Ruben Studdard -- I'd Give Paula $10 Million!

Posted Aug 12th 2009 1:35AM by TMZ Staff

Someone affiliated with "American Idol" finally thinks Paula Abdul deserves $10 million. Slight problem: It's only Ruben Studdard.


Studdard, who won season two, thinks Paula is "probably" worth it -- but as TMZ first reported, Abdul has been taking meetings with ABC head honcho Steve McPherson and could end up on "Ugly Betty" and a show with her name on it instead.

Filed under: TV, American Idol, Exclusives

Tags: american idol, AmericanIdol, paula abdul, PaulaAbdul, ruben studdard, RubenStuddard

Ruben Voted Off Photog's iPod

Posted Jun 20th 2009 1:40AM by TMZ Staff

Keep in mind Ruben Studdard won "American Idol" when watching this video -- because when he turned the camera on our guy and asked him which of his songs was his favorite, our photog couldn't name a single one.


Kris Allen, consider this a warning.

Filed under: American Idol

Tags: american idol, lax, paparazzi, ruben sandwich, ruben studdard, RubenSandwich, video

Velvet Teddybear Claws at "Idol"

Posted Feb 18th 2009 12:15PM by TMZ Staff

For a guy who built his entire career on "American Idol," you'd think Ruben Studdard would at least pretend to still enjoy the show...

Filed under: American Idol

Tags: american idol, american idol winner, AmericanIdol, AmericanIdolWinner, ruben studdard, ruben studdard american idol, RubenStuddard, RubenStuddardAmericanIdol

Ruben -- Keep Me Outta That Claby Mess!

Posted Jun 5th 2008 8:07AM by TMZ Staff

Big Rube and Clay were buds on "AI" -- but don't expect Mr. Studdard at Clay's baby shower, he wants nothin' to do with all the baby mama drama.

Filed under: Wacky & Weird, American Idol

Tags: clay aiken, ClayAiken, ruben studdard, RubenStuddard

Ruben Studdard: On the Rag

Posted Jun 2nd 2008 3:05PM by TMZ Staff

Clay Aiken's biggest rival -- other than a TMZ photog -- gave a perspiring performance in DC last night. How many towels does that guy need?

Filed under: Music, American Idol

Tags: ruben studdard, RubenStuddard

Danity Kane Hookup -- We Smell a Rat

Posted May 20th 2008 5:40PM by TMZ Staff

Jesse McCartney and Aubrey O'Day flaunted their new pairing at the two most pap-filled places in NYC -- The Waverly Inn and Butter. It screams publicity stunt ... but does anyone even care?

Also in NY: Leona Lewis greeted fans and Ryan Gosling dodged questions about rumored girlfriend Kirsten Dunst.

In L.A.: Bai Ling was wacky as ever in her crazy space swimsuit, Ruben Studdard was happy to be recognized, Jewel was sassy as ever and Holly Madison and Bridget Marquardt said they tried to get married once ... to each other.

Filed under: Star Catcher

Tags: aubrey oday, AubreyOday, bai ling, BaiLing, bridget marquardt, BridgetMarquardt, holly madison, HollyMadison, jesse mccartney, JesseMccartney, jewel, leona lewis, LeonaLewis, mel brooks, MelBrooks, ruben studdard, RubenStuddard, ryan gosling, RyanGosling, sharon osbourne, SharonOsbourne, travis barker, TravisBarker

Britney -- Family at War

Posted Jan 30th 2008 1:15PM by TMZ Staff

TMZ has learned that it's all-out war in Britney Spears' family.

As TMZ has been reporting for weeks, people behind the scenes in Britney's life have been gearing up for an intervention -- which is now officially underway. There is a lot of behind-the-scenes anger surrounding the intervention, and the anger is directed at one Sam Lutfi, Brit's constant companion.

Yesterday, Sam called TMZ's Harvey Levin, with Britney by Sam's side, and told us Britney's family "barged in" to her home Monday night. Sam said of the family, "They have an agenda. Their agenda is jealously because they don't fit in. I do. They see her three times a year."

Britney was standing by the phone during Lutfi's conversation with Levin. Lutfi claimed he did not force Britney to buy a new Mercedes yesterday as the family claimed. He asked Brit, "Did I force you to buy a car." In a heavy southern accent she responded, "No." He continued, "Do I ever bug you." She replied, "We argue."

Lutfi said Britney's mom is fine with him -- it's her dad who's problem, claiming he's been verbally abusive to Brit and physically abusive to Sam. Family sources tell TMZ they believe Sam is a "megalomaniac" who is motivated by "evil."

