VIDEO: First Look - New Esquire Docu-Series to Follow Clay Aiken's Congressional Campaign

Esquire Network announces that it will air an all-access look at one of the most unique political campaigns of this election year - the Congressional run of AMERICAN IDOL runner-up Clay Aiken. The yet-to-be titled, four-hour limited documentary series will premiere on Esquire Network in 1st Quarter 2015. Get a FIRST LOOK below!

Academy Award-winner Simon Chinn (Man On Wire, Searching for Sugar Man) and Emmy Award-winner Jonathan Chinn (30 Days, American High) of Lightbox, have been filming from the inside of Clay Aiken's campaign since his February candidacy announcement, through the shocking May primary and last night's final results. Aiken, a gay Democrat and single dad, ran against incumbent Congresswoman Renee Ellmers in the predominantly Republican North Carolina 2nd District. Via strategy meetings, debate prep, town halls, bus tours and door-to-door canvassing, the docu-series provides an intimate look at the hope of victory and, ultimately, the disappointment of defeat.

"We were granted incredible access during the MAKING OF this documentary, and in turn were able to capture the internal workings of an American campaign - the good, the bad and the ugly," said executive producer Simon Chinn of Lightbox. Added Jonathan Chinn, "We're thrilled to be partnering with Esquire Network, who are tackling topics that are not only popular and entertaining but also smart and thoughtful."

The series examines what it takes to run a campaign from the perspective of a candidate who is both a newcomer to the American political scene, and also a well-known celebrity. Throughout, Aiken struggles with his desire to be seen as a viable candidate and his need to convince voters (and America) to take him seriously.

"Ultimately, this series is a raw and honest look at American politics through an incredibly unique and compelling candidate," said Esquire Network's head of original programming Matt Hanna. "The opportunity to work with amazing documentarians Simon and Jonathan Chinn, gave Esquire Network the perfect opportunity to explore politics and its intersection with celebrity."

Aiken became a household name while appearing on the second season of American Idol, turning millions of viewers into instant fans. Following American Idol, his debut album Measure of a Manskyrocketed to multi-platinum status. Mr. Aiken has launched ten national concert tours, authored a New York Times best-selling memoir, Learning to Sing: Hearing the Music in Your Life, and released several albums including, Merry Christmas with Love, A Thousand Different Ways and On My Way Here, all of which debuted in the top five on the Billboard chart. Mr. AiKen Starred in a televised Christmas special, A Clay Aiken Christmas and a live concert special in 2010 onPBS Tried & True Live! He has appeared on many popular television shows including Lifetime's Drop Dead Diva, Scrubs,30 Rock and Saturday Night Live.

A frequent talk show guest, particularly on The Tonight Show andJimmy Kimmel Live!, he recently competed in the fifth season of The Celebrity Apprentice. Mr. Aiken garnered broad critical acclaim for his Broadway debut as Sir Robin in the Tony Award winning production of Spamalot in 2008 and 2009.