're all hudled on the street..no aftershox in a while.. about 23 hours ago

#Oh shit!!..here come some more aftershox....sweet jesus,and baby jesus!! about 23 hours ago

#Whoa!!...my bro just informed me that cnn is relayin my tweets!!...please knw that we r safe, and there is currently no threat of a tsunami about 23 hours ago

#Attn cnn/world: we r worried from ur reports of a tsunami, yet no warning sirens have sounded yet!...the army here is advising us 2 stay put about 23 hours ago

#Whoa!!...just felt a pretty strong aftershock!...mother nature aint givin up on yet!! about 21 hours ago

#Just got word that the airport in Santiago is closed...the tarmac has been reduced 2 rubble...my blood sugar is really hi about 21 hours ago

#Imma Type 1 diabetic, and was sppsd 2 leave sunday.I only packed enuf insulin pump supplies 2 last til then....airports r closed! about 21 hours ago

#The next closest airport 2 where we r in vina del mar is 6 hrs away!!...we've felt about 30 aftershox already!!! about 21 hours ago

#sorry..network/power/phn down all day..we were all bussed from vina del mar 2 santiago...just arrived safely!..happy 2 b alive!..prayers!! about 11 hours ago

#my thoughts and prayers go out 2 all victims/fams.seeing images of the devastation 4 1st time NOW..we were so lucky!..stay tuned & G-D bless about 11 hours ago

#wow!!..a bit emotional as i am seeing for the first time since the quake hit, exactly what we endured!.just gettn situated, then gonna (cont about 11 hours ago

#so far, we are the lucky ones!!...please cont 2 pray 4 the victims and their families!!...im overwhelmed w emotion right now!! about 11 hours ago

#the chilean people r resilient, passionate, and warm people!!...and they are all in my thoughts n prayers as i say goodnite 2 the world!! about 2 hours ago

What a rollercoaster ride for Elliott. I'm so glad he is okay and I hope he gets home safely.

He was in Chile performing in a local competition. Here is a video of his performance:


He has also been interviewed by the major news programs. Here are a couple of his interviews from today:

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Big News for Clay Aiken!

Two different, but equally exciting, news for Clay Aiken.

First, Clay and Diane Bubel have officially announced the new name for their foundation. The Bubel/Aiken Foundation will now be known as the National Inclusion Project.

We are so proud to launch the National Inclusion Project. As our foundation grows, so does its impact. In order to better reach the ever growing goals we have for this foundation, we felt that a new name would better suit our position as a national leader on inclusion as well as recognize the Foundation's start and the efforts of its faithful supporters.

The National Inclusion Project is poised to continue to make an impact with thousands of children nationwide as well as raise the national consciousness about the need for and benefits of inclusion. We are excited beyond measure to see Clay's original "project" become one that so many people have invested time, energy, and dollars in to see doors opened for children who may have never gotten the opportunity to participate in life the way their peers do. The National Inclusion Project is moving forward hand-in-hand with supporters, families, program providers, and other advocates to see the vision of full inclusion nationwide become a reality. Please join us in our push to make a difference in communities all over the country.

The foundation continues to move forward with their goal of promoting and facilitating inclusion.

The other great news is that Clay has signed with Decca Records! This was posted on his official website:

Clay Aiken signs record deal with Universal Music’s Decca Records. Expect new music in the first half of 2010! Keep checking back here for more details to come.

Can't wait to hear new music from Clay!

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Technorati Tags: Clay Aiken, National Inclusion Project, Bubel Aiken Foundation, Decca Records, Universal Music

Clay Aiken: Looking Good! (Jukebox Tour)

It has always puzzled me when some make disparaging remarks about Clay Aiken's looks. Frankly, I think he's a handsome man. On the inside as well. Here are some great pictures of Clay from the 2005 "Jukebox Tour." Looking good, Clay!!







