Nearly five years ago, Ruben Studdard stood on stage before screaming masses and millions of TV viewers as he was named the winner of the second season of "American Idol."
In the years since, Studdard released three albums, was nominated for a Grammy award and embarked on a musical theater career in the musical revue "Ain't Misbehavin,'" which comes to War Memorial Auditorium this weekend.
Though Studdard's career didn't quite meet the level of other Idol contestants such as Kelly Clarkson and Jennifer Hudson, he hasn't felt the pressure to compare his success with other Idol alumni.
"Everything for me after 'Idol' has just been extra," says Studdard during a recent phone interview. "I've really been blessed to have this opportunity to do a job that I love every day."
Studdard, who began his singing career in his Birmingham, Ala., church, didn't get serious about music until college. The crooner abandoned a promising football career to study music, particularly voice. After performing for a few years in a local jazz and soul band, Just a Few Cats, Studdard auditioned for "Idol."
During his time on the show, he met fellow contestants Frenchie Davis and Trenyce Cobbins, who join him again as part of the "Ain't Misbehavin'" cast.
"It's amazing working with them. I really enjoy Trenyce and Frenchie," he says. "Just first of all, to be able to work with people as talented as they are is great, and they're good people, too."
Studdard and his co-stars get a lot of chances to work closely together during the show, particularly Studdard and Davis. The two play leads in the revue that pays tribute to legendary African American musicians of the Harlem Renaissance era during the 1920s and '30s.
"My favorite song is the duet I do with Frenchie. It's called 'Honeysuckle Rose,'" he says. "It's just fun. I can't really describe how it feels to do it. It's just a really good time."
Studdard hasn't given up on his recording career, though. The singer, whose last album was 2006's "The Return," plans to release a new disc this spring. Reflecting his previous albums, two R&B and one gospel, this new album promises elements from both genres.
"I worked on it with (producers) Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, and I'm really excited for everyone to hear it," says Studdard. "It's a good mix."
But for the next few months, Studdard will remain on the road. Though he's used to touring, performing in a Broadway show has definitely been a new experience for the singer.
"It hasn't been very hard acting, but of course it was difficult to perform so many shows a week," he says. "I've done a little bit of acting, but not on this level. It's been really good."
Jennifer Bringle is a freelance contributor. Contact her at jenniferbringle@gmail.com.
