STUDDARD: Yes, me and Clay are really good friends. Is this kind of strange that while you're enjoying being the "American Idol," you're also kind of sharing the spotlight with the runner-up? WHITFIELD: Speaking of teamwork, you and Clay have exhibited a real good friendship that you all have had, and you have been touring, so to speak, in the last week, making appearances. I think all parties involved want to have a good project that we can all be happy with and that comes with teamwork. STUDDARD: Well, I think I have a lot of input. WHITFIELD: And how much input will you have on your new album? STUDDARD: Well, I've always believed in just being myself, so it's paid off, and I've not changed at all, so.
But how does Ruben stay Ruben in all of this? WHITFIELD:At the same time, I imagine it has got to be pretty overwhelming and fairly exhausting that so many people are pulling at you, to have so many demands of you. I never knew that the things I wanted to do would come this fast, but this is the route that God took me, and so I'm excited. Do you still kind of feel rather numb, that this really can't be? I've been doing different recordings my whole life, so this was just the culmination of a lot of hard work and I'm just - I'm excited. So how impressive was it initially when you walked into that studio and you realized, "Oh, my gosh, I'm going to be recording my first song here, and my first album, right here in a recording studio"? STUDDARD: Yes, I was there for, like, two hours and I finished the single up, and then I went to another interview. Have you actually made it into the studio as of yet? You have been, you know, from television station to television station.
WHITFIELD: And I know you've been incredibly busy. I've enjoyed every minute of it, and God has truly blessed me, so I can't do anything but be grateful. WHITFIELD: Well, what's it like being now a household name? Of course, you've been one for some weeks now, but now as the "American Idol," how has life changed? He joined Anchor Fredricka Whitfield from CNN's New York studios to talk about what's next for the rising star known as the "Velvet Teddy Bear."
(CNN) - Since taking the title last week in the season finale of "American Idol," Ruben Studdard has been busy promoting himself and his upcoming single, "Flying Without Wings."