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Ruben Studdard, the 2003 American Idol Winner and dubbed "the Velvet Teddy Bear" by famed R&B singer, Gladys Knight, is from Birmingham, AL. Ruben's musical roots are in Gospel music. This fact is reflected in his album, Soulful. Ruben was inspired and influenced by Gospel music heavy weight, Fred Hammond and sang in a gospel group, God's Gift as well as in a jazz/R&B band, Just a Few Cats.
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Since winning the American Idol competition Ruben has won an NAACP Image Award for his debut album, Soulful, which is platinum and toured the country with Clay Aiken and solo. Ruben was also a featured singer on Christmas in Washington in December 2004 and on Celebration of Gospel in January in January 2005. He made an appearance as an actor in April 2005 on the new Fox comedy seris, Life on a Stick. Desiring to contribute to music education in the Birmingham community, Ruben established the Ruben Studdard Foundation for the Advancement of Children in the Music Arts. After Ruben's fans kept asking him, "Where have you been?", because of his low profile in the media, he titled his lastest album, The Return.
In June 2008, Ruben wed Surata McCants. The couple reside in Birmingham. Ruben is currently touring in the revial of the musical Ain't Misbehavin' with fellow American Idol finalist, Trenyce and former American Idol contestant Frenchie Davis. Ruben plays Fats Waller.
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