Ruben Not Peachy with Show Promoter

Fallen "Idol" Ruben Studdard can barely find a place to sing for his supper these days, and now he's suing a concert promoter called Peachez Inc., and he's asking for more than lunch money!

In a lawsuit filed in New York Supreme Court, the "Idol" star wants $45,000 from Peachez, alleging breach of contract. The Dallas-based company describes itself as "a specialty marketing company" with clients in the "entertainment industry." We've called Ruben's lawyers and Peachez, but so far, we haven't had a response.

It's all going downhill for Ruben, who just got canned by his record label after his latest album tanked.

"Gladiator" Auditions -- Wimps Rule!

A line snaked around the block at Gold's Gym in Venice a few days ago, as thousands of potential victims auditioned for the second season of "American Gladiator."

Check out the story from TMZ TV and check your local listings for airtimes.

Singer Peter Gabriel: 'Memba Him?!

Former Genesis frontman Peter Gabriel hit the big time in the '80s with hits like "Sledgehammer" and "In Your Eyes." Guess what he looks like now!

Oprah -- Big, Bronzed, and Naked

Move over King Tut -- it's Queen Butt!

Artist Daniel Edwards has created a bootyful bronze sculpture of a curvaceous and robust Oprah Winfrey, called, "The Oprah Sarcophagus." Edwards previously created a life-sized statue of Britney giving birth, and one of a dead Paris Hilton.

It's safe to say Edwards isn't one of Big O's favorite things!

Britney Being Treated for Her Disease

If you think Britney Spears doesn't give a crap about getting help for her condition, think again.

Multiple sources tell TMZ Britney has seen numerous doctors. We know that she's seen a new psychiatrist who has come to her home every day this week and that she's on medication to treat her bipolar disease. We also know doctors have indeed concluded she suffers from bipolarity.

Britney has seen doctors who have been referred by other doctors, plus doctors who have been referred by celebrities Britney knows, and doctors referred by her lawyers, family and friends. We're told the process has been excruciating for her, partly because her disease is severe.

Sources tell slightly different stories about the efficacy of the medication. A friend says when Britney takes her medicine she is like "a different person -- normal and sweet." But she takes her meds for a while and then feels as if she can live without it -- so she stops taking them -- and her condition quickly deteriorates. But a professional tells TMZ flatly, "The medication just isn't working."

That same professional tells TMZ, "She's really trying. Whether it works -- we'll have to see." That person also says it's extremely frustrating when the media shows video of Britney out on the town acting crazy, adding, "She has a disease. Sometimes when you see her she's in the middle of an episode. It's like mocking someone with Down syndrome."

Filed under: American Idol, Britney Spears

Tags: Britney Spears, BritneySpears, Hulk HOgan, HulkHogan, peter gabriel, PeterGabriel, ruben studdard, RubenStuddard

Studdard Sues -- Not Everything Peachy Keen

Posted Jan 30th 2008 12:57PM by TMZ Staff

Fallen "Idol" Ruben Studdard can barely find a place to sing for his supper these days, and now he's suing a concert promoter called Peachez Inc., and he's asking for more than lunch money!

In a lawsuit filed in New York Supreme Court, the "Idol" star wants $45,000 from Peachez, alleging breach of contract. The Dallas-based company describes itself as "a specialty marketing company" with clients in the "entertainment industry." We've called Ruben's lawyers and Peachez, but so far, we haven't gotten a response.

It's all going downhill for Ruben, who just got canned by his record label after his latest album tanked.

Filed under: American Idol

Tags: Ruben Studdard, RubenStuddard

Studdard Ain't Misbehavin' -- or Sellin' Records!

Posted Jan 4th 2008 10:00AM by TMZ Staff

The "American Idol" graveyard -- aka Broadway -- has just inherited its latest crypt keeper -- Season 2 winner Ruben Studdard. Sorry!

Although abysmal record sales forced the plus-size 29-year-old schvitzing velvet teddybear to be dropped last month by his label, J Records, Ruben isn't performing at local balloon festivals or housing developments just yet. Studdard will hit the road this fall as part of the 30th anniversary of the national tour of Tony-award winning musical "Ain't Misbehavin'." The joint is jumpin'!

Joining Rube will be fellow "Idol" castoff Frenchie Davis, who previously spent over four years on the Great White Way in "Rent." At least for now, these two wannabeens will still be able to pay their rent!

Filed under: Wacky & Weird, American Idol

Tags: Frenchie Davis, FrenchieDavis, Ruben Studdard, RubenStuddard

Rent-A-Celeb for Your Next Bash!

