Clay Aiken & Ruben Studdard: See Photos Of The ‘American Idol’ Alums

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December 12, 2018 12:51PM EST

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Ruben Studdard & Clay Aiken

Ruben Studdard & Clay Aiken — Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken both became beloved by fans across the United States as they competed on season two of ‘American Idol’ in 2003. As contestants on the show, both of them advanced to the final round, competing against each other to be named the next ‘Idol.’ While they were facing off against one-another, they were also very good friends. Even though Ruben won and Clay was the runner-up, they’ve continued to perform side-by-side for nearly two decades.

Since ‘American Idol,’ both have performed on their own and toured. They’ve also had solo ventures, like when Clay ran for Congress in his home state of North Carolina, but they’ve reunited on plenty of occasions. They’ve had concerts together and even had a holiday-themed Broadway show that they co-starred in. During 2023, the duo will hit the road for a tour to commemorate their 20th anniversary of friendship, and are also expected to appear on ‘American Idol.’

Scroll through our gallery to see photos of the ‘Idol’ alums.

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Clay Aiken & Ruben Studdard

Clay Aiken & Ruben Studdard — Finalists Ruben Studdard and Clay Aikentap fists as host Ryan Seacrest looks on before the competitors’ performances on “American Idol”, in Universal City, Calif

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Clay Aiken & Ruben Studdard

Clay Aiken & Ruben Studdard — American Idol” winner Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken sing “God Bless the U.S.A.” on the outdoor set of the NBC “Today” show in New York

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Clay Aiken & Ruben Studdard

Clay Aiken & Ruben Studdard — American Idol winner Ruben Studdard hugs finalist Clay Aiken after the finale of the show, in Universal City, Calif

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Clay Aiken & Ruben Studdard

Clay Aiken & Ruben Studdard — Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard in the press room at Z100’s ZOOTOPIA 2003 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

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Clay Aiken & Ruben Studdard

Clay Aiken & Ruben Studdard — American Idol winner Ruben Studdard sings with Clay Aiken during rehearsals for the 31st Annual American Music Awards, in Los Angeles, where the awards will be presented Sunday

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Clay Aiken & Ruben Studdard

Clay Aiken & Ruben Studdard — Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken on stage after their final perfomances of American Idol, in Universal City, Calif. Anka performed a special version of his classic “My Way” paying to tribute to American Idol

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