Ruben Studdard

Christopher Ruben Studdard (born September 12, 1978) is an American pop music singer who rose to fame as winner of the second season of the American Idol television program.

American Idol

When auditioning, Studdard sang Stevie Wonder's "Ribbon In The Sky" and he ended up as one of the local finalists. On American Idol, he impressed viewers with his performances of "Superstar" (originally recorded by the Carpenters and later covered by Luther Vandross) and the Peabo Bryson/Regina Belle duet "A Whole New World"; during the time on the show, Studdard got praise from music legends such as Lionel Richie, Neil Sedaka, Robin Gibb of the Bee Gees, Luther Vandross, and Gladys Knight.

Related Topics:
Stevie Wonder - Carpenters - Luther Vandross - Peabo Bryson - Regina Belle - Lionel Richie - Neil Sedaka - Robin Gibb - Bee Gees - Gladys Knight

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During the televised competition, Studdard gained the nickname "Velvet Teddy Bear" and was noted for his shirts printed with "205," the telephone area code of his hometown of Birmingham. Studdard also did a cover version of "For All We Know", originally recorded by Donny Hathaway, whose music he grew up with.

Related Topics:
Area code - Cover version

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He won the contest by just a few thousand votes over runner-up Clay Aiken, is the second American Idol winner and is the first, and only male to hold that title.

Related Topics:
Clay Aiken - American Idol

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