14,133.1 Tour Bus Miles from 02/24 Charlotte to 04/16 St. Paul
Tour Talk...on the road with Clay...and Kelly contains media reviews
Tour Talk II ... the "Independent" tour winds down
Independent Clay Aiken / Kelly Clarkson
Vocalists Jacob Luttrell - Quiana Parler - Angela Fisher
Musical Director Jason Halbert
Danny on guitar, Al on bass, Chris on drums, Svon on keyboards
The Beu Sisters Candice Christie Jilaine Danielle
#01 Tues 24-February 7:00 pm EST Charlotte NC
Closing Artist Clay Aiken Charlotte Coliseum
Home Town Clay's college home town
Wardrobe No wrist watch. Pin-striped blue shirt, blue tie, grey striped slacks. Nike Dunk Low Pro shoes, gray & white with green swoosh and pink shoelaces.
Kelly's T-Shirt I Heart Clay
Synopsis
7:00 to 7:20 The Beu Sisters - 20 minute intermission
7:40 to 8:30 Kelly Clarkson - 20 minute intermission
8:50 to 9:55 Clay Aiken - 9:55 to 10:00 Open Arms duet
The Charlotte Observer (subscription) Clay shines in city he calls 'home' When Aiken sang the lyrics "When you say you love me do you mean it" he was met with deafening cheers.
Arena Opened 1988 Seating (Max 24,255)
Rent $6,000 / 15% Merch Rate 30% Box Office 3% Tax Rate 3%
Box Office Summary Charlotte Coliseum
__DATE______SOLD____CAPACITY__HEADLINE ARTIST
Gross Sales $367,875
02/24/04___97%___8,657___8,959__Clay Aiken / Kelly Clarkson
12/31/03___56%__13,595__24,255__Gaither Homecoming
12/06/03___72%___8,309__11,500__Manheim Steamroller
08/08/03__100%__14,645__14,645__American Idols Live
05/22/03___31%___7,577__23,981__Eagles
03/08/03__100%__18,599__18,599__Tim McGraw
1 DAY TO NEXT VENUE 217.1 Miles - 3 hours, 30 minutes
#02 Wed 25-February 7:00 pm EST Duluth GA
Closing Artist Kelly Clarkson Arena @ Gwinnett Center
Wardrobe Wrist watch, pin-striped blue shirt, blue tie, grey striped slacks.
Atlanta Journal-Constitution CONCERT: 'Idols' appearance at Arena a wild success "The show was sold out, totally," said Arena booking manager Jerry Goldman.
Managed By SMG Arena Opened 2003 Seating (Max 13,100)
Merch Rate 30% Box Office 3% Tax Rate 6%
Box Office Summary Gwinnett Center Duluth
__DATE______SOLD____CAPACITY__HEADLINE ARTIST
Gross Sales $417,642
02/25/04___95%___9,166___9,636__Clay Aiken / Kelly Clarkson
02/07/04__100%__10,760__10,760__Kid Rock
01/19/04___69%___4,940___7,180__Sarah Brightman
12/13/03__100%___9,001___9,001__Manheim Steamroller
11/28/03__100%___8,394___8,394__Michael W. Smith
10/22/03___55%___2,843___5,131__Nickelback
10/19/03___94%___7,999___8,500__Mana
08/23/03___50%___3,249___6,443__Indigo Girls
08/13/03___92%___6,890___7,500__Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
07/26/03__100%__12,086__12,086__Journey/Styx/REO Speed
05/08/03__100%__10,306__10,306__Avril Lavigne / Simple Plan
05/07/03___81%___5,471___6,734__Good Charlotte
03/06/03__100%___7,084___7,084__Coldplay
02/28/03__100%__12,302__12,302__Bruce Springsteen
2 DAYS TO NEXT VENUE 480.4 Miles - 7 hours, 32 minutes
#03 Fri 27-February 7:00 pm EST Tampa FL
Closing Artist Clay Aiken St. Pete Times Forum
Home Town 140 miles from The Beu Sisters' home town of New Smyrna Beach, FL
Wardrobe White t-shirt, light green button down shirt open at neck covered by a darker green shirt with a zipper going down front about 6 inches. Bluish grey jacket with darker blue stripes on back. Stripes also on sleeves from elbow to cuff on the underside of the forearm with a bright solid blue area on the front of the forearm. Very interesting and very very soft. Jeans had pockets all down the legs. by Ruby Gonzalez
Kelly's T-shirt Clay Rocks
St. Petersburg Times Clay soars, Kelly rushes... Aiken ran right off with the show, dramatically appearing from the back of the arena to lead the band through a cover of Mr. Mister's 1980s hit Kyrie...
Tampa Tribune Vocal Fans Idolize Aiken's Endearing Touches The spiked-hair crooner who looks like a younger version of Barry Manilow was greeted with screams from adoring fans, known as "Claymates," on Friday night at the St. Pete Times Forum... The audience of 10,823 was predominantly female and of all ages - from grandmothers to preteens.
Pollstar Ranking #9 worldwide in 2003 with 328,700 tickets sold
Arena Opened 1996 Seating (Max 22,000)
Rent $24,000 / 30% Merch Rate 35% Box Office $1.75 facility fee Tax Rate 7%
Box Office Summary St. Pete Times Forum Tampa
__DATE______SOLD____CAPACITY__HEADLINE ARTIST
Gross Sales $369,213
02/27/04___93%___8,365___8,966__Clay Aiken / Kelly Clarkson
02/07/04__100%__10,969__10,969__Rod Stewart
01/30/04___62%__11,816__18,798__Gaither Homecoming
01/16/04___98%__13,189__13,366__George Strait
12/21/03__100%__15,914__15,914__Simon & Garfunkel
12/03/03___70%__10,633__15,174__Aerosmith / KISS
11/07/03___65%___9,083__13,878__Brooks & Dunn
10/11/03___90%___6,771___7,500__Alabama
10/04/03___78%__10,931__13,983__Toby Keith
08/13/03___98%___6,887___7,000__American Idols Live
08/07/03___57%___5,824__10,089__50 Cent
07/30/03___93%___9,392__10,000__The Dead / Bob Dylan
07/26/03___66%___8,408__12,672__Brooks & Dunn
07/14/03___89%___8,933__10,000__Justin / Christina
10/23/02___64%___8,541__13,422__American Idols Live
1 DAY TO NEXT VENUE 279.6 Miles - 4 hours, 34 minutes
#04 Sat 28-February 7:00 pm EST Miami FL
Closing Artist Kelly Clarkson American Airlines Arena
Wardrobe Stubble. Regular jeans, gray jacket, long-sleeved beautiful bright blue t-shirt with green one underneath. Took the jacket off early on. The Miami Outfit is considered by many to be the hottest outfit on the tour.
Kelly's T-Shirt Clay Rocks, red with black letters
The Miami Herald (subscription) 'American Idol' stars show strong signs of development ''Animals strike curious poses / They feel the heat, the heat between me and you,'' Aiken sang, grinding a bit against his background singer... He sang his unlikely selection extremely well, revealing the gospel roots of the tune by opening it as a ballad amid hearty piano chords, and then taking it to a rousing finish.
Sun-Sentinel Aiken and Clarkson show off Idol mettle With his loose-limbed walk, jacket-and-jeans wardrobe and half-shy stage moves, Aiken comes off like a John Cusack character, and it's impossible not to be won over by him.
The Palm Beach Post 'American Idols' lack independence At one point, he grabbed a cellphone from a female fan and talked to the person -- in this case, the fan's mother -- on the line. He's not the first to try such an attention-getting device, but his affection for his fan base is clearly genuine. (And of the thousands in the audience, the Aiken contingent -- or "Claymates" -- was the loudest.)
Hollywood Reporter Bottom line: Promising, big-voiced singers still need nurturing.... But when he settled into a cover segment featuring the songs of Sting, Leo Sayer, Prince and a brilliant reinterpretation of James Taylor's "Carolina in My Mind," Aiken's set took off.
Arena Opened 1999 Seating up to 19,094
Merch Rate 30% Box Office Included in Rent Tax Rate 7%
Box Office Summary American Airlines Arena Miami
__DATE_____SOLD_____CAPACITY__HEADLINE ARTIST
Gross Sales $245,818
02/28/04___87%___5,395___6,204__Clay Aiken / Kelly Clarkson
12/31/03__100%__74,376__18,594__Phish (4 Shows)
12/17/03__100%__11,799__11,799__Simon & Garfunkel
11/15/03___75%__16,601__11,000__Luis Miguel (2 Shows)
10/16/03___86%___9,941__11,481__Mana
09/27/03__100%__11,165__11,165__Elton John
09/26/03___65%___3,266___5,000__Kid Rock
08/24/03___76%___4,563___6,000__B2K
06/03/03___79%___5,429___6,821__Yanni
02/21/03__100%__11,589__11,589__Santana
02/13/03___69%__13,047__18,748__Jimmy Buffett
2 DAYS TO NEXT VENUE 814.7 Miles - 12 hours, 43 minutes
#05 Mon 1-March 7:00 pm EST Raleigh NC
Closing Artist Clay Aiken RBC Center
Home Town Clay Aiken's home town
Wardrobe Same outfit that he wore in Tampa. The only difference that I can detect is that in Raleigh he had one more button on his shirt buttoned so you didn't see the white T underneath it all. Love the man's modesty. by Ruby Gonzalez
Kelly's T-Shirt I Heart Clay, black with white lining, red heart
News 14 Carolina Clay Aiken concert quickly sells out... By 10:30, whether online or in line, only a few single seats were left out of the 10,000 being sold. And before 11, the Raleigh concert was a sellout.
The News & Observer Aiken was best of two 'Idol' stars... Maybe it was playing to a sympathetic hometown crowd, but Aiken came across as the vastly superior performer... In terms of voice, charisma and overall presence, Aiken pretty much left her in the dust.
WRAL Clay, Kelly Rock RBC Center... Aiken and Clarkson sang their hits to a sold-out crowd at the RBC Center. A couple of fans hyperventilated during the concert, but were treated and are fine.
CBC-Raleigh Clay Aiken Continues Concert Tour In Triangle, Jerome Stands Watch... Aiken arrived at the WRAL-FM studios on Hillsborough Street about 10am to the joy of his fans, some of whom had been camping outside the station since 2:30am.
Managed By Gale Force Arena Opened 1999 Seating up to 19,352
Rent 12.5% Merch Rate 30% Box Office 3% Tax Rate 3%
Box Office Summary RBC Center Raleigh
__DATE_____SOLD_____CAPACITY__HEADLINE ARTIST
Gross Sales $586,230
03/01/04__100%__13,538__13,538__Clay Aiken / Kelly Clarkson
02/14/04__100%__10,314__10,314__Kid Rock
12/04/03___87%___7,692___8,800__Manheim Steamroller
08/06/03__100%__13,085__13,085__American Idols Live
03/16/03__100%__18,505__18,505__Billy Joel / Elton John
03/09/03___89%__12,039__13,550__Tim McGraw
02/22/03___93%__13,731__14,704__George Strait
1 DAY TO NEXT VENUE 424.0 Miles - 6 hours, 44 minutes
#06 Tues 2-March 7:00 pm EST Philadelphia PA
Closing Artist Kelly Clarkson Liacouras Center
Wardrobe No wrist watch. Untucked blue dress shirt, baggy gray slacks, and running shoes. Mini-stripes on his blue shirt, and mini-dots on his tie that's the same color as his shirt.
PAclayfans.com Pennsylvania Clay Fans
Pre-Concert Party Draught Horse
Philadelphia Inquirer Crowd is Clay's in Idols show The ladies began to scream as Aiken emerged from the back of the hall, singing Mr. Mister's 1985 hit "Kyrie" as he walked through the audience. And they continued to scream all the way through his final number and latest single, "The Way."
The Morning Call Review: Kelly Clarkson/Clay Aiken If the crowd liked Kelly, it loved Clay.
Managed By Global Spectrum Arena Opened 1997 Seating 10,000
Rent 12% Merch Rate 30% Box Office $500 + tkt. costs Tax Rate 5%
Box Office Summary Liacouras Center Philadelphia
__DATE______SOLD____CAPACITY__HEADLINE ARTIST
Gross Sales $368,378
03/02/04___86%___7,934___9,229__Clay Aiken / Kelly Clarkson
10/10/03___95%___4,430___4,650__Mike Epps
10/01/03___68%___6,262___9,105__R.E.M.
01/25/03___77%___6,761___8,724__D.L. Hughley
11/27/02__100%__10,471__10,471__John Mayer / Maroon 5
10/27/02___42%___2,538___6,000__Third Day
10/12/02__100%___7,394___7,400__Counting Crows
09/14/02___67%___6,704__10,000__Steven Curtis Chapman
11/09/99__100%__10,068__10,068__Bob Dylan / Phil Lesh
2 DAYS TO NEXT VENUE 120.9 Miles - 2 hours, 17 minutes
#07 Thurs 4-March 7:00 pm EST Uniondale (Long Island) NY
Closing Artist Clay Aiken Nassau Coliseum
Wardrobe Jacket and green shirt again.
Kelly's T-shirt Clay Rocks
In The Audience Neil Sedaka
NY Newsday Still more like puppets than idols Though one is male, the other female, they can be described with the same few words: Young, talented, likable.
New York Post Aiken Not Fakin': He's The Real Deal What this concert showed was that, when placed under the lights on a concert stage, the lanky Southerner is an entertainer.
Beavers On Idol Independent Tour: The Church of Clay He saw this girl yearning to clutch him, he delivered. That is his genius, he can make us be insanely jealous, yet drool over the compassion he uses to induce such jealousy.
Pollstar Ranking #13 worldwide in 2003 with 261,684 tickets sold
Managed By SMG Arena Opened 1972 Seating (Max 17,789)
Rent 15% Merch Rate 35% Box Office $.35 tkt + $.30 sale day; $1.50 facility chg. per tkt Tax Rate $1.50 per tkt
Box Office Summary Nassau Coliseum Uniondale
__DATE______SOLD____CAPACITY__HEADLINE ARTIST
Gross Sales $565,198
03/04/04___98%__12,501__12,569__Clay Aiken / Kelly Clarkson
01/03/04___97%__11,582__11,848__Bette Midler
10/17/03___80%__10,934__13,646__Good Charlotte
10/12/03___80%__12,646__15,715__Shania Twain
10/04/03___89%___4,471___5,000__Fat Joe
08/19/03___88%__24,460__13,829__Justin / Christina (2 Shows)
08/01/03__100%__23,100__11,550__American Idols Live (2 Shows)
07/09/03___64%___8,945__13,941__Journey/REO Speedwagon
06/23/03___95%__15,804__16,501__Dixie Chicks
05/23/03__100%__13,410__13,410__Fleetwood Mac
05/13/03___99%__13,261__13,299__Avril Lavigne / Simple Plan
05/08/03___18%___1,807__10,000__Busta Rhymes/Ludacris
10/27/02___96%__12,584__13,136__American Idols Live
1 DAY TO NEXT VENUE 252.8 Miles - 4 hours, 20 minutes
#08 Fri 5-March 7:00 pm EST Washington DC
Closing Artist Kelly Clarkson MCI Center
Wardrobe Blue shirt and tie outfit, major stubble
Kelly's T-Shirt Clay Rocks, red with black letters
Washington Post At MCI, American Idolatry For the Feats of Clay and Kelly Fans, a mix of screaming teens and equally ecstatic middle-aged women, sat only when he did...
