Ruben Studdard (born September 12, 1978) is an American singer and actor, best known as the winner of the second season of American Idol. He gained fame with hits like “Flying Without Wings” and “Superstar.” Studdard has released seven albums, including Soulful and I Need an Angel, and starred in the Broadway revival of Ain’t Misbehavin‘ as Fats Waller. In 2018, he released a cover album, Ruben Sings Luther, and toured with Lalah Hathaway. In 2023, he launched his eighth album, The Way I Remember It.
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Ruben Studdard’s Net Worth
Ruben Studdard has a net worth of $3 million and has enjoyed a diverse entertainment career. Besides music, he has appeared on TV shows like 8 Simple Rules, Life on a Stick, All of Us, and Eve, and had a cameo in Scooby Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed.
In 2008, he toured as Fats Waller in Ain’t Misbehavin’ and later joined Robin Givens in Heaven I Need a Hug. In December 2018, Studdard made his Broadway debut with Clay Aiken in Ruben & Clay’s Christmas Show.
Early life
Ruben Studdard was born in Frankfurt, West Germany, to American parents and raised in Birmingham, Alabama. The youngest son of two teachers, he began singing at age three in his church.
He played football at Huffman High School and received a scholarship to Alabama A&M University, where he majored in voice studies and joined Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. Influenced by gospel and artists like Donny Hathaway, Studdard worked with the local jazz band Just a Few Cats before auditioning for American Idol in 2003.
Career
Ruben Studdard’s debut single, a cover of Westlife’s “Flying Without Wings,” debuted at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100. His first album, Soulful, sold over a million copies in advance and topped the Billboard 200 in 2003. The single “Sorry 2004” reached #9 on the Hot 100.
In 2003, he earned a Grammy nomination for “Best Male R&B Vocal Performance.” His gospel album, I Need an Angel, topped the charts in 2004. After a label drop in 2007, his 2009 album Love Is was well-received. He toured with Clay Aiken in 2010.
Personal Life
In December 2015, Ruben Studdard received an honorary Master of Arts degree from Alabama A&M University, his alma mater, where he remains a member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia music fraternity.
He met Surata Zuri McCants in October 2006 at a CD signing event in an Atlanta Wal-Mart. The two married in June 2008 but separated in 2011, with their divorce finalized in April 2012.
What is Ruben Studdard currently doing?
Jerry Bruckheimer is best known for producing popular television dramas like CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, CSI: Miami, CSI: NY, CSI: Cyber, Without a Trace, Cold Case, and Lucifer, as well as the reality competition series The Amazing Race, which inspired international versions. His work on The Amazing Race earned him ten Primetime Emmy Awards.
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Conclusion
From “American Idol” champion to an acclaimed artist and performer, Ruben Studdard has carved out a valuable niche in the music world, accruing not just financial wealth but a rich legacy of contributions to the arts.
FAQs about Ruben Studdard’s Net Worth
- How did Ruben Studdard accumulate his wealth?
- Through album sales, performances, television appearances, and other entertainment ventures.
- Has Ruben Studdard’s net worth fluctuated over the years?
- Like many artists, his net worth has likely seen fluctuations based on the active years in his career and market changes.
- What charitable work has Ruben Studdard done?
- Studdard has been involved in various charitable efforts, although specifics are not widely publicized.
- Does Ruben Studdard still earn money from his “American Idol” days?
- While he no longer earns directly from the show, the platform undoubtedly paved the way for his ongoing income through music and performances.
- How does Ruben Studdard’s net worth compare to other “American Idol” winners?
- Net worth varies among “Idol” winners, with some surpassing Studdard’s earnings and others not. His financial standing is solid among his peers, reflecting a successful career post-“Idol”.
