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Live From Studio 1A: Clay Aiken Q and A

Posted: Thursday, April 26, 2007 10:30 AM by Dan Fleschner
Filed Under:

Clay Aiken sat down with Al Roker, David Gregory and Dr. Nancy Snyderman today to talk about his recent work with UNICEF USA in Afghanistan (WATCH VIDEO).

Before his appearance on the show, I got to talk to him for a quick Q&A. Here is some of our conversation (edited for content):

Q: When did you get back from Afghanistan, how long were you there and what were you doing?

Clay Aiken: I got back on Wednesday, and I was there for about two weeks. It was a really eye-opening experience and was interesting because a lot of stereotypes were broken down for me. The people there were wonderfully nice, and the country was really beautiful and peaceful. It was a little surprising because of all the news we hear from over there.

[Clay sees a video clip of President Bush dancing with a Senegalese dance troupe in the Rose Garden on Wednesday]

What in the world is he doing? Please, be joking.

[He regains his train of thought.]

I was observing programs run by UNICEF, observing schools where women are getting an education, often for the first time in their lives.

Q: Why were you particularly attracted to this trip?

CA: I used to be a teacher. I was a special-ed teacher in North Carolina, so there was some synergy there.

Q: You're familiar with our "Where in the World is Matt Lauer" series, which begins on Monday. What's the most interesting place you've been to, and where would you like to go that you haven't been to before?

CA: Well, definitely Afghanistan was the most interesting place. Not just because it was exotic and dangerous, to some degree, but also because it is so beautiful and peaceful. It's the third country I've been to with UNICEF -- I had previously been to Uganda and Indonesia. But I had never been to a place that beautiful and peaceful.

As for a place I'd like to go...I'd like to go to Zanzibar. I imagine it's beautiful, and it makes me sound smart to say I know where it is.

Q: Apparently there's a version of "American Idol" in Afghanistan -- did you see it?

CA: It's called "Afghan Star," and I didn't get to see it.

Q: Have you been able to follow the current season of "American Idol"?

CA: I haven't seen any of it.

Q: Have you heard anything about Sanjaya and his performances?

CA: We were actually in India when everything was happening with him, and people over there were talking about it.

Q: The big entertainment news today is that Rosie O'Donnell is leaving "The View" in June. Any reaction?

CA: Good for her. Do what you want to do. But she will be missed on that show. But I'm sure she'll do something just as big and fantastical -- if that's a word -- as she did when she was on "The View."

Q: What's next for you?

CA: I have a tour coming up this summer. It starts July 4 in Dallas, and tickets are on sale now.

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Comments

UNICEF got themselves a winner when they asked Mr. Aiken to represent them. What an articulate and well versed in his subjects,young man.

Diana (Sent Thursday, April 26, 2007 12:40 PM)

Thanks for sharing this Q&A with Clay. I love his sense of humor. So does UNICEF work in Zanzabar?

Vicky, Yardley, PA (Sent Thursday, April 26, 2007 12:40 PM)

He's a good man, that Mr.Aiken. I enjoyed hearing some details about his trip and his impressions of the people and the country of Afghanistan. Thanks for having him as your guest.

Rory, Winnipeg, Sask (Sent Thursday, April 26, 2007 12:40 PM)

Nice interview about Clay's UNICEF trip. Thanks so much for having him on. I enjoy hearing him talk almost as much as hearing him sing. Hope he's back on the show soon

kathy nelson (Sent Thursday, April 26, 2007 12:41 PM)

Thank you for spotlighting Clay Aiken's trip to Afghanistan, and bringing the attention to the needs of innocent children affected by war. Here's a link to learn more about his trip and how to help: http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/afghanistan_39401.html

Linda Evans, Evanston, IL (Sent Thursday, April 26, 2007 12:41 PM)

I was surprised to see Clay Aiken on the Today Show. He is certainly interested in making a difference and articulates it very well. Thanks for posting the interview.

Kallie (Sent Thursday, April 26, 2007 12:42 PM)

wonderful interview, thanks for having Clay on and helping raising awareness in Afghanistan

bfs (Sent Thursday, April 26, 2007 12:47 PM)

That was a good interview. Also loved the interview on TV. It was good seeing him and the various clips that were shown. I'm still amazed that this young guy who appeared on American Idol several years ago, and said he wanted to make a difference in some way, has risen to such a level so quickly to fulfill what he said he would do. Too many claim they want to do things, or will do things, but just never seem to get around to or past themselved and their careers. He took it on immediately after the show, and just continues to add more and more ways to give back and help make people aware of the needs of others. He is the best example there could ever be of what a "real" idol is and should be. It's so much than just being a singer with a good career. Good for him for being such an inspiration and unique person.

