Ruben Studdard’s ‘American Idol’ win 20 years later: 10 unforgettable moments

Sunday marks the 20th anniversary of Ruben Studdard’s win on Season 2 of “American Idol,” and that’s a good reason to celebrate. Studdard, a Birmingham resident, put his hometown on the reality TV map when he took the title on the series, then airing on the Fox network.

“American Idol,” now a long-running institution, was still in its infancy in 2003, but Studdard’s presence in the singing contest -- and his friendly rivalry with another contestant, Clay Aiken -- helped to make the show a national sensation.

In honor of the anniversary, Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin declared today Ruben Studdard Day.

Season 21 of “American Idol” will conclude on May 21 as three new singers compete for the crown: Iam Tongi, Megan Danielle and Colin Stough. The finale airs at 7 p.m. CT on ABC, the series’ home since 2016. The three-hour program is set to include appearances by Keith Urban, Lainey Wilson, James Blunt, Pitbull, Lauren Daigle and other stars.

Best of all, Studdard and Aiken will be on hand to commemorate the 20th anniversary of their “Idol” finale, a top-rated program for Fox at the time. As we wait for Sunday’s episode, here’s a look back at Studdard’s winning season on “American Idol.” His TV journey made Alabama proud, and provided several highlights for folks cheering back home.

GOOD TO KNOW

The second season of “American Idol” aired January 21-May 21, 2003, with Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul as judges. Ryan Seacrest served as sole host of the series, after co-host Brian Dunkleman left the show in the aftermath of Season 1. Studdard reportedly was one of about 70,000 singers who showed up for cattle-call auditions that season. It’s unclear how many hopefuls auditioned for the celebrity judges, but according to “Idol” history, more than 200 singers made it to Hollywood.

IMPRESSIVE AUDITION

Studdard auditioned in Nashville at age 24, covering Stevie Wonder’s “Ribbon in the Sky” for the celebrity judges. All three judges agreed that he had a “very good voice,” and with little fuss or banter, gave Studdard their seal of approval. “Welcome to Hollywood, dawg!” Randy Jackson proclaimed, and Studdard was on his way.

Studdard’s mother, Emily Studdard, a second-grade teacher at Chalkville Elementary School, recalled her son’s initial “Idol” experience in a 2003 interview with Marie A. Jones, a reporter for The Birmingham News:

When Ruben first mentioned his intentions to audition, she didn’t think much of it, Emily Studdard said. “I had only seen one episode.” Ruben planned to go to the Atlanta audition in October 2002, “but that was Classic weekend,” Studdard said. For Ruben, an Alabama A&M alum, missing the annual game between A&M and Alabama State University would have been a cardinal sin, she said.

Instead, he went to Nashville to audition Oct. 30 and was asked to come back on a Saturday to be heard by the show’s producers. Emily Studdard went with him and was surprised to see thousands of aspiring singers and their parents.

He said, “If I can get in there, I’m making it,” she recalled. After waiting from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., he was called behind closed doors to sing for the “American Idol” producers. He made it to the next round and his mom gave him her normal seal of approval, two thumbs up.

When Ruben was asked to come back to audition in front of singer Paula Abdul and music producers Randy Jackson and Simon Cowell, Emily Studdard had to return to work, but kept her cell phone on her desk, waiting for the word. When Ruben called with good news, Studdard ran out of her classroom and shouted, “We’re going to Hollywood!” Her class began to cheer and the teachers who heard her began chanting along, “We’re going to Hollywood! We’re going to Hollywood!”

When the audition show aired on Fox television, Studdard watched as Ruben wowed the judges with a song, then skipped out of the room, looked in the camera and thanked his mother. ”But I was screaming so loud that I couldn’t hear him,” she said. “They had to play back the tape so I could hear.”

Watch Studdard’s “Idol” audition here. You’ll hear him shout “Birmingham, Alabama!” as he leaves the audition room and hugs his brother Kevin in triumph.

‘SUPERSTAR’ EMERGES

During Hollywood week, Studdard made it though to the top 32. Singers were divided into four groups for a semifinals round, and a top 12 emerged for the season. Studdard covered the Carpenters’ “Superstar” during the semifinals and made an indelible impression. “Amazing performance,” Paul Abdul said, after giving Studdard a hug. Simon Cowell also offered kudos. “You are what this competition is all about,” Cowell said. “We’re looking for a star. You are a star. Everything about that performance was sensational. You’ve set the standard for this competition. Congratulations.”

