Ruben Studdard on 'Biggest Loser' To Be a Trimmer 'American Idol'

Ruben Studdard, who won the second season of "American Idol," will try his hand at another reality show, as he tries to shed weight in the upcoming season of "The Biggest Loser."

Studdard, 35, a Grammy-nominated singer, will participate in the 15th season of "The Biggest Loser" as its heaviest participant at 462 pounds, according to the Associated Press.

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Studdard said he's looking forward to the lifestyle change.

"That's what I've been taught, as you know," the Birmingham, Ala. native told the Associated Press. "I have to get up every day and give myself the two hours that I need to keep myself together before I even get into any music stuff, and that's just going to have to be how I do it."

Studdard is currently suffering from sleep apnea and high blood pressure because of his weight, according to the singer's "The Biggest Loser" bio. 

"When I turned 34, I realized I wasn't young anymore," Studdard said, "and that I wanted to live a long time. It was time for a change."

Studdard majored in music at Alabama A&M University while on a football scholarship. He developed his passion for singing at the university, but weight problems have plagued the star.

Studdard told "The Biggest Loser" that he is looking forward to purchasing new clothes and going to an amusement park after losing weight on the show.

Studdard edged out Clay Aiken in the second season of "American Idol" in 2003, earning the nickname the "Velvet Teddy Bear" for his smooth voice and his size. 

Along with singing, Studdard performed in a number of guest acting roles after winning "American Idol."

Studdard is not the only celebrity in the 2013 "The Biggest Loser" class. Olympian Holley Mangold, who represented the U.S. in weightlifting during the 2012 London Games, will try to get in shape for the 2016 games while on the show. Holley is the sister of New York Jets center Nick Mangold. 

"I want to inspire people to love who they are, but to know that if they want to change something about themselves, they can," Mangold told "The Biggest Loser."

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