Archive through April 28, 2003
TV ClubHouse: Archive: American Idol (FOX):
Ruben Fan Club (ARCHIVE):
Archives:
Archive through April 28, 2003
Grooch | Thursday, April 10, 2003 - 09:10 am     The Ruben connection 04/08/03 MARIE A. JONES News staff writer Brian Studdard flew to Hollywood Monday to see his nephew, the most famous Ruben in America. "American Idol" finalist Ruben Studdard "touches the lives of everyone," says Brian, a 38-year-old West End resident. "Everyone loves him." He remembers Ruben as a kid belting out a gospel version of "Itsy Bitsy Spider." Now there's nothing itsy-bitsy about the velvet-voiced teddy bear. After 11 weeks of the obscurity-to-stardom contest show, the 24-year-old has millions of fans around the world. His relatives say they've become celebrities of their own, too. Uncle Brian constantly gets phone calls from people who seem to want to establish a connection to him, the next best thing to Ruben. A Fayetteville woman calls the floral designer every week, telling him how much she loves Ruben and how many votes she and her children phone in. "I'm not Ruben, I'm Ruben's uncle," he tells her, but she doesn't care, he says. That woman isn't the only one following Ruben's progress as the show axes one performer a week each Wednesday night. Staying tuned: Doctors and other staffers in the University Hospital emergency room were tuned in to the show last week. Radio and television hosts in Birmingham and other areas critique his performance each Wednesday morning. Ruben's signature 205 shirts are all the rage, with both USA Today and Entertainment Weekly mentioning them over the weekend. Parisian even has them for sale in some of their stores. Folks across the city are putting up banners and billboards that express their simple sentiment: "Go, Ruben!" And a Birmingham restaurant sells its $6.75 reuben for $2.05 while "American Idol" is on the air Tuesday nights. Ruben's popularity and the popularity of the "American Idol" as the country goes to war and economic concerns remain is more than just a local-boy-makes-good story, says Michele Wilson, a University of Alabama at Birmingham sociologist. "It's a good thing because it's biracial support no signs of racism," Wilson says. "He's a very appealing man and seems like the salt of the earth. He doesn't have glitz and you can't be jealous or think of him as a jerk. He's a nice guy who has a lot of intrinsic appeal." The fascination: But, she says, Ruben mania also shows "that people pay more attention to entertainment than anything else. They know more about Ruben and the show's other contestants than the war. "The average person can't tell you where Iraq is. Yet they've got into this fascination. That's part of what America is. This is where Americans are. We are not a sophisticated group of people." Ruben isn't allowed by the show to do interviews right now, a Fox network spokeswoman said. The show pays for his room and board, and previous contestants have said they are paid basic minimum wage for the industry each week. Ruben wears a different color jersey with the number 205 each week as he performs. Made by 205 Flava Inc., owned by brothers Willie and Frederick Jenkins, the shirts are creating huge buzz in Birmingham and around the country. David Tucker of Hoover bought a 205 T-shirt for a friend in Texas who is a big Ruben fan. "When my niece found out I bought one for someone else she was upset," Tucker says. Tucker bought her one, too. For some folks, a shirt is just too small a field to express their sentiment. Customers at Collage Designer Consignment stores are greeted by a big white banner in front of the Homewood and Vestavia Hills locations that reads: "Collage says Go Ruben!" The owners, Tracy and Mike Dismukes, wanted to show their support. "We are just so proud of Ruben," says Tracy Dismukes, who votes for Studdard every week. She and her husband, Mike, own the stores. Drivers zooming along I-59N, near the Birmingham International Airport, see a "Go Ruben!" billboard that doesn't give anyone credit for the sentiments. The employees at Lamar Outdoor Advertising, downtown, put up the $1,450 sign about a month ago to show their support. "It's a group project," says Rhett Enzor, general manager. Each morning after the show, all the employees would talk about the show for 45 minutes, he says. They finally decided to put their money where their mouths were. "I wish him the best of luck," Enzor says. "He is just so cool, 2-0-5." Someone has even posted signs around town that read: "Ruben for Governor." Ruben's even got his own sandwich deal. On Tuesday and Wednesday nights, while "American Idol" is on air, locals can order a reuben for $6.75 at McAnnally's Pub & Grill in Hoover and get another one, with chips, for $2.05. "We think both (Ruben and their reuben) can be a state favorite," says Jack Levine, the restaurant's CFT, or chief food taster, as