Ruben Studdard Loses Almost 100 Pounds

'American Idol' Winner Is Now A Vegetarian, Follows Low-Calorie Diet

NEW YORK, Oct. 9, 2006 | by Amy Bonawitz

(CBS/AP)  There's a lot less of the Velvet Teddy Bear to hug.

Ruben Studdard has lost nearly 100 pounds by cutting back on his food. He used to weigh more than 400 pounds.

Studdard told NBC's "Today" show that he was put on a 1,200- to 1,500-hundred-calorie diet at a weight management center at Duke University.

The R&B singer, who won 2003's "American Idol" competition, beating out Clay Aiken, says he's now a vegetarian.

Studdard has a new album coming out Oct. 17. He says he called it "The Return" because not many people bought his inspirational album, and some thought he hadn't recorded in a while.

©MMVI, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Back To Top