Carrie Underwood To Perform?On 'American Idol' Finale May 16, 2009
" The season-four winner's performance will come on the night the show's two remaining contestants, , will face off one more time in a bid to win the season-eight crown.The farewell song is traditionally performed during finals week. Last year, season-two winner Ruben Studdard returned to sing his cover of Kenny Loggins' "Celebrate Me Home," and the year before Chris Daughtry performed the season-six send-off, "Home. " in March, performing a duet with her country idol, Randy Travis, on his song... (VHI.com -- Music News)
Top Entertainment Stories TV Trivia "Idol Thoughts" May 15, 2009
The Information you need. Friday, May 15, 2009. (Jefferson City News Tribune, MO)
Adam Lambert Vs. Kris Allen -- Our Writers Face Off Over Who Will Win 'American Idol' May 13, 2009
Adam Lambert Vs. Kris Allen -- Our Writers Face Off Over Who Will Win 'American Idol. Two of our reporters go head-to-head to predict who will take home the season-eight crown. (VHI.com -- Music News)
Is Adam Lambert too gay to win, or too good? May 6, 2009
It seems so long ago that trash like Kellie Pickler, plainly disturbing screakers like Fantasia Barrino, and plankton-eaters like Ruben Studdard defined American Idol. Now in its eighth season, the show has altered, completely, its status as The Worst Karaoke Bar in the World (the judges now critique performances routinely as being too karaoke ). (Globe and Mail -- Entertainment)
Studdard is no idle 'Idol' Apr 17, 2009
"It has a lot of great music and good mix of love songs. We're putting the finishing touches on it and then we'll see." As soon as the "Ain't Misbehavin'" tour ends in May, the Ruben Studdard CD tour will begin ... Idol winners (and runners-up)Season 1: Kelly Clarkson (Justin Guarini)Season 2: Ruben Studdard (Clay Aiken)Season 3: Fantasia Barrino (Diana DeGarmo)Season 4: Carrie Underwood (Bo Bice)Season 5: Taylor Hicks (Katharine McPhee)Season 6: Jordin Sparks (Blake Lewis)Season 7: David Cook... (Sioux City Journal, IO)
Will Adam Lambert Win 'American Idol'? Apr 15, 2009
" Most years, there are a handful of strong contenders and the final vote is a real nail biter. Other years, such as season two when Ruben Studdard won, or last year's battle of the Davids, it was pretty clear who was going to take the crown for quite a while before the final reveal. It's starting to feel that way this year as well. To be sure, there is strong competition among the remaining top seven. Teenager Allison Iraheta is proving week after week that she's a force to be reckoned with,... (VHI.com -- Music News)
Renaissance in Woodlawn Apr 15, 2009
Across the street, a UAB music professor renovated a building in 2006 to open , which has played host to the likes of Ruben Studdard, Carrie Underwood, the , Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan and Stevie Wonder, according to its Web site. lbcooper@bizjournals. (Birmingham Business Journal, AL)
Stars 'ain't misbehavin' in musical performance Apr 15, 2009
Ruben Studdard, Patrice Covington, Trenyce Cobbins and Frenchie Davis perform Tuesday night at Eisenhower Auditorium during the performance of Ain't Misbehavin ... An all-star cast, including American Idol winner Ruben Studdard, brought 1930s swing to Eisenhower Auditorium Tuesday in the performance Ain't Misbehavin. (Daily Collegian, PA)
'Idol' stars bring musical to campus Apr 14, 2009
Featuring three contestants from the show's second season -- including winner Ruben Studdard -- the show is quickly approaching selling out for its one-night-only performance ... Cobbins said the fact that she, Ruben Studdard and Frenchie Davis -- all three second season Idol contestants -- are in the show together is a complete coincidence, but she had to work for her role. (Daily Collegian, PA)
Dreamy event Apr 13, 2009
