Ruben Studdard

Ruben Studdard's rich, soulful voice earned him what is currently the greatest television title - American Idol. Studdard was the second winner of the competition (after pop sensation Kelly Clarkson), and has since enjoyed great success with three terrific albums. His latest LP, 'The Return', has been met with excellent reviews and solid sales.

Like other 'American Idol' finalists Bo Bice and Taylor Hicks, Studdard was raised in the pop-singer breeding grounds of Birmingham, Alabama. Most sources claim that Studdard was born there on September 12, 1978, though others suggest he was actually born in Frankfurt while his father was stationed in Germany with the U.S. Army. Regardless, Studdard began singing in Birmingham when he was only three years old, aiding the gospel choir at the Rising Star Baptist Church. He also excelled in football, even receiving a sports scholarship to Alabama A&M, but music was his passion - growing up, his mother's gospel albums were a deep inspiration. After graduating from A&M with a music degree (voice studies), Studdard sang back-up for the local Birmingham group Just A Few Cats before heading to Nashville for his fateful 'Idol' audition.

Studdard ascended the 'Idol' ranks with ease, and impressed judges Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson, and Simon Cowell on the strength of his powerful, velvety vocals. His primary rival in the competition was runner-up Clay Aiken, who sported a lighter, pop-ballad style that had fans split down the middle. Studdard beat Aiken by only 134,000 votes - a tiny fraction of the total 24 million cast. The post-'Idol' years for Aiken have been more financially lucrative than Studdard's, largely because Aiken's target audience is significantly broader. Studdard has stayed true to his gospel roots, keeping him in a niche position.

Nonetheless, Studdard has been enormously successful for a gospel singer, as his first album 'Soulful' sold well over a million copies and debuted at #1 when released in 2003. All of Studdard's releases have been met with considerable critical praise, particularly his 2004 full-on gospel album 'I Need An Angel'. His latest offering, 2006's 'The Return', exhibits more of Studdard's R&B side, and has so far produced the hit single 'Change Me', which hit #1 on the Urban Adult Contemporary charts.