XXXXX DRUDGE REPORT XXXXX SUN MAY 18, 2003 19:45:37 ET XXXXX
RIGOROUS SCHEDULE, STRESS: 'AMERICAN IDOL' FRONTRUNNER HEALTH FEARS
With recording legend Luther Vandross still hospitalized after a severe stroke, concern over AMERICAN IDOL finalist Ruben Studdard's health and well-being has become a priority with recording executive Clive Davis, sources tell the DRUDGE REPORT.
Pound-progressive Studdard is often captured on TV sweating profusely after only a few notes. "He sometimes can be terribly lethargic, he moves slow," one top insider explains.
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Music guru Davis, who has vowed to personally oversee the launch of Studdard [or Dixie favorite Clay Aiken], has been hit hard by the Vandross health crises, which doctors believe was the direct result of the singer's weight and heart problems.
Now the man who helped shape the careers of Janis, Bruce and Whitney is determined to guide the 25 year-old Birmingham, Alabama native to a healthy future.
"Clive knows the dangers Ruben faces if he does not get his weight in order, and get it in order quickly," says a source close to the situation.
"Not only is the publicity schedule that comes with being named AMERICAN IDOL excruciating, the concert tour going to be grueling and potentially dangerous if you're not in top shape!"
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Clive Davis is described as being filled with deep emotion over the developing Vandross situation.
Vandross, 52, still hasn't regained consciousness since the April 16 stroke and needs assistance to breathe. In tribute, Davis still plans to release Vandross' new album "Dance With My Father" on his J RECORDS in early June.
Developing...
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