RALEIGH, N.C. — This is the day Clayniacs have been waiting for.

Clay Aiken's CD single hits store shelves Tuesday.

The CD features "This is the Night" and "Bridge Over Troubled Water."

The Raleigh native may not have won the "American Idol" title, but the runner-up is winning the sales race. The CD has topped Amazon.com's pre-order list for weeks.

Several Triangle stores were open late for the midnight release of the CD.

"Probably 60 to 100 people were here last night during our midnight sale," said Ric Culross of SchoolKids Records. It's the best midnight sale we've had in years."

Aiken's CD flew off store shelves across the Triangle -- several stores even sold out.

"My sister went somewhere and tried to buy them today and all the CDs were sold out. So I'm on the official run to get Clay's CD and we're very happy to find it," Martha Grindle said.

Wal-Mart stores in Cary and Fuquay-Varina did not get their shipments of the CD. A sign tells customers there was a distribution problem. The Cary store expects its shipment by Wednesday.

"Idol" winner Ruben Studdard's CD single was also released Tuesday. The CD features "Flying Without Wings" and "Superstar."

Many fans, like Emily Comer, said both CDs are worth buying.

"I got both of them because Clay Aiken -- I really like the way he sings, and Ruben has a beautiful voice," she said.

"I came today for my grandmother," said Nicole Poehlman. "She was looking for Clay and Ruben singles so that's the only reason I'm here today.