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

[@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!

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!!

[@tammyhamby7315]

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

[@amberlycooper1001]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@sij809]

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

[@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.

[@realitychecksdoheal8913]

He did that!

[@adamfanalways]

You can tell there actually good friends ❤

[@NoteFromSELF]

*they're

[@gogakushayemi]

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

[@cchico41]

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

[@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

[@severtone263]

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

[@kemartini]

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

[@Ilove2teach52]

Ruben has aged well💯🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@jay-dubb.dubb.68]

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

[@jasminejordan5120]

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

[@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.

[@JS-np8th]

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

[@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.

[@KNicoleLoves3]

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

[@miss-asketches5284]

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

[@emonsalt]

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

[@bretneyc]

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

[@xogirlwonder]

These two have the best friendship.

[@ChuckStarrP3026]

They need a podcast. They are a class act.

[@lisawhitfield3434]

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

[@girl.thatsdorian]

One of the best pair of finalists AI ever had.

[@BeautyIsHerName27]

Can we please see more of them please 😂

[@dldavi]

I could watch this for an hour

[@Gjtrhbt]

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

[@candacesuero]

Awww I love them together

[@StephanieS2209]

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

[@paulinehalloran7204]

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

[@enlisty]

Great chemistry. Can tell they are really friends.

[@raulentoriba]

Clay is so articulate and Ruben is so likeable!

[@GoldenGraham25]

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

[@Gorgeouscorliss]

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

[@wm7ca]

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

[@pedromaia_art]

They need a show together, their energy is amazing

[@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!!!❤️🎉🎉🎊🎊💫

[@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

[@sfjessy1]

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

[@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.

[@jenniferbassfirstchannel]

I love clay Aiken he’s a amazing singer!

[@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! ❤️

[@Swarat1962]

I love them. Such a friendship

[@jimmyferris]

I LOVE that they are still friends ❤

[@travelingtruckHER]

They were the only year where the runner-up is in the same spotlight as the winner..they are always together

[@WenD1908]

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

[@yesterdaydream]

Time has been kind to these icons!

[@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

[@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

[@joany11swatch14]

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

[@robbinmajor]

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

[@launadiva]

Watching them together was so touching.

[@dlclcn5021]

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

[@caramelgirl73]

Love them both 😊

[@HorrorMovieScreamQueen13]

I miss old school Idol, these singers now a days are too much

[@meredithm965]

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

[@MsTisme22]

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

[@davamckay]

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

[@motivationnation680]

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

[@tysonb3568]

This is great to see them together!

[@aprilaugustine7409]

Touring together- Smart Move - Great Talent!

[@JTScott1988]

They been doing it for 15yrs

[@TheDivayenta]

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

[@the_realist101]

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

[@bernadettemack1036]

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

[@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. 😊

[@IntelligentQuotient-s6g]

I love these two! Both are Magnificent people!

[@angelagarner7585]

I really enjoyed watching this. Love you guys. ❤

[@chmtnwmn58]

I love they're touring together!

[@mimiaquariusharris6244]

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

[@tob4b1]

I really do miss them and their season….

[@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.

[@PinkyakaAJ]

I actually still love Clay's first CD

[@brendabroschard5781]

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

[@NavaroneGarcia]

They seem like legitimately good people ❤ How refreshing

[@patniehaus1935]

I am so excited 2 c their show.

[@BillyAlabama]

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

[@janiemeneely4643]

I love them both

[@mizzjacquettaxx6974]

Glad to see Ruben was back and he looked fantastic!

[@pearlinewells4694]

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

[@lwills8609]

I was smiling during this whole thing but the anti-depressant comment made me unexpectantly laugh out loud. I had to catch myself. 🤣🤣

[@dlclcn5021]

From talking to other fans that know Clay personally, I have heard from them that Clay is on meds for anxiety. Antidepressants do help with anxiety so I'm not surprised that comment was in there. Back in 2006 Clay was very open about being on antidepressants. In 2014 when he ran for Congress, Clay was very open about being on Xanax. So I'm not surprised that he would still be on meds for anxiety.

[@blueswadeshoes4012]

I thoroughly enjoyed this. Keep it coming

[@mayaluna11]

This was the only time I couldn't make up my mind. Two great singers who feel and express music deeply. Love that they stayed close.

[@branbranshenanigans1693]

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

[@gwa3925]

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

[@alannashea6344]

When American idol was amazing! The good ole days! This was my favorite season. Glad to see they still have an amazing friendship ❤ American idol should definitely have them as mentors or judges!

[@entrosemeadows8772]

Love seeing you two together as friends!

[@Qpon_Mama]

Clay's laugh ❤

[@rayrock90]

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

[@sablesenegal7488]

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

[@maureengulat6331]

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

[@KatiesArabVision]

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