American Idol: Clay Aiken Tells Ruben Studdard He Came Out to Himself on Show (Exclusive)

[@kellystephens8816]

Enjoyed seeing Clay & Reuben, hard to believe it’s been 20yrs since AI.. I’m glad they have remained friends.. ❤️❤️.

[@theninjacat7200]

I love the fact they're friends and so funny together! It proves you don't have to be mean-spirited in order to participate in these talent competitions.

[@comeagyn]

I need them to have a show and just give commentary on everything going on in the world. Their juxtaposed chemistry is infectious.

[@justtiff6237]

Love the idea!!

[@therealaboutentrepreneurship]

Yes, love that idea!

[@justjeanny9013]

Yes!😊

[@suzenc029]

Great idea!! I’m all in!

[@ThaShiznit1986]

Yes, they should have a podcast together.

[@vetgirl71]

They have great chemistry together, would love to see them host a talk show together! Hope someone makes it happen! 🙌🏾

[@theninjacat7200]

You read my mind! I would like to see them host a show together - but not just a talk show. It has to be a variety show including singing guests. Would love it! So happy to see these two defied the odds. You see so many sad stories about contestants in the national competitions and how tragedy happens after their season is over. These two still look great!

[@leeallen3202]

​​@cosmyquesoul8995 Ruben is married

[@tammyhamby7315]

They are simply the best. They are still humble not fake. Love them both. Best season ever

[@allisonjohnson6399]

Reuben has aged like a fine wine. Clay is still adorable too. I love that they are like brothers truly...we need more friendships like this in the world.

[@NoteFromSELF]

Clay needs to stop dressing himself. He still doesn't know how.

[@dasuperstar1111]

They need their own Odd Couple show. They are so opposite but click and got each other's back. Their chemistry is so genuine.

[@Lexi_Con]

Ikr!!!? I could listen to them talk for hours. Different in a lot of ways but complement each other well! I love Clay's laugh & Ruben's laid back confidence & sense of humor. Made it feel like we're in the room with them.

[@amberlycooper1001]

20 years??!!!! No. No. No. No. No. 😅 Despite my denial, so good seeing you all together! Thanks for the memories. ❤❤

[@DesireandLoss92]

Clay said "if my anti depressants weren't workin' so good i'd be cryin'" and I felt that to my core. They're so fun together.

[@dlclcn5021]

He said it with humor but I think he's serious. I'm pretty sure he's on meds for anxiety. He's mentioned this in other podcasts and interviews.

[@KevvaPMcK]

I don't feel like Clay lost. I feel they BOTH won!

[@sheilagoldfeder9779]

Clay I will never forget your version of bridge over troubled water. brilliant and especially as you were an amateur at the time. You both are so talented.

[@rrivas5915]

They NEED a show together! Please someone, get this going! I will watch!

[@cherylferguson6604]

Me too. How do we get them to consider this

[@kemartini]

No other show can do what American Idol did. I’m just glad I got to witness it ❤️

[@jasminejordan5120]

Their chemistry is incredible!!! Love this brotherhood. It feels so authentic

[@leslinepittman]

Clay and Ruben totally should be judges on American idol!

[@lorimarie6887]

I'm pretty sure that would be the tiicket to revive American Idol.

[@juliedavis2415]

I would totally watch that!!

[@heavenawilson7271]

Gotta admit...Those first Ten year seasons of the Show really produced some outstanding Talent..Fantasia.. Kelly..Clay.. Reuben..Carrie..Jordan..JHud..Kelly P. those are the ones who stand out..

[@TwistedLyfofTV]

Don't forget Chris Daughtry. It was like watching a concert every episode and I still love Daughtry music today.

[@martij3220]

And Adam Lambert. They were all so good. I stopped watching after those early seasons.

[@cchico41]

They both look better now than they did when they were on American idol. I’m happy for them. God bless.

[@KNicoleLoves3]

They have amazing energy! Glad to see both of them are doing well ❤

[@bretneyc]

Flying without wings hit that spot for me. Tears just flow. I love Simon Cowell, his honesty has to be respected.

[@miss-asketches5284]

Both are such grounded and decent people. No wonder they've stayed friends for two decades. Way to go guys! 👏❤️

[@severtone263]

These two will be brothers for life. I cant believe it has been 20 years already!

[@chevychase]

I love both of them. I wish they could co-host a variety show together.

