( CNN ) -- Reality TV may prove to be a golden ticket for Clay Aiken 's congressional bid . Nearly a decade ago , Americans were introduced to the adorable schoolteacher from North Carolina . Aiken wowed viewers and judges early in the second season auditions of `` American Idol . '' No one expected such an incredible voice to come out of such an unassuming package . He came out of nowhere and stole the show . His singing won him a golden ticket to Hollywood , but his resolve won him a unique place in the hearts of American viewers . And that could be just the training he needed for his next career . This week , Aiken once again presented himself as an unassuming candidate , this time jumping into North Carolina politics as a Democrat to challenge U.S. Rep. Renee Ellmers , a Republican , for her 2nd Congressional District seat . As a former political appointee and reality TV show participant , I am intrigued by Aiken 's foray into the world of politics . He and I got our start on TV right around the same time . In all of my encounters with him over the last decade , I have found him to be kind , warm and authentic . I bet the voters in North Carolina will see the same thing . A friend asked me if I thought Aiken 's TV background would help or hurt him in his congressional race . That 's easy . National TV has uniquely prepared Aiken for this adventure into politics . Here 's why . Aiken has had to convince millions to vote for him -- first via a toll-free 866 number and soon in a voting booth . He has had to deflect the barbs of critics -- I 'm not sure who is worse , Simon Cowell or Sean Hannity . And he has had to learn how to win over the media -- first in Hollywood , now inside the Beltway . Back in 2003 and 2004 , reality TV was a lot different . Aiken and I both were parts of instantly successful franchises at the peak of their popularity . Each week , millions of viewers tuned in not only to watch but also to vote for their choices -- or vote off whom they did n't like . This created a new entertainment democracy . Viewers were empowered to choose their favorites , and contestants had to campaign and compete for a spot on the show -- and for the hearts of America on an unofficial campaign trail . Reality TV requires you to have thick skin . When you have to face harsh critics such as Cowell or Donald Trump weekly , you have no choice but to be tough . But the toughest critic of all proved to be the American public . Aiken was subjected to intense , relentless scrutiny . He was forced to learn and apply leadership principles that were essential to his longevity and success , on screen and off . And even when he got knocked down , he had to get back up and fight again . There are skills that we learned being on a reality show that may help Aiken win . First , his message , which he has already tried and tested during his `` American Idol '' days , will get refined in the political arena . He proudly shared Christian beliefs and his passion for young people with special needs , both traits that resonated with viewers -- and likely with North Carolina voters . Secondly , his relationship with the media during `` Idol '' taught him how to deal with them in a smart , shrewd yet upfront and sincere way . The press can spot a fake a mile away . On `` American Idol , '' he quickly learned to forge relationships with the media to connect with those who would cast their votes each week . In his congressional race , he will likely be able to reach voters in ways that his competitor ca n't . Because of his TV training , he already knows how to do so . Lastly , his two previous losses -- he came in second place behind Ruben Studdard during the second season of `` Idol '' and placed second behind Arsenio Hall in the fifth season of `` Celebrity Apprentice '' -- could prove to be just the hook in his bid for Congress . Going up against an incumbent in a traditionally Republican district , voters will see Aiken as the underdog and may rally behind him . Voters may feel that his time has come . And everyone roots for the underdog . The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Omarosa Manigault .
Ex- '' Apprentice '' star Omarosa Manigault says reality TV was good training for Clay Aiken . Aiken announced he is running for Congress in North Carolina as a Democrat . Manigault : Reality TV makes you appeal for mass votes and requires you to have thick skin .