Pollstar Ranking #8 worldwide in 2003 with 330,629 tickets sold
Arena Opened 1997 Seating up to 20,200
Box Office Summary MCI Center Washington DC
__DATE______SOLD____CAPACITY__HEADLINE ARTIST
Gross Sales $458,128
03/05/04___88%__10,627__12,102__Clay Aiken / Kelly Clarkson
03/04/04__100%__10,238__10,238__Rod Stewart
01/29/04___32%___5,420__16,881__Sarah Brightman
01/23/04___81%__11,965__14,608__Bette Midler
12/15/03__100%__32,773__16,386__Simon & Garfunkel 2 Shows
11/20/03___61%__11,187__18,059__Aerosmith / KISS
10/17/03___95%__16,222__16,969__Shania Twain
10/12/03___91%__11,102__12,200__Eagles / Dixie Chicks benefit
10/10/03___86%__12,467__14,345__Cher
10/02/03___85%__10,283__12,045__Fleetwood Mac
08/25/03__100%__12,921__12,921__Justin / Christina
08/22/03___80%__11,052__13,683__R. Kelly
07/28/03__100%__12,718__12,718__American Idols Live
07/23/03___71%___9,462__13,185__Journey/Styx/REO Speed
07/12/03___95%__25,741__13,499__Eagles (2 Shows)
06/26/03__100%__34,155__17,077__Dixie Chicks (2 Shows)
11/03/02__100%__13,046__13,046__American Idols Live
2 DAYS TO NEXT VENUE 221.9 Miles - 3 hours, 45 minutes
#09 Sun 7-March 7:00 pm EST Wilkes-Barre PA
Closing Artist Clay Aiken Wachovia Arena
Wardrobe The Tampa Outfit
PAclayfans.com Pennsylvania Clay Fans
The Citizens Voice Clay and Kelly Sell Out the Arena Clarkson denies and laughs off any rumor that her and Aiken, 25, have become an item while touring.
Scranton Times Tribune Clarkson, Aiken: Two idols who just might turn out OK Mr. Aiken was the consummate showman, playing in front of his competent five-piece band and three backing vocalists. Mr. Aiken has a cocky confidence that exudes charisma and a belief that he can cover any song and win over any audience. Judging by the reaction of the Wachovia Arena crowd, perhaps he can.
Times Leader Singers show there's talent in 'Idol'... Aiken was next, and Aiken was better... The reason, most likely, is how well he embraces the songs he sings. Through his gestures and mannerisms, he truly appears to capture the feelings of the songs' lyrics, and thus, makes them his own. (Elvis and Sinatra did the same.)
Managed By SMG Arena Opened 1999 Seating (Max 10,500)
Rent $5,000 / 12.5% Merch Rate 35% BoxOffice 3% Tax Rate $1 bond fee + $.50 per tkt. tax
Box Office Summary Wachovia Arena Wilkes-Barre
__DATE_____SOLD____ CAPACITY__HEADLINE ARTIST
Gross Sales $343,900
03/07/04___97%___7,660___7,898__Clay Aiken / Kelly Clarkson
01/31/04___91%___7,347___8,045__Kid Rock
01/24/04__100%___5,488___5,488__3 Doors Down
12/15/03___82%___5,393___6,549__Amy Grant/Vince Gill
10/18/03___81%___5,886___7,213__Good Charlotte
07/16/03___88%___6,688___7,623__American Idols Live
11/01/02___97%___7,565___7,794__American Idols Live
1 DAY TO NEXT VENUE 271.2 Miles - 4 hours, 22 minutes
#10 Mon 8-March 7:00 pm EST Worcester MA
Closing Artist Kelly Clarkson Centrum Centre
Wardrobe No stubble. Blue shirt/tie outfit, grey pants with a wide stripe.
In The Audience ClayNation Emi
Pre-Concert Party Worcester Historical Museum
Boston Globe Bubbly `Idol' stars give concert real pop If Clarkson was supposed to be the headliner, no one told the sold-out crowd. The evening was all about Aiken...
Boston Herald Clarkson and Aiken live up to `Idol'atry His effortless banter with the crowd was delightful. ...and when he saw a 5-year-old girl with a sign that read, ''Clay, can I sing with you?'' he brought her on stage. To his surprise, the young fan knew all the words to ''When You Say You Love Me.''... Let's be honest - the idea of Aiken covering Prince's hit ''When Doves Cry'' seems preposterous. But as judge Paula Abdul likes to say, it's all about making the song your own. And Aiken owned the song.
Nashua Telegraph Move over, Kelly Clay is Americas Idol Yes, I know, Kelly Clarkson was on the bill, too, and she was good. But no one, not anyone should follow Aiken on stage. Its like eating Jell-O for dessert after feasting on Duck a lOrange... And trust me, this Duck a lOrange had them swooning in the aisles.
Nashua Telegraph Upon further review, fans are fanatical
Pollstar Ranking #39 worldwide in 2003 with 171,579 tickets sold
Managed By SMG Arena Opened 1982 Seating (Max 14,800)
Merch Rate F.M.I.
Box Office Summary Worcester's Centrum Centre
__DATE______SOLD____CAPACITY__HEADLINE ARTIST
Gross Sales $448,170
03/08/04__100%__10,408__10,408__Clay Aiken / Kelly Clarkson
01/17/04__100%__12,414__12,414__Linkin Park
12/10/03___65%___6,450___9,900__Amy Grant/Vince Gill
08/27/03___26%___2,836__10,509__B2K
07/21/03___79%___7,285___9,194__Iron Maiden
07/12/03___94%__10,283__10,917__Cher
07/11/03___89%___9,087__10,167__Journey/REO Speedwagon
06/13/03___77%__11,004__14,179__Gaither Homecoming
05/28/03__100%__22,875__11,437__Fleetwood Mac (2 Shows)
10/28/02__100%__10,577__10,577__American Idols Live
2 DAYS TO NEXT VENUE 726.2 Miles - 11 hours, 32 minutes
#11 Wed 10-March 7:00 pm EST Columbus OH
Closing Artist Clay Aiken Schottenstein Center
Wardrobe Striped jacket, green shirt and jeans
Pre-Concert Party Spaghetti Warehouse
The Columbus Dispatch (subscription) One Idol Shines, Another Searches
Idol worship was on display Wednesday night at Value City Arena when a force named Clay Aiken rolled into town... When he walked through aisles of admirers to the stage, an initial hush preceded eardrum-piercing screams that continued throughout the evening.
Booked By JSC Promotions Arena Opened 1998 Seating up to 19,500
Merch Rate 35% Tax Rate None
Box Office Summary Schottenstein Center Columbus
__DATE______SOLD____CAPACITY__HEADLINE ARTIST
Gross Sales $432,283
03/10/04___82%___9,279__11,270__Clay Aiken / Kelly Clarkson
01/27/04___63%___3,384___5,356__Sarah Brightman
10/23/03___90%__11,814__13,121__Eagles
08/01/03___74%___9,384__12,607__Cher
06/25/03___64%___8,518__13,148__Journey/REO Speedwagon
1 DAY TO NEXT VENUE 185.8 Miles - 3 hours, 36 minutes
#12 Thurs 11-March 7:00 pm EST Detroit MI
Closing Artist Kelly Clarkson Joe Louis Arena
Wardrobe Tonight's costume was the navy button down with the grey pinstripes, pink shoelaces and lots of stubbly goodness.
In The Audience Julia DeMato
Pre-Concert Party Hard Rock Cafe
The Flint Journal Clay Aiken works his way into heart of "Idol"... Clarkson acted like she couldn't wait to get her 50-minute show over with. Who could blame her? Aiken is a tough act to follow, and it was obvious that the mostly female crowd, which ranged from little girls to their grandmas, was mostly there to see him.
Managed By Olympia Entertainment Arena Opened 1979 Seating up to 20,790
Box Office Summary Joe Louis Arena Detroit
__DATE______SOLD____CAPACITY__HEADLINE ARTIST
Gross Sales $431,584
03/11/04___81%___9,408__11,521__Clay Aiken / Kelly Clarkson
11/22/03__100%___5,608___5,608__Crown Royal Comedy Soul Fest
07/20/03__100%__14,147__14,147__American Idols Live
06/12/03___82%__13,573__16,527__Journey/Styx/REO Speedwag
05/17/03__100%__14,532__14,532__Cher
2 DAYS TO NEXT VENUE 588.3 Miles - 9 hours, 41 minutes
#13 Sat 13-March 7:00 pm EST Winston-Salem NC
Closing Artist Clay Aiken Lawrence Joel Coliseum (LJVM)
Wardrobe Stubble. The Tampa Outfit
Pre-Concert Party Pig Pickin's Restaurant on Deacon Blvd.
Pre-Concert Party Golden Corral Hanes Mall Circle
Tailgate Party Coliseum 4:00 pm sponsored by the Piedmont NC Claymates
News & Record Clarkson, Aiken leave fans happy with Triad concert... Aiken strutted the stage with @#%$-of-the-walk attitude ironic considering the song is about NOT being noticed.
The Times-News (subscription) Aiken and Clarkson Excited Twin City crowd on Saturday... The woman continued to scream as Aiken went on to introduce his mother, who was seated in the front row. Everybody say hey to my Mama. Aiken said... The last time I saw Aiken in concert, (RBC Center last year) his mother was seated in the nosebleed section, so Im glad that she got a good close look at her baby boy... Well, that is until Aiken performed Princes When Doves Cry. The song involved some gyrating against a background singer Aiken didnt seem uncomfortable until the song ended. Its just not right, really. He said, laughing. There are people in the audience that have known me since I was 6 years old.... The audience just laughed along with the moment hearing Clay sing (and talk) was like visiting with an old friend.
Winston-Salem Journal In rush of fame, celebrity newbie Clay Aiken works to stay grounded
Winston-Salem Journal Yea for Clay... Even ladies of a certain age follow Clay Aiken, 'the genuine article' and 'a hottie'... "He makes you feel like you're 12 years old, and you've got your first crush,"... All 10,000 seats for last night's concert were sold, and the national tour will continue into April.
Arena Opened 1989 Seating 4,510 - 15,272
Rent $5,000 / 12% Merch Rate 30% Box Office $250 + $.32 per tkt. Tax Rate 3%
Box Office Summary LJVM Winston-Salem
__DATE______SOLD____CAPACITY__HEADLINE ARTIST
Gross Sales $429,090
03/13/04__100%___9,828___9,828__Clay Aiken / Kelly Clarkson
02/13/04___67%___1,738___2,573__Michael Flatley Lord of the Dance
11/01/03___80%__12,080__15,000__The Crabb Family
10/10/03__100%___5,754___5,754__Rascal Flatts
09/28/03___55%___2,955___5,301__matchbox twenty
04/27/03___54%___2,581___4,800__MercyMe
03/28/03__100%___5,552___5,552__Dave Matthews Band
11/02/02___77%___7,732__10,000__Tool
09/28/02___62%___3,729___6,000__Lynard Skynard
08/23/01___30%___1,690___5,662__O-Town
11/26/99___41%___6,205__15,200__Widespread Panic
11/06/98___78%___3,913___5,000__Widespread Panic
6 DAYS
TO NEXT VENUE Grand Prairie TX 1117.4 Miles - 17 hours, 48 min
Tues 16-March 7:00 pm CST Houston TX
Kelly (Solo Performance) Reliant Arena capacity 69,500
Rodeo Houston with Nick Lachey & Jessica Simpson
Wed 17-March 7:30 pm CST Austin TX
Kelly (Solo Performance) Travis County Expo Center capacity 9,500
Austin Star of Texas Rodeo
TO NEXT VENUE 202.3 Miles - 3 hours, 34 min
#14 Fri 19-March 7:00 pm CST Grand Prairie TX
Closing Artist Kelly Clarkson NextStage (Nokia Live)
Home Town 35 miles from Burleson Texas, Kelly's home town
Wardrobe The Charlotte Outfit. Pin-striped blue shirt, blue tie, grey striped slacks
Guest Artist Tamyra Gray duet with Kelly
In The Audience Nikki McKibbin
TXClayFans.com Texas Clay Fans
Pre-Concert Party Mercado Juarez Arlington
Dallas Morning News (subscription) Idols Clarkson, Aiken please crowd at Nokia Live... It's official: Clay is sexy.
Fort Worth Star-Telegram Clarkson eclipsed by feats of Clay Aiken is paired on this tour with Burleson's own Kelly Clarkson, the winner of American Idol Season 1. But by the sound of things, the audience, many of them mother-daughter pairs, came to see Aiken...
Booked By AEG Live SouthWest Arena Opened 2002 Seating 6,333
Box Office Summary NextStage At Grand Prairie
__DATE_____SOLD_____CAPACITY__HEADLINE ARTIST
Gross Sales $287,306
03/19/04__100%___6,094___6,094__Clay Aiken / Kelly Clarkson
02/27/04___68%___4,332___6,333__Mercy Me / Amy Grant
11/14/03__100%___5,900___5,900__Harry Connick, Jr.
11/11/03___70%___4,450___6,333__Good Charlotte
11/06/03___72%___2,569___3,534__The Strokes
10/24/03___64%___2,867___4,435__Godsmack
10/17/03___64%___2,262___3,534__Johnny Lang / Jason Mraz
09/20/03__100%___3,670___3,670__3 Doors Down
09/18/03___78%___5,207___6,633__Dashboard Confessional
09/09/03___60%___2,684___4,435__Evanescence
08/27/03___94%___3,079___3,254__311
08/26/03___90%___2,950___3,254__Mariah Carey
08/23/03___80%___2,623___3,254__Ringo Starr
08/16/03___75%___4,810___6,333__B2K
08/05/03___56%___2,011___3,534__David Gray
07/23/03__100%___6,036___6,036__Norah Jones
2 DAYS TO NEXT VENUE 706.9 Miles - 11 hours, 7 minutes
#15 Sun 21-March 7:00 pm CST Saint Louis MO
Closing Artist Clay Aiken Savvis Center
Wardrobe The Tampa Outfit with no white t-shirt
Pre-Concert Party Sheraton Jacques Sports Bar
St. Louis Post-Dispatch American Idols... Aiken, in contrast, is a natural entertainer... And it was clear whom the crowd really had come to hear. They were on their feet from the opening note as he sold the music from his "Measure of a Man" CD.
Pollstar Ranking #6 worldwide in 2003 with 341,003 tickets sold
Arena Opened 1994 Seating (Max 21,209)
Rent $70,000 Merch Rate 30% Tax Rate 7.51%
Box Office Summary Savvis Center St. Louis
__DATE_____SOLD_____CAPACITY__HEADLINE ARTIST
Gross Sales $375,595
03/21/04___79%___8,195__10,298__Clay Aiken / Kelly Clarkson
02/13/04___44%___3,328___7,471__Sarah Brightman
02/07/04___54%__10,853__19,757__Gaither Homecoming
01/23/04___76%__13,861__18,151__George Strait
12/15/03___75%___9,931__13,147__Bette Midler
11/28/03___85%__18,101__21,209__Shania Twain
11/20/03___59%___3,048___5,153__Kenny Rogers
10/04/03___88%__12,399__13,936__Cher
08/17/03___67%___9,689__14,407__American Idols Live
08/13/03___80%___9,488__11,855__Fleetwood Mac
08/05/03__100%__12,304__12,304__Justin / Christina
07/26/03___43%___6,336__14,443__B2K
07/05/03___96%__13,404__13,835__Justin / Christina
06/20/03___73%__10,550__14,380__Journey/REO Speedwagon
06/06/03__100%__13,351__13,351__Eagles
06/01/03___90%___8,750___9,688__Yanni
05/11/03___97%__18,029__18,449__Dixie Chicks
05/05/03__100%__18,247__18,247__Elton John / Billy Joel
1 DAY TO NEXT VENUE 296.1 Miles - 4 hours, 48 minutes
#16 Mon 22-March 7:00 pm CST Chicago IL
Closing Artist Kelly Clarkson United Center
Wardrobe Blue Shirt and tie outfit
Pre-Concert Party Moretti's
Chicago Sun-Times The Kelly Clarkson and Clay Aiken concert... it was hard not to warm up to Aiken, who happily cackled at his own jokes and make fun of his onstage clumsiness.
