He didn't realize how his life was gonna change after this, even if he didn't win. But wow, did he become popular "in real life" right away!

How come I feel like I'm seeing these for time?! Clay would have made a good weatherman or talk show host in another life. Thank you tons for uploading these gems!

Still amazing

😆

1:31 Watch this moment again but imagine Clay as Kanye

That's funny

It was on a FOX O&O station in Birmingham, Alabama WBRC 6 When Ruben Studdard wins the American Idol in 2003

They're so cute together xD

What a beautiful house Clay has... Good for you Clay!!

Ten years after AI2 he is still entertaining and has matured into a handsome man. Love his spectacular voice and sense of humour. Also I admire his accomplishments off the stage with the National Inclusion Project.

I can't believe that someone famous can do what I can do! :-D

"push that big guy off the stage" LOL!!! OH Bill Leslie! I love thee!

Having never never heard the song before, I thought the song was supposed to be like that, although at least he didn't fall apart, he was professional and finished the song. What I find really interesting is that he said he'd do one maybe two albums, I'm so glad there were more and I look forward to anything he does in the future :)

@nwwfmaniac529 Not all that successful? Are you kidding me? I mean come on.. the guy's first ever single was the number one single of 2003. His next album sold an estimated 3 million copies, his following Christmas album also was estimated to have sold 2-3 million copies . He was one of the stars of a Tony award winning Broadway show.. I could go on and on. The point is.. Clay is considered to be one of the most succesful Idols ever. How about next time.. you do some research.

Clay's still around -- and I hope he never "lays down" -- the music world needs him and his amazing voice. Clay released a new CD, Tried & True last year plus had a PBS Special, Timeless Tour with Ruben, and recently his Tried & True tour. He will have a cameo part on Drop Dead Diva in July, and be on a Funny or Die episode. We are waiting for what's next for Clay Aiken!

Don't be silly... the news anchors probably believe THEY are the story for finding the video. So, congrats to them!

Cool! He's really awesome as a weatherman :)) And so adorable :) i would watch weather every day:)))

I love how Clay and Ruben are still such great friends. In a sense, they both won that season of AI. In my opinion, they're the best top 2 finalists the show has seen; not only singing wise, but personality wise as well.

Who is the lady next to Bill Leslie? And where is Elizabeth Gardner

i can't believe he can do that!

The performance was still good. Am sure no one even noticed that music break. Clay, i hope you do not lay down. The music Industry needs you, the Claymates need you.

nice house!

gosh he's so amazing... in everything he does... and the dude that does his hair looks like a normal guy off the street! i like that!

Hobbit and tinycherub, i second both of your thoughts. i wish he knew all of us who comment on these videos like this... he is so amazing... i want him to tour again so bad...

I love his laugh!

This is so cute. Thanks for the youtube.

that's so good!!!

That's my best friend's mom! No lie! XD

Thank goodness it's not over yet (1:45). I want to see Clay around for a long, long time.

was the on the american idol tour?

was the on the american idol tour?

I guess it depends on who you're talking to. I believe Clay is the 2nd best-selling artist borne out of AI behind Kelly Clarkson.He has made millions from sold-out concerts since'03,is now enjoying a successful run on B'way in Spamalot since his triumphant return. He didn't even win AI & this is mind-boggling. Hope he continues his work w/Unicef & BAF.The kids still need him. This spells success to me. I don't know ur gauge.

he has really not been all that successful.

I've never seen American Idol until midway of season 5, so i didn't know anything about the 2nd season except that a guy named Ruben had won that year. Great to see clips like this on youtube to somehow relive the fun moments of that past time. I still think their finale was more exciting than the one of this last season.

LOL!! so cute...I wish he was a weatherman but this was tooo cute=)

lol my peanut butter they better stay away from it. Omg i love apple juice too! and he totally stole my tv and my laptop....no #2's lol love it...my tv is almost like that but its black..lol great video

Show of hands! how many of you guys have Clay as a KZbin friend? *Raises hand*

Goes to show Aiken is one of the most naturally gifted vocalists to come down the pike in a long, long time.

Yeah, me too.

WHAT SONG WAS HE SINGING AT :33

Clay's voice is so flawless & he looks so relaxed during Vincent performance. No one would've suspected by his performance that he forgot the words. He always gives his best to his audience,really connects. He's a true artist. It's why we love him.

i loooove him sooo much♥and his voice its ok clay you played it off i still love you...wow i never knew simon cowell smoked??

goregous clay!!!!!!!!!!

He hasn't laid now yet! Keep em coming Clay! Your the bomb!

I only recently "discovered" Clay when I watched AIR2 this year! I knew Ruben won the title, so that was what I was paying attention to. Clay's beautiful, melodic voice has captured my heart. I was confused for a minute as to why Clay didn't win but he seems to be okay with it. You can tell that throughout the season that Clay did the most work. Kept Ruben on his toes too. I'm happy that he has continued to be a success even after Idol. Looking forward to more beautiful music. Love him.

Mary Jo, that's the greatest Happy Birthday song ever!

"and this is for Jessica Simpson if she ever comes to visit" LOL

I asked my friends why Ruben was dropped. They tell me that he was being lazy. They told me that he hasn't been at nearly as many music events as Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood. Which is true, I haven't seen him at many music events, like the grammies for one but I always see Carrie and Kelly there. Ruben Studdard, you can do better than this! Get with the program! I honestly think Ruben could be the new Luther Vandeross!

I had no idea what she was talking about whe she said he forgot the words. He made is seem so flawless, unlike Castro the other night who hummed and made it look really obvious. Love him. :)

LOL Clay is adorable at 3:06.