The National League of Junior Cotillions has named American Idol runner-up Clay Aiken as 2003's best-mannered person.

Aiken pipped talk show queen Oprah Winfrey to the top spot in the list; she took second place.

The league's executive director, Anne Colvin Winters, explained:

"Clay Aiken of American Idol fame was chosen because of the courteous manner in which he treats fellow performers and fans."