Chicago Tribune Humility and charisma distinguish 'Idol' Aiken... The U.S. version of the British show is well into it's third season and has only produced one real star: Clay Aiken... Clarkson performed to a noticeably deflated arena, about what one might expect given the overwhelming number of Aiken fans.
Pollstar Ranking #12 worldwide in 2003 with 276,161 tickets sold
Arena Opened 1994 Seating (Max 25,000)
Rent 15% Merch Rate 35% Box Office $1,600 Tax Rate 4.5%
Box Office Summary United Center Chicago
__DATE_____SOLD_____CAPACITY__HEADLINE ARTIST
Gross Sales $436,250
03/22/04___93%__10,002__10,724__Clay Aiken / Kelly Clarkson
12/19/03___70%__13,711__19,338__Beyonce / Bow Wow
12/10/03___83%__11,648__13,927__Bette Midler
10/25/03__100%__34,220__17,110__Simon & Garfunkel 2 Shows
10/22/03___85%__14,567__16,951__Shania Twain
09/26/03___85%__10,641__12,500__R.E.M.
09/13/03___87%__11,250__12,869__Fleetwood Mac
08/08/03___81%___6,434___7,914__Steely Dan
07/29/03___66%___5,801___8,764__Mariah Carey
07/23/03__100%__13,422__13,422__Justin / Christina
07/09/03___87%__12,114__13,908__American Idols Live
06/18/03__100%__17,415__17,415__Pearl Jam
06/17/03___65%___9,195__14,138__Neil Young
05/30/03__100%__36,500__18,250__Dixie Chicks (2 Shows)
03/01/03__100%__15,922__15,922__Bon Jovi
01/22/03__100%__31,316__15,658__The Rolling Stones (2 Shows)
2 DAYS TO NEXT VENUE 462.0 Miles - 7 hours, 19 minutes
#17 Wed 24-March 7:00 pm CST Omaha NE
Closing Artist Clay Aiken Qwest Center
Wardrobe Stubble with The Tampa Outfit. He wore his blue/white stripe jacket with green t-shirt and jeans. Looked amazingly cute.
Pre-Concert Party Rick's Cafe Boatyard
Omaha World-Herald Review: Sound system drowns Kelly's, Clay's talent So much bass that the seats literally shook, especially during Clarkson's set.... So much over-miking that some of Aiken's crystal-clear high notes were made to sound as if he were singing on helium...
Arena Opened 2003 Seating up to 19,000
Rent $25,000 / 15% Box Office 3% max. $6,000 Merch Rate 30% Tax Rate 7%
Box Office Summary Qwest Center Omaha
__DATE_____SOLD_____CAPACITY__HEADLINE ARTIST
Gross Sales $320,957
03/24/03___94%___7,081___7,526__Clay Aiken / Kelly Clarkson
03/17/03___81%__11,871__14,567__Britney Spears / Kelis
03/13/03___87%___5,820___6,617__Yanni
03/12/03__Fri____________________Rod Stewart
12/27/03___75%__17,052__10,000__Manheim Steamroller(2 Shows)
12/10/03___83%__11,648__13,927__Bette Midler
11/12/03___80%___7,671___9,500__John Mayer
11/06/03___81%__12,691__14,545__Aerosmith / KISS
10/09/03__100%__13,425__13,425__Fleetwood Mac
10/03/03___91%__13,272__14,554__Cher
2 DAYS TO NEXT VENUE 937.4 Miles - 14 hours, 32 minutes
#18 Fri 26-March 7:00 pm MST Salt Lake City UT
Closing Artist Kelly Clarkson Delta Center
Wardrobe Stubble. Blue shirt and tie outfit.
In The Audience Carmen Rasmusen
Pre-Concert Party Applebee's at Gateway
Salt Lake Tribune Ex-'Idol' stars belt out tunes for Delta crowd
Pop stars Clay Aiken and Kelly Clarkson took to the stage Friday at the Delta Center amid the echoing screams of thousands of women, plus a few men... Aiken, who performed first, has found his niche as the "aw shucks" Backstreet Boy, with a comfortable stage presence, plus catchy, cohesive songs.
Deseret Morning News Clay Aiken high note of show ...Aiken, on the other hand, was full of charm, and he connected with the audience...
Arena Opened 1991 Seating up to 19,688
Merch Rate 35% Tax Rate 6.6%
Box Office Summary Delta Center Salt Lake
__DATE_____SOLD_____CAPACITY__HEADLINE ARTIST
Gross Sales $280,235
03/26/04___64%___6,561__10,119__Clay Aiken / Kelly Clarkson
03/16/04___53%___3,623___6,812__Gaither Homecoming
03/06/04___91%___5,772___6,303__Sarah Brightman
02/05/04__100%___6,232___6,232__Josh Groban
10/22/03___69%___8,902__12,755__Aerosmith / KISS
10/02/03___87%___6,574___7,500__Alan Jackson
09/12/03___74%___9,378__12,590__Alabama
08/23/03___64%___7,627__11,969__American Idols Live
08/02/03___84%___8,405___9,915__Fleetwood Mac
05/28/03___65%___8,378__12,782__Journey/Styx/Reo Speed
05/13/03___76%___7,193___9,436__Yanni
05/01/03__100%__12,423__12,423__Tim McGraw
1 DAY TO NEXT VENUE 427.8 Miles - 6 hours, 42 minutes
#19 Sat 27-March 7:30 pm PST Las Vegas NV
Closing Artist Clay Aiken Thomas & Mack Center
Wardrobe The Tampa Outfit. Bluish grey jacket with darker blue stripes on back. Light green shirt covered by a darker green shirt. Jeans with pockets all down the legs.
In The Audience Clive Davis - Kathy Griffin
Pre-Concert Party Hoffbrauhaus
Las Vegas Sun Clarkson, Aiken are focus of idol worship A wildly enthusiastic crowd of 5,668 was as much a part of the experience as the performers onstage... A few even cried during the ballads...Aiken, a North Carolinan, did a bit better job constructing his set list...
Arena Opened 1983 Seating 4,000 - 19,354
Rent $15,000 / 11.5% Merch Rate 35% Box Office 4%
Box Office Summary Thomas & Mack Center Las Vegas
__DATE_____SOLD_____CAPACITY__HEADLINE ARTIST
Gross Sales $286,109
03/27/04___81%___5,859___7,199__Clay Aiken / Kelly Clarkson
03/17/04___21%___3,786__17,879__Gaither Homecoming
03/13/04___78%__13,270__16,808__Metallica / Godsmack
02/20/04___97%__13,198__13,500__Linkin Park / Hoobastank
09/11/03___58%___8,380__14,222__R.E.M.
07/27/03__100%__13,415__13,415__50 Cent
02/16/03__100%__35,905__17,952__Phish (2 Shows)
3 DAYS TO NEXT VENUE 332.2 Miles - 5 hours, 15 minutes
#20 Tues 30-March 7:00 pm to 10:30 PST San Diego CA
Closing Artist Kelly Clarkson Cox Arena
Wardrobe Fedora with blue shirt and tie outfit. No stubble. Sunburn.
Pre-Concert Party Marie Callendar's
North County Times Clay and Kelly, a study in contrasts He sang with power, near-perfect pitch and big closer notes throughout and his voice retains its bell-like clarity.
Booked By House Of Blues Concerts San Diego Arena Opened 1997 Seating (Max 12,200)
Rent $7,500 / 10% Merch Rate 35% Box Office 3%
Box Office Summary Cox Arena San Diego
__DATE_____SOLD_____CAPACITY__HEADLINE ARTIST
Gross Sales $254,072
03/30/04___64%___5,301___8,215__Clay Aiken / Kelly Clarkson
03/26/04__Fri____________________Rod Stewart
03/07/03__100%___8,574___8,574__Luis Miguel
02/17/04__100%__10,089__10,089__Linkin Park / Hoobastank
01/25/04__100%___9,046___9,046__Hillary Duff
01/14/04__100%__11,053__11,053__Dave Matthews
12/17/03___89%__10,267__11,471__Shania Twain
11/26/03___48%___3,044___6,269__Good Charlotte
11/15/03__100%__11,424__11,424__Simon & Garfunkel
11/09/03___73%___4,637___6,290__matchbox twenty
08/09/03___73%___4,665___6,334__Blue Man Group
10/08/02___93%___7,099___7,643__American Idols Live
1 DAY TO NEXT VENUE 520.4 Miles - 8 hours, 11 minutes
#21 Wed 31-March 7:30 pm PST Sacramento CA
Closing Artist Clay Aiken ARCO Arena
Wardrobe He wore the green shirt with the funky jacket. Hair is still long and he had a stubble that was very pronounced.
Pre-Concert Party Round Table Pizza
Sacramento Bee Review: Aiken idolized at Arco Arena concert Even before the singing, and certainly during, it was Aiken's show... He came in from the back of the arena, walking down from the upper levels of Arco -- singing and beaming, the near-capacity crowd on its feet, fans bouncing around him, security guards with arms hovering, the screaming unleashed like you just took out your earplugs. Through the rest of the night it sounded as though a thousand small screaming creatures had been uncaged. Clay was on.
Contra Costa Times Surprise: Aiken has talent Aiken is confidant, unassuming and can sing. He doesn't have to live up to the always demanding standards of cultural coolness because his crowd just doesn't care. They love him. Bingo.
Pollstar Ranking #25 worldwide in 2003 with 214,993 tickets sold
Arena Opened 1988 Seating 6,500 - 17,236
Rent $10,500 / 15% Merch Rate 35%
Box Office Summary ARCO Arena Sacramento
__DATE______SOLD____CAPACITY__HEADLINE ARTIST
Gross Sales $402,365
03/31/04___85%___9,123__10,650__Clay Aiken / Kelly Clarkson
03/18/04___61%__10,252__16,725__Gaither Homecoming
03/17/04___77%___5,915___7,610__Sarah Brightman
03/10/04___92%__12,545__13,500__Metallica / Godsmack
02/28/04___99%__13,073__13,136__Hilary Duff
02/18/04__100%__14,580__14,580__Linkin Park / Hoobastank
01/28/04___94%__14,132__15,000__George Strait
12/13/03__100%__16,519__16,519__Shania Twain
11/20/03__100%__15,045__15,045__Simon & Garfunkel
11/13/03___89%___8,783___9,777__Toby Keith
10/18/03___58%___8,275__14,180__Red Hot Chili Peppers
09/06/03__100%__12,468__12,468__Cher
08/28/03___78%___9,120__11,599__American Idols Live
11/16/02__100%__11,772__11,772__American Idols Live
2 DAYS TO NEXT VENUE 755.3 Miles - 11 hours, 51 minutes
#22 Fri 2-April 7:00 pm MST Glendale AZ
Closing Artist Kelly Clarkson Glendale Arena
Wardrobe No stubble. Blue shirt and tie outfit with fedora.
Pre Concert Party Red Robin Avondale AZ
The Arizona Republic Fans in a frenzy for 'AI' duo Based on the scream factor alone, the night clearly belonged to Aiken who opened the co-headling show.
Live Daily Live Review: Clay Aiken and Kelly Clarkson in Glendale, AZ However, during the encore, it was clear who the fans were there to see: Clay Aiken. Clarkson sang the first verse to Journey's "Open Arms" and as Aiken strolled out to duet with her, the screams were nearly deafening.
Get Out Magazine Idols worshipped at Glendale Arena... Vocally, he was in fine form.
Arena Opened 2003 Seating (Max 20,000)
Box Office Summary Glendale Arena
__DATE______SOLD____CAPACITY__HEADLINE ARTIST
04/02/04__Fri____________________Clay Aiken / Kelly
03/31/04__100%__16,094__16,094__Prince
03/27/04__100%__10,945__10,945__Rod Stewart
03/03/04___96%__13,143__13,718__Britney Spears / Kelis
02/12/04___95%__12,494__13,101__Bette Midler
1 DAY TO NEXT VENUE 361 Miles - 5 hours, 46 minutes
#23 Sat 3-April 7:00 pm PST Anaheim CA
Closing Artist Clay Aiken Arrowhead Pond
Guest Artist Kimberly Locke
In The Audience Clif Magness
Wardrobe No stubble. The Tampa Outfit. Also known as the Dr. Seuss Jacket outfit, with two green shirts, striped jacket, and jeans with pockets all down the legs.
Pre-Concert Party JT Schmids Restaurant and Brewery
Los Angeles Times (subscription) 'Idols' are human, but louder The Pond audience wasn't one to sit back and clap politely. They screamed and shouted and waved signs that said such things as "Taken With Aiken" and "Kelly Rocks."
Orange County Register (subscription) By BEN WENER Powerhouse duo show promise ...Clay, of course, can effortlessly nail his attention-grabbing "glory notes," but he also has some dynamic capability.
Pollstar Ranking #29 worldwide in 2003 with 206,578 tickets sold
Arena Opened 1993 Seating up to 19,400
Box Office Summary Arrowhead Pond Anaheim
__DATE______SOLD____CAPACITY__HEADLINE ARTIST
Gross Sales $418,825
04/03/04___80%___9,451__11,700__Clay Aiken / Kelly Clarkson
03/22/04___73%___8,405__11,448__Rod Stewart
03/20/04___61%__10,032__16,294__Gaither Homecoming
03/14/04___58%___5,896__10,095__Sarah Brightman
03/04/04___74%___8,296__11,239__Luis Miguel
02/22/04___87%__10,092__11,551__Bette Midler
01/24/04__100%__15,594__15,594__Jimmy Buffett
12/16/03__100%__15,279__15,279__Shania Twain
12/04/03___98%___4,910___5,000__Rascal Flats
11/29/03___76%___6,657___8,715__Joan Sebastian
11/23/03___87%__23,081__13,162__Simon & Garfunkel 2 Shows
11/15/03__100%__13,398__13,398__Toby Keith
11/08/03___92%___6,745___7,302__matchbox twenty
08/31/03__100%__11,272__11,272__American Idols Live
07/21/03__100%__29,985__14,992__Dixie Chicks (2 Shows)
07/19/03___90%__10,348__11,480__Enrique Iglesias
07/17/03__100%__22,897__11,448__Fleetwood Mac (2 Shows)
11/15/02___94%__10,457__11,128__American Idols Live
2 DAYS TO NEXT VENUE 30.6 Miles - 42 minutes
#24 Mon 5-April 7:00 pm PDT Los Angeles CA
Closing Artist Kelly Clarkson Staples Center
Wardrobe Stubble. Fedora. Blue Shirt and Tie Outfit first worn in Charlotte.
