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Access Atlanta > American Idol Buzz > Archives > 2008 > June > 25 > Entry
6/25: Ruben Studdard marrying an Atlanta gal, Paris Bennett engaged?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Ruben Studdard’s manager Cedric Evans called me this morning to confirm the people.com report a couple days back that he is indeed getting married to Surata Zuri McCants, 30. The marriage will happen this weekend in Birmingham.
Better yet, she’s an Atlanta flight attendant. He met McCants at an October, 2006 Wal-Mart CD signing I attended back. Here’s a photo of him I took that day:
Here’s the original blog entry about his Wal-Mart visit.
Evans didn’t know (or wouldn’t say) what the honeymoon destination is.
But he did confirm that Studdard is going back to his “Idol’ roots by doing an album of covers. (Clay did it!). In his case, he’ll do R&B classics by the likes of Donny Hathaway, Marvin Gaye and Smokey Robinson. Working with Minneapolis producers Terry Lewis and Jimmy Jam, Studdard is nearly done and Evans said he’s aiming for an August release date. (Lewis and Jam helped produce his farewell song for “Idol” this season “Celebrate Me Home”).
Rehearsals for “Ain’t Misbehavin’ ” (with Frenchie Davis) starts in October and Studdard will use his off time to promote the album.
His latest “The Return” has sold about 237,000 copies and J Records dropped him earlier this year. But he’s still with 19 Recordings.
-Photographer Robb Cohen (freelancing for the AJC) attended the AARP Divas concert with the likes of Queen Latifah, Dionne Warwick and Ann Nesby. Here’s a shot from his photo gallery featuring Ann and her grand-daughter Paris Bennett:
Cohen said Bennett, 19, has a big diamond rock on that proper left finger so who is she engaged to?
Here’s an even better shot of her ring and other, um, attributes:
-TMZ reports that Kelly Clarkson has purchased a $1.5 million home in Nashville..
Yes, Reba McEntire and Kelly are tight buds now and Kelly now has Reba’s hubby as her manager. We can expect some serious twang on Kelly fourth album.
Based on the photo at TMZ, the home looks relatively modest (especially for that price), but this may not be Kelly’s primary residence. She owns a huge ranch in Texas, too.
-I just noticed this June 12 item about season four third-place finisher Vonzell Solomon. She was recently busted with a gun at an airport. But more importantly, Bank of New York was foreclosing on her house June 16.. Ouch! Maybe Kelly can help her out!
According to the News Press:
Solomon, 24, who finished third on the Fox Network’s popular talent contest three years ago, bought the south Fort Myers house Jan. 6, 2006, from Betty Hack for $405,000.
The purchase was made with two mortgages: one for $312,800 and the other for $78,200, court records show.
Solomon is working to pay some bills doing that Branson, Missouri “Idols” gig with Carmen Rasmussen, R.J. Helton, Scott Savol, Haley Scarnato and Brandon Rogers. Help her out by buying tix here.. She’s there through July 20.
-Melinda Doolittle sang live during the first dance at the wedding reception for her cousin LaDonna Bradford today at Rockefeller Center. Bradford and her hubby Darnell Suggs from Atlanta won the “Race to the Altar” race a couple weeks ago and got married today live on the TV show. Thank you MJ for catching that:
Comments
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
June 25, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this
looks like a big ol’ ring to me. (on Paris’ left hand ring finger)
Thanks Rodney for the update on Ruben’s plans. Good for him, i think he’ll do just fine, maybe never great, but he’ll do all right.
By Deirdre
June 25, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this
Congrats to Ruben!!!!
Dawn…I referring to a bump. Paris either has a little extra around the middle or…..
By Deirdre
June 25, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this
Which might explain the ring!
By DawnH
June 25, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this
Ohhh, I didn’t notice THAT, but I usually don’t. My little bump make me look 6 mos worth of “or….” LOL
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
June 25, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this
I don’t so much see it, D, but… you’re more observant usually than I am, LOL. Maybe … ring plus bump … maybe Paris is … ahhhhh … “otherwise engaged” ?
By Rodney Ho
June 25, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this
The photographer confirmed that she has a diamond ring on the “right” finger.
By Deirdre
June 25, 2008 12:16 PM | Link to this
Probably just my imagination.
