(7) Originally written on Feb.22, 2007

Finally, I could see "Mature Clay". In September 2006, Clay's new album "A Thousand Different Ways" was released. I ordered in advance and bought an imported copy. I could meet Clay whom I had researched for so long at last! Usually, I listen to music carefully when I have a feeling it is an important work. Unless I listen to a song again and again, I can hardly recognize its feature and value. Also I cannot remember titles. Although other Japanese Clay fans chatted about their favorite number of new album on their blogs, I could not catch up at all. This album is full of good songs. I enjoyed his ability of expression and his voice. In October, I sent an email to NCA at last. I wanted to listen to two bonus track songs which were available only on iTunes and Kmart. Also, I felt I would like to tell her my impressions of her website. I understood that Clay Aiken was a person who changed drastically and gradually. He is like a chrysalis and a butterfly, or like a fish that is called by different names at different stages of growth! I was interested more and more in him. She sent me back an email with two bonus tracks soon. The bonus track "If You Don't Know Me by Now" is great. I don't understand why this song remains a bonus track. One day, I was so absorbed in reading his interview in Rolling Stone Magazine on a morning train. Then I forgot to get off. So I ended up taking a taxi from the terminal station to my university.

In October 2006, I heard that Clay would appear on Larry King Live on CNN. It was the first time I could see Clay on TV since American Idol season5 finale. On Larry King Live, his hair was a brightly colored. I thought he was civil in his manner of speaking. He spoke softly. He also had a large repertoire of topics. He had his own opinions on issues. He is a man of integrity, and his smile is cute! Something about Clay touched my heart that day. I convinced I had become a Clay fan at that moment.