Ruben Studdard

Ruben Studdard, known as “The Velvet Teddy Bear,” brings his smooth R&B, jazz, and gospel-influenced vocals to Blues Alley. The American Idol winner began singing at Rising Sun Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama, later performing with local gospel groups and the Birmingham R&B/jazz band Just A Few Cats.

Studdard won American Idol by more than 100,000 votes and released the gold-certified single “Flying Without Wings/Superstar,” which earned him a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Male Vocal Performance. His other accomplishments include a Billboard Award, a BET Image Award, and a Teen Choice Award. He has also recorded gospel music with Deitrick Haddon and Mary Mary, founded a nonprofit supporting music education for children, and starred in the 30th Anniversary Tour of Broadway’s Ain’t Misbehavin’. His cast recording from that production received a Grammy nomination for Best Musical Show Album.

When: Sunday, November 22, 2026, at 5:30 PM

Showtimes: The page listing is specifically for the 5:30 PM performance on November 22.

Venue: Blues Alley, 1073 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20007

Tickets: $35, plus a $7 fee

Food and beverage minimum: A $15 minimum per person applies and is not included in the ticket price.

Seating: Seating is first come at the door.

Doors: For the Sunday 5:30 PM performance, doors open at 4:30 PM.

Performance rules: Photography and recording are prohibited. Guests are asked to keep conversation to a minimum during the performance.

Ticket policy: All sales are final. Tickets are nonrefundable and nontransferable.

All dates: Nov 20 at 7:00 PM & 9:30 PM · Nov 21 at 7:00 PM & 9:30 PM · Nov 22 at 5:30 PM & 8:00 PM