MTV News Cutielicious: Kelly And Clay's Live Show Heavy On The Sugar Eventually, his smirk alone garnered laughs. And when he did a few dance moves, hysterics ensued.
Pollstar Ranking #26 worldwide in 2003 with 214,348 tickets sold
Booked By AEG Live Arena Opened 1999 Seating up to 20,000
Rent $75,000 Merch Rate 30% Box Office $3,000 Tax Rate 3.5%
Box Office Summary Staples Center Los Angeles
__DATE______SOLD____CAPACITY__HEADLINE ARTIST
04/05/04__Mon___________________Clay Aiken / Kelly Clarkson
03/29/04__100%__17,367__17,367__Prince
03/23/04__100%__12,452__12,452__Rod Stewart
03/08/04___99%__15,059__15,171__Britney Spears / Kelis
02/24/04___91%__11,728__12,771__Bette Midler
01/15/04___91%__15,831__17,377__Dave Matthews
11/18/03__100%__30,952__15,476__Simon & Garfunkel 2 Shows
10/14/03___86%___9,520__11,069__Fleetwood Mac
08/24/03__100%__11,909__11,909__Toby Keith
07/19/03__100%__15,609__15,609__Dixie Chicks
07/17/03___81%___9,767__12,008__John Mayer/Counting Crows
07/12/03__100%__27,593__13,796__Fleetwood Mac (2 Shows)
06/20/03___99%__44,188__14,863__Justin / Christina (3 Shows)
06/14/03___89%__12,866__14,388__matchbox twenty
05/20/03___81%__11,710__14,411__Journey/Styx/REO Speedw
05/16/03___65%__10,445__16,030__Tim McGraw
02/06/03__100%__15,517__15,517__The Rolling Stones
1 DAY TO NEXT VENUE 341.7 Miles - 5 hours, 44 minutes
#25 Tues 6-April 7:00 pm PDT San Jose CA
Closing Artist Clay Aiken HP Pavilion
Wardrobe Stubble. The Tampa striped jacket outfit.
Pre-Concert Party Pizz'a Chicago in San Jose
San Jose Mercury News Winning isn't everything
San Jose Mercury News Clarkson is just fine, but Aiken shines at `Idol' show Still, Clarkson never quite established the rapport with the audience that Aiken did. And, in the end, the show was all about Aiken.
San Francisco Chronicle A runner-up proves his princely worth They liked Clarkson fine -- she and Aiken have been switching off closing the show over the course of the tour -- but they loved Clay.
Alameda Times-Star Clarkson appeases Clay-mates... But the fans made up for the vacancies with their loud enthusiasm. That was especially true for Aiken, who received a welcome fit for The King (Elvis, that is).
Pollstar Ranking #33 worldwide in 2003 with 187,187 tickets sold
Arena Opened 1993 Seating up to 18,373
Rent 17.5% Merch Rate 40% Box Office 3.5% for tkts. sold at arena box office only Tax Rate None
Box Office Summary HP Pavilion San Jose
__DATE_____SOLD_____CAPACITY__HEADLINE ARTIST
04/06/04__Tue___________________Clay Aiken / Kelly Clarkson
03/19/04__100%___9,486___9,486__Rod Stewart
03/18/04___90%___6,977___7,725__Sarah Brightman
02/16/04__100%__14,192__14,192__Linkin Park
02/07/04___96%__11,415__11,888__Bette Midler
01/27/04___95%___9,856__10,317__David Bowie / Macy Gray
01/20/04___58%__10,300__17,604__Jimmy Buffett
12/14/03__100%__16,869__16,869__Shania Twain
12/12/03__100%___5,092___5,092__Mariah Carey
11/05/03__100%__27,514__13,757__Simon & Garfunkel 2 Shows
08/30/03__100%__11,796__11,796__American Idols Live
07/16/03__100%__16,977__16,977__Dixie Chicks
07/08/03__100%__12,402__12,402__Fleetwood Mac
06/14/03__100%__13,934__13,934__Justin / Christina
06/07/03___66%___8,527__12,910__matchbox twenty
02/04/03__100%__14,122__14,122__The Rolling Stones
11/17/02___97%__11,225__11,553__American Idols Live
2 DAYS TO NEXT VENUE 840.6 Miles - 13 hours, 35 minutes
#26 Thurs 8-April 7:00 pm PDT Seattle WA
Closing Artist Kelly Clarkson KeyArena
Wardrobe Major stubble. Fedora. Blue Shirt and Tie Outfit with grey pants.
ClayAikenSeattle.org Seattle Clay Fans
Pre-Concert Party Seattle Center House
The Seattle Times 'Idol' duo gets crowd's vote at KeyArena Without question, Aiken seemed to be the one most came to see Thursday night at KeyArena. His fans are notoriously loyal, known in some circles as "Claymates," and reflect a true cross-section of America: from children to tweens and teens, parents and grandparents, students and professionals.
Seattle Post-Intelligencer 'Idol' stars Clarkson, Aiken light up KeyArena This wasn't a show for couch potatoes. Fans rose to their feet and cheered as soon as Aiken, surrounded by security guards, strolled through the crowd and up to the stage for a 70-minute set that opened with "Kyrie," the 1980s Mr. Mister hit.
Pollstar Ranking #15 worldwide in 2003 with 249,488 tickets sold
Arena Opened 1995 Seating (Max 13,500)
Rent $10,000 - 15,000 min. / 11% Merch Rate 35% Box Office 3% Tax Rate 7%
Box Office Summary KeyArena Seattle
__DATE_____SOLD_____CAPACITY__HEADLINE ARTIST
Gross Sales $304,625
04/08/04___79%___7,125___8,910__Clay Aiken / Kelly Clarkson
03/28/04__100%__13,222__13,222__Metallica /Godsmack
03/12/04___95%__10,426__10,898__Britney Spears / Kelis
02/29/04___93%___6,238___6,738__Sarah Brightman
02/26/04__100%___7,221___7,221__Newsboys/Rebecca St. James
02/21/04__100%___7,459___7,459__Newsboys/Rebecca St. James
02/03/04___94%__10,572__11,210__Bette Midler
01/12/04__100%__13,424__13,424__Dave Matthews
11/17/03___36%___3,622__10,031__Good Charlotte
11/01/03__100%__12,998__12,998__Simon & Garfunkel
10/21/03___60%___7,423__12,242__Red Hot Chili Peppers
09/25/03___77%___4,964___6,407__Def Leppard
08/26/03___87%__10,037__11,422__American Idols Live
07/12/03__100%__14,325__14,325__Dixie Chicks
06/02/03___67%___8,296__12,205__matchbox twenty
11/20/02___89%___9,922__11,120__American Idols Live
1 DAY TO NEXT VENUE 283.0 Miles - 4 hours, 31 minutes
#27 Fri 9-April 7:00 pm PDT Spokane WA
Closing Artist Clay Aiken Spokane Arena
Wardrobe Major stubble, like a soft downy beard. Striped jacket outfit.
Pre-Concert Party Cyrus O'Leary's
The Spokesman-Review (subscription) Kelly, Clay delight Arena crowd... From the moment Aiken entered the stage, fans were roaring. One area where Aiken has grown since his "American Idol" days is in his showmanship.
Arena Opened 1995 Seating 6,013 - 12,638
Rent $8,500 / 12% Merch Rate 35% Box Office 3 - 5% Tax Rate 5%
Box Office Summary Spokane Arena
__DATE______SOLD____CAPACITY__HEADLINE ARTIST
04/09/04__Fri____________________Clay Aiken / Kelly Clarkson
03/21/04___83%___9,179__11,000__Metallica / Godsmack
03/12/04___50%___6,078__12,099__Gaither Homecoming
03/02/04__100%___3,850___3,850__Sarah Brightman
06/20/03___64%___3,100___4,834__Godsmack
06/16/03___50%___2,670___5,266__The Moody Blues
05/31/03___70%___7,087___9,991__Brooks & Dunn
05/23/03___89%___8,049___9,000__Third Day/Michael W. Smith
05/15/03___67%___5,634___8,383__Yanni
05/08/03___51%___5,166__10,089__Little River Band
4 DAYS TO NEXT VENUE 1095.3 Miles - 17 hours, 7 minutes
#28 Tues 13-April 7:00 pm MDT Denver CO
Closing Artist Kelly Clarkson Pepsi Center
Wardrobe Blue shirt and tie outfit with fedora and extreme stubble/beard. Clay wore a different shirt for Open Arms! A purple and white striped shirt, with wide stripes and a floral pattern in between. There were t-shirts underneath, number unknown. Hair was long, especially in the back.
Pre-Concert Party Jackson's All-American Sports Grill
Post-Concert Party immediately after Brooklyn's at the Pepsi Center
Post-Concert Party late-nighter Executive Tower Lounge
Denver Post Confessions of an instant heartthrob
Rocky Mountain News Live singing at concert? Who would have thunk it The pair are switching off between who opens and closes the show, and you can't help but feel Clarkson draws the short straw every time she has to follow Aiken. He's got an affable stage charm that the audience ate up.
Pollstar Ranking #24 worldwide in 2003 with 216,116 tickets sold
Arena Opened 1999 Seating (Max 18,650)
Rent 12% / $20,000 Merch Rate 35%
Box Office Summary Pepsi Center Denver
__DATE______SOLD____CAPACITY__HEADLINE ARTIST
04/13/04 Tue____________________Clay Aiken / Kelly Clarkson
04/08/04 Thu____________________Rod Stewart
04/01/04 Thu____________________MartinaMcBride/ Alan Jackson
03/31/04 Wed____________________Metallica / Godsmack
03/15/04___64%__11,439__17,700__Britney Spears / Kelis
01/31/04___80%___9,901__12,333__Bette Midler
12/01/03__100%__16,928__16,928__Shania Twain
10/30/03__100%__15,464__15,533__Simon & Garfunkel
10/11/03__100%__15,480__15,480__Fleetwood Mac
09/13/03___76%___9,607__12,566__Alabama
07/21/03__100%__17,609__17,609__Dave Matthews
07/08/03__100%__16,034__16,034__Dixie Chicks
06/24/03___77%__10,118__13,022__Eagles
06/23/03___87%__10,838__12,428__Justin / Christina
06/17/03___98%__12,226__12,534__Cher
02/01/03__100%__16,680__16,680__The Rolling Stones
2 DAYS TO NEXT VENUE 602.9 Miles - 9 hours, 20 minutes
#29 Thurs 15-April 7:00 pm CDT Kansas City MO
Closing Artist Clay Aiken Kemper Arena
Wardrobe Beard is well trimmed and cared for. Long hair... looks extremely HOT! Striped jacket outfit.
KCClayFans.com Kansas City Clay Fans
Kemper Arena Free Block Party 4:00 pm
Pre-Concert Party - Dick Clarks American Bandstand Grill
PJ Party 4/14/04 & 4/15/04 - Hyatt Regency
KC Loves Kids, Inc. The Bubel Aiken Foundation
"Night Of Champions" benefit awards dinner
Kansas City Star (subscription) Review: Kelly Clarkson and Clay Aiken... Aiken took the headliner's slot, emerging at the back of the arena and making his way through the crowd (with the help of a phalanx of security guards) while performing an infectiously percussive arrangement of Mr. Mister's Kyrie.
Managed By Global Spectrum Arena Opened 1974 Seating (Max 18,500)
Rent $8,000 / 12% Merch Rate Centerplate Box Office 3% of gross Tax Rate 6.975%
Box Office Summary Kemper Arena Kansas City
__DATE_____SOLD_____CAPACITY__HEADLINE ARTIST
04/15/04__Thu___________________Clay Aiken / Kelly Clarkson
03/14/04___92%___4,820___5,230__Yanni
02/15/04___43%___2,518___5,803__Sarah Brightman
12/16/03___66%___8,871__13,391__Manheim Steamroller
11/30/03___64%__11,901__18,574__Shania Twain
11/29/03___86%__16,141__18,574__Shania Twain
09/22/03___63%___8,520__13,514__Cher
08/15/03___85%__11,050__12,952__Fleetwood Mac
06/21/03___77%___9,441__12,226__Journey/REO Speedwagon
05/10/03___99%__17,890__17,973__Dixie Chicks
1 DAY TO NEXT VENUE 439.6 Miles - 6 hours 53 minutes
#30 Fri 16-April 7:30 pm CDT St. Paul MN
Closing Artist Kelly Clarkson Xcel Energy Center
Wardrobe No stubble. Hat was in place with blue shirt and tie.
Kelly's T-Shirt Clay Rocks
MNClayFans.com Minnesota Clay Fans
Cyber Cafe Pre and Post-Concert Party - Great Waters Brewing Co.
Star Tribune Concert review: Aiken's star quality shines in St. Paul... Aiken has it -- that undefinable star quality. He commanded the stage in front of 11,783 screaming fans. There was a bounce in his step, attitude in the tilt of his fedora, drama in his gestures and a twinkle in his eyes.
Pioneer Press POP MUSIC REVIEW: Clay finding way; Kelly may go another... Even Clarkson knows that in the year since she released her debut album, Aiken has eclipsed her in popularity.
Pollstar Ranking #5 worldwide in 2003 with 349,280 tickets sold
Arena Opened 2000 Seating (Max 18,340)
Rent 12.5% Merch Rate 35% Box Office 3.5% Tax Rate 7%
Box Office Summary Xcel Energy Center St. Paul
__DATE_____SOLD_____CAPACITY__HEADLINE ARTIST
04/16/04__Fri____________________Clay Aiken / Kelly Clarkson
04/03/04__100%__15,652__15,652__Kenny Chesney / Keith Urban
03/26/04__100%__12,467__12,467__John Mayer
02/21/04__100%__15,371__15,371__MartinaMcBride/ Alan Jackson
01/31/04__100%__15,756__15,756__Linkin Park / Hoobastank
12/19/03___87%___8,727__10,000__Bette Midler
11/29/03__100%__12,153__12,153__Manheim Steamroller
10/28/03__100%__18,340__18,340__Shania Twain
10/27/03__100%__31,237__15,618__Simon & Garfunkel 2 Shows
10/17/03__100%__13,167__13,167__Eagles
09/20/03__100%___8,146___8,146__Good Charlotte
09/16/03___63%___6,306__10,000__R.E.M.
