The Velvet Teddy Bear And The Claymate: Where Are The American Idol Season 2 Contestants Now?

American Idol Season 2, which premiered on January 21, 2003, was arguably the first true cultural phenomenon of the reality singing competition era, building on the success of Kelly Clarkson's inaugural season. It set the stage for one of the most memorable and controversial finales in television history, pitting the smooth R&B stylings of the "Velvet Teddy Bear," Ruben Studdard, against the soaring pop vocals of Clay Aiken, creating a rivalry that continues to define the series' legacy more than two decades later.

As of December 2025, the stars of the 2003 season continue to make headlines, from major concert tours and new albums to surprising career pivots in politics and television. This is an in-depth, fresh look at where the most iconic voices from the second season of American Idol are now, including the latest 2024 and 2025 updates and a look back at the enduring controversies that rocked the show.

American Idol Season 2: The Top 4 Finalists and Their Current Status (2025)

The second season's finale was a nail-biter, with the final tally showing Ruben Studdard winning by a margin of just 134,000 votes out of 24 million cast, sparking immediate and lasting debate about the voting system. The Top 4 contestants have all maintained significant careers in music, television, and beyond.

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1. Ruben Studdard (Winner, The Velvet Teddy Bear)

• Full Name: Ruben Studdard
• Born: September 12, 1978 (Age 47)
• Hometown: Birmingham, Alabama
• Nickname: The Velvet Teddy Bear
• Coronation Song: "Flying Without Wings"
• Current Status (2025): Active touring musician and recording artist.

Ruben Studdard has consistently pursued his music career, focusing on R&B, soul, and gospel. His most recent and notable update is his reunion with runner-up Clay Aiken for a major national tour. The "Twenty Years One Night" tour celebrated the 20th anniversary of their season, running through 2023 and into 2024, proving their enduring popularity. In late 2023, Studdard signed a new record deal with SRG/ILS and released his eighth studio album, The Way I Remember It.

2. Clay Aiken (Runner-Up, The Claymate)

• Full Name: Clayton Holmes Aiken
• Born: November 30, 1978 (Age 47)
• Hometown: Raleigh, North Carolina
• Fanbase Nickname: Claymates
• Notable Career Pivot: Political Activist and Congressional Candidate.
• Current Status (2025): Touring artist, political commentator, and activist.

Clay Aiken's career has been a dynamic mix of music and public service. While he joined Studdard for the successful 2023/2024 anniversary tour, his focus has increasingly shifted to politics. Aiken has twice run for the U.S. House of Representatives in North Carolina as a Democrat, most recently in 2022. Though he lost in the primary, he remains a prominent political activist and co-founder of the National Inclusion Project, which promotes inclusion for children with disabilities.

3. Kimberley Locke (Third Place)

• Full Name: Kimberley Dawn Locke
• Born: January 3, 1978 (Age 47)
• Hometown: North Adams, Massachusetts
• Post-Idol Success: Four No. 1 hits on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart.
• Current Status (2025): Television host and executive producer.

Kimberley Locke successfully transitioned from pop star to television personality. Beyond her chart success with singles like "8th World Wonder," Locke is currently the host and executive producer of Making the Curve, a reality singing competition that aims to form a supergroup of plus-sized women. Her work continues to champion body positivity and talent across various media platforms.

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4. Josh Gracin (Fourth Place)

• Full Name: Joshua Mario Gracin
• Born: October 18, 1980 (Age 45)
• Hometown: Westland, Michigan
• Unique Fact: Was an active-duty U.S. Marine during the competition.
• Current Status (2025): Country music artist and family man.

Josh Gracin found significant success in the country music genre after Idol, with his debut single "I Want to Live" and a platinum-selling self-titled album. His most recent personal update came in January 2024 when he and his wife welcomed their sixth child, a daughter named Madelaine Kate Gracin. He is also reportedly preparing a new country album for release in 2024, continuing his career in Nashville.

The Enduring Controversies and Shocking Moments of Season 2

Beyond the music, American Idol Season 2 is remembered for the drama and controversies that played out both on and off the screen, setting a precedent for reality TV scandals.

The Disqualification of Corey Clark

One of the season's biggest scandals involved Top 9 finalist Corey Clark. Clark was disqualified from the competition in April 2003 after producers discovered he had been arrested for a family dispute and had outstanding warrants. Years later, Clark made headlines again by alleging he had an inappropriate relationship with judge Paula Abdul while on the show, a claim Abdul and the show's producers vehemently denied.

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The Tragic Loss of Rickey Smith

The American Idol family suffered a profound loss with the death of Top 8 finalist Rickey Smith. Smith, a talented soul singer, was tragically killed in a wrong-way car crash in Oklahoma in May 2016 at the age of 36. His death deeply affected his fellow contestants, including Studdard and Aiken, and serves as a somber reminder of the human cost behind the celebrity.

The Judges and Key Figures

The Season 2 judges—Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, and Randy Jackson—were at the height of their fame, with their chemistry and contrasting personalities driving the show's popularity. Cowell's harsh critiques, Jackson's signature "Dawg," and Abdul's emotional responses became legendary hallmarks of the series. The season also featured Ryan Seacrest and Brian Dunkleman as co-hosts for the early episodes, before Seacrest took over solo hosting duties for the remainder of the run.

Where Are the Rest of the American Idol Season 2 Top 12 Now?

The remaining finalists from American Idol Season 2 have pursued diverse paths, from Broadway and musical theater to television and recording careers. Their continued work highlights the season's depth of talent.

• Trenyce (Fifth Place): Trenyce (Lashundra Cobbins) has established a successful career in musical theater. She has starred in major productions, including the national tour of the musical The Color Purple. Recent updates suggest she is also working on new music for 2024.
• Carmen Rasmusen (Sixth Place): Known for her country sound, Carmen Rasmusen released an album, Nothin’ Like the Summer, and later became a columnist for the Deseret News. She is married with a family.
• Kimberly Caldwell (Seventh Place): Caldwell transitioned into a successful television personality, working as an entertainment correspondent and host for the TV Guide Network. She has also pursued a music career in pop-rock.
• Charles Grigsby (Tenth Place): Grigsby, a talented vocalist, has continued his music career, performing in various venues and maintaining a presence in the R&B and gospel scene.
• Julia DeMato (Eleventh Place): DeMato has largely stepped away from the spotlight, focusing on her family life after her time on the show.
• Vanessa Olivarez (Twelfth Place): Olivarez, known for her powerful voice, has pursued a career in country music and performing arts, often working in the Nashville scene.

Other notable contestants from the Top 32 semifinals who contributed to the season's rich talent pool include Nasheka Siddall, Lou Gazzara, and Jordan Segundo, all of whom have maintained careers in music and performance in various capacities. The legacy of American Idol Season 2 is not just in the careers of its two biggest stars, Studdard and Aiken, but in the dozens of entities who used the platform to launch enduring careers in the entertainment industry.