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From dancermom at CV, used with permission.

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It was Very Very Loud. The bass for some reason was on high and I could feel it in my chest. The funny thing is there is no bass player it's all keyboard!!

It was an fantastic show as always and the Clay (and Ru) were in fantastic voice and in a great mood.  There was some kerfluffle that was happening about seats in the front row and the ushers kept coming over and talking to people and then everyone stood up after the show started. Clay gave them one of those WTH looks like he couldn't believe they were doing what they were doing. I was like SIT down before Open Arms starts or I am gonna get pissy!!!!!!!

There were a lot of Ruben fans in the audience tonight. More than the other 4 shows I have been to.

At one point when they were talking about Ru singing Clay's  favorite song and Clay singing Ruben's someone shouted out Invisible. And Clay said -- it's not really a choice here it's all scripted...but ti totally threw them off and they were laughing at the same time. This was right before "Bridge Over Troubled Water".  And "Bridge Over Troubled Water" it was!!! 

And Gordon had my video!!! Whoo hoo!!!

It was pouring rain when the show let out. They said that it was going to rain and they weren't kidding.

 

 

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From MagicalMusic at CV, used with permission.

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The concert last night was fabulous. It was a wonderful celebration of their Idol journey. They sound as good as or even better than when they were on Idol. They would easily place 1st and 2nd on this seasons Idol. I got teary-eyed a few times. During To Love Somebody my friend and I kept saying OMG, OMG over and over. It was outstanding. I saw so many familiar faces at the show. It was nice to see you all there and personally speak some of you. I have 2 more shows later this week.

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I have to say ima little surprised that they are saying Ruben had more fans.. Clay’s old stomping grounds, I was hoping to hear his NY friends were there. Perhaps were, just not making noise ;)

I too am sooo in love with the way he sings TLS! That’s going to rock for u guys to see live- plz take video 🙏🏻😍

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Such a great audio interview!  Have to laugh at his "knowing what day it is by his pill container."  Been there, Clay, been there.

New print interview, putting it all here and in the news section as it's a "only free for a limited time" kind of thing.

Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken talk 'American Idol' memories and music ahead of Newark show

 

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Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken talk 'American Idol' memories and music ahead of Newark show

1086c129-6c17-4d26-8431-ff6627f0e530-EriErica Thompson
The Columbus Dispatch
 
 
Ruben Studdard, left, and Clay Aiken
 

Season two of “American Idol” had a bevy of celebrity guests, including Gladys Knight, Lionel Richie and Olivia Newton-John.

Contestant Ruben Studdard played it cool each week — until Oprah showed up.

“Oprah came and did her show from our set that season,” said Clay Aiken, runner-up to Studdard, who won the season in 2003. “(Studdard) was running around (saying), ‘Oprah's here! Oprah's here!’ You would've thought Jesus himself had come back.”

Aiken was impressed with an iconic songwriter.

Those are the types of stories audiences can expect from the singers during “Twenty: The Tour,” which stops at Newark’s Midland Theatre at 7 p.m. on Tuesday.

The two singers and best friends will perform songs from their stint on the reality show, as well as other numbers.

“We're getting the opportunity to give people that personal touch that they wouldn't normally get from just a regular show,” Studdard said.

“We’re going to sing, talk, sit down and have moments where people can really get that behind-the-scenes aspect of what we went through 20 years ago. It was something that we'll never forget. ‘American Idol’ is like pledging a fraternity for a year. You have to sacrifice a lot, especially early on, because you don't get a dime.”

Clay Aiken, left, and Ruben Studdard during the finale of 'American Idol' in 2003.
 

Studdard and Aiken said the show may mirror the structure of their “American Idol” season, which was organized into themed weeks, such as “movie soundtracks,” “disco” and “Billboard number ones.”

And compiling the list of songs was easy, Aiken added.