09/02/03__100%__12,016__12,016__Justin / Christina
08/07/03___71%___6,785___9,500__Steely Dan
08/01/03___82%__10,042__12,200__James Taylor
07/13/03___69%___3,843___5,500__Sheryl Crow
07/08/03___79%__10,817__13,627__American Idols Live
11/10/02___66%___9,430__14,342__American Idols Live
Tour Talk...on the road with Clay...and Kelly contains media reviews
Tour Talk II ... the "Independent" tour winds down
Independent Clay Aiken / Kelly Clarkson
Vocalists Jacob Luttrell - Quiana Parler - Angela Fisher
Musical Director Jason Halbert
Danny on guitar, Al on bass, Chris on drums, Svon on keyboards
The Beu Sisters Candice Christie Jilaine Danielle
Clay Aiken's Set List
Kyrie Mr. Mister 1985 Rock
Perfect Day - I Will Carry You
All About Love Steven Curtis Chapman 2003 Inspirational
No More Sad Song - I Survived You - When You Say You Love Me
(duet with Quiana) Without You Kimberly Locke 2004
Invisible - Run To Me - Measure of A Man
Fields of Gold Sting 1993 Rock
When I Need You Leo Sayer 1976 Lite Rock
Carolina In My Mind James Taylor 1968 Lite Rock/Folk Pop
When Doves Cry Prince 1984 R&B/Soul
The Way
(duet with Kelly) Open Arms Journey 1981 Lite Rock
Original Lyrics To Concert Cover Songs
Kyrie Mr. Mister 1985 Rock
Perfect Day - I Will Carry You
All About Love Steven Curtis Chapman 2003 Inspirational
No More Sad Song - I Survived You - When You Say You Love Me
(duet with Quiana) Without You Kimberly Locke 2004
Invisible - Run To Me - Measure of A Man
Fields of Gold Sting 1993 Rock
When I Need You Leo Sayer 1976 Lite Rock
Carolina In My Mind James Taylor 1968 Lite Rock/Folk Pop
When Doves Cry Prince 1984 R&B/Soul
The Way
(duet with Kelly) Open Arms Journey 1981 Lite Rock
Original Lyrics To Concert Cover Songs
#01 Tues 24-February 7:00 pm EST Charlotte NC
Closing Artist Clay Aiken Charlotte Coliseum
Home Town Clay's college home town
Wardrobe No wrist watch. Pin-striped blue shirt, blue tie, grey striped slacks. Nike Dunk Low Pro shoes, gray & white with green swoosh and pink shoelaces.
Kelly's T-Shirt I Heart Clay
Synopsis
7:00 to 7:20 The Beu Sisters - 20 minute intermission
7:40 to 8:30 Kelly Clarkson - 20 minute intermission
8:50 to 9:55 Clay Aiken - 9:55 to 10:00 Open Arms duet
The Charlotte Observer (subscription) Clay shines in city he calls 'home' When Aiken sang the lyrics "When you say you love me do you mean it" he was met with deafening cheers.
Arena Opened 1988 Seating (Max 24,255)
Rent $6,000 / 15% Merch Rate 30% Box Office 3% Tax Rate 3%
Box Office Summary Charlotte Coliseum
__DATE______SOLD____CAPACITY__HEADLINE ARTIST
Gross Sales $367,875
02/24/04___97%___8,657___8,959__Clay Aiken / Kelly Clarkson
12/31/03___56%__13,595__24,255__Gaither Homecoming
12/06/03___72%___8,309__11,500__Manheim Steamroller
08/08/03__100%__14,645__14,645__American Idols Live
05/22/03___31%___7,577__23,981__Eagles
03/08/03__100%__18,599__18,599__Tim McGraw
1 DAY TO NEXT VENUE 217.1 Miles - 3 hours, 30 minutes
#02 Wed 25-February 7:00 pm EST Duluth GA
Closing Artist Kelly Clarkson Arena @ Gwinnett Center
Wardrobe Wrist watch, pin-striped blue shirt, blue tie, grey striped slacks.
Atlanta Journal-Constitution CONCERT: 'Idols' appearance at Arena a wild success "The show was sold out, totally," said Arena booking manager Jerry Goldman.
Managed By SMG Arena Opened 2003 Seating (Max 13,100)
Merch Rate 30% Box Office 3% Tax Rate 6%
Box Office Summary Gwinnett Center Duluth
__DATE______SOLD____CAPACITY__HEADLINE ARTIST
Gross Sales $417,642
02/25/04___95%___9,166___9,636__Clay Aiken / Kelly Clarkson
02/07/04__100%__10,760__10,760__Kid Rock
01/19/04___69%___4,940___7,180__Sarah Brightman
12/13/03__100%___9,001___9,001__Manheim Steamroller
11/28/03__100%___8,394___8,394__Michael W. Smith
10/22/03___55%___2,843___5,131__Nickelback
10/19/03___94%___7,999___8,500__Mana
08/23/03___50%___3,249___6,443__Indigo Girls
08/13/03___92%___6,890___7,500__Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
07/26/03__100%__12,086__12,086__Journey/Styx/REO Speed
05/08/03__100%__10,306__10,306__Avril Lavigne / Simple Plan
05/07/03___81%___5,471___6,734__Good Charlotte
03/06/03__100%___7,084___7,084__Coldplay
02/28/03__100%__12,302__12,302__Bruce Springsteen
2 DAYS TO NEXT VENUE 480.4 Miles - 7 hours, 32 minutes
#03 Fri 27-February 7:00 pm EST Tampa FL
Closing Artist Clay Aiken St. Pete Times Forum
Home Town 140 miles from The Beu Sisters' home town of New Smyrna Beach, FL
Wardrobe White t-shirt, light green button down shirt open at neck covered by a darker green shirt with a zipper going down front about 6 inches. Bluish grey jacket with darker blue stripes on back. Stripes also on sleeves from elbow to cuff on the underside of the forearm with a bright solid blue area on the front of the forearm. Very interesting and very very soft. Jeans had pockets all down the legs. by Ruby Gonzalez
Kelly's T-shirt Clay Rocks
St. Petersburg Times Clay soars, Kelly rushes... Aiken ran right off with the show, dramatically appearing from the back of the arena to lead the band through a cover of Mr. Mister's 1980s hit Kyrie...
Tampa Tribune Vocal Fans Idolize Aiken's Endearing Touches The spiked-hair crooner who looks like a younger version of Barry Manilow was greeted with screams from adoring fans, known as "Claymates," on Friday night at the St. Pete Times Forum... The audience of 10,823 was predominantly female and of all ages - from grandmothers to preteens.
Pollstar Ranking #9 worldwide in 2003 with 328,700 tickets sold
Arena Opened 1996 Seating (Max 22,000)
Rent $24,000 / 30% Merch Rate 35% Box Office $1.75 facility fee Tax Rate 7%
Box Office Summary St. Pete Times Forum Tampa
__DATE______SOLD____CAPACITY__HEADLINE ARTIST
Gross Sales $369,213
02/27/04___93%___8,365___8,966__Clay Aiken / Kelly Clarkson
02/07/04__100%__10,969__10,969__Rod Stewart
01/30/04___62%__11,816__18,798__Gaither Homecoming
01/16/04___98%__13,189__13,366__George Strait
12/21/03__100%__15,914__15,914__Simon & Garfunkel
12/03/03___70%__10,633__15,174__Aerosmith / KISS
11/07/03___65%___9,083__13,878__Brooks & Dunn
10/11/03___90%___6,771___7,500__Alabama
10/04/03___78%__10,931__13,983__Toby Keith
08/13/03___98%___6,887___7,000__American Idols Live
08/07/03___57%___5,824__10,089__50 Cent
07/30/03___93%___9,392__10,000__The Dead / Bob Dylan
07/26/03___66%___8,408__12,672__Brooks & Dunn
07/14/03___89%___8,933__10,000__Justin / Christina
10/23/02___64%___8,541__13,422__American Idols Live
1 DAY TO NEXT VENUE 279.6 Miles - 4 hours, 34 minutes
#04 Sat 28-February 7:00 pm EST Miami FL
Closing Artist Kelly Clarkson American Airlines Arena
Wardrobe Stubble. Regular jeans, gray jacket, long-sleeved beautiful bright blue t-shirt with green one underneath. Took the jacket off early on. The Miami Outfit is considered by many to be the hottest outfit on the tour.
Kelly's T-Shirt Clay Rocks, red with black letters
The Miami Herald (subscription) 'American Idol' stars show strong signs of development ''Animals strike curious poses / They feel the heat, the heat between me and you,'' Aiken sang, grinding a bit against his background singer... He sang his unlikely selection extremely well, revealing the gospel roots of the tune by opening it as a ballad amid hearty piano chords, and then taking it to a rousing finish.
Sun-Sentinel Aiken and Clarkson show off Idol mettle With his loose-limbed walk, jacket-and-jeans wardrobe and half-shy stage moves, Aiken comes off like a John Cusack character, and it's impossible not to be won over by him.
The Palm Beach Post 'American Idols' lack independence At one point, he grabbed a cellphone from a female fan and talked to the person -- in this case, the fan's mother -- on the line. He's not the first to try such an attention-getting device, but his affection for his fan base is clearly genuine. (And of the thousands in the audience, the Aiken contingent -- or "Claymates" -- was the loudest.)
Hollywood Reporter Bottom line: Promising, big-voiced singers still need nurturing.... But when he settled into a cover segment featuring the songs of Sting, Leo Sayer, Prince and a brilliant reinterpretation of James Taylor's "Carolina in My Mind," Aiken's set took off.
Arena Opened 1999 Seating up to 19,094
Merch Rate 30% Box Office Included in Rent Tax Rate 7%
Box Office Summary American Airlines Arena Miami
__DATE_____SOLD_____CAPACITY__HEADLINE ARTIST
Gross Sales $245,818
02/28/04___87%___5,395___6,204__Clay Aiken / Kelly Clarkson
12/31/03__100%__74,376__18,594__Phish (4 Shows)
12/17/03__100%__11,799__11,799__Simon & Garfunkel
11/15/03___75%__16,601__11,000__Luis Miguel (2 Shows)
10/16/03___86%___9,941__11,481__Mana
09/27/03__100%__11,165__11,165__Elton John
09/26/03___65%___3,266___5,000__Kid Rock
08/24/03___76%___4,563___6,000__B2K
06/03/03___79%___5,429___6,821__Yanni
02/21/03__100%__11,589__11,589__Santana
02/13/03___69%__13,047__18,748__Jimmy Buffett
2 DAYS TO NEXT VENUE 814.7 Miles - 12 hours, 43 minutes
#05 Mon 1-March 7:00 pm EST Raleigh NC
Closing Artist Clay Aiken RBC Center
Home Town Clay Aiken's home town
Wardrobe Same outfit that he wore in Tampa. The only difference that I can detect is that in Raleigh he had one more button on his shirt buttoned so you didn't see the white T underneath it all. Love the man's modesty. by Ruby Gonzalez
Kelly's T-Shirt I Heart Clay, black with white lining, red heart
News 14 Carolina Clay Aiken concert quickly sells out... By 10:30, whether online or in line, only a few single seats were left out of the 10,000 being sold. And before 11, the Raleigh concert was a sellout.
The News & Observer Aiken was best of two 'Idol' stars... Maybe it was playing to a sympathetic hometown crowd, but Aiken came across as the vastly superior performer... In terms of voice, charisma and overall presence, Aiken pretty much left her in the dust.
WRAL Clay, Kelly Rock RBC Center... Aiken and Clarkson sang their hits to a sold-out crowd at the RBC Center. A couple of fans hyperventilated during the concert, but were treated and are fine.
CBC-Raleigh Clay Aiken Continues Concert Tour In Triangle, Jerome Stands Watch... Aiken arrived at the WRAL-FM studios on Hillsborough Street about 10am to the joy of his fans, some of whom had been camping outside the station since 2:30am.
Managed By Gale Force Arena Opened 1999 Seating up to 19,352
Rent 12.5% Merch Rate 30% Box Office 3% Tax Rate 3%
Box Office Summary RBC Center Raleigh
__DATE_____SOLD_____CAPACITY__HEADLINE ARTIST
Gross Sales $586,230
03/01/04__100%__13,538__13,538__Clay Aiken / Kelly Clarkson
02/14/04__100%__10,314__10,314__Kid Rock
12/04/03___87%___7,692___8,800__Manheim Steamroller
08/06/03__100%__13,085__13,085__American Idols Live
03/16/03__100%__18,505__18,505__Billy Joel / Elton John
03/09/03___89%__12,039__13,550__Tim McGraw
02/22/03___93%__13,731__14,704__George Strait
1 DAY TO NEXT VENUE 424.0 Miles - 6 hours, 44 minutes
#06 Tues 2-March 7:00 pm EST Philadelphia PA
Closing Artist Kelly Clarkson Liacouras Center
Wardrobe No wrist watch. Untucked blue dress shirt, baggy gray slacks, and running shoes. Mini-stripes on his blue shirt, and mini-dots on his tie that's the same color as his shirt.
PAclayfans.com Pennsylvania Clay Fans
Pre-Concert Party Draught Horse
Philadelphia Inquirer Crowd is Clay's in Idols show The ladies began to scream as Aiken emerged from the back of the hall, singing Mr. Mister's 1985 hit "Kyrie" as he walked through the audience. And they continued to scream all the way through his final number and latest single, "The Way."
The Morning Call Review: Kelly Clarkson/Clay Aiken If the crowd liked Kelly, it loved Clay.
Managed By Global Spectrum Arena Opened 1997 Seating 10,000
Rent 12% Merch Rate 30% Box Office $500 + tkt. costs Tax Rate 5%
Box Office Summary Liacouras Center Philadelphia
__DATE______SOLD____CAPACITY__HEADLINE ARTIST
Gross Sales $368,378
03/02/04___86%___7,934___9,229__Clay Aiken / Kelly Clarkson
10/10/03___95%___4,430___4,650__Mike Epps
10/01/03___68%___6,262___9,105__R.E.M.
01/25/03___77%___6,761___8,724__D.L. Hughley
11/27/02__100%__10,471__10,471__John Mayer / Maroon 5
10/27/02___42%___2,538___6,000__Third Day
10/12/02__100%___7,394___7,400__Counting Crows
09/14/02___67%___6,704__10,000__Steven Curtis Chapman
11/09/99__100%__10,068__10,068__Bob Dylan / Phil Lesh
2 DAYS TO NEXT VENUE 120.9 Miles - 2 hours, 17 minutes
#07 Thurs 4-March 7:00 pm EST Uniondale (Long Island) NY
Closing Artist Clay Aiken Nassau Coliseum
Wardrobe Jacket and green shirt again.
Kelly's T-shirt Clay Rocks
In The Audience Neil Sedaka
NY Newsday Still more like puppets than idols Though one is male, the other female, they can be described with the same few words: Young, talented, likable.
New York Post Aiken Not Fakin': He's The Real Deal What this concert showed was that, when placed under the lights on a concert stage, the lanky Southerner is an entertainer.
Beavers On Idol Independent Tour: The Church of Clay He saw this girl yearning to clutch him, he delivered. That is his genius, he can make us be insanely jealous, yet drool over the compassion he uses to induce such jealousy.
Pollstar Ranking #13 worldwide in 2003 with 261,684 tickets sold
Managed By SMG Arena Opened 1972 Seating (Max 17,789)
Rent 15% Merch Rate 35% Box Office $.35 tkt + $.30 sale day; $1.50 facility chg. per tkt Tax Rate $1.50 per tkt
Box Office Summary Nassau Coliseum Uniondale
__DATE______SOLD____CAPACITY__HEADLINE ARTIST
Gross Sales $565,198
03/04/04___98%__12,501__12,569__Clay Aiken / Kelly Clarkson
01/03/04___97%__11,582__11,848__Bette Midler
10/17/03___80%__10,934__13,646__Good Charlotte
10/12/03___80%__12,646__15,715__Shania Twain
10/04/03___89%___4,471___5,000__Fat Joe
08/19/03___88%__24,460__13,829__Justin / Christina (2 Shows)
08/01/03__100%__23,100__11,550__American Idols Live (2 Shows)
07/09/03___64%___8,945__13,941__Journey/REO Speedwagon
06/23/03___95%__15,804__16,501__Dixie Chicks
05/23/03__100%__13,410__13,410__Fleetwood Mac
05/13/03___99%__13,261__13,299__Avril Lavigne / Simple Plan
05/08/03___18%___1,807__10,000__Busta Rhymes/Ludacris
10/27/02___96%__12,584__13,136__American Idols Live
1 DAY TO NEXT VENUE 252.8 Miles - 4 hours, 20 minutes
#08 Fri 5-March 7:00 pm EST Washington DC
Closing Artist Kelly Clarkson MCI Center
Wardrobe Blue shirt and tie outfit, major stubble
Kelly's T-Shirt Clay Rocks, red with black letters
Washington Post At MCI, American Idolatry For the Feats of Clay and Kelly Fans, a mix of screaming teens and equally ecstatic middle-aged women, sat only when he did...