[@sephora_b]

A Christmas variety show would be nice.

[@paulinehalloran7204]

How great are these two people together - I love them!!!

[@Michigan1985]

These two are so damn wholesome. It's good to see them again laughing and talking with each other. These guys need their own talk show.

[@jay-dubb.dubb.68]

I love how Clay kept encouraging his Mom to "come out" and see him!! 😉😍

[@Blake34593]

This show was my childhood. The nostalgia is beautiful. Glad to see these two

[@wendyking2612]

I watched American Idol from the first day it came on. I love the both of them. They are both amazing singers and they are so humble.

[@adamfanalways]

You can tell there actually good friends ❤

[@NoteFromSELF]

*they're

[@lisawhitfield3434]

Both their first album was wonderful. Clay’s Measure of a Man and Rubens Soulful. Yes, they do have great Chemistry together.

[@StephanieS2209]

Stop it right now! 🥺🥺🥺 I have goosebumps watching this interview 🥰🥰 this era of AI was my all time favorite!

[@xogirlwonder]

These two have the best friendship.

[@Ilove2teach52]

Ruben has aged well💯🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@mjking6162]

Love them. They need a TV show together. Like a 30 minute weekly reality show or variety show.

[@tysontyson1244]

I do not want to see them on a show. They are too good for that crap. Put them on American Idol as judges or as coaches. Absolute superstars!!!

[@DannyCoombs709]

@@tysontyson1244 I agree. Whenever I see that someone likes an interview or a person, they “NEED” a show or “NEED” a Netflix show. Like, no lol not everyone does.

[@candacesuero]

Awww I love them together

[@mariaa.bryson8126]

Absolutely incredible performance. I always thought no one can come close to Luther singing the Impossible Dream but I must say, I was unbelievably impressed! ❤️

[@lisa81118]

Im not even a fan but watched their season 20 years ago. I really enjoyed this chat. They have great chemistry and the questions were really good. I would love to see these two more

[@MissCellanious1]

I love this!!😻🥰 Ruben looks so damn good and I had no idea(of course) he just came out to HIMSELF! Special guys there

[@meredithm965]

Love them! This got me right in the feels. I was 12 during their season of American Idol! So many good memories ❤

[@Swarat1962]

I love them. Such a friendship

[@the_realist101]

I absolutely am thrilled seeing these ❤ two ❤ guys! Brings back nice memories 😊

[@raulentoriba]

Clay is so articulate and Ruben is so likeable!

[@bernadettemack1036]

I love these two good seeing them 20 years later ❤❤❤❤❤ there music

[@launadiva]

Watching them together was so touching.

[@brendabroschard5781]

Love these 2 guys. Would LOVE to meet Clay Aiken. Have to admit he's my favorite. His voice is beyond AWESOME.

[@BeautyIsHerName27]

Can we please see more of them please 😂

[@tysonb3568]

This is great to see them together!

[@GoldenGraham25]

Sorry For 2004 will forever be an R&B Classic and Make Ya Feel Beautiful ❤

[@IntelligentQuotient-s6g]

I love these two! Both are Magnificent people!

[@sfjessy1]

I don’t usually watch these things. These two are so sweet together. All y’all commenters are right about their chemistry.

[@JS-np8th]

The chemistry and the respect these two have for one another is almost like brothers.

[@enlisty]

Great chemistry. Can tell they are really friends.

[@dlclcn5021]

Love this. So fun. Clay is hilarious. I also love how real and honest Clay is.

[@pearlinewells4694]

You both are just beautiful! I love your friendship and music! And you make me laugh! Simply beautiful!

[@TheDivayenta]

Their shows together are fantastic! Go if they come your way!

[@wm7ca]

After all these years I still love these two together! I would love them to do a variety/sketch comedy show!

[@caramelgirl73]

Love them both 😊

[@motivationnation680]

Two nice guys, I love it! Glad to see they are thriving.

[@ChuckStarrP3026]

They need a podcast. They are a class act.

[@felixis01]

I can`t beleave it , i was living for my very first time at South CA. Long beach to be specific. And those guys were on the final Of American Idol. I love both of them performances from that time, i can`t realized how fast time had past. "20th years its kind of long , Congratulations Both of you guys. Amazing Voices together on the stage wil lbe fabulous to hear there. Big Hugs

[@caroleastmond9064]

Maybe it's because they are from the South, that they have this great friendship, which is just so wonderful to watch them together!!! So very Nice!!!❤️🎉🎉🎊🎊💫

[@emonsalt]

Ruben's weight loss. Been there. And I know how happy I've become after. Happy for him.

