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ClayManiacs.com  |  Archive  |  Tried and True Tour 2011  |  DALLAS/GRAND PRAIRIE, TX-VERIZON GP- 03/08/2011
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Author Topic: DALLAS/GRAND PRAIRIE, TX-VERIZON GP- 03/08/2011  (Read 42970 times)

Marilyn

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Re: DALLAS/GRAND PRAIRIE, TX-VERIZON GP- 03/08/2011
« Reply #135 on: March 09, 2011, 08:13:26 AM »
OMG Joanne, when you click that he is lethal!!! WOW!!
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JoAnn Moody

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Re: DALLAS/GRAND PRAIRIE, TX-VERIZON GP- 03/08/2011
« Reply #136 on: March 09, 2011, 08:21:37 AM »
As Prissy said, the M&G went very fast and mechanical in a way.  Mom did break the rules though ;D.  She mentioned to Jerome that she had a M&G in Houston celebrating her 84th b.day and Jerome TOLD Clay to sign Happy Birthday and then Clay TOLD JEROME, "I'M NOT SUPPOSED TO PERSONALLY SIGN" AND JEROME SAID BAC, "PUT HAPPY 84TH!"
   Clay signed and "snarked" with mom that she had already had her 84th in Houston and couldn't have another one! ;D   Also, to be honest, I couldn't tell you what he had on either.  It was darkish in the room, Jerome had "warned" us about no "feely" touching and when Clay extended his hand, I could only think of "No feely!"

   Concert was wonderful.  Our PBS tickets said Row B but it was the first row!  Also, on the side of the stage that Clay favors.  I have a new camera and was able to take "drop dead" gorgeous photos.  Clay did look down at me several times and made eye/camera contact.  I'm including the one photo he was standing directly in front of me.  If you look, he's giving the "thumb's up" but I'm afraid I didn't focus on the thumb.
   He did take crowd  suggestions for "Who's Sorry Now" and they were: Chimpmunks, Disney and Southern Heavy Metal.  Quianna "rocked" the Heavy metal bringing Clay to a hunched down, laugh out loud stance.
   Also, the bass player "took over" the stage and gave us 2 "poop" jokes.  Clay couldn't take it, he ended up on his stool with his back to the crowd.  He said that he felt like he had to leave now.  It was too funny!!!
    On the Disney style duet, Clay and Quiana "skated" and twirled and did sound like a Walt Disney song.  Very cute! >:(
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JoAnn Moody

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Re: DALLAS/GRAND PRAIRIE, TX-VERIZON GP- 03/08/2011
« Reply #137 on: March 09, 2011, 08:24:29 AM »
Marilyn,

Thanks, you posted same time I did. I'm putting photos up in the OCD too.  Here's the shirt tug from last night.

clickable



My "special l Thumb's Up" right in front on my camera.

clickable
WE ARE WOMEN--WE ARE STRONG! Ampullary Survivor/Cancer Supporter

WE DON'T LAUGH BECAUSE WE'RE HAPPY,WE'RE HAPPY BECAUSE WE LAUGH!
TODAY I WILL BE HAPPIER THEN A BIRD WITH A FRENCH FRY!

Marilyn

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Re: DALLAS/GRAND PRAIRIE, TX-VERIZON GP- 03/08/2011
« Reply #138 on: March 09, 2011, 08:32:10 AM »
From invisible926 at CC:


Great show! He was in a good mood and totally hilarious! Very snarky. He said "shut the frell up" without voicing the f word when someone said she was uploading a video to YouTube during the concert. He cracked up during del's poop jokes. He was very proud of his UM tonight. He said "I SANG that one" and looked cocky.
On my phone so more tomorrow.


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Marilyn

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Re: DALLAS/GRAND PRAIRIE, TX-VERIZON GP- 03/08/2011
« Reply #139 on: March 09, 2011, 08:36:02 AM »
EMERALD EYES

I'm home. I hope I wasn't a babbling idiot on the stream. I was kind of in that Aiken fog after being serenaded by my BF for a couple of hours.

