Two of Alabama's biggest pop stars of recent memory are helping Talladega host an even bigger party.

American Idol stars Bo Bice and Ruben Studdard will headline the festivities taking place in downtown Talladega this weekend as the city celebrates its 175th anniversary.

"The combination of the two (performers) has been pretty magical for the events," said Tom Wofford, executive director of The Historic Ritz Theatre and chair of Talladega 175, the group in charge of the celebration. "We want to bring people to other parts of Talladega than the Speedway."

Bice, a Huntsville native, will perform Friday at 8 p.m. at the Ritz.

"We're so stoked to be a part of it, with all the friends and fans in 'Dega," Bice said in a phone interview from his home in Nashville. He has been to the Superspeedway many times, and tries to make it to both races every year. "We can't wait to get back home and rock."

Since making it to runner-up on the fourth season of Idol, Bice has recorded three albums, the most recent of which will be released in May. Its title, 3, was inspired by several things: it's his third album, his third son was born in January, and for this NASCAR fan, Dale Earnhardt.

This album has more of a country influence, a change from the Southern Rock Bice performed on the show and recorded on his second album.

"We weren't shooting for a country vibe, but it happened," Bice said. "I think we'll do great in country. It's a well-rounded CD for everybody."

The album is scheduled to be released May 18.

Studdard is also no stranger to Talladega, but it's been years since he's been to town. His mother used to work in the Talladega school system, and one special memory sticks in the R&B singer's mind.

"I went on my first hay ride in Talladega at a spring carnival," Studdard said in a phone interview from his home in Birmingham. "I've been to Talladega once or twice."

Since winning on the second season of the show, Studdard has released four albums, the most recent of which, Love IS, came out in May 2009.

Studdard is preparing now for two summer tours, one with Canadian singer, songwriter and producer David Foster, and another with fellow Idol alum Clay Aiken. He will also host two summer music camps for children, one at Birmingham-Southern College and the other at Jacksonville State University.

"It's like going to community college for music," Studdard said. "It gives (the children) a chance to dive in and become musicians before the next school year."

Studdard will perform shows at 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday at The Ritz.

Talladega celebrates 175th anniversary

There is much more than just music happening in Talladega this weekend. Here's a schedule of events, with prices.

Friday

• Wine & Cheese Tasting

Heritage Hall, 5-7 p.m., $10, $18 for souvenir wine glass

• Dinner and Dance

Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind Gilchrest Room, 6:30 p.m., $50 per couple, on sale at The Ritz.

• USA Powerlifting Alabama State Championship

A Special Olympics Alabama Fundraiser. Helen Keller School of Alabama Gym, 7 p.m., free admission

• Bo Bice

Ritz Theatre, 8 p.m., $32 for floor seats, $28 for mezzanine, on sale at The Ritz.

Saturday

• 5K Run Benefiting Hope Academy

Hope Academy, 8:30 a.m., $15 individual, $30 family.

• USA Powerlifting Alabama State Championship

A Special Olympics Alabama Fundraiser. Helen Keller School of Alabama Gym, 9 a.m., free admission

• National Championship Celebration Parade

Featuring Talladega College's Men's and Women's Basketball Teams. Battle Street and Courthouse Square, 9:30 a.m.

• Celebration Kickoff on the Square

Courthouse Square, 10 a.m.

• Art Exhibits

Heritage Hall, 10 a.m-7 p.m. Heritage Hall has planned a number of great exhibits that you don't want to miss. An exhibit depicting the Battle of Talladega will be on display, as well as a collection of Frances Upchurch's paintings of historic Talladega buildings.

• Local Music

Courthouse Square and Chamber of Commerce, 11 a.m.-6:30 p.m.

• Children's Fair

Chamber of Commerce/ Municipal Parking Lot — 11 a.m.-6:30 p.m.

• Food Court

Chamber of Commerce Parking Lot, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

• Amistad Murals Tours — Savery Library

Talladega College, 1-5 p.m.

• Ruben Studdard

Ritz Theatre, 5 p.m., $25 for floor seats, $22 for mezzanine, on sale at The Ritz.

• Fireworks

On The Square — 7:30 p.m.

• Ruben Studdard

Ritz Theatre, 8 p.m., $25 for floor seats, $22 for mezzanine, on sale now at The Ritz.

Sunday

• Burial of the Time Capsule

Talladega Springs Monument, 1:30 p.m.

• Movies at the Ritz

Ritz Theatre, 2:30-8 p.m., .05 cents (the 1934 cost of attending a show), open seating for each show available prior to the show.