Archive through April 01, 2003
TV ClubHouse: Archive: American Idol (FOX):
Ruben Fan Club (ARCHIVE):
Archives:
Archive through April 01, 2003
Grooch | Thursday, March 27, 2003 - 07:25 pm     Since Clay has one, Ruben deserves one also. This is such a nice article. I just may have to vote for him after all. 'Idol' Ruben Studdard star already at home in Alabama Ex-music student at A& makes sweet sounds on Fox TV 3/27/03 By LINDA LONG Times Birmingham Correspondent BIRMINGHAM - Ruben-mania has struck Alabama in a really big way - bigger than the guy who started it all and maybe even bigger than the silky smooth voice that continues to charm some 46 million viewers each week on Fox TV's blockbuster "American Idol." The show, which pits celebrity "wannabes" against each other in a weekly singing competition, drew some 14 million votes last week. Alabama's own Ruben Studdard garnered his fair share, enough to put him in the final nine on Wednesday night and keep his hopes for stardom alive - for at least one more week. Studdard, a baby-faced 24-year-old from Birmingham who gave up a football scholarship to study music at Alabama A& University, has taken the country by storm. At home in Alabama, Gov. Bob Riley proclaimed a Ruben Day earlier this month. Well-wishers are sporting "Go Ruben" T-shirts, and fans are packing bars, living rooms and dorms to chant "Go Ruben, Go Ruben," as their guy seeks fame. And phones at a Birmingham retirement home recently suffered a meltdown because lines were jammed as residents tried to call in their votes for Ruben. But nowhere do they cheer any more enthusiastically than on Birmingham's west side. That's where Ruben grew up, and these are the friends and neighbors who "knew him when." That where he once sang in the church choir, and where he made his singing debut at age 2 at a local department store. His mother, Emily Studdard, recalls the day. "I was shopping, and this lady just came up to us and started talking to Ruben," she said. "She asked him if he could sing a song, and he started singing 'We Shall Overcome.' That was his very first solo." Ruben's rise to the show's top nine is thanks in large part to his mom, a second-grade teacher who sacrificed her summer vacations and worked two jobs to pay for Ruben's singing lessons. Ruben showed his appreciation for that hard work on national television when, after winning the first night's competition, he turned to the camera and thanked his mom for all she'd done. "Words can't begin to express how proud I am of him, " she said. Proud yes, but not surprised. "This has always been his goal." Emily Studdard was there to offer advice and help when her son had to make a life-altering decision. Studdard went to A& to play football. On full scholarship. But football practice was the same time as choir practice. "That meant football had to go," she said. "Of course, that also meant the scholarship had to go. I just went to the financial aid office and asked for help." Ruben's former teachers at A& remember a shy young man, a hard worker, and someone who was a lot of fun to be around. Richard Tucker, who recently retired after 39 years at the school, said he coached Ruben in breathing, diction and tone. He offered this critique of Ruben's "Idol" performances. "I'd say he has all that together," Tucker said. "He's also chosen the right pieces to show off his true baritone voice. I knew from the beginning he was going to be a star because he had so much feeling and mellowness in his voice. "Each week he's gotten better and better. I think it'll be hard for anybody to catch him." Tucker said he'd offer his former student simple advice: "Stay focused. Be yourself. Stay humble and don't get the big head." Emily Studdard said she doesn't think there's too much danger of that happening. "We're still the same people. Before all this started, Ruben and I were sharing an '83 Chevy Malibu. Now, he's riding around in a stretch limo, but Ruben remembers where all this is coming from. "His faith and his church are very important to him," she continued. "I'm really proud when I see him living the things I taught him along the way." Ruben's reach for stardom continues next week when another contestant will be eliminated from "American Idol." But nobody at the senior citizens center in West End is worried. As Ruben's uncle, Frederick Williams, said, "If he makes it, that will be all right, and if he doesn't make it, that's still all right. "He's represented Birmingham well and made us all proud. Regardless how it goes, he's a winner with us." Link |
Grooch | Thursday, March 27, 2003 - 07:26 pm     Also, his name is spelled Ruben, not Rueben. ;) |
Azriel | Thursday, March 27, 2003 - 07:44 pm     I thought it was spelled RUUUUUUUUUuuuuuuuuuuuuuuubeen.
