Who Are Ruben Studdard's Kids? All About the 'American Idol' Alum's Family
Ruben and his wife just welcomed a new addition to their family in March 2024. Now, Ruben is a dad of two!
May 2 2024, Published 5:30 p.m. ET
Affectionately known as the "Velvet Teddy Bear" for his smooth voice and lovable personality, Ruben Studdard captivated the country's heart when he emerged as the winner of American Idol's second season in 2003.
His victory on one of the most watched television shows in the country was just the beginning of a successful music career that spans genres, including R&B, pop, and gospel. Ruben's discography boasts several albums, hit singles, and Grammy nominations, establishing him as a significant figure in the music industry.
Despite his celebrity status, Ruben has managed to keep the details of his personal life away from the prying eyes of public scrutiny. But, who are Ruben Studdard's kids?
Who are are Ruben Studdard's children?
Ruben shares two children with his wife, Kristin. The couple's firstborn — a son named Olivier — was born in March 2019. The name honored Ruben's late brother, Kevin, who died at the age of 44 in 2019.
As Ruben explained on The Tamron Hall Show (per People), "I gave my son my brother's middle name, which is also my father's middle name. I just wanted him to have a connection to his uncle because I know how much his brother wanted to meet him, if he ever showed up."
In March 2024, Ruben and Kristin welcomed their second child, a daughter named Henri. As the happy parents shared with People, "We are thrilled to welcome baby Henri into our lives. Big bro Olivier can’t contain his excitement."
In a May 2024 interview on Sherri Shepard's talk show, Ruben shared (per Heavy), "I definitely am thankful that I have been given the opportunity to be her father, but I believe that she’s going to make me a better human being. Not that Olivier doesn’t; Olivier keeps me on my toes. I have to play a lot more than I normally would, so we’re out in the yard running and being rough, but I know I’m going to have to be, like, very very hands-on with Henri. So I’m looking forward to watching her grow up and become the type of woman her mother is.”
Ruben Studdard won over Clay Aiken on 'American Idol,' but the two have remained close friends.
Ruben was the second winner of American Idol, taking home the title in Season 2. Ruben beat Clay Aiken in the season finale when he sang "Flying Without Wings."
However, Ruben and Clay became fast friends on the show, and remain close to this day. They even went on tour together in 2010, and embarked on another tour together in 2023 to celebrate the 20-year anniversary of their time on American Idol. Additionally, Ruben and Clay competed on The Masked Singer together as Beets in 2024.
Ruben Studdard has had an impressive career since 'American Idol.'
After clinching the American Idol title, Ruben quickly capitalized on his newfound fame by dropping his first album, Soulful, just six months later. Anchored by hit singles such as "Superstar" and "Sorry 2004," the album soared to the top of the Billboard 200 chart, marking it as his most triumphant release to date.
Since then, Ruben has added six more albums to his discography, including Unconditional Love in 2014 and Ruben Sings Luther in 2018. Not confining his talents to music alone, Ruben ventured back to television in 2013 to participate in The Biggest Loser and made his Broadway debut in 2018 alongside Clay in Ruben & Clay's Christmas Show.