The runner-up label seems to be part of Clay Aiken’s narrative now, whether as an entertainer or political candidate.
Aiken came in second to Ruben Studdard on TV’s American Idol singing competition show in 2003 and lost to Arsenio Hall on Celebrity Apprentice in 2012. After putting his singing career on hold, Aiken ran for Congress last year as a Democrat and lost to GOP Rep. Renee Ellmers in a heavily Republican district in North Carolina.
A four-part documentary series focusing on Aiken’s congressional campaign begins airing tonight (April 7th) at 10 p.m. on the Esquire Network. The title, of course, is The Runner-Up, but Aiken says he believes he still came out a winner even if the voters gave Ellmers a third House term.
