Clay Aiken, a North Carolina native, is an American singer, actor, and activist. He gained national recognition as the runner-up on the second season of "American Idol" in 2003. Following the show, Aiken released his debut album, "Measure of a Man," which sold over 600,000 copies in its first week and achieved double-platinum status.
He has since released multiple albums, including "Merry Christmas with Love" and "A Thousand Different Ways," and has appeared on Broadway in productions such as Monty Python's Spamalot.
Beyond his entertainment career, Aiken is known for his philanthropic efforts. He co-founded the National Inclusion Project, which supports the integration of children with disabilities into mainstream programs. In 2004, he was appointed a UNICEF National Ambassador, focusing on education and children's issues. Aiken has also ventured into politics, running for the U.S. House of Representatives in North Carolina's 2nd congressional district in 2014 and the 4th congressional district in 2022, though he was not elected in either campaign.