Democratic candidate, former American Idol star Clay Aiken performs in Durham alongside Ruben Studdard

Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard, known for their competition on American Idol, held a rally for Aiken's congressional campaign. American Idol Season 2, in 2003, was neck-and-neck between the two singers until Studdard beat Aiken in the finale.

While it was billed as a get-out-the-vote event, It was clear that it was an opportunity for Aiken to perform in front of potential voters.

Aiken is competing for the party’s nomination for a seat representing the newly drawn 4th Congressional District, which includes Orange, Durham, Person, Granville and Alamance counties.

He faces a crowded field including State Sen. Valerie Foushee and Durham County Commissioner Nida Allam. Allam and Foushee are running on their experience, having spent more time in elected office than Aiken, who has never held elected office.

Aiken is relying on name recognition gained from American Idol and his subsequent work as an activist. It’s his second congressional run. In 2014, he won the Democratic primary in North Carolina's 2nd Congressional District. He lost in the general election to former U.S. Rep. Renee Ellmers in an area recognized as a Republican stronghold.

Neither Allam nor Foushee immediately responded to a request for comment.

Other democrats vying to represent the 4th district include Crystal Cavalier, Matt Grooms, Stephen J. Valentine, Ashley Ward and Richard Watkins.