This letter regarding Clay Aiken was sent to the N&O forum, which didn't have space to run it. But I do -- so, whoomp there it is:

"Clay -- I know you're reading this. Please come back to us! You have an alive-and-well fan base who are missing hearing your voice and seeing you in concerts or on TV. However, I must admit, I am getting a bit disgruntled. What happened to the new CD you'd been promising? What did my $35 for your fan club go for? The picture of you that's been on my monitor has come down. My computer background which has been you for the longest time has now been replaced. I even have a Clay wall in my high school classroom that I have proudly defended that I'm considering taking down. When my students wouldn't perform like they should, I'd write them Clay notes (a picture of you with a slight scolding) and tape it to their monitor. I'm a little miffed that you've just left us in the dust. Stop being Invisible.

Sincerely, Lyn Mills
Fredericksburg, VA"

As it happens, Clay has been working on his new album, the followup to 2003's "Measure of a Man." Dick Hodgin, partner/producer at Raleigh's Osceola Music, reports that Aiken was recently recording some vocal tracks at Osceola -- "And we got a keeper vocal on Sunday," Hodgin says. There's been talk of a fall release, but I'd be surprised if it emerged before 2007.

07/19/06 at 07:58
So Clay's losing fans at Fredericksburg High. It sounds like Ms Mills needs an education in how the music industry and fan clubs work. Perhaps a knowledgeable staff member in her high school could provide that. Of course, there's always the Internet.

07/19/06 at 09:42
Seems to me that Clay fans have been spoiled. He's been recording and touring nonstop for the last three years...so the guy takes 6 months off to work on his new cd and the natives get restless...hmmm...cut the guy a break!

07/19/06 at 11:30
If Lyn is truly a member of Clay's fan club, she wouldn't be writing to a newspaper to find out what's going on with his new CD - she'd know. On the website for Clay's fan club (http://www.clayonline.com), Clay has his own blog where he's been keeping his fans up-to-date on everything Lyn was inquiring about.

(Not sure if Clay needs fickle fans like Lyn anyway .....)

07/24/06 at 13:40
Clay, if you're reading this, please know that we all want you to take your time and be happy with what you're doing with this new CD...ATDW. We will love whatever you decide to sing..that's a given...Although we would prefer to see and hear more of you, your fans have kept busy creating so many wonderful montage tributes to you and other creative endeavors to pass the time till you're back on tour, once again.

We love your sense of humour and your attempts to tease all your fans; most of all, we can hardly wait to see what you have up your sleeve re: your up and coming concert. We'll all be there, energized from scooping up your newest CD and listening to your great voice, once again.

See you at your next concert..whichever one is closest to me.

Hugs

kfc Red Deer Alberta Canada