Ruben Studdard Squeezes Into the 'Idol' Pantheon (anti-Clay conspiracy alert)

Washington Post ^ | 05/21/03 | Lisa de Moraes

[Pokey78]

Ruben Studdard, the 24-year-old, 350-pound "Round Mound of Sound" from the 205 area code, was crowned Fox's new "American Idol" last night.

[Pokey78]

The "American Idol" producers, however, had to have gone tingly all over with the outcome, having labored for weeks to influence viewers to vote for Studdard.

From the get-go, acid-tongued judge Simon Cowell, who is also one of the show producers, spared Studdard all discussion of his weight, for instance, while harshly criticizing the physiques of other contestants.

When even irritatingly uncritical judge Paula Abdul had issues with Studdard's performance, Cowell checked himself. And he was furious with viewers when Studdard landed in the bottom two a few weeks back.

Cowell worked just as hard to send "hello, might be gay" messages to the hordes of smitten young women who have formed the Claymates fan club. Usually his unsubtle messages took the form of blasting the singer's performance as "too Broadway."

That included this Tuesday, during the final sing-off, when Cowell called Aiken's performance of "This Is the Night" too "American Idol: The Musical." "What's astonishing is how handsome this show had made you," added Cowell, who has repeatedly criticized Aiken for not looking like a pop star. (Apparently, Cowell, who often seemed bored during this edition's competition, had dozed off each time Studdard had appeared in one of those muumuus.)

[AntiGuv]

America got it right - so, there ya go!

[discostu]

I think Simon sees room in the market place for another Barry White and Ruben's got a good shot at filling that. While Clay is good he's more boyband material and that market is pretty full.

[CyberAnt]

This was just another politically correct choice.

The only talent was Clay - gay or not (I don't know) - but his voice is at least 50% better in clarity, tone and range than Ruben.

But ... I just don't care for Ruben's style of singing - while I can relate to Clay's singing better.

[Pokey78]

Yep.

[dixiechick2000]

I haven't watched "American Idol", but I have seen the two young men in question.

Ruben could be the next Luther Vandross with a voice that can make a woman's heart melt.

Yeah, mine melted...more than once.;o)

[Temple Drake]

i do not watch this show, but my FAG alarm tells me that this was the RIGHT decision ... one Barry Manilow is plenty.

[thegreatbeast]

I quit watching when they cut the last cute blonde but I clicked in for a moment tonight to see who won and what I saw and heard was this Ruben CROAKING some song at the end. Man, he was awful! Geez Louise!

[thegreatbeast]

I quit watching when they cut the last cute blonde but I clicked in for a moment tonight to see who won and what I saw and heard was this Ruben CROAKING some song at the end. Man, he was awful! Geez Louise!

[Pokey78]

ping.

[gov_bean_ counter]

Agree. Clay also had plenty left at the end of phrases. My vocal juries would have nailed me for that. Anyhow, congrats to all. None of them will be hurting.

Mrs. GBC said Ruben's handlers better keep the paddles handy. Man she can be cold. I keep telling people I'm the nice one.

[Howlin]

LOL!

[ysoitanly]

I'm so glad this is over. I haven't slept one single night waiting for the results. The horrors I've had! Will it be racist if Ruben doesn't win? Will someone strain a vocal chord? Will Simon admit he secretly craves Taco Bell and reveal his sessions with Dr. Phil on 'anger management'? Will the caricature host's pod person double finally reveal himself? Will the show's dialogue coach and hairstylist be subject to a public stoning? Will the constant zit medicine, crappy clothing and 'all about me' commercials now cease or at least now be switched to 'America's Funniest Game Show Moments' Show? And what, oh, what became of the proposed Garafalo show that (wink wink) is now not even mentioned. The scandal of it all if this is the plum 'cameo' role the winner was offered. Not even Fresh Step took it as a sponsor. My God, I'm breathless. I now can go on with my life. Thanks! /sarcasm not directed at you - please consider this a good-natured rant!

thanks

[discostu]

On the westcoast feed (so 3 hours ago in the real world) Simon just said the albums are coming out the same week. That means the "winner" is purely a technicality.

[gov_bean_ counter]

one Barry Manilow is plenty.

LOL, my 18 year old son kept saying the same thing.

[Howlin]

AI ping!

[Howlin]

I'll bet you $5 Clay is around a lot longer than Ruben is.

[El Conservador]

And to think that I was mercilessly falmed for calling Clay Aiken gay...

[El Conservador]

falmed=flamed...

[montag813]

I think Simon sees room in the market place for another Barry White and Ruben's got a good shot at filling that

Ruben's fate was sealed the day Luther Vandross lapsed into a coma...music industry mega-man Clive Davis, who handled Luther, had taken Ruben under his wing, and Simon Cowell is going along with Clive, who will make sure Cowell will get a very cushy industry job after the "Idol" fad fades. So say my sources. This was planned all along.