Taylor Hicks: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 02:39, 25 May 2006

Latest revision as of 12:44, 21 August 2025

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{{short description|American musician}}

{{for|the school|Taylor Hicks Elementary School}}

{{distinguish|Tyler Hicks}}

[[Image:Taylorh.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Taylor Hicks]]''' Taylor Reuben Hicks'''<ref>[http://www.shns.com/shns/g_index2.cfm?action=detail&pk=HICKS-IDOL-03-17-06 Wade Kwon, "Gray-haired Hicks brings soul to Idol", Scripps Howard News Service (17 March 2006)]</ref> (born [[October 6]], [[1976]])<ref>[http://theofficialsoulpatrol.com/taylorbio.html The Official Soul Patrol H.Q. biography]</ref> is an [[United States|American]] [[soul music|soul]] [[singer]], [[songwriter]], [[musician]], and winner of the [[American Idol (Season 5)|fifth season]] of ''[[American Idol]]'', beating out [[Katharine McPhee]] for the title.

{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2020}}

{{Infobox musical artist

| name = Taylor Hicks

| image = File:TaylorHicks_OpryDebut.jpg

| caption = Hicks performing in 2023

| background = solo_singer

| birth_name = Taylor Reuben Hicks<ref name="BioTaylorHicksBio">{{cite web |title=Taylor Hicks - Guitarist, Singer, Songwriter |url=https://www.biography.com/people/taylor-hicks-589222 |website=Biography |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417103242/https://www.biography.com/people/taylor-hicks-589222 |access-date=27 May 2021|archive-date=April 17, 2019 }}</ref>

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|mf=yes|1976|10|7}}<ref name="BioTaylorHicksBio"/>

| birth_place = [[Birmingham, Alabama]], U.S.<ref name="BioTaylorHicksBio"/>

| instrument = {{flatlist|

* [[Singing|Vocals]]

* guitar

* harmonica

* B3 organ

}}

| genre = {{flatlist|

* [[Blue-eyed soul]]

* [[blues rock]]

* [[Country music|country]]

* [[Pop music|pop]]

}}

| occupation = {{flatlist|

* Singer-songwriter

* restaurateur

* advocate

}}

| years_active = 1995–present

| label = {{flatlist|

* [[Arista Records|Arista]]

* [[19 Entertainment|19]] (2006–2008)

* Modern Whomp (2008–present)

}}

| past_member_of = [[Little Memphis Blues Orchestra]]

| website = {{URL|taylorhicks.com}}

}}

'''Taylor Reuben Hicks'''<!--<ref>[http://www.shns.com/shns/g_index2.cfm?action=detail&pk=HICKS-IDOL-03-17-06 Gray-haired Hicks brings soul to Idol] by Wade Kwon for the Scripps Howard News Service, March 17, 2006. Retrieved May 25, 2006.</ref> --> (born October 7, 1976)<ref name="BioTaylorHicksBio"/> is an American singer who won the [[American Idol (season 5)|fifth season]] of ''[[American Idol]]'' in May 2006. Hicks got his start as a professional musician in his late teens and performed around the Southeastern United States for well over the span of a decade, during which he also released two [[indie (music)|independent]] albums. Upon winning ''Idol'', he was signed to [[Arista Records]], under which his [[Taylor Hicks (album)|self-titled major label debut]] was released on December 12, 2006.

==Biography==

His energetic stage performances and influences derived from [[classic rock]], [[blues]], and [[Rhythm and blues|R&B]] music had earned him a following of devout fans dubbed the "Soul Patrol".<ref name=Today>{{cite news |url=https://www.today.com/popculture/taylor-hicks-named-american-idol-wbna12956943 |title=Taylor Hicks is named 'American Idol' |newspaper=Today |agency=AP |date=May 24, 2006 }}</ref> Hicks performed on Broadway in 2008 and on national tour in 2009 in ''[[Grease (musical)|Grease]]'' playing Teen Angel, the role originated by [[Alan Paul]]. He is the first Idol winner to secure a long-term residency at a Las Vegas casino. He began his residency at Bally's Las Vegas in June 2012 and moved to a larger venue, Paris Las Vegas, in January 2013. In 2016, Hicks began hosting the INSP original series ''State Plate'', and released a single, "Six Strings and Diamond Rings", in 2017.<ref>{{cite news | last = Halperin | first = Shirley | title = 'American Idol' Taylor Hicks to Take the 'Paris' Stage | publisher = The Hollywood Reporter | date = January 16, 2013 | url = http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/idol-worship/taylor-hicks-take-paris-stage-412910 | access-date = February 15, 2013 }}</ref>

