Misplaced Pages

#222777

61-670: Several Broadway veterans are said to have started their careers at North Carolina Theatre, including Clay Aiken , Sharon Lawrence , Lauren Kennedy , and Beth Leavel . In February 2024, the North Carolina Theatre filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and announced that they would suspend operations for the 2024 season. Several notable actors and actresses have taken part in NCT productions: 35°46′17″N 78°38′23″W  /  35.7713°N 78.6396°W  / 35.7713; -78.6396 This United States theatre–related article

122-558: A Man , went multi-platinum. He released four more albums on the RCA label, Merry Christmas with Love (2004), A Thousand Different Ways (2006), the Christmas EP All is Well (2006), and On My Way Here (2008). Since then he has released two more albums, both with Decca Records : Tried and True (2010) and Steadfast (2012). Aiken has also had eleven tours in support of his albums. In all, he has sold over 5 million albums, and

183-471: A bachelor's degree in special education in December 2003. Aiken had filled out an application to participate in the reality show The Amazing Race when a friend of his insisted that he try out for American Idol instead. Television viewers first glimpsed Aiken during the audition episodes at the beginning of American Idol's second season. The show's judges first saw Aiken as a nerdy type unlikely to be

244-562: A conductor and a 30-piece orchestra. In some cities, Aiken was supported by the local philharmonic or symphony, such as the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra . Local choirs from high schools and elementary schools also participated at each concert. During the summer of 2005, Aiken, with a seven-piece band and three back-up singers, toured with the "Jukebox Tour", performing songs of

305-483: A guest in addition to singing, and has become a regular guest on Jimmy Kimmel Live! . The Kimmel appearances often feature skits: in one, Jimmy Kimmel 's then girlfriend Sarah Silverman confessed to an affair with Aiken, and in another, Aiken expressed his distaste for Kimmel's jokes about him by beating him up. In May 2007, he spent the first half of his interview on horseback while talking about his recent UNICEF trip to Afghanistan . A few weeks later he appeared as

366-667: A rich assortment of American folk music and patriotic music. The Raleigh Boychoir has performed at the White House, Carnegie Hall and the National Cathedral, and has toured throughout the United States and Europe . The Raleigh Boychoir is composed of the following choirs: Some Raleigh Boychoir choristers have moved on to other top boychoirs around the world, including the American Boychoir, St. Thomas Choir of Men and Boys and

427-733: A spokesperson for "Guillermo's Mustache" in Kimmel's fictional DVD informercial shown on the Dancing With the Stars finale. Aiken made his acting debut on Ed in early 2004, playing himself, and in 2005, he was interviewed by Erica Kane on All My Children . He played the role of cafeteria worker Kenny on the Scrubs episode " My Life in Four Cameras ". In December 2006, he made an appearance as himself on Days of Our Lives . After hosting and performing in

488-425: A surprise appearance on the final show of the fifth season of American Idol , when failed auditioner Michael Sandecki returned to the show to receive a "Golden Idol" award for Best Impersonator for his Clay Aiken-like appearance. Aiken appeared without introduction in a well-tailored designer suit and longer, darker hair with bangs, looking so different that many did not recognize him until he began to sing "Don't Let

549-691: A teenager, and at age 19, he served as a substitute teacher for a classroom of autistic students at Brentwood Elementary School in Raleigh. It was during that experience that he decided to finish college and become a special education teacher. While attending college in Charlotte, he took a part-time job as an assistant to a boy with autism, and it was this child's mother, Diane Bubel, who urged him to audition for American Idol . Although his American Idol activities temporarily delayed his academic pursuits, Aiken completed his course work while on tour and graduated with

610-417: A typical pop idol, but after hearing him sing Heatwave 's "Always and Forever" decided to advance him to the next round. The clip of the judges' surprise during this audition performance was replayed many times over the course of the competition. Aiken made it to the round of 32 before being cut from the show, but he was invited to return for the "Wild Card" round; his performance of Elton John 's " Don't Let

671-443: Is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . This article related to Raleigh, North Carolina is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . Clay Aiken Clayton Holmes Aiken ( né Grissom ; born November 30, 1978) is an American singer, television personality, actor and political activist. Aiken finished second place on the second season of American Idol in 2003, and his debut album, Measure of

