On a bare-bones set in front of a minuscule audience (remember the show’s austere early days?), Studdard delivered a smooth, soulful performance of Luther Vandross’s “Superstar” that put him a step ahead of the rest of the contestants and set him up to win season 2. The Velvet Teddy Bear has released R&B and gospel albums and has appeared on numerous TV shows—including an adorable rendition of the alphabet song with Elmo on Sesame Street.