Ruben Studdard

About

Singer best known for defeating Clay Aiken to become the winner of the second season of American Idol. He received a Grammy Award nomination for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance for his recording of "Superstar" in 2003.

Before Fame

He received a scholarship to play football at Alabama A&M. One of his first bands was the jazz group Just a Few Cats.

Trivia

Since winning American Idol, he has released seven successful studio albums, including most notably the platinum-selling debut, Soulful.

Family Life

He married Surata Zuri McCants on June 28, 2008; but the couple divorced in 2012.

Associated With

Lionel Richie complimented Studdard's talent when Richie was a guest judge for American Idol.