Another North Carolinian is heading to the Miss America Pageant, but with a lot less controversy.

"American Idol" finalist Clay Aiken will sing his signature song, "This Is the Night," at the September 20th pageant in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

Aiken will be one of the opening acts in the three-hour show.

In 2002, the state sent an unprecedented two candidates to the pageant amid a dispute over the Miss North Carolina crown.

Aiken, "American Idol" winner Ruben Studdard and other finalists from the Fox show have been touring the country this summer with "American Idols Live!"

Aiken is scheduled to release his first album in October and has
recently established the Bubel-Aiken Foundation to work on behalf of people with disabilities.