'Idol 2' winner Ruben Studdard hospitalized with bronchitis

Ruben Studdard, who gained fame as the second-season winner of "American Idol," is recuperating after a bout with bronchitis, a report said.

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The so-called "Velvet Teddy Bear" checked himself into an Alabama hospital, forcing him to cancel appearances and promotion of new album, "I Need an Angel." He was released in time to have Thanksgiving dinner with his family, a spokesman for his record label told E! Online.

The performer, who reportedly weighs more than 400 pounds, also has been trying to lose weight, but found the low-carbohydrate diet he was on "too taxing to continue," E! said. Studdard will try to lose weight using a home-delivery meal plan and a trainer, his uncle told "Access Hollywood."