Ruben Studdard, the 2003 winner of American Idol, has been awarded $2 million US in a lawsuit against his former manager.

The suit was brought against Ronald W. Edwards and his promotions company, Sez Inc., after Edwards misappropriated the singer’s funds and identity, according to E! Online.

Edwards also happens to be Studdard’s godfather.

The Alabama court awarded the 26-year-old $500,000 in actual damages and an additional $1.5 million in punitive damages.

Edwards improperly used Studdard’s credit cards, forged his signature on paperwork, and took money from his bank accounts, including $10,000 to pay off a personal bank loan.

To date, Studdard has sold more than 2 million records. His last effort was 2004’s “I Need an Angel.”






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