It was a weekend of entertainment for Menino - the mayor spent Friday night at the Strand checking out Ruben Studdard in "Ain't Misbehavin.' ". McInerney's 'Lights' to get a makeover Jay McInerney isn't offended that his Providence-bred producer pal Josh Schwartz wants to remake "Bright Lights, Big City." The New York novelist tells us that the 1988 adaptation of his book, which starred a young Michael J. Fox and Phoebe Cates, wasn't very good and that he'd be happy with a revision. (Boston Globe)
'Misbehavin' ' in grand style at the Strand Apr 11, 2009
While Frenchie Davis was absent from last night's perfomance of ''Ain't Misbehavin','' Ruben Studdard delivered with his smooth, plush voice ... "American Idol" season 2 winner Ruben Studdard stomped and crooned on the renovated stage, but his "Idol" colleague Frenchie Davis, to the grumbles of many, did not. (Boston Globe)
Ruben Studdard is working at 'Misbehavin' Apr 10, 2009
Ruben Studdard stars in ''Ain't Misbehavin''' at the Strand Theatre this weekend ... But for 2003 winner Ruben Studdard, nothing's been tougher than starring in the Fats Waller musical "Ain't Misbehavin' " on its 30th anniversary national tour. (Boston Globe)
New look, new life at Strand Theatre Apr 9, 2009
Ruben Studdard, the 2003 ''American Idol'' winner, is the star of ''Ain't Misbehavin' '' at the Strand ... After a city takeover and a $6 million renovation, the Strand Theatre is preparing to host its biggest show in years: the 30th-anniversary national tour of the Tony Award-winning musical "Ain't Misbehavin'," starring 2003 "American Idol" winner Ruben Studdard. (Boston Globe)
The joint will be jumpin' Apr 9, 2009
This production stars a performer whose career has already been launched - 2003 "American Idol" champion Ruben Studdard (below). Singing and swinging with "The Velvet Teddy Bear" will be "American Idol" alums Frenchie Davis and Trenyce Cobbins. (Boston Globe)
Clay Aiken judges Top Models on acting Apr 7, 2009
It was interesting to be on the other side of the table and think of all these things that I went through in 2003, Aiken told The Associated Press in a phone interview, referring to the year he finished second to Ruben Studdard during the second season of Foxs hit reality show. I think the girls kind of appreciated that, the fact that I had been in a similar position, Aiken, 30, said in the Friday interview. (MSNBC -- News)
American Idol: David Cook vs. Adam Lambert Apr 2, 2009
This has been a good year for reunions, already seeing the return of the two top girls, Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood, plus Ruben Studdard ... Continues this reader/writer, "Apparently, this isn't unusual with for AI. According to the audience members who were there, the last three guest performers, Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood, Ruben Studdard, were all pre-taped after the results shows and inserted into the later "live" show. So much for "live"! LOL". (Seacoast New Hampshire)
Reality Check: 'Idol' Keeps It Interesting as Top 9 Chosen Mar 28, 2009
The whole lip-synching fiasco did make the group song that much more interesting to watch though, kind of like how I was glued to the television during Ruben Studdard s performance, not because of his song, but because I was on pins and needles waiting to see if he was going to knock down the microphone stand. So close. (Fox News)
Idol boots roughneck Michael Sarver Mar 27, 2009
The Velvet Teddy Bear returns: Theres no question that Idol has been very good to second-season winner Ruben Studdard. He became the latest former champion to return, performing his new song Together live on the results show. (MSNBC -- News)
'American Idol': Adam Lambert's 'Tracks Of My Tears' Steals Show Mar 27, 2009
American Idol': Adam Lambert's 'Tracks Of My Tears' Steals Show. Smokey Robinson mentors contestants for Motown night. (VHI.com -- Music News)
Pawson wins big Mar 25, 2009
The musical, which opens April 10, stars "Idol" champ Ruben Studdard and contestants Frenchie Davis and Trenyce Cobbins. Lynette Gittens of Berklee, Tyrone Sutton, a musician and teacher at Boston Arts Academy, and WGBH Arts and Entertainment reporter Jared Bowen judged the contestants. (Boston Globe)
Season of hope is in his cards Mar 24, 2009