SECTION 10

#1732852656223

732-510: Is the fourth-highest-selling American Idol alumnus. Aiken co-wrote a bestselling memoir in 2004, Learning to Sing . In 2004, he also had a televised Christmas special, A Clay Aiken Christmas . During much of 2008 he appeared on Broadway in the musical comedy Spamalot , in the role of Sir Robin . In 2010 he hosted the PBS special Tried & True Live! He has also had numerous cameo and guest appearances on TV shows. In 2012 he competed in

793-476: The Billboard 200 and tied Céline Dion 's record for the highest debut by a holiday album in the history of Billboard magazine. Merry Christmas with Love sold over 1,000,000 copies retail in six weeks and was the best-selling holiday album of 2004, receiving RIAA Platinum certification on January 6, 2005. Aiken's second studio album, A Thousand Different Ways , was released September 19, 2006. He worked on

854-756: The Billboard 200 chart and at number ten on the Top Internet Albums chart. On August 10, 2009, it was announced on Aiken's official website that he had signed with Decca Records and he would have new music out by early 2010. Performing the songs from his new album, Tried and True , Aiken held a one night only concert at the Raleigh Memorial Auditorium in Raleigh, North Carolina on March 12, 2010. The concert, filmed for PBS broadcast, included guest appearances by Ruben Studdard and Linda Eder . Eder joined Aiken on stage for their duet of " Crying ", which they recorded for his album. The album

915-512: The Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon and received a standing ovation from the audience. Lewis compared Aiken with Frank Sinatra and marveled at the dedication of Aiken's fan base: We have someone here today from the smash hit show American Idol . We're thrilled to have him joining us today, because when it was made known that he would appear on this Telethon, the emails and the fan clubs that this young man has have sent us $ 30,000.00 just at

976-653: The American Idol Christmas special in 2003, Aiken has had several subsequent hosting jobs. He was a special correspondent for The Insider for the 2005 Emmy Awards , and on the sets of the sitcom Reba with Reba McEntire and Dancing With the Stars . He co-hosted The Morning Show with Mike and Juliet in 2006, and on November 17, 2006, filled in for Regis Philbin as guest host on Live with Regis and Kelly . During an interview, Aiken covered Kelly Ripa 's mouth with his hand. The incident drew considerable media reaction after Ripa complained at length about

1037-724: The Greek Theatre (Los Angeles) , Chautauqua Institution in New York, and the Mann Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia. Three days into the tour, Aiken and a woman were involved in an in-flight altercation in which she allegedly shoved him. As a result of the scuffle, Aiken and the woman were later questioned by the FBI . Aiken told Entertainment Tonight that he had been sleeping when

1098-547: The fifth season of The Celebrity Apprentice , coming in second to Arsenio Hall . With Diane Bubel, Aiken created the Bubel/Aiken Foundation in 2003, which was later renamed the National Inclusion Project . In 2004, he became a UNICEF ambassador, a position he held until 2013 when he gave it up to run for Congress. He traveled extensively in this role. In 2006, he was appointed for a two-year term to

1159-544: The 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, as well as a few favorites from Measure of a Man . He also performed a few new songs being considered for his next album. In early November 2005, Aiken launched his second Christmas tour. The 2005 Joyful Noise tour featured a series of vignettes, written by Aiken, which told the story of an older woman who had lost the Christmas spirit and a young boy who helps her find it again. A cast of actors, dancers and back-up singers traveled with

1220-459: The April 8, 2009, segment of Banks show America's Next Top Model ; in what the show refers to as a teach, he worked with the remaining eight contestants on their acting skills prior to the judging. In November 2007, Aiken was a contestant on a celebrity edition of the game show Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? . Playing for his charity, the National Inclusion Project , he chose to drop out after

1281-544: The Decca Label. The single is his first original song since the release of his album On My Way Here in 2008. On March 27, 2012, Aiken released Steadfast , a new album of previous recordings and songs only sung in concerts. The album debuted at number 120 on the Billboard 200 chart with sales of 4,000 in the first week. Aiken has made many television appearances. On Labor Day 2003, Aiken sang "Bridge Over Troubled Water" at

