Ruben Studdard: Mariah Carey Should Be the Next 'X Factor' Judge

Moses Robinson/Getty Images

Ruben Studdard stopped by The Wendy Williams Show Tuesday morning to promote his fifth album, Letters From Birmingham, and chat it up with the television host about such hot topics as who should judge X-Factor, the truth behind his divorce, his tax problems and Clay Aiken’s chances on NBC’s The Apprentice.

our editor recommends

'American Idol' Contestant Jermaine Jones Disqualified From Competition

'American Idol's' Steven Tyler and Fiancee Erin Brady Planning Beach Wedding

'The Voice's' Juliet Simms Vs. 'American Idol's' Skylar Laine: Whose Rod Stewart Cover Ruled? (Video)

PHOTOS: 'American Idol Live' Tour In Pictures

After Williams questioned Studdard about X Factor’s contract negotiations saga with Britney Spears, Studdard said his judge of choice would be: Mariah Carey.

“She wouldn’t pull any punches,” said Studdard, who also name checked former Pop Stars judge David Foster as another choice.

He was congenial about his divorce from his wife of three years, Surata Zuri McCants, rejecting Williams’ theory that McCants expected the high life when she married the Velvet Teddy Bear.

Studdard said the couple was just “two people going in two different directions,” explaining that he wanted a big family and she already had a daughter.

VIDEO: Simon Cowell Addresses 'X Factor' Judges Search, Britney Spears' Potential Deal

He also said that although Studdard and Aiken are perceived as quiet guys, he’s not surprised that Aiken’s sense of humor is shining on The Apprentice, and added that Aiken is an entertaining and funny person, which he learned from living with the singer in the same house during American Idol’s second season, and on tour.

He even said that a production hand on the American Idol tour said that a camera should have been backstage just so people can see how “stupid” Aiken and Studdard really are.

Other revelations: Studdard has regained most of the weight he lost due to stress eating and “kicking it” following his divorce (sweets is his downfall, especially red velvet cake); the title of his single, “June 28,” is the date he got married; he is very single, and is working with his tax attorney to repay the $100,000 in taxes he owes to the IRS.

“I won’t be the first person on television with that problem and I won’t be the last,” he said.