BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) - Former ''American Idol'' Ruben Studdard has married Surata Zuri McCants at a church in a suburb of Birmingham, Alabama. But there was no singing during the 30-minute ceremony - just an exchange of vows, prayers and music provided by a string ensemble.

The groom, nicknamed the ''Velvet Teddy Bear'' on ''Idol'' for his big frame and sonorous voice, wore a black tuxedo with white bow tie for Saturday's ceremony. His bride wore a white and ivory wedding gown.

Alabama will be their home as the 29-year-old-singer gets set to release a new album later this year.

(Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)