The Aiken December 20 release on Decca has drawn stellar reviews from fans. On Amazon, Aiken drew a near perfect rating from download purchasers of the track. Fans are applauding not only Aiken but also the song’s orchestration.

One Aiken fan wrote “I think this is Clay Aiken’s best recorded song ever. His singing voice is tender, yet powerful when needed. Whoever orchestrated this song is brilliant.” The fan added “They made sure that the voice was always up front. The quiet piano at the beginning quickly grows to a full orchestration.”

Many fans believe this could be Aiken’s best song ever. “This is Clay Aiken’s best song yet” wrote one listener. “Not only is it an original song, but it’s an amazing song.”

On iTunes, the Aiken track has also drawn a nearly perfect score from listeners. One wrote “His voice is flawless, as usual. The song is romantic and beautiful. It’s just wonderful all around.”

Aiken next appears on Celebrity Apprentice. He reminded fans and news of a programming change last week “The season premiere date for Celebrity Apprentice has moved to Sunday, Feb 19, at 9pm/8c. “

“Better Than I Know Myself” is also drawing a nearly prefect five rating from Lambert fans as well. The December 20 release from 19 Recordings / RCA is being heralded for its vocals and lyrics.

But many Lambert fans especially are applauding the song’s beat. “Adam has produced a winner. Hope it gets intense radio play because once it is heard it will be loved” wrote on fan. Another added “Great vocals and the beat is awesome”.

Shannon, appearing on The View, told fans and news that the cover was not only false but so hurtful that she had to stop production on her show. “Production got halted for about an hour and a half because I was sobbing uncontrollably. If you didn’t have it (plastic surgery) and they’re saying that you did, then it’s embarrassing, it’s humiliating. I don’t know if anybody’s noticed, but I’ve pretty much been hiding out as much as humanly possible.” Shannon also told news “I’ve been trying to stay out of the press because I just don’t want it in my life anymore. I hired a litigator and I’m willing to put as much money behind a lawsuit as humanly possible, just to sort of teach them a lesson.”

Doherty told Barbara Walters “I’m actually willing to go so far as to go sit down with whatever plastic surgeon they want to put in front of me who can inspect my face. I went to work and my lovely hairdresser David came to me and said, ‘Oh my God, did you see the cover of Star?’ and I went, ‘No, why?’ He told me and then he pulled it up online.”

On one major U.S. portal, one of the top five stories in rotation since earlier this week reads “Clay Aiken’s baffling new appearance”. Under a picture of his face, the caption reads “Clay Aiken’s odd new face”. The caption adds “In a “Celebrity Apprentice” pic, the star looks way different than in his “Idol” days.” The article then cites a NBC public relations picture of Aiken, leaning over a table. The picture is a poorly stage pic. But to call a celebrity’s face “odd” because the public relations department takes a bad picture is improper.

One popular website this week ran coverage, not of Aiken’s charitable work, but an article also about his face. Entitled “Clay Aiken – Clay Aiken’s Apprentice Shot Hints At Plastic Surgery?”, fans fumed at the article. Fans were equally angry at another article entitled “Clay Aiken – A Plastic Surgery Participant?” Not one of those articles focused on the charitable work that Aiken has done over the years.

In 2004, Sharon Stone made news for filing a lawsuit against a Beverly Hills plastic surgeon, claiming that he falsely claimed to have given her a facelift. The surgeon was allegedly quoted in celebrity news magazines claiming to have given Stone that procedure. Her suit states at the time “False statements that Sharon Stone has sought to artificially preserve her beauty by undergoing a facelift procedure are damaging to her professional reputation as a talented and beautiful actress who prides herself on her natural beauty,” the suit said. The case in Los Angeles County Superior Court was eventually settled.

Aiken debuts on Celebrity Apprentice 2012 on February 12 at 9 pm EST.

While Aiken has done charitable work at home, he has done the same internationally for years. In 2008, LALATE detailed extensively his work with UNICEF. In one project, Aiken teamed up with UNICEF and Malaria No More to defeat malaria—a completely preventable disease that still kills one child every 30 seconds worldwide. Aiken told news at the time “It doesn’t have to be this way. For a limited time, Malaria No More will match your donation in the fight against malaria, helping UNICEF save twice as many lives.”

LOS ANGELELS (LALATE) – Clay Aiken Celebrity Apprentice 2012 debut is set for February 12, NBC confirms to news. Clay Aiken has been hired for Celebrity Apprentice 2012, the network confirmed today. Of course, since fall 2011, pictures, cast candid’s, and details about the taping had already leaked online. Aiken returns to reality TV programming with other current and former reality TV stars including Aubrey O’Day and Teresa Giudice.

In a news statement today, producers of Celebrity Apprentice 2012 applaud the cast as one of the best. “We’ve never seen such a smart and funny group as this year’s lineup of celebrities,” said executive producer Mark Burnett. “‘Celebrity Apprentice’ is better than ever, and it’s all for a great purpose – raising millions for charity.”

NBC tells news that it is seeking for follow on the success of last year. “Last season, “Celebrity Apprentice” raised a record amount for the contestants’ charities, donating over $3.1 million to charity.”

Aiken returns to reality TV seven years after his American Idol appearance. In its news statement today, NBC notes Aiken’s charitable work, previously detailed on LALATE. NBC notes Aiken has devoted “significant amount of his time to such charities as his own foundation, National Inclusion Project and acting as a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF.” (For Aiken fans, below is LALATE’s “eLATED for Clay Aiken” from 2008.)

Who else is joining Clay to face the Donald? “The men are Arsenio Hall, Adam Carolla, Lou Ferrigno, Penn Jillette, Dee Snider, George Takei, IndyCar legend Michael Andretti, and Paul Teutul, Sr. And the women will be Cheryl Tiegs, Debbie Gibson, Tia Carrere, Victoria Gotti, Lisa Lampanelli, Dayana Mendoza, Aubrey O’Day, Patricia Velásquez, and Teresa Giudice. The show debuts Sunday, February 12 at 9pm EST/PST.