For more pictures of Clay please visit:

• Clay-The Man
• All That Is Clay Aiken
• Shyeyewitness and Friends
• Clay Aiken News Network
• The Life and Times of a Clay Aiken Fan
• gerra730
• Carolina On My Mind

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Technorati Tags: Clay Aiken, Jukebox Tour

Taylor Hicks Interview with "Bay Sunday"

I happened to catch Taylor Hicks on TV recently. He is here in San Francisco with the touring cast of "Grease." They will be performing at the Golden Gate Theater through April 19.

Here is his interview, Sunday, March 29 on the local show "Bay Sunday", KPIX Channel 5.

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Technorati Tags: Taylor Hicks, Grease, The Distance

American Idol on the Radio - Issue Date: 2/27/09

Here are the new Radio & Records chart rankings for the American Idol alumni:

CHR/Top 40
07 Kelly Clarkson - My Life Would Suck Without You (+1)
26 David Cook - Light On (=)

Hot AC
05 David Cook - Light On (-1)
06 Kelly Clarkson - My Life Would Suck Without You (+1)
10 Daughtry - What About Now (+1)

AC
04 David Cook - The Time of My Life (-1)
06 Daughtry - What About Now (+2)
08 David Archuleta - Crush (-2)
15 Jordin Sparks - One Step At A Time (-1)

19 David Cook - Light On (+1)
26 Taylor Hicks - What's Right Is Right (=)

29 Melinda Doolittle - It's Your Love (NEW)

30 Kelly Clarkson - My Life Would Suck Without You (NEW)

Urban

25 Jennifer Hudson - If This Isn't Love (+4)

Urban AC
08 Jennifer Hudson - Spotlight (-1)
11 Jennifer Hudson - If This Isn't Love (+5)

Country
13 Carrie Underwood - I Told You So (+1)
31 Kellie Pickler - Best Days of Your Life (-1)
36 Josh Gracin - Telluride (-2)
48 Carrie Underwood - The More Boys I Meet (-1)

Christian AC
07 Tobymac feat. Kirk Franklin & Mandisa - Lose My Soul (-1)
23 Mandisa - My Deliverer (+1)

Canada AC
05 David Cook - The Time of My Life (+1)
13 David Archuleta - Crush (=)
23 Daughtry - What About Now (+2)
48 Kelly Clarkson - My Life Would Suck Without You (Re-entry)

Canada Hot AC
06 Kelly Clarkson - My Life Would Suck Without You (=)
12 David Cook - Light On (-3)

Canada Country
17 Carrie Underwood - I Told You So (+8)

Canada CHR
10 Kelly Clarkson - My Life Would Suck Without You (-1)

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Technorati Tags: Radio and Records, radio, chart, Kelly Clarkson, David Cook, Daughtry, David Archuleta, Jordin Sparks, Taylor Hicks, Melinda Doolittle, Jennifer Hudson, Carrie Underwood, Kellie Pickler, Josh Gracin, Mandisa

American Idol on the Radio - Issue Date: 2/20/09

Here are the new Radio & Records chart rankings for the American Idol alumni:

CHR/Top 40
08 Kelly Clarkson - My Life Would Suck Without You (+1)
26 David Cook - Light On (-2)

Hot AC
04 David Cook - Light On (=)
07 Kelly Clarkson - My Life Would Suck Without You (+1)
11 Daughtry - What About Now (-1)

AC
03 David Cook - The Time of My Life (=)
06 David Archuleta - Crush (=)
08 Daughtry - What About Now (+1)
10 Daughtry - Feels Like Tonight (=)
14 Jordin Sparks - One Step At A Time (+3)

20 David Cook - Light On (+1)
26 Taylor Hicks - What's Right Is Right (-1)

Urban

29 Jennifer Hudson - If This Isn't Love (+2)

Urban AC
07 Jennifer Hudson - Spotlight (=)
16 Jennifer Hudson - If This Isn't Love (+2)

