Clay Aiken
Age: 24
Hometown: Raleigh, N.C.
Vocal props: Broadway-friendly voice
Reminiscent of: Carrot Top
Fashion sense: Fine-tuned his aw-shucks image by losing the glasses and updating the wardrobe
Past number: “Unchained Melody”
Last night’s song: “This Is The Night”
Simon said: “What’s astonishing is how handsome this show has made you.”
Ruben Studdard
Age: 25
Hometown: Birmingham, Ala.
Vocal props: Low-key, sunny, R&B vibe
Reminiscent of: Luther Vandross
Fashion sense: Supersize “205” T-shirts tailor made to fit his 300-plus-pound frame
Past number: “Sweet Home Alabama”
Last night’s song: “Flying Without Wings”
Simon said: “So you saved your best for last, so over to you, Clay–because that was fantastic.”
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Who has the edge: Ruben, in a much closer race than Kelly Clarkson’s win over Justin Guarini last year.
