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Clay Aiken Tells Ruben Studdard He Realized He Was Gay on ‘American Idol’

Photo by Walter McBride/Getty Images

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American Idol Season 2 winner and runner-up Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken recently sat down for a conversation about their experience on the reality show. Aiken revealed that it was during the filming of Idol that he realized he was gay.


Clay Aiken Says He Realized He Was Gay on American Idol

To mark 20 years since they finished in first and second place on American Idol, Studdard and Aiken are in the midst of a tour that will come to a close on May 16, shortly before they appear on the season finale of Idol Season 21 on May 21.

In a segment shared by Entertainment Tonight, the two singers open up about their first impressions of each other when they were competing on the show back in 2003. Studdard explained that he first saw Aiken surrounded by women and assumed he was “mackadocious.” That turned out to be wrong, as Aiken later came out as gay.

In fact, Aiken shared that he “came out on Idol, to myself,” explaining, “I had never really realized that I was gay, until I met someone who worked on the show, and who…”


Studdard attempted to finish his sentence, saying this person “kind of told you,” to which Aiken responded, “Well, in a way or another.” That made Studdard laugh.

SEE ALSO: CLAY AIKEN, RUBEN STUDDARD ANNOUNCE 2023 TOUR, TALK ‘AMERICAN IDOL’ COMEBACK

Aiken Knew Studdard Won Before the Announcement

During their conversation, Studdard asked Aiken what he was thinking when host Ryan Seacrest announced him as the winner. Aiken revealed that he actually knew Studdard had won before the official announcement.


“Right before they were walking out, Ryan was going through his cards, and I saw the card that had your name on it,” Aiken admitted, adding of the moment it was announced, “I’m actually staring right at you when your name was called.”

Meanwhile, Aiken asked Studdard which of the current American Idol judges he would have liked to have on their season. Studdard responded, “I’m a Katy Perry fan.”

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Anonymous
Anonymous
1 year ago

It took him that long…we knew he was gay 1st day.

markeetawins
markeetawins
1 year ago

The first years of American Idol was so much fun! Ruben looks good with his weight loss. Have fun on your tour guys!!

Anonymous
Anonymous
1 year ago

Gay Maybe, all I know is that Clay Aikens could sing his butt off sing

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