Donna Whit, Louisville, KY (Sent Thursday, April 26, 2007 12:48 PM)

Awesome interview this morning. Clay is a wonderful choice for a Unicef Ambassador as he uses his celebrity and his intelligence to convey the needs of those countries served by Unicef in a way that makes me want to contribute. His emphasis on the positives of the situation gives me hope that my donations will make a difference.

Anne, Calgary, (Sent Thursday, April 26, 2007 12:48 PM)

Clay's presense in Afghanistan was interesting and heart warming. He has always revealed a genuine good heart and it is not surprising that he would become an Ambassador for UNICEF. His presense on Idol was sorely missed on the fund raiser show and to their loss, as he is a motivator and an inspiration. Wishing him the best of luck and good fortune for all his good deeds and for his musical success.

Gigi Parone, Islip, NY (Sent Thursday, April 26, 2007 12:59 PM)

Clay is correct. The potential is great for Afghanistan and we need to do what we can to rebuild that country.

Leonard, Chantilly, VA. (Sent Thursday, April 26, 2007 1:23 PM)

Clay inspires me to be a better person from all his interviews. I wish you'd interview him more often.

sandy (Sent Thursday, April 26, 2007 1:28 PM)

Loved seeing Mr. Aiken on Today this morning. I had no idea he was so intelligent & articulate! UNICEF did well when they chose him as an Ambassador. His passion for those less fortunate really shines! Good job!!

Mike James, Advance, NC (Sent Thursday, April 26, 2007 1:32 PM)

Again, Clay Aiken shows that he is a man who walks the walk!! UNICEF certainly picked the right young man to be their Education Ambassador. His passion for his work with UNICEF shows that is his truly an "Idol" and he is to be commended for the message he is giving us. Like he said on AI, he wanted to make a difference...and he certainly is!! Plus..he is an awesome singer!!! Thanks for this interview and also the TODAY interview.

Judy Lautenschleger, Camarillo, CA (Sent Thursday, April 26, 2007 1:36 PM)

Enjoyable interview; thanks very much!

Laurie, Kansas City, MO (Sent Thursday, April 26, 2007 1:36 PM)

Enjoyed Clay's interview on the Today show and your Q&A. Thanks

TERRY D, Sacramento, CA (Sent Thursday, April 26, 2007 1:37 PM)

Thank you, Today, for interviewing Clay this morning and thank you, MSNBC, for posting this great Q&A. I watch the Today show every morning and have always been disappointed when I had to turn the channel to see him during one of his many appearances on GMA. I'd much rather watch Today. Please have him on again soon. He's an inspiration to many and a huge breathe of fresh air in such a crazy world.

Robin, Levittown, PA (Sent Thursday, April 26, 2007 1:43 PM)

The first part of the interview was interesting and Clay was very articulate, but how easily the Q and A deteriorated into Hollywood gossip, much to Mr. Aiken's discomfort, I am sure. .

shirley romano, westminster, ca. (Sent Thursday, April 26, 2007 1:44 PM)

What an amazing and wonderful and "fantastical" young man Clay Aiken is. He is intelligent, articulate, and has a great sense of humor. Thank you for having him on and spotlighting his efforts with Unicef. This is a great interview-please have him on again soon.

Jean Johnson Cary, NC (Sent Thursday, April 26, 2007 1:46 PM)

Heartwarming interview! I imagine UNICEF is thrilled with the amount of energy Mr. Aiken puts into this program. He is truly a "hands-on" person. I understand he has been instrumental in raising huge amounts of money for UNICEF! Good job everyone!

Elizabeth in Texas (Sent Thursday, April 26, 2007 1:46 PM)

Unicef could not have chosen a better or more articulate ambassador than Clay Aiken. Not only does he know what he is talking about, he also does what he talks about. He is truly the "Measure of a Man"! Thank you Today Show for having him talk about his trip to Afghanistan. I wish you could have discussed his challenge to us to raise money for the children and women in Afghanistan. He put out a plea to raise $100,000 in 10 days and we raised over $180,000 with checks still being counted for the final total.

Lillian Sawyer, Baltimore, MD (Sent Thursday, April 26, 2007 1:46 PM)

Clay Aiken is truly an "Idol who gives back!" I find it strange that he was not included in the Idol Gives Back show. He was the first contestant who cared enough to use his celebrity to make a difference. Many people do not know that he also started The Bubel Aiken Foundation to help handicapped children. He can also sing and is quite an intelligent entertainer!

Irene Cypress CA (Sent Thursday, April 26, 2007 1:46 PM)

Thank you for the interview with Clay Aiken. It's obvious his experience in and reporting of Afghanistan was heartfelt, which made me appreciate all the more his take on the country and it's people. Much success with future travels on behalf of UNICEF, Mr. Aiken.

