2004-06-20
7:35 a.m.

The Voice and Totality of Goodness of Clayton Aiken The Philanthropist:
Believe the Very Best

What's a Lecherous Broad to do when most of the new Clack in one week makes her heart swell with pride, joy, respect, and simple unadulterated love?

Let's back up to some time ago.....when Clay said in some radio interview or another that he was going to Ireland in June, and another time that he was going on vacation. Ok, so, naturally, Lecherous Broads screwed on our Crowns of Delusions nice and tight, and invited him for Vacation at The Ranch. But, we took time to follow Clay's real activities this month, and well, he humbles me.

While having vacation, Clay Aiken sang at Dover Downs, to raise funds for The Bubel Aiken Foundation...

Then, the next day, he sang at NASCAR, reportedly in order to spend some quality time with his brother, and while the editing didn't satisfy Clay fans, at least after Clay sang MOAM, the announcer gave credit to Clay for being in town to "raise money for the fight against autism."

Then, he gave us a beautiful rendition of SSB:

Apparently there followed an international flight (mentioned enthusiastically by the announcer at his next event) and maybe (hopefully!) Clay really did get some vacation time after that. But, he returned soon, with a contribution of his vocal talents, to again support a worthy cause...

Sure, we poked a little lecherous fun at how some of us shared that night. But, the heart swelling was for real.

Well, so was the lechery...

GAH! Sparkly eyes!

Then the very next night, there was Our Philanthropy Idol, in Washington, DC, handing out scholarships from BAF for the America's Promise To Our Youth Gala.

Clay presented the BAF awards himself.

Plus, he sang! First, a simply lovely rendition of MOAM:

Then, a moving rendition of BOTW.

GAH! Tonsils!

Well, you'd think our hearts couldn't swell any more. You'd think we'd seen all the Goodness of Clay Aiken we could handle in one week.

But, you'd be wrong.

The wonderful Clack Gatherers of Clay Nation, brought us a new improved video of Clay's Broadway performance with Heather Headley. Not only are the video and sound superior quality, allowing us to see Clay and Heather's facial expressions and really hear their voices dance together. But, we are reminded, yet again, of the way Clay Aiken the Philanthropist is using the opportunities he gained as a recently minted celebrity, to make a contribution. This time, for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS (donation page, if you are so inclined).

It was so much fun to actually hear Heather's introduction: "I tried to find *hehehe* a cute, really good lookin, really good singer...to help me, do it." (Aha! That's what she said? Heather is sooooo obviously LBFCA material!)

And, to hear Clay's voice soar in that special setting.

Not to mention to see the headsnap lipbite combo move (at 3:58)!

Hearts swelled.

Tears welled.

All over again. (And again, and again, and again ;-)

Nelle

Thanks to Suzette (from LBFCA!) and to Hockeydonna from CH for the Dover pix
Thanks to Misfit Toys from CH for the RCI pix
Thanks to DeeLovesClay for the photo with Mrs. Carter
Thanks to an unknown fan for the sparkly eyes pic from RCI
Thanks to Getty Images for their two DC pix
Thanks to Kelloggirl for the remaining DC pix
Thanks to Lisa for directing me to the headsnap lipbite combo move

There's a calm surrender
To the rush of day
When the heat of the rolling world
Can be turned away
An enchanted moment
And it sees me through
It's enough for this restless warrior
Just to be with you

(Chorus)
And can you feel the love tonight?
It is where we are
It's enough for this wide-eyed wanderer
That we got this far
And can you feel the love tonight
How it's laid to rest?
It's enough to make kings and vagabonds
Believe the very best

There's a time for everyone
If they only learn
That the twisting kaleidoscope
Moves us all in turn
There's a rhyme and reason
To the wild outdoors
When the heart of this star-crossed voyager
Beats in time with yours

(Chorus)
And can you feel the love tonight?
It is where we are
It's enough for this wide-eyed wanderer
That we got this far
And can you feel the love tonight
How it's laid to rest?
It's enough to make kings and vagabonds
Believe the very best

It's enough to make kings and vagabonds
Believe the very best