|
1/07/05
'Harrisburg
Idol' wannabes can let 'er rip on Saturday
Thursday, January 06, 2005 by Barry Fox - The Patriot-News
The celebrities created by "American Idol" have had their troubles:
The show's 2003 winner, Ruben Studdard, was admitted to a hospital in
Birmingham, Ala., in November, suffering from exhaustion.
Apparently his touring schedule, promoting his second album ("I Need an
Angel") and filming a holiday special, "Kelly, Ruben & Fantasia: Home
for Christmas," which aired on Fox, got to be too much.
Just last month the seemingly always friendly Clay Aiken turned rather
unfriendly with a group of New Jersey high school students.
The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that the Clearview Regional High
School vocal ensemble was supposed to sing with Aiken at a sold-out
concert, but at the last minute he reneged on a promised visit with the
teens, autographs and a performance fee.
The newspaper said that a student who photographed the singer during
rehearsal was attacked by a security guard on Aiken's order.
Aiken allegedly also made a big show of handing over a promised $500
performance fee to the vocal ensemble, but the envelope was empty.
The trio of "American Idol" winners -- Kelly Clarkson, Studdard and
Fantasia Barrino -- all released new albums in time for the holidays,
receiving less than stellar reviews:
"Clarkson's second CD, 'Breakaway,' falls flat with its angry punk-pop
tunes, which lack the 'tude of her contemporaries."
"...while 'Angel' is a cohesive album, Studdard's vocals lack intensity
and his performance is, overall, unmemorable."
"Barrino's often screechy vocals and lyrical quirks make her debut
difficult to take in one full sitting. ..."
Then there is the ultimate "American Idol" creation, the tone-impaired
William Hung. He has parlayed his painfully bad rendition of Ricky
Martin's "She Bangs" on "American Idol" into a impressively long-running
side show.
Check out www.williamhung.net to see where he'll be appearing next or
download a phone greeting from the man.
|
1/07/05
Pop 'idol' shouldn't forsake students, free speech
Published in the Asbury Park Press 1/07/05
By MARTIN L. HAINES
Clay Aiken, a runner-up on the "American Idol"
TV show, author of a best-selling book and a musical
impresario, is revered in our current culture as a model
of success. The reverence is misplaced.
Sometimes performers like Aiken, while making it big
in terms of fame and fortune, reveal themselves as
thoughtless, graceless and arrogant. Blinded by an
inflated view of their importance, they ignore their
obligation to others, especially to the young. Not to
mention respect for free speech.
So it was when Aiken joined the Vocal Ensemble of
Clearview Regional High School in Mullica Hill in
Gloucester County for a performance.
His security men prevented two students from taking
photos and threatened to have them removed from the
auditorium. Aiken added his own response by refusing
promised face time, photos and autographs. His road crew
refused to turn off or down their music, preventing
student rehearsals. His people didn't get around to
feeding the students, as promised, until 7 p.m. The
food: chicken nuggets.
Aiken argued with a teacher who criticized his
treatment of the students and had her removed from the
performance area. She was a New Jersey Teacher of the
Year. A promised donation to the ensemble was much
heralded but never materialized. At the end, the final
insult: Aiken threatened to make trouble for the school
district if anyone criticized him to reporters.
I don't know Aiken, have never seen him on TV, have
never heard his music and have not read his book. My
information is based on what I read in the newspaper and
Internet about the happenings at Clearview.
While those facts paint an ugly picture of Aiken,
certain happenings at Clearview stand out as
particularly troublesome.
Aiken's threat to make trouble for the school if
anyone spoke to the press about his behavior was an
outrageous abuse of the right of free speech.
Aiken is a public figure especially vulnerable to
criticism. He chose his role; he is obliged to live with
it. His juvenile attempts to muzzle the students and
teachers he so roundly abused -- especially the teacher
who had the courage to speak up -- invite only contempt.
Unfortunately, not many heroes have emerged from the
incident. Fear arising from Aiken's threat to cause
trouble to the school district kept mouths closed.
Self-interest played a role. One parent said she didn't
want her son to say anything negative about the
entertainment industry because he wanted a future in
show business.
The school superintendent was more interested in
placating a misbehaving entertainer than teaching
students their constitutional rights. He punished the
teacher, the only person in the school system who
exercised those rights, by suspending her for a week
with pay. What message did he send to the students?
The school principal, instead of condemning Aiken's
behavior and championing the right of students and
teachers to criticize that behavior, said that the
students had their eyes opened, that they got a new
taste of show business -- a side-stepping statement
entirely lacking in courage and integrity.
Aiken was not without misguided supporters. Fame and
fortune far outweighed courtesy, thoughtfulness and
grace in the opinion of many of his fans.
Assuming that Aiken is a gifted entertainer, how
should one who recognizes that gift deal with a serious
behavioral flaw? The flaw outweighs the gift. If it
doesn't, the right to criticize that flaw far outweighs
the gift. Speaking out is not only a right, it is an
obligation of every citizen, including, especially,
students and teachers.
Martin L. Haines, of Moorestown, is a retired
Superior Court judge and a former State Bar Association
president. |
|
|
12/31/04
from the ClayBoard
A upbeat message from Sewell
A upbeat message from Sewell
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To the Editor:
I am writing in the interest of fairness.
I have read several articles and letters in
The Philadelphia Inquirer and the
Gloucester County Times concerning the
recent performance of Clay Aiken at the
Commerce Center for the Performing Arts
in Washington Township.
Students and teachers from Clear view Regional High school have
complained about broken promises and unfair treatment
I cannot dispute their claims. I can only share the experience of my
daughter,
Madeline Brewer.
Maddie,who is 12, is a member of the
Gloucester County Children’s Choir,
which was invited to support Aiken’s per-
formance on Dec.2, the same night the
Clearview students performed.
My daughter had to leave school early,
and like the Clearview students,she
spent the afternoon and early evening
rehearsing. Her group was also given a free
McDonald’s meal, which seems to me
a fairly inexpensive way to feed a large
group.
Maddie didn’t complain about the meal
or anything else. Instead, she came home
that night all excited. She said that she had a
wonderful time and that Clay Aiken was “really
nice”. He came around and shook our hands and
talked to us and gave us autographs. It was really cool.”
the chance to perform on stage with a “star” was thrilling to her.
