Ruben Chistopher Studdard was born on September 12, 1978. Ruben sang for the first time at the Rising Star Baptist Church in his home town of Birmingham, Alabama at age three. Ruben continued to sing gospel music at his church and performed many solos. At his high school, Huffman High School, he played football and received a scholarship to Alabama A&M University. While at collage he majored in voice studies and he graduated in 2000. Ruben then decided to pursue his career and he tried out for American Idol.

When Ruben auditioned he sang “Ribbon in the Sky.” Also throughout the competition he sang “Super Star,” and “A Whole New World.” Ruben also got his nickname, Velvet Teddy Bear, by the soulful diva Gladys Knights. Finally Ruben won, becoming the second American Idol winner, and the first and only male to win so far.

Ruben released his first album “Soulful” on December 9^th, 2003. His second album, ‘I Need an Angle” was released on November 23, 2004. In December Ruben was nominated for a Grammy Award for best R&B male vocal performance.