Official Website: Rueben Studdard

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. "

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). " College: "

Attended Alabama A&M University, Normal, AL

Rueben Studdard

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