The whole concert was great--Clay was really on and he looked scrumptious even with the rooster do. He really is a most gorgeous man. Just a note to Clay, I hope you really don't expect us to believe you're fat. He looks terrific--and feels even better.  Yes, I finally felt him. A M&M opportunity arose this morning thanks to JClay's hubby who really didn't want to get personal with MR Aiken, and so I finally lost my M&G virginity. 

As I laid eyes on Clay I knew we were meant to be because he was wearing my his UCONN sweatshirt--very obviously a shout-out to me. I decided to be very matter-of-fact as I clutched my TnT CD cover to be signed. As Jermone said, "are you ready"--hell yes! I quite purposefully strode over to Clay. He asked my name, repeated it when I told him, and shook my hand. ::puddleofgoo:: I was determined not to break any of Jermone's rules, but since I fell into the fog (you know which one) who the hell knows.  I do remember starting to shake on the inside--I was hoping he wouldn't feel that, and then I almost fell into him, but it was good save. Oh wait, maybe not. I should have let him catch me as I swooned at his feet. Hee. No way is he fat. The first thing I noticed was how skinny he looked -- skinnier than he looks even on stage for some reason. It lasted only about 15 seconds, but it was the best 15 seconds of my life.


QUOTE (merrieeee @ Mar 8 2011, 10:44 PM)
You know if you talk to Clsy Aiken on the phone it would be nice to remember what was actually said! I just disappeared into the Aiken fog big time!


I was diagonally behind the fan that you hung up on, and Clay's expressions were priceless. The minute I heard your voice and the accent, I knew who it was (or guessed who it was). The whole bit was comedy gold. I'm sure there's clack because there was quite a bit of video-taping-- Clay seems pretty proud of that fact.

The whole comedy routines are so much more polished now than they were at the beginning of the tour. My jaw hurts from smiling so much. Clay truly is a funny man. I hope someone caught Quiana doing the heavy metal "Who's Sorry Now" because GF was working it and Clay was splitting his sides at the sight of her.

Vocally so beautiful-- UM was out of this world. He got several standing O's for various songs--UM was perhaps the biggest outside of "In My Life". I do miss that extra special song, and I'm not sure why they cut it expect they are starting the show a bit late due to the M&G's running late. I was happy I got Misty which I didn't get in Houston.

I felt very strongly at the end of the concert that this is not goodbye. He might not have found his perfect fit in the entertainment biz YET. But he will! I believe that with all my heart. Little by little he will win people over--one project at a time. I don't know what's next but I can't wait to find out what the next Clay Aiken adventure will be. 
   
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Re: DALLAS/GRAND PRAIRIE, TX-VERIZON GP- 03/08/2011
« Reply #140 on: March 09, 2011, 08:38:26 AM »
hosaa @ Mar 9 2011, 12:53 AM)


i got to meet Scarlett, RoyalJane, California Clayfan, and lots and lots of people who love Clay but don't post on the boards!

Clay's hair was crazy. Quiana was crazy. Del was crazy. The gate guard by the bus was crazy but nice (we had flirted with him earlier when we saw the bus in the parking lot). there was a bunch of us by the chain link fence, and Gate Guard kept coming out to tell his he thinks Clay will come out, he told the manager that we were waiting, etc. After about 2 hours, Gate Guard came out with his fingers crossed, then added "He's in the bathroom." EEEEEing ensued. Then my friend blurted out, "He's clearing his throat!!" Everyone roared.

Clay came out to touch hands about two hours after the show (can't believe we waited that long). The crowd had dwindled down quite a bit by the time he came out, and he told everyone to go get warm. My friend's granddaughter (age 13) was thrilled with how soft Clay's hands were. Soft, warm, sweet touch. Worth the wait.

ETA I got a lot of video, but the memory card got full before the end of the concert. I got Quiana's great Heavy Metal moves. The chipmunks were hilarious. Genius genre suggestion. I yelled Dixieland because of Mardi Gras. Will have to edit that idiot my voice out of the audio.
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Re: DALLAS/GRAND PRAIRIE, TX-VERIZON GP- 03/08/2011
« Reply #141 on: March 09, 2011, 08:48:27 AM »
jclay, Scarlett worked on it and we were able to get it on You Tube overnight; here 'tis.