Studdard would earn a 2004 Grammy nomination for a later recording of “Superstar,” in the category of Best Male R&B Vocal Performance. It became a signature song for him during his early career, thanks to the initial exposure on “Idol.”

Watch Studdard’s “Idol” performance of “Superstar” here.

FASHION STATEMENT

When Studdard appeared on camera to sing “Superstar,” he was wearing an eye-catching football jersey bearing a large “205″ logo. His goal with the jersey, Studdard said, was to represent his hometown which had a 205 area code. Viewers noticed, and “205″ jerseys would become a signature look for Studdard on “American Idol.” The shirts also became a sensation for the Birmingham company that created them, 205 Flava Inc.

Marie A. Jones of The Birmingham News talked to the owners of 205 Flava, Frederick and Willie Jenkins, amid all the hoopla:

It’s meant long hours for designers Frederick and Willie Jenkins, who unveiled their colorful, Birmingham-inspired mesh and double-knit polyester jerseys and caps a week ago at their store at 1144 11th Ave. South. Ever since Studdard wore his 205 shirt, they’ve been bombarded with calls and orders.

”We haven’t gotten any sleep,” said 30-year-old Frederick, rubbing his eyes. Their voice mail was full all week. The brothers were thrilled when they saw Studdard singing “Superstar” in one of their jerseys. ”I felt like we finally made it,” Frederick says. He and Willie, 33, got the idea of creating the football, baseball and basketball jerseys -- which range in price from $100 to $300 - only three months ago. ... Once they got the idea for the Birmingham shirts, they quickly met with designers and a manufacturer, and 205 Flava was born. ”God lined everything up,” Frederick said.

VELVET TEDDY BEAR

Studdard continued to make his mark on “Idol,” singing “Baby I Need Your Loving” during Motown week and earning a spot in the top 11. The following week, which focused on movie soundtracks, Gladys Knight appeared on the show as a guest judge. The R&B legend gave a big thumb’s up to Studdard’s rendition of “A Whole New World” from “Aladdin,” and bestowed a nickname on him, as well. “You are, and will probably some day be, the world’s Velvet Teddy Bear,” Knight said. The moniker stuck.

Watch Studdard’s cover “A Whole New World” here. He made the top 10 with this performance.

STUDDARD AND SKYNYRD

Studdard covered Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Sweet Home Alabama” for his top 10 performance, with guest judge Olivia Newton-John in attendance. It was country-rock week, and Studdard’s fame was skyrocketing on “Idol” as he paid tribute to his home state. “Ruben, you know you could run for governor,” Paula Abdul said, “and you could win. And if the governor’s watching, he better watch his back.”

But as it turned out, Alabama’s governor was a Ruben fan, too. Studdard caught a flight back to Birmingham in March for a hometown visit, and then-Gov. Bob Riley declared March 11, 2003, as “Ruben Studdard Day.”

Watch Studdard’s performance of “Sweet Home Alabama” here. By this point, fans were holding up signs for Studdard in the studio audience and chanting “Roooooben!” when he appeared on stage.

LIONEL RICHIE WEIGHS IN

Studdard kept succeeding on “Idol,” acing a disco-themed episode and earning a spot in the “Idol” top eight. The following week, Alabama native Lionel Richie showed up to guest-judge the singers as they covered No. 1 Billboard hits. Studdard offered an rendition of the Manhattans’ “Kiss and Say Goodbye” that wowed all the judges, Richie included.

“You know, Ruben, from one Alabama brother to another Alabama brother -- Tuskegee, Alabama; Birmingham, Alabama -- you did a fantastic job,” Richie said. He also gave Studdard a standing ovation.

Watch Studdard’s performance “Kiss and Say Goodbye” here.

TOP 5 FAME

Smokey Robinson, Diane Warren and Neil Sedaka took turns as guest judges over the next three episodes of “American Idol,” and Studdard maintained his position as the season’s front-runner. Reporter Marie A. Jones paid a visit to Studdard in Hollywood, shortly before his performance in the top five, and found him living in an LA mansion with four other finalists. From her April 29, 2003, story for The Birmingham News:

“We’re usually really tired,” Studdard says. “But that’s what we do. I have been preparing myself for this a long time. I can’t complain about it.”

The complaints don’t come easy when you’re living in a secluded mountaintop mansion overlooking LA. The modern looking home, with a fountain in front, is decked out with shiny hardwood floors, a large pool, a game room, a big-screen TV, a weight room and more. ... Aiken says one thing he notices about Studdard is that he’s always on his cell phone, a bright blue-and-white Nokia. “I bet he even has it with him in the bathroom,” he says.

