With so many jam-packed seasons in the record books of American Idol, it's easy to forget who won what and when. That happened to Kelly Clarkson recently, when she inadvertently forgot that Clay Aiken did not win Idol. He finished in second place in 2003. Ruben Studdard actually won that year.
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On December 16, Aiken was a guest on Clarkson's daytime TV show. She mistakenly identified him as the season 2 victor. Let's revisit that moment when one of our favorite singers and TV personalities had an innocently forgetful mix-up.
What Led To Kelly Clarkson's Humorous Flub?
She Was Talking About The Start Of Their Respective Careers Years Ago
Per huffpost.com, "The hilarious gaffe came at the start of the interview as Clarkson was recalling how she and Aiken were joint headliners on the 2004 Independent Tour in support of their respective debut albums."
Clarkson said to Aiken, ""I won the season before you, but we toured after you won. The Independent Tour, I think, is what it was called."
Clay Aiken Wasn't Upset By Clarkson's Error
Aiken gently and kindly mentioned, "After I came in second."
Unflustered, Clarkson took her mistake on the chin. "So sorry, Ruben! I totally remember that. Look, I'm 42, bro. OK, like, I forgot."
For his part, Aiken acted like a true gentleman about the whole thing. "It's been 20 years. We are both getting older."
Something Else Made Clarkson's Goof Even Wackier
She Was Actually On The Season 2 Final Episode Of 'Idol'
Clarkson performed her song "Miss Independent" on the show on May 21, 2003, prior to the crowning of the new champ. After the nail-biting announcement of the winner, she teamed with Studdard and Aiken on the Barry Manilow tune "One Voice," accompanied by the other contestants from that season.
They Chatted About The Independent Tour
Kelly Clarkson Laughingly Compared Aiken's Popularity To Her Own
Clarkson said, "It was as if I didn't exist. You were ... it was like Elvis was in the building every night. And you didn't even have to win, you didn't win and then people were losing it over you. It was so fun to watch."
It was fabulous watching these two super talented, classy people relive old times and the amazing trajectories their respective music careers have taken.
