RUBEN STUDDARD (Season 2)

Ultimately, Randy and Paula were right too, when they gave a standing ovation to, literally, the two biggest talents: Ruben, representin' his flava from Birmingham with an old Carpenters standard, and Kimberley Locke, the Tennessee native who put law school on hold so she could sing ''Over the Rainbow'' for Simon, or at least pick a fight with him. There's no question that these two gave the best performances of the season, and — proving that real pop stars do have curves, or at least bulk — they should definitely make it to the final round. — Michael Small, Feb. 12, 2003

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