“We got in the room and we just started talking about 20 years ago and what (Studdard) remembered of Motown week and meeting (songwriter) Lamont Dozier,” he said. “And that conversation led us into certain songs.”

“That was a big part of the conversation,” Aiken said. “The whole show was built incredibly organically because we just let the conversation and the memories of being on the show become the path that leads us through the whole evening.”

"American Idol" alums Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken will perform at Midland Theatre in Newark on May 2.
 

Ruben and Clay have remained best friends since ‘American Idol’

Following “American Idol,” both singers went on to release No. 1, platinum-selling albums and achieve success on TV and in stage productions.

They consider each other close friends, even to the point of behaving like an “old married couple,” according to Aiken.

That was evident when the two men engaged in playful sparring when asked to name their favorite songs to hear each other sing.

“You have two minutes to look up some of my songs while I answer this one,” Aiken told Studdard.

“And Ruben will say ‘Invisible,’” Aiken said, referencing his well-known Top 40 hit. “But I also will say ‘Flying Without Wings’ (the hit song Ruben sang on the 'American Idol' finale) always hits me — mostly because it reminds me of losing.”

Beneath all the bickering, Aiken and Studdard have a strong bond.

“My daddy used to always say this to me when I was a kid: ‘Stop calling everybody your friend,’” Studdard said.

“It took me years to really understand what he meant by that. … You call people 'friend' by their actions, by the way that they treat you and the way that they go to bat for you and the way that they care. And as long as Clay and I have known each other, we have treated each other with respect. We fought like brothers and came back together the very same day. And we have always wanted the best for one another.”

Aiken said Studdard's support was helpful when he ran for Congress in North Carolina in 2014 and 2022.

“When I was stupid enough to get into the whole political arena, it's very difficult to get (entertainers) to support you and help you because they don't want to alienate part of their demographic,” Aiken said. “He's the one person who was right there supporting me throughout. He's always been there."

And the trust between the two men is what allows them to perform so well together onstage, Aiken said.

“I say that we're like family all the time and I absolutely feel that way,” he added. "You don't get to choose your family. … We didn't get to choose each other, God did.”

Ruben Studdard, left, and Clay Aiken
 

What is next for Ruben and Clay?

Studdard said he is working on a new album and finishing up his last semester teaching students about the music industry at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

But the Birmingham, Alabama, resident said his "big dream" is to have his own TV show.

"I mean a scripted, slapstick comedy kind of show," he said. "Maybe Tyler Perry can see me and (say), 'Let's give Ruben his "Uncle Ruben's House,"' so I can have a house full of delinquent kids."

Aiken, of Raleigh, North Carolina, said the tour is keeping him pretty busy.

"I tell you what I'm not gonna do is more politics," he added.

But he said he would like to extend the 'Ruben and Clay' show to Vegas.

"You can't do it, Ruben, because you'll be too busy doing your TV show," Aiken said.

"If Steve Harvey can do five television shows a day, I can do (both)," Studdard said.

At a glance

Ruben and Clay's “Twenty: The Tour” will stop at Newark’s Midland Theatre, 36 N. Park Place, at 7 p.m. on Tuesday. Tickets range from $49-$89. For more information, visit midlandtheatre.org or call 740-345-5483.

ethompson@dispatch.com

@miss_ethompson

 

 

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What does he interject there in the song?  

I'm sooooooooo far behind on everything after missing all of yesterday.  I also teach a class at my college, and I have a lot of grading to do this weekend, which I'm hoping to get done here today.  I'll try my best to post as much as possible over the weekend.  Lots of recaps at CV, lots of pictures and videos on FB, Instagram and Twitter.

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6 hours ago, beanerknits said:

Love this. From Parx Xcite Casino 4.28.23

https://www.instagram.com/p/CrmlTAdOPWQ/

lyics: When tears are in your eyes, I will dry them all [Clay points and says to someone in audience.."you're back, welcome back" and continues singing]  lyrics: I'm on your side

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