By Justin
June 25, 2008 12:18 PM | Link to this
I can’t believe Paris is going to be 20 on her next birthday…times go so fast…
By Justin
June 25, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this
I can’t believe Paris is going to be 20 on her next birthday…times go so fast…
By tanning lotion
June 25, 2008 12:31 PM | Link to this
Congrats Reuben. Paris is really going to be 20.
[tanning lotion]http://bestindoortanninglotion.com)
By Deirdre
June 25, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this
Ah!!! Rodney has posted another picture that seems to somewhat confirm(a little) my suspicions!
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
June 25, 2008 12:45 PM | Link to this
I have to agree, D, there is certainly a particular angle to the skirtline indicating some serious curves interfering with the straight hemline …
By Deirdre
June 25, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this
Love Melinda!!! Thanks Rodney!
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
June 25, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this
enjoyed the clip on Melinda and her cousin, thanks Rodney and MJ! I’ll probably buy Melinda’s cd just because i want to support her … i’m sure i’ll enjoy it, i just like listening to her sing, anyway.
and about Paris … if she IS ahem … well, her kid will at least always have minnie mouse to talk to him/her!!!! (sorry, that was not meant to be mean, Paris just has that little voice when speaking that … well … oh nevermind, LOL!)
By Link: [Sanibel Photographer](http://leapyearphoto.com)
June 25, 2008 8:59 PM | Link to this
Congratulations! Look us up if your wedding is in Sanibel.
By Dana
June 25, 2008 9:20 PM | Link to this
I wonder if Clay will be back from Somalia in time to go to the wedding. They are real close friends after all.
Congrats Ruben!
By Preshana Price-Cox
June 26, 2008 6:17 AM | Link to this
Congrats to Rueben Studdard, Kelly Clarkston, and Melinda Doolittle. The entertainment business is all about survival. Paris Bennett actually looks like she is expecting also. Both of her dresses are cut on a maternity style. I hope and pray that Vonzell doesn’t loose her home like MANY Americans have done during this economic challenge.
By Deirdre
June 26, 2008 8:00 AM | Link to this
Morning!
Why do so many people put a ‘t’ in Kelly Clarkson’s name? That question should be grouped with other questions like, Why do all our Presidents say ‘nucular’ instead of ‘nuclear’??
We watched Beowulf on dvd last night….hmmmm.
My sympathies to the UGA fans. Y’all can still be very proud of the team. What a wonderful accomplishment.
By Cheryl
June 26, 2008 8:27 AM | Link to this
Is it just me or does Paris Bennett look pregnant? Maybe that’s why she is sporting the engagement and/or wedding ring?
By Deirdre
June 26, 2008 8:37 AM | Link to this
I guess nobody reads us but us! :-)
By DawnH
June 26, 2008 8:47 AM | Link to this
Morning everyone. D - I was thinking the same thing.
By Lara
June 26, 2008 8:53 AM | Link to this
Morning blogsters!
Well, that style of dress doesn’t really flatter anyone with a figure. Who knows though…it does look like a baby bump. Maybe she was in on that high school pact!?
The real problem with that picture is what her grandmom is wearing? Did they not have a wardrobe person at this show? How about a makeup person - cause that eye shadow is SCARY!!! Just sayin’!
By W
June 26, 2008 9:21 AM | Link to this
Paris does look like she is pregnant and the ring looks like an engagement ring and a wedding band as well (I enlarged the picture)… :)
By sheshe
June 26, 2008 9:22 AM | Link to this
Definitely a bump on Paris. Who gains weight in the belly area only. Definitely an unfortunate bump at 19 regardless of a ring.
By Negativo
June 26, 2008 9:23 AM | Link to this
Sorry, Flats…
By sheshe
June 26, 2008 9:25 AM | Link to this
Definitely a bump on Paris. Who gains weight in the belly area only. Definitely an unfortunate bump at 19 regardless of a ring.
By sheshe
June 26, 2008 9:25 AM | Link to this
Definitely a bump on Paris. Who gains weight in the belly area only. Definitely an unfortunate bump at 19 regardless of a ring.
By Deirdre
June 26, 2008 9:48 AM | Link to this
And in more Idol news(thanks mj):
Could Michael Johns have a record deal in the works? He tells Young Hollywood.com he will be writing and recording his album while on the road and plans to release a single after the tour.
