A show like American Idol was bound to bring attention to talent and that was clearly the case for Ruben Studdard. He competed in the second season of American Idol and ended up receiving a Grammy award nomination in 2003 for the song “Superstar.” These days, his music genre fits into the pop, R&B, and gospel categories and he certainly knows how to sing!
Even though it seems like ages ago when he graced the American Idol stages with his amazing voice, he has been busy doing a lot more since then. He was the second individual to win the competition, following Kelly Clarkson who won the year prior. Here’s everything he’s been up to since that amazing and fateful day.
10 He Reunited With Former Opponent Clay Aiken For Christmas Performances
Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken are good friends to this very day. They might have been competitive finalists on American Idol once upon a time, but there are clearly no hard feelings or bad blood between the gentlemen. They turned to Broadway for the holiday season in 2018 for Ruben & Clay's Christmas Show. Their voices together are perfection! Fans can agree.
9 He Married Surata Zuri McCants (2008 – 2012)
Ruben Studdard married Surata Zuri McCants in 2008 but unfortunately, they decided to part ways in 2012. The reason for the split was cited as “irreconcilable differences“ so fans aren’t exactly sure what the details are. The news of the split made headlines after TMZ broke the news in 2012, but TMZ also reported that Ruben Studdard didn’t walk away losing his financial assets because of the prenup that was instituted before his wedding day.
8 He Competed On NBC's 'The Biggest Loser' -- & Lost 119 lbs
Ruben Studdard competed on NBC's The Biggest Loser and ended up achieving an impressive feat. He dropped 119 lbs. His motivation for shedding extra weight was his type 2 diabetes diagnosis. Losing 119 lbs is not easy by any means but it is something he dedicated his time, energy, and efforts to. He made a lifestyle change and it is beyond inspirational.
7 He Encourages 'Idol' Hopefuls To Audition
According to social media, Ruben Studdard is very encouraging to aspiring singers who hope to become the next winner of American Idol. He even posted a video talking directly to hopefuls explain to them why they should definitely go for it and put themselves out there by auditioning for the show. Obviously, the show changed his life in a major way! The show has the potential to change anyone’s life if they are willing to put themselves out there.
6 He's Available On Cameo For $75
Ruben Studdard is available on cameo for $75! Cameo is a new and exciting platform where fans can purchase customize videos from their favorite celebrities. The videos can be dedicated to birthdays, anniversaries, or simply just hearing a celebrity say hello! Now that Ruben Studdard is available on Cameo, fans can even request to hear him sing a couple of lines from one of his songs if they really want to! Cameo Such an excellent and brilliant way for celebrities to connect with their fans on a deeper level.
5 He Supports Kelly Clarkson's Career, Post 'Idol'
Kelly Clarkson won American Idol the year before Ruben Studdard so she can relate to him on exactly what it feels like to have your entire world changed in an instant! Winning American Idol is a big deal because suddenly, everyone knows your name.
Everyone knows who you are and everyone wants to hear you sing! He supported Kelly Clarkson by posting a picture of her with a caption saying, “Always good to see my friend @kellyclarkson shine!! Y’all make sure to tune into her new TV show!!!” To his Instagram.
4 He's Maintained His Religious Faith
According to Ruben Studdard Instagram, he has definitely maintained his religious faith in the years following his time on American Idol. He reposted a quote on Instagram from Pastor Elliot Ivey Sr. that says, “Please God, make my days useful, my night stressful, my home peaceful and my efforts fruitful. Amen.“ What a beautiful prayer to share with his followers!
3 He's Brought Attention To Black History
Also on Ruben Studdard's Instagram page, he has brought attention to black history in a way that is extremely worthwhile. He posted about William Hooper Councill, a man who was born into slavery but was able to overcome the hardships.
He also posted about Martin Luther King, one of the most well-respected historians to ever live. On top of that, Ruben Studdard has also been one to post about the holiday of Juneteenth which is a day celebrated because it is when the abolition of slavery was announced in the United States.
2 He Went On Tour In 2019 In Honor Of Luther Vandross
The name of Ruben Studdard's 2019 tour was Ruben Singers Luther: An Evening Of Luther Vandross starring Ruben Studdard. He started the tour in the first place as a way to honor and pay tribute to Luthor Vandross. Ruben Studdard told Vaildaily.com, “I really appreciate the opportunity to go around the country performing his songs and sharing these nostalgic moments with people that remember his music. People are receiving it really well. People just love Luther. It’s like going out and doing a tribute to The Beatles." This tour was a brilliant move for Studdard.
1 He's Released A Lot Of Excellent Music
Releasing new music is something Ruben Studdard never really stopped doing. In 2003, fresh off of his American Idol win, he released an album called Soulful. The following year in 2004, he released I Need An Angel. A couple of short years later he released The Return in 2006. He didn't slow down! In 2009, his next album Love Is was released, followed quickly by album number five which he named Letters from Birmingham. That one dropped in 2012. Album number six is called Unconditional Love and it was released to the public in 2014.