After the performance, Aiken joined the kids for a
question and answer session. Each child was allowed
to ask one question, and Aiken answered it. Maddie told me she couldn’t
think of a question. “so I just told him I really liked his hair”.
This was a great experience for my
Daughter, and she was grateful and happy for the opportunity. I don’t
know why her experience was so different from that of the Clearview
students, but it was.
Just thought you might like to hear
another perspective.
Mark R Brewer
Pitman
12/30/04/letters to the Editor Gloucester County Times
This article was found by ANA MEDINA of the Clayboard, thanks ANA,
finally!!!!!
|
12/29/04
STUDENTS BACK TEACHER SUSPENDED FOR CRITICIZING CLAY AIKEN
|
12/17/04 True Stories Of N J Fiasco Emerging, These put
things in a different light.
I copied this from RHT, who copied it from CB, who copied
it from People's Republic of Clay.
|
I got this from the CB:
Here is a post from SnarkinUSA, a member of the EZ
Board People's Republic of Clay. She has a friend
whose son sang in the choir in Sewell with Clay.
SnarkinUSA is very honest, and if her friend thought
Clay was in the wrong, Snarkin would have posted it.
I edited out some of their own board-speak for
clarity:
|
QUOTE |
I just heard back from my friend whose son sang
with [Clay] at the infamous Sewell show.
She told me her son said that Clay was fine with
the kids - it was the adults who were with them
that he seemed to have a problem with. However,
since she wasn't there herself (backstage or
whatever), she can't say for sure what exactly
happened with the adults.
She said the only problem with the Happy Meals
was that the kids had practiced for Clay's show
in the morning, then they had to go do a
lunchtime show at another school, then come back
and practice again with Clay. They hadn't had
anything to eat since breakfast, and then all
they got was 1 Happy Meal each, so they were
kinda pissy. (My friend said she did understand
why the kids were bummed about that, because
they're teenagers who hadn't eaten since
breakfast!) But I highly doubt Clay himself
picked out the menu and/or purposefully withheld
food from[the kids]!
Anyway, other than that, she said she wasn't
aware of any problems with the kids, and she
said her son had a great time! He said Clay
seemed "real". I quote: "Just a real guy who has
had the opportunity to do what he loves and get
paid."
|
and here's another:
|
QUOTE |
Here's another "recap"
Quote:
First, there are numerous reports all over the
internet by children, teens, parents and
teachers who worked with Aiken during his
concert tour. All positive. The kids were
thrilled, the parents proud, the teachers
impressed. Not a bad word about Aiken, his
staff, crew or venue management. At every show,
Aiken is encouraging to the kids during
rehearsal and takes time with them after each
show for one-on-ones, photos and autographs.
There are numerous pictures floating around from
each show with beaming kids surrounding a
smiling Aiken.
Reports on this particular show start out the
same. Especially from the elementary school. But
then comes the high schoolers. There are
teachers in this story - the choir director
(male), the so-called Teacher Of The Year
(female) who had no real business being there
except to star-gaze, and the Suspended Teacher
(who wasn't there at all, but felt the need to
bash Aiken on the gossip site). What I'm
reporting comes from a select few who claimed to
be there, either as parents or staff of the
venue. Take it as you will:
The true "Diva" in this tale was the Teacher Of
The Year. She is not a music or drama teacher or
choir director and really served no function at
the rehearsal. She was there because some of her
students who happened to be in the choir were
singing with a famous pop star. She was loud and
bossy all day. She berated the crew who were
setting up the stage, lights, etc. for
interferring with the rehearsal. They were
trying to do their job and the kids were trying
to do theirs. The choir director was a nice guy
who didn't cross her, but was obviously
embarrassed by her controlling behaviour. She
came in with an attitude of "this is our show"
and proceeded to try to run it.
All the parents & teachers were given free
tickets in the VIP section. The TOTY demanded
more tickets and was angry when she was told
they weren't available.
Everyone was told from the beginning that Aiken
would be in later to rehearse with them, but
that to expect it to be Work Time and not
Shmooze With The Star Time. There would be
plenty of time after the show to hang out with
Aiken and get photos and autographs. It is a
known fact among his fans that he spends 1-2
hours after each show with the kids from both
the elementary and high schools. Both the kids
and the TOTY complained about this arrangement.
There was some kind of a mix-up with the
catering for the kids. Some say the venue was
supposed to provide it as they do for all
artists. Aiken's staff ended up bringing them
McDonald's food which makes sense since
McDonald's is sponsoring the tour. But it was
later than they were expecting and everyone
complained. As someone whose wife has worked in
theatre for years, I can tell you this is not at
all unusual for perfomers to be fed late. But
these were amatuers, so they took it personally.
The students were told by security that No
Photographs would be allowed until after the
show. Aiken's fans can attest to how strictly
this rule is being enforced during the shows. It
hasn't really been issue in his other tours, but
this time union musicians (the orchestras) are
involved and for some reason, photos of them are
not allowed. Now comes the messy part.
When Aiken entered the venue late that
afternoon, he was immediately set upon by
several kids snapping photographs of him.
Normally, this is not so much of an issue for
Aiken, but he has been having some real problems
with his eyes lately and flash photography has
even been banned at his shows. Plus the teens
were specifically told not to do this. Aiken's
security reprimanded them. They continued to
flash pictures at him as he walked through the
venue to his dressing room. Aiken did not have
to "sic" his security on the teens and he
wouldn't have anyway, since he's never been
known to do this to anyone at any time. His
security know their job. His top bodyguard,
Jerome, is well-known as being a no-nonsense guy
when at work. Jerome confiscated the teens'
cameras, not an unusual act for him.
This set off the TOTY. She started yelling at
Jerome and the other security personnel about
not just the camera fiasco, but also about
everything else that was not to her liking all
day. But that wasn't enough for her. She then
started following Aiken down to his dressing
room, screaming at him all the way. He turned
around and told her off because well, Aiken is
no wimp, as much as others try to make him out
to be. And who can blame him? He'd just walked
into the place, had no control over anything
that had gone on before and now he's being
verbally assaulted by someone he's never even
met. This is when security escorted her out of
the venue. Not at Aiken's bidding. Because it's
their job.
The check presentation was nothing but a photo
op. The school got their donation later - which
was just that, btw, a donation. No pay had ever
been contracted.