SECTION 20

#1732852656223

1342-635: The Fan's Choice Award at the American Music Awards ceremony, and his CD single "This Is The Night/Bridge Over Troubled Water" won the Billboard award for the Best-Selling Single of 2003. On November 16, 2004, Aiken released a holiday album titled Merry Christmas with Love , which set a new record for fastest-selling holiday album in the Soundscan era (since 1991). The album debuted at number four on

1403-564: The Group B finals alongside Corey Feldman as "Seal". On January 18, 2008, Aiken made his Broadway debut when he joined the cast of Monty Python 's Spamalot for a four-month run, ending on May 4, 2008. He played Sir Robin, in the Tony Award -winning musical directed by Mike Nichols . In addition to Sir Robin, Aiken played the 1st Guard and the Brother Maynard roles. On August 12, 2008, it

1464-653: The National Inclusion Project. Aiken appeared in one of the last episodes of The Office , titled " A.A.R.M. ". He played himself and was one of the judges for a reality show that Andy was auditioning for. In 2013, Aiken guest starred on an episode Law & Order: Special Victims Unit along with Taylor Hicks and Ashanti , playing themselves as judges for a singing contest on the episode called "Dissonant Voices". In 2024, Aiken paired up with Ruben Studdard when they competed in season eleven of The Masked Singer as "Beets". They were eliminated during

1525-772: The Presidential Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities. In 2014, Aiken ran for the United States House of Representatives in North Carolina's 2nd congressional district . Initially considered a novelty candidate , Aiken won the Democratic primary , but lost to Republican incumbent Renee Ellmers in the general election . In January 2022, he announced a run for the Democratic nomination in North Carolina's 4th congressional district , but he lost in

1586-543: The Raleigh Boychoir also affords choristers the opportunity to develop confidence, poise, character, discipline and leadership abilities. Each chorister devotes numerous hours over weeks, months and years to help sustain the choral tradition of boychoir singing. The Raleigh Boychoir holds auditions several times per year. Interested boys and their parents come to the Raleigh Boychoir Center to learn more about

1647-709: The Sun Go Down on Me " sent him on to the final 12 as the viewer's choice. While noted for his performance of ballads, such as Neil Sedaka 's " Solitaire ", his upbeat performances, including the Foundations ' " Build Me Up Buttercup ", were also appreciated. Aiken received enough votes every week to keep him out of the bottom three. Part of his appeal was his "geek to chic" transformation in appearance. "I looked like Opie ," Aiken said to People magazine regarding his appearance at his American Idol audition in 2002. He replaced his glasses with contact lenses and agreed to let

1708-512: The Sun Go Down on Me". The second season of the American Idol Rewind series (2007) was narrated by Aiken. Aiken is reportedly one of the top 10 earners of Idol , earning an estimated $ 1.5 million in 2010. On October 14, 2003, Aiken released his first solo album, Measure of a Man , which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 , with 613,000 copies sold in its first week,

1769-483: The Top 5 and scan over 200,000 in the first week. Aiken's second Christmas album, All Is Well (an EP of four Christmas songs), was released exclusively to Walmart on November 28, 2006, and was released to iTunes as a digital download in December 2007. Aiken stated in an April 2007 interview with People that he was planning a new album, and during his May 2007 appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! , he mentioned that he

1830-434: The U.S., compared to his 2003 debut album, "Measure of a Man", which sold 2.78 million copies". A fifth album, The Very Best of Clay Aiken , was released at the end of March 2009 on Sony's Legacy Recordings Playlist Series. This album was a compilation of songs that had been included on the previous albums released by RCA. First week sales of 3000 copies placed Playlist: The Very Best of Clay Aiken at number 173 on

1891-566: The Vienna Boys' Choir. The performance schedule has expanded from a single Christmas concert in 1968 to 15-20 engagements annually. The various Raleigh Boychoir choirs sing throughout the greater Raleigh area. Members of the Performing Choir and Young Men's Ensemble are selected for the Tour Choir, which takes trips regionally, nationally and internationally. The most recent international trip