[@jenniferbassfirstchannel]

I love clay Aiken he’s a amazing singer!

[@WenD1908]

This was a great interview. Their friendship was genuine, “friendship goals” as young people say.

[@blueswadeshoes4012]

I thoroughly enjoyed this. Keep it coming

[@chmtnwmn58]

I love they're touring together!

[@BillyAlabama]

This is wonderful! I can’t wait to see them to do a show together.

[@Gorgeouscorliss]

It was really nice seeing them together again I can’t believe it’s been 20 years.

[@jimmyferris]

I LOVE that they are still friends ❤

[@mimiaquariusharris6244]

Wow! I really enjoyed that would love to see them again.

[@dldavi]

I could watch this for an hour

[@yesterdaydream]

Time has been kind to these icons!

[@joany11swatch14]

I think it’s awesome that these two became such good friends throughout all these years. ❤😊

[@angelagarner7585]

I really enjoyed watching this. Love you guys. ❤

[@linedanzer4302]

Very enjoyable watching these two banter. The are definitely *genuine* and *down-to-earth* people and I'd love to see more of them. Someone in the comments suggested they co-host a show. I *co-sign* that suggestion.

[@aprilaugustine7409]

Touring together- Smart Move - Great Talent!

[@patniehaus1935]

I am so excited 2 c their show.

[@NavaroneGarcia]

They seem like legitimately good people ❤ How refreshing

[@girl.thatsdorian]

One of the best pair of finalists AI ever had.

[@sij809]

Shout out to all the OG American Idol viewers, who actually watched all this as it went down. Good times

[@robbinmajor]

This was the ONLY time I voted equally for both of them. This was real TV and I miss it!

[@Juliet42110]

That was a great season! I loved both of them so much! 2 genuinely good guys and they both look great.

[@entrosemeadows8772]

Love seeing you two together as friends!

[@gogakushayemi]

Haha. When Reuben said, “You good, Dawg?” Brought back so many memories. Randy could not get through a minute without a “Dawg”. Lol

[@davamckay]

HOW IS THIS 2.0. Years AGO?! It feels like yesterday!! I LOVED both them so much!!

[@tiffanyb.7596]

So FUN! Thank you! 🥰

[@mizzjacquettaxx6974]

Glad to see Ruben was back and he looked fantastic!

[@tob4b1]

I really do miss them and their season….

[@marychocolatefairy]

This was so fun - thanks, ET! Great to see them still as friends. They were so evenly matched on Idol that either could have won, and iirc Ruben won by only 1k or so votes. He was the most consistent that season, but when Clay was at his best no one could touch him.

[@cyndigooch1162]

I really enjoyed this chat between these long time ex-American Idol contestants turned friends and remember watching their season all those years ago! They don't have it on TV in the country I live in now and don't have one anyway, so I catch up via Facebook and KZbin. I want Iam Tongi to win this year and love Lucy Love and We Ani as well. 😊

[@gwa3925]

Love them both individually and as friends. So happy they have been successful

[@arellytran]

I love these two!

[@branbranshenanigans1693]

I love seeing them together. You can tell the friendship is genuine ❤

[@WeAstute_202]

LOVE. BOTH. This was beautiful. And nostalgic

[@KatiesArabVision]

Have to say, I love them together. This warmed me up on a Tuesday. Love it!

[@maureengulat6331]

Freakin’ awesome to see you two again, and together! You’re hilarious!!! 🎉😂

[@Qpon_Mama]

Clay's laugh ❤

[@sablesenegal7488]

My favorite American idol champion & runner up of the show's history!Ruben & clay really have the best chemistry of performance & friendship!👏

[@MsTisme22]

I can’t believe that was 20hrs ago…my gosh time really flies by.

[@rayrock90]

I remember watching this as a kid and Flying Without Wings was and still is a tear jerker!!

[@joany11swatch14]

I love that these two maintained good friends all these years ! So wonderful.

[@mfsaiyan3821]

Loved this miss the early 2000’s you just had to be there man….

[@katc6128]

Exactly my thoughts when watching this too. That era was so specific and I look back on it longingly

[@cherylferguson6604]

I love these 2 guys. I love Clay's laugh