By John Kiesewetter
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Clay Aiken (left) and Ruben Studdard

Who will be the next American Idol?

Ruben Studdard, the teddy bear with the heavyweight voice, say Tristate fans hooked on the show. The winner will be revealed today (8-10 p.m., Channels 19, 45).

Studdard, the favorite throughout the competition, drew more than half (407) of the votes in The Enquirer's poll.

"Everyone loves Ruben because he's not the average pop star. He has a unique look, an amazing voice and a lovable personality. He's destined to win," says Nikki Sanders of Delhi Township.

But other Idol fans were no less passionate about Clay Aiken, the other finalist.

ABOUT THE FINALISTS

Ruben Studdard (right), 25, was born in Frankfurt, Germany, and raised in Birmingham, Ala. He attended Alabama A&M University, where he studied voice for 3 1/2 years and played football for one season. He has been singing since age 3. His favorite singer is Donnie Hathaway ("For All We Know"). Clay Aiken, 24, from Raleigh, N.C., is a special education major at the University of North Carolina who works with a 13-year-old boy with autism. He has been singing since he was 18 months old. His compares his singing style to Harry Connick Jr., Elton John and Jon Secada.

ONLINE POLL

Ruben Studdard was the overwhelming favorite among Tristate American Idol fans in our online poll. The results: Ruben Studdard 51% Clay Aiken 37% Kimberley Locke 7% Joshua Gracin 5%

WHAT FANS THINK

Quotes from our online poll

"(Clay) flat-out has the best voice," says Jack Dolezal of Milford. "Clay is the better singer, and therefore should win. . . ."

Clearly these two singers have struck a chord across America - and with each other. The two have become best friends during the 12-week competition.

"I don't feel like I'm going up against Ruben. I don't feel like it's a competition about who's better - anymore," Clay said in a conference call Friday.

Ruben, who prays with Clay before each telecast, doesn't consider the North Carolina special education major his rival either.

"We're just going to go out there and have a good time," he said.

Clay called making it to the final show "sweet justice," considering how tough judge Simon Cowell was on him early in the competition.

"I came in . . . ready for criticism. You know that Simon is not going to be nice all the time. I just go out, and sing my song, and let Simon say something mean," he said.

"I find it so hard to believe that I'm still here," Clay said, "and that people are liking me."

Ruben said he never felt any pressure about being a front-runner since January.

"I'm just having fun, and whatever happens, happens," he said.

"You couldn't find people who are so different - which is why I think we're so close," Clay said. "That's what the public's got to decide."