Posted Oct 18th 2006 3:27PM by TMZ Staff

From Jeff Davidson's Sound Bytes blog

I'm still trying to figure out if K-Fed is a music celeb or just a tabloid celeb. Since he does actually have some sort of recording coming out, I'll give him the benefit of the doubt and include him in the music column. Perhaps being banged up a bit and in need of some cash after his WWE adventure, K-Fed is on the list of celebs who will come to your next throw down for a fee.

A mere $15,000 will bring Mr. Federline and presumably his trucker hat to your party. Interestingly, my contact in the rent-a-celeb world indicates that K-Fed's appearances are to be in connection with cd release parties....yes, his! So, for 15 large you get to help Kevin promote his record. What a deal!

If your wallet is overflowing, move up a couple rungs on the talent scale and get the Black Eyed Peas on your guest list. $45k brings all the boys and the Duchess to your official BEP after concert party coinciding with their tour. That's right, another artist allowing you to promote them! If you're more of the rock type, Dave Navarro will swing by for a mere twenty grand. Now, if he was able to bring Carmen Electra that might be worth it. But, those days are past.

Click here... it's not over yet

Filed under: Sound Bytes

Tags: Black-Eyed Peas, Black-eyedPeas, Celebrities, K-Fed, Ruben Studdard, RubenStuddard

The Not So Brady Bunch?

Posted Aug 17th 2006 10:15PM by TMZ Staff

Did Florence Henderson skip Christopher Knight's wedding because she doesn't like Adrianne?

Sarah, indeed Mama Brady missed out on witnessing the nuptials between Christopher Knight and Adrianne Curry, but it had nothing to do with rumors suggesting she didn't approve of Knight's bride-to-be. Henderson had committed herself to a Memorial Day week full of events at the Indianapolis 500 long before the wedding date of Monday, May 29 was set.

Sources close to Florence have also told TMZ that she and Adrianne are "close friends." So, there is no need to worry about any rifts traveling through this bunch of Bradys.

For more warm and fuzzy feelings on marriage, read this.

Will Jill Marie Jones return to "Girlfriends"?

Yvonne, despite rumors "Girlfriends" actress Jill Marie Jones had been fired, she is still a part of the show. The actress has kept busy though, working on a few big screen projects. In fact, Jill just finished shooting her scenes for the upcoming romantic comedy, "Redrum."

The seventh season of "Girlfriends" makes its CW debut at 8pm on Monday, October 1. Make sure not to miss it! And for more shows returning to The CW, check this out.

What happened to Rider Strong from "Boy Meets World"?

Chelsey, we can promise you that Rider hasn't let his acting skills go to waste. "Kim Possible" and "Pepper Dennis" are among some of the shows he has worked on over the past few years. He even made an appearance in "Law & Order: Criminal Intent."

But for right now, Rider is focusing on the movie, "Cosmic Radio," along with Michael Madsen, Randy Spelling and Daryl Hannah.

For more stories like these, click here!

Has Ruben Studdard disappeared from the limelight?

Fear not, Mary. Second season "Idol" winner Ruben Studdard has been quiet, but not idle. The Velvet Teddy Bear will be launching his third CD titled "The Return" on J Records on September 26, in which he collaborates with various R&B artists such as Ne-Yo. Studdard says he selected the title of the album in response to everyone asking where he'd been. The singer says it "made sense." The first single "Change Me" was released at the end of July.

To get in touch with Ruben, you can visit his website or his Myspace page.


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Filed under: TV, Music, Features, I Just Gotta Know!

Tags: Adrienne Curry, AdrienneCurry, Christopher Knight, ChristopherKnight, florence henderson, FlorenceHenderson, Girlfriends, I Just gotta know, IJustGottaKnow, Jill Marie Jones, JillMarieJones, Rider Strong, RiderStrong, Ruben Studdard, RubenStuddard, The CW, TheCw

Taylor Hicks' Mom Speaks

Posted May 15th 2006 1:58PM by TMZ Staff

TMZ was along for the ride Friday when 'American Idol' frontrunner Taylor Hicks paid his hometown of Birmingham, Ala a visit. He pumped up the "Soul Patrol" with two live performances.

Related video

• Taylor Hicks' Homecoming

Click here... it's not over yet

Filed under: TV, Music, The Biz, American Idol

Tags: American Idol, AmericanIdol, birmingham, alabama, Birmingham,Alabama, linda hicks, LindaHicks, ruben studdard, RubenStuddard, Soul Patrol, SoulPatrol, Taylor Hicks, TaylorHicks