Idol Brings Ruben Back for "Farewell Song"

Billboard reports that Ruben Studdard will perform the "farewell song" used to play off the losing contestants when they depart the top 12.

It's a significant gig for Studdard, who was dropped by J Records at the end of 2007. He is, however, still managed by the show's 19 Entertainment and under contract to subsidiary 19 Recordings, a link that paved the way for him to return to the show as the song's performer.

"Ruben has never left our fold," AI executive producer Nigel Lythgoe says. "[With] the success that we've had with the play-off song, I wanted to keep it in-house."

"[Lewis and Jam] were on my list of producers to work with, and to have the opportunity was a blessing," Studdard says. "If they tell you something is hot, you can probably rest assured that other people are going to like it."

Iain Pirie says the idea to have Studdard record the track came after the warm reception he received following an appearance on last season's American Idol finale. In addition, Studdard is in negotiations to perform the song during "Idol Gives Back," the show's midseason charity effort.

For his part, Studdard is about to return to the studio to record an album for 19. "I need to get into the studio, go there and kind of trip out for a while," he says.