Clay Aiken & American Idol

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) May 31, 2006 -- American Idol Funniest Moment: Clay Aiken Surprises His Impersonator

While in general the comedy skits on American Idol 5 lacked in comparison to American Idol 4�s roast of Corey Clark, there was one shining moment that will likely go down as one of the funniest moments in American Idol history. In a re-occurring segment called the Golden Idol Awards, Ryan Seacrest presented candidates for �Best Impersonation.� The nominees were Kenneth Maccarone as Cher, Seth Strickland as Michael Jackson, and Michael Sandecki as Clay Aiken.

In a recap of his audition, Michael Sandecki was shown decked out like Clay Aiken. Simon Cowell told Michael, �Let�s just deal with the Clay Aiken thing, which is quite obvious who you�ve modeled yourself on, at least he could sing.� Michael protested, �I really can sing, it�s just I�m just nervous as hell, and I�ve got to pee.� Michael was excused to for a restroom break, but when he returned, he proved to be no better. Simon Cowell quipped, �Ok, it didn�t work, thank you very much.�

While Michael Sandecki might not have advanced in the audition process, Seacrest announced him as the Golden Idol Award winner in the �Best Impersonation� category. Michael joined Seacrest on stage, where Seacrest requested that he sing live. As Michael warbled through �Don�t Let The Sun Go Down On Me,� the stage doors opened up to reveal Clay Aiken. Surprised by the sudden loud cheering, Michael turned to see Clay Aiken and appeared to nearly go into shock on the stage. As Clay Aiken joined Michael in song, Michael excitedly jumped around the stage. Seacrest eventually re-appeared and sat Michael down, while asking him if he was ok.

From: http://www.realitytvmagazine.com/

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Clay Aiken look-alike sings on American Idol finale

HINESVILLE, Ga. - Up on the "American Idol" stage, the girls began screaming and Michael Sandecki of Hinesville, Ga., thought it was for him.

But then he realized they were screaming because the show producers had offered him what he always wanted - Clay Aiken, the man who Sandecki was impersonating, was up on the stage, singing with him.

"It was overwhelming just being on that stage," the 21-year-old said of being able to perform with the show's second-season runner-up. "When I first auditioned, I said my dream was to do a duet with Clay Aiken. They let me live my dream."

Even though the spotlight during last week's season finale was on "Idol" winner Taylor Hicks of Birmingham, Ala., the TV talent contest granted Sandecki a second spotlight moment by singing on a show filled with performances by well-known artists such as Prince and Mary J. Blige.

Although little-known Sandecki already had been booted by "Idol" judges during auditions, he received the tongue-in-cheek "Best Impersonator" award for a wardrobe, haircut and singing style the judges said were clearly patterned after Aiken.

As Sandecki began to sing the first few lines of Elton John's "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me," the real Aiken - sporting a slick new look - surprised Sandecki by coming onstage to sing with him. Sandecki's style evoked the originally geeky Aiken from the second season.

Earlier in the season, Sandecki's effort to enter the contest ended after acid-tongued judge Simon Cowell slammed his struggling performance of "In the Still of the Night" as "excruciating."

During that audition, the contestant told judges his poor performance was due to the fact he needed a bathroom break. When he was given a chance to take a break and try again, the show filmed his mad dash back, using the theme song of the movie "Chariots of Fire" in the background. He was quickly dismissed after singing a second time.

But on "American Idol," a bad audition does not always signal a performer's last chance for recognition.

After realizing his dream, Sandecki said he can't wait to return to Hinesville.

"I don't know what to expect," he said. "In the airport, people are asking for my autograph. I don't know what to say, I'm just Mike."

Information from: Coastal Courier, http://www.coastalcourier.com

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McPhee Talks Makeovers & Men

LOS ANGELES (May 25, 2006) -- Regardless of the "American Idol" results, Katharine McPhee has had the time of her life!

And "Idol's" runner-up joined Access' Nancy O'Dell on Stage One after the gigantic finale!

"I am so happy to be at Access Hollywood!" Katharine announced.

"Do you realize when you sang that song, there were 43 million people watching you?" Nancy asked. "That's more than the Oscars."

Katharine laughed delightedly.

And what a journey for the 22-year-old Katharine growing up a stones throw from Hollywood. Her mother is a voice coach who let her daughter do all the school plays and recitals, all the way to "Idol."

And Access Hollywood.

"It's so surreal to be here, I watch Access Hollywood all the time," Katharine said.

You had to get a cortisone shot before the show last night, asked Nancy, referring to Katharine's sore throat.

"Yes, I had to," Katharine said.

"I can tell you're a little hoarse today," Nancy said. "Did you think, is it going to be my name read?"

"No, I looked over at Ryan's cue cards, they were blank," Katharine explained.

"You have a boyfriend named Nick?" Nancy asked.

"I do have a boyfriend, and we both live in L.A., so its' not a problem," Katharine said. "His name is Nick Cokis."

"You're trying to keep the private life private," Nancy said.

"Well, I'm just trying to find my way in this business," Katharine laughed.

"You're Jennifer Aniston all of a sudden," Nancy laughed. "You're still letting them know, maybe I'm available, maybe I'm not."

"You're always available, until you have a ring on your finger, you're always available," Katharine laughed.

"Don't tell your boyfriend that," Nancy laughed. "I'm just kidding! I'm kidding!"

From: http://www.accesshollywood.com/

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American Idol: All This and Clay Aiken Too!

There was one thing that we all knew: we were going to be kept waiting until our nails were bitten down to the nubs before we found out the ultimate winner of American Idol 5.

Having said that, I am so appreciative of the most exciting Finale that ever graced the stage of American Idol. I had to ask myself why so many famous and established artists like Prince (the Sexiest Vegetarian as voted by PETA-a dubious honor), Mary J. Blige, Tony Braxton, Burt Bacharach, Al Jarreau and others were willing to appear on the stage with people that hadn't even sold a record yet? The answer came to me in a flash. This show is being watched by at least 40 million people and what better exposure for former A-List singers who are still great to get that kind of coverage. There is no stadium in the world that would accommodate as many people as the audience all over the world that were watching and listening and dare I say it, enjoying the music.

more: http://realitytvcalendar.com/

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