Country
14 Carrie Underwood - I Told You So (+4)
30 Kellie Pickler - Best Days of Your Life (+4)
34 Josh Gracin - Telluride (+5)
47 Carrie Underwood - The More Boys I Meet (+2)

Christian AC
06 Tobymac feat. Kirk Franklin & Mandisa - Lose My Soul (-1)
24 Mandisa - My Deliverer (NEW)

Canada AC
06 David Cook - The Time of My Life (+2)
13 David Archuleta - Crush (=)
25 Daughtry - What About Now (+2)

Canada Hot AC
06 Kelly Clarkson - My Life Would Suck Without You (+4)
09 David Cook - Light On (-1)

Canada Country
25 Carrie Underwood - I Told You So (+1)
49 Carrie Underwood - Just A Dream (-6)

Canada CHR
09 Kelly Clarkson - My Life Would Suck Without You (+1)

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Technorati Tags: Kelly Clarkson, David Cook, Daughtry, David Archuleta, Jordin Sparks, Taylor Hicks, Jennifer Hudson, Carrie Underwood, Kellie Pickler, Josh Gracin, Mandisa, Radio and Records, radio, chart

Clay Aiken Moves On

Well, well. Some significant developments in Clay Aiken's career! The fans had noticed for quite a while now that Clay had been disappearing from RCA's website. Then there was the fact that his official website with RCA was shut down and visitors were being redirected to his fan club website. So, it came as no surprise when the gossip sites belatedly picked up on it and when Clay finally acknowledged exclusively to PEOPLE that he and RCA have parted ways:

The rumors started when his likeness was removed from his record's Web site and now Clay Aiken is setting the record straight: the former American Idol has parted ways with RCA Records, Aiken's rep has confirmed exclusively to PEOPLE.

"We were unable to come to terms in a recent contract negotiation, and decided that it was best to move on," the rep, Cindi Berger, said Friday.

As a whole, I think the fans are rather relieved that this has happened. It has been apparent for a long time that RCA has not fully supported Clay. And I suspect that has been an underlying issue from the beginning. There have been a couple of blogs out that refer back to a 2003 article in TIME magazine that I think addresses the crux of the problems between Clay and RCA. You can read more about it here:

• Clay Aiken News Network: Clay Aiken - It's a Revolution
• mj'sblog: From Day One RCA Did Not Get Clay Aiken

Even though quite a number of bloggers are interpreting this parting of ways as RCA "dropping" Clay, I think that it is much more likely from the way the statement to PEOPLE was made that Clay walked away. Here are some blogs you will want to check out that express some interesting thoughts about it:

• The ConCLAYve: Come Sail Away
• Carolina On My Mind: Clay Aiken Leaves RCA Label
• Poolparty: Clay Aiken and RCA Agree to Part Ways While Claymates & Nipper Play Nice
• Idol Chit-Chat: Clay Aiken and RCA Part Ways

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Technorati Tags: Clay Aiken, RCA

American Idol on the Radio - Issue Date: 2/13/09

Here are the new Radio & Records chart rankings for the American Idol alumni:

CHR/Top 40
09 Kelly Clarkson - My Life Would Suck Without You (+2)
24 David Cook - Light On (-4)

Hot AC
04 David Cook - Light On (+1)
08 Kelly Clarkson - My Life Would Suck Without You (+2)
10 Daughtry - What About Now (-1)

AC
03 David Cook - The Time of My Life (=)
06 David Archuleta - Crush (+1)
09 Daughtry - What About Now (=)
10 Daughtry - Feels Like Tonight (=)
17 Jordin Sparks - One Step At A Time (+1)

21 David Cook - Light On (+4)
25 Taylor Hicks - What's Right Is Right (NEW)

Urban

31 Jennifer Hudson - If This Isn't Love (+3)

Urban AC
07 Jennifer Hudson - Spotlight (=)
18 Jennifer Hudson - If This Isn't Love (=)

