Yesterday was the anniversary of the Season 2 Finale of American Idol. It is hard to realize that it has been 15 years since that fateful night.
Yesterday, in the afternoon, both Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard sent tweets and Instagrams about the 15th Anniversary! Clay posted:
FIFTEEN YEARS!?!
Damn I feel old! But I also feel blessed! 5/21/2003 Happy anniversary, @realrubenstuddard
#idol#americanidol
#anniversary#brothers https://ift.tt/2khBhHT
I hope you all retweeted and “liked” Clay’s tweet. It’s a great way to let Clay know how much we still support him and love him!
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To me, there were two winners on the finale night in 2003.
Both Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard were amazing and ready to Reach for the Stars.
Let’s have a toast to the show that introduced Clay Aiken to the world!!
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With three performances each, Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard showed the world their singing prowess on the Finale of American Idol, Season II. The competition, held on May 20, 2003 was the last chance to swing the final votes over to their side. Their performances blew the roof off the place.
On the finale night,Ryan Seacrest started the show by stating that it started with 70,000 contestants and came down to two southern boys who are the most unlikely people in the world to be there. He also reminded the audience that they would have 3 hours to vote and how important the vote is this evening.
The final round of the night was amazing. Singing Flying Without Wings, Ruben delivered an outstanding performance. The judges commented that it was the best performance of the night.
Clay then performed “Bridge Over Troubled Water” and did a tremendous job. Accompanied by a choir, Clay knocked the song out of the park. It left all three judges with big smiles on their faces.
The night produced beautiful performances and two very different vocal styles. Both performers left it all on the stage.
Finally, Ryan said “it’s the closest vote in American Idol history, the American Idol is…….Ruben Studdard.”
The 2 winners that night were talented young men who were ready to step into the world of pop music.
And, as we all know, coming in second just didn’t matter.
I hope you enjoy the videos of Clay’s performances and then also watch the group numbers from the finale.
WOW! So much talent!
OK, Clay!!! We need 15 more years of your talent, singing, humor and compassion!
I can’t wait to see the 30th Anniversary!
OH! What a night that was – NO ONE or ANYTHING will ever compare!!
Clay and Ruben were co-winners and they deserve to be toasted! It gives me chills and tears (happy ones) just remembering all of the excitement.
“HAPPY 15th ANNIVERSARY!” CLAY and RUBEN! We have all grown older and blessed with you, Clay!
These 15 years have been filled with so much more love and happiness all because of what Clay gave to us in so many ways!
Very special videos – all three!
Doesn't seem like 15 years! My husband voted for Ruben and I voted for Clay! Thank goodness for social media that we can relive those glorious moments! Happy Anniversary!
I voted for Clay still love him, Clay you still have it, waiting for more
The last years of AI and the current AI that just completed do not match up to season 2 with Clay & Ruben. No fancy outfits or even a band. Just singers standing on a bare stage and singing their hearts out. Love the videos.
wow 15 years I wonder how the heck can that be 15 years I voted for clay and not ruben I sill do love clay and that amazing singing voice of his you sill indeed do have it clay happy annaversery