Dim the lights, Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken have an American Idol pitch.
As Katy Perry prepares for her final episodes on the reality competition show, the season two alums are throwing their hats in the ring to replace her at the judges’ table.
“I would love it if they called me,” Ruben, who won season two of Idol, recently told E! News during a joint interview with Clay. “But I think that in any way that I can go back and give advice to the young people that are going through the show, I do that readily and I’m thankful for the opportunity to do that anytime.”
Clay, who was the runner-up in 2003, also expressed interest in sitting alongside Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan, and he even teased what kind of judge he would be.
“I would be tough,” he shared, crediting his son Parker. “I got a teenager now.”
However, as Clay explained, there’s a difference between “being mean and being honest,” noting that he and fellow contestants “appreciated” what former judge Simon Cowell brought to the table.
“While, yes, Simon was often looking for ways to say things that would get attention,” the 45-year-old continued. “He was also giving advice that we could use.”
It is significant to note that Saldana won a BAFTA, Golden Globe, and Critics Choice award for Emilia Perez this award season.
Awards season may be ending with the 2025 Oscars, but the best is yet to come for American Idol.Hollywood's biggest night is airing on ABC on Sunday, March 2, a
Entertainment gossip and news from Newsweek's network of contributorsReality television star Mike Wolfe has landed his first movie role.The American Pickers st
Despite 2025 being far from over, we have already had to say goodbye to several well-known figures this year.From celebrated musicians and actors to renowned at