(This is long, don't say I didn't warn you!)
December 22nd, 2006 is a day that I will NEVER forget!
First, my mom, dad, and I arrived safely(thank goodness, the weather was terrible) in
Charlotte around 2:30pm, and decided to find our hotel and check-in. Our hotel was actually connected to the concert venue with an indoor walkway.....yay! At the front desk, there was a woman who was checking-in and talking about going to the concert! I wanted to say "Hello" to her, but I chose to let her concentrate on getting to her room and settled...
The gentleman who helped us take our bags to our room was sooo funny! He asked, "So, are ya'll here to see the Clay Aiken concert?" I was going to answer, but my dad (oddly enough!)
beat me to it, "We sure are!" Then the gentleman said, "That's great! He's a really good, nice
guy." Now that I think about that comment.....how did he know that??? Hmmmm..... Perhaps Clay was staying at the same hotel......dare to dream....
So, I'll skip the boring afternoon of trying to find a restaurant and get right to the evening!
The pre-party was held in a lounge in our hotel. I really wanted to go, but I was having fun getting ready with my parents and chit-chatting with them. So, I decided to just save my
energy for the concert. Plus, the pre-party location had a bar....I didn't know if me being
19 (almost 20!) would be alright for me to be there (do I worry too much? laughs).
At 7:15-ish we started walking over to the venue. As we walked, there were about 3 ladies
walking behind us (with 2 men staring at their feet giggles). I could hear them talking about
Clay.....it was very cute and got me all excited!
The doors finally opened at about 7:30pm. I was horrified when I saw a sign that said we couldn't take pictures or use any type of recording devices.....chuckles do they seriously think that's going to stop us? Paleeze....
My first priority was to find GeorgiaClaymate and give her a hug and "Hello". I did, and it was so great to meet her and her friends!
And then...at 8:00pm....the lights dimmed and the orchestra went silent. The conductor
walked out, and BOY did he have a spring in his step!! He was so cooky ( LOVED HIM!). He had a wonderful sense of humor, and was probably a "Claydawg" laughs. The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra was INCREDIBLE! They almost (ALMOST) made me forget who I was there to see! They played 3 songs (maybe 4). One of which the conductor stopped
half way through and asked us if we wanted to sing along.....Of course we did! It was fun!! I felt so Christmasy!......Yep, I am now a "Charlotte-Symphonymate" big grin.
INTERMISSION!! I went over to see GeorgiaClaymate again, and then it was my priority to find VanillaBeanGonzo. I finally found her laughs....Row C wasn't the third row, so I got a
teensy bit confused! Anyway, she was very sweet and I'm glad I went on a hunt for her. As I walked back to my seat there was this tall young man with dark hair. At first I thought, aw, there's a boy here to see Clay. But that boy turned around and it was Nick! I was happy to see him!
THE MAIN EVENT!! deep breath Are ya'll ready??
Jesse walked out confidently! My mom was like, "Ooooh, who's that??" grins Then, the music started... 'Christmas Waltz'.....Then.....It was CLAY!!!! He looked so happy and healthy!
There was the biggest smile on his face the whole time he sang that song. I was entranced....
In fact, I was so entranced that I don't remember the exact order of everything that happened after that blushes.......So, I'll say what I remember, but don't assume it's in the correct order, or that the words are 100% accurate....but it will be the gist of it!!
'The First Noel' was amazing.....just stunning....
He said, "Merry Christmas, Charlotte!!" Screams....clapping....and "Merry Christmas, Clay!"
"It's been an interesting week......I found out that my album is in the top five albums of the
year--" LOUD APPLAUSE and a few screams! "--you don't even know what I was gonna
say!.....one of the top five WORST albums of the year.." BOO!!! "The article was probably
written by Kelly Ripa...." WOOWHOO! My dad was like, "Aha! He got her!" laughs
He did the binocular bit.....very cute!
I remember that 'Sleigh Ride' was particularly fun! He did a little hip shake (kind of like
'Grease' from Idol!) and the hand motions. I was one happy gal..... big grin....Oh, and he also pointed out someone for "Sleigh ride together with....YOU".....So cute! Was it
'Sleigh Ride' that he got side-tracked on?? I think so...In the middle of the song, someone
said, "Pose for a picture!" He laughed and had to stop singing for a minute and then lost his place....the audience had to help him find his way!
'Merry Christmas With Love' was GORGEOUS! Oh my goodness....I thought they'd have to peel me off the floor after that one.....
'O Come O Come Emanuel' was so haunting......in person...I can't even tell you....it just tugs at the heart strings.....
'Grown Up Christmas List' is my new favorite......The lyrics are so touching. My mom reached over and grabbed my hand for that one. smiles
He mentioned something about the people in "the Hollywood squares"....and the people way up in the top balcony (there were two balconies)...."You payed $50.00?!?! Rip off!!"
Jaymes Foster was there!!! She came out for the word of the day! The word was "tacet". It
meant "to not play"....I think. laughs It was funny when the orchestra demonstrated what it was like "to not play"!
More banter....more singing....
Diane Bubel was there, too! Sweet lady...I wish I could've met her. She looked festive in her
green top!
Then, 'Don't Save It All For Christmas Day'......."oh baby that's a fact...." SCREAMS!
As he walked off the stage he saluted and waved....Jesse followed.....
Then......YES! Jesse came back out!! 'All Is Well' was definately going to happen!
Let me tell you, this song is beautiful on the album, but in person.....it literally takes your breath away! Clay's voice was absolute perfection last night!!.....It brought a few tears to
my eyes. Even my dad was one of the first people to stand up and applaud!
It was the most amazing concert I've ever been to....and did I mention it was my very first Clay Aiken concert??? Wow, nothing can top that!
I did something rather silly next....I walked up to the stage.....I was going to get the cheat sheet that Clay uses to see what songs come next, but it was already gone laughs. I did, however, get the first page that says, "Charlotte, NC Blumenthal PAC Charlotte Symphony". It has major scuff marks from his shoes, and when I first got it there were some strands of reddish-brown hair stuck to the tape......it could have been someone else's, but I didn't see anyone with his hair color....(yes, the hairs are now gone....come on, people, that was kind of gross....giggles.....).
My mom was sooo exhausted, so we walked back to the hotel room. But you know I was far too excited to sleep!So, my dad offered to walk with me to the buses.
We got there at about 11:15 pm. It took us a few minutes to find the exact area, but when we saw the crowd....we knew. About 5 minutes after we got there, the police officer said, "I'm
sorry, but Mr Aiken has already left....he left through a different way in a car." DARN! But I
asked my dad if we could stay a few more minutes.....So we did. Then I started to feel silly for waiting for someone who probably wasn't going to come since the POLICE said he was gone. So...just before 11:30, we left. Now, I hear that he came just a few minutes after I left....pardon me whilest I go shed a tear!
Am I really upset, though? NO WAY! I'll have my chance one day, hopefully soon! It was the most amazing night I've had in my life (thus far!). Clay Aiken is such a tremendous perfomer and singer.....my dad even admits that he had fun!
Clay, God bless you......keep using your voice.
~Elizabeth
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