The four winners will perform during intermission at the Strand's upcoming performances of "Ain't Misbehavin,' " opening April 10 and starring "American Idol" champ Ruben Studdard and show contestants Frenchie Davis and Trenyce Cobbins. Judging today's sing-off will be Berklee's Lynette Gittens; Tyrone Sutton, a musician and teacher at Boston Arts Academy; and WGBH arts and entertainment reporter Jared Bowen. (Boston Globe)
'Idol' keeps the faith for fans Mar 22, 2009
Several finalists, including second season winner Ruben Studdard, have gone on to release gospel music albums. Christian music sporadically finds its way into the show. (Erie Times-News, PA)
Kelly Clarkson All I Ever Wanted Mar 20, 2009
Whereas most of the Idols that followed her (Fantasia, Ruben Studdard, Taylor Hicks) have fallen into the 'Where are they now. category, Clarkson remains an enduring force in today s popular music. (Suite101.com)
'American Idol' Recap: Alexis Grace Edged Out Of Top 10 Mar 20, 2009
" The show also featured performances by Brad Paisley, performing his new single, "Then," and former "Idol" Carrie Underwood, who took the stage with this week's mentor, Randy Travis, for a The song also appeared on Underwood's smash album Carnival Ride. Just months after a country DJ in Cincinnati created an of the two versions that became a radio sensation, the duo recorded an official version that was made available after Wednesday night's performance. For the second time this season, "Idol"... (VHI.com -- Music News)
Idols Alexis Grace says sorry to the South Mar 20, 2009
The remaining contestants will perform Motown songs next week, with Smokey Robinson and second-season Idol winner Ruben Studdard set to take part, along with Motown founder Berry Gordy Jr.. 2009 The Associated Press. (MSNBC -- News)
Another 'American Idol' contestant booted Mar 20, 2009
The remaining contestants will perform Motown songs next week, with Smokey Robinson and second-season "Idol" winner Ruben Studdard set to take part, along with Motown founder Berry Gordy Jr.. . (San Francisco Chronicle -- Entertainment)
Role of religion evident among Idol finalists Mar 18, 2009
Several finalists, including second season winner Ruben Studdard, have gone on to release gospel music albums. Brokaw believes the increased emergence is part of the evolution of Christian music. (MSNBC -- News)
The Idol pop empire Mar 15, 2009
the past seven winners (from left) Ruben Studdard, Kelly Clarkson, Fantasia Barrino, David Cook, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Hicks and Jordin Sparks getting together for the grand opening of The American Idol Experience at Disney World in Florida on Feb 12. AP. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Birmingham Chamber to honor 'dream' makers Mar 6, 2009
Past winners include Broadway actress and Tony Award nominee Rebecca Lucker, New York Jets football player Kerry Rhodes, civil rights activist Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth, U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, American Idol winners Ruben Studdard and Taylor Hicks, Miss America Deidre Downs, Teacher of the Year Betsy Rogers and NBA Hall of Famer and Leeds native Charles Barkley. Reader Comments. (Birmingham Business Journal, AL)
Broadway Cabaret Feb 27, 2009
The 30th anniversary National Tour of the Tony Award-winning musical Ain't Misbehavin' starring Ruben Studdard comes to the Orpheum Theatre for one performance only at 7:30 p.m. April 21 ... Dubbed "The Velvet Teddy Bear" by legendary Rstress Gladys Knight, Ruben Studdard shot to fame in 2003 after winning the TV talent competition smash hit American Idol. (Sioux City Journal)
• Events calendar Feb 20, 2009
Starring 2003 "American Idol" champion Ruben Studdard and "American Idol" alums Frenchie Davis and Trenyce Cobbins. A musical revue with a book by Murray Horowitz and Richard Maltby Jr. (director), music by Thomas Wright "Fats" Waller, orchestrations and additional music by Luther Henderson. (Burley South Idaho Press, ID)
IDOL CHATTER: Up-to-the-minute news in our blog Feb 16, 2009
