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Ruben Studdard

Celebrity

  • Birth Name: Christopher Ruben Studdard
  • Birth Place: Frankfurt, West Germany
  • Date of Birth / Zodiac Sign: 09/12/1978, Virgo
  • Profession: Singer
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With a voice as big as his much-discussed girth, this soulful singer became the second American Idol winner in 2003. Raised singing gospel music, he attended college on a football scholarship before switching his focus to showbiz. Markedly different from his AI competitors — particularly freckle-faced runner-up Clay Aiken, who ultimately became the more popular of the two — the affectionately nicknamed "Velvet Teddy Bear" won over viewers with his smooth style and easygoing attitude. His post-show career was not the juggernaut everyone anticipated: The tracks and release date of his first album, Soulful, changed many times, while his second, I Need an Angel, smartly featured Studdard doing what he does best: gospel tunes. The corpulent vocalist also branched out into acting with a string of sitcom guest shots.Ruben Studdard Fast Facts:
  • Was a member of Alabama-based gospel group God's Gift.
  • Nicknamed the Velvet Teddy Bear by Gladys Knight, who served as a guest judge on American Idol.
  • Alabama governor Bob Riley designated March 11, 2003, Ruben Studdard Day.
  • Launched his own label, Real Music Records, at the close of 2003.
  • Had a cameo as himself in the movie Scooby Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed (2004).
  • Ruben Studdard Relationships:
  • Emily Studdard - Mother
  • Hattie Williams - Grandmother
  • Kevin Studdard Jr. - Half Brother
  • Kevin Studdard Sr. - Father
  • Surata Zuri McCants - Wife
  • College:
  • Attended Alabama A&M University, Normal, AL