‘American Idol’ Legend Ruben Studdard’s Dazzling U.S. Open Performance of “America the Beautiful”

The season 2 finale of American Idol brought together opposing ends of the spectrum: Ruben Studdard, the velvet-voiced R&B singer from Birmingham, Alabama, pitted against Clay Aiken, the “geek to chic” crooner from Raleigh, North Carolina. It was a tight race, but Studdard walked away with the crown. Now 45, the “Flying Without Wings” singer has successfully segued from music to TV and stage work, making his Broadway debut in 2018. But Studdard recently showed that music is still his main squeeze with a phenomenal performance at the U.S. Open finale.

See Ruben Studdard Perform “America the Beautiful”

Ruben Studdard took center court prior to the US Open men’s singles final on Sunday (Sept. 8.) The American Idol champ’s silky-smooth vocals filled Arthur Ashe Stadium in Queens, New York, as he sang the patriotic hymn “America the Beautiful.”

Taylor Fritz could become the first American man to nab a Grand Slam title since 2003 if he defeats top-seeded Jannik Sinner, of Italy. And one social media user thought Studdard’s effortless performance may give Fritz the boost he needed to take it home.

“if that gorgeous interpretation of America the Beautiful does not inspire Taylor then absolutely nothing in this world can,” a fan wrote on X/Twitter.

Another awestruck viewer wrote, “man, ruben studdard just killed america the beautiful to open the #USOpen final.”

The GRAMMY-nominated artist expressed his gratitude by sharing a picture of the stadium to his own social media account. “Thank you God for yet another opportunity to share my gift,” wrote the American Idol star in the caption.

“Excellent performance!!” one Instagram user wrote. “I miss that silky voice and was glad to hear it today. Hope to hear more from you soon.”

[RELATED: Where Are They Now? American Idol Winner Ruben Studdard]

Social Media Goes Crazy For Mickey Guyton’s “God Bless America”

Ruben Studdard nailed his rendition of “America the Beautiful” at the U.S. Open men’s singles final. But the American Idol winner wasn’t the only GRAMMY nominee performing this weekend.

On Saturday (Sept. 7), groundbreaking country music artist Mickey Guyton blew viewers away with her own spin on “God Bless America” ahead of the women’s singles final.

Aryna Sabalenka, of Belarus, bested American Jessica Pegula to win her third Grand Slam title.

Featured image by Brandon Nagy/Shutterstock