The following Scarlett clips from the Grand Prairie concert were uploaded to You Tube overnight:

Where Do I Begin: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1OFMoCZo3gI

Mack The Knife: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMT9g-kAy2E

Opening Banter: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qB9sGwXuGjM

There's A Kind Of Hush: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOiY_c3xtg8

Links can travel.
« Last Edit: March 09, 2011, 08:15:13 PM by Marilyn »
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Prissy

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Re: DALLAS/GRAND PRAIRIE, TX-VERIZON GP- 03/08/2011
« Reply #142 on: March 09, 2011, 11:42:53 AM »
Thank you, Marilyn, for Scarlett's links to the GP concert last night.  Takes me right back to the concert!!  I wonder if it was Scarlet that Clay talked to about her making a video and she said she had already uploaded it.  Then, later Clay said the drummer was watching what had been uploaded and the concert wasn't even finished!!

Clay said they had given up on trying to keep people from taking pictures or making videos or letting people listen to the concerts on cellphones.  He said they could listen and watch for free!  Didn't need to come to the concerts.  Now, they don't even try to limit the cameras and cell phones. 

It was hilarious when he took a cellphone from someone who had been letting a friend listen and then the friend hung up.  Clay said, "Get her back on the phone.  I want to know why she hung up!"  When Clay talked to her on the phone the lady said she hung up because her husband came home.  And that her husband didn't like Clay.  I think Clay wanted to talk to him but the lady said he was in the shower!!  :laugh:  Clay said she missed him singing UM (I think) and he really "sang it."
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Re: DALLAS/GRAND PRAIRIE, TX-VERIZON GP- 03/08/2011
« Reply #143 on: March 09, 2011, 01:15:33 PM »
Prissy and JoAnn - glad that you both had such great seats! I enjoyed your recaps.  JoAnn's photo are wonderful. Glad, too, that Grand Prairie gave Clay a good welcome.

Tiffany

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Re: DALLAS/GRAND PRAIRIE, TX-VERIZON GP- 03/08/2011
« Reply #144 on: March 09, 2011, 03:14:23 PM »
Prissy and JoAnn-Sounded like a wonderful and fun night. Thanks for your recaps. I love how you remember so much detail Prissy. How awesome you got front row. Gorgeous pics you took JoAnn. You going to be a pro at this now. ;) Can't wait to see all your pics. Your Meet and Greet sounded great too. Thanks for telling him that we all love him. How sweet Jerome told Clay to write that for Jennie. Hope your pics turn out as good as the Houston ones.

I really want to see the Whose Sorry Now videos and all the banter he did. I watched the opening banter and just watched In My Life and UM on Facebook. He sounded so funny and on last night. Really going to miss this tour. You gals were very lucky to see him and meet him twice. ;D We all will have some great memories. 
« Last Edit: March 09, 2011, 03:21:06 PM by Tiffany »

Prissy

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Re: DALLAS/GRAND PRAIRIE, TX-VERIZON GP- 03/08/2011
« Reply #145 on: March 09, 2011, 08:43:18 PM »
I'm going to combine my posts about Grand Prairie into one and add my pictures!

Good Evening!

I just got home a little while ago!  Absolutely fabulous concert and I had a great seat!  Four rows back and almost center!  Clay was really "on" tonight!  Very funny, good singing voice and he looked like a million! 

The M&G went really fast.  Jerome had rules for us to follow:  stand in line;  put your purse on a chair;  hand Jerome what is to be signed;  then stand by Clay and have your picture taken.  I did manage to say to Clay, "I'm your holiday gal!  Fourth of July, Valentine's Day and now Mardi Gras."  I leaned in to him and the picture was taken.  I did say, as I walked away, "Clay, we all love you."  And he said, "Thank you, I appreciate that!"

After the M&G, we came back to JoAnn's car and had our Tailgate food! Sandy from Grand Prairie joined us for a bite. Then, we went back into the venue for the concert.  Something else great about these concerts is the people you see that you haven't seen for a while and the new people.  There was a young lady there and this was her first Clay concert.  I think she is now a total fan!  Too bad more people didn't know about this concert.  How can you not enjoy Clay:  Triple treat star!  Good looking, talented singer, and absolutely hilarious!

