Sometimes it’s nice to get a little help from old friends…

This year, American Idol will be welcoming back a familiar name to their Top 12 shows:  Ruben Studdard.  Although the Season 2 winner won’t necessarily be seen during the twice-weekly broadcasts, he will have a large (no pun intended) presence.

The R&B singer - who hasn’t had much luck lately with his own career - will now be the voice you hear when a sad soul gets their marching papers.  Remember that ubiquitous Daniel Powter song, “Bad Day”?  Now we’ll be struggling to get Studdard’s voice out of our heads.

Producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis (probably best known for their work on Janet Jackson’s ‘Control’ album) will be helping to craft Ruben’s farewell song.  The tune will be a cover of Kenny Loggins’ “Celebrate Me Home.”  (Most of you might remember Loggins’ own connection to Idol; he once served as a guest judge during the program’s early audition phase.)

Those interested in purchasing a copy of the new single can do so starting March 12 on iTunes.