The American Idol winner from 2003, Ruben Studdard, is scheduled to perform a concert in Rocky Mount. Studdard's appearance is the crown jewel of “A Night of Youth Recognition” on Thursday, January 31. The "Idol" winner will perform at the Dunn Center of the Performing Arts located on the campus of North Carolina Wesleyan College.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Nash/Edgecombe petitioned Studdard to perform at their 2008 Youth of the Year: Sailing to New Heights Celebration. Studdard held membership in the Hueytown Unit of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Alabama as a child.

Chief Professional Officer of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Nash/Edgecombe Counties, Theresa Shaw, said: “We are beyond excitement at this point. Our youth have never had anything like this before. The fact that we are able to provide them with this sort of star power is a strong testament to the level of community support we have; and for that we are truly thankful.”

Tickets can be purchased for $25.00 at the Belk Box Office at the Dunn Center. The box office is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, at (252) 985-5197 or online at boxoffice@ncwc.edu.