The phone also helps to chronicle Studdard’s life as a celebrity in Hollywood. He hits a few buttons on it, then flips through some pictures. “Blair Underwood,” Studdard says. “That’s my boy. He knew who I was. He said, ‘What up, Ruben.’ I said, ‘Who?”’

Photos of Studdard and rapper Kool Moe Dee, singer Smokey Robinson, actress Tia Mowery and actor Chi McBride are also at hand. Although he says he’s living on cloud nine, Studdard is quick to mention that his temporary home in Los Angeles can’t compare to Birmingham.

”I miss kicking it with my crew . . . my family, we’re real tight,” says Studdard, who has been surfing the Web, looking to buy a house for him and his brother, Kevin. He’s got a location in mind: “Tell Greystone I’m on my way,” he says with a big smile.

Watch Studdard’s performance of the Temptations’ “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg” as a top five finalist here. “You are a hitmaker. You never let me down, week after week,” guest judge Sedaka said. “Sometimes I hear a new singer, I get nervous. I don’t get nervous ever with you.”

Studdard had a scare when he landed in the bottom two that week, but wasn’t eliminated.

TARANTINO IN THE HOUSE

Robin Gibb of the Bee Gees was on hand to evaluate the top four singers on “Idol,” ending the season’s run of guest judges. But celebrities kept on coming to the show, even if they weren’t seated at the judges’ table. Pressure mounted on Studdard as he made the top three, and demands on him as a performer increased, too.

Studdard covered three songs on an episode that found him nearing the finish line, competing against Clay Aiken and Kimberley Locke. First up for Studdard was Stevie Wonder’s “Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours),” followed by Charlie Chaplin’s “Smile” and Peabo Bryson’s “If Ever You’re in My Arms Again.”

Director Quentin Tarantino was seated in the studio audience as the top three performed, and he shouted “205!” after Studdard’s rendition of “Smile.” This vote of confidence prompted Ryan Seacrest to quip, “Our night is made.”

Watch Studdard’s performance of “Smile” here. Tarantino shows up in the video as Studdard is being interviewed by Seacrest, at the 2:44 mark.

RUBEN VS. CLAY

Fan frenzy mounted as the Season 2 finale approached, and Fox promoted the show like a boxing match: Ruben vs. Clay. Both singers had strong fan bases across the country, as well as passionate support in their home states. Both were from the South, and Studdard joked that competing against Aiken, from North Carolina, would result in “205 beats 919.”

But as Marie A. Jones reported in The Birmingham News, the rivalry between Studdard and Aiken was a friendly one:

Studdard and Aiken will be giving it their all when they compete, but they don’t think of themselves as being in competition with one another. “We’re just going to go out there and have some fun,” Studdard said.

”Ruben and I have been close for a long time,” Aiken said. “We both agree we have proven we are good at what we do. Ruben and I are different. Ruben is very R&B and I am more adult contemporary pop.”

Win or lose, both say they’re proud of their accomplishments. ”Why would I not want to win?” Aiken said. “But . . . either way, I’ve done pretty well.”

After the show, the men said they’ll be friends forever and hope to do projects together. ”We want to sing ‘Ebony and Ivory’ so bad,” Aiken said with a hearty laugh.

Studdard and Aiken performed a duet on “Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now” on the “American Idol” finale. Watch it here.

FLYING WITHOUT WINGS

Ryan Seacrest characterized the Season 2 finals as “the showdown to end all showdowns.” “Idol” producers said more than 24 million votes came in from viewers after a May 20, 2003, performance episode, as the top two singers competed for the title. Studdard performed three songs in the finals: the Luther Vandross hit “A House Is not a Home,” John Lennon’s “Imagine” and Westlife’s “Flying Without Wings.”

Aiken’s songs for the finals were “Here, There and Everywhere” by the Beatles, Simon & Garfunkel’s “Bridge over Troubled Water” and “This Is the Night,” a song written by Chris Braide, Aldo Nova and Gary Burr.

“This Is the Night” and “Flying Without Wings” were the first singles released by the two finalists as their “Idol” runs ended. Both songs also were intended as coronation ballads for whichever singer won the “Idol” crown.

On May 21, 2003, Studdard and Aiken appeared again on the “Idol” finale. Kelly Clarkson and Paul Anka performed on the results episode, along with the top 12 singers from Season 2. “Rubenmania” ran high that night, and fans in the Birmingham area attended watch parties throughout the city.

