Ruben Studdard Biography

Fast Facts

• Founded The Ruben Studdard Foundation for the Advancement of Children in the Music Arts
• Won the 2003 Teen Choice Award for choice male TV reality/variety star
• Attended Alabama A&M University, where he played football
• Decided to audition for "American Idol" only after a background singer for his music group asked him to accompany her to the auditions
• Started out performing with the jazz band Just a Few Cats
• Is best known as the winner of "American Idol" in 2003
• Was featured in the 2008 tour of the stage play "Ain't Misbehavin․"
• Is an member of the music fraternity Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia
• Was in contention for the title role in "Fat Albert," but lost out on the part to Kenan Thompson