Country
18 Carrie Underwood - I Told You So (+4)
34 Kellie Pickler - Best Days of Your Life (+1)
39 Josh Gracin - Telluride (-2)
49 Carrie Underwood - The More Boys I Meet (+1)

Christian AC
05 Tobymac feat. Kirk Franklin & Mandisa - Lose My Soul (-1)

Christian CHR
30 Jordin Sparks - One Step At A Time (Re-entry)

Canada AC
08 David Cook - The Time of My Life (+3)
13 David Archuleta - Crush (+3)
27 Daughtry - What About Now (+1)
50 Kelly Clarkson - My Life Would Suck Without You (NEW)

Canada Hot AC
08 David Cook - Light On (-2)
10 Kelly Clarkson - My Life Would Suck Without You (+4)

Canada Country
26 Carrie Underwood - I Told You So (+4)
43 Carrie Underwood - Just A Dream (+2)

Canada CHR
10 Kelly Clarkson - My Life Would Suck Without You (+5)
50 David Cook - Light On (-4)

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Technorati Tags: Kelly Clarkson, David Cook, Daughtry, David Archuleta, Jordin Sparks, Taylor Hicks, Jennifer Hudson, Carrie Underwood, Kellie Pickler, Josh Gracin, Mandisa, Radio and Records, radio, chart

American Idol on the Radio - Issue Date: 2/6/09

Here are the new Radio & Records chart rankings for the American Idol alumni:

CHR/Top 40
11 Kelly Clarkson - My Life Would Suck Without You (+7)
20 David Cook - Light On (+2)

Hot AC
05 David Cook - Light On (+1)
09 Daughtry - What About Now (=)
10 Kelly Clarkson - My Life Would Suck Without You (+8)

AC
03 David Cook - The Time of My Life (-1)
07 David Archuleta - Crush (=)
09 Daughtry - What About Now (+1)
10 Daughtry - Feels Like Tonight (-1)
18 Jordin Sparks - One Step At A Time (+2)

25 David Cook - Light On (+1)

Urban

34 Jennifer Hudson - If This Isn't Love (NEW)

Urban AC
07 Jennifer Hudson - Spotlight (-2)
18 Jennifer Hudson - If This Isn't Love (+3)

Country
22 Carrie Underwood - I Told You So (+4)
35 Kellie Pickler - Best Days of Your Life (+1)
37 Josh Gracin - Telluride (+3)
50 Carrie Underwood - The More Boys I Meet (+1)

Christian AC
04 Tobymac feat. Kirk Franklin & Mandisa - Lose My Soul (=)

Canada AC
11 David Cook - The Time of My Life (-2)
16 David Archuleta - Crush (+2)
28 Daughtry - What About Now (+6)

Canada Hot AC
06 David Cook - Light On (-1)
14 Kelly Clarkson - My Life Would Suck Without You (+9)

Canada Country
30 Carrie Underwood - I Told You So (+8)
45 Carrie Underwood - Just A Dream (+3)

Canada CHR
15 Kelly Clarkson - My Life Would Suck Without You (+7)
46 David Cook - Light On (-3)

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Technorati Tags: Kelly Clarkson, David Cook, Daughtry, David Archuleta, Jordin Sparks, Jennifer Hudson, Carrie Underwood, Kellie Pickler, Josh Gracin, Mandisa, Radio and Records, radio, chart

American Idol on the Radio - Issue Date: 1/30/09

Here are the new Radio & Records chart rankings for the American Idol alumni:

CHR/Top 40
18 Kelly Clarkson - My Life Would Suck Without You (+9)
22 David Cook - Light On (+1)

Hot AC
06 David Cook - Light On (+1)
09 Daughtry - What About Now (+2)
18 Kelly Clarkson - My Life Would Suck Without You (+10)

AC
02 David Cook - The Time of My Life (-1)
07 David Archuleta - Crush (=)
09 Daughtry - Feels Like Tonight (-1)
10 Daughtry - What About Now (-1)
20 Jordin Sparks - One Step At A Time (+1)

