Clay Aiken is an American singer-songwriter and former contestant who had appeared on Season 2 of American Idol, coming in second place. Born and raised in Raleigh, North Carolina he sang in school musicals and church choirs as a young boy and teenager being recognized with a voice at a young age by many who saw his passion for music with such talent. In 2002 he participated on season 2 of American Idol where he was seen with a promising music career and had been recognized as an upcoming pop star. In 2003 he releases his debut record titled, Measure of a Man making it on Billboard charts having sold over 600,000 copies being one of the best records of all time. In 2008 he publicly comes out of the closet facing his fears letting the world know he was gay, having the confidence showing himself for who he was. He ran for Congress, winning the Democratic primary, held on May 6, 2014, by fewer than 400 votes.