Pollstar Ranking #8 worldwide in 2003 with 330,629 tickets sold
Arena Opened 1997 Seating up to 20,200
Box Office Summary MCI Center Washington DC
__DATE______SOLD____CAPACITY__HEADLINE ARTIST
Gross Sales $458,128
03/05/04___88%__10,627__12,102__Clay Aiken / Kelly Clarkson
03/04/04__100%__10,238__10,238__Rod Stewart
01/29/04___32%___5,420__16,881__Sarah Brightman
01/23/04___81%__11,965__14,608__Bette Midler
12/15/03__100%__32,773__16,386__Simon & Garfunkel 2 Shows
11/20/03___61%__11,187__18,059__Aerosmith / KISS
10/17/03___95%__16,222__16,969__Shania Twain
10/12/03___91%__11,102__12,200__Eagles / Dixie Chicks benefit
10/10/03___86%__12,467__14,345__Cher
10/02/03___85%__10,283__12,045__Fleetwood Mac
08/25/03__100%__12,921__12,921__Justin / Christina
08/22/03___80%__11,052__13,683__R. Kelly
07/28/03__100%__12,718__12,718__American Idols Live
07/23/03___71%___9,462__13,185__Journey/Styx/REO Speed
07/12/03___95%__25,741__13,499__Eagles (2 Shows)
06/26/03__100%__34,155__17,077__Dixie Chicks (2 Shows)
11/03/02__100%__13,046__13,046__American Idols Live
2 DAYS TO NEXT VENUE 221.9 Miles - 3 hours, 45 minutes
#09 Sun 7-March 7:00 pm EST Wilkes-Barre PA
Closing Artist Clay Aiken Wachovia Arena
Wardrobe The Tampa Outfit
PAclayfans.com Pennsylvania Clay Fans
The Citizens Voice Clay and Kelly Sell Out the Arena Clarkson denies and laughs off any rumor that her and Aiken, 25, have become an item while touring.
Scranton Times Tribune Clarkson, Aiken: Two idols who just might turn out OK Mr. Aiken was the consummate showman, playing in front of his competent five-piece band and three backing vocalists. Mr. Aiken has a cocky confidence that exudes charisma and a belief that he can cover any song and win over any audience. Judging by the reaction of the Wachovia Arena crowd, perhaps he can.
Times Leader Singers show there's talent in 'Idol'... Aiken was next, and Aiken was better... The reason, most likely, is how well he embraces the songs he sings. Through his gestures and mannerisms, he truly appears to capture the feelings of the songs' lyrics, and thus, makes them his own. (Elvis and Sinatra did the same.)
Managed By SMG Arena Opened 1999 Seating (Max 10,500)
Rent $5,000 / 12.5% Merch Rate 35% BoxOffice 3% Tax Rate $1 bond fee + $.50 per tkt. tax
Box Office Summary Wachovia Arena Wilkes-Barre
__DATE_____SOLD____ CAPACITY__HEADLINE ARTIST
Gross Sales $343,900
03/07/04___97%___7,660___7,898__Clay Aiken / Kelly Clarkson
01/31/04___91%___7,347___8,045__Kid Rock
01/24/04__100%___5,488___5,488__3 Doors Down
12/15/03___82%___5,393___6,549__Amy Grant/Vince Gill
10/18/03___81%___5,886___7,213__Good Charlotte
07/16/03___88%___6,688___7,623__American Idols Live
11/01/02___97%___7,565___7,794__American Idols Live
1 DAY TO NEXT VENUE 271.2 Miles - 4 hours, 22 minutes
#10 Mon 8-March 7:00 pm EST Worcester MA
Closing Artist Kelly Clarkson Centrum Centre
Wardrobe No stubble. Blue shirt/tie outfit, grey pants with a wide stripe.
In The Audience ClayNation Emi
Pre-Concert Party Worcester Historical Museum
Boston Globe Bubbly `Idol' stars give concert real pop If Clarkson was supposed to be the headliner, no one told the sold-out crowd. The evening was all about Aiken...
Boston Herald Clarkson and Aiken live up to `Idol'atry His effortless banter with the crowd was delightful. ...and when he saw a 5-year-old girl with a sign that read, ''Clay, can I sing with you?'' he brought her on stage. To his surprise, the young fan knew all the words to ''When You Say You Love Me.''... Let's be honest - the idea of Aiken covering Prince's hit ''When Doves Cry'' seems preposterous. But as judge Paula Abdul likes to say, it's all about making the song your own. And Aiken owned the song.
Nashua Telegraph Move over, Kelly Clay is Americas Idol Yes, I know, Kelly Clarkson was on the bill, too, and she was good. But no one, not anyone should follow Aiken on stage. Its like eating Jell-O for dessert after feasting on Duck a lOrange... And trust me, this Duck a lOrange had them swooning in the aisles.
Nashua Telegraph Upon further review, fans are fanatical
Pollstar Ranking #39 worldwide in 2003 with 171,579 tickets sold
Managed By SMG Arena Opened 1982 Seating (Max 14,800)
Merch Rate F.M.I.
Box Office Summary Worcester's Centrum Centre
__DATE______SOLD____CAPACITY__HEADLINE ARTIST
Gross Sales $448,170
03/08/04__100%__10,408__10,408__Clay Aiken / Kelly Clarkson
01/17/04__100%__12,414__12,414__Linkin Park
12/10/03___65%___6,450___9,900__Amy Grant/Vince Gill
08/27/03___26%___2,836__10,509__B2K
07/21/03___79%___7,285___9,194__Iron Maiden
07/12/03___94%__10,283__10,917__Cher
07/11/03___89%___9,087__10,167__Journey/REO Speedwagon
06/13/03___77%__11,004__14,179__Gaither Homecoming
05/28/03__100%__22,875__11,437__Fleetwood Mac (2 Shows)
10/28/02__100%__10,577__10,577__American Idols Live
2 DAYS TO NEXT VENUE 726.2 Miles - 11 hours, 32 minutes
#11 Wed 10-March 7:00 pm EST Columbus OH
Closing Artist Clay Aiken Schottenstein Center
Wardrobe Striped jacket, green shirt and jeans
Pre-Concert Party Spaghetti Warehouse
The Columbus Dispatch (subscription) One Idol Shines, Another Searches
Idol worship was on display Wednesday night at Value City Arena when a force named Clay Aiken rolled into town... When he walked through aisles of admirers to the stage, an initial hush preceded eardrum-piercing screams that continued throughout the evening.
Booked By JSC Promotions Arena Opened 1998 Seating up to 19,500
Merch Rate 35% Tax Rate None
Box Office Summary Schottenstein Center Columbus
__DATE______SOLD____CAPACITY__HEADLINE ARTIST
Gross Sales $432,283
03/10/04___82%___9,279__11,270__Clay Aiken / Kelly Clarkson
01/27/04___63%___3,384___5,356__Sarah Brightman
10/23/03___90%__11,814__13,121__Eagles
08/01/03___74%___9,384__12,607__Cher
06/25/03___64%___8,518__13,148__Journey/REO Speedwagon
1 DAY TO NEXT VENUE 185.8 Miles - 3 hours, 36 minutes
#12 Thurs 11-March 7:00 pm EST Detroit MI
Closing Artist Kelly Clarkson Joe Louis Arena
Wardrobe Tonight's costume was the navy button down with the grey pinstripes, pink shoelaces and lots of stubbly goodness.
In The Audience Julia DeMato
Pre-Concert Party Hard Rock Cafe
The Flint Journal Clay Aiken works his way into heart of "Idol"... Clarkson acted like she couldn't wait to get her 50-minute show over with. Who could blame her? Aiken is a tough act to follow, and it was obvious that the mostly female crowd, which ranged from little girls to their grandmas, was mostly there to see him.
Managed By Olympia Entertainment Arena Opened 1979 Seating up to 20,790
Box Office Summary Joe Louis Arena Detroit
__DATE______SOLD____CAPACITY__HEADLINE ARTIST
Gross Sales $431,584
03/11/04___81%___9,408__11,521__Clay Aiken / Kelly Clarkson
11/22/03__100%___5,608___5,608__Crown Royal Comedy Soul Fest
07/20/03__100%__14,147__14,147__American Idols Live
06/12/03___82%__13,573__16,527__Journey/Styx/REO Speedwag
05/17/03__100%__14,532__14,532__Cher
2 DAYS TO NEXT VENUE 588.3 Miles - 9 hours, 41 minutes
#13 Sat 13-March 7:00 pm EST Winston-Salem NC
Closing Artist Clay Aiken Lawrence Joel Coliseum (LJVM)
Wardrobe Stubble. The Tampa Outfit
Pre-Concert Party Pig Pickin's Restaurant on Deacon Blvd.
Pre-Concert Party Golden Corral Hanes Mall Circle
Tailgate Party Coliseum 4:00 pm sponsored by the Piedmont NC Claymates
News & Record Clarkson, Aiken leave fans happy with Triad concert... Aiken strutted the stage with @#%$-of-the-walk attitude ironic considering the song is about NOT being noticed.
The Times-News (subscription) Aiken and Clarkson Excited Twin City crowd on Saturday... The woman continued to scream as Aiken went on to introduce his mother, who was seated in the front row. Everybody say hey to my Mama. Aiken said... The last time I saw Aiken in concert, (RBC Center last year) his mother was seated in the nosebleed section, so Im glad that she got a good close look at her baby boy... Well, that is until Aiken performed Princes When Doves Cry. The song involved some gyrating against a background singer Aiken didnt seem uncomfortable until the song ended. Its just not right, really. He said, laughing. There are people in the audience that have known me since I was 6 years old.... The audience just laughed along with the moment hearing Clay sing (and talk) was like visiting with an old friend.
Winston-Salem Journal In rush of fame, celebrity newbie Clay Aiken works to stay grounded
Winston-Salem Journal Yea for Clay... Even ladies of a certain age follow Clay Aiken, 'the genuine article' and 'a hottie'... "He makes you feel like you're 12 years old, and you've got your first crush,"... All 10,000 seats for last night's concert were sold, and the national tour will continue into April.
Arena Opened 1989 Seating 4,510 - 15,272
Rent $5,000 / 12% Merch Rate 30% Box Office $250 + $.32 per tkt. Tax Rate 3%
Box Office Summary LJVM Winston-Salem
__DATE______SOLD____CAPACITY__HEADLINE ARTIST
Gross Sales $429,090
03/13/04__100%___9,828___9,828__Clay Aiken / Kelly Clarkson
02/13/04___67%___1,738___2,573__Michael Flatley Lord of the Dance
11/01/03___80%__12,080__15,000__The Crabb Family
10/10/03__100%___5,754___5,754__Rascal Flatts
09/28/03___55%___2,955___5,301__matchbox twenty
04/27/03___54%___2,581___4,800__MercyMe
03/28/03__100%___5,552___5,552__Dave Matthews Band
11/02/02___77%___7,732__10,000__Tool
09/28/02___62%___3,729___6,000__Lynard Skynard
08/23/01___30%___1,690___5,662__O-Town
11/26/99___41%___6,205__15,200__Widespread Panic
11/06/98___78%___3,913___5,000__Widespread Panic
6 DAYS
TO NEXT VENUE Grand Prairie TX 1117.4 Miles - 17 hours, 48 min
Tues 16-March 7:00 pm CST Houston TX
Kelly (Solo Performance) Reliant Arena capacity 69,500
Rodeo Houston with Nick Lachey & Jessica Simpson
Wed 17-March 7:30 pm CST Austin TX
Kelly (Solo Performance) Travis County Expo Center capacity 9,500
Austin Star of Texas Rodeo
TO NEXT VENUE 202.3 Miles - 3 hours, 34 min
#14 Fri 19-March 7:00 pm CST Grand Prairie TX
Closing Artist Kelly Clarkson NextStage (Nokia Live)
Home Town 35 miles from Burleson Texas, Kelly's home town
Wardrobe The Charlotte Outfit. Pin-striped blue shirt, blue tie, grey striped slacks
Guest Artist Tamyra Gray duet with Kelly
In The Audience Nikki McKibbin
TXClayFans.com Texas Clay Fans
Pre-Concert Party Mercado Juarez Arlington
Dallas Morning News (subscription) Idols Clarkson, Aiken please crowd at Nokia Live... It's official: Clay is sexy.
Fort Worth Star-Telegram Clarkson eclipsed by feats of Clay Aiken is paired on this tour with Burleson's own Kelly Clarkson, the winner of American Idol Season 1. But by the sound of things, the audience, many of them mother-daughter pairs, came to see Aiken...
Booked By AEG Live SouthWest Arena Opened 2002 Seating 6,333
Box Office Summary NextStage At Grand Prairie
__DATE_____SOLD_____CAPACITY__HEADLINE ARTIST
Gross Sales $287,306
03/19/04__100%___6,094___6,094__Clay Aiken / Kelly Clarkson
02/27/04___68%___4,332___6,333__Mercy Me / Amy Grant
11/14/03__100%___5,900___5,900__Harry Connick, Jr.
11/11/03___70%___4,450___6,333__Good Charlotte
11/06/03___72%___2,569___3,534__The Strokes
10/24/03___64%___2,867___4,435__Godsmack
10/17/03___64%___2,262___3,534__Johnny Lang / Jason Mraz
09/20/03__100%___3,670___3,670__3 Doors Down
09/18/03___78%___5,207___6,633__Dashboard Confessional
09/09/03___60%___2,684___4,435__Evanescence
08/27/03___94%___3,079___3,254__311
08/26/03___90%___2,950___3,254__Mariah Carey
08/23/03___80%___2,623___3,254__Ringo Starr
08/16/03___75%___4,810___6,333__B2K
08/05/03___56%___2,011___3,534__David Gray
07/23/03__100%___6,036___6,036__Norah Jones
2 DAYS TO NEXT VENUE 706.9 Miles - 11 hours, 7 minutes
#15 Sun 21-March 7:00 pm CST Saint Louis MO
Closing Artist Clay Aiken Savvis Center
Wardrobe The Tampa Outfit with no white t-shirt
Pre-Concert Party Sheraton Jacques Sports Bar
St. Louis Post-Dispatch American Idols... Aiken, in contrast, is a natural entertainer... And it was clear whom the crowd really had come to hear. They were on their feet from the opening note as he sold the music from his "Measure of a Man" CD.
