The first male winner of American Idol, Ruben Studdard, turned 33 yesterday! Season 2’s champ was only 25 years old when he competed on the show. Known as the Velvet Teddy Bear, Ruben’s smooth vocals and big smile and dimples allowed him to sail into the finale, where he beat out popular finalist Clay Aiken.
The Season 2 Top 2 joined forces again last year and toured North America all summer on the “Timeless” tour.Ruben has released four major studio albums. He also starred in a 30th anniversary production of the Fats Waller musical, Ain’t Misbehavin’. It was Ruben’s first musical and he starred with fellow Season 2 contestants Trenyce and Frenchie Davis. The 30th anniversary cast recording album earned them a Grammy nomination.When Ruben returned to the Idol stage to sing “Don’t Make ‘Em Like You No More” during a Season 9 results show, he showed off his new body. He lost about 80 pounds as a result of switching to a vegan diet. View photos of Ruben’s new look. Ruben appeared on Season 9 of American Idol once again when he joined his fellow Idol winners on the season finale to send off Simon Cowell in style.
Happy Birthday, Ruben!