What Happened To 'American Idol' Winner, Ruben Studdard?

Winning American Idol does so much for someone's musical occupation. Many past winners are pretty rich and while they're no longer all family names, lots of them are recognized as having a ton of skill.

Fans of the reality competition series revel in watching Katy Perry and the judges, and it is also in point of fact exciting to see who is competing on every season and who's going to go a long way. Sure, some of the winners are not rather as well-known as others, but many of them are nonetheless household names.

Ruben Studdard used to be the winner of the show's 2d season, and he has been doing really well ever since. Let's take a look at what happened to him after he took home that massive prize in 2003.

An "Amazing" Experience

Kelly Clarkson has done a lot since her win, and it is protected to say that she's the most well-known and successful individual to have received the display.

Ruben Studdard has achieved smartly for himself and back in 2014, he informed Rachel Martin at NPR that Idol was an "amazing" experience. He mentioned that many hopefuls who display up on audition day have performed numerous different things in an strive to become singers. Studdard talked about how long and hard he labored. He said, "You know, that was my story. You know, I started doing everything I could since I was 12 years old to be, you know, to get discovered or, you know, go to XYZ audition, send in demo tapes."

Studdard persisted that when he was once ready to audition for Idol, it was once the suitable time. He said, "And the blessing is that I was prepared for the opportunity when it presented itself. My mother used to always tell me that preparation determines your destination. And I prepared myself to be ready when that door opened for me."

Making Music

Ruben Studdard has been frequently making track since he won American Idol.

In the 2014 interview with NPR, he talked about traveling with Lalah Hathaway, who is the daughter of Donny Hathaway, who he in point of fact appears to be like up to.

Studdard additionally has released many albums. In 2003, he released Soulful, which was once his first album. In November 2004, he got here out with I Need An Angel, after which The Return in 2006. In 2009, his subsequent album Love Is was released, after which album number five, Letters from Birmingham, got here out in 2012. Album number six is called Unconditional Love and used to be released in 2014.

Studdard has even appeared on Broadway with Clay Aiken, which is a large dream for lots of singers. According to Playbill.com, they carried out together in a production referred to as Ruben & Clay’s First Annual Christmas Carol Family Fun Pageant Spectacular Reunion Show in December 2018. Studdard and Aiken were given to know each other as they were in combination being interviewed through the media after American Idol since Aiken used to be the runner-up.

In 2019, Studdard went on a excursion called Ruben Singers Luther: An Evening Of Luther Vandross starring Ruben Studdard as a way to honor the singer that he loved and respected so much. He also came out with an album that was a tribute to Vandross. He told Vaildaily.com, “I in reality admire the chance to cross around the country appearing his songs and sharing these nostalgic moments with people who take into accout his music. People are receiving it truly well. People simply love Luther. It’s like going out and doing a tribute to The Beatles."

RELATED: What Happened To American Idol Runner-Up, Clay Aiken?

Time On 'The Biggest Loser'

Years after winning the second season of American Idol, Ruben Studdard became a contestant on season 15 of The Biggest Loser in 2013 and 2014. According to Today.com, he lost 119 pounds, and he was told that he had type 2 diabetes. He started exercising, and he talked about what a good experience he was.

The singer said, “I (did) this for me; this was for my life. I’m so excited I got to take the time and do this. It was something I could do for me, and nobody else. This show has given me a second chance to live the best life I can live. I am going to be the healthiest Ruben Studdard I can be.”

RELATED: Ryan Seacrest Has The Original American Idol Table In His Garage!

Getting Divorced

Ruben Studdard also got divorced. TMZ.com reported that he filed for divorce from Surata Zuri McCants in 2012. Because of the prenup, things proceeded pretty easily, and the publication says that he was able to stay in their house.

The couple got married in 2008, according to People.com, and they broke up due to "irreconcilable variations."

RELATED: Katy Perry Left in Tears Following A Contestant’s Health Crisis On ‘American Idol’

Ruben Studdard has done a lot since winning the second season of American Idol back in 2003. He has released several albums, gotten married and then divorced, and competed on The Biggest Loser and found a healthy lifestyle. Most importantly of all, he's living the dream of making music.

NEXT: The Lights Go Off On The American Idol Stage

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