Instead, Ryan introduces four other Idols -- Jordin Sparks, Taylor Hicks, Fantasia Barrino, Ruben Studdard -- then he takes a long pause before adding, And the very first American Idol Kelly Clarkson. Its the first time all seven Idol winners have been on the same stage at the same time. (USA Today -- Life)
'Idol' Chatter Feb 8, 2009
The first one comes with a caveat: Love Him Like I Do, from Ruben Studdard, Deitrick Haddon and Mary Mary should have been on last week's chart. Because it's listed differently than Ruben's solo records, we missed it in last week's tracking. (USA Today -- Life)
AC/DC, Labelle have new CDs Feb 7, 2009
Where You Are is soulful, techno-tinged rock, Im Alive is a hook-heavy gift of hope, and Love Him Like I Do with guest turns from Ruben Studdard and Mary Mary is a jaunty, top 40/R&B offering of thanks to God. Its a testimony of Haddons commitment, to his faith and his artistry, that he continues to use both as mandates for excellence. (MSNBC -- Music)
Frenchie Davis Faces Throat Surgery Mar 29, 2008
That will allow Davis to go ahead with a national tour of "Ain't Misbehavin'," co-starring "Idol" winner Ruben Studdard. It's set to begin this fall in New York. (Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier)
Taylor Swift Mar 27, 2008
Ruben Studdard, Sanjaya Malakar and Ace Young were among many former "American Idol" contestants assembled to guest star on "American Idol Extra," the Fox Reality Channel series that airs Thursdays. Advertisement. (Billboard.com)
'Idol' down to nine Mar 27, 2008
Wednesday's show also featured a performance by "Idol" also-ran Kimberley Locke, who placed third behind Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken in season two. . (Syracuse.com)
R.E.M.'s Michael Stipe Mar 21, 2008
" I've never seen Modest Mouse perform before, [so] for me it's going to be super exciting to have that kind of daily inspiration. That's really what having great opening bands can provide. On the eve of the release of R.E.M.'s new album, "Accelerate," frontman Stipe spoke to Billboard.com about the set's "really fast, really raw" take on politics, teenage geekdom and the media, the band's extensive tour and more. Given the radical changes that Panic at the Disco has made to its image during the... (Billboard.com)
Panic At The Disco Mar 19, 2008
Ruben Studdard, Sanjaya Malakar and Ace Young were among many former "American Idol" contestants assembled to guest star on "American Idol Extra," the Fox Reality Channel series that airs Thursdays. When Flo Rida first took the bus from Florida to Los Angeles in hopes of launching a music career, he was so broke that he was forced to live on the streets. (Billboard.com)
Find out about this year's advisors Mar 18, 2008
With David Archuleta, Idol finally has the prospect of a male winner with the kind of staying power and youth appeal that was distinctly lacking in both Ruben Studdard and Taylor Hicks. Following, Charlie presents the rest of his picks. (USA Today -- Life)
Where are they now? Mar 18, 2008
Ruben Studdard (winner) - He s working on his fourth album and sings the farewell song on Idol. He is set to perform in Ain t Misbehavin later this year. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Interview: "American Idol" Alums Mar 15, 2008
March 14, 2008 A dozen "Idol" contestants from previous seasons discuss their latest moves backstage at "American Idol Extra" Fred Bronson, L.A. Ruben Studdard, Ace Young, Sanjaya Malakar, and Ace Young were among many former "American Idol" contestants assembled to guest star on "American Idol Extra," the Fox Reality Channel series that airs Thursdays ... RUBEN STUDDARD: As reported at Billboard ... Ruben Studdard, Ace Young, Sanjaya Malakar, and Ace Young were among many former "American Idol"... (Billboard.com)
Ruben Returns For 'Idol' Farewell Track Mar 1, 2008
Indeed, season-two winner Ruben Studdard will perform the "farewell song" used to play off the losing contestants when they depart the top 12 ... Indeed, season-two winner Ruben Studdard will perform the "farewell song" used to play off the losing contestants when they depart the top 12. (MediaWeek.com)
