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'American Idol' finalist Ruben Studdard says he isn't nervous; contest ends tonight

05/21/03

By MIKE BRANTLEY
TV & Media Editor
Mobile Register

Alabama's Ruben Studdard has his eye on the big prize.

Hours from now, he'll either have it -- and become the next "American Idol" winner -- or he'll have the next best thing. Whether he wins or loses the final round of Fox's televised talent contest tonight, the Birmingham native will have gotten significant exposure for his singing abilities and plenty of fans besides.

Regardless of which singer is awarded the show's $1 million grand-prize recording contract, both Studdard, 25, and 24-year-old Clay Aiken of Raleigh, N.C., are expected to turn the prime-time opportunity into recording careers.

"It has been pretty hectic, but it is cool," Studdard said Friday at the end of another lively week in the "Idol" competition. "We might get a little rest, but you know it's all going to pay off in the end."

The winner will be announced during the two-hour season finale, which begins at 7 p.m. today on WALA-TV10. Last summer, the first "American Idol" became the most-watched show of the season and propelled the music career of winner Kelly Clarkson.

Studdard -- who is so proud to represent Birmingham on national television that he wears the city's area code, 205, on his oversized jerseys -- credits "my faith in God" for getting him this far. His advice for young people is to "just never give up on your dreams and just shoot for the stars. It will happen one day."

He and Aiken look to God for their inspiration, Studdard said.

"We always pray with each other," he said. "I don't believe in luck. I just believe that God gives certain people favor, and Clay and me are just very fortunate."

During a telephone conference call, the singer from Birmingham repeatedly yawned and expressed how tiring his schedule has become during months of "Idol" broadcasts, rehearsals and related activities. He has appeared on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" and recently he returned home to visit friends, family and the members of his Birmingham band.

But that was a whirlwind visit with an "American Idol" camera crew in tow.

Back in Los Angeles, where the show is staged, the schedule intensified as the contest has been reduced to two singers.

"I wish I had started taking vitamins before I came," Studdard joked.

There'll be little rest for the weary even after "Idol" wraps up its season tonight. This summer, Studdard and Aiken will rejoin other "Idol" competitors for a concert tour that will visit 39 cities in rapid order. The only Alabama city on the tour schedule is Birmingham, where a performance is set for Aug. 15.

"I don't think me and Clay will be getting any rest anytime soon," Studdard said.

Is he nervous?

"Not at all," he declared Friday, before he went on to perform in "Idol" installments that aired Monday and Tuesday. After Tuesday's show, viewers were given three hours to call in to vote for either Studdard or Aiken.

During tonight's live broadcast, those results will be announced and factored in with the votes of judges Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson.

"I am just having fun," Studdard said. "Whatever happens, happens."