Brad Devers, Warren, OH (Sent Thursday, April 26, 2007 1:48 PM)

I Loved seeing Clay on The Today Show today. They Definitely chose the Best person as an Ambassador of Education for UNICEF and for children around the world. Great interview and Job well Done Clay!

Julie D. Berns (Sent Thursday, April 26, 2007 2:07 PM)

Clay Aiken and UNICEF are a great match and he is a compassionate, articulate and intelligent ambassador. On AI he stated he wanted to use his fame to make a difference and he has kept his word. I am very proud of him and his humanitarian efforts.

Mary Nowak, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301 (Sent Thursday, April 26, 2007 2:13 PM)

Nice to see the Afghanistan Unicef clip. Nice to see Clay Aiken is doing something worthwhile with all his fame also. He is a great interview. I hope they raise lots of money to get those kids and even adults educated and on the road to a better life.

Rob Bell (Sent Thursday, April 26, 2007 2:16 PM)

Very informative interview with Clay AIken. He was very articulate in his comments. UNICEF has certainly chosen the right person to be their ambassador for education.

Anne Evans - Walnutport, Pa. (Sent Thursday, April 26, 2007 2:17 PM)

Thank you so much for featuring Clay at Today this morning. I am so glad that you interwied Clay and TV station should focus more on good inspirational stories.I am particulary glad to hear how beautiful Afganistan is and how great the people are . Very good educational information. I am empowered and inspired by Clay and his passion for making a diference in this world. Great JOB CLAY. I am proud of Clay. and Thanks you Today.

ER (Sent Thursday, April 26, 2007 2:33 PM)

This young man truly is setting an example of what an "American Idol" should be all about. He has done so much for so many worth causes without any fanfare. UNICEF chose a winner with Mr. Aiken. He also is the best singer I've ever seen in concert. Thank you for having him on your show.

J. M. Eubanks, Ft. Worth, TX (Sent Thursday, April 26, 2007 2:35 PM)

Great interview. Clay is a wonderful ambassador for the United States and for UNICEF. It great to see him as a caring person who wants to do good in the world in additon to the terrific singing talent many of us know he is. Thanks Today for the wonderful story. Thank Clay - keep up the wonderful work

john (Sent Thursday, April 26, 2007 2:36 PM)

I enjoyed this interview with Clay. He seems very passionate about UNICEF and their goals.

Kendra (Sent Thursday, April 26, 2007 2:43 PM)

I saw Clay Aiken on AI and thought WOW, what a great singer but now all I can say is HE really did make good on his promise to make a difference. He is very genuine because he put his promise to make a difference above it being just about his career. Well done Ambassador Aiken!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Geri Caravella, NY (Sent Thursday, April 26, 2007 2:45 PM)

Clay Aiken is very definitely interested in helping those less fortunate.............and for the right reasons. Clay grew up in a local church, has a degree in special education and didn't just jump on this bandwagon for publicity. This is his chosen field. Clay was already working in Special Ed when he went on AI the first time. He is obviously very educated and articulate, but more than that he really cares for these kids and they respond because they can sense that he cares. I am sure that he represented our country well while he visited Afghanistan on behalf of the USA. For those who have not seen Clay since American Idol 2, would really be pleasantly surprised at thehow great he is now in concert. You should catch one of his concerts starting in July. He has grown up beautifully, is a REAL musical talent, and will keep you laughing, because he is a comedian as well. Dene Raleigh

Dene Segrest (Sent Thursday, April 26, 2007 3:01 PM)

Thank you for the inspiring and empowering piece of infomation about Afganistan and how the people are. I am glad you interviewed Clay. he is very inspiring and realy a true model specially for a man his age. I am dissapointed that Idol gives back did not put him in the show when Clay is the very first Idol that really Gives BACK. Thank you Clay for walking your talk. You make me want to be a better person. You are an inspiration. Thank you for your generosity

er (Sent Thursday, April 26, 2007 3:10 PM)

Wow, I didn't know you were still around. Glad to see its not all about you. I love it when you can see truth and I see it all over you. Keep up the good work. I haven't liked that show you were on since you won. Great job.

Brad, Oklahoma (Sent Thursday, April 26, 2007 3:30 PM)

Clay Aiken impressed me. Good interview.

Chris Lewiston, San Jose, CA (Sent Thursday, April 26, 2007 3:36 PM)

There is nothing more inspirational than a man facing the need in others, with hope in his eyes ! not hope for himself, but for those others ! Unicef could not have chosen a better soul for these efforts !

Heather Lee. Ypsilanti, Mich (Sent Thursday, April 26, 2007 3:36 PM)

May we clone Clay Aiken? The world needs more of him.

Sandra, Brooklyn NY (Sent Thursday, April 26, 2007 3:39 PM)

Thanks so much for having Clay Aiken on your show and letting his interview be avaliable. It was so wonderful to hear some good news for a change. I love his voice. Will he be on tour anywhere soon?