Decemberists' Meloy Heading To Stage, Studio Mar 1, 2008
Indeed, season-two winner Ruben Studdard will perform the "farewell song" used to play off the losing contestants when they depart the top 12. After issuing a handful of tour-only EPs in recent years, Decemberists frontman Colin Meloy is readying his first proper live album, "Colin Meloy Sings Live," for an April 8 release via Kill Rock Stars. (MediaWeek.com)
U2 Trumps Mariah, Kanye At Grammy Awards Feb 29, 2008
Indeed, season-two winner Ruben Studdard will perform the "farewell song" used to play off the losing contestants when they depart the top 12. Jury selection will begin in New York next week in the trial of rapper Remy Ma, who is accused of shooting an acquaintance over missing money. (Yahoo News -- Grammy Awards)
'American Idol' Recap: David Archuleta Is The One To Beat, But David Hernandez Arrives Feb 28, 2008
Ruben Studdard channeled Luther Vandross when he performed this song in season two, but I was thankful that resident diva Noriega chose the ' route. Not because theirs is a better version (oh, Lord, it ain't), but because Noriega's supple tones are better suited for a more sedate rendition. (VHI.com -- Music News)
American 'Idle': Show Stuck in the Past Feb 22, 2008
Chikezie: The New Ruben Studdard ... Chikezie (pronounced chick-EASY) isn't as heavy-set as Season Two champion Ruben Studdard (and he certainly seems more lively), but when Chikezie opens his mouth, there's an old-fashioned, silky smooth quality reminiscent of The Velvet Teddy Bear. (ABC News)
17-year-old from Arizona, show's youngest winner, takes title over Blake Lewis Feb 17, 2008
SALES Full-Time Wilkes Bashford. Fun, Rewarding, Growth Potential. (Yahoo News -- American Idol)
Clay Aiken meets Monty Python Feb 2, 2008
After finishing second to Ruben Studdard on "Idol," Aiken went on to release his debut CD "Measure of a Man," which went double platinum in 2003. His other albums are "Merry Christmas With Love" and "A Thousand Different Ways." He's currently working on his fourth CD, due possibly by May. (CNN -- Showbiz)
'Idol' tinkers with formula from last year Feb 1, 2008
"Some -- like Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood -- have been able to use the series as a springboard to a great career. Others -- like Taylor Hicks and Ruben Studdard -- often have trouble getting out of the starting gate. One, though, isn't necessarily better than the other, Lythgoe said. "Each Idol had something for themselves to offer America. "Judge Simon Cowell said he's disappointed that some winners didn't make a greater impression but he's not particularly surprised. "The business is... (Sioux City Journal, IO)
You can't stop the music Jan 21, 2008
Past winners Ruben Studdard and Taylor Hicks lost their recording contracts but we should have seen that coming from Studdard's first lousy sales figures and half-hearted attempts by several tabloids' to brand Hicks (a prematurely greying potato) as sexy. Jordin Sparks's debut CD is out now - not that you'd know it. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
A few shining stars prevail amidst fallen American Idols Jan 19, 2008
5 million albums, faring better than winner Ruben Studdard, who has sold only about 3 million. Hes also written a memoir, guest starred on several TV shows and is now appearing on Broadway in Monty Pythons Spamalot. (Charleston Gazette, WV -- News)
'American Idol' Fans Weigh In On Connected Contestants Jan 18, 2008
"It is to be expected though. With all the people being dropped from their labels [including Katharine McPhee, Taylor Hicks, and Ruben Studdard, who were within the last month], they are really out to get someone in that will sell.". "I'm not really liking how we know so much about her and that she has a manager," explained another fan. (VHI.com -- Music News)
'American Idol' Is No Amateur Contest Jan 18, 2008