The concert was wonderful and I think I enjoyed it more than Houston!  The M&G was better in Houston, but the concert seemed better in Grand Prairie!  I think Clay seemed more relaxed and happier.  He even mentioned that the crazy fans that had been to 15 concerts have helped to pay for his son's college education.

After the concert, we stood at the fence where the bus was parked, but it was getting colder so we thought it best if we go on.  We heard later that Clay did come out but two hours after the concert!

Wonderful evening!


I have to mention this while I'm thinking about it.

I was sitting next to a lady named Chris!  I'm sure we had met before.  Anyway, she said, we should stand up and "dance" when Clay sings "Buttercup," the almost only upbeat song in the concert.  So when he started "Buttercup," Chris and I were the only ones standing and moving around and clapping.  Then others started to stand to the left of us!!  Because we were so close to the front, I don't know if others stood up and danced behind us or not, but at least we were not alone!! ;D

EDIT:  I just read KKepingfaith's recap.  She said that by the time the song was over 75% of the audience was on their feet dancing!!!  That makes me feel better!  Chris and I felt awfully alone at the beginning of "Buttercup!" ;D

Thank you, Marilyn, for Scarlett's links to the GP concert last night.  Takes me right back to the concert!!  I wonder if it was Scarlet that Clay talked to about her making a video and she said she had already uploaded it.  Then, later Clay said the drummer was watching what had been uploaded and the concert wasn't even finished!!

Clay said they had given up on trying to keep people from taking pictures or making videos or letting people listen to the concerts on cellphones.  He said they could listen and watch for free!  Didn't need to come to the concerts.  Now, they don't even try to limit the cameras and cell phones. 

It was hilarious when he took a cellphone from someone who had been letting a friend listen and then the friend hung up.  Clay said, "Get her back on the phone.  I want to know why she hung up!"  When Clay talked to her on the phone the lady said she hung up because her husband came home.  And that her husband didn't like Clay.  I think Clay wanted to talk to him but the lady said he was in the shower!!  :laugh:  Clay said she missed him singing UM (I think) and he really "sang it."


Great recap here by Emerald Eyes.  She ended up using a M&G that would have been jclay's husband.  I know Jclay and her husband well from a church in Arlington.  At one point, Clay mentioned how many men were in the first few rows and talked to jclay's hubby!! He told Clay it was their 30th Anniversary. They were on the row JoAnn and Jennie were on, but sitting on the aisle and closer to the center.  (Jclay is the friend I ran into in the lobby of The Lancaster Hotel in Houston and she told Skip and me about the Valentine Special at the hotel!)

This concert felt like a whole different concert from Houston.  His banter and funny bits were mostly new!  I realized what was always missing from the more serious Christmas concerts;  Clay's funny chit chat!  That's part of his charm!!

He seemed really happy and we were a very receptive audience giving him several standing ovations! And it really makes a difference to be so close to him and near the center of the auditorium.  I've always wanted in the center section, 103, of Verizon Theater and finally made it!

Besides Clay's concerts, I have seen the Rockettes, filming of the game show WHEEL OF FORTUNE, and the American Idol tour with Taylor Hicks, Katherine McPhee, and Kellie PIckler at the Verizon Theater.  Huge theater, but somehow Clay's concert felt more intimate from my very good seat!

JoAnn wanted to get there early so we could get a good handicapped parking place!!
   

I did not take that many Clay pictures (concentrating more on the concert) but I did get several really good ones!

Here is Clay sitting almost directly in my line of vision near the right side of the stage on his stool!  He did have his signature "rooster comb" in the front of his hair!!  :laugh:
   

Clay with the blue/white background:
      

Clay and his red/white background!
   

Non-singing Clay!!
      

Just more Clay!
      
« Last Edit: March 18, 2011, 10:04:32 AM by Prissy »
To whom much has been given, much is required.  
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I am not afraid of tomorrow, for I have seen yesterday and I love today.   
Be selective in your battles;  sometimes peace is better than being right.

