Ruben Studdard to Record and Perform American Idol 'Farewell Song'
Date: 02/29/08 | Singersroom News
Filed under: R&B News, Ruben Studdard
R&B singer Ruben Studdard is book to perform the "farewell song" used to play off the losing contestants when they depart the top 12.
This season, the song will be a cover of Kenny Loggins' "Celebrate Me Home," in a new version produced by Terry Lewis and Jimmy Jam. "It's very soulful, very heartfelt," Lewis says. "Ruben is singing his pants off."
"[Lewis and Jam] were on my list of producers to work with, and to have the opportunity was a blessing," Studdard says. "If they tell you something is hot, you can probably rest assured that other people are going to like it."
This would be a huge gig for Studdard, who was dropped from J Records last year.
The "American Idol" season-five farewell song, Daniel Powter's "Bad Day," went on to sell 1.9 million copies, according to Nielsen SoundScan, and was the top digital download of 2006.
As part of the show's new sponsorship this season with iTunes, "Celebrate Me Home" will be made available digitally starting March 12, the day the first of the top 12 will be eliminated. In addition, it is expected to be included on one of the compilation albums annually released by "American Idol," according to 19 Entertainment U.S. head Iain Pirie.
In addition, Studdard is in negotiations to perform the song during "Idol Gives Back," the show's midseason charity effort.
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Dinky 35 said it all Ruben. Heard you are going to be recording on 19 E's label as well as touring with Frenchie in "Ain't Misbehaving". It's all good cause you know God loves the VTB. An Ohio fan
Hi Rubben, my little girl has loved you since she first show you on t.v.. Rubben what God has for you the devil in hell cannot take it from you. So mr. Velvet Teddy Bear keep doing what god wants you to do. God Bless you and keep you head up and you knees down. Love you Rubben a fan from the N.O
YOU LOOK SO GOOD..TENNESSEE LOVES YOU!!