Clay Aiken Gay Rights Rally (NEWS)

Guess who's back in the news: Clay Aiken, beloved runner-up on American Idol (how the heck did he come in second anyway? that other guy has never been heard from since).

This week Clay Aiken is making news with his plans to speak at a Gay Rights event in his home state of North Carolina.

Clay, who was always widely rumored and assumed to be gay, finally came out some time after his American Idol appearance, and has been outspoken about his identity and his right to be proud of it.

Clay will speak at a Human Rights Gala in Raleigh, his hometown.

Since his American Idol run Aiken has been on eight tours, and wrote a best-selling book named "Learning to Sing: Hearing the Music in Your Life."

Clay Aiken Gay Rights (NEWS)
advocate

American Idol star Clay Aiken, who came out in 2008, will use his celebrity to speak for gay rights in North Carolina, his native state, this weekend. According to the Associated Press, Aiken will deliver a speech at the Human Rights Campaign gala in Raleigh, his hometown, this Saturday. Still, some aspects of the appearance proved too controversial for Aiken."The 31-year-old Raleigh native, pop singer and 2003 American Idol runner-up says he wrote his own speech after remarks provided for him proved too political, including a slam aimed at former President George W. Bush," reports the AP.

Clay Aiken Gay Rights (NEWS)