North Carolina Theatre - Misplaced Pages Continue

1952-603: The age of 19 he legally changed his surname from Grissom to his mother Faye's maiden name, Aiken. Aiken attended Raleigh's Leesville Road High School and took courses at Campbell University before enrolling at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte . In 1995, Aiken started working at the YMCA . Still in high school, Aiken learned quickly that he could make a difference in the lives of young people. He found his interest in special education while directing YMCA children's camps as

2013-430: The aid of studio time given as a birthday gift by his mother: a cassette called Look What Love Has Done (by Clayton Grissom), a cassette and CD entitled Redefined (by Clayton Aiken), and a CD that combined some songs from each of the previous demos: "Look What Love Has Done, Vol 2" (by Clay Aiken). Estranged from his abusive birth father Vernon Grissom and with his mother's and grandfather Alvis Aiken's permission, at

2074-399: The album under the guidance of Canadian producer and A&R executive Jaymes Foster. The album contains ten cover songs and four new songs, one of which Aiken co-wrote. Clive Davis is credited with the cover concept. with the album on iTunes . Debuting at number two on the Billboard chart, A Thousand Different Ways made Aiken the fourth artist ever to have his first three albums debut in

2135-442: The cover article, Aiken said, "One thing I've found of people in the public eye, either you're a womanizer or you've got to be gay. Since I'm neither one of those, people are completely concerned about me." In subsequent interviews he expressed frustration over continued questions about his sexual orientation , telling People magazine in 2006, "It doesn't matter what I say. People are going to believe what they want." Aiken made

2196-594: The etiquette of young boys. The newly formed boychoir offered a public concert during its first Christmas season in 1968. That first "Carols of Christmas" concert has become a Yuletide tradition for many in the greater Raleigh area. Mr. Sibley conducted his 40th and final holiday concert in 2008. Among the alumni of the boychoir is professional singer Clay Aiken . The Boychoir is committed both to artistic excellence and to developing each boy's confidence and character. The Raleigh Boychoir’s repertoire includes sacred and secular classics, selections from musical theater, and

2257-443: The fact that he was here. And I can honestly say I have never, in all of my life, seen a theatrical groundswell that this kid has motivated, that it makes us all come right back to the bobby sox and Frank. And isn't it nice to live through that magnificence again? Here is Clay Aiken. That same year, Aiken sang " The Star-Spangled Banner " on the opening night of the 2003 World Series and appeared in numerous television specials during

2318-691: The family-oriented events at the North Carolina Museum of Art, and from festivals and celebrations for the city of Raleigh and towns in Wake County to performances with the North Carolina Symphony and the North Carolina Master Chorale. In addition providing performance opportunities, the Raleigh Boychoir provides musical training for every choir member. They also learn to read and sight-read/sight-sing music. Participating in

2379-596: The first release of the film but cut when the Aladdin storyline changed during production. A music video featuring Aiken is on the Aladdin Special Edition DVD. On this tour, he also performed a duet, "Without You", which was released on Kimberley Locke 's 2004 debut album One Love . In November 2004, Aiken launched his third tour of the year, which revolved around a Christmas theme. "The Joyful Noise Tour", sponsored by Ronald McDonald House Charities , featured

2440-583: The globe faster than the sun, thus creating the longest summer day of all time. On January 30, 2011, Aiken sang the United States' national anthem at the 2011 NHL All-Star game held at the RBC Center in Raleigh, North Carolina, home of the Carolina Hurricanes. On July 24, 2011, Aiken guest starred on the comedy drama series Drop Dead Diva . In 2012, Aiken was the runner-up on the fifth season of The Celebrity Apprentice , raising US$ 361,500 for

2501-486: The highest-selling debut for a solo artist in 10 years. The album received RIAA Double Platinum certification on November 17, 2003 (a Double Platinum plaque was presented to Aiken by Clive Davis on October 22, 2003, during Good Morning America ). The album spawned both the hit single " Invisible " and his first hit song, " This Is the Night " (both co-written by British songwriter Chris Braide ). Later that year, Aiken won

