Ruben Stands Up For Clay On The Today Show

They were rivals on American Idol, but Ruben Studdard is defending his American Idol friend.

In an interview with NBC's Today Show this morning, Studdard defended Clay, saying "Clay is strong and he always, you know, comes out on top in every situation."

Here's a quick recap courtesy the official fanclub boards:

*clip of Clay and Ruben singing "Ain't no stoppin' us now on American Idol"

Ruben (talking about how the show was a lot of fun): I really got a chance to gain a lot of family members during the show. I mean, these are people--

Meredith: Like Clay Aiken?

Ruben: Yeah,that's my guy.

Meredith: He came in 2nd, runner up.

Ruben *snarky*: yeah yeah, remember that Clayton!

*Laughs*

Meredith talks with Ruben about other things and then mentions Clay again.

Meredith: Now I've gotta ask you about Clay Aiken because he is a buddy of yours--

Ruben: right

Meredith: --and he has been under the microscope recently; everybody asking him questions about his personal life, his sexual orientation--do you think that's proper for people to do that? And does he talk to you about it? How is he doing?

Ruben: Well, we don't really talk about those things, ya know, and people--we've been under the microscope ever since we've been on television so it's nothing new for any of us. I just think it becomes a little intrusive when, you know, when people start, you know, start delving so deeply into our personal lives, and--but Clay is strong and he always, you know, comes out on top in every situation.

(Meredith ends the interview with Ruben)

On a related note, Ruben has lost almost 100 pounds during the past year. Several news reports mentions Clay: CBS ShowBuzz, Access Hollywood.

Ruben's new album, The Return, hits store shelves on October 26.

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, ATDW, American Idol, Without You, Invisible