Ex-"American Idol" champ Ruben Studdard married girlfriend Surata Zuri McCants on Saturday at the Canterbury United Methodist Church in Mountain Brook, Ala., MyFOXAL.com reported.

The 29-year-old "Idol" 2003 winner took out a marriage license with his 30-year-old bride-to-be on Monday, according to court records.

The Birmingham native, nicknamed the "Velvet Teddy Bear" on the show for his big frame and sonorous voice, has released three albums since his 2003 win, including the platinum CD "Soulful." He is working on a new album.

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The Associated Press contributed to this report.