Archive through May 13, 2003
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TV ClubHouse: Archive: American Idol (FOX): Ruben Fan Club (ARCHIVE): Archives: Archive through May 13, 2003

Snee

Wednesday, May 07, 2003 - 02:14 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
thanks cupcake! yeah, i remember the BRUUUUUUUUUUUUUCE thing now that you mention it.

R00000000OOOOOO00000000B!

Deedee

Thursday, May 08, 2003 - 12:03 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Ruben is in Birmingham today. He was at his former high school this morning. I missed what he is doing tonight, but tomorrow he will be on the local morning show. The midday news showed him at the high school being cheered, receiving a fruit basket, on stage with his brother, and singing (imho, a not so good version of) "Sweet Home Alabama."

Snee

Thursday, May 08, 2003 - 12:27 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
i loved the version of 'sweet home alabama' he sang on the show a few weeks ago!

Squaredsc

Thursday, May 08, 2003 - 12:44 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
i loved eminem's version of sweet home alabama, lol.

ruuuuuuuuuuuuuuuben!

Maris

Thursday, May 08, 2003 - 01:16 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Lol Square, I loved it to and was really ticked off that it wasnt on the 8 mile cd.

Essence

Thursday, May 08, 2003 - 01:29 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
From The Birmingham News...
link

Studdard stays on, Marine gets boot

05/08/03

MARIE A. JONES
News staff writer

Fans and family of Birmingham's Ruben Studdard screamed with delight Wednesday night when the 24-year-old was named among the top three "American Idol" finalists.

Studdard, along with Clay Aiken of Raleigh, N.C., and Kimberley Locke of Nashville, compete again Tuesday for the Idol distinction, which includes a million-dollar recording deal. Josh Gracin, a U.S. Marine from Oceanside, Calif., was eliminated on Wednesday.

During this week's competition, televised live on Fox Tuesday night, Studdard sang two Bee Gees' tunes "How Can You Mend a Broken Heart" and "Nights on Broadway." All three celebrity judges gave him rave reviews, with Simon Cowell saying the competition wouldn't be the same if Studdard wasn't in it.

Studdard is expected in Birmingham today and for a half-day on Friday, Fox publicists said. He will appear Friday on Fox 6 and on the syndicated Rick'N' Bubba radio show.

He also will visit with family and fans, many of whom gathered at the home of Studdard's aunt, Willa Spencer, to watch Wednesday's show.

"I always felt like Ruben was the star of my life," said his grandmother Hattie L. Williams, of Rising-West Princeton. "I know that he is the America Idol."

Studdard was nearly eliminated from the competition a week earlier. After that showing, some fans complained that they weren't able to get through on local phone lines, although BellSouth spokesperson Terri Denard said that everything was operating normally. This week, some said they received constant busy signals and, at times, couldn't get a dial tone at all.

"Our volume of calls did double over the week before, but we're still handling the calls successfully," Denard said. BellSouth received about 150 calls in the Birmingham area about phone trouble during the "American Idol" voting window, but many of those were probably due to the severe weather that swept through the area Tuesday night, she said.

Studdard has won the hearts of millions of viewers during his 16-week tenure on the show, belting out a collection of songs from country rock to R&B soul.

He has put Birmingham on the map with his 5X-sized jerseys emblazoned with the area code 205 on the front.

Studdard will compete again Tuesday on Fox 6 when the show's three finalists are dropped to two. The top pair will then compete in a musical showcase at Hollywood's Universal Studios within the next few weeks.

Deedee

Thursday, May 08, 2003 - 04:38 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
The version that he did on the show of "Sweet Home Alabama" was much better than the version they showed today from a high school gym with no back up vocals. I am still a Rueben fan. I thought he may have been saving his vocals for his competition next week.

Snee

Thursday, May 08, 2003 - 09:55 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
okay, deedee, you're safe! i mean you did say it in bold and all. hehe

haven't seen '8 mile' yet so i don't know about eminem's version. sounds interesting.

Heavenly

Friday, May 09, 2003 - 07:27 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Thanks Essence for the update.
It's nice to know that Ruben
has so much support.

Snee

Sunday, May 11, 2003 - 04:26 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
good luck R00000000OOOOO00000000B!

Essence

Monday, May 12, 2003 - 07:50 am EditMoveDeleteIP
30 things you didn't know about

05/06/03
MARIE A. JONES
News staff writer


HOLLYWOOD -- Ever since he sang his first note on "American Idol," Birmingham's Ruben Studdard has been one of the most popular singers in the country.

The R&B-belting Velvet Teddy Bear's face has been plastered on the covers on national magazines, on celebrity news shows and on the pages of scores of newspapers. Think you know everything about him by now?

Think again.

Last week, in the plush Los Angeles mansion Studdard is sharing with the show's three other finalists Clay Aiken of Raleigh, N.C.; Joshua Gracin of Oceanside, Calif.; and Kimberley Locke of Nashville he answered a slew of questions about himself.