Marilyn

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Re: DALLAS/GRAND PRAIRIE, TX-VERIZON GP- 03/08/2011
« Reply #146 on: March 09, 2011, 08:43:26 PM »
jclay

Now that I've had a little (emphasis on little) sleep I thought I'd write a proper recap.

Concert day morning, I contact EE, M&G/M virgin to see if she would like to take my +1 PBS M&M since my DH had to stay with the contractors didn't want the upclose, personal hug from Clay - yeah strange. Her friend agreed to hang out for more than an hour while EE got to experience her first hug from Clay.

Met up with hosaa , EE and three lurkers/non-board friends for lunch, then headed to my house for a quick tour of the almost-finished-but-still-a-complete-mess house. Sat around on the patio where we could actually find 4 chairs and talked for a while and then headed to the hotel to sit around the atrium for a while (  Perma and Clayishope ) and chatted some more while others got ready. We had to be at our M&G/M's by 5:15 so we headed off to the venue at 4:30 for our 15 minute drive. Heck, we didn't want to be late!

While we were standing around we saw Ben come out of the venue and run to 2 kids to give them a big hug. Turns out he had a lot of family there. After the concert while Jerome was trying to round up his family to come backstage I heard one lady tell Jerome that she was Sean's sister and Jerome told her she was taller than Sean.

At 5:45 (yeah we sat outside in the wind for 1/2 hour) we headed into the venue where everyone shot to the bathroom to primp. Finally headed downstairs where we got all lined up - twice. Once the venue's way and then we had to reshuffle a little for Jerome's way. Jerome's in charge.  Got my picture taken and my ticket signed and have no friggin' idea whether I leaned in or not. But I'm pretty sure he was there.  I don't know why he does that to me, but he does - still.

Out of the venue and back out into the wind. They finally let us in the venue and some of us ran to concessions to get some food.

DH got there around 7:00 and we headed down to our seats which were in row B in section 102 (103 is center). I had my 2 OFC tickets with me that were in row P - so I gave those away to 2 happy women that were sitting farther back. The usher showed us to our seats in the friggin' first row. Fine, fine seats on the side that Clay stays on a lot. Heaven.

Show starts and once again I have to say that although I cherish clack and worship all the clackgatherers, no way does clack do this concert justice. There is something about this concert that goes straight to my gut, my stomach, my heart.

I had told my DH that since we were close to the front (didn't know we'd be front row) that he might be part of the schtick. Sure enough after Clay talked to the couple where the hubby had been to 20 concerts Clay came to our side of the stage and looked directly at us!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Asked my DH some stuff that I truly don't remember, but do remember that sweet hubby said we'd been married 30 years and Clay says how do you stay together for 30 years and hubby says something like go to the concert when asked. Hee! And Clay repeated it. Since Scarlett was sitting close by I asked her after the concert if she could upload that for us. Can't wait to see what he really said.

I shook for the rest of the concert. Really.

The singing was magnificent even if there were a few scratches.
The comedy was hilarious.

I swooned, I laughed, I shook.

Fabulous.

I then took Perma and her friend back to the hotel and headed home since the crew was going to a restaurant and I'm going to work this morning.

This has been my big ass recap to supplement my EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE recap from last night.
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Re: DALLAS/GRAND PRAIRIE, TX-VERIZON GP- 03/08/2011
« Reply #147 on: March 09, 2011, 08:58:27 PM »
QUOTE (jadegold99 @ Mar 9 2011, 10:57 AM)
QUOTE (moonhead @ Mar 9 2011, 10:31 AM)
from Invisible926 at CC:


Quote
Quote
Last night, right before he sang "In My Life" he said he hoped he see us again "very soon."

Whatever that means.

Sounds good to me!



So, and this is important, did he stress very, or just casually say very. And if he stressed "very" was there a kind of "can't tell you now, but you'll love it" look in his gorgeous eyes?


