Ruben Studdard

Ruben Studdard
a.k.a. Studdard, Christopher Ruben

AMERICAN DREAM
After a Long Wait, American Idol Winner Ruben Studdard Drops His Winning Debut
Just when American Idol enthusiasts thought their champ had been trounced by platinum-selling runner-up Clay Aiken, Ruben "the Velvet Teddy Bear" Studdard rebounds with his Soulful debut. Barnes & Noble.com's R&B and Hip-Hop editor, Tracy E. Hopkins, chatted with the low-key rising star on the day of the disc's release.

Barnes & Noble.com: How do you feel about Clay getting so much attention? His album came out first, his single outsold yours, and he was on the cover of Rolling Stone first. It's almost like you were being overlooked as the American Idol winner.

Ruben Studdard: I just couldn't wait to do my part. It's my time right now, so it's not really a big deal to me. There's no competition between us at all. I thought his album was wonderful.

B&N.com: Originally Missy Elliott and R. Kelly were supposed to work on the album. What happened there?

RS: Our schedules conflicted, so we didn't get a chance to work together. But I have Fat Joe [and] Fred Hammond. Irv Gotti produced a song, and a lot of other big producers.

B&N.com: Fred Hammond is one of your idols. What was it like working with him?

RS: It was a blessing to work with him. God is doing a great thing with me right now, and he's letting me live my dream. So I'm excited.

B&N.com: "We Have Not Forgotten" is such a great song. Have you ever thought of doing a gospel album?

RS: I used to be in a gospel group, but I'll probably continue to do more gospel songs on my albums.

B&N.com: You do several cover songs on Soulful. How did you select the songs?

RS: I wanted to do at least one of the songs I did on American Idol, so I chose "How Can You Mend a Broken Heart." And "Superstar," which I also did on the show, was a tribute to Luther Vandross. "For All We Know" was a song I grew up loving by Donny Hathaway, so I put it on there.

B&N.com: On "What Is Sexy," you talk about being big and sexy. But have you felt any pressure or desire to change your image and lose weight?

RS: Not at all. That's not a concern.

B&N.com: But don't comments bother you, like Today show host Katie Couric saying she feels skinny standing next to you?

RS: It was just a joke, and I take it that way.

B&N.com: During the American Idol competition, did you imagine you would win? And were you surprised that you were almost voted off at one point?

RS: Everybody on the show wants to win, and everyone was almost voted off. But I wasn't sad when I was in the bottom two, because I would have been happy for the person who won.

B&N.com: What are some of your favorite songs and albums of 2003?

RS: Beyoncé's "Crazy in Love," Alicia Keys's "You Don't Know My Name," and Anthony Hamilton's "Comin' from Where I'm From." And for albums, Anthony Hamilton [Comin' from Where I'm From], Alicia Keys [The Diary of Alicia Keys], and Donnie [The Colored Section].

B&N.com: Not every new artist has such a whirlwind ascent. What's your advice for other up-and-coming artists?

RS: Stay focused and continue to follow your dream.

December 9, 2003