Back in 2003, Clay Aiken came in as the runner-up on American Idol season 2 with Ruben Studdard crowned the winner that year. The two remain close friends though, and both have went on to build music careers after the show. The former contestant spoke with EntertainmentNow, and shared his thoughts on the series since his time on it, and American Idol 2025 winner, Jamal Roberts.
He shared that while season 1 winner Kelly Clarkson and runner-up Justin Guarini had strong voices and a "pop star" look, Aiken felt like his season saw audiences care more about talent rather than the overall look of the contestants. And he thinks that did end up happening. Over the years, the singing competition series' production has grown and it's become more showy.
And though those elements remained this year, Aiken feels like there was more diverse finalists from different backgrounds and genres, comparing it to his season. Roberts is a father to three daughters, a P.E. teacher, and is also the first Black man to win the show since Studdard in 2003.
That's why Aiken was happy about Roberts becoming the American Idol 2025 winner. Because at the end of the day, he was one of the more relatable contestants, according to Aiken. So basically what he's trying to say is that it's not all about the glitz and glamour. It's about who these Idol hopefuls are as people. Here's what Aiken told EntertainmentNow:
“I think in some way, the fact that the audience said ‘we want the guy who we relate to’ kind of goes to show that networks don’t always know what audiences want. Sometimes audiences need to tell them, and they did this year, absolutely.”
Aiken also went on to share that he thinks the judges the last few seasons should actually be a bit more critical as that's what the aspiring artists need to hear. New judge Carrie Underwood has been under fire by fans for seeming to give more critiques compared to Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie, for example. However, Aiken believes that too many nice comments aren't going to help contestants grow and they do need some of that constructive criticism.
It's an interesting view to have, and in some ways I do think he's right if you think about it. American Idol 2026 has already been confirmed by ABC, though the network hasn't announced which, if any, judges will return for duties on the panel next season. However this is usually normal as contracts are negotiated during the summer before any announcements are made.
There's been rumors about Underwood herself not wanting to return for various reasons, and maybe the network will take into account the backlash the judge and American Idol season 4 winner has been getting. I don't know. All we can do is wait for an official update right now. Overall I think she was a good judge this season, and wouldn't mind her return.
American Idol 2026 is expected to premiere early next year on ABC.
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