Taylor Hicks was born in Saint Vincent's Hospital in [[Birmingham, Alabama|Birmingham]], [[Alabama]]. As an infant, he had [[blond]] hair. His hair color turned [[brown hair|dark brown]]/black as an adolescent, and went gray by the time he was in his 20s. He and his family moved to suburban [[Hoover, Alabama|Hoover]] when he was 8 years old. His parents divorced when he was 8, and his father Brad, a [[dentist]], and stepmother Linda shared custody until he [[age of majority|became of age]]. His half-brother, Sean, is a student at [[Georgia Institute of Technology|Georgia Tech]] and plays trumpet in the school's jazz band.<ref name="bio">May 9, 2006. ''[http://www.al.com/newsflash/regional/index.ssf?/base/entertainment-0/1147219156282750.xml&storylist=alabamanews Alabama News]''/ Associated Press.</ref>

==Early life==

[[Image:Taylorhickschild.PNG|thumb|150px|left|Taylor Hicks as a child]]

Taylor Hicks was born in [[Birmingham, Alabama]], on October 7, 1976,<ref name="BioTaylorHicksBio"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.niagara-gazette.com/nightandday/gnnnightandday_story_242172356.html|title=BACKSTAGE PASS: From Alabama's bars to America's 'Idol'|date=August 30, 2007|publisher=Niagara Gazette|access-date=February 28, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120906051112/http://www.niagara-gazette.com/nightandday/gnnnightandday_story_242172356.html|archive-date=September 6, 2012}}</ref> to Bradley Hicks and Pamela Dickinson. He and his family moved to the suburb of [[Hoover, Alabama|Hoover]] when he was eight years old. His hair started [[Human hair color#Conditions affecting hair color|turning gray]] by the time he was 14. His parents divorced, and stepmother Linda shared custody of their son until he [[age of majority|came of age]]. Hicks has suggested his difficult childhood as the reason for his turning to [[Soul music|soul]] and [[blues]] music for solace.<ref name="Gray Charles">{{cite web | title=Taylor Hicks Bio | publisher= Gray Charles: The Official Taylor Hicks Weblog | url= http://www.graycharles.com/index.php/taylor-hicks-bio/ | access-date=November 23, 2006}}</ref> He has a younger half-brother, Sean, who later convinced him to audition for ''[[American Idol]]''.<ref>{{cite news | last = Hunter | first = Desiree | title = 'Idol' Standout Hicks Likes Music With Soul | agency = Associated Press | date = May 10, 2006 | url = http://www.townhall.com/news/ap/online/entertainment/tv/D8HGIT700.html&e=15059 | access-date = May 25, 2006 }}{{dead link|date=September 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

He bought his first harmonica when he was 16, for $2 at a flea market in [[Bessemer, Alabama]],<ref name="Gray Charles"/> and taught himself to play [[blues harp]]. He discovered that he possessed [[perfect pitch]] when he was able to recognize the [[pitch (music)|pitches]] of ordinary noises and mimic them on the harmonica.<ref>{{cite news | last = Graff | first = Gary | title = Unlikely 'idol' content with his prospects | publisher = New York Times Syndicate | date = August 11, 2006 | url = http://www.columbusdispatch.com/features-story.php?story=dispatch/2006/08/11/20060811-D1-03.html | access-date = August 12, 2006 }}{{dead link|date=January 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Hicks was 18 when he wrote his first song, "In Your Time", and he taught himself to play electric guitar and the church organ when he was 19.<ref>

Growing up in Hoover, Hicks played Little League baseball, golf, and varsity basketball.<ref name="bio" /> According to his grandmother Jonie, Hicks never had formal music lessons. He came running up to her when he was about twelve years old saying, "Grandma, you've got to hear this!" Then he sang Otis Redding's "[[Try A Little Tenderness]]" for her. According to his father, when he was 5 years old he sang to random strangers the music of Kenny Rogers or Michael Jackson, to name a few.<ref name="bio" /> Hicks' music reflects his favorites from that era: the classic songs of Redding, [[Sam Cooke]], and [[Ray Charles]]. He plays [[guitar]] as well as [[Blues-harp|blues harp]] and ites most of his own songs. <ref>[http://www.al.com/search/index.ssf?/base/entertainment/114051737735020.xml?mobileregister?etv&coll=3 Mobile Register article on Hicks]</ref> He bought a $2 harmonica at a local [[flea market]] when he was 16 and has been playing harmonica ever since.

