NYT: The Big Voice of 'Idol' Gets Christmas Spirit --Clay Aiken, "mushy-ballad singer that ...."

New York Times ^ | December 11, 2004 | KELEFA SANNEH

[OESY]

Would the New York Times write: "The kind of mushy-ballad singer that flash cameras just have to snap up" -- if the singer was a member of a Times' favored group?

[TommyDale]

The New York Times readers would have been better served with a review written by someone who at least understands the Clay Aiken phenomena, Christmas, and music.

I particularly was offended by their underhanded mention of the "Confederate Army", an obvious slap at Clay, a North Carolina young man who is much classier than the columnist.

[demkicker]

I find it amazing that anyone reads or cares about the New York Times.... It's so.... so, "un" (as in untruthful, uncool, underhanded).

[heylady]

"he finished a strong second - to the singer Ruben Studdard"


Ruben who? His Christmas special was a GIGANTIC flop..no mention of that.

[MaryFromMichigan]

I am a lecherous broad when it come to Clay Aiken.
His concerts often sell out in a few minutes and the reviews are overwhelmingly positive.
He's a big hearted guy with a phenomenal voice.
His Christmas album is great.
His book, "Learning to Sing" has been on the NYT's best seller list.
Good read. I recommend it. :)

"Mary Did You Know" sung by Clay Aiken.

[TommyDale]

"Ruben who? His Christmas special was a GIGANTIC flop..no mention of that."

And no one ever mentions the fact that Ruben's own mother bragged about voting hundreds of times, while the phone lines in North Carolina were shut off. Ruben finished second in a recount of all votes.

[aimhigh]

Thanks for the link. I wasn't going to buy the album because I can't stand secular Christmas music.

[FranApple]

Thanks for the link to Mary Did You Know
That was beautiful

[mountaineer]

Apparently, the NY Times believes Christmas concerts should have nothing to do with the birth of Jesus Christ. Have a merry Hanuramakwanzmas!

[GVnana]

WOW! I am buying that CD today. Sorry I missed the special.

[bushfamfan]

I just read of Aiken apparently having a bad attitude towards fans at a high school appearance he made in not signing autographs and no photographs. Let's hope he isn't one of those.

[Xenalyte]

Sounds like it was a great show, except for the parts Clay Aiken was in.

[GVnana]

NYT - Just can't help themselves. Gotta be snide and demeaning. Sorry I missed Aikens TV special. Must've been good.

[Xenalyte]

I am a lecherous broad when it come to Clay Aiken.

Hate to break your heart this early in the morning, but I'm not sure you and I play for a team that Clay's team plays with.

Frankly, I don't even think our team and his are in the same league.

[CFC__VRWC]

The New York Times readers would have been better served with a review written by someone who at least understands the Clay Aiken phenomena, Christmas, and music.

The purpose of this "review" was not to tell Slimes readers what the Clay Aiken show was like. The purpose was to revel in the Slimes' and the Slimes reader's shared contempt and open hatred of country music, Christmas and performers from "Jesusland." Just as importantly to them, this "review" gives the Slimes and its readers yet another chance to curl up their lips and sneer at the gap-toothed, Jesus humpin' rednecks who enjoy Christmas and Clay Aiken, and who put "Chimpy" back in office in November.

This kind of mocking bile serves NYT readers perfectly. The last thing these "sophisticates" would want would be a positive review of this show.

[MaryFromMichigan]

Blatant plug for "Merry Christmas With Love"-
Tracks
1 O, Holy Night
2 Winter Wonderland
3 Silent Night
4 Medley
5 Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
6 Mary, Did You Know
7 Joy To The World
8 Christmas Song, The (Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire)
9 Don't Save It All For Christmas Day
10 Merry Christmas With Love
11 Sleigh Ride
12 What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?

The version of "Mary, Did You Know" on the cd doesn't have the "clicks".
I did find that sound distracting.

[MaryFromMichigan]

Hate to break your heart this early in the morning, but I'm not sure you and I play for a team that Clay's team plays with.

FWIW, he isn't gay.

[Fatalis]

Hate to break your heart this early in the morning, but I'm not sure you and I play for a team that Clay's team plays with.

Are you talking about that Punch and Judy slap hitter, Clay "My Assets" Aiken? I hear he's a demon at shagging flies.

[ez]

Writers who desperately try to engender political relevance from a Christmas concert have a profound sickness...

[CTGOPPER]

MaryFromMichigan,

I am proud to admit I am a Claymate. I attended his concert in CT last night. What a refreshing change from the current trash we are subjected to. I'd also note that this years disgusting Billboards presentation received very low ratings and it was opposite Clay's Christmas Special. Everytime I attend one of his concerts, buy a CD or his book, I consider it a vote against Rap Crap.