North Carolina Theatre - Misplaced Pages Continue

2562-743: The incident occurred. His fourth annual Christmas tour, "Christmas in the Heartland", began on November 26, 2007, in Wichita, Kansas . That 21-date tour ended on December 22, 2007, in Merrillville, Indiana. He has ended all of his Christmas tours with his signature Christmas song, " Don't Save It All For Christmas Day ". Raleigh Boychoir The Raleigh Boychoir is a 70-member choral group based in Raleigh, North Carolina , that trains elementary and high school-aged boys in singing and performing choral music in

2623-446: The incident on her show the following Monday. Aiken made fun of the controversy on the 2006 American Music Awards the next night with Tori Spelling . On The Tyra Banks Show in 2006, filmed before the Ripa incident, Aiken mentioned wanting to have his own talk show someday, and Banks switched seats with him and let him interview her for one segment of the show. Aiken was a guest judge on

2684-697: The ninth question with US$ 300,000, despite having a copy and a save at his disposal. If he had played the tenth question, he would have won US$ 500,000; Aiken and the 5th grader playing with him both had the correct answer. In May 2009, Aiken made a guest appearance on 30 Rock in the season 3 episode " Kidney Now! ". It was revealed in this episode that he is the cousin of the show's character Kenneth . In August 2010, Aiken guest starred in an episode of Phineas and Ferb , called " Phineas and Ferb: Summer Belongs To You! ". Aiken sang an inspirational duet with Chaka Khan , to encourage those who did not believe that Phineas and Ferb could accomplish their goal of circling

2745-531: The primary to Valerie Foushee . Clay Aiken was born and raised in Raleigh, North Carolina . As a young boy, Aiken sang in the Raleigh Boychoir ; and, as a teenager, he sang in school choirs, church choir, musicals and local theatre productions. After high school, he sang lead with a local band, Just By Chance, co-hosting and performing with the band at "Just by Chance and Friends" shows in Dunn, North Carolina . He

2806-533: The second act and gives Pittsburgh a taste of why his Claymates are hopelessly devoted to the former American Idol." "As 'Teen Angel' in the Pittsburgh CLO's production of Grease , Aiken is only on stage for about five minutes. Those five minutes, however, are fab-u-lous." From February through April 2004, Aiken and Kelly Clarkson embarked on the Independent Tour as co-headliners. Following this tour, he

2867-437: The show's stylists change his hair style. With longer, flat ironed, spiky hair and a penchant for wearing striped shirts, Aiken had established a trademark look by the final American Idol season 2 show. On May 21, 2003, Aiken came in a close second to Ruben Studdard , who won the contest by 134,000 votes out of more than 24,000,000 votes cast. The result was controversial, as some hypothesized that Idol 's voting system

2928-761: The summer of 2013, Aiken performed the role of Joseph in the musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the Ogunquit Playhouse in Ogunquit, Maine. Aiken enjoyed the role because he did not have to dance. In June 2019, Aiken starred as Teen Angel in Grease at the Benedum Center in Pittsburgh . "The energy level is high, but there's no question it steps up a notch when Clay Aiken struts out in

2989-546: The tour, and members of local theater groups were added in each venue for smaller, non-speaking roles and crowd scenes. The tour opened in Vancouver , British Columbia, on November 2, and ended in Clearwater, Florida on December 30. According to Pollstar , Aiken's first five tours grossed $ 28 million. In December 2006, Aiken began his third Christmas tour, comprising performances in 18 Midwest and East Coast cities. Aiken

3050-600: The tradition of " boychoir ". The Raleigh Boychoir was established in October 1968 by Thomas E. Sibley with 20 boys and a $ 50 contribution from the Woman's Club of Raleigh. Sibley, who served as coordinator of music for Raleigh public schools, and as organist and choirmaster of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Raleigh, founded the choir because he was concerned about the lack of choral experiences and performance opportunities for boys whose voices had not changed. He also believed in developing

3111-447: The winter of 2003, including Disney 's Christmas Day Parade and the Nick at Nite Holiday Special , where he sang the " Little Drummer Boy /Peace on Earth" with Bing Crosby via special effects. Aiken starred in and executive produced his first TV special (December 2004), titled A Clay Aiken Christmas , with special guests Barry Manilow , Yolanda Adams , and Megan Mullally ; the special

