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The Bear is back 'Idol's' Studdard returns to mainstream R&B |
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Attention all "American Idol" fans: The Velvet
Teddy Bear, also known as Ruben Studdard, wants you to know he is back. Studdard, now 28, has
even named his new R&B album "The Return," and the title track
"The Return (of the Velvet Teddy Bear)." Get the hint? Celebrity judge Gladys
Knight nicknamed him the Velvet Teddy Bear on his way to becoming the
American Idol in the 2003 edition of the hit reality show. Studdard's first
album for J Records, "Soulful," debuted at No. 1 and has sold more
than 1.6 million copies. He then changed musical genres and released the
gospel album "I Need an Angel," leaving his R&B devotees
wondering what was happening. "The gospel album
was really a holiday release dedicated to all [the singers] I grew up
idolizing as a church boy," Studdard explained in a telephone interview
from his hometown of Birmingham, Ala. "Then, everyone thought I became a
gospel singer. I called the new release "The Return,' because I wanted
everyone to know I am back doing mainstream recordings." Studdard is following up
on a promise to play smaller, more intimate venues by visiting Tralf Music
Hall tonight for a concert presented by WBLK radio. During a break, he talked
about his "Idol" start, Simon Cowell and the Birmingham talent
pool. You weren't planning
on trying out for "Idol." In fact, you were accompanying a friend
to the Nashville audition. What made you decide to try out for the show? It wasn't my idea, really
- I wasn't looking for it. The producer woke me up, because we'd all been
sleeping overnight on the floor, and asked me if I wanted to try out. And I
just decided "yeah." You've been quoted as
saying people don't know the real Simon Cowell. So what is Simon really like?
He is a very nice guy.
People should look outside his character. Why do you think
"American Idol" is so successful? People love to pick out
their own stars; it's like picking out the president. Who doesn't want to
watch a [success] story like a couple of country boys like Clay and me? Speaking of country
boys, what is it about Birmingham that brings out the best "American
Idols"? "Idol's" 2006 winner, Taylor Hicks, and finalist Bo
Bice both hail from Birmingham. It's something in the
water. (Laughter.) I don't know about Taylor or Bo or others, but there is
for me a certain level of soul in everything we do down South. Do you think the
judges are meaner this year? I think the show is
evolving. The judges, everyone, everything is a lot more real. People get a
big chance on the show. It means big business now. No one is expected to be
nice to you outside the show. You must produce great music. Is there even more
pressure to produce now because other Idols are releasing records? We're really not
competing against each other. We're competing against the Lionel Richies,
against Justin Timberlake. I am just thankful that I get to do a job I love
to do.• |
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