26 David Cook - Light On (+2)

Urban AC
05 Jennifer Hudson - Spotlight (=)
21 Jennifer Hudson - If This Isn't Love (=)

Country
26 Carrie Underwood - I Told You So (+11)
36 Kellie Pickler - Best Days of Your Life (+3)
40 Josh Gracin - Telluride (=)
51 Carrie Underwood - The More Boys I Meet (+1)

Going For Adds:
Carrie Underwood - I Told You So

Christian AC
04 Tobymac feat. Kirk Franklin & Mandisa - Lose My Soul (+1)

Christian CHR
21 Jordin Sparks - One Step At A Time (=)

Canada AC
09 David Cook - The Time of My Life (=)
18 David Archuleta - Crush (+3)
34 Daughtry - What About Now (+15)

Canada Hot AC
05 David Cook - Light On (+2)
23 Kelly Clarkson - My Life Would Suck Without You (+27)

Canada Country
38 Carrie Underwood - I Told You So (+9)
48 Carrie Underwood - Just A Dream (-7)

Canada CHR
22 Kelly Clarkson - My Life Would Suck Without You (+19)
43 David Cook - Light On (-9)

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Technorati Tags: Kelly Clarkson, David Cook, Daughtry, David Archuleta, Jordin Sparks, Jennifer Hudson, Carrie Underwood, Kellie Pickler, Josh Gracin, Mandisa, Tobymac, Kirk Franklin, Radio and Records, radio, chart

American Idol on the Radio - Issue Date: 1/23/09

Here are the new Radio & Records chart rankings for the American Idol alumni:

CHR/Top 40
23 David Cook - Light On (+1)
27 Kelly Clarkson - My Life Would Suck Without You (NEW)

Hot AC
07 David Cook - Light On (+2)
11 Daughtry - What About Now (-3)
28 Kelly Clarkson - My Life Would Suck Without You (NEW)

AC
01 David Cook - The Time of My Life (=)
07 David Archuleta - Crush (+1)
08 Daughtry - Feels Like Tonight (-1)
09 Daughtry - What About Now (=)
21 Jordin Sparks - One Step At A Time (-1)

28 David Cook - Light On (+1)

Urban AC
05 Jennifer Hudson - Spotlight (=)
21 Jennifer Hudson - If This Isn't Love (+3)

Country
37 Carrie Underwood - I Told You So (NEW)
39 Kellie Pickler - Best Days of Your Life (+1)
40 Josh Gracin - Telluride (+4)
52 Carrie Underwood - The More Boys I Meet (NEW)

Christian AC
05 Tobymac feat. Kirk Franklin & Mandisa - Lose My Soul (-2)

30 Chris Sligh - Arise (=)

Christian CHR
21 Jordin Sparks - One Step At A Time (-4)

Canada AC
09 David Cook - The Time of My Life (=)
21 David Archuleta - Crush (+1)
49 Daughtry - What About Now (Re-entry)
50 David Cook - Light On (NEW)

Canada Hot AC
07 David Cook - Light On (=)
36 David Archuleta - Crush (-7)
45 Daughtry - What About Now (-2)
48 Jordin Sparks - One Step At A Time (-2)
50 Kelly Clarkson - My Life Would Suck Without You (NEW)

Canada Country
41 Carrie Underwood - Just A Dream (-4)

47 Carrie Underwood - I Told You So (NEW)

Canada CHR
34 David Cook - Light On (+8)
41 Kelly Clarkson - My Life Would Suck Without You (NEW)

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Technorati Tags: David Cook, Kelly Clarkson, Daughtry, David Archuleta, Jordin Sparks, Jennifer Hudson, Carrie Underwood, Kellie Pickler, Josh Gracin, Tobymac, Kirk Franklin, Mandisa, Chris Sligh, Radio and Records, radio, chart