Ruben Studdard Hospitalized
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"American Idol" (search) winner Ruben Studdard (search) has been hospitalized for pneumonia and has canceled his concert at Alabama State University set for Wednesday night, a spokeswoman for the university said.
Julie Debardeleben told a Birmingham television station that Studdard's promoter, Farmer James, said the singer was being treated at Saint Vincent's Hospital in Birmingham.
His condition was not immediately available.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}WBRC, a FOX News affiliate in Birmingham, has heard unconfirmed reports from Studdard's family that his hospitalization is related to recent weight loss and his heart, not pneumonia.
The 26-year-old R&B crooner, dubbed the "Velvet Teddy Bear" for his large size, has tipped the scales at 360 pounds.
In September, Big News Network reported that Studdard had moved to L.A. to work with the "Extreme Fitness Team" of "American Idol" judge Randy Jackson and trainer-to-the-stars Gunnar Peterson.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}WCRB confirmed that Studdard is in the hospital. A statement or press release is expected later Tuesday.
Debardeleban said ASU is working on refunds. Studdard's new album, "I Need an Angel," hits stores Tuesday.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.