Ruben Studdard

Ruben Studdard will be back in action soon, and he's getting Ne-Yo to help him.

The second-season "American Idol" winner is working on a new album, to be called "The Return of the Velvet Teddy Bear," reports MTV.com. The set will include an appearance by R&B singer Ne-Yo, and Studdard also wants to duet with Fantasia on one of the tracks, though he isn't sure if that's going to happen or not.

Studdard, who was given his "Velvet Teddy Bear" nickname by guest "Idol" judge Gladys Knight, will also be joined on his third album by two new artists from his RCS Music Group. They are R&B group Mocha and rapper Gutter.

"The Return of the Velvet Teddy Bear" is scheduled for release late summer.