Season 2
Season 2 began in the US on the 19 January 2003 and continued until 20 May 2003. The final 12 contestants were Vanessa Olivarez, Charles Grigsby, Julia DeMato, Corey Clark, Rickey Smith, Kimberley Caldwell, Carmen Rasmusen, Trenyce, Joshua Gracin, Kimberley Locke, runner up Clay Aiken and winner Ruben Studdard.
Out of 24 million votes recorded, Ruben finished just 130,000 votes ahead of Clay, although there remains controversy over the accuracy of the reported results. Despite Ruben's win, Clay has enjoyed more widespread popularity, emerging as the season's true breakout star.