The pair visited The View on Dec. 12, where they gave a surprise performance of holiday jingle “This Christmas” by Donny Hathaway, and talked about the upcoming shows and returning to American Idol for the season finale. Ruben took to Instagram to announce the news, sharing the official tour poster and dates. “@clayaiken & I are hitting the road this Spring, twenty years after our debuts on American Idol. Join us for the first leg of Twenty | The Tour,” he captioned the post. Starting spring 2023, the duo is reuniting for a series of performances celebrating the 20th anniversary of their time on the singing competition show, including a cancer benefit concert taking place in Cary, North Carolina, on April 29. In support of the Kay Yow Cancer Fund, ticket sales will benefit the charitable foundation which is “dedicated to fighting ALL cancers affecting women with support through giving strength, courage, and hope,” according to the non-profit’s website. The two singers are extremely close, with Aiken penning an endearing message in an Instagram post to his “brother” Studdard on Dec. 3, alongside several photos of the two together over the years. “We don’t get to choose our family. Most family is predetermined by blood; some are predestined by God to come into our lives,” he wrote of their decades-long friendship, adding, “I’ve got one brother who was born into my family and one brother who the good Lord introduced me to in 2003.” Aiken continued his lengthy caption, explaining the photos and a few moments they’ve shared. “A lot gets written and said about ‘how sweet it is’ that Ruben and I have ‘kept in touch’ over the years. If you have the blessing of knowing Ruben Studdard, you understand: There aren’t many humans more selfless or gracious or loyal than he. America fell in love with him because his performances made them feel happy and welcomed; that’s who he is in real life too,” he said. “Happy 20th anniversary, Rube. I love you to the moon and back. 🌒❤️” he closed. The duo are no strangers to performing with one another, banding together for the Timeless US tour in 2010. In April 2021, Studdard joined Aiken for another North Carolina concert. During their time on American Idol, Ruben and Clay faced-off during the final episode of Season 2, with Studdard winning the Idol title and Aiken falling into the runner-up spot. Tickets for the 2023 tour are available for purchase through the event’s official website, rubenandclay.com.