A few other interesting tidbits:
Carly Smithson has heard a few of David Archuleta’s songs and she thinks their great, she’s very excited for his upcoming album. Jason Castro is focused on writing good music. And David Cook’s advice to would be idolers, “Don’t grow a mustache like Michael Johns.
By Deirdre
June 26, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this
Re Michael Johns’ mustache. I’ve seen a picture…it reduces his female drool-ability level by about 50%. He needs to shave it OFF!
By teenie
June 26, 2008 10:11 AM | Link to this
Deidre, I notice the “bump” just before I saw the ring. It’s not your imagination, it’s fairly noticeable.
By teenie
June 26, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this
Deidre, I notice the “bump” just before I saw the ring. It’s not your imagination, it’s fairly noticeable.
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
June 26, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this
LOL!!!
so did anyone watch SYTYCD last night? Twitchington (Twitch & Kherrington) are one couple to beat, as are … is it Mark and Chelsie? yikes i can’t remember … both of the hiphop routines last night were VERY good, not only choreo but performance … and the last performance was dynomite — Joshua and Katie may BE the couple to beat — closely followed by Twitchington, IMHO. Those two young men are incredibly versatile! I’m impressed! I know they will be breaking apart the couples after maybe one or two more weeks together, then it will begin to be a real competition of partnering flexibility and skill in dance — because they really cut you down if you DON’T support your partner in the dance, and yet… you know eventually it may come down to one or the other of you — one reason i like this show, frankly! A level of maturity in calculating your options and putting forth your best without being a showboat … it’s gonna get harder and harder to watch someone go home!
ok i’m late for work so i best get off here for a while
PS so D, you didn’t like Beowulf? I want to see it. I take it this netflix thing works REALLY well for you? I’m thinking i could eliminate the movie channels on cable since they rarely have much i want, LOL.
By Deirdre
June 26, 2008 10:33 AM | Link to this
teenie…thank you! I noticed it way before the ring too…the people around here need to get their minds back IN the gutter!!!! :-)
linny, re Netflix! I LOVE it. The movies come in their own prepaid envelopes. If I send a movie back on Monday, I’ll have a new movie by Wed or Thurs at the latest. If I’m really busy and can’t watch a movie I requested, it can sit waiting for me on my coffee table for months and no one objects…course, I’m still paying the monthly fee so why would they. I’m on the 1 movie at home schedule, which means they will send a movie to me when I send one back but you can also get a 2 or 3 movie schedule where you can have 2 movies sitting on your coffee table for months and they STILL don’t care. You pick the movies you want to see and put them in a queue on line. Netflix sends you the movie at the top of the list or whichever movie is available.
I got rid of almost all my premium channels…I keep HBO because I like their series.
By Deirdre
June 26, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this
Re Beowulf…I actually did like it but it’s extremely violent and I’m very glad I never saw the 3-D version of it..with blood and bodies flying in my direction. It is almost animated…I’m going to have to ask Mr Hollywood what that technique is called. It looks like live actors have been computer generated..so they look like something in between live action and animation.
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
June 26, 2008 11:04 AM | Link to this
Thanks D — i think they used the same effects for 300. I think that’s the heavy influence of Anime on cinema—i also find it intriguing
later!
oh, and thanks to all the folks who have popped in today! hang around, it’s nice to see new faces :-)
By JTesla
June 26, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this
Beowulf seemed too cartoonish to me. I stopped watching it for that reason. If you have actors doing the roles, don’t turn them into computer generated puppets.
By Deirdre
June 26, 2008 12:15 PM | Link to this
JT, my hubby felt the same way…he doesn’t like computer generated people either. Once I got into the story however, it didn’t bother me as much, plus, hubby was perfectly happy with the nude Angelina Jolie so he stopped complaining! :-)
By sims
June 26, 2008 9:10 PM | Link to this
Congrats Ruben and Paris, who cares if her stomach has a little bump she will be the one who has to take care of it and not none of us blog readers. People would complain if she was on the system damn if she do and damn if she don’t….
By Louise7
June 28, 2008 8:22 AM | Link to this
Melinda she is amazing. Did yMelinda Doolittle will released her first album in Fall.
