20.5.09

Clay Aiken Idol Found - Bridge Over Troubled Water

May 20, 2003--the finale of American Idol 2, with Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard. This will always be the best episode ever for me. When Clay sang "This is The Night" it was woo-hoo's and applause in my home.
THEN he sang "Bridge Over Troubled Water" and stole my heart forever. I came back to earth to find my face drenched in tears for the beauty of the sound I had heard, then joined in with the TV applause and EEEEEEEE's!

I discovered Clay's amazing voice at the start of the AI 2 season and grew more intrigued every week, I didn't know what was happening to me-- this young singer was having a magical hold on me. Later, when I discovered message boards, I learned I wasn't the only one to fall under Clay's spell, and I found the way to describe it..with a "thud"!

Here it is six years later, and I'm more a Clay Aiken fan and admirer than ever.


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Remember these precious moments?

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Idol Found - Bridge Over Troubled Water

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The following videos of wonderful memories include the judges comments.

Clay Aiken - American Idol Season 2, Top 2
- Bridge Over Troubled Water

SiouxRoux



Clay Aiken AI2 Bridge Over Troubled Water


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Idol Forever - This is the Night 2003

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Clay Aiken - American Idol Season 2, Top 2 - This is the Night
SiouxRoux



Clay Aiken AI2 This is The Night


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American Idol Season 2 Finale - Clay Aiken & Ruben Studdard - Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now
SiouxRoux




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Signs of Happiness

For some, happiness can be a pesky, fair-weathered friend, forever on the loose. The fact is that you have everything you need for happy living right now! Seeing it may simply be a matter of tweaking your own thinking so that you can appreciate what you’ve already got. Look for these signs and say hello to happiness!

1. You Live Your Life With Integrity

Living a life that’s in line with your own values and belief is important for happiness. “That means that the things you say you believe in are the things you do,” says “Happy Guy” David Leonhardt, the author of Climb Your Stairway to Heaven: the Nine Habits of Maximum Happiness. For example, if you value the environment, do you mind your carbon footprint? Or if family is important, do you make time for them? Figure out what’s important and live your life accordingly.


2. You’ve Embraced Living In The Moment

You’re fully awake and aware, and concentrate your energies on enjoying the present, rather than worrying about the past or the future. “All we have is right now,” says Michelle Keeley, an executive leadership coach with Fruition Strategies, “and life is just made up of a series of moments.” Enjoy them.


3. You Express Gratitude Regularly

Being grateful for the things you have—and sharing that gratitude—will lead to feelings of satisfaction and happiness. “When you’re performing an act of kindness or giving someone a compliment, you can actually feel an energy shift in your body,” says Todd Keeley, Michelle’s brother and business partner. Seek that feeling out more often.


4. Your Work Satisfies You

If you find satisfaction in the things you do, then you’re well on your way to living a happy life. “The more meaningfully we’re engaged and the more we believe that what we’re doing is meaningful, the more happy we are,” says David Mensink, a psychologist with the student counselling centre at Dalhousie University. And it doesn’t necessarily have to be linked to a career. “For example,” says Mensink, “you can be meaningfully engaged in caring for children,”


5. You Enjoy Harmonious Relationships

Whether it’s at work or at play, being at peace with yourself and the world around is a sure-fire way to find happiness. Practice respect and patience as you go about your day, whether you’re interacting with family, friends or co-workers.


6. You Keep Your Inner Critic On ‘Mute’

If you’ve got a little voice in your head telling you you’re never good enough and you’re never satisfied, then odds are good you won’t find happiness either. “Choose to let go of negative feelings and thoughts,” says Todd Keeley, “You won’t find happiness until you do.”


7. You Aren’t Afraid Of Change

Recognize that change is constant and you’ll be more ready to embrace happiness. “Then choose to respond to life, rather than react to it,” says Michelle Keeley. You’ll feel more in control and will be better able to adapt. Stay open to the opportunities change can bring.


8. You Enjoy The Simple Things

Taking pleasure in small things will help you build a big picture of happiness. Take time to enjoy a well-cooked meal, a beautiful painting or a spring bulb poking up through the earth.


9. You Give Back

Happiness is contagious, so make sure you spread it around. “Giving back to others and sharing is the ultimate way to inspire happiness in your life,” says Michelle Keeley. “Because what you give out will come back to you ten-fold.” Whether you volunteer in your community or share your smiles—it all counts.


10. You Don’t Take Life Too Seriously

Having a sense of humour can help you keep things in perspective. Make sure your life is filled with plenty of laughter!


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Clay Aiken--Today, more irresistible than ever!

