With a classic deep-soul style in the vein of Barry White, Luther Vandross, and Teddy Pendergrass, Alabama native Ruben Studdard became the winner of the second AMERICAN IDOL television competition in 2003. Despite his powerful croon and his endless likability, the Velvet Teddy Bear's post-IDOL career was overshadowed by the success of that season's runner-up, Clay Aiken.