American Idol - "Your'e All That I Need" - Pick a Favorite Performance!

Von Smith:



Kelly Clarkson:



Ruben Studdard and Jordin Sparks:



Favorite?

In my opinion the three previous winners performances were FAR superior to Von's. What do you think?

American Idol - Life Changing Moment - Ruben Studdard

As I mentioned in a previous Life Changing Moment, my first encounter with American Idol was Season 2, Wildcard night. Clay Aiken blew me away, but I hadn't yet been introduced to Ruben Studdard. I am an unapologetic Ruuuuben fan! Researching this life changing moment brought back so many memories! I really could have selected any song, because Ruben drew me in each and every week. He had a nack for picking just the right song! I selected this song only because the video included the judges comments. All of the Velvet Teddy Bear songs were amazing and they always put a smile on my face.

Take a look:

American Idol - Life Changing Moment - Clay Aiken

As some of you may (or may not know), I did not start watching American Idol until Season 2. I initially tuned in because it was on right before my FAVORITE show at that time, "24". This first performance was shot during the "Wild Card" show, which was also, my first show. Clay Aiken did not make it through to the Top 12 in his original round due to the bad luck of being in a group including Ruben Studdard and Kimberley Locke. But, he took the judges advice, cleaned up his "image" and came back with a performance that IMHO was a life changing moment. Ironically, Clay, Ruben and Kimberley went on to become the final three that season! Take a look:



What do you think? We are returning to a similar format this year, for the first time since season 2. Will the Top 3 of season 8 all come from the same group?

American Idol 8 - Ready to Change Some Lives Forever?

This photo brings back some memories, huh? Shot at the the opening of "The American Idol Experience" at Disney World this past week, it showcases the winners of season's 1 through 7.

I am starting to get excited about this season...are you? Who's life will we change forever come May? Arguably, a contestant doesn't have to WIN American Idol, or for that matter, even make the Top 12 to have a life changing experience.

Over the next few weeks I am going to look back over the past 7 seasons and spotlight what I think were some of those life changing moments. Some of them might surprise you!

Stay tuned...

Ruben Studdard is Getting Married on Saturday

Ruben and his fiancee Surata Zuri McCants (pictured above at the American Idol 7 Finale) are getting married this Saturday according to People.

Here's an excerpt from the article:

Ruben Studdard is planning a big Southern wedding Saturday with fiancée Surata Zuri McCants – with at least 20 groomsmen at his side, a source tells PEOPLE.

The American Idol second-season champ will marry McCants, 30, at Canterbury United Methodist Church in the tony Mountainbrook neighborhood of Birmingham, Ala., according to the source close to the wedding. A rep for Studdard confirms he's getting married this weekend.

I hope we get some pictures. Congrats Ruuuuuuben!

source:people

Ruben Studdard - "Celebrate Me Home"

It seems appropriate that Ruben is here performing on the first all male finale since his narrow victory in Season 2. America got it right in Season 2 (imho), will they get it right this year?

American Idol - Top 12 Results & Goodbye Song

David Hernandez is eliminated:

Ruben Studdard to Record Farewell Song

Reuters is reporting that Ruben Studdard (Season 2 winner) will be recording a cover of Kenny Loggins "Celebrate Me Home" to be used as the "farewell song" to send home the American Idol contestants once they narrow the field to the Top 12.

Here's an excerpt of the story:

Season-two winner Ruben Studdard will perform the "farewell song" used to send off the losing contestants when they depart the top 12. This year, the song will be a cover of Kenny Loggins' "Celebrate Me Home."

It's a significant gig for Studdard, who was dropped by J Records at the end of 2007. He is, however, still managed by the show's 19 Entertainment and under contract to subsidiary 19 Recordings, a link that paved the way for him to return to the show as the song's performer.

"Ruben has never left our fold," "Idol" executive producer Nigel Lythgoe says. "(With) the success that we've had with the play-off song, I wanted to keep it in-house."

The "American Idol" season-five farewell song, Daniel Powter's "Bad Day," went on to sell 1.9 million copies, according to Nielsen SoundScan, and was the top digital download of 2006.

As part of the show's new sponsorship this season by iTunes, "Celebrate Me Home" will be made available digitally starting March 12, the day the first of the top 12 will be eliminated. In addition, it is expected to be included on one of the compilation albums annually released by "American Idol," according to 19 Entertainment U.S. head Iain Pirie.

"Celebrate Me Home" was selected after Lythgoe suggested the tune to Pirie and show creator Simon Fuller. "Each year we think about what's going to reflect that really special TV moment," Pirie says. "Musically and lyrically, it fits it perfectly."

Pirie says Studdard was chosen to record the track in part because of the warm reception he received for an appearance on last season's "American Idol" finale. Studdard is in negotiations to perform the song during "Idol Gives Back," the show's midseason charity effort.

Well, I LOVE Ruben and LOVE Kenny Loggins...so this is all good to me!

source:reuters

Taylor Hicks Dropped by Record Label J Records

EW (Entertainment Weekly) has been busy. They are reporting that Taylor Hicks is the second American Idol winner to be dropped by J Records this year. In December, we reported here that Ruben Studdard had been dropped by his label (also by J Records).

Well I still love Taylor, and I hope he finds a better fit elsewhere.

source: EW

Ruben Studdard Dropped By Record Label

sohh.com is reporting that the Velvet Teddy Bear Ruben Studdard has been dropped by his label (J Records) after his most recent CD "The Return" was unable to match his previous success. Ruben will always be one of my favorite Idols, and I am sure he will land on his feet.

source: sohh

Another Idol Christmas Music Video

Ruben Studdard and Tamyra Gray - Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas:

Ruben Studdard - "Change Me" Music Video

This looks like the new single off Ruben's sophmore CD "The Return".

Jordin and Ruben - You're All I Need

These are going to trickle in...