Clay Aiken

It'll be pop and circumstance at the University of North Carolina-Charlotte's graduation ceremony next month, with Clay Aiken among the graduating class. The "American Idol" runner-up will pick up his diploma Dec. 20, his publicist said. And for only the second time in the school's seven-year history, graduation guests must have tickets to attend. Each ticket will be printed with a bar code and scanned at the door to prevent the use of counterfeits.

Broadway bound: One-time "American Idol" star Clay Aiken will join the Broadway cast of "Monty Python's Spamalot" on Jan. 18, playing one of the leads.

Broadway bound: One-time "American Idol" star Clay Aiken will join the Broadway cast of "Monty Python's Spamalot" on Jan. 18, playing one of the leads.

A bistro builder New player alert: Kristofer Keith, the owner of the Bowery, a New York-style bar and bistro at Sunset and Vine. Keith, who co-owns with partners George Adou-Daoud and Anthoni Falati, opened the 2-week-old Bowery with the Lower East Side in mind. Think black subway tiles and buttery burgers. Keith also designed and built actress Jeri Ryan's L.A. restaurant Ortolan, as well as restaurateur Andre Guerroro's Senor Fred and Max.

College founding -- A Quick Takes item in Calendar on Nov. 22 about "American Idol" runner-up Clay Aiken's graduation from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte referred erroneously to the school's seven-year history. The school was established 57 years ago.

I have read Robert Hilburn's article regarding this year's Grammy Awards ("Thud! -- A Grammy Low?" Nov. 30). I disagree with his opinion of Clay Aiken. Aiken is an extremely talented and versatile artist whose pure, powerful and passionate voice draws the listener not only into the song, but into his soul as well. In my humble opinion, he is a "healing balm" to very tired and worn-out ears. Dianne Melton Rock Hill, S.C. Clay Aiken -- "flavorless"? I think not. Clay's voice is yummy.

The white Italian-made shirt, black pinstriped pants and shoes that Clay Aiken wore in an early round of "American Idol" will be exhibited at the North Carolina Museum of History. The clothes will be on view from Tuesday until Sept. 6, and then will become part of the museum's permanent collection. Aiken, 25, wore the outfit during a Motown-themed "American Idol," when he sang the Four Tops hit "I Can't Help Myself." From Associated Press

Re Richard Cromelin's review of Kelly Clarkson and Clay Aiken (" 'Idols' Are Human, But Louder," April 5): Here are two young people who had a goal and sacrificed a great deal to pursue it. They never claimed to be Barbra Streisand or Frank Sinatra. They, to the best of my knowledge, are clean-cut drug- and alcohol-free young people. They have never been arrested; they don't have tattoos and piercings up and down their bodies. Just two seemingly good kids trying to fulfill a dream.

This time, with votes cast at the cash register, Clay Aiken won. Aiken was the runner-up in the most recent "American Idol" competition, but on music charts released Wednesday, he had the bestselling single in the country with "This Is the Night," which comes paired on the disc with his version of the Simon & Garfunkel classic, "Bridge Over Troubled Water."

Clay Aiken sang his way to a runner-up finish on the television show "American Idol." Last season, fellow North Carolinian Fantasia Barrino won a lucrative recording contract by claiming the title. The University of North Carolina at Charlotte will now cement the show's legacy in the state by offering an academic course about the TV show. Beginning in January, students at UNC will earn three credit hours for the class "Examining 'American Idol' Through Musical Critique."

Clay Aiken sang his way to a runner-up finish on the television show "American Idol." Last season, fellow North Carolinian Fantasia Barrino won a lucrative recording contract by claiming the title. The University of North Carolina at Charlotte will now cement the show's legacy in the state by offering an academic course about the TV show. Beginning in January, students at UNC will earn three credit hours for the class "Examining 'American Idol' Through Musical Critique."

Re Richard Cromelin's review of Kelly Clarkson and Clay Aiken (" 'Idols' Are Human, But Louder," April 5): Here are two young people who had a goal and sacrificed a great deal to pursue it. They never claimed to be Barbra Streisand or Frank Sinatra. They, to the best of my knowledge, are clean-cut drug- and alcohol-free young people. They have never been arrested; they don't have tattoos and piercings up and down their bodies. Just two seemingly good kids trying to fulfill a dream.

The white Italian-made shirt, black pinstriped pants and shoes that Clay Aiken wore in an early round of "American Idol" will be exhibited at the North Carolina Museum of History. The clothes will be on view from Tuesday until Sept. 6, and then will become part of the museum's permanent collection. Aiken, 25, wore the outfit during a Motown-themed "American Idol," when he sang the Four Tops hit "I Can't Help Myself." From Associated Press

I have read Robert Hilburn's article regarding this year's Grammy Awards ("Thud! -- A Grammy Low?" Nov. 30). I disagree with his opinion of Clay Aiken. Aiken is an extremely talented and versatile artist whose pure, powerful and passionate voice draws the listener not only into the song, but into his soul as well. In my humble opinion, he is a "healing balm" to very tired and worn-out ears. Dianne Melton Rock Hill, S.C. Clay Aiken -- "flavorless"? I think not. Clay's voice is yummy.

The show may be a phenomenon and an effective marketing franchise for Fox, but Grammy voters did not worship at the altar of "American Idol" when it came to handing out the marquee nominations Thursday. Top "Idols" Kelly Clarkson, Justin Guarini, Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken were passed over in the best new artist category.

College founding -- A Quick Takes item in Calendar on Nov. 22 about "American Idol" runner-up Clay Aiken's graduation from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte referred erroneously to the school's seven-year history. The school was established 57 years ago.

KOST-FM (103.5) has started its all-Christmas-music programming, so now, bring on the kitschy TV specials. In one of the first of what will be an avalanche of holiday-themed shows during the next month, "The Nick at Nite Holiday Special," premiering Friday at 10 p.m., is a nod-and-a-wink tribute to old-fashioned network specials where stars would drop in at a cozy home, gather around the fireplace and sing Christmas carols.

KOST-FM (103.5) has started its all-Christmas-music programming, so now, bring on the kitschy TV specials. In one of the first of what will be an avalanche of holiday-themed shows during the next month, "The Nick at Nite Holiday Special," premiering Friday at 10 p.m., is a nod-and-a-wink tribute to old-fashioned network specials where stars would drop in at a cozy home, gather around the fireplace and sing Christmas carols.