This blog is for Just you!

In 2005, Clay Aiken had his Jukebox tour. Which if you recall I wrote a blog about my experience there. During the tour he "tested out" songs that might be on his then upcoming CD "A Thousand Different Ways". Although everything was new to me, it was fun to hear music that was not yet on a CD, and no doubt even more enjoyable for those who had been fans from day one of American Idol. He did not sing each song every night, Clay likes to switch things up a lot. (Have you noticed how many hair styles and colors he's gone through?!?) I'm sure this was just fine by fans that went to more then one show, but I only had access to watch the other songs not performed in Columbus via internet downloads. One song in particular that I missed was "Just You".

Unfortunately it was never put on the CD and we were left without a great song.

Let's jump to Friday (as in 3 days ago). Clay got online at the Official Fan Club and started a "Questions FOR Clay" thread. He was online from 1:37 to 8:41pm (not sure what time zone) answering questions ranging from silly topics such as owning a pair of orange crocs (His answer: "UNEQUIVOCALLY, ABSOLUTELY ... NO! NO! NO! NO! So ugly!") to more serious questions about being bullied and Unicef. May I also add that we both share the same favorite song from his newest CD "On My Way Here". :) At 8:41 (OFC time) he mentioned that it's a shame his homework in highschool couldn't keep his attention for so long, he was signing off, but to check his blog for one more answer.

During the course of the day someone had asked the question "Clay, will you ever record... Just You?" The surprising answer... he already had, it was one of the first songs he recorded for his CD "A Thousand Different Ways"! He stated, "It was recorded before the label asked me to do the album of cover love songs and before the budget was officially approved, so I actually paid for it myself." Apparently though it did not fit the concept of the CD and was left out. To his knowledge Clay owned the one and only copy of the song. Crazy right?

And then what happens, this amazing entertainer GAVE us the song. He writes,

"Since I didn't write it or produce it, I can't sell it to you... but I hate to encourage getting music for free. You all have always been SOOOO ethical when it has come to downloading music. I know my fans are probably some of the most scrupulous in the country..."

For example, I bought FOUR copies of his last CD. :)

There was just one stipulation. He was in fact giving this to us for free but he wanted it to count for someone. He encouraged us to make a donation towards the Bubel/Aiken Foundation. Only if we wanted to and/or could afford it. (even 5 cents helps!)

The studio version is amazing, which you can download (right click, open in new window) here and you can also donate here.

Thank you Clay! You're an amazing man who no doubt loves and appreciates your fans.