‘Idol’ Crowd Goes Crazy As Hometown Hero Stops By

Thousands screamed, cried and hugged ?American Idol? winner Ruben Studdard, as Access Hollywood?s Tim Vincent escorted the ?Velvet Teddy Bear? to his hometown auditions.

?I want to be just like Ruben,? one auditioner yelled. ?I want to be the next ?American Idol!??

Birmingham sure loves Ruben!

Back in 2003, it was Ruben who was trying to make himself heard.

?Can you believe it’s three years ago?? asked Tim, as he and Ruben rolled up to the auditions in a limo.

?No man it seems like yesterday,? Ruben said. ?Actually the time has flown by so fast!?

And now it?s someone else?s turn to take their shot at stardom, as 8,000-plus ?Idol? hopefuls lined up in Birmingham to belt their hearts out.

But before they nervously went in front of the judges, we gave the crowd an ?Idol? surprise ? as Ruben swept in to give the lucky auditioners a little pep talk.

?This morning, it?s big for Birmingham right now,? Ruben said. ?Good luck ya?ll. Ya?ll do your thing – thank you.?

?What are these guys going through just as these guys are about to go in for their audition,? Tim asked.

?Well, I know a lot of them are probably nervous right now, but its really nothing,? Ruben explained. ?They just have to go in there, and do their best, and if you know its meant for them to make it, they will.?

Odds are good that someone from Alabama will make it through to the top 12.

The South loves their ?Idols.? Besides, Ruben — who will releasing his upcoming CD, ?The Return,? in October ? this year?s winner, Taylor Hicks, is a ?Bama boy too.

?Were you rooting for him cause he is a homegrown guy?? Tim asked.

?Always I always have to go for the Alabama man,? Ruben said.

?What do you think is so special about the people from this area?? Tim asked.

?I think everybody just sees our Southern charm and falls in love with us,? Ruben said.

?I?ll try to not to fall in love with you,? Tim said.

?I hope not,? Ruben laughed.