Ruben Studdard's "Celebrate Me Home" to be American Idol's Goodbye Song
In what will be American Idol’s third exit song of Season 7, Ruben Studdard’s take on the Kenny Loggins’ Christmas song “Celebrate Me Home” will serenade Top 12 contestants back into reality starting on March 12. While the song is a Christmas track originally, I think it’s going to change a bit to be a little less Christmas-y for this version of what is a really good song!
It sounds like it will be a good fit and hopefully this will stop some of those “Ruben Studdard has disappeared” nonsense that always seems to follow the Velvet Teddy Bear. This marks the first time that an ”Exit Song” has been specifically recorded for American Idol. I do really like the idea of bringing an alumni back to sing the track, much like Daughtry’s “Home” was a perfect goodbye song last season.Â
Interestingly, Season 2’s runner-up Clay Aiken performed the song during his Christmas tour, so Ruben will have some competition from true Idol fans that have heard Aiken’s version of the very same song. While the beginning is a little dramatic, the vocals are pretty awesome.
Looking forward to Ruben’s version!
WOW…Dang that was really good .. Nice job Clay. Love to see what ruben can do with that song. I miss the Clay/Ruben days..
Aiken did a amazing version of this song. Love it!!!
Clay’s voice is amazing! I am looking forward to hearing Ruben’s version. I also miss the Clay/Ruben days. They are still good friends.
Gave me chills. That man can sing like nobody else!
That was simply fantastic!!!!! What range, tone and power, and I love that throaty sound he added. His voice has really matured from Idol days.
I am sure Ruben will do a good job too.
I love Clays rendition of Celebrate Me Home, especially the Portland , Oregon performance with the ‘growl’. I too, am looking forward to Rubens rendition.
Hopefully, it won’t be torn apart by comparisons. Clay did an exquisite job of it, and Ruben will put his own spin to it. They’ll both be good recordings, I’m sure.
It will be hard to top Clays, but hopefully they will change it around for Ruben.
Geesh! so that’s Clay Aiken? Who knew. I’m liken’ the R&B feel, didn’t know he did that.
I saw Clay sing it live. AMAZING! Jazzy, upbeat and fun!
Couldn’t they have given Ruben a song that Clay hasn’t sang? There MILLIONS of them. I expect Ruben’s will be ballady, R & B and slow.
That was a great version from Clay!Looking forward to hearing Rube’s version too. They’re two of the best singers to ever come out of AI.
Wow, what a voice. I hope Clay can use this song on his next Christmas album.
That was a really great performance. Clay should put this on his next Xmas cd. I wish they had chosen a non Xmas one for Ruben to sing. Surely there must be more “goodbye” type songs around.
I heard Clay sing this song live, and he was fantastic!! Ruben will do a great job, but Clay’s version is phenomenal.
Clay has often performed songs with an R&B feel in concert. I understand there will be one on his next album. I’m really looking forward to it. Wonderful job, Clay!
Wow. That was really good. This guy doesn’t get the credit he deserves. I’ve kind of followed him since idol, and why the heck hasn’t he been everywhere with that wonderful voice? I’ll have to go look up more vids of him. That was dang good.
I miss that spiky haired American Idol guy and Ruuuuuuben! That was the best showdown ever.
Ruben is so cool and a great singer. I can’t wait to hear his version of this song week after week after week….
He’s really good! What was going on there? It looks like a play and was it snowing on stage?
Awesome!
Clay sang this song during his Christmas tour in 2005. He wrote a play and the music accompanied the story that he wrote.
Clay is a very versatile performer. As a fan, I hope one day that more of the general public
comes to learn and appreciate all his talents.
He is a writer, singer, actor and comedian.
Love his version of this song.
Ruben will put his own stamp on it I’m sure.
Love it! I actually saw Clay perform this song. And it was dramatic as the show wasn’t a normal concert, but a Christmas musical with actors and dancers. So much fun!
Thank you so much for putting this video up for us to enjoy. It truly brought back wonderful memories of the amazing time had by all during that Joyful Noise Tour. This was, as mentioned earlier, a play which Clay wrote and produced for that Christmas season. Clay Aiken is an extremely talented and versatile singer, with the ability to sing all genre’s of music, as well as a fantastic performer/entertainer, with great comedic timing. I, also, miss seeing and hearing Clay and Ruben together. Ruben has a beautiful soulful voice and I know that he will do well on his rendition of this song, as well. I am so glad that he and Clay have remained good friends over the years; they both seem to have good hearts, as well as talents. Thank you again for the walk down memory lane to a happy time.
I really like this performance because not only can you see Clay’s rendition, but it’s easy to imagine Ruben’s own take on the song. I really think Clay did a fantastic job on it and it was a great trip down memory lane for me as well to think all the way back to Idol Season 2!
I appreciate all your guys’ comments and look forward to seeing what Ruben can do to a song that Clay already more than did justice to.