he calls himself. "Birmingham has always supported him," Brian says. "When he sang with `Just A Few Cats' the women would run up to the stage and ask him for his autograph. He has never forgotten that. That's why he loves Birmingham so much." Ruben's Uncle Brian has even gotten calls from a reporter in Scotland. Apparently heavyset R&B singers like Luther Vandross and Barry White are the rage in the country known for kilts, he says. "He's just Chris to me," Brian says of his superstar nephew whose full name is Ruben Christopher Studdard. He was named after his deceased grandmother Christie Studdard. Since Ruben's been in the spotlight, lots of "long lost relatives" have come out of the woodworks, Brian says. "They call and say, `I'm related to you on your mama's side.'" Members of the Studdard family not only beam with pride each week, but many are taking turns flying out to Hollywood to be with him. "We are so proud of him," Uncle Brian says. "It's amazing the positive impact he's had, not just in Birmingham, but Alabama as a whole." He was reminded when he was making reservations for his trip to Hollywood this week just how much of an impact the show has. While buying tickets, the airline representative said, "You're going to Hollywood and your name is Studdard ... You aren't related to Ruben Studdard, are you?" |
Tellatubbybuddy | Friday, April 11, 2003 - 04:43 pm     When its all said and done the only person note for note ... or pound for pound is Ruben. Sorry but the run down is like this: Clay is way too Broadway for MTV, and face it folks its the MTV Generation that are the largest consumers of "American Idol" like products, The Three girls are not attractive enough to be as musically inconsistent as they are and the Country Guy ... well, he's country! Ask yourself when its all said and done (win or lose) who are you gonna remember about this seasons American Idol??? Ruben Ruben Ruben!!! |
Cupcake | Friday, April 11, 2003 - 09:27 pm     Just gotta add my voice to the RUUUUUUUUUBEN fan club. He is amazing! I hope he wins! GO RUBEN - GO RUBEN - GO RUBEN
|
Jan | Saturday, April 12, 2003 - 04:29 pm     a broadway star from the musical HAIRSPRAY was guest host on the View on Thursday. She had missed the last minutes of the show and did not know who was evicted. When told it was Ricky she was really surprised ('but he can sing!" she said). But when asked who would win she said Clay is good but "it is all about Ruben!" |
Hermione69 | Tuesday, April 15, 2003 - 08:41 am     Looking forward to hearing Ruben tonight! Whoo hoo! Prisoner, if you see this, I hope you come back! I know we don't always agree, but I have a lot of respect for you. I think you are one of the most intelligent posters on this board. Come on back in and celebrate your man Ruben! |
Ladytex | Tuesday, April 15, 2003 - 12:18 pm     Poll on Netscape.com Who should win 'American Idol'? Ruben Studdard 53% Clay Aiken 26% Joshua Gracin 7% Kimberly Caldwell 5% Trenyce 4% Carmen Rasmusen 3% Kimberly Locke 2% Link for Poll |
Essence | Wednesday, April 16, 2003 - 09:01 am     I thought Ruben sounded great last night. I agree this was probably his worst performance of the series, but it was still real good. Compare that to some of the other performers worst performances and that really says something. He enjoys singing and it shows in every performance. I can't wait until someone signs this man to a contract so he can put out a CD. His is definitely one I will buy...can't say the same for some of the other contestants. |
Ladytex | Wednesday, April 16, 2003 - 09:07 am     Agreed, Essence. It was not his best performance, sounded like he had a cold or something, but I still enjoyed it. I love his voice and the joy he shows when he sings. I love his smile. I'll be right behind ya in line to purchase his CD. I'll buy his and Kim Locke's, probably none of the others. |
Tishala | Wednesday, April 16, 2003 - 09:25 am     Yeah I love R, too! He's tremendous...and when people wanna dog him and say he sounds raspy, I wanna tell them to go listen to Louis Armstrong and then get back to me. Sheesh! |
Snee | Wednesday, April 16, 2003 - 10:54 am     i liked the raspy. |
Ladytex | Thursday, April 17, 2003 - 12:43 pm     This man has just got the sweetest smile and the smoothest voice to go with it ... such a happy looking kid. He's got so much going for him right now, I wish him all the best. He seems like such a nice guy. |
Hotlantan | Sunday, April 20, 2003 - 10:18 am     From today's comic strip "The Boondocks": http://images.ucomics.com/comics/bo/2003/bo030420.gif |
Snee | Sunday, April 20, 2003 - 07:47 pm     hehe, thanks for that, hotlantan. cute! RUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUBEN! haven't done that for a while. |
Essence | Monday, April 21, 2003 - 06:02 pm     Ruben's personality just adds that much more to him. No more splitting votes...they are all Ruben's.