SECTION 50

#1732852656223

3172-620: Was a 2016 tour of the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. The Boychoir's annual home season consists of four key performances: Fall Concert, Carols of Christmas, American Music Festival and Spring Concert. The schedule also includes engagements that range from participation in the Friends of the College and Peace Concert Series to concerts for arts and civic organizations, from outreach performances at retirement communities to concerts in conjunction with

3233-855: Was also MC and performer at the Johnston Community College Country Showcase in Smithfield and at the North Carolina Music Connection and Hometown Music Connection shows in Garner , and Benson . He performed the national anthem numerous times for the Raleigh IceCaps and the Carolina Hurricanes hockey teams, and performed it at the 2011 NHL All-Star Game at the RBC Center in Raleigh. Three demo albums of Aiken's vocals were created before American Idol with

3294-703: Was announced that Aiken would resume his role as Sir Robin beginning on September 19 and ending on January 4, 2009. On December 23, 2008, Aiken had his caricature unveiled at world-famous Sardi's restaurant. In December 2018, Aiken and Ruben Studdard starred in Ruben & Clay's First Annual Family Fun Pageant Spectacular Reunion Christmas Show on Broadway. In May 2013, Aiken starred as "Man in Chair" in North Carolina Theatre's production of The Drowsy Chaperone , along with fellow Raleigh native and Tony Award winner Beth Leavel , who reprised her role as "The Chaperone". During

3355-528: Was in Los Angeles interviewing producers for the new album. Aiken found a song, "On My Way Here", written by OneRepublic frontman Ryan Tedder , that struck a chord with him and became the inspiration for the album's theme in addition to the album title. For a cohesive sound, Aiken chose Mark ' Kipper ' Eldridge to produce the entire album. On My Way Here was released May 6, 2008, on the RCA label. According to an article posted on Billboard , Aiken and RCA parted ways shortly after his On My Way Here album

3416-419: Was incapable of handling the number of attempted calls. In an interview prior to the start of the fifth season of American Idol , Executive Producer Nigel Lythgoe revealed for the first time that Aiken had led the fan voting every week from the Wild Card week to the finale, when the possibly-random voting result gave Studdard the win. Rolling Stone featured Aiken on the cover of its July 2003 issue. In

3477-494: Was released on DVD later that month. On July 4, 2004, Aiken was one of the performers in the A Capitol Fourth concert in Washington, D.C., and performed in the Good Morning America Summer Concert Series in 2004 and 2005. He also sang " Isn't She Lovely " on the popular television show Scrubs . Aiken was the musical guest on Saturday Night Live in 2004 and participated in several skits. He has appeared multiple times on The Tonight Show , interviewing with Jay Leno as

3538-434: Was released on June 1, 2010, and features songs popular in the 1950s and 1960s, including two Aiken covered during his run on American Idol , " Mack the Knife " and " Unchained Melody ". In conjunction with the PBS special a companion DVD, Tried & True Live! , was released on July 27, 2010. A tour to promote the album is planned for early 2014. On December 20, 2011, Aiken released a new single, "Bring Back My Love" under

3599-401: Was released. Aiken's rep confirmed to People magazine that Aiken left RCA. Stated in the cited People article, "The buzz about Aiken's exit was fueled earlier this week when his picture disappeared online and Billboard, citing unnamed sources, reported Friday that Aiken, 30, had been dropped by the label. According to Billboard, Aiken's 2008 album "On My Way Here" sold just 159,000 copies in

3660-405: Was scheduled for a few summer solo tour dates, but demand ultimately led to the booking of 50 dates across the United States, resulting in what many fans called the "Not-A-Tour". Disney (Buena Vista) was the exclusive sponsor of this unnamed summer tour, promoting their Aladdin Special Edition 2-Disc DVD with a preview of Aiken's rendition of " Proud of Your Boy ", a song originally intended for

3721-468: Was supported by local orchestras, which also opened the concerts with a program of seasonal music. A 23-date tour in support of his third album, A Thousand Different Ways , began on July 4, 2007, and ended in Orlando, Florida , on August 19. On this tour Aiken hired local symphonies to back him, along with tour regulars Jesse Vargas, pianist, conductor and arranger; Sean McDaniel, drummer; and Quiana Parler and Angela Fisher, backup singers. Stops included

SECTION 60

#1732852656223
#222777