Here are 30 things you don't know about Ruben, just in time for the show tonight at 7 on Fox 6:

1. Birthdate: Sept. 12, 1978.

2. Shoe size: 15.

3. Hat size: 8.

4. Weight: 360. (He wears size 5X in those 205 jerseys).

5. Height: 6 feet, 4 inches.

6. Favorite color: red.

7. Favorite food: chicken tetrazzini.

8. Favorite professional sports team: The Birmingham Steeldogs.

9. Favorite soft drink: Coke, of course. (They're an "American Idol" sponsor.) Studdard says he drinks a lot of water, mostly Coke's Dasani.

10. Favorite gift for mom on Mother's Day: Studdard usually gets his mother, Emily, Delta Sigma Theta paraphernalia. She's a member of the sorority.

"She never puts them up because they don't match," he says. He's also gotten her "cheesy mother clocks," he says.

This year, though, he's got a really special surprise planned for her.

11. Favorite places to eat in Birmingham: La Vase Fine Food, Green Acres Cafe, 11th Avenue Grill, Bottega Italian Restaurant, Fat Sam's Sub Station, Ma Reatha's Restaurant, Golden Bird Restaurant, Woody's Grill.

12. Favorite album: The Ultimate Donnie Hathaway Collection.

13. Favorite movie: "Love Jones," starring Nia Long and Larenz Tate.

14. Favorite TV show: "The Cosby Show."

15. What he calls his apartment in Homewood: "The Player's Pad."

16. Favorite hangout in Birmingham: WorkPlay.

17. When he's nervous: He sings a few bars from Smokie Norful's "I Need You Now."

"I'll be straight then," he says.

18. What he wants on his Tombstone pizza: Pineapples, mushrooms, pepperoni and jalepeno peppers.

19. The Birmingham landmark he'd take a first-time visitor to: Either the Civil Rights Institute or the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame.

20. What type of woman he's looking for: Someone who's down to earth, attractive and has the same interest in music and theater.

21. What he did before he came to Hollywood: He was director of the music department at Lighthouse Full Gospel Church.

22. The ringtone on his cell phone: "Get Busy" by reggae artist Sean Paul.

23. Wake-up call: 7 a.m.

24. His reaction to accusations that his 205 shirts are a gang thing: "Kids, do not make the 205 jersey into a gang thing. It's just a shirt. It's nothing to fight over. Don't be trying to be no gang. That ain't cool, man. Gang banging is dead."

25. What he thinks about Simon Cowell, the most outspoken judge on the show: "Simon is Simon," he says. "You either love him or you don't. Everything Simon says has a lot of truth to it.

"America is a very politically correct society and the way we speak to people, we are conscious about what we say and not to hurt their feelings. In England they aren't that way. He says what he feels."

26. Why he doesn't wear his 205 shirts on every show: He wants to change up his outfits, he says.

He still wears a 205 shirt during the results show on Wednesdays, but he and the show's stylists wanted to come up with "old school" outfits leather jackets, Kangol hats that reflect Ruben's personal style.

27. What he thinks about Luther Vandross and his illness: "It's unfortunate, man. I really don't want to talk about it. I get upset. Everything happens for a reason. That's the only sense I can make out of it."

28. A message to Birmingham: "Tell everybody I love them and, you know, keep voting," he says. "I'm coming home soon. I ain't gonna tell y'all when so y'all won't have the airport jammed up and be a security issue."

He switches to a high-pitched voice, pretending to be a security guard.

"Ruben is coming," he says. "Security issue ... Birmingham Airport."

29. If he wins, he's going to: Buy a house.

30. If he loses, he's going to: Buy a house.

Squaredsc

Monday, May 12, 2003 - 09:31 am EditMoveDeleteIP
love jones soundtrack is one of my favorite movie soundtracks.

go ruuuuuuuuuben!

Marameko

Monday, May 12, 2003 - 09:49 am EditMoveDeleteIP
I knew he was tall, but 6'4..........what a teddy bear !!! He is the cutest thing.......

Ladytex

Monday, May 12, 2003 - 03:31 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
I just love this big 'ole Teddy Bear. Let's get ready Ruben fans. <sd>

Sadiesmom

Monday, May 12, 2003 - 04:11 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Actually, I am more of a Kimme.My conspiracy series are not meant to reflect on the idols, just the producers. Sometimes I worry about the guys and what is going to happen to them. The music business is rough, but I guess they know that already.

I hear Rubin is well into his CD for an early release this time. Just one more thing to exhaust them while they are competing in the show. I heard somewhere, can't remember where anymore, that Ruben is expected to release his CD by the end of the summer.

Also heard that they are all expected to earn at least 100K each from the album out now.

Ladyc

Monday, May 12, 2003 - 05:24 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Ladytex, I am ready to give Ruben all of my support. I would love to have, have can you mend a broken heart on cd. He did a fantastic job singing that song.

Good luck Ruben !!!!!!!!!!!