As far as Aiken berating any of the students, no
one seems to know where that allegation came
from. Some of the kids who'd had their cameras
confiscated could have thought some of his words
to the TOTY were meant for them. Perhaps
something he said sarcastically during rehearsal
was taken seriously. Nobody seems to know. But
no one heard him dress down any of the kids,
ever. And no one heard him threaten anyone,
either. In fact, he took time to talk to the
teens about their Carnegie Hall performance and
asked them many questions about their other
experiences. It seemed to observers that he was
trying to be especially kind to them because of
what had happened with the teacher.
After the show, Aiken met with the elementary
school kids as he always does. But because the
teens were upset about their teacher and still
complaining and because some of them had broken
the rules, Jerome decided that Aiken should not
meet with the high schoolers. In circumstances
like this, it is totally Jerome's call and Aiken
usually goes along with what he thinks is best.
It was unfortunate that some of the kids who did
not misbehave were punished for the actions of
some of their peers and of their teacher, but
that's life. From this perspective, Aiken had
pretty much nothing to do with any of the
complaints, except that he made the mistake of
engaging in an argument with someone when he
felt attacked. He would have been wiser to keep
walking and ignore her, but the damage is done.
I'm not saying that all of the above is
word-for-word fact, just that this is the other
side of the story as reported by observers.
The teacher who wrote to the gossip site is a
close friend of the TOTY and was not there. Who
knows if she was urged to send the email or if
the TOTY was embarrassed by it? Whatever the
motivation, it was extremely unprofessional for
a high school teacher to involve her school in
such a scandal by writing a vulgar email to an
internet gossip site. I certainly wouldn't want
someone with this kind of judgement influencing
my kids. It's obvious she was suspended for
taking the matter into her own hands and for her
vulgarity in the email itself.
It's interesting to note that Aiken has at least
20 or more shows lined up on this tour and this
is the only instance in which he has been
accused in this manner. All of the other schools
so far have been very happy with their
experiences, if you read what they've been
posting for weeks. It sounds to me like a case
of one or two teachers and maybe a few students
being just a little too impressed with
themselves and forgetting that they were invited
guests rather than the main attraction. And in
the case of TOTY and her Suspended friend, they
weren't even invited! |
|
|
12/16/04
N.J. teacher criticizes Aiken's behavior
With VIDEO
12/16/2004 9:01 AM
By: News 14 Carolina
PHILADELPHIA -- A New Jersey high school teacher has been suspended for
a week after complaining publicly about Clay Aiken's behavior during a
visit to her school.
The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that the teacher sent out an e-mail
complaining of Aiken's behavior to a Web site after her school's vocal
ensemble sang with the American Idol finalist at a concert earlier this
month.
In her e-mail, the teacher claimed Aiken broke a promise to sign
autographs, sent security guards after students who took photos and
stiffed the vocal group on a $500 donation.
Aiken refused to be interviewed by the paper.
|
12/15/04 CNN/SI
Clay Aiken went big-time ... and now he's our Idiot of the Week
Another tough one for Idiot of the Week. The Kobe-Karl Malone
feud calls out for a winner, but it's very he said/she said, so it's
hard to know who's telling the truth. What's indisputable is that Malone
was at the game in a cowboy hat and boots --whether or not he said he
was hunting "a little Mexican girl" (Kobe's wife is half-Mexican) is
apparently debatable. I'm not going to convict a man on hearsay --
though I do find it ironic that Kobe now gets to play the role of the
aggrieved husband.
Mike Tyson was another possibility, for his car-jumping antics.
(Good line from Conan last night: something to the effect of
Tyson attacking a car and then, not surprising, the car knocked out
Tyson in two rounds.) But Tyson's got it rough these days, kind of
boxing's answer to Bernard Kerik, whose life gets more
circus-like by the day. (God bless you, New York tabloids!)
So here's the winner: Clay Aiken. In a nutshell, he big-timed
some junior high kids and got a teacher suspended because she had the
gall to e-mail gawker.com and tell them how abhorrent Aiken was. Clay,
you're an idiot.
12/15/04 WCNC Carolinas News Channel
Have You Heard? Teacher suspended over Aiken e-mail
A New Jersey high school teacher was suspended for a week after speaking
out about the behavior of boy-next-door Clay Aiken during a recent
appearance in Washington Township.
English teacher Susan Barry sent an e-mail to www.gawker.com about
Aiken's behavior Thursday when Clearview Regional High's Vocal Ensemble
was to sing with Aiken at a concert.
He reneged on a promise to sign autographs, sent security guards after
students who took photos, stiffed the vocal group on a $500 donation and
berated one teacher (who happened to be the New Jersey Teacher of the
Year) after she stood up to him, according to Barry's e-mail. -- KNIGHT
RIDDER
12/15/04 The Charlotte Observer repeats the Monica Yant
Kinney, Philadelphia Inquirer story
Hey, Idol: Quit bullying kids
|
12/15/04
Teacher suspended over Aiken e-mail Posted on Wed, Dec. 15, 2004
Holiday stress got Clay in a foul mood?
KNIGHT RIDDER NEWSPAPERS
A New Jersey high school teacher was suspended for a week after speaking
out about the behavior of boy-next-door Clay Aiken during a recent
appearance in Washington Township.
English teacher Susan Barry sent an e-mail to www.gawker.com about
Aiken's behavior Thursday when Clearview Regional High's Vocal Ensemble
was to sing with Aiken at a concert.
He reneged on a promise to sign autographs, sent security guards after
students who took photos, stiffed the vocal group on a $500 donation and
berated one teacher (who happened to be the New Jersey Teacher of the
Year) after she stood up to him, according to Barry's e-mail. -- KNIGHT
RIDDER
|
12/13/04 mcall.com
AIKEN: SWEET OR SOUR?
AIKEN: SWEET OR SOUR?
Sweetheart 'American Idol' star Clay Aiken is being harshly criticized
for his reported poor behavior toward children from a New Jersey school
vocal ensemble who he invited to perform with him in a concert in
Washington Township.
An unnamed teacher of Clearview Regional High's Vocal Ensemble wrote to
gawker.com that the group's rehearsal was a lesson in bad manners. She
says Aiken refused promised autographs after students purchased his CDs.
She claims he berated students. She claims he didn't feed them at
dinnertime, so they purchased pizza, after which Aiken provided Happy
Meals.
Ultimately, she claims he had New Jersey's 2003 Teacher of the Year,
also unnamed, escorted from the rehearsal after she complained.
