Ruben Studdard’s Transformation Through the Years: Photos of ‘Idol’ Season 2 to Now

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September 12, 2023 9:51AM EDT

Check out these photos of ‘American Idol’ winner Ruben Studdard’s transformation through the years in our gallery now.

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Ruben Studdard’s Transformation In Photos

Ruben Studdard’s Transformation In Photos — Ruben Studdard is a singer who rose to fame after winning ‘American Idol’ season 2. He beat out Clay Aiken to become the show’s second-ever champion. He received a Grammy nomination in 2003 for his recording of ‘Superstar.’ He went on to release his successful debut album ‘Soulful.’

Over the years, Ruben has continued to release new music and albums. He’s also undergone a personal transformation. In 2013, Ruben joined the cast of ‘The Biggest Loser’ and lost 70 pounds during his time on the ranch. By the time the finale aired, the singer had lost 112 pounds.

‘It was really time for me to make a change,” he told TODAY at the time. ‘I was about to turn 35, and I was just afraid that some of the things that affected some people that are really close to me would affect me. I most definitely don’t want to leave here early from things that I can prevent.’ After joining the show, Ruben would learn that he had type 2 diabetes.

Ruben is set to appear alongside other beloved ‘Idol’ names during the reunion show on May 2, which is celebrating the show’s 20th anniversary. See photos of Ruben’s transformation through the years in our gallery now.

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Ruben Studdard Wins ‘American Idol’

Ruben Studdard Wins ‘American Idol’ — Ruben Studdard won ‘American Idol’ season 2 in 2003. He faced off against Clay Aiken in the finale.

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Ruben Studdard At The BET Awards

Ruben Studdard At The BET Awards — Ruben Studdard attended the BET Awards in June 2003. This was just weeks after he won ‘American Idol’ season 2.

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Ruben Studdard On ‘Idol’ Tour

Ruben Studdard On ‘Idol’ Tour — Ruben Studdard was one of the contestants who went on the ‘American Idols on Tour’ in 2003. He performed at various venues across the country.

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Ruben Studdard At The NAACP Awards

Ruben Studdard At The NAACP Awards — Ruben Studdard on the carpet at the 2004 NAACP Image Awards. Ruben won Outstanding New Artist in 2004.

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Ruben Studdard With Kelly Clarkson & Fantasia Barrino

Ruben Studdard With Kelly Clarkson & Fantasia Barrino — Ruben Studdard returned to ‘American Idol’ for the grand finale in 2004. He posed alongside winners Kelly Clarkson and Fantasia Barrino.

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Ruben Studdard At ‘Idol’ Finale

Ruben Studdard At ‘Idol’ Finale — Ruben Studdard at the ‘American Idol’ season 7 grand finale. Ruben would marry Surata Zuri McCants just a few months later.

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Ruben Studdard At J Records

Ruben Studdard At J Records — After ‘American Idol,’ Ruben decided to go on a fitness journey between his second and third albums. He went on a vegetarian diet and lost 70 pounds.

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Ruben Studdard At ‘Idol’ Season 8 Finale

Ruben Studdard At ‘Idol’ Season 8 Finale — Ruben Studdard at the ‘American Idol’ season 8 finale in 2009. Ruben was accompanied by his wife and her daughter Khobi.

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Ruben Studdard In 2010

Ruben Studdard In 2010 — Ruben Studdard looked sharp at the ‘American Idol’ grand finale in 2010. He wore a striped suit to the finale.

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Ruben Studdard At The Kentucky Derby

Ruben Studdard At The Kentucky Derby — Ruben Studdard walked the red carpet at the 2015 Kentucky Derby. The next year, Ruben served as a mentor during ‘Idol’s farewell season.

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Ruben Studdard At The 2015 Hollywood Christmas Parade

Ruben Studdard At The 2015 Hollywood Christmas Parade — Ruben Studdard at the 2015 Hollywood Christmas Parade. Ruben had previously joined the cast of ‘The Biggest Loser’ and lost nearly 120 pounds by 2014.

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Ruben Studdard At 2017 Hollywood Christmas Parade

Ruben Studdard At 2017 Hollywood Christmas Parade — Ruben Studdard performed at the 2017 Hollywood Christmas Parade. He would release his seventh studio album the next year.

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Ruben Studdard With Jordin Sparks

Ruben Studdard With Jordin Sparks — Ruben Studdard and Jordin Sparks at ‘A California Christmas’ in 2017. Jordin won season 6 of ‘American Idol.’

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Ruben Studdard In 2018

Ruben Studdard In 2018 — Ruben Studdard was seen leaving NBC’s New York Live in 2018. He released the album ‘Ruben Sings Luther’ earlier in the year.

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Ruben Studdard In 2021

Ruben Studdard In 2021 — Ruben Studdard returned for season 20’s Hollywood Week to mentor contestants. He will also be appearing during the show’s reunion episode on May 2.

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