Clay Aiken | Entertainment News, Photos, and Videos

Keith Crisco, the man who was challenging American Idol runner-up Clay Aiken for the Democratic nomination in the 2nd Congressional District race, has died suddenly following a fall at his home.

The 71-year-old politician fell in his home in Asheboro, N.C. around 1pm today (May 12) and he was confirmed dead on the scene when emergency workers arrived, according to the Courier Tribune.

The primary had already taken place last week, but the race was too close to call and both Clay and Keith were awaiting word on how to proceed. Clay was ahead by 369 votes, but the winner was still to be determined.

We send out our thoughts and condolences to Keith‘s friends and family during this difficult time.

Hugh Jackman suits up as he attends the opening night of the Broadway play After Midnight held at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre on Sunday (November 3) in New York City.

The 45-year-old Aussie actor was joined at the event by Mary-Louise Parker, Barbara Walters, star of the show Fantasia Barrino, and her fellow American Idol contestants Clay Aiken and Justin Guarini, who came out to show their support.

PHOTOS: Check out the latest pics of Hugh Jackman

Earlier in the week, Hugh was spotted rocking a minefield mask while out and about on Halloween with his daughter Ava.

20+ pictures inside of Hugh Jackman and others at the opening night of After Midnight…More Here! »

Check out the cast pics for the new season of The Celebrity Apprentice!

Clay Aiken, Aubrey O’Day, George Takei, and Real Housewives of New Jersey star Teresa Giudice will be vying for the title while competing for each of their charities.

“Being in front of [Donald] Trump is more intimidating than [being in front of Simon Cowell]. That’s because you realize his success is real outside of TV. Whereas with Cowell, I don’t deny him his value – but singing is not his expertise,” Clay, who once was runner-up on American Idol, told Today.

Rounding out the cast: Adam Carolla, Arsenio Hall, Cheryl Tiegs, Dayana Mendoza, Debbie Gibson, Dee Snider, Lisa Lampanelli, Lou Ferrigno, Michael Andretti, Patricia Velasquez, Paul Teutul, Sr., Penn Jillette, Tia Carrere, and Victoria Gotti.

Tune into the premiere of The Celebrity Apprentice Sunday, February 12, at 9/8c on NBC!

Clay Aiken arrives at the Directors Guild of America on Sunday (July 17) in Los Angeles.

The 32-year-old entertainer screened an episode of Drop Dead Diva as part of the 2011 Outfest Film Festival.

Clay was a guest star on the show’s third season premiere in an ep centering on a girl banned from her high school prom because she wanted to bring her girlfriend as her date.

Lance Bass and actress Amanda Bearse were also featured in the episode!

10+ pictures inside of Clay Aiken at a screening of Drop Dead Diva…

More Here! »

Clay Aiken is all smiles at the after party for the Broadway Backwards benefit show at John’s Pizzeria in New York City on Monday (February 7).

Broadway Backwards “re-interprets the songs of musical theater by featuring women singing songs originally written for men and men singing songs written for women.”

Clay sang the song “Home” from the Broadway musical The Wiz during the concert.

The sixth annual concert raised a record-breaking $281,243 for Broadway Cares/Equity Fight AIDS.

Listen to Clay sing “Home” below…

Clay Aiken is showing his support for anti-bullying legislation brought up in the House and Senate!

The 31-year-old singer teamed up with GLSEN to back the Safe Schools Improvement Act and the Student Non-Discrimination Act.

“I never had someone who told me that it was okay to be different…that it was okay to be me. What I did hear was that it would get better once I was out of high school…that things would get better. But from where I sat, I could not possibly believe that to be true,” Clay said.

“We need federal leadership from Congress to encourage all states and districts and each and every school to create safe learning environments where all students can learn and succeed,” Clay concluded.

A solo Clay Aiken wears his favorite pair of sandals as he catches a departing flight out of New York City’s JFK airport on Wednesday morning (June 17).

This Sunday, the 30-year-old American Idol alum will celebrate his first Father’s Day with son Parker Foster, 10 months. You can read an extensive tribute to Clay‘s first Father’s Day at ClayAikenTheIdealIdok.com.

10+ pictures inside of proud papa Clay Aiken…More Here! »