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.

Professional music career

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 Soulful topped the 1 million mark before the album was released into stores. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard music charts that month selling over 400,000 copies in its first week. The single "Sorry 2004" from this album reached #9 in the Billboard Hot 100 and #1 on the Billboard R&B singles chart. Ruben received a grammy nomination in December 2003 for best r & b male vocal performance for "Superstar", nominated with his idol Luther Vandross (Vandross won that category). In March 2004, Ruben won the NAACP best new artist award.

Related Topics:
Underdogs and Face - December 2003 - Billboard - Billboard Hot 100 - R&B singles chart - Luther Vandross

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Studdard then released a Gospel Album I Need An Angel on November 23, 2004. Selling, 96,000 copies in its first week, went to #1 on the gospel charts, opened at #20 on the Billboard Album Chart, and was certified gold in April 2005, having sold 500,000+ copies. As of July 2005, Studdard is the 3rd best selling American Idol performer with more than 2.5 million albums sold in the U.S.

Related Topics:
November 23 - 2004

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

In March 2005, Studdard filed a lawsuit against godfather and business advisor Ronald Edwards. The suit alleges that Edwards ran up $156,000 on Studdard's credit cards and stole $90,000 from his checking account. Edwards has filed a countersuit.

Related Topics:
March - 2005

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~