As the runner-up to Fox TV's second American Idol: The Search for a Superstar contest, vocalist Clay Aiken stunned television viewers in 2003 with his Southern attraction, sweet manner, and brilliant, magnificent voice, and became a pop star. At first, Clay Aiken intended to try out for the reality TV series The American Race, but went forward and auditioned for the talent contest to please a hopeful friend. Out of 7,000 hopefuls, the Charlotte, NC, local won the hearts of the judges as well as millions of fans across the world.

Born November 30, 1978, Clay Aiken was singing at an early age. Different most young kids, Clay Aiken was certain and prepared to amaze a crowd. Clay Aiken was already singing the Dolly Parton/Kenny Rogers classic "Islands in the Stream" at a neighboring high school dance by age five.

Two year later, he was buying albums through a mail-order catalog, excited to get his hands on any kind of music. Clay Aiken’s singing gift was growing and by the time he reached his adolescent years, Clay Aiken was a usual member of the Raleigh Boys Choir. Numerous roles in diverse musicals, (The Music Man, Oklahoma!), stage plays, and playhouse shows allowed Clay Aiken to perfect his gift.

When it came time to go to college, music wasn't Clay Aiken’s calling as such. Clay Aiken studied special education instead and had ideas of attending William & Mary for a master's degree in administration. Before he could further his education, Clay Aiken ended up amazing 21 million television viewers each week from February to May with his astounding singing voice. Clay Aiken’s version of Simon & Garfunkel's "Bridge Over Troubled Waters" gained him a spot with America's hearts. Though he finished second to Ruben Studdard, Clay Aiken’s loss was not taken lightly. He landed a contract with RCA through Simon Fuller's 19 Recordings Limited within weeks of the show's ending.

That same month, Clay Aiken’s debut single, "This Is the Night," made history by going number one on Billboard's Hot 100 chart. Selling more than 392,000 copies during its first week, beating Elton John's record for "Candle in the Wind 1997." In October 2003, Clay Aiken issued his studio full-length, The Measure of a Man. Once again, Clay Aiken made a big splash. The Measure of a Man sold 613,000 copies and went to number one on Billboard's Top 200 during its first week of release. Clay Aiken’s first holiday effort Merry Christmas With Love followed in November 2004. The album debuted at number one on Billboard's Top Holiday Albums chart, giving Merry Christmas With Love the biggest debut week sales figure for a Christmas album in SoundScan history.