Ruben Studdard (right) beat Clay Aiken after many weeks of competition

On 10 June, Studdard will release his version of Flying Without Wings - originally recorded by Westlife. Side B is his cover of the Carpenters' song Superstar.

Aiken will issue his cover of Simon & Garfunkel's Bridge Over Troubled Water and the original song This Is the Night.

All of the songs were performed by the singers during the many weeks of American Idol, the second series in the US version of hit TV talent show known as Pop Idol in the UK.

The singles are being released just three weeks after more than 38 million people in the US tuned in to watch the two compete in the final show on TV.

Kelly Clarkson won the first series

Studdard can expect a big welcome from fans in his home town of Birmingham, Alabama, when he returns next week.

He is due to film the video for Flying Without Wings in the city's Linn Park and fans are to be invited to go along.

Both Studdard and Aiken will be guests on The Oprah Winfrey Show on US TV on 10 June.

Justin Guarini - the runner-up in the first American Idol series - is also due to appear on the show. He is releasing his debut album on the same day.

Meanwhile, Studdard and Aiken are looking to September to release their first albums.

A third series of American Idol is being planned for 2004.