(August 27, 2025) Jim Brickman and Ruben Studdard seem like they might be an odd musical paring. Brickman is a Grammy nominated pianist known for his instrumental music – although he’s worked with many great vocalists. Studdard famously won the top prize on “American Idol” during the second season. Studdard is a powerhouse vocalist known for his work in the R&B and gospel realms. He also earned a Grammy nomination in 2003.
However, Brickman has collaborated with artists like Leslie Odom and Gerald Levert, so a paring with Studdard is well within Brickman’s artistic range. The two come together on a sweet ballad, titled “It’s You” that has wedding song written all over it.
While Brickman is known for his work as an instrumentalist, he shows the heart of an accompanist on “It’s You.” His playing displays an openness to being involved in a musical conversation with a singer of Studdard’s range and vocal honesty. At the same time, Studdard is mindful of his musical partner. He handles the lyrics with gentleness that is needed on a song that find putting the focus and love on the one person that is the most important thing in his life. Check out Jim Brickman and Ruben Studdard on “It’s You” here.
By Howard Dukes
