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.

A reporter from The Birmingham News attended the ceremony.

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.