This past week Melinda finally finished the vocals on her CD! All thats left now is the mastering, mixing, and the photoshoot. If all of that happens quickly then we can expect to see her CD on shelves this Fall! Also, keep your eye out for her first official single that should be hitting airwaves in the coming weeks. Melinda is going to be throwing a lot of music at us in the coming months so get ready! This was wrote By Tyler the owner of the website. Mdstreetteam
If you are one of her fans come join us www.mdstreetteam.com for the fresh updates, Video, pictures.
By cba
July 1, 2008 2:34 AM | Link to this
Did none of you notice Danny Tidwell in the second picture. He is so much more interesting to me than what you are discussing…. American Idol contestants can’t sign with anyone until three months after the show is over so there should be some announcements soon.
By dancing fool
July 2, 2008 9:00 PM | Link to this
Thanks so much for the second picture in which Danny Tidwell is seen. I agree with cba in the opinion that Danny is much more interesting than what was discussed. Perhaps an interview with this talented dancer would be in order. I am always looking for news of Danny Tidwell.
By dancing fool
July 2, 2008 9:26 PM | Link to this
Thanks so much for the second picture in which Danny Tidwell is seen. I agree with cba in the opinion that Danny is much more interesting than what was discussed. Perhaps an interview with this talented dancer would be in order. I am always looking for news of Danny Tidwell.
By Louise7
July 3, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this
Melinda Doolittle are a wonderful women of God. Fresh new for her fans she will released her first album in fall come join us to support her at www.mdstreetteam.com all fresh news and updates about her album.
By Louise7
August 11, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this
Louise7 Mon, Aug 11, 2008 at 09:44 AM EST
This past week Melinda finally finished the vocals on her CD! All of that happens quickly then we can expect to see her CD on shelves this Fall! Also, keep your eye out for her first official single that should be hitting airwaves in the coming weeks. Melinda is going to be throwing a lot of music at us in the coming months so get ready! New website to support Melinda Career and album. www.mdstreetteam.com Melinda have her own topic there so she can keep in touch with her fans (backup) that she like to call us. Come join us.
By Louise7
September 17, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this
Melinda Doolittle The album’s first single, “It’s Your Love,” was released to radio stations nationwide in September. If you want to be update come join us at www.melindasbackups.com
By Louise7
September 17, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this
Melinda Doolittle The album’s first single, “It’s Your Love,” was released to radio stations nationwide in September. If you want to be update come join us at www.melindasbackups.com
By Louise7
September 17, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this
Melinda Doolittle The album’s first single, “It’s Your Love,” was released to radio stations nationwide in September. If you want to be update come join us at www.melindasbackups.com
By Louise7
September 17, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this
Melinda Doolittle The album’s first single, “It’s Your Love,” was released to radio stations nationwide in September. If you want to be update come join us at www.melindasbackups.com
By Louise7
September 17, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this
Melinda Doolittle The album’s first single, “It’s Your Love,” was released to radio stations nationwide in September. If you want to be update come join us at www.melindasbackups.com
By Louise7
September 17, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this
Melinda Doolittle The album’s first single, “It’s Your Love,” was released to radio stations nationwide in September. If you want to be update come join us at www.melindasbackups.com
By Louise7
October 13, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this
melinda First album’s single have been delays. Awww but will be worth it to wait for. She really talented singer. Keep you update at www.melindasbackups.com
UPCOMING SHOW: 10/18/2008 1:00 PM Host Name Tyler Graves
Show Name Moments With Melinda - Show 4
Show Length 1 Hour
Show Description In this episode of Moments With Melinda, Melinda will discuss her new single “It’s Your Love” as well as her upcoming debut CD! Fan calls will be accepted, so please tune in!
Call-in Number: (646) 716-9978
By Louise7
October 20, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this
Good news for you Melinda Doolittle fans! She’s set to release her debut album titled, Coming Back to You on Hi-Fi Recordings in January 09. Produced by Grammy-nominated producer Mike Mangini (Joss Stone, Run DMC, The Jonas Brothers), Coming Back to You was recorded with a team of live musicians in Nashville and New York City.
The first single, “It’s Your Love” will be released to radio in October.
“Keep yourself updated with Melinda’s career at http://www.melindasbackups.com”
melindasbackups.com is a web site owned by Melinda Doolittle. Melinda’s Backups™ is a non-profit supportive association inspired by Melinda and authorized by her to operate this web site on behalf of her fans.