Amid cheers, applause and a shower of confetti, Studdard was announced as the winner at the end of the two-hour finale. He earned bragging rights and a recording contract reportedly worth $1 million. Studdard bested Aiken by about 130,000 votes, according to the folks at “Idol,” and about 38.1 million viewers watched the finale episode.

Marie A. Jones of The Birmingham News was on scene in Hollywood, covering the finale. Her story said:

When host Ryan Seacrest called Studdard’s name, the crowd at Los Angeles’ Universal Amphitheatre went wild, screaming “Roo-ben, Roo-ben” and jumping to their feet.

“I feel good, man,” said Studdard, who has been a contestant of few words throughout the 18-week run of the series.

His brother was just as overwhelmed. “I’m glad it’s over,” was about all Kevin Studdard could get out as tears streamed down his face.

At a news conference just after the show ended, Ruben Studdard had advice for aspiring performers. “Just stay grounded, man, and always be yourself,” he said. “I’m gonna be Ruben, y’all.” ... Studdard had a short but sweet message for his hometown after his win. “Just tell Birmingham I love them,” he said.

READ MORE: Blast from the past: Birmingham’s Ruben Studdard wins on ‘American Idol’

Watch Studdard’s winning moment on “American Idol” here.

WHAT HAPPENED NEXT

Studdard made an appearance on “The Tonight Show With Jay Leno” shortly after his win, and he and Aiken traveled to New York for interviews with national media. Both released their finale songs as singles, and the two joined other “American Idol” finalists for a national tour that started in July 2003. The tour stopped in Birmingham, of course, and the August show sold out at the BJCC Arena downtown. Here’s what The Birmingham News said in its concert review:

It was easy to feel like Ruben Studdard’s mama Friday night if you were in the audience at the BJCC Arena. Easy to feel proud of Birmingham’s favorite son, its TV hero, as he returned to his hometown in the American Idols Live tour. Easy to clap along with the rest of the crowd during the sold-out show, which ran for two hours and 45 minutes, including intermission. Easy to beam at Studdard’s strengths on stage and forgive his flaws, because how often does our city produce a bona fide pop star?

Detached and cynical was not the way to approach the Idols concert, which featured nine finalists from the Fox television series. Such an attitude would make you seem like a spoilsport on an evening when almost everyone else was indulging in unconditional fandom. We were there to praise Ruben, not to bury him, as he sang amid the smoke machines, flash pots, fireworks, disco balls, video clips and glitzy production numbers.

Those who’ve followed “American Idol” this season knew exactly what to expect, including Studdard’s soul- and gospel-tinged covers of “Superstar,” “Flying Without Wings” and “Sweet Home Alabama.” A few notes missed the mark, but in general Ruben did a good job, popping into the program like an oversized cherub, strutting in T-shirts that read “UAB Blazers” and “Alabama” in graffiti-style type. As a treat for ticketholders, Studdard tossed in a new tune from his debut album, “Soulful.” It had a rap-dancehall reggae flavor, jauntily expressing the sentiment that there’d be no Ruben without his family and friends in the Magic City.

Listen to “No Ruben,” a track from Studdard’s first solo album, here. The album, “Soulful,” was released in December 2003 by J Records, debuting in the No. 1 spot on the Billboard 200. “Soulful” earned platinum status in January 2004 from the Recording Industry Association of America, selling more than 1 million copies.

In the months after Studdard’s “Idol” win, the singer and his fans basked in the afterglow. A controversy erupted in July and August, however, focusing on the “205″ jerseys Studdard had showcased on national TV.

The singer filed a lawsuit against 205 Flava, the company behind the “205″ jerseys, that claimed 205 Flava wrongly profited from Studdard’s image after he wore the clothes on television. Flava owners Willie and Frederick Jenkins responded by saying they had paid Studdard to wear their jerseys, giving him weekly checks and cash payments in a secret deal Studdard initiated. Studdard was not permitted to enter into any contracts while appearing on the Fox TV show.

A confidential settlement was reached in December 2003, according to a report by The Birmingham News. The Jenkins brothers maintained ownership of 205 Flava, but 19 Entertainment, the parent company of “Idol,” began to market and license the shirts. (19 Merchandising was one of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit.)

Frederick Jenkins of 205 Flava told The Birmingham News he was satisfied by the settlement and harbored no ill will toward Studdard. “I think he’s a great guy,” Jenkins told reporter Chanda Temple. “I’m glad this matter is settled and we can get along as Birminghamians.”

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