(repeating to self ….THIS IS NOT A COMPETITION!)……It’s hard for me to imagine anyone else covering this song as beautifuly as Clay Aiken! I am wishing Clay could have the exposure that Ruben is getting from the song , but this is a great opportunity for Ruben and I’m sure he will do it justice! I don’t understand why they didn’t do a new song for Ruben to sing though .
This video is great, as is Clay Aiken. I enjoyed Season 2 so very much. I know that Ruben will do a great job! Thanks!
Thanks for sharing Clay’s version Dave! It has been a long time since I heard Clay sing this. Clay and Christmas music go together!!
I am sure Ruben will do a great version himself. I’m very happy that both of these two talented men are still out there earning a living in the music industry. Season 2 had some of the most amazing singers ever to grace the Idol stage.
What’s your take on the Danny Noreiga “Christmas” video?
Beautiful. I’m certain Ruben’s rendition will be quite different. For those of you who don’t know, Clay is currently is appearing on Broadway in a lead role in Spamalot. If you get a chance to see it before he leaves May 4, you will see the great talents this man has. He is a terrrific singer but also an actor, comedian and has fine sense of what his responsibility is in regard to people in need in this world. He also has a new CD comiing out in May. Get to know him…….Carole
Holy crap! This gave me chills! He is phenomenal and always will be. =’)
Just wanted to make a comment that only those in the know will probably get….. I recall seeing Aiken in Boston with my fiance that Christmas and everyone was commenting about how severely skinny he was. (Some of the ladies around us were worrying that he had been ill. ) This video proves it. And also proves that certain fat and flabby “stills” rumored to be him taken on that night in a hotel he didn’t even stay at were absolutely fake. Nuff said.
I love the way Clay sang this song (also saw it live and it felt wonderful). Clay’s talent is emmense and has never gotten the fair exposure for such wonderful talent. Ruben is a great guy and love that they still contact one another. I just wonder why there is not justice in the music field for TRUE talent like Clay. Perhaps things will eventually change when the world gets to know the real Clay. Thanks, Dave for including this on your site.
Wow! He sure can sing!
Wish Idol would have had Ruben and Clay doing a duet of this song..now that would have brought back some of the season two magic!
Jake, Jack? what a coincidence two “guys” with a “J” name and both never heard him sing like that. The mates never disappoint.
BTW, Clay DOES NOT own any song he sings and of course based on mate’s estimates, nobody can top what he sings. Awwww, the mates are so predictable. I’m sure Ruben’s rendition will be A LOT more soulful than Clay’s can ever dream of being.
Booyah, Your post is the only one here that’s truly negative. Shame on you.
Beautiful. Just beautiful. Love the R&B sound. Didn’t know Clay had it in him. Looks like quite an improvement over his “idol” days. I look forward to hearing Ruben sing it with his smooth vocals, too.
Oh no! I have a “D” name. What does that mean? Is it alright to say that I liked Clay’s version or will the mate police get on my case?
That’s very cool! I don’t often catch AI anymore but I might watch a kickoff show to hear Rube’s version. I’m sure Ruben will make it his own, as Paula says. It will be interesting to see what he does –tho I really like Clay’s version. I haven’t heard Loggins’.
He sang the crap outta that song. I’m looking forward to hearing Rubens version. I wish they could do a duet–I heard them sing together at the AMAs and it was powerful.
That is a great song. The first time I heard it from my wife I had to check out the Kenny Loggins version because I’m a big fan of his but did not remember this song. Clay did a great version of it and definitely gave it some soul, maybe even more than Kenny did. Will be interesting to hear Ruben’s version. I always liked his voice for the most part.
Funny seeing the comment about Clay being so skinny at that time, but from watching that video I would have to agree he was nothing but skin and bones, much like he was on Idol . Guess that’s what running nonstop does when you tour a lot. Never did think the bloated shots shown on the internet were him anyway. Also always notice how the website articles tend to look for the worst pictures of stars to use in some cases to prove their points. Just the right angle of holding your head can make anyone look full or puffy or double chinned.
Ah well, thanks for putting up the video. We did see one of these performances that year and that song was definitely the show stopper in the first part of the show, had the whole audience talking at intermission. Shame the song has never had a lot more exposure. Guess it will now.
PS What happened to Ferras’ song “Hollywood Is Not America?” I thought that was set to be the exit song…
Where did that voice come from??? What a voice!!! Gave me chills!!! I share your sentiment , Jack. He is one of the most talented artists these days, but never got the credits he truly deserves. But, that is gradually changing.
With his stint with Spamalot, which he has garnered rave reviews from both fans, non-fans and the critics themselves and his upcoming album, I truly believe his already shining stars will even be brighter. Clay Aiken is truly blessed with not only great vocals (we already know that) but with dedicated, loving, caring, supportive fanbase. Never did they abandon Clay during those dark times when BAD people (I call them bad -this word sums it up) have shrouded Clay with negativity, lies and other crap. They are undaunted! Not only his fans are supportive of Clay but of other fans,too. I’ve seen how they support and help each other. Oh, I forgot, his fans are a riot. They are hilarious and really over-the-top with talent. You should see how creative they are! I could go on and on. Bottomline, Jack, Clay is one smart man. I am glad there are open-minded people like you and Jeremy, another poster above. One more thing, you should try to see SPAMALOT if you can. What a talent he is! Thanks guys.
