Marie A. Jones, a former staffer at The Birmingham News, was in Los Angeles on May 21, 2003, when Ruben Studdard became Alabama's first "American Idol" winner. Here's her story on his victory, originally published on May 22, 2003, in The Birmingham News.
By Marie A. Jones
HOLLYWOOD, CALIF. -- Birmingham shouted "Go, Ruben!"
And he did.
Ruben Studdard became the new "American Idol" Wednesday night, beating fellow Southerner Clay Aiken by 130,000 votes out of more than 24 million cast.
Studdard, who turned his hometown's 205 area code into a slogan recognized around the country, walked away with the title and a recording contract reportedly worth $1 million.
When host Ryan Seacrest called Studdard's name, the crowd at Los Angeles' Universal Amphitheatre went wild, screaming "Roo-ben, Roo-ben" and jumping to their feet.
"I feel good, man," said Studdard, who has been a contestant of few words throughout the 18-week run of the series.
His brother was just as overwhelmed.
"I'm glad it's over," was about all Kevin Studdard could get out as tears streamed down his face.
At a news conference just after the show ended, Ruben Studdard had advice for aspiring performers.
"Just stay grounded, man, and always be yourself," he said. "I'm gonna be Ruben, y'all."
Studdard's win came a day after he and Aiken performed three songs in their final competition. After Tuesday's show, 24 million people voted via toll-free telephone numbers and text messaging, Seacrest said.
On Wednesday's two-hour finale, each contestant sang several songs. After Studdard won, he sang "Flying Without Wings," which he has said is going to be his first single. It will be released the first week of June.
"When he started to sing then, the tears started coming," said Emily Studdard, his mother, who sat in the audience with family members including Ruben's father, Kevin.
Confetti flew at the Universal Amphitheatre when Birmingham's Ruben Studdard sang his coronation ballad, "Flying Without Wings," at the "American Idol" finale. (Fox photo)
Studdard's former music teacher at Huffman High School, Allen Gillespie, also attended, thanks to $500 raised by teachers and staff at Clay-Chalkville High School, where he teaches now.
Unlike last year's "American Idol," when eventual winner Kelly Clarkson was a clear frontrunner going into the final night, Studdard and Aiken appeared to be in a dead heat. Both were popular with fans and judges.
Wednesday, it was Studdard's soulful R&B sound that topped Aiken's Broadway-style belting.
Reaction in Birmingham, where Rubenmania has reached fever pitch in recent weeks, came quickly, including a voice over the Birmingham Police Department scanner that said, "Watch out for the new American Idol, Ruben Studdard."
At West End's Rising Star Baptist Church, where Studdard grew up singing in the choir, close to 400 people gathered to cheer on their favorite son, and a deafening roar erupted when he won.
While they screamed, cried, sang "Sweet Home Alabama" and raised their hands in praise, Cynthia Berry, a longtime family friend, stayed seated in her folding chair. Tears streamed from her shut eyes.
"I am so happy to see a young man follow his dreams," she said. "I think it's going to take him to another level. He's going to be the huge star he always said he would be. He'll be an inspiration to all people, young and old."
Birmingham City Councilman Bert Miller said Studdard's success on "American Idol," and the excitement that swept the city, gave Birmingham a break from the harshness of war, terrorism and all other conflict.
"There's been no Auburn, no Alabama, no black, no white," Miller said. "We love him. We're ready to bring him home on a magic carpet because he is our genie."
Even one of the show's producers, Camilla Rahman of Los Angeles, cried when Studdard won.
Supporters in Birmingham held a watch party at the BJCC Arena, to cheer on hometown singer Ruben Studdard as he faced Clay Aiken in the "American Idol" finale. (Leigh Patton)
"It's just the emotions of everybody here," she said at the Rising Star gathering, which was featured live on national TV several times Wednesday. "I know Ruben really well and I was nervous. They didn't tell me ahead of time because they were afraid I would tell all these people here and I probably would have."
Celebration wasn't limited to the 205 area code.
In Washington, Studdard's U.S. senator and congressman threw their hands in the air along with 200 other people crammed into a Capital Hill bar.
U.S. Rep. Spencer Bachus, RVestavia Hills, hosted an "American Idol" party that attracted a crowd bigger than most political fund-raisers. The event included an open bar, 205 T-shirts and "Sweet Home Alabama" on the loudspeakers during the commercial breaks. Bachus spent an hour on his cell phone Tuesday night, hitting re-dial and voting for Studdard.
"He is such a good image for our state," Bachus said. He was joined by his wife, Linda, in a yellow 205 shirt.
It was a bipartisan event, proven by the presence of Rep. Artur Davis, D-Birmingham, and several members of his staff.
"I can't recall any single event that has galvanized the state the way Ruben has in the last few days," Davis said.
Rumor had it the biggest fan in the house was Mary Sessions, wife of Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Ala.
Ruben Studdard earned the nickname "Velvet Teddy Bear" on "American Idol," after his vocals charmed guest judge Gladys Knight. (Fox photo)
"I just want to pinch his cheeks," she shrieked toward Ruben's face on TV.
Bachus can now collect on some Chapel Hill, N.C., ice cream, the spoils of a bet with Rep. David Price, D-N.C.
Today, Studdard will tape an appearance on "The Tonight Show With Jay Leno," and then he and Aiken will fly to New York to do a round of interviews with national media. They'll join other "American Idol" finalists for a tour that begins in July, making a stop in Birmingham Aug. 15.
Studdard won the hearts of millions of viewers during the show's run, singing songs such as "Sweet Home Alabama," "Breaking Up Is Hard to Do" and "Superstar." His dimples and infectious smile became a trademark for the man whom singer Gladys Knight dubbed the "Velvet Teddy Bear."
Studdard auditioned for "American Idol" in Nashville last year, part of a process that whittled down nearly 70,000 applicants to a top 32. After hearing news that he'd be going on to Hollywood, Studdard looked into the camera and let viewers know he was from Birmingham.
Ever since, Studdard has shown his hometown pride by "representing," as he calls it. He's worn a rainbow of jerseys with Birmingham's area code emblazoned on the front. He heralded the city's sweet tea, friendly people and fried chicken wings.
The love affair was mutual. Birmingham supporters coined the mantra "Go, Ruben" and held viewing parties across the city, put up billboards and wore 205 shirts at least once a week.
Studdard had a short but sweet message for his hometown after his win.
"Just tell Birmingham I love them," he said.
News staff writers Carol Robinson, Mary Colurso and Mary Orndorff contributed to this story.