Needless to say, Aiken fans have responded with a rash of hate mails to
gawker.com.
len.righi@mcall.com
610-820-6626
|
12/12/04 emails sent to
the ClayReport
Fri, 10 Dec 2004
RE: Rumor Mill
Hi there,
Lord, what distressing stuff!
I think the best thing to do is let it go and let it die down.
One suggestion, though; rather than putting this up on the main page as
you
did yesterday - perhaps put it in the 'Rumor Mill' to begin with, along
with
your disclaimer that you don't think it's true.
I know that lots of people, myself included, check the Clayreport first
thing in the morning to see the Clay news and I'd imagine you get lots
of
new folks, too, besides regulars. The 'newbies' would be less inclined
to
check the rumor mill, but since any stories are there you are still
presenting the news, good or bad.
The Clayreport regulars would automatically check the rumor mill anyway
-
and in any event, everyone can draw their own conclusions.
I'm suggesting this ONLY for these types of ugly things - not the
negative
press he sometimes receives for his concerts or shows, etc.
I really think the real Clay fans will just disregard this - and the
real
Clay haters will find any reason to naysay him.
Clay will survive. He has so far. We just have to hang tight and hang in
there with him.
Bless you for doing such a great job!
Best regards and happy Clay days to you,
A Clay fan in Arkansas
10 Dec 2004
NJ Rumor
After thinking about this NJ rumor
situation I believe that the Clayboard
has the right idea in banning
discussions because that just gives the story
more publicity. I will trust that RCA
and The Firm will handle this. I just
feel sorry for Clay. With all the
good that he does, he does not deserve
this and this is exactly what could
make up his mind to go back to his
private, non-public world and we
would lose a phenomenol singer and person
as a result. I wish Clay well on
this. He has my support all the way as well
as the support of all his true fans.
Reader
Fri, 10 Dec 2004
JUST LET IT DIE
You asked what we should do. Well I think we should let it die.
Yesterday was a bad day for Clay Nation but today is all positive
and yesterdays new is buried in the past. By putting this where you
have it stays front and center. A big mistake if you truly love
Clay.
These articles are all
alleged and suppositions by an anomymous agitated individual
who appears for some reason have issues with Clay. As Clay
fans we are in a postion to know that these accusations cannot
possibly be true. Clay is not likely to ever address this as it
will just keep it in the news. What hurts about this is we know
that Clay is the ultimate child advocate. Just let it die.
Reader
Sat, 11 Dec 2004
My opinion....
I am very disappointed that you chose to have any information at all
on the Clay Report about the NJ hoax. I prefer the Clayboard's
approach. The more you stir something, the more it stinks.
"Spreading it" is exactly what these people wanted.
Reader in Raleigh, NC12/27/04 12/27/04
ClayReport response:
It is never pleasant to put up disturbing stories about Clay. Obviously,
I am a really big fan or else I would not devote as much time as I do to
this website. I honestly don't think posting this story to the
ClayReport gave it legs. I chose to copy the webpages because many fans
wanted to know what was being said but didn't want to add hits to the
offenders websites. This is a news website and I have always linked to
the news.. good or bad. I just think it is better to know what they are
saying about Clay. If you choose to ignore it you will not be prepared
to respond when someone asks you about the rumor. I hope this story does
die down but I also want to be prepared if it doesn't.
|
|
MSNBC Newsweek
An Idol With Feet Of Clay? Dec. 20
issue
An Idol With
Feet Of Clay?
During a visit to a New Jersey high-school vocal
group last week, "American Idol" sweetie Clay Aiken
allegedly behaved... not so sweetly. Aiken's camp
would not comment. Here's what the kids are saying:
- HE YELLED
AT US According to a source at
Gawker.com, Aiken "berated" the kids for
"unclear" reasons.
- HE STARVED
US A promised dinner for the kids
turned out to be McDonald's Happy Meals—90
minutes late.
- HE SNUBBED
US He refused all photos and
autographs after two kids snapped pix of him
arriving.
- HE STIFFED
US Before leaving, he presented the
group with a "donation." The envelope was empty.
|
from St Paul Press
Oh, my Aiken …
Posted on Sun, Dec. 12, 2004
| Oh, my Aiken … 'Tis
the season to spread the love, unless you're an
"American Idol" runner-up. Clay Aiken is out
doing numerous Christmas-inspired appearances while
promoting his holiday disc "Merry Christmas With
Love," including headlining an hour-long NBC special
just last week. While he was all plastic smiles on
TV, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported that Aiken
wasn't very nice to a high school vocal ensemble
that joined Aiken on stage during his sold-out
concert in New Jersey. According to the paper,
witnesses claimed that Aiken did not make good on an
autograph session and was threatening people. Didn't
this guy used to work with kids? Sold his soul to
the devil, did he? That explains everything.
|
|
|
copied from
www.philly.com
the Philadelphia Inquirer link to original story
Speaking out on Clay-gate earns a teacher a
timeout
Posted on Sun, Dec. 12, 2004
Monica Yant Kinney | Speaking out on Clay-gate
earns a teacher a timeout
By
Monica Yant Kinney
Inquirer Columnist
Claymania continues.
At last count, more than 150 Clay Aiken fans have
called and written in disgust over Thursday's
column.
A teacher at Clearview Regional High School in
Mullica Hill has been suspended for a week for
speaking out about the American Idol star.
And students seem puzzled about why a grown-up
who teaches them to think critically has been
punished for doing it herself.
All of this, over Aiken's stiffing some students
of $500, reneging on promised face time, and pulling
an ego trip on one of their teachers who dared to
stand up for them?
With all this drama here in Gloucester County,
who needs The O.C.?
The general consensus from the Claymates is that
I'm an instrument of evil bent on destroying a man
sent from God to sing and sell collectable Christmas
ornaments for $12.99.
(Better order soon if you're giving them as a
holiday gift. And why not spring for some Clay Aiken
wrapping paper for just $15 more?)
To the Claymates, it simply isn't conceivable
that Aiken, or anyone in his professional posse,
could have been the slightest bit rude to members of
the school's Vocal Ensemble who backed him up at a
recent show in Washington Township.
The Clay they know isn't like that.
Clay loves kids.
He's kind.
He's Christian.
He's cute!
He rocks!!!