Jennifer , Amherst Ohio (Sent Thursday, April 26, 2007 4:00 PM)

Clay Aiken truly is an "American Idol". He knows what is important in life. For all the attention he has gotten over the last few years, I am glad to see that he is so grounded. UNICEF is very fortunate to have him as an ambassador. Thanks for the nice interview!

Patti Bohannan (Sent Thursday, April 26, 2007 4:00 PM)

Is it wrong that all I could think about while watching the show today when Clay was on is how sexy he has become?

Kathryn Simms, Annapolis, Md (Sent Thursday, April 26, 2007 4:21 PM)

Ambasssador Aiken, Triple Platinum Recording Star - no matter what label you give him, he is everything a role model should be, a fabulous American Idol. Everyone, no matter what their age, should appreciate Clay's example and follow it when it comes to loving, giving, sharing and helping. American Idol Gives Back was very remiss in not showcasing his UNICEF trip to Afghanistan. Clay was definitely the first celebrity to express his concern for the chldren in Uganda, Lebanon, Afghanistan and many other places in the world, including right here in the USA. When he said "I want to use my celebrity to make a difference, doesn't matter what, it just matters that I do", he meant it and is doing it. Those that have not seen Clay Aiken in concert should run to buy tickets now. His tour starts around July 7th and runs into the end of August. He is the most entertaining artist in concert, not only because of his amazing, one and only voice, but because of the way he banters with the audience, calls children up to sing with him, as well as handicapped people there in wheelchairs. He gets right down in the audience and shows them amazing love. GOOD JOB AMBASSADOR AIKEN!!!

Joan Haff, Old Bridge, New Jersey (Sent Thursday, April 26, 2007 4:30 PM)

Clay is a caring and sincere human and this world needs more people like him. May we all learn from him.

Wendy Middletown NY (Sent Thursday, April 26, 2007 4:42 PM)

I once had the privilege of attending a presentation on someone else's visit to schools in Afghanistan and he said the same thing as Clay...that people there are so very eager to learn. Their school supplies are terribly sparse but they are extremely appreciative of everything they have. Thank you for featuring this interview with Clay, a young man who clearly is an outstanding representative of UNICEF. He is articulate, dedicated, and genuine.

James, Utica, NY (Sent Thursday, April 26, 2007 4:47 PM)

Although it was brief, your interview with Clay Aiken was great, and the film clips showing him in Afghanistan were really wonderful also. This is obviously a young man who sees a need, and knows that it's his responsibility to answer it. Sally Kelty Mentor, Ohio

Sally Kelty, Mentor, Ohio (Sent Thursday, April 26, 2007 5:05 PM)

Thanks to NBC for airing this interview with Clay. It's nice that Idol "gave back" by way of a TV extravaganza that brought in $30 for charity (in the process of boosting a few stars' profiles and lining the pockets of the American Idol franchise and its sponsors), but I'm much more impressed by people like Clay who walk their talk when the spotlight is not on them. Clay should have been included on the Idol Gives Back show if for no other reason than that he's been an ambassador since 2004 for UNICEF, one of the main organizations the Idol show was raising money for. Omitting any mention of Clay was a slight to UNICEF as well as to Clay. The Idol bigwigs obviously cared more about pimping their current Grammy winners than about including former Idols who have already been heavily involved in humanitarian work. Thanks again for making this interview available and helping Clay draw attention to the important work UNICEF is doing.

Genie, Seattle (Sent Thursday, April 26, 2007 5:07 PM)

I thoroughly enjoyed the interview and the video. He seems to really have a feel for this sort of thing. I think he really enjoyed this opportunity.

carol wright white house, tenn. (Sent Thursday, April 26, 2007 5:10 PM)

Interesting that in a message above someone mentioned not seeing AI since Clay won. Well, he didn't win AI but he has won hearts around the world. From Autistic children to Afghani citizens, Clay imparts compassion, wisdom and a sharp sense of character every where he goes. Ditto to another blogger who suggests you make a beeline to a July concert. You will discover strong wit and amazing self-deprecating humor along with the voice that grabbed us in the first place.

Lisa Renee, Findlay Ohio (Sent Thursday, April 26, 2007 5:32 PM)

This was a brief but wonderful interview with Clay Aiken who is a worthy and respected UNICEF ambassador. I admire him so much for using his celebrity to do a world of good. Well done, Mr. Aiken, for you are a man of great integrity.

Gale, Johnstown, PA (Sent Thursday, April 26, 2007 5:37 PM)

Thank you so much for bringing Mr. Aiken into your studio for this interview. He is intelligent, articulate, and caring -- as well as talented. What an inspiration he is!

Phyllis from NC (Sent Thursday, April 26, 2007 5:48 PM)



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