Birmingham, Alabama’s 350-pound teddy bear, Ruben Studdard, became the new American Idol Wednesday night, edging out runner-up Clay Aiken.

Studdard received 50.28 per cent of the 24 million votes, just 130,000 more than Aiken.

Aiken, taking the defeat graciously, said Ruben is “one of the most talented people I know, one of the best friends I have. I’m so proud of him!”

During several performances in the two-hour broadcast, Studdard sweated noticeably.

“I’m just happy to be at the end of the show,” Studdard said, joking with reporters backstage after the show. “It was really long.”

After host Ryan Seacrest announced the 24-year-old as the winner with about 10 minutes left, Studdard performed “Flying Without Wings,” which is supposed to be his first single.

Both finalists are scheduled to release a single on June 3.






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