Spiky-haired boy next door Clay Aiken proved he's got what it takes to win the hearts of millions of Americans when the 24-year-old Raleigh, N.c. native also won himself a recording contract on RCA Records through Simon Fuller's 19 Recordings. As the runner up of FOX television's May 21 'American Idol' finale, Aiken has become the latest singing sensation taken under the wing of music industry legend Clive Davis who also executive produced his full-length debut. Although he was the show's runner-up to Luther Vandross clone Ruben "Velvet Teddy Bear" Studdard, Aiken's melodramatic "This Is the Night" topped Studdard's anthemic "Flying Without Wings" to become the year's bestselling single. Aiken's debut album, which producer Clive Davis packs with polished, adult contemporary fare, Although the charismatic Studdard's disc may reaffirm why he was voted the American Idol champ, the measure of this man means staying true to himself, even if that calls for being a tad nerdy. And for that reason, Aiken may be one of the coolest pop stars around.