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Grooch | Thursday, March 27, 2003 - 07:50 pm     lol! |
Wink | Thursday, March 27, 2003 - 08:02 pm     I have to admit I wasn't very high on Ruben initially because I didn't think he could handle a wide variety of musical genres but I've changed my mind. I couldn't even imagine him singing anything but R&B originally but he's won me over. He's a wonderful, charming young man with an exceptional voice and I won't be disappointed if he is the next American Idol. |
Tess | Thursday, March 27, 2003 - 08:12 pm     I love Ruben. I think he's a wonderful singer and a sweetheart. I could see him in the final 2. |
Kady | Thursday, March 27, 2003 - 08:15 pm     I don't see how anyone can watch AI and not fall in love with Ruben. Even if he doesn't win, with all the exposure he is getting, he is sure to sign with a record lable. I loved the article on him. I can just picture all the senior citizens burning up the phone lines with their votes. |
Seamonkey | Thursday, March 27, 2003 - 08:43 pm     He is a love. He's improved from the original breathiness I heard.. I'm thinking he's been working on fitness just a bit and it has paid off. He's very relaxed with a twinkle in his eye.. nothing is forced or fake about him. |
Babyruth | Thursday, March 27, 2003 - 08:53 pm     I love the Velvet Teddy Bear. |
Ladytex | Thursday, March 27, 2003 - 09:07 pm     Go Ruben, go Ruben ... |
Wargod | Thursday, March 27, 2003 - 09:54 pm     Can I belong to both the Ruben and Clay fan clubs? |
Azriel | Thursday, March 27, 2003 - 10:16 pm     Lol, War, it won't be a problem unless they are the final two. |
Wargod | Thursday, March 27, 2003 - 10:44 pm     When they are the final two, I'm praying for a tie! LOL. Both are very good in their different ways, which makes it tough to pick one over the other. |
Prisonerno6 | Friday, March 28, 2003 - 02:29 am     If it goes down to Ruben and Clay in the final two, I think they will both come out of this with a career. I happen to prefer Ruben's voice to Clay's, so I hope he's number one, but based on Simon's comments ("You are what this competition is all about") as well as the others, even if he doesn't make it that far, Ruben will still have a recording career in front of him. |
Mak1 | Friday, March 28, 2003 - 04:28 am     I'm another member of both the Ruben and the Clay fan clubs. They both sound like wonderful people. IMO, they both stand out in this group of very talented young singers. |
Stcmom | Friday, March 28, 2003 - 04:37 am     Although I am an avid Clay fan I too love Ruben and my only wish for this AI season is to have these 2 in the finals...after that I will be happy if either one will win. I think they are both exceptional. Neither is your typical hot and sexy pop idol, they are both so down to earth, both have incredible talent and I think they are becoming great friends in the show which is very nice to see considering they are each others toughest competitor. I am impressed that he gave up football for his music that shows true dedication to his art...way to go Ruben...I believe these two will have a great career and I hope they can do a duet together, this would sound so awesome.. |
Bandit | Friday, March 28, 2003 - 08:18 am     2 5!!!!!! :-) |
Pantageas | Friday, March 28, 2003 - 09:07 am     Ruben got's the voice, but he got me with the "these ole' little boody chairs" line. |
Walker | Saturday, March 29, 2003 - 11:26 am     i'll bet that if ruben becomes the next american idol its BYE BYE BIRMINGHAM. |
Serate | Sunday, March 30, 2003 - 12:12 pm     The "these ole' little boody chairs" is what made me REALLY love Ruben. Then he sang Sweet Home Alabama. I haven't voted yet, but if either Ruben or Clay get booted [that aint gonna happen] I'll start voting for the other one. |
Jan | Sunday, March 30, 2003 - 12:49 pm     I love Ruben also..he is my fav, then Clay. But I will be happy if the two are the final two..after all hasn't "what's his face" done just as well as Kelly Clarkson so far? (sorry can't remember his name anymore ) |
Laura11103 | Monday, March 31, 2003 - 01:13 pm     Ruben by far for me has the best voice. When he sings it just makes you feel good inside, truly. Clay is great too, but the way he pronounces his R's sometimes has a twang to it that kind of isn't appealing to me. Ruben is perfect voicewise IMO. |
Fluff | Monday, March 31, 2003 - 06:52 pm     *sign me up for this fanclub*  |
Snee | Tuesday, April 01, 2003 - 04:59 pm     RUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUBEN! |
Essence | Tuesday, April 01, 2003 - 07:15 pm     Ruben is a star. |
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