School's out
Not to disappoint Aiken's fans twice in one week,
but I did not invent the incident in a pathetic
attempt to ruin his rep and steal his spotlight.
I have no secret "Idol" ambitions.
Anyone who's heard me warble "The Gambler" on
karaoke night at Les & Doreen's Happy Tap in
Fishtown can attest to that.
Now the kids in Clearview's Vocal Ensemble, they
make joyful noise.
And after their less-than-harmonious experience
with Aiken last week, one of their teachers was so
steamed that she had to tell someone.
This being an electronic age, Susan Barry sat
down at her computer, typed out a tirade, cc'd
everyone she knows, and hit "send."
Barry being an English teacher, she used some
choice words and phrases to describe the slights and
snubs her students endured.
In a fatal move, she forwarded the rant to the
gossipy blog
www.gawker.com.
You know what happened next.
Administrators at Clearview got wind of Barry's
e-mail. So did I.
By the time my column hit front porches Thursday,
Barry had already been placed on a week's paid
suspension by Clearview's superintendent.
By week's end, even the teachers' union was still
trying to determine the exact nature of Barry's
offense.
"I've never heard of anything quite like this,"
said Steve Wollmer, of the New Jersey Education
Association.
Life lessons in B-flat
Carolyn Frassenei is in Barry's 11th-grade honors
English class. Her mom, Christine, teaches
elementary school in nearby Washington Township.
Unlike her colleagues at Clearview, Christine
Frassenei doesn't hesitate to howl over the musical
mess.
"I'm flabbergasted," she said between classes
yesterday. "[Barry's] a fabulous teacher who's
showing the kids to think for themselves and when
they write, to dig deeper."
And yet, Barry got benched for doing just that -
if a bit gratuitously.
"It's an infringement on her freedom of speech,"
said Carolyn Frassenei, 17.
Not to mention stalling the serious students'
schedule.
They're slogging through The Catcher in the
Rye, and now find themselves without their
trusted literary tour guide right before the long
holiday break.
In a move that might surprise grown-ups who loved
to torture substitute teachers, one student started
a petition seeking to bring Barry back.
Mik Matusek, 16, thinks a day or two at home is
plenty. The longer Barry is banished, "it's the
students getting punished."
So far, he's got 40 signatures, including Carolyn
Frassenei's.
She wants to be a teacher. Just like her American
Idols: her parents.
Contact Monica Yant Kinney
at 856-779-3914 or
myant@phillynews.com
|
|
|
PageSix
OBNOXIOUS IDOL
December 11, 2004 -- WE
long suspected it, but now it just may be true:
Clay
Aiken
is the devil. The sexually am biguous "Ameri can Idol" runner-up is
accused of pulling a diva act during a con cert at a New Jersey high
school. The Philadel phia Inquirer said
Aiken
refused to sign autographs for students, sicced secu rity goons on a
kid who snapped his photo during rehearsal, and reneged on a
promised $500 donation to the school's vocal en semble. Aiken's
handlers couldn't be reached for comment, but Clearview HS
Superintendent Mike Tos cano told the Inquirer that
his students had been taught a lesson they wouldn't soon forget:
"They got a taste of real-life show business."
|
copied from gawker.com Posted Dec 6th
| Can we just take a moment to reflect on the
darling charm that is beloved American Idol
runner-up Clay Aiken? He's so sweet, so kind—he was
even working in special education before
prefabricated superstardom came calling.
Gee, wouldn't it be absolutely crazy if
our pasty little pink boy was actually a big fat
meanie? According to reports surfacing from the
wilds of New Jersey, it just might be possible.
While rehearsing with his backup choir from a local
school, Aiken allegedly "berated" the kids, deprived
them of a timely feeding, banned a teacher from the
rehearsal venue, and then presented the school with
a fake check for their efforts.
While we rush out and buy Aiken's heartwarming
holiday album, do peruse the full report after the
jump. |
 |
From: [redacted]
To: Gawker
Subject: Clay Aiken
Date: 12/5/2004
I sent the following email to everyone on my contact
list yesterday. I teach English at Clearview Regional
High School in Mullica Hill, NJ. It's a rural community
in Gloucester County, South Jersey (about 15 mins. SE of
Phila.). I initially shied away from sending this email
to you because Clay Aiken threatened to make trouble for
our district if we "called the newspaper." Since I've
had a day to reflect, I've assumed a "fuck this little
turd" attitude. Do whatever you want with this
stuff...at the very least I thought you might get a mild
chuckle out of Aiken pulling a musical Kathie Lee.
----------Original Message----------
Hello all.
Backstory is
here.
I have the privilege of working very closely with the
exemplary kids in the Vocal Ensemble at the school where
I teach. In addition to having many of them in class, I
interact with them as an Ensemble chaperone and as the
assistant director of the musical theater program. They
are wildly talented, brilliant young people. They have
performed at Carnegie Hall (and will again in May), the
National Cathedral in DC, the Today Show, in a variety
of venues on the East Coast and in Canada, and will be
featured performers at a music educators' conference in
LA in February. They are the "real deal."
Earlier this week, several members of the group were
invited to perform with American Idol-also ran Clay
Aiken in Washington Twp. The kids spent several hours in
rehearsal and sound check for this last-minute
"opportunity." In the course of the day, the following
incidents took place:
*Although the students were promised
photos/autographs/a little bit of face-time with Aiken,
he refused all of these after two excited Ensemble
members tried to take photos when Aiken entered the
theater. In fact, security threatened to have the
students removed from the venue. The 50 CDs that the
music program purchased for signing were essentially
wasted.
* Aiken was extremely terse with the students, at
times berating them for reasons that are still unclear.
*The road crew refused to turn down or turn off their
music so the students could rehearse the music they had
only received 2 days prior.
* Aiken's people promised to feed the kids at 5:30.
Once that time came and went, and the kids were starting
to really fade, Ensemble staff bought pizza for the kids
with out-of-pocket funds. At about 7 pm, Aiken's staff
showed up with ...get ready...McDonald's Happy Meals.
* When an Ensemble staff member expressed her
discontentment with the way the kids had been treated,
Aiken engaged the woman in a verbal altercation. This
resulted in mini-diva Aiken barring the staff member
from the venue, and security escorting this very
distinguished educator (a recent NJ State Teacher of the
Year) from the theater.