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Many thanks to Cotton,and Scrpkym for the wonderful new pictures and video of Clay Aiken at his latest appearances this month.
SiouxRoux, it was a delight to discover the fresh videos on YT from American Idol 2, HUGS to you!

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Congratulations to Kris Allen, the 2009 American Idol and Adam Lambert,runner-up.


Thank you for visiting and celebrating this sixth anniversary with me. I hope you enjoyed your stay!

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21 comments:

katy said...

Love your blog and the site. What great performances by Clay Aiken!!

SueReu said...

hey Ashes!!! Your blends are GORGEOUS!!

Clay Aiken is amazing - he was wonderful on American Idol and has just gotten better!

Thanks for the trip down memory lane, love it!

Anonymous said...

Ashes, incredible job as always. Your two blends are scrumptious! Thanks so much for all you do. claniac24

Dianne Barbee said...

Ashes,

What a wonderful reminder of this six-year anniversary of Clay Aiken's AI2 finale performance! Thank you for the handsome blends, as well as the videos.

Have a great week!

Caro

anaturegirl said...

Loved reliving AI2 Finale. It was a time of innocence and a platform for true amatures to get a chance to get a break into the entertainment business. Clay Aiken and Ruben showed what integrity and good singing is all about.

Anonymous said...

LOVE this blog, you did a awesome job!!! Thanks !!!! Donna in Wi.

Sandy said...

Always such a pleasure to stop by your wonderful blogs. There are treats galore and this being the sixth anniversary of that special night, the treats are extra special.

What a glorious night that was and watching these video's once again reaffirm the saying us fans have said all along - IDOL FOUND - GAME OVER!

Thudalicous pictures for sure...he is getting more handsome with every year that passes!

Thanks Joan for the time and effort you put into this!

Hugs,

Sandy

musicfan said...

Your blog is just a reminder that Clay and Ruben were the best.......no final will ever be as good!!!

Thank you for this wonderful site.

Anonymous said...

I can not believe it has been 6 years. Wow. And Clay Aiken is still standing. He will continue to have a long and varied career, and more importantly, the children of the world will surely know his name when all is said and done.

Anonymous said...

Loved reliving season 2. That voice just keeps getting better. Love your site. Thanks, outback

fgs said...

I enjoy watching BOTW and the Clay/Ruben song. No season can top season 2 although they try every year. They keep adding lots of guest stars, but the number of viewers is still lower than season 2.

jbc4clay said...

Great blog. Love going back to the best season ever.

Beanblossom said...

What a delightful site you've put together to honor Clay Aiken. He really is someone special.

Anonymous said...

Bridge over Troubled Water by Clay Aiken was an outstanding American Idol performance.

gerra said...

Great memories. Thanks for this blog. I love Clay Aiken.

Anonymous said...

Hi Joan,

Phew, this is the first I could get in "Clay The Man," something about Internet explorer???

I just love the celebration or 6 years with this WONDERFUL voice. Thanks for the memories....I just LOVE YOUR BLOG!!!!!

Hugs,
Marlyne

barb 55 said...

Yay! I finally got in. I couldn't get my comment to post, because IE was having some problems.

Amazing blog, Joan! Thanks for sharing the videos of Clay singing BOTW and TITN, as well as the one of him and Ruben. What a wonderful walk down memory lane! That was a fun and exciting year. I remember I couldn't wait for Tuesday to roll around each week, so I could hear Clay sing.

Love and Hugs,

Barbara

hosaa said...

Hi Ashes! thnx for your comment on my blog this morning (May 22nd). Your trip down memory lane is just what I needed.

Clay was right - that's what AI was all about then. So much hoo-ha now, huh.

love,
hosaa

bonniecarmen said...

you have said it all. What an incredible journey Clay has taken us all on. Unchained Melody and Bridge over Troubled Waters did it for me. Mush, pure and simple mush. Thanks for the great memories. luv B

T said...

I've started watching AI8 again from the auditions until the finale but for me, AI Season 2 with Clay & Ruben remains the best AI season of all. I've never felt the chill when Clay performed "This is the Night" & "BOTW". I felt so much excitement when watching the AI2 finale.

There is so much beauty in all the blends and it's awesome! Loved them all!

I've enjoyed reading "The Signs of Happiness" -- it's a great reminder! =)

Thanks so much for another great blog.

Cheers!

Anonymous said...

All your pictures are sure wonderful here. Love to see them so BIG. I don't even remember Clay and Rueben singing that song together. So glad I got to hear it. All the songs are wonderful. This Is The Night is one of my favorites. Then again, they all are. Lois

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