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