This was topcat's take on it, also from CC:

QUOTE
Quote
You had to be there. It's the way he said it and his body language that made Invisible and I look at each other and go hmmmmmm. He said, we hope to see you (poignant pause) very soon, as if he caught himself but it was too late. I hope the ink is now dry! That's my story and I'm stickin' to it.
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Re: DALLAS/GRAND PRAIRIE, TX-VERIZON GP- 03/08/2011
« Reply #148 on: March 09, 2011, 09:24:25 PM »
KKEPINGFAITH

I realize I was in the Aiken Fog, but that's not what I heard. I didn't hear anything about "soon" or "very" unless I've lost my mind completely. At the very end of the show he said he looks forward to seeing us "in the near future." I eeeeeeeeeeeee'd on that one.

Of all the Clay experiences, last night was my favorite. He was beautiful, funny, more ON than I've ever seen him, completely engaged and funny. Quiana broke him up a few time. Del had him hiding his face. He was full of WTF's and WTH's, with lots of "CRAPS" and other terms familiar to my tongue.

Someone PLEASE get Buttercup loaded up. It was wonderful. First a few people were dancing, then a few more, and by the end of the song when I turned around it looked like 75% of the audience was on their feet moving and grooving. Clay loved it. He told everyone to "settle down" but he loved it, and so did we.

He had to notice that the upbeat songs had people going crazy last night. And, for the record, it was quite a larger crowd than I had expected. The audience was loud and proud. Clay said the South was polite, and North was throwing things at him, and in Texas everybody acted like they were at the rodeo.

Misty was unbelievable. It was perfect. That's going to be one of my first downloads. He didn't sing it in Houston, and it made me swoon hard in Grand Prairie. He was so funny and charming and personable. He had a few strains in his voice at the beginning of the show, but then he hit his stride and was out of this world, as only he can be.

Of course, one of the highlights was my friend merrieeee's big moment. She was so distraught at not being able to attend. Solo was cellcerting her and I was receiving her text messages. Solo told me that merrieeee had hung up later in the show, and I then got a text from merrieeee that she had to hang up because her husband and daughter had come home and she had to fix them something to eat. When Clay did the cellcerter comedy bit after UM, he asked Solo who was on her phone, and she said, "She hung up." Clay said something like, "She's listening to the concert for free and she hung up?? Why did she hang up?" I told him, "Her husband came home." He repeated, "Her HUSBAND came home!" and instructed Solo: "Call her back. Get her on the phone." It was too funny. In part of that conversation with merrieeee, he told her she had hung up too soon because ... "I SANG Unchained Melody tonight." And he sure as hell did. It was great. The whole night was supercharged.

I loved visiting with my Texas and California friends and hated to see the night end at .... was it 1:00 a.m? I just know Permaswooned got fabulous pictures, and I see that Invisible was working her magic as well. There should be loads of clack, because Clay was counting the videographers at one point.

It was very noticeable upon arriving at the venue and walking to the box office, just how many men were there. I'm not talking about men with their wives, but groups of guys. I saw one group of 5 guys in their 20-30's, and then three other guys walking in together who looked like they could have been going to a ballgame. I saw even more when the I surveyed the crowd before the band started. There were some gorgeous young women in attendance as well, and two of them belonged to GlamorDoll (previously known as Desertrose). She was renamed by a cute young couple from Austin we met at a restaurant nearby while enjoying some Perfect Margaritas after the show. And GlamorDoll's daughters made me an official member of the family. It was a lovely, fun and memorable night.

Lastly, I had the best seat of my life. It was unreal. I've been so fortunate this past year. Maybe I had to have that stroke last summer to alter my karma in order to have these wonderful close encounters of the Aiken kind, and if that's true, I'd make that bargain again. It's been THAT good.

Oh, one more thing, Clay should lose the self-deprecating comments about how "fat" he is. Not when he looks this hot. He compared himself to a picture hanging in the Verizon Theater of him and Kelly during the Independent Tour, and said he's so "fat" now. No, Clay, you were so skinny then. I prefer you just the way you are right now.

