Clay Aiken Ruben Studdard - after the finale 5/2003

[@ImsweetonClay]

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.

[@Lissical]

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.

[@elricbrat]

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.

[@Hotshortie]

Ruben & Clay mania!!! Cool !

[@DeAngeloStevens]

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

[@newyoricannyc]

awww thats so cute

[@nascarkraz]

I miss Cluben :( I hope they still remain friends. ;)

[@shejean]

Ruben is pretending to strangle Clay because he knows Clay really ran away with the votes a millions times over!! (Two producers even admitted Clay received 80 percent of the votes every single week from the Wild Card show) Clay's career after AI2 proves that he is THE American Idol. (And, not in an egotistical way, Clay knows he won that show fair and square!!!)

[@xjam13x]

LOL Clay is adorable at 3:06.

[@yusan2]

They're so cute together xD

[@ImsweetonClay]

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.

[@Diana5230]

that reporter should have just shut up and let them sing--they sound fantastic together. they're still good friends...nice to know

[@pytko3]

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!

[@Wasabi33]

Ruben can sing and Clay can sing a lil better but...its bout Personality & how u can connect wit the audience...Ruben & Clay both good :d

[@ClayTakeover]

@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.

[@JOHNNYSGIRL1960]

Clay is the best ever!!!

[@cly2fan]

what does clay say at 1:15

[@jessieschannel]

ruebn is "warm?"..ok

[@nwwfmaniac529]

he has really not been all that successful.