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Ruben Studdard on "American Idol"
Ruben Studdard on "American Idol" - © FOX
Ruben Studdard won the second season of FOX's "American Idol."

Ruben Studdard's post "American Idol" fame has been somewhat diminished by the fact that he has been considerably overshadowed by the runner-up Clay Aiken. Despite not winning the formal contest, Aiken has gone on to be the most successful artist associated with the second season of "American Idol."

Ruben Studdard released his first single album with the hit song "Flying without Wings," produced by the Underdogs and Face a month later. In December 2003, advance orders for his album "Soulful" topped the one million mark before it was released into stores. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 album chart that month, selling over 400,000 copies in its first week and attaining the highest first-week sales of any American Idol winner. The single "Sorry 2004" from this album reached #9 in the Billboard Hot 100 and #1 on the Billboard R&B singles chart.

Ruben Studdard received a Grammy Award nomination in December 2003 for best R&B male vocal performance for his version of "Superstar," nominated with his idol Luther Vandross who won that category. The song peaked at No. 2 on the R&B chart. In March 2004, Ruben Studdard won the NAACP Best New Artist award.

Ruben Studdard then released the gospel album "I Need an Angel" in November 2004. The title track was a cover of a 2002 single performed by R&B singer Daniel DeBourg and written by R. Kelly. The album sold over 96,000 copies in its first week. It also entered the Gospel charts at #1, opened at #20 on the Billboard 200 chart, and has since sold over 500,000 copies. It was also #1 on the 2005 Billboard Year-End Gospel Albums Chart. As of July 2005, Ruben Studdard is the fourth-best selling "American Idol" performer with more than two million albums sold in the U.S.

Studdard's new album, "Love IS," helmed by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, is scheduled for release on May 19 through a joint venture with Hickory Records and 19 Recordings. The album is a collection of love songs featuring original recording as well as covers of classic hits.






RUBEN STUDDARD: FACTS

How tall is Ruben Studdard? How old is Ruben Studdard? Where was Ruben Studdard born? Find out here.

Age: 31 years old
Birthday: September 12, 1978
Height: 6' 3"
Nickname: Ruu
The Velvet Teddy Bear
Chris
Full Name / Real Name: Christopher Ruben Studdard
Birthplace: Frankfurt, West Germany
Wife: Surata Zuri McCants




AMERICAN IDOL: NEWS (106)


"American Idol 2010" judges and hostEllen Degeneres Makes Her 'American Idol' DebutThe newest "American Idol" judge joins the panel for the start of Hollywood Week on Tuesday, February 9. Read more...
Michelle Delamor in "American Idol 2010," Season 9'American Idol 2010' Top 24 Contestants UpdatedHere is the latest and most complete list of the rumored finalists for Season 9. Read more...
Jermaine Sellers of "American Idol 2010," Season 9'American Idol' 2010 Top 24 Contestants LeakedFind out who made the cut for the top 24 finalists for Season 9 of the FOX singing competition. Read more...
SEE ALL AMERICAN IDOL NEWS (106)





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Season 5