Oops forgot. FYI, I am glad he and Ruben have remained friends after AI. Both talented and great guys.
It’s interesting reading all the positive ‘male’ comments; this could be the norm from now on as the audience at Spamalot is predominantly male and they’re all laughing like crazy and enjoying Clay’s characterizations in the play …all three of them.
Clay sings ‘Celebrate Me Home’ with such soul that it’s hard to think of the song as being someone else’s. After Clay’s rendition of ‘Mary, Did You Know’, I think his ‘Celebrate Me Home’ has the potential of becoming as big a classic as Bing’s ‘I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas.’
Good luck, Ruben, on your AI appearance! Good luck, Sir Robin! You’re the best!!
Thanks for that youtube-it was absolutely beautiful. I never heard Loggins version but I am sure it was good too. I can’t wait to hear Ruben’s version because I really like his soulful
voice.
That was great. Clay has such a beautiful voice!
Clay Aiken has the voice of an angel, he also could sing the phone book and it would sound good. Ruben will do well with it…
WOW!!
i love Clay, I wish he could tour with his new album internationally!
plz Clay come to Dubai!
as for Ruben, he’s very talented and I’m sure he will sing a beautiful version of the song!
I heard Clay sing this in person Awesome!!
Rubens version will be more R&B I quess but no one can beat Clay his vocals are unbelieveable
It doesn’t matter what he sings he is very talented Looking forward to his new album Not only is Clay a awesome singer he has also given back to become a great american idol
I am looking forward to hearing Ruben’s version of this song. He is such a talented singer and will be looking forward to hearing him again.
I loved Clay singing this (and everything else he sings) but Ruben will bring it also, just in his own way. I also loved AI2, and I am also glad they have remained such good friends.
Cool song; beautiful man!
Wow … just WOW! This is a great compilation video from several different performances during the 2005 Joyful Noise Tour. After ‘Don’t Save It All for Christmas Day’, my favorite from that tour. Looking forward to hearing what Ruben does with it. I miss seeing more of him on TV. As someone upthread said, wouldn’t Clay & Ruben singing this together be an amazing performance!
Ahhhhhh, brings back great memories of that tour! Clay never ceases to amaze his fans. Thanx for sharing this vid – hopefully it’ll bring even MORE folks into “our” Clay world. Here’s wishing Ruben much success with his rendition on AI!!
That’s so wonderful that they picked Ruben’s beautiful voice to sing Welcome me back home. He is truly the best AI. Too bad every time Ruben’s name is mentioned loser of AI Clay Aiken has to be mentioned and of course a cover (and a bad one at that) of his song. People need to remember that Clay Aiken was on the internet looking for a gay man, put his hand over Kelly Ripa’s mouth on live tv and then put his foot in a woman’s face on an airplane. This is not AI behavior. Ruben is a good person and he truly is the AI, please don’t mention Clay Aiken again, no one cares about him.
Clam down Belle and get a grip and a fact checker before you talk about things and don’t have the facts right.
Clay and Rueben are very good friends. Clay is a fantastic singer.
belle starts knows a lot of nothin
Would you please take down the bad Clay Aken video of Celebrate. Everytime Ruben gets some good press, Aiken has to ruin it. Take it down and put up Ruben’s that is who everyone wants to hear. Aiken is with his “other people” in Spamalot. That’s where he belongs. Hey Jackie & Audrey haven’t heard a hit from Aiken in a while. Guess he’s not as popular since he put his hand over Kelly Ripa’s mouth, and put his foot in a woman’s face on an airplane. And that unfortunate incident on the internet where he was looking for a man. Oh well, we won’t discuss that.
belle start, you make me giggle. you need to get a life. yeah, won’t talk about rag mag crap. good idea.
thanks!
umm. lets see. yup. put hand over loud mouths mouth.. good move. hate that ….whatever you call her! did not put foot in woman’s face. you need to learn to read better. ;D
is working on 4th album.. and probably 9th tour! staring in spamalot at the same time. yup. guess he’s not too popular. you funny, girl! guy!? whatever. get over it and get a life. again. got me giggling..
You are the joke if you like Gayken. Spamalot touring !!! Can’t wait for that and Gayken’s red wig, oh wait, that’s not a wig.
You are the joke if you like Aiken. Spamalot touring !!! Can’t wait for that and Aiken’s red wig in Spamalot oh wait, that’s not a wig. I see you didn’t cover the internet incident. Oh well, if you still like him after that what can I say.
ummm.. you could say you are gonna get some help!?
looks like our miss bell here has got some heart feelings over claymates. but it hink it’s quite understandable, coz when you’ve got a strong, firm fanbase from the very start, they ain’t going nowhere. loved clay, love him, and will always do. never had a singer who could give me goosebumps everytime he opens his mouth. and i loved ruben during the 2nd season as well.. so be nice miss belle. everybody here is saying good things bout the velvet bear. they’re good friends, why shouldn’t WE be?