Pollstar Ranking #6 worldwide in 2003 with 341,003 tickets sold
Arena Opened 1994 Seating (Max 21,209)
Rent $70,000 Merch Rate 30% Tax Rate 7.51%
Box Office Summary Savvis Center St. Louis
__DATE_____SOLD_____CAPACITY__HEADLINE ARTIST
Gross Sales $375,595
03/21/04___79%___8,195__10,298__Clay Aiken / Kelly Clarkson
02/13/04___44%___3,328___7,471__Sarah Brightman
02/07/04___54%__10,853__19,757__Gaither Homecoming
01/23/04___76%__13,861__18,151__George Strait
12/15/03___75%___9,931__13,147__Bette Midler
11/28/03___85%__18,101__21,209__Shania Twain
11/20/03___59%___3,048___5,153__Kenny Rogers
10/04/03___88%__12,399__13,936__Cher
08/17/03___67%___9,689__14,407__American Idols Live
08/13/03___80%___9,488__11,855__Fleetwood Mac
08/05/03__100%__12,304__12,304__Justin / Christina
07/26/03___43%___6,336__14,443__B2K
07/05/03___96%__13,404__13,835__Justin / Christina
06/20/03___73%__10,550__14,380__Journey/REO Speedwagon
06/06/03__100%__13,351__13,351__Eagles
06/01/03___90%___8,750___9,688__Yanni
05/11/03___97%__18,029__18,449__Dixie Chicks
05/05/03__100%__18,247__18,247__Elton John / Billy Joel
1 DAY TO NEXT VENUE 296.1 Miles - 4 hours, 48 minutes
#16 Mon 22-March 7:00 pm CST Chicago IL
Closing Artist Kelly Clarkson United Center
Wardrobe Blue Shirt and tie outfit
Pre-Concert Party Moretti's
Chicago Sun-Times The Kelly Clarkson and Clay Aiken concert... it was hard not to warm up to Aiken, who happily cackled at his own jokes and make fun of his onstage clumsiness.
Chicago Tribune Humility and charisma distinguish 'Idol' Aiken... The U.S. version of the British show is well into it's third season and has only produced one real star: Clay Aiken... Clarkson performed to a noticeably deflated arena, about what one might expect given the overwhelming number of Aiken fans.
Pollstar Ranking #12 worldwide in 2003 with 276,161 tickets sold
Arena Opened 1994 Seating (Max 25,000)
Rent 15% Merch Rate 35% Box Office $1,600 Tax Rate 4.5%
Box Office Summary United Center Chicago
__DATE_____SOLD_____CAPACITY__HEADLINE ARTIST
Gross Sales $436,250
03/22/04___93%__10,002__10,724__Clay Aiken / Kelly Clarkson
12/19/03___70%__13,711__19,338__Beyonce / Bow Wow
12/10/03___83%__11,648__13,927__Bette Midler
10/25/03__100%__34,220__17,110__Simon & Garfunkel 2 Shows
10/22/03___85%__14,567__16,951__Shania Twain
09/26/03___85%__10,641__12,500__R.E.M.
09/13/03___87%__11,250__12,869__Fleetwood Mac
08/08/03___81%___6,434___7,914__Steely Dan
07/29/03___66%___5,801___8,764__Mariah Carey
07/23/03__100%__13,422__13,422__Justin / Christina
07/09/03___87%__12,114__13,908__American Idols Live
06/18/03__100%__17,415__17,415__Pearl Jam
06/17/03___65%___9,195__14,138__Neil Young
05/30/03__100%__36,500__18,250__Dixie Chicks (2 Shows)
03/01/03__100%__15,922__15,922__Bon Jovi
01/22/03__100%__31,316__15,658__The Rolling Stones (2 Shows)
2 DAYS TO NEXT VENUE 462.0 Miles - 7 hours, 19 minutes
#17 Wed 24-March 7:00 pm CST Omaha NE
Closing Artist Clay Aiken Qwest Center
Wardrobe Stubble with The Tampa Outfit. He wore his blue/white stripe jacket with green t-shirt and jeans. Looked amazingly cute.
Pre-Concert Party Rick's Cafe Boatyard
Omaha World-Herald Review: Sound system drowns Kelly's, Clay's talent So much bass that the seats literally shook, especially during Clarkson's set.... So much over-miking that some of Aiken's crystal-clear high notes were made to sound as if he were singing on helium...
Arena Opened 2003 Seating up to 19,000
Rent $25,000 / 15% Box Office 3% max. $6,000 Merch Rate 30% Tax Rate 7%
Box Office Summary Qwest Center Omaha
__DATE_____SOLD_____CAPACITY__HEADLINE ARTIST
Gross Sales $320,957
03/24/03___94%___7,081___7,526__Clay Aiken / Kelly Clarkson
03/17/03___81%__11,871__14,567__Britney Spears / Kelis
03/13/03___87%___5,820___6,617__Yanni
03/12/03__Fri____________________Rod Stewart
12/27/03___75%__17,052__10,000__Manheim Steamroller(2 Shows)
12/10/03___83%__11,648__13,927__Bette Midler
11/12/03___80%___7,671___9,500__John Mayer
11/06/03___81%__12,691__14,545__Aerosmith / KISS
10/09/03__100%__13,425__13,425__Fleetwood Mac
10/03/03___91%__13,272__14,554__Cher
2 DAYS TO NEXT VENUE 937.4 Miles - 14 hours, 32 minutes
#18 Fri 26-March 7:00 pm MST Salt Lake City UT
Closing Artist Kelly Clarkson Delta Center
Wardrobe Stubble. Blue shirt and tie outfit.
In The Audience Carmen Rasmusen
Pre-Concert Party Applebee's at Gateway
Salt Lake Tribune Ex-'Idol' stars belt out tunes for Delta crowd
Pop stars Clay Aiken and Kelly Clarkson took to the stage Friday at the Delta Center amid the echoing screams of thousands of women, plus a few men... Aiken, who performed first, has found his niche as the "aw shucks" Backstreet Boy, with a comfortable stage presence, plus catchy, cohesive songs.
Deseret Morning News Clay Aiken high note of show ...Aiken, on the other hand, was full of charm, and he connected with the audience...
Arena Opened 1991 Seating up to 19,688
Merch Rate 35% Tax Rate 6.6%
Box Office Summary Delta Center Salt Lake
__DATE_____SOLD_____CAPACITY__HEADLINE ARTIST
Gross Sales $280,235
03/26/04___64%___6,561__10,119__Clay Aiken / Kelly Clarkson
03/16/04___53%___3,623___6,812__Gaither Homecoming
03/06/04___91%___5,772___6,303__Sarah Brightman
02/05/04__100%___6,232___6,232__Josh Groban
10/22/03___69%___8,902__12,755__Aerosmith / KISS
10/02/03___87%___6,574___7,500__Alan Jackson
09/12/03___74%___9,378__12,590__Alabama
08/23/03___64%___7,627__11,969__American Idols Live
08/02/03___84%___8,405___9,915__Fleetwood Mac
05/28/03___65%___8,378__12,782__Journey/Styx/Reo Speed
05/13/03___76%___7,193___9,436__Yanni
05/01/03__100%__12,423__12,423__Tim McGraw
1 DAY TO NEXT VENUE 427.8 Miles - 6 hours, 42 minutes
#19 Sat 27-March 7:30 pm PST Las Vegas NV
Closing Artist Clay Aiken Thomas & Mack Center
Wardrobe The Tampa Outfit. Bluish grey jacket with darker blue stripes on back. Light green shirt covered by a darker green shirt. Jeans with pockets all down the legs.
In The Audience Clive Davis - Kathy Griffin
Pre-Concert Party Hoffbrauhaus
Las Vegas Sun Clarkson, Aiken are focus of idol worship A wildly enthusiastic crowd of 5,668 was as much a part of the experience as the performers onstage... A few even cried during the ballads...Aiken, a North Carolinan, did a bit better job constructing his set list...
Arena Opened 1983 Seating 4,000 - 19,354
Rent $15,000 / 11.5% Merch Rate 35% Box Office 4%
Box Office Summary Thomas & Mack Center Las Vegas
__DATE_____SOLD_____CAPACITY__HEADLINE ARTIST
Gross Sales $286,109
03/27/04___81%___5,859___7,199__Clay Aiken / Kelly Clarkson
03/17/04___21%___3,786__17,879__Gaither Homecoming
03/13/04___78%__13,270__16,808__Metallica / Godsmack
02/20/04___97%__13,198__13,500__Linkin Park / Hoobastank
09/11/03___58%___8,380__14,222__R.E.M.
07/27/03__100%__13,415__13,415__50 Cent
02/16/03__100%__35,905__17,952__Phish (2 Shows)
3 DAYS TO NEXT VENUE 332.2 Miles - 5 hours, 15 minutes
#20 Tues 30-March 7:00 pm to 10:30 PST San Diego CA
Closing Artist Kelly Clarkson Cox Arena
Wardrobe Fedora with blue shirt and tie outfit. No stubble. Sunburn.
Pre-Concert Party Marie Callendar's
North County Times Clay and Kelly, a study in contrasts He sang with power, near-perfect pitch and big closer notes throughout and his voice retains its bell-like clarity.
Booked By House Of Blues Concerts San Diego Arena Opened 1997 Seating (Max 12,200)
Rent $7,500 / 10% Merch Rate 35% Box Office 3%
Box Office Summary Cox Arena San Diego
__DATE_____SOLD_____CAPACITY__HEADLINE ARTIST
Gross Sales $254,072
03/30/04___64%___5,301___8,215__Clay Aiken / Kelly Clarkson
03/26/04__Fri____________________Rod Stewart
03/07/03__100%___8,574___8,574__Luis Miguel
02/17/04__100%__10,089__10,089__Linkin Park / Hoobastank
01/25/04__100%___9,046___9,046__Hillary Duff
01/14/04__100%__11,053__11,053__Dave Matthews
12/17/03___89%__10,267__11,471__Shania Twain
11/26/03___48%___3,044___6,269__Good Charlotte
11/15/03__100%__11,424__11,424__Simon & Garfunkel
11/09/03___73%___4,637___6,290__matchbox twenty
08/09/03___73%___4,665___6,334__Blue Man Group
10/08/02___93%___7,099___7,643__American Idols Live
1 DAY TO NEXT VENUE 520.4 Miles - 8 hours, 11 minutes
#21 Wed 31-March 7:30 pm PST Sacramento CA
Closing Artist Clay Aiken ARCO Arena
Wardrobe He wore the green shirt with the funky jacket. Hair is still long and he had a stubble that was very pronounced.
Pre-Concert Party Round Table Pizza
Sacramento Bee Review: Aiken idolized at Arco Arena concert Even before the singing, and certainly during, it was Aiken's show... He came in from the back of the arena, walking down from the upper levels of Arco -- singing and beaming, the near-capacity crowd on its feet, fans bouncing around him, security guards with arms hovering, the screaming unleashed like you just took out your earplugs. Through the rest of the night it sounded as though a thousand small screaming creatures had been uncaged. Clay was on.
Contra Costa Times Surprise: Aiken has talent Aiken is confidant, unassuming and can sing. He doesn't have to live up to the always demanding standards of cultural coolness because his crowd just doesn't care. They love him. Bingo.
Pollstar Ranking #25 worldwide in 2003 with 214,993 tickets sold
Arena Opened 1988 Seating 6,500 - 17,236
Rent $10,500 / 15% Merch Rate 35%
Box Office Summary ARCO Arena Sacramento
__DATE______SOLD____CAPACITY__HEADLINE ARTIST
Gross Sales $402,365
03/31/04___85%___9,123__10,650__Clay Aiken / Kelly Clarkson
03/18/04___61%__10,252__16,725__Gaither Homecoming
03/17/04___77%___5,915___7,610__Sarah Brightman
03/10/04___92%__12,545__13,500__Metallica / Godsmack
02/28/04___99%__13,073__13,136__Hilary Duff
02/18/04__100%__14,580__14,580__Linkin Park / Hoobastank
01/28/04___94%__14,132__15,000__George Strait
12/13/03__100%__16,519__16,519__Shania Twain
11/20/03__100%__15,045__15,045__Simon & Garfunkel
11/13/03___89%___8,783___9,777__Toby Keith
10/18/03___58%___8,275__14,180__Red Hot Chili Peppers
09/06/03__100%__12,468__12,468__Cher
08/28/03___78%___9,120__11,599__American Idols Live
11/16/02__100%__11,772__11,772__American Idols Live
2 DAYS TO NEXT VENUE 755.3 Miles - 11 hours, 51 minutes
#22 Fri 2-April 7:00 pm MST Glendale AZ
Closing Artist Kelly Clarkson Glendale Arena
Wardrobe No stubble. Blue shirt and tie outfit with fedora.
Pre Concert Party Red Robin Avondale AZ
The Arizona Republic Fans in a frenzy for 'AI' duo Based on the scream factor alone, the night clearly belonged to Aiken who opened the co-headling show.
Live Daily Live Review: Clay Aiken and Kelly Clarkson in Glendale, AZ However, during the encore, it was clear who the fans were there to see: Clay Aiken. Clarkson sang the first verse to Journey's "Open Arms" and as Aiken strolled out to duet with her, the screams were nearly deafening.
Get Out Magazine Idols worshipped at Glendale Arena... Vocally, he was in fine form.
Arena Opened 2003 Seating (Max 20,000)
Box Office Summary Glendale Arena
__DATE______SOLD____CAPACITY__HEADLINE ARTIST
04/02/04__Fri____________________Clay Aiken / Kelly
03/31/04__100%__16,094__16,094__Prince
03/27/04__100%__10,945__10,945__Rod Stewart
03/03/04___96%__13,143__13,718__Britney Spears / Kelis
02/12/04___95%__12,494__13,101__Bette Midler
1 DAY TO NEXT VENUE 361 Miles - 5 hours, 46 minutes
#23 Sat 3-April 7:00 pm PST Anaheim CA
Closing Artist Clay Aiken Arrowhead Pond
Guest Artist Kimberly Locke
In The Audience Clif Magness
Wardrobe No stubble. The Tampa Outfit. Also known as the Dr. Seuss Jacket outfit, with two green shirts, striped jacket, and jeans with pockets all down the legs.
Pre-Concert Party JT Schmids Restaurant and Brewery
Los Angeles Times (subscription) 'Idols' are human, but louder The Pond audience wasn't one to sit back and clap politely. They screamed and shouted and waved signs that said such things as "Taken With Aiken" and "Kelly Rocks."
Orange County Register (subscription) By BEN WENER Powerhouse duo show promise ...Clay, of course, can effortlessly nail his attention-grabbing "glory notes," but he also has some dynamic capability.
Pollstar Ranking #29 worldwide in 2003 with 206,578 tickets sold
Arena Opened 1993 Seating up to 19,400
Box Office Summary Arrowhead Pond Anaheim
__DATE______SOLD____CAPACITY__HEADLINE ARTIST
Gross Sales $418,825
04/03/04___80%___9,451__11,700__Clay Aiken / Kelly Clarkson
03/22/04___73%___8,405__11,448__Rod Stewart
03/20/04___61%__10,032__16,294__Gaither Homecoming
03/14/04___58%___5,896__10,095__Sarah Brightman
03/04/04___74%___8,296__11,239__Luis Miguel
02/22/04___87%__10,092__11,551__Bette Midler
01/24/04__100%__15,594__15,594__Jimmy Buffett
12/16/03__100%__15,279__15,279__Shania Twain
12/04/03___98%___4,910___5,000__Rascal Flats
11/29/03___76%___6,657___8,715__Joan Sebastian
11/23/03___87%__23,081__13,162__Simon & Garfunkel 2 Shows
11/15/03__100%__13,398__13,398__Toby Keith
11/08/03___92%___6,745___7,302__matchbox twenty
08/31/03__100%__11,272__11,272__American Idols Live
07/21/03__100%__29,985__14,992__Dixie Chicks (2 Shows)
07/19/03___90%__10,348__11,480__Enrique Iglesias
07/17/03__100%__22,897__11,448__Fleetwood Mac (2 Shows)
11/15/02___94%__10,457__11,128__American Idols Live
2 DAYS TO NEXT VENUE 30.6 Miles - 42 minutes
#24 Mon 5-April 7:00 pm PDT Los Angeles CA
Closing Artist Kelly Clarkson Staples Center
Wardrobe Stubble. Fedora. Blue Shirt and Tie Outfit first worn in Charlotte.