Just remembering something else I was told from the M&G, he said he's tired of people commenting about his hair. He added something snarky about the next person who mentioned his hair would get kicked out -- not the exact words, but something on that order.

merrieeee, are you breathing yet?
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Re: DALLAS/GRAND PRAIRIE, TX-VERIZON GP- 03/08/2011
« Reply #149 on: March 09, 2011, 09:31:18 PM »
sugrbugr

I’m sorry it has taken me a little time to be able to sit and jot down my impressions from my OFC Meet & Greet. These are definitely just “impressions” because I know I am missing many details and probably have several things out of order in my memory.

OFC Meet & Greet - Grand Prairie

Other than a stage door Spamalot photo, I’ve never “met” Clay or had any kind of interaction with his team. I was a little nervous. Things didn’t start out well for me when we were lining up outside the room and the first thing said to me by Jerome was “Oh, another Christmas ornament”. Oh dear, my first M&G and I’ve apparently brought something annoying!

As we were brought into the room, I was somewhat surprised at how controlled and methodical everything was. We were told specifically where to sit and instructed on how to label our item to have signed. It seemed all business, and I was a little intimidated. I think I was expecting a mini party, of sorts, but it felt more like a job interview or a doctor’s appointment. “Clay Aiken will see you now.”

It was kinda surreal when he walked into the room in his jeans and UCONN sweatshirt. The first thing he did was inspect the sheet to make sure we were all in the proper order. We sorta laughed at him a little bit because we already knew we were in our proper places, and he was all “What are you laughing at?” He went down the line and shook hands with everyone. I think I was expecting “Hi, how are ya? What’s your name? Where are you from?” but it was just a quick hand shake and say your name. I think I did alright on that part.

Clay sat down on a bar stool facing our semicircle of chairs. Jerome would bring our item to Clay to sign while we could ask questions. I was still feeling intimidated and shy, so I wasn’t bold enough to call out any of my planned questions. Then someone asked him if he was going to wear his hair like that tonight, and his lightning quick comeback was “You know, anyone who talks about my hair gets kicked out”, to which someone said “But it looks good!” He said that it didn’t matter if you said bad things or good things; you’d get kicked out regardless. Then he said that he was tired of people talking about his hair. I mumbled under my breath “me, too”. I didn’t think that he would have picked up my comment, but he looked at me and said “What did you say?” So I had to sheepishly admit that I didn’t really like talking about his hair either. My mind is foggy, but I think he said, “I like you. You’ll get two pictures!”

I had brought the Christmas ornament from the JNT 04 to be signed. I don’t have Clay things decorating my home, but this ornament on my tree every year is the exception. I had taken the ornament out of its box to be handed to Clay to sign. When Jerome came to take my item, I tried to hand him the box in my right hand instead of the ornament that was in my left! Then I had to giggle like the airhead I obviously was! Hopefully, Clay did not notice any of this.

There were other ladies in the M&G who asked specific and straight questions about his plans to tour and his plans to do Broadway. When I cut through the teasing snark in his answers, here is the gist of what he said. When he was asked point blank about touring, he was straightforward and clear that he would not tour again anytime soon. When he was asked point blank about Broadway, he said that there were a couple of things they were considering. IMO, since he was clearly not sugarcoating his answer about touring, I have no reason to believe that his Broadway answer was any kind of sugarcoated wishful thinking. So I came away feeling that the Broadway opportunities he mentioned are realistic possibilities he feels good about. This is simply my impression.

After he signed all the items, the pictures started. It was so funny because he was like a drill Sergeant in directing us to be ready to go, one right after another, when it was our turn. No sooner was he finished giving his big speech about being quick; the second lady to have her picture made was elderly and unsteady enough to need some assistance to make it up to Clay. So he had to immediately back track on his earlier demands for efficiency, as he met her halfway. When it was my turn shortly thereafter, I pumped my arms a little to show him how appropriately I was following his orders, which he acknowledged with a little smile. The only conscious feeling I had while taking the picture was the feel of sweatshirt under my left hand and being aware that I needed to smile. Mary must not have heard Clay offer me two pictures earlier, because she only took one. Hope it’s good.

Altogether, my M&G was lovely. I appreciate all the other women who were there and able to coherently ask questions, and actually remember the details of his answers. Maybe next time I won't feel like a silly schoolgirl.
ALWAYS AND FOREVER-UNCONDITIONALLY!!!

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