Suvechha Sarkar
When Steven Howard, also known as Spud, first stepped onto the stage of Netflix’s ‘Star Search’ in episode 7, very few could have predicted just how unforgettable the moment would become. He was introduced as the challenger to Sophie Saylor in the Music Solo category and carried himself with quiet confidence. As his opening notes of The Beatles’ classic hit, “Help,” reached the ears of the judges, it resonated deeply with them, who were clearly moved by the depth and sincerity of his delivery. By the time he finished, each judge awarded him a full five points, making their unanimous admiration quite evident. As Spud claimed the title of the winner during the Semifinal, he further secured his place in the Finale.
Spud Howard’s Gospel Roots Laid the Foundation for His Rising Music Career
Long before the bright lights of ‘Star Search’ found him, Steven Howard, affectionately known as Spud, had already begun to hone his skills at the church to embark on his musical journey. On the show, he fondly shared that his singing journey began at home at just 4 years old, inspired by his mother. She was a singer and Choir Director herself, who helped him nurture his talents from a young age. For Spud, music soon became his refuge and his truest form of self-expression. Rooted in gospel, he eventually expanded his skills into soul, R&B, and other music genres. That foundation now continues to carry him to remarkable professional milestones. In August 2024, Spud had the profound honor of opening for the then-Vice President Kamala Harris at Sheila Jackson Lee’s celebration of life.
The event turned out to be an unforgettable and deeply meaningful moment in Spud’s career. In May of the following year, he joined The Session’s R&B Jam event across Houston, Texas. In that same month, Spud joined the Memorial Day kickoff panel alongside other musicians, which was followed by his appearance on “Reel Talk” with Noland Pruitt in May 2025. By June 2025, Spud was sharing music festival stages with his fellow artists. His momentum continued to grow from there as he performed on the stage alongside Grammy-nominated artist Ledisi. In August, he stepped into the incredible role of lead singer of the legendary Gap X Band, which was formerly known as The Gap Band. At present, Spud also serves as the Vocalist for The Session, touring with them across cities.
Most recently, in January 2026, Spud brought his lively energy to the forefront through his songs in New Orleans, Louisiana. He also appeared as a background vocalist during a Tiny Desk concert, where he sang alongside the renowned rapper Scarface. Beyond this, the contestant is also a gifted songwriter and producer. Through it all, he remains deeply grateful for his supporters, often expressing heartfelt appreciation to his fans. Spud is currently quite active on social media, particularly Instagram, where he has gained a large fanbase of over 109K. On that platform, he continues to connect with audiences who have followed his journey from the very beginning as a rising force in contemporary soul music.
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Spud Howard Keeps His Mother’s Memories Alive Through Music and Faith
When Spud spoke about his life on the show, it quickly became evident that behind his beautiful voice was his incredible relationship with his mother, Contrence Franklin. She was not just his mother but also his guide and the steady hand that helped shape his musical destiny. Their close bond was further highlighted by his nickname “Spud,” which he said came from a sweet memory. Spud revealed that Contrence used to eat mostly baked potatoes before giving birth to him, which eventually resulted in that name. The singer also considered his mother his biggest supporter. Unfortunately, Spud was left heartbroken when Contrence passed away on September 12, 2016. Yet, rather than allowing grief to dim his spirit, he chose to honor her memory by living the way she taught him — with strength and purpose.
Music has become a solace for Spud, the place where he can both remember and feel closest to his mother’s presence. He carried a mindset that is rooted in optimism, which was further visible when he wrote, “Happiness is not trying or finding. It’s deciding.” As a devoted man of faith, he often leans on his spirituality to navigate life’s highs and lows. While expressing his thoughts on the matter, Spud stated, “No matter what season you’re in, no matter what battles you’re facing, remember this: God will take care of you.” In August 2025, the competitor made his way to New York City, embracing new experiences and soaking in the energy of its bustling streets. Furthermore, Spud is the kind of person who holds his friends close to his heart, frequently expressing gratitude for their love and support.
