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It's like 2003 all over again, as American Idol's season 2 finalists, runner-up Clay Aiken and champ Ruben Studdard, reunite to stage a 17-city North American tour. The Ruben/Clay "Timeless" concert tour kicks off July 23 in Asheville, N.C., and the best buds are planning to belt out classics from the past five decades.
Studdard ("the Velvet Teddy Bear") took home Idol's grand prize at the end of their competition season but never met with the album-sales success of the second-place finalist. This week, Aiken -- a North Carolina native and veteran of his own string of sold-out concert tours -- released an enthusiastic statement expressing his excitement over the collaboration.
"I couldn't ask for a better tour mate," he said. "To be able to share the stage with him again is so exciting...He inspires me daily and I think that respect and admiration will truly be reflected in our show."
"It is truly a blessing and an honor to be on the stage with my friend," Ruben concurred.
PLUS: Idol champs vs. runners-up -- Who's the real winner?
