We haven’t heard much from the brother we dubbed The Velvet Teddy Bear during his winning run on “American Idol”. Although he stepped his toe into the Gospel arena, Ruben Studdard is back with a new CD called “Love Is” ($9.99) out today. I think that many of us had a soft spot for Ruben because he reminded us of the late, great Luther Vandross. Studdard is in no way ready to assume that mantle but he is at his best when he sings a love song. My favorites are “Song For Her”, “Just Because” and “The Long & Winding Road”.  Here’s to hoping that Ruben is on his way back and it will inspire Fantasia to release something soon.

American Idol is back tonight with its circus-like auditions, and the shenanigans of Paula, Randy and the ever-caustic Simon (plus a new judge who may eventually replace Paula). But I won’t be tuning in. I’m done with the show because it jumped the shark for me three or four seasons ago. That’s when what I would like to call the Fox effect started to kick in. Read the full story