{{cite news | last = Brantley | first = Mike | title = Alabama Idol | publisher = Mobile, Alabama Press Register | date = February 21, 2006 | url = http://www.al.com/search/index.ssf?/base/entertainment/114051737735020.xml?mobileregister?etv&coll=3 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070930023638/http://www.al.com/search/index.ssf?%2Fbase%2Fentertainment%2F114051737735020.xml%3Fmobileregister%3Fetv&coll=3 | url-status=dead | archive-date = September 30, 2007 | access-date = May 26, 2006 }}</ref> When he was in college, he played in a Widespread Panic cover band.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://jambands.com/features/2011/01/20/reinventing-an-american-idol-a-conversation-with-taylor-hicks/|title=Reinventing an _American Idol_: A Conversation with Taylor Hicks|date=January 20, 2011|website=Jambands.com|access-date=November 11, 2020}}</ref>

Hicks graduated from [[Hoover High School (Alabama)|Hoover High School]] in 1995. He played [[Varsity team|varsity]] [[baseball]], soccer, and [[basketball]] while studying in Hoover. He then pursued a major in business and journalism at [[Auburn University]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Finebaum |first=Paul |title=Local American Idol contestant still keeping up with his passion for statewide sports |publisher=Alexander City Outlook |date=April 10, 2006 |url=http://www.alexcityoutlook.com/articles/2006/04/10/sports/sports04.txt |access-date=May 25, 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060424143440/http://www.alexcityoutlook.com/articles/2006/04/10/sports/sports04.txt |archive-date=April 24, 2006 }}</ref>

Hicks was a former student of Berry High School and graduated from Hoover High School in [[1995]]. He attended [[Auburn University]] ("WAR EAGLE!!!"), majoring in business, communications and [[marketing]] for a year, lost interest and dropped out. He moved to [[Nashville, Tennessee]] to pursue a music career and has worked with Nashville veterans [[Billy Earle McClelland]] and [[Percy Sledge]]. <ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20010805101728/taylorhicks.com/bio3.jpg Promotional flier scan from Taylorhicks.com]</ref> Later he graduated from [[University of Alabama at Birmingham]]. Hicks had a small following in the state of Alabama for his performances at dive [[nightclub]]s and other local venues. His trademark was [[Hawaiian shirt]]s, and slacks that didn't quite match. He released two independent albums, ''In Your Time'' ([[1997 in music|1997]]) and ''Under the Radar'' ([[2005 in music|2005]]), prior to appearing on ''Idol''; the latter was made available at local music outlets in the Birmingham area. Hicks has also spoken on ''Tapestry'', a radio program on [[National Public Radio]] affiliate [[WBHM]] in Birmingham, in December 2005. <ref>[http://wbhm.org/Tapestry/bands/TaylorHicks.html ''Tapestry'' interview]</ref>

==Career==

Before ''Idol'', Hicks worked at a shopping mall, the [[Riverchase Galleria]], and dressed up as the [[Easter Bunny]] for [[Easter]] and spring promotions. After advancing to the final three contestants, Hicks returned to the mall for a short concert and promotional appearance before several thousand fans.