"I think the producers have had some failures in the past -- like Taylor Hicks and Ruben Studdard -- and some other "Idol" albums that haven't done well," said Johnston. "They're trying to go for the kind of people who have experience in the business and who have been seen as having star potential by other executives. It's not a sure thing, but it's a little bit more of a sure thing.". (ABC News)
'American Idol': Is Show Slowing Down As It Enters Seventh Season? Fans Will Be The Judge Jan 16, 2008
And it couldn't come at a better time, as two former "Idol" winners, Ruben Studdard and Taylor Hicks, recently announced splits from their Sony BMG label homes following disappointing album sales, and runner-up Katharine McPhee after one. Which begs the question: Might the "Idol" engine finally be slowing down. (VHI.com -- Music News)
Interview: Talking with Simon Cowell Jan 16, 2008
He offers the recent record label-dropping of past winners Ruben Studdard, whom he championed, and Taylor Hicks, whom he didn't, as proof of the unpredictability of the industry. "Based on record sales, I'm not surprised. Taylor, I have always gone on record as saying, I genuinely didn't think was the best singer that year, just the most popular person. Ruben didn't do as well as (we thought he would). But Chris Daughtry, who came in fourth, does amazing business.". (The Palm Beach Post)
Show still relevant? Jan 15, 2008
And three former "Idol" stars season two winner Ruben Studdard, season five runner-up Katharine McPhee and season five winner Taylor Hicks recently lost their record deals because of relatively low sales of their latest albums. Then again, "Idol" still has plenty going for it. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
HOT DISH: Keith Urban, Nicole Kidman Confirm the Pregnancy Rumor Jan 15, 2008
Gray-haired Taylor Hicks and heavyset Ruben Studdard were both recently dropped from J Records. Katharine McPhee was dropped from her label, RCA, last week. (VHI.com -- CMT.com Music News)
The return of 'Idol,' confident in season 7 Jan 15, 2008
Two "American Idol" winners Taylor Hicks, who took the top prize in the program's fifth season, and Ruben Studdard, who won the second season recently lost their record contracts. And last season, the sixth, marked the first time that overall viewership of "American Idol" declined from the previous year. (International Herald Tribune -- Arts)
The reality of 'Idol' Jan 15, 2008
Ruben Studdard, another Idol winner, was quietly dumped by J Records late last year. Sales of 2007 winner Jordin Sparks have been less than inspiring. (AZCentral -- Entertainment)
Insta-success may be just an 'Idol' dream Jan 15, 2008
Add to that list season 2 victor Ruben Studdard, who got the boot from J Records late last year. (All three recorded for subsidiary imprints of Sony BMG, which has contractual first dibs on "Idol" contestants. (Boston Globe)
'American Idol' returns for season 7 Jan 15, 2008
This time around, the show will redirect attention to the finalists and bring back alums such as McPhee and season-two winner Ruben Studdard during results shows to keep fans abreast of what they're up to, Lythgoe said. There will be a new set to spice up a tried-and-true format. (Sioux City Journal, IO)
'Idol' returns; what would you sing? Jan 15, 2008
Host Ryan Seacrest and judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson will make and break the dreams of contestants hoping to be the next Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Hicks or Ruben Studdard. Tonight s show will feature the auditions from Philadelphia. (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
Sharp-tongued host Simon Cowell is 'just being honest' Jan 14, 2008
What is your reaction to Ruben Studdard and Taylor Hicks, two past winners, being dropped by their record labels. Based on their record sales, I'm not surprised, to be honest with you. (Fresno Bee)
Katharine McPhee voted off by RCA Jan 13, 2008
The adorable songbird is the latest "AI" finalist to be ejected from the BMG nest - following Season 2's Ruben Studdard and Season 5's Taylor Hicks. McPhee's first CD entered the charts at No. 2 in February 2007, but failed to go gold. (New York Daily News)
