“American Idol” season two winner Ruben Studdard is back in the bosom of the reality show juggernaut.
Studdard will be getting major play this season as his version of Kenny Loggins’ “Celebrate Me Home” is being used as the show’s goodbye song, which plays as contestants are voted off the show, according to the Hollywood Reporter.
The new version of the song was produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, who are well known for their work with stars including Janet Jackson, Mariah Carey and Usher.
The soulful track was originally released on Loggins’ “Celebrate Me Home” album in 1977. As for Ruben’s new version, Lewis said Studdard belted the track out.
“Ruben is singing his pants off,” the producer told the Hollywood Reporter.
The song will be available on iTunes on March 12.
As previously reported on AccessHollywood.com, Studdard parted ways with his label, J Records, late last year.
The Hollywood Reporter noted he is still managed by 19 Entertainment, which produces “Idol.”
Executive Producer Nigel Lythgoe said the first line of Loggins’ original song, “Home for the holidays,” was removed so that it had less of a holiday feel, according to the Hollywood Reporter.
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