* When the offer to sing was extended to the
Ensemble, Aiken's people promised a decently-sized
donation to the Ensemble. A relatively ostentatious show
was made of the presentation of a check to a choir
member. Later, when the student opened the envelope...it
was empty.
Now folks, I have never sent anything to every single
person on my contact list until now. Of the thirty kids
who performed last night, I saw around 20 of them in
classes today. One particularly reflective young man
complained, "You know, I'd say I felt like a prostitute,
but even a whore would've gotten paid. It was more like
we got raped." Hyperbolic, perhaps, but still an apt
analogy. Aiken got credit for including local
"Claymates" on stage. The kids got a whole lotta grief
and not much else.
|
copied from
www.philly.com
the Philadelphia Inquirer link to original story
Monica Yant Kinney | Hey, Idol: Quit bullying
kids
Posted on Thu, Dec. 09, 2004
Monica Yant Kinney | Hey, Idol: Quit bullying
kids
By
Monica Yant Kinney
Inquirer Columnist
If students earned grades from the school of hard
knocks, the teenagers in Clearview Regional High's
Vocal Ensemble deserve an A for stomaching the sour
taste of fame.
Give the grownups around them high marks, too,
for trying to protect the kids from another close
encounter of the mean kind with aw-shucks
American Idol star Clay Aiken.
Me, I'm not afraid of freckle face.
He has more hair than I do, but I could take him
in a wrestling match.
And I have a zero-tolerance policy for Hollywood
heavies pulling ego trips on teenagers and teachers.
Which is what happened last week when the
Gloucester County school's vocal group got the
opportunity of a lifetime to sing with Aiken at his
sold-out concert in Washington Township.
By night's end, the Claymates had been bullied
and berated. They were stiffed for their services.
When one grown-up dared to speak up, Aiken
dressed her down.
He told her she was a disgrace.
Only it wasn't some pushy stage mom he had tossed
from the performance hall. It was the 2003 New
Jersey teacher of the year.
Not that she, or anybody at Clearview, wants to
relive the humiliation.
They fear paybacks. Supposedly, the boy toy
threatened to "make trouble" if they talked to
reporters.
As one parent confided: "My son wants a future in
show business. I don't want him saying anything
negative about the industry."
The story of fear and loathing in the key of C
begins before Thanksgiving.
That's when the Clearview singers got a
last-minute invite to perform with Aiken when his
"Joyful Noise Tour" stopped here last Thursday.
Not long ago, Aiken was just another geek with
glasses and bad hair.
Thanks to his American Idol makeover, he's
adored by teenage girls, gay men, and a group
calling itself Lecherous Broads for Clay Aiken.
As I type, he's got both an inspirational memoir
and CD on the charts.
"A Clay Aiken Christmas" aired on NBC last night,
with Barry Manilow among the very special guests.
Tickets for his concert cost up to $127.50. At
his official Web site,
www.clayaiken.com,
you can even buy holiday wrapping paper stamped with
Clay's face for $15.
Clearview's Vocal Ensemble doesn't have a
merchandising deal yet, but it does have a sterling
reputation.
It has sung Mozart's Requiem at Carnegie
Hall. It has performed on the Today show.
Details of the students' real-life pop opera
emerged from interviews with people too scared to
let me quote them - and from one teacher's account
e-mailed to friends and posted at the Web site
www.gawker.com.
Those in the know confirmed all the ugly details.
How Aiken went diva on them and reneged on
promised face time and autographs with the students.
How he sicced security goons on a student who
snapped a photo during rehearsal. How he fought with
the award-winning teacher who dared to stand up for
her kids.
How the pop star's people made a big show of
handing over a promised $500 donation to the Vocal
Ensemble - and how the envelope was empty.
And how Aiken's crew kept the students hungry for
hours, only to deliver a meager supply of ice-cold
chicken nuggets just before show time.
Happy Meals - for high schoolers?
What were they thinking?
I'm not surprised Aiken's reps didn't return a
call for comment.
After teachers told me they couldn't talk,
Clearview Superintendent Mike Toscano spoke for all
of them.
Ever diplomatic, he said the brush with greatness
had taught the students lessons they could never get
in a classroom.
"They got a bigger picture of the music
industry," Toscano said.
"They got their eyes opened. They got a taste of
real-life show business maybe they didn't have
before."
And if sours them on it for good?
They can thank the American Idol.
|
|
|
| |
This is a copy from Google with all the
outlets that have repeated the story.
NJ Students Say Clay Aiken Stiffed Them On
Fee
WLWT, OH -
4 hours ago
The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that
American Idol singer Clay Aiken
disappointed members of Clearview Regional High School's
vocal ensemble in a big way. ...
|
NJ Students Say Clay Aiken Stiffed Them On
Fee
NBC4 Columbus.com, OH -
4 hours ago
The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that
American Idol singer Clay Aiken
disappointed members of Clearview Regional High School's
vocal ensemble in a big way. ... |
NJ Students Say Clay Aiken Stiffed Them On
Fee
ClickonSA.com, TX -
7 hours ago
The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that American
Idol singer Clay Aiken disappointed
members of Clearview Regional High School's vocal
ensemble in a big way.
...
|
NJ Students Say Clay Aiken Stiffed
Them On Fee
NBC
17.com, NC - 18 hours ago
The Philadelphia Inquirer reported
that American Idol singer Clay Aiken
disappointed members of Clearview Regional High
School's vocal ensemble in a big way. ...
|
NJ Students Say Clay Aiken Stiffed
Them On Fee
SanDiego
Channel.com, CA - 18 hours ago
The Philadelphia Inquirer reported
that American Idol singer Clay Aiken
disappointed members of Clearview Regional High
School's vocal ensemble in a big way. ...
|
NJ Students Say Clay Aiken Stiffed
Them On Fee
Boston
Channel.com, MA - 19 hours ago
The Philadelphia Inquirer reported
that American Idol singer Clay Aiken
disappointed members of Clearview Regional High
School's vocal ensemble in a big way. ...
|
NJ Students Say Clay Aiken Stiffed
Them On Fee
KCRA-TV, CA -
21 hours ago
The Philadelphia Inquirer
reported that American Idol singer Clay
Aiken disappointed members of Clearview
Regional High School's vocal ensemble in a big
way. ...
|
NJ Students Say Clay Aiken Stiffed
Them On Fee
NBC30.com, CT - 21 hours ago
The Philadelphia Inquirer
reported that American Idol singer Clay
Aiken disappointed members of Clearview
Regional High School's vocal ensemble in a big
way. ...
