'American Idol' contestants to celebrate 20 years together at The Zeiterion on April 14

NEW BEDFORD – When “American Idol’s” season two winner Ruben Studdard and runner-up Clay Aiken take The Zeiterion stage on April 14, it will be 20 years since the two competed together on the popular singing competition.

“It's like a little family reunion with just the two of us,” said Studdard. “We’re going to give people some gems.”

Since winning “American Idol,” Studdard has been focusing on his music career – releasing several albums including his debut album “Soulful” and “I Need An Angel,” which reached the top 5 of the US Billboard 200 chart.

Additionally, he performed in several stage productions, including “Jesus Christ Superstar” and “Ain't Misbehavin'.” His latest single "Change Me" was released in 2019. He also teaches master classes and course at institutions such as at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

In 2009, Studdard visited New Bedford to meet contestants of New Bedford Idol at the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center.

“American Idol was one of the most fond memories of my life,” he said. “Why it's good to have both of us (Aiken) in the room together, is because we can bring up and recall things that the other one doesn't remember.”

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Aiken, who semi-retired in 2014, said he’s only really returned to the stage with Studdard by his side. “I kind of don't want to do it myself. We get along. We have fun,” Aiken said with a laugh, adding they've toured before a few times over the years such as their "Timeless Tour" in 2008.

Since his appearance on Idol, Aiken released six studio albums, four of which have achieved gold status. He appeared on Broadway in “Monty Python's Spamalot” and “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.”

He also has his own foundation, The National Inclusion Project, which works to help disadvantaged and disabled children.

“I think that we're in a moment right now where people love the “Night Court” reunion reboot, they love the “Will and Grace” reboot. I think we are looking for, as people, as a society, things that are comfortable and safe,” Aiken said.

“What both Ruben and I want the most to do with the show is sort of bring back that fun, safe, warm feeling, we want people to feel that nostalgia when they come to the show.”

Remembering their time on ‘American Idol’

Season 2 of “American Idol” continues to be the most watched season to date for the series. The 2003 finale had a record-breaking 40 million views on Fox.

Neither of them watched the show until recently when preparing to do the show. “We didn't really even watch it then because we were on it. It was live,” Aiken said.

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“It's just been really kind of magical to relive what we experienced 20 years ago,” Studdard quickly added.

Aiken recalled being scared to death during his first live episode. “I remember being behind the big screen as we're walking around and thinking, oh my god, I'm so nervous,” he said.

“I was thinking my stomach was going to like fall out of my rectum.”

Suddard said he didn’t start to feel the nerves until he was recognized by fans while in a bar in Atlanta with his brother.

“It just blew me away. It just didn't click to me that this show is everywhere,” he said.

What to expect on April 14

Aiken and Studdard will be performing several songs during their performance such as “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” while also telling stories about their “American Idol” experience.

“Lots of songs that we did on the show, some that Ruben forgot he did on the show,” Aiken said with a smile. “Maybe like a tribute to some of the people that were a part of the show.”

Working this week on the second act, Aiken said they have so many songs and stories they’ve been struggling to cut it down for time.

“I think people are coming because they want to get that behind the scenes information that they wouldn't have gotten just from watching us 20 years ago,” Aiken said.

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“Listen, we're gonna be doing some amazing music, have a good time, tell some great stories and who doesn't like a good time? Who doesn't like a party?

“It's a celebration. It's the 20th anniversary of me beating Clay!” Studdard said with a big laugh.

Standard-Times staff writer Seth Chitwood can be reached at schitwood@s-t.com. Follow him on twitter: @ChitwoodReports. Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Standard-Times today.

This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: Clay Aiken, Ruben Studdard celebrate 20 years after 'American Idol'