Essence

Tuesday, May 13, 2003 - 06:31 am EditMoveDeleteIP
rantYou know, I am sick to death of the Ruben bashing. All Ruben does is go out and perform each week (just like the other contestants), he doesn’t say much…which he gets criticized for, he appears to be friendly…he gets bashed on that too, it’s like a damned if you do, damned if you don’t thing going on. He catches more hell than any other contestant.

Ruben is boring…apparently not to everyone
I like Ruben but…yea, yea, yea…we’ve heard it all before
I don’t see what all the hype is…I personally do.
He doesn’t move on stage… why is it ok for some not to move, but not him
All he does is smile and lift his arm… I’m sure Ruben is limited in the things he can do…so are other performers
Same ole Ruben…some of us like same ole Ruben
I could go on...

It is certainly one’s prerogative to not care for his style of music, but to constantly bash ‘the person’…

So what, the judges have their favorite. So do all of us. Everyone keeps jumping on that bandwagon, but it’s not doing Ruben any good. If anything, it’s detrimental to his success in this competition. I personally don’t believe that the judges have any kind of influence over the American voters. Let’s just take a look…Carmen lasted longer than the judges felt she should have, Josh lasted longer than the judges thought he should have, looking back to the top 32…Patrick Lake was certainly not a favorite, but he made top 3 in his group. The more they (the judges) like a contestant, the harder it is for that contestant to go forward…because America is going to prove those judges wrong (especially if it’s Simon).

I will definitely watch the finals (with or without Ruben in them) and see the American Idol crown (most likely) go to someone that I don’t relate to, just as I did last year. (And I’m not saying that he doesn’t deserve it, because whomever wins will...we could all be surprised and see Kimberley win which would be great too.) Life will go on, and I will wait to hear about the good things that will happen for my favorite Idol contestant…Ruben Studdard.rant

blue starblue starblue starGo Rubenblue starblue starblue star

Sadiesmom

Tuesday, May 13, 2003 - 07:11 am EditMoveDeleteIP
I agree Essence, I think Ruben has been hurt by being the judge's favorite. I have read that over and over in boards where people like him, but don't feel the need to vote for him because he is the favorite. I think that is why the Ruben fans need to step it up. In mho, they probably allow repeat voting because the fanatics will buy the CDs.

Ladytex

Tuesday, May 13, 2003 - 07:52 am EditMoveDeleteIP
yeahthat What Essence Said!

Hippyt

Tuesday, May 13, 2003 - 08:15 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Well,Somebody's voting for him,cause I tried for two hours last week,and never was able to get through!

Prisonerno6

Tuesday, May 13, 2003 - 08:16 am EditMoveDeleteIP
{a round of applause for Essence!}

Maybe someone can explain something to me. Ruben gets slammed because the judges never find fault with his performance. Then he gets slammed for "doing the same thing" week after week.

Would someone please tell me why he should change anything if the judges like what he's doing? What is he supposed to change if they don't tell him he's doing something wrong?

The one time Simon said something the least bit negative (about being predictable) the next week Ruben came out and broke out of the Barry White mold and gave us a different performance (that "upper register" thing). Yes, Clay has improved his performance over the season, listening to what the judges' critiques and changing his performance, but Ruben gets nothing from the judges to change. And frankly, if you're doing a great job, you don't need to improve it!

I have my cell phone all charged up to call for Kim and the land line ready to go for Ruben. I still hold out hope for that final two, but no matter what, I think Ruben has a great career in front of him

Ginger1218

Tuesday, May 13, 2003 - 11:22 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Essence - everybody has opinions and likes and dislikes, that does not necessary mean they are bashing Ruben. I don't see anybody saying mean negative things about him. Saying they are bored with him in their opinion, is not a diss, but an opinion.

Essence

Tuesday, May 13, 2003 - 11:54 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Ginger, I totally agree with you about opinions, likes, and dislikes. My rant was something I have been holding in for a long time. It was based on a number of things I've read on this board and others and I just had to let it out.

While 'bashing' may not have been the best word to use, I do feel that people are taking out their feelings on Ruben, based on what the media or other fans feel about him, through no fault of his own. Even some who used to say they like him (and yes I know people's opinions can change.) have in a sense turned on him because of all the 'hype'.

IMHO, no other contestant gets the back lash that Ruben does, and it's because the media for whatever reason likes him. I have no doubt that opinions of the other contestants bother their fans too, and believe me they make it known.

I really hesitate to state my feelings in these forums (and often times keep silent) for fear of stepping on toes or whatnot, but like I said before I just had to vent. Now I'm done. No matter what happens, I haved enjoyed this season of AI and Ruben in particular.

Essence

Tuesday, May 13, 2003 - 11:55 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Now that that's out of the way...

Go Ruuuuuuuuben!!! I'm with you all the way!!!

Ladytex

Tuesday, May 13, 2003 - 12:21 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
You know what? At this point, I don't really care if Ruben wins. He is a genuine, true R&B/Soul singer. To heck with those that want to make him into just another "white bread" pop singer. He will make it as he is. I am sure that there are plenty of record companies just ready to sign this man. He knows the business as shown by his production company, he knows what works for him and he shouldn't have to change for them. If he stays the way he is, he'll be a star!!