Ruben Studdard rose to fame as winner of the second season of American Idol and received a Grammy Award nomination in December 2003 for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance for "Superstar". In the years following Idol, Studdard has released six studio albums, including his platinum-selling debut, Soulful, and the topselling gospel follow-up, I Need an Angel. He is most well-known for his recording career, which has produced hits including "Flying Without Wings", "Sorry 2004", and "Change Me", but he has also segued into television and stage work. Most notably, he toured with Robin Givens in the comedy-drama I Need a Hug and in 2008 starred as Fats Waller in a national tour revival of Ain't Misbehavin, which spawned a Grammy-nominated soundtrack. Studdard most recently appeared on the fifteenth season of The Biggest Loser. “ Ruben Sings Luther” (a tribute to Luther Vandross) the album was re-released on October 23rd, 2019 and includes a new tune. The album is available via all streaming and download platforms. “Ruben Sings Luther” – the North American concert tour is on it’s third national run. In November of 2019, Ruben returned back to Broadway stage with fellow American Idol finalist and best friend, Clay Aiken on their critically-acclaimed, “Ruben and Clay’s First Annual Christmas Show”. During American Idol, Studdard gained the nickname "Velvet Teddy Bear" and was noted for his shirts printed with "205", the telephone area code of his hometown of Birmingham. Alabama Governor, Bob Riley declared March 11, 2003 as "Ruben Studdard Day".