The approximately two-hour long “Timeless Tour” was as much about entertainment and the rapport between two former American Idol “rivals,” Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard, as it was about the music, which spanned the past 60 years.
Reliving the Moments that Made Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard Famous
Before the show began, a sinister-voiced announcer dramatically and humorously retold the moments leading up to the final 2003 showdown between Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard.
American Idol winner Studdard then took the stage and began singing his coronation song and first single, “Flying Without Wings.” Midway through, Aiken appeared from the wings and launched into “This is the Night.” The pair, amid microphone grabs and playful shoves, switched back and forth between the two songs, amid cheers from the packed audience at Lancaster, Pennsylvania’s American Music Theatre.
Timeless Tour Medleys
During the next two hours, Aiken and Studdard sang medleys from the ‘50s, ‘60s, ‘70s, ‘80s, and ‘90s. One of the most popular numbers was the ‘70s selection, which included “Night Fever” by The Bee Gees and Earth, Wind, and Fire’s “September,” which had the audience up on their feet, dancing along.
Aiken showed off killer vocal chops with “Through the Fire” and “Alone” during the ‘80s medley, and Studdard had a rap moment with the ’90s huge hit, “Baby Got Back.”
Throughout the evening, the two Idols also took some opportunities to shine individually. Studdard delivered rich vocals during a Marvin Gaye tribute including “Mercy Mercy Me” and “What’s Going On.” Aiken proved he can master up-tempo numbers just as well as ballads with “Suspicious Minds” and “Still the One.” Studdard also performed his much-acclaimed rendition of “Superstar.” Aiken embraced past Barry Manilow comparisons with “Mandy.”
Skits on the Timeless Tour
As segues from one decade to the next, Studdard and Aiken bantered with each other and the audience during short skits. At one point, Aiken came to seven-week older “Uncle Ruben,” asking the R&B star to tell him about the ‘70s. Aiken’s dancing ability, or lack thereof, was a running joke throughout the show. As an introduction to the ‘80s, Studdard donned a white robe and became a televangelist determined to cure Aiken of “lack of rhythm-itis.”
The "Timeless Tour" also allowed backup singers Casey Thompson and Quiana Parler to take center stage for a few solo performances. Thompson showcased her vocal ability with Aretha Franklin’s “Natural Woman” and Parler’s rendition of Chaka Khan’s “I’m Every Woman” had much of the crowd arm-waving to the beat.
Another Finale
Aiken and Studdard returned to the stage for an encore performance of “Time of My Life.” As the pair’s powerful vocals filled the theatre for one last time that night, Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard proved good music is not the only thing that is timeless. Talent is too.
Anne Marie Coar - Anne Marie graduated with a degree in communication arts and minors in psychology, journalism, and business. Some of her articles have ...
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