Ruben Studdard Biggest Loser Contestant: American Idol Winner Weighs in at Almost 500 Pounds
Weighing in at almost 500 pounds, "American Idol," Season Two winner, Ruben Studdard returns to reality TV to tackle his weight gain in the 15th season of "The Biggest Loser."
Studdard, whose smooth R&B/Gospel vocals where compared to the legendary Luther Vandross during "American Idol," has been battling obesity most of his life and his weight has skyrocketed to a 462 pounds, making him the heaviest contestant on the show's 15th season.
The Grammy-nominated artist who falls under the pop, R&B, and gospel genres gained attention not only for his win, but for beating out out singer Clay Aiken, whose career has also thrived in both album sales and Broadway roles.
According to Billboard, Studdard received a Grammy Award nomination in December 2003 for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance for “Superstar.” Since "Idol," Studdard has released four studio albums, including his most recent disc, 2009’s "Love Is."
Unfortunately, Studdard, who was given the moniker, “velvet teddy bear,” by "American Idol" guest judge Gladys Knight, wasn't able to get in his last "pig-out session" before making his way to "The Biggest Loser" ranch.
"You know, the funny thing is, I was actually working the night before, so I didn't get an opportunity to have a pig-out session, no," Studdard said in a phone call. "I actually flew from a concert to the ranch. ... I'm sure I probably would have had a piece of cake or something before I went up to the ranch for months and months."
The 25-year-old Birmingham, Alabama native, said he hopes to hit the studio again after the show, but in the meantime, he's keeping some things in his daily routine the same, "give every day of my life some Ruben time."
"That's what I've been taught, as you know. I have to get up every day and give myself the two hours that I need to keep myself together before I even get into any music stuff, and that's just going to have to be how I do it," he explained.
Studdard's approach to taking the time to improve both mind and body should be a motivator for people of all shapes and sizes - and that's the gospel truth.
"The Biggest Loser" returns Oct. 8 at 8 p.m on NBC.
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