MTV News Cutielicious: Kelly And Clay's Live Show Heavy On The Sugar Eventually, his smirk alone garnered laughs. And when he did a few dance moves, hysterics ensued.
Pollstar Ranking #26 worldwide in 2003 with 214,348 tickets sold
Booked By AEG Live Arena Opened 1999 Seating up to 20,000
Rent $75,000 Merch Rate 30% Box Office $3,000 Tax Rate 3.5%
Box Office Summary Staples Center Los Angeles
__DATE______SOLD____CAPACITY__HEADLINE ARTIST
04/05/04__Mon___________________Clay Aiken / Kelly Clarkson
03/29/04__100%__17,367__17,367__Prince
03/23/04__100%__12,452__12,452__Rod Stewart
03/08/04___99%__15,059__15,171__Britney Spears / Kelis
02/24/04___91%__11,728__12,771__Bette Midler
01/15/04___91%__15,831__17,377__Dave Matthews
11/18/03__100%__30,952__15,476__Simon & Garfunkel 2 Shows
10/14/03___86%___9,520__11,069__Fleetwood Mac
08/24/03__100%__11,909__11,909__Toby Keith
07/19/03__100%__15,609__15,609__Dixie Chicks
07/17/03___81%___9,767__12,008__John Mayer/Counting Crows
07/12/03__100%__27,593__13,796__Fleetwood Mac (2 Shows)
06/20/03___99%__44,188__14,863__Justin / Christina (3 Shows)
06/14/03___89%__12,866__14,388__matchbox twenty
05/20/03___81%__11,710__14,411__Journey/Styx/REO Speedw
05/16/03___65%__10,445__16,030__Tim McGraw
02/06/03__100%__15,517__15,517__The Rolling Stones
1 DAY TO NEXT VENUE 341.7 Miles - 5 hours, 44 minutes
#25 Tues 6-April 7:00 pm PDT San Jose CA
Closing Artist Clay Aiken HP Pavilion
Wardrobe Stubble. The Tampa striped jacket outfit.
Pre-Concert Party Pizz'a Chicago in San Jose
San Jose Mercury News Winning isn't everything
San Jose Mercury News Clarkson is just fine, but Aiken shines at `Idol' show Still, Clarkson never quite established the rapport with the audience that Aiken did. And, in the end, the show was all about Aiken.
San Francisco Chronicle A runner-up proves his princely worth They liked Clarkson fine -- she and Aiken have been switching off closing the show over the course of the tour -- but they loved Clay.
Alameda Times-Star Clarkson appeases Clay-mates... But the fans made up for the vacancies with their loud enthusiasm. That was especially true for Aiken, who received a welcome fit for The King (Elvis, that is).
Pollstar Ranking #33 worldwide in 2003 with 187,187 tickets sold
Arena Opened 1993 Seating up to 18,373
Rent 17.5% Merch Rate 40% Box Office 3.5% for tkts. sold at arena box office only Tax Rate None
Box Office Summary HP Pavilion San Jose
__DATE_____SOLD_____CAPACITY__HEADLINE ARTIST
04/06/04__Tue___________________Clay Aiken / Kelly Clarkson
03/19/04__100%___9,486___9,486__Rod Stewart
03/18/04___90%___6,977___7,725__Sarah Brightman
02/16/04__100%__14,192__14,192__Linkin Park
02/07/04___96%__11,415__11,888__Bette Midler
01/27/04___95%___9,856__10,317__David Bowie / Macy Gray
01/20/04___58%__10,300__17,604__Jimmy Buffett
12/14/03__100%__16,869__16,869__Shania Twain
12/12/03__100%___5,092___5,092__Mariah Carey
11/05/03__100%__27,514__13,757__Simon & Garfunkel 2 Shows
08/30/03__100%__11,796__11,796__American Idols Live
07/16/03__100%__16,977__16,977__Dixie Chicks
07/08/03__100%__12,402__12,402__Fleetwood Mac
06/14/03__100%__13,934__13,934__Justin / Christina
06/07/03___66%___8,527__12,910__matchbox twenty
02/04/03__100%__14,122__14,122__The Rolling Stones
11/17/02___97%__11,225__11,553__American Idols Live
2 DAYS TO NEXT VENUE 840.6 Miles - 13 hours, 35 minutes
#26 Thurs 8-April 7:00 pm PDT Seattle WA
Closing Artist Kelly Clarkson KeyArena
Wardrobe Major stubble. Fedora. Blue Shirt and Tie Outfit with grey pants.
ClayAikenSeattle.org Seattle Clay Fans
Pre-Concert Party Seattle Center House
The Seattle Times 'Idol' duo gets crowd's vote at KeyArena Without question, Aiken seemed to be the one most came to see Thursday night at KeyArena. His fans are notoriously loyal, known in some circles as "Claymates," and reflect a true cross-section of America: from children to tweens and teens, parents and grandparents, students and professionals.
Seattle Post-Intelligencer 'Idol' stars Clarkson, Aiken light up KeyArena This wasn't a show for couch potatoes. Fans rose to their feet and cheered as soon as Aiken, surrounded by security guards, strolled through the crowd and up to the stage for a 70-minute set that opened with "Kyrie," the 1980s Mr. Mister hit.
Pollstar Ranking #15 worldwide in 2003 with 249,488 tickets sold
Arena Opened 1995 Seating (Max 13,500)
Rent $10,000 - 15,000 min. / 11% Merch Rate 35% Box Office 3% Tax Rate 7%
Box Office Summary KeyArena Seattle
__DATE_____SOLD_____CAPACITY__HEADLINE ARTIST
Gross Sales $304,625
04/08/04___79%___7,125___8,910__Clay Aiken / Kelly Clarkson
03/28/04__100%__13,222__13,222__Metallica /Godsmack
03/12/04___95%__10,426__10,898__Britney Spears / Kelis
02/29/04___93%___6,238___6,738__Sarah Brightman
02/26/04__100%___7,221___7,221__Newsboys/Rebecca St. James
02/21/04__100%___7,459___7,459__Newsboys/Rebecca St. James
02/03/04___94%__10,572__11,210__Bette Midler
01/12/04__100%__13,424__13,424__Dave Matthews
11/17/03___36%___3,622__10,031__Good Charlotte
11/01/03__100%__12,998__12,998__Simon & Garfunkel
10/21/03___60%___7,423__12,242__Red Hot Chili Peppers
09/25/03___77%___4,964___6,407__Def Leppard
08/26/03___87%__10,037__11,422__American Idols Live
07/12/03__100%__14,325__14,325__Dixie Chicks
06/02/03___67%___8,296__12,205__matchbox twenty
11/20/02___89%___9,922__11,120__American Idols Live
1 DAY TO NEXT VENUE 283.0 Miles - 4 hours, 31 minutes
#27 Fri 9-April 7:00 pm PDT Spokane WA
Closing Artist Clay Aiken Spokane Arena
Wardrobe Major stubble, like a soft downy beard. Striped jacket outfit.
Pre-Concert Party Cyrus O'Leary's
The Spokesman-Review (subscription) Kelly, Clay delight Arena crowd... From the moment Aiken entered the stage, fans were roaring. One area where Aiken has grown since his "American Idol" days is in his showmanship.
Arena Opened 1995 Seating 6,013 - 12,638
Rent $8,500 / 12% Merch Rate 35% Box Office 3 - 5% Tax Rate 5%
Box Office Summary Spokane Arena
__DATE______SOLD____CAPACITY__HEADLINE ARTIST
04/09/04__Fri____________________Clay Aiken / Kelly Clarkson
03/21/04___83%___9,179__11,000__Metallica / Godsmack
03/12/04___50%___6,078__12,099__Gaither Homecoming
03/02/04__100%___3,850___3,850__Sarah Brightman
06/20/03___64%___3,100___4,834__Godsmack
06/16/03___50%___2,670___5,266__The Moody Blues
05/31/03___70%___7,087___9,991__Brooks & Dunn
05/23/03___89%___8,049___9,000__Third Day/Michael W. Smith
05/15/03___67%___5,634___8,383__Yanni
05/08/03___51%___5,166__10,089__Little River Band
4 DAYS TO NEXT VENUE 1095.3 Miles - 17 hours, 7 minutes
#28 Tues 13-April 7:00 pm MDT Denver CO
Closing Artist Kelly Clarkson Pepsi Center
Wardrobe Blue shirt and tie outfit with fedora and extreme stubble/beard. Clay wore a different shirt for Open Arms! A purple and white striped shirt, with wide stripes and a floral pattern in between. There were t-shirts underneath, number unknown. Hair was long, especially in the back.
Pre-Concert Party Jackson's All-American Sports Grill
Post-Concert Party immediately after Brooklyn's at the Pepsi Center
Post-Concert Party late-nighter Executive Tower Lounge
Denver Post Confessions of an instant heartthrob
Rocky Mountain News Live singing at concert? Who would have thunk it The pair are switching off between who opens and closes the show, and you can't help but feel Clarkson draws the short straw every time she has to follow Aiken. He's got an affable stage charm that the audience ate up.
Pollstar Ranking #24 worldwide in 2003 with 216,116 tickets sold
Arena Opened 1999 Seating (Max 18,650)
Rent 12% / $20,000 Merch Rate 35%
Box Office Summary Pepsi Center Denver
__DATE______SOLD____CAPACITY__HEADLINE ARTIST
04/13/04 Tue____________________Clay Aiken / Kelly Clarkson
04/08/04 Thu____________________Rod Stewart
04/01/04 Thu____________________MartinaMcBride/ Alan Jackson
03/31/04 Wed____________________Metallica / Godsmack
03/15/04___64%__11,439__17,700__Britney Spears / Kelis
01/31/04___80%___9,901__12,333__Bette Midler
12/01/03__100%__16,928__16,928__Shania Twain
10/30/03__100%__15,464__15,533__Simon & Garfunkel
10/11/03__100%__15,480__15,480__Fleetwood Mac
09/13/03___76%___9,607__12,566__Alabama
07/21/03__100%__17,609__17,609__Dave Matthews
07/08/03__100%__16,034__16,034__Dixie Chicks
06/24/03___77%__10,118__13,022__Eagles
06/23/03___87%__10,838__12,428__Justin / Christina
06/17/03___98%__12,226__12,534__Cher
02/01/03__100%__16,680__16,680__The Rolling Stones
2 DAYS TO NEXT VENUE 602.9 Miles - 9 hours, 20 minutes
#29 Thurs 15-April 7:00 pm CDT Kansas City MO
Closing Artist Clay Aiken Kemper Arena
Wardrobe Beard is well trimmed and cared for. Long hair... looks extremely HOT! Striped jacket outfit.
KCClayFans.com Kansas City Clay Fans
Kemper Arena Free Block Party 4:00 pm
Pre-Concert Party - Dick Clarks American Bandstand Grill
PJ Party 4/14/04 & 4/15/04 - Hyatt Regency
KC Loves Kids, Inc. The Bubel Aiken Foundation
"Night Of Champions" benefit awards dinner
Kansas City Star (subscription) Review: Kelly Clarkson and Clay Aiken... Aiken took the headliner's slot, emerging at the back of the arena and making his way through the crowd (with the help of a phalanx of security guards) while performing an infectiously percussive arrangement of Mr. Mister's Kyrie.
Managed By Global Spectrum Arena Opened 1974 Seating (Max 18,500)
Rent $8,000 / 12% Merch Rate Centerplate Box Office 3% of gross Tax Rate 6.975%
Box Office Summary Kemper Arena Kansas City
__DATE_____SOLD_____CAPACITY__HEADLINE ARTIST
04/15/04__Thu___________________Clay Aiken / Kelly Clarkson
03/14/04___92%___4,820___5,230__Yanni
02/15/04___43%___2,518___5,803__Sarah Brightman
12/16/03___66%___8,871__13,391__Manheim Steamroller
11/30/03___64%__11,901__18,574__Shania Twain
11/29/03___86%__16,141__18,574__Shania Twain
09/22/03___63%___8,520__13,514__Cher
08/15/03___85%__11,050__12,952__Fleetwood Mac
06/21/03___77%___9,441__12,226__Journey/REO Speedwagon
05/10/03___99%__17,890__17,973__Dixie Chicks
1 DAY TO NEXT VENUE 439.6 Miles - 6 hours 53 minutes
#30 Fri 16-April 7:30 pm CDT St. Paul MN
Closing Artist Kelly Clarkson Xcel Energy Center
Wardrobe No stubble. Hat was in place with blue shirt and tie.
Kelly's T-Shirt Clay Rocks
MNClayFans.com Minnesota Clay Fans
Cyber Cafe Pre and Post-Concert Party - Great Waters Brewing Co.
Star Tribune Concert review: Aiken's star quality shines in St. Paul... Aiken has it -- that undefinable star quality. He commanded the stage in front of 11,783 screaming fans. There was a bounce in his step, attitude in the tilt of his fedora, drama in his gestures and a twinkle in his eyes.
Pioneer Press POP MUSIC REVIEW: Clay finding way; Kelly may go another... Even Clarkson knows that in the year since she released her debut album, Aiken has eclipsed her in popularity.
Pollstar Ranking #5 worldwide in 2003 with 349,280 tickets sold
Arena Opened 2000 Seating (Max 18,340)
Rent 12.5% Merch Rate 35% Box Office 3.5% Tax Rate 7%
Box Office Summary Xcel Energy Center St. Paul
__DATE_____SOLD_____CAPACITY__HEADLINE ARTIST
04/16/04__Fri____________________Clay Aiken / Kelly Clarkson
04/03/04__100%__15,652__15,652__Kenny Chesney / Keith Urban
03/26/04__100%__12,467__12,467__John Mayer
02/21/04__100%__15,371__15,371__MartinaMcBride/ Alan Jackson
01/31/04__100%__15,756__15,756__Linkin Park / Hoobastank
12/19/03___87%___8,727__10,000__Bette Midler
11/29/03__100%__12,153__12,153__Manheim Steamroller
10/28/03__100%__18,340__18,340__Shania Twain
10/27/03__100%__31,237__15,618__Simon & Garfunkel 2 Shows
10/17/03__100%__13,167__13,167__Eagles
09/20/03__100%___8,146___8,146__Good Charlotte
09/16/03___63%___6,306__10,000__R.E.M.
09/02/03__100%__12,016__12,016__Justin / Christina
08/07/03___71%___6,785___9,500__Steely Dan
08/01/03___82%__10,042__12,200__James Taylor
07/13/03___69%___3,843___5,500__Sheryl Crow
07/08/03___79%__10,817__13,627__American Idols Live
11/10/02___66%___9,430__14,342__American Idols Live
Concert and Venue Information Sources:
Pollstar - Billboard - Epinions - Municipal sites - Mappoint
Venue sites - weather.com - Clayboard Members
Pollstar - Billboard - Epinions - Municipal sites - Mappoint
Venue sites - weather.com - Clayboard Members