|
NJ Students Say Clay Aiken Stiffed
Them On Fee
WJACtv.com, PA -
21 hours ago
The Philadelphia Inquirer
reported that American Idol singer Clay
Aiken disappointed members of Clearview
Regional High School's vocal ensemble in a big
way. ...
|
NJ Students Say Clay Aiken Stiffed
Them On Fee
WISC, WI -
21 hours ago
The Philadelphia Inquirer
reported that American Idol singer Clay
Aiken disappointed members of Clearview
Regional High School's vocal ensemble in a big
way. ...
|
NJ Students Say Clay Aiken Stiffed
Them On Fee
NewsNet5.com, OH - 21 hours ago
The Philadelphia Inquirer
reported that American Idol singer Clay
Aiken disappointed members of Clearview
Regional High School's vocal ensemble in a big
way. ...
|
NJ Students Say Clay Aiken Stiffed
Them On Fee
NBC4.TV, CA - 21 hours ago
The Philadelphia Inquirer
reported that American Idol singer Clay
Aiken disappointed members of Clearview
Regional High School's vocal ensemble in a big
way. ...
|
NJ Students Say Clay Aiken Stiffed
Them On Fee
KSBW
Channel.com, CA - 21 hours ago
The Philadelphia Inquirer
reported that American Idol singer Clay
Aiken disappointed members of Clearview
Regional High School's vocal ensemble in a big
way. ...
|
NJ Students Say Clay Aiken Stiffed
Them On Fee
KTVU.com, CA -
21 hours ago
The Philadelphia Inquirer
reported that American Idol singer Clay
Aiken disappointed members of Clearview
Regional High School's vocal ensemble in a big
way. ...
|
NJ Students Say Clay Aiken Stiffed
Them On Fee
WHIOtv.com, Ohio -
21 hours ago
The Philadelphia Inquirer
reported that American Idol singer Clay
Aiken disappointed members of Clearview
Regional High School's vocal ensemble in a big
way. ...
|
NJ Students Say Clay Aiken Stiffed
Them On Fee
INDYchannel.com, IN - 21 hours ago
The Philadelphia Inquirer
reported that American Idol singer Clay
Aiken disappointed members of Clearview
Regional High School's vocal ensemble in a big
way. ...
|
NJ Students Say Clay Aiken Stiffed
Them On Fee
KIROtv.com, WA -
21 hours ago
The Philadelphia Inquirer
reported that American Idol singer Clay
Aiken disappointed members of Clearview
Regional High School's vocal ensemble in a big
way. ...
|
NJ Students Say Clay Aiken Stiffed
Them On Fee
Click 2
Houston.com, TX - 21 hours ago
The Philadelphia Inquirer
reported that American Idol singer Clay
Aiken disappointed members of Clearview
Regional High School's vocal ensemble in a big
way. ...
|
NJ Students Say Clay Aiken Stiffed
Them On Fee
NBC5i.com, TX - 21 hours ago
The Philadelphia Inquirer
reported that American Idol singer Clay
Aiken disappointed members of Clearview
Regional High School's vocal ensemble in a big
way. ...
|
NJ Students Say Clay Aiken
Stiffed Them On Fee
WSOCtv.com, NC - 22 hours ago
The Philadelphia Inquirer
reported that American Idol singer Clay
Aiken disappointed members of
Clearview Regional High School's vocal
ensemble in a big way. ...
|
NJ Students Say Clay Aiken
Stiffed Them On Fee
News4Jax.com, FL - 22 hours ago
The Philadelphia Inquirer
reported that American Idol singer Clay
Aiken disappointed members of
Clearview Regional High School's vocal
ensemble in a big way. ...
|
NJ Students Say Clay Aiken
Stiffed Them On Fee
Click10.com, FL - 22 hours ago
The Philadelphia Inquirer
reported that American Idol singer Clay
Aiken disappointed members of
Clearview Regional High School's vocal
ensemble in a big way. ...
|
NJ Students Say Clay Aiken
Stiffed Them On Fee
HomeTown channel.com, AR - 22
hours ago
The Philadelphia Inquirer
reported that American Idol singer Clay
Aiken disappointed members of
Clearview Regional High School's vocal
ensemble in a big way. ...
|
NJ Students Say Clay Aiken
Stiffed Them On Fee
Omaha
Channel.com, NE - 22 hours ago
The Philadelphia Inquirer
reported that American Idol singer Clay
Aiken disappointed members of
Clearview Regional High School's vocal
ensemble in a big way. ...
|
NJ Students Say Clay Aiken
Stiffed Them On Fee
WSBtv.com, GA - 22 hours ago
The Philadelphia Inquirer
reported that American Idol singer Clay
Aiken disappointed members of
Clearview Regional High School's vocal
ensemble in a big way. ...
|
NJ Students Say Clay Aiken
Stiffed Them On Fee
WNBC, NY -
22 hours ago
The Philadelphia Inquirer
reported that American Idol singer Clay
Aiken disappointed members of
Clearview Regional High School's vocal
ensemble in a big way. ...
|
NJ Students Say Clay Aiken
Stiffed Them On Fee
WFtv.com, FL - 22 hours ago
The Philadelphia Inquirer
reported that American Idol singer Clay
Aiken disappointed members of
Clearview Regional High School's vocal
ensemble in a big way. ...
|
NJ Students Say Clay Aiken
Stiffed Them On Fee
Bakersfield Channel.com, CA -
22 hours ago
The Philadelphia Inquirer
reported that American Idol singer Clay
Aiken disappointed members of
Clearview Regional High School's vocal
ensemble in a big way. ...
|
NJ Students Say Clay Aiken
Stiffed Them On Fee
Milwaukee Channel.com, WI - 22
hours ago
The Philadelphia Inquirer
reported that American Idol singer Clay
Aiken disappointed members of
Clearview Regional High School's vocal
ensemble in a big way. ...
|
NJ Students Say Clay Aiken
Stiffed Them On Fee
Champlain Channel.com, NY - 22
hours ago
The Philadelphia Inquirer
reported that American Idol singer Clay
Aiken disappointed members of
Clearview Regional High School's vocal
ensemble in a big way. ...
