Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Last night, Ruben Studdard announced plans for a “Timeless” tour with Clay Aiken.

Just minutes ago, tour dates were announced.

The best news for central Pennsylvania fans of the season two Idol finalists — they’re coming to the American Music Theater in Lancaster on Aug. 8.

I just spoke to someone at the theater who said an on-sale date for those tickets has not been selected yet. I’ll keep fans posted on that.

In a press release announcing the tour, here’s what the two stars had to say about touring together for the first time.

Said Clay: “I couldn’t ask for a better tour mate. To be able to share the stage with him again is so exciting. He is such a talented artist. He inspires me daily and I think that respect and admiration will truly be reflected in our show.”

Said Ruben: “It is truly a blessing and an honor to be on the stage with my friend. The relationship that we have built over these past eight years will definitely translate into a great show for our fans. And I’m really looking forward to singing the timeless classics every night.”

Clay is coming off a well-received concert in Raleigh, N.C., where he performed songs off his upcoming album, “Tried and True.”

Ruben has a new single, “Don’t Make ‘Em Like U No More,” on the Billboard R&B singles chart. It’s off the “Love Is” album he released last year.

Neither are strangers to the area.

Ruben was in York last year, playing a lead role in “Ain’t Misbehavin'” at the Strand.

Clay played the York Fair in 2004. In fact, he was the grandstand’s best draw that year, with a concert that drew 8,700 people, according to fair officials.

What can fans expect on the “Timeless” tour?

According to the press release, they’ll be performing hits from the past five decades. Fans can also expect “duets and special surprises” throughout the tour, it says.

Here’s the complete list of tour dates announced so far.

Jul-23 – Asheville, NC – Biltmore Estates
Jul-24 – Jacksonville, FL – Florida Theater
Jul-25 – Melbourne, FL – King Center For Arts
Jul-26 – Clearwater, FL – Ruth Eckerd Hall
Jul-29 – Snoqualmie WA – Casino- Mountain View Plaza
Jul-31 – Reno, NV – Silver Legacy Casino
Aug-01 – Los Angeles, CA – Club Nokia
Aug-03 – Milwaukee, WI – Potowanami Casino
Aug-05 – Windsor, ON – Caesar’s
Aug-06 – Chautauqua, NY – Chautauqua Institution Amphitheatre
Aug-07 – Mashantucket, CT – MGM Grand Foxwoods
Aug-08 – Lancaster, PA – American Music Theater
Aug-10 – Hampton Beach, NH – HB Casino
Aug-11 – New York, NY – Hammerstein
Aug-12 – Verona, NY – Turning Stone Casino
Aug-13 – Hammond, IN – Horseshoe
Aug-14 – Biloxi, MS – Beau Rivage