GO RUBEN |
Marameko | Tuesday, April 22, 2003 - 06:11 am     I want those who do not appreciate Reuben's voice to remember that this competition should be focused on talent and not marketability. Some fail to remember that with diversity in this country no one can "pigeonhole" what an American Idol looks like. While Clay is a good singer the only 2 I would spend my $$ on for Cd's would be Kimberly Locke and Reuben. |
Muse | Tuesday, April 22, 2003 - 07:41 am     While my opinion of Ruben has gone down somewhat over the past few weeks, I have to say I agree, Marameko. I was listening to the radio today, and they started discussing AI2. Someone called in, and when they asked her who she thought was the best of the competition, she said no one -- they are all bad. But when pressed to say who was the "best of the worst", she said Carmen. The hosts are big Ruben fans, but they sort of agreed with her (!), saying that she was good because she was so marketable. I thought that was so silly...marketable is someone who will sell CDs. Not someone who fits into a preconceived idea of what an American idol looks like. Personally I like Clay best, and I don't have a problem with him not fitting the image a music star is supposed to have. I sort of like it, actually. Just like how I like the way Kelly Clarkson didn't have to look like a Christina Aguilera or Britney Spears clone (or, well, generally...don't know about some of her recent performance looks). So vote for Ruben (or Clay, or whoever you want to) based on if *you* like them, I say. It seems wrong to vote based on what you think *other* people want (what's supposedly marketable), IMO. |
Essence | Wednesday, April 23, 2003 - 07:18 am     Ruben did a great job last night. He is a true performer. Even with his throat problems he was good. How many of the other contestants could pull it off if they weren't well? Remember Josh and Celebration? That was blamed on a cold. |
Ladytex | Wednesday, April 23, 2003 - 07:30 am     Oh yeah, Essence, he rocked last night. I was so proud of him! That was the mark of a true performer and to even break out of his comfort zone at the same time!! Go Ruben!! |
Hermione69 | Wednesday, April 23, 2003 - 10:04 am     "Remember Josh and Celebration? That was blamed on a cold." I remember that and I was thinking about it last night as Ruben sang! Whew! Ruben certainly did just fine with a "cold." I never would have known if it hadn't been said!
He is great. I do like him a lot. I know that you guys know Clay is my personal front runner, but Ruben is a close second and I would be just fine with him winning. Good luck to all! |
Essence | Wednesday, April 23, 2003 - 10:11 am     Hermione, for what it's worth...I wouldn't mind Clay winning either. Ruben is my favorite, and that won't change, but Clay and Kimbely would definitely be just as deserving of a win. |
Hermione69 | Wednesday, April 23, 2003 - 10:14 am     Essence, I think all three of them are awesome. I do like Kim L. I hope no one reads what I have said as otherwise. She doesn't draw me in the way Ruben and Clay do, but her voice is lovely. I really hope that they are the final three and that no one gets Tamyra-ed this year. |
Snee | Thursday, April 24, 2003 - 12:40 pm     well, i'd sure buy ruben's c.d. and i'd buy kim l.'s too. as for clay, i'd go see him in a show for sure. |
Essence | Monday, April 28, 2003 - 01:22 pm     The 411 On 205 Andy Edelstein April 27, 2003 The way things are going, Ruben Studdard is going to be the most famous guy to come out of Birmingham, Ala., since Willie Mays. By now it's clear that Studdard, the 24-year-old round mound of sound with the velvet chops, is the odds-on favorite to win "American Idol" May 21. But besides his musical impact, he's also making a big-time fashion impact each time he appears wearing a jersey emblazoned with "205." That number's a shout-out to the area code for his hometown. Those jerseys - manufactured by 205 Flava, an apparel company owned by Birmingham brothers Frederick and Willi Jenkins - are selling like mad. The company has grown from a two-person operation to 150 employees to handle all those requests coming in. Frederick Jenkins told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution that weekly orders have increased to several thousand as the Studdard buzz grows. Prices range from $19.95 for a T-shirt to $150 for a custom jersey in the 8-10X size worn by Roooo-ben. Why stop with 205 though? The company can customize jerseys, so don't be too surprised to see a gaggle of Ruben wannabees hanging out wearing their 516, 631, 718, 646 and 212 jerseys. (205 Flava can be reached at 205-322-0205 or online at www.205flava.com.) from http://www.nynewsday.com/entertainment/local/newyork/ny-ffbuzz3251327apr27,0,3086152.story?coll=ny-nyc-entertainment-headlines |
Sadiesmom | Monday, April 28, 2003 - 02:12 pm     Does anyone know if Ruben is better this week? I don't know if there are any secret updates to the public about such things. |
Ladytex | Monday, April 28, 2003 - 04:19 pm              |
|