|
NJ Students Say Clay Aiken
Stiffed Them On Fee
NBC13.com, AL - 22 hours ago
The Philadelphia Inquirer
reported that American Idol singer Clay
Aiken disappointed members of
Clearview Regional High School's vocal
ensemble in a big way. ...
|
NJ Students Say Clay Aiken
Stiffed Them On Fee
NBC
11.com, CA - 22 hours ago
The Philadelphia Inquirer
reported that American Idol singer Clay
Aiken disappointed members of
Clearview Regional High School's vocal
ensemble in a big way. ...
|
NJ Students Say Clay Aiken
Stiffed Them On Fee
Kansas
City Channel.com, MO - 22 hours
ago
The Philadelphia Inquirer
reported that American Idol singer Clay
Aiken disappointed members of
Clearview Regional High School's vocal
ensemble in a big way. ...
|
NJ Students Say Clay Aiken
Stiffed Them On Fee
Local6.com, FL - 22 hours ago
The Philadelphia Inquirer
reported that American Idol singer Clay
Aiken disappointed members of
Clearview Regional High School's vocal
ensemble in a big way. ...
|
NJ Students Say Clay Aiken
Stiffed Them On Fee
FoxReno.com, NV - 22 hours ago
The Philadelphia Inquirer
reported that American Idol singer Clay
Aiken disappointed members of
Clearview Regional High School's vocal
ensemble in a big way. ...
|
NJ Students Say Clay Aiken
Stiffed Them On Fee
Pittsburgh Channel.com, PA - 22
hours ago
The Philadelphia Inquirer
reported that American Idol singer Clay
Aiken disappointed members of
Clearview Regional High School's vocal
ensemble in a big way. ...
|
NJ Students Say Clay Aiken
Stiffed Them On Fee
WTOV9.com, OH - 22 hours ago
The Philadelphia Inquirer
reported that American Idol singer Clay
Aiken disappointed members of
Clearview Regional High School's vocal
ensemble in a big way. ...
|
NJ Students Say Clay Aiken
Stiffed Them On Fee
NBC
10.com, PA - 22 hours ago
The Philadelphia Inquirer
reported that American Idol singer Clay
Aiken disappointed members of
Clearview Regional High School's vocal
ensemble in a big way. ...
|
NJ Students Say Clay Aiken
Stiffed Them On Fee
WGAL
Channel.com, PA - 22 hours ago
The Philadelphia Inquirer
reported that American Idol singer Clay
Aiken disappointed members of
Clearview Regional High School's vocal
ensemble in a big way. ...
|
NJ Students Say Clay Aiken
Stiffed Them On Fee
TheDenverChannel.com, CO - 22
hours ago
The Philadelphia Inquirer
reported that American Idol singer Clay
Aiken disappointed members of
Clearview Regional High School's vocal
ensemble in a big way. ...
|
NJ Students Say Clay Aiken
Stiffed Them On Fee
WBAL
Channel.com, MD - 22 hours ago
The Philadelphia Inquirer
reported that American Idol singer Clay
Aiken disappointed members of
Clearview Regional High School's vocal
ensemble in a big way. ...
|
NJ Students Say Clay Aiken
Stiffed Them On Fee
WPXI.com, PA - 22 hours ago
The Philadelphia Inquirer
reported that American Idol singer Clay
Aiken disappointed members of
Clearview Regional High School's vocal
ensemble in a big way. ...
|
NJ Students Say Clay Aiken
Stiffed Them On Fee
WMUR
Channel.com, NH - 22 hours ago
The Philadelphia Inquirer
reported that American Idol singer Clay
Aiken disappointed members of
Clearview Regional High School's vocal
ensemble in a big way. ...
|
NJ Students Say Clay Aiken
Stiffed Them On Fee
WRAL.com, NC - 22 hours ago
The Philadelphia Inquirer
reported that American Idol singer Clay
Aiken disappointed members of
Clearview Regional High School's vocal
ensemble in a big way. ...
|
NJ Students Say Clay Aiken
Stiffed Them On Fee
KFOXtv.com, TX - 22 hours ago
The Philadelphia Inquirer
reported that American Idol singer Clay
Aiken disappointed members of
Clearview Regional High School's vocal
ensemble in a big way. ...
|
NJ Students Say Clay Aiken
Stiffed Them On Fee
WESH.com, FL - 22 hours ago
The Philadelphia Inquirer
reported that American Idol singer Clay
Aiken disappointed members of
Clearview Regional High School's vocal
ensemble in a big way. ...
|
NJ Students Say Clay Aiken
Stiffed Them On Fee
New
Orleans Channel.com, LA - 22
hours ago
The Philadelphia Inquirer
reported that American Idol singer Clay
Aiken disappointed members of
Clearview Regional High School's vocal
ensemble in a big way. ...
|
NJ Students Say Clay Aiken
Stiffed Them On Fee
WDIV, MI -
22 hours ago
The Philadelphia Inquirer
reported that American Idol singer Clay
Aiken disappointed members of
Clearview Regional High School's vocal
ensemble in a big way. ...
|
NJ Students Say Clay Aiken
Stiffed Them On Fee
NBC
4.com, DC - 22 hours ago
The Philadelphia Inquirer
reported that American Idol singer Clay
Aiken disappointed members of
Clearview Regional High School's vocal
ensemble in a big way. ...
|
NJ Students Say Clay Aiken
Stiffed Them On Fee
Iowa
Channel.com, IA - 22 hours ago
The Philadelphia Inquirer
reported that American Idol singer Clay
Aiken disappointed members of
Clearview Regional High School's vocal
ensemble in a big way. ...
|
NJ Students Say Clay Aiken
Stiffed Them On Fee
Channel Oklahoma.com, OK - 22
hours ago
The Philadelphia Inquirer
reported that American Idol singer Clay
Aiken disappointed members of
Clearview Regional High School's vocal
ensemble in a big way. ...
|
NJ Students Say Clay Aiken
Stiffed Them On Fee
NBC5.com, IL - 22 hours ago
The Philadelphia Inquirer
reported that American Idol singer Clay
Aiken disappointed members of
Clearview Regional High School's vocal
ensemble in a big way. ...
|
NJ Students Say Clay Aiken
Stiffed Them On Fee
WPBF
Channel.com, FL - 22 hours ago
The Philadelphia Inquirer
reported that American Idol singer Clay
Aiken disappointed members of
Clearview Regional High School's vocal
ensemble in a big way. ...
|
|
| |
| |