===Independent music===

{{listen|filename=Taylorhicksthefall30.ogg|title="The Fall" excerpt|description="The Fall" is an [[acoustic music|acoustic]] ballad about a painful, failed relationship.<ref>{{cite news | last = Trachtenberg | first = Robert | title = Bachelor No. 1: Taylor Hicks Lets Loose | pages = 68–77 | publisher = [[People (magazine)|People]] | date = June 26, 2006}}</ref>|format=[[Ogg]]}}While in college, Hicks was part of a band called Passing Through, which he later quit to start his own band.<ref name="NYT06">{{cite news | last = Newsome | first = Melba | title = Overnight Star? Well, It's Been a Long Night | work = The New York Times | date = December 10, 2006 | url = https://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/10/arts/music/10news.1.html | access-date = December 11, 2006 }}</ref> In 1997, he independently recorded ''In Your Time'', an album which included both studio and live tracks. In 2000, he moved to pursue a music career in Nashville, Tennessee, where he worked with Nashville veterans [[Billy Earl McClelland]] and [[Percy Sledge]]<ref name=GrayCharles>Taylor Hicks Bio</ref> to record a three-track demo but was unable to find a label that would sign him. He left Nashville after a year due to what he called the "oversaturation of the market".<ref>{{cite news | last = Colurso | first = Mary | title = Taylor-Made Trivia | publisher = The Birmingham News | date = March 28, 2006 | url = http://community.livejournal.com/taylor_hicks/35765.html | access-date = December 6, 2006 }}</ref> Hicks returned to Alabama and launched a professional music career, performing at various venues and parties mostly around the Southeastern United States, including The War Eagle Supper Club (a popular college bar) in [[Auburn, Alabama]].<ref>{{cite news | last = Simmons | first = Darryn | title = Fans of Taylor Hicks hope Birmingham native grabs 'Idol' title | publisher = Montgomery Advertiser | date = March 7, 2006 | url = http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060307/ENT/603070310/1005 | access-date = July 30, 2006 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060522134744/http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=%2F20060307%2FENT%2F603070310%2F1005 | archive-date = May 22, 2006 | url-status=dead }}</ref> Hicks has performed with the likes of [[Widespread Panic]], [[James Brown]], [[Tom Petty]], [[Jackson Browne]], [[Drive-By Truckers]], [[Robert Randolph (guitarist)|Robert Randolph]], [[Snoop Dogg]] and [[Keb Mo]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://wbhm.org/Tapestry/bands/TaylorHicks.html |title=WBHM Interview with Taylor Hicks |access-date=January 13, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070113165658/http://www.wbhm.org/Tapestry/bands/TaylorHicks.html |archive-date=January 13, 2007 |url-status=dead}}</ref> He also performed in the huge infield of [[Talladega Superspeedway]] in 2004 during a [[NASCAR]] race weekend.<ref>{{cite news | last = Wackerlin | first = Jeff | title = Idol Winner Has NASCAR Ties | publisher = Racing One | date = May 24, 2006 | url = http://www.racingone.com/article.asp?artnum=28352 | access-date = January 14, 2007 }} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref>

He recorded, produced, and released a second album, ''Under the Radar'', in 2005. Despite releasing two albums prior to appearing on ''American Idol'', he did not violate their requirements for contestants, as he had never held a recording contract.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.taylorhicks.com |title=Official Taylor Hicks Website|publisher=Taylorhicks.com |access-date=January 13, 2007 }}</ref>

==''American Idol''==

Hicks has allowed audience members to record his concerts for personal, non-commercial use, and has authorized the [[Internet Archive]] to create a section for fans to upload and share their recordings. The Archive does not accept the upload of concerts recorded after January 1, 2006, due to the terms of his ''American Idol'' contract.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://archive.org/details/TaylorHicks|title= Taylor Hicks collection at the Internet Archive's live music archive |access-date=January 13, 2007 }}</ref>

Hicks auditioned for ''American Idol'' in [[Las Vegas, Nevada]]. He originally wanted to try out in Memphis but the site was cancelled due to [[Hurricane Katrina]]. Also, he was touring in New Orleans with his band, the Little Memphis Blues Orchestra, on the night Hurricane Katrina hit and was evacuated to Las Vegas. <ref>[http://www.usatoday.com/life/television/news/2006-05-19-kat-taylor-interview_x.htm Katherine, Taylor speak up] for [[USA Today]] by Ann Oldenburg, 5/19/2006. Retrieved May 24, 2006</ref> Hicks passed the audition by the approval of judges [[Randy Jackson]] and [[Paula Abdul]], but not [[Simon Cowell]], who said that Hicks would never make it to the final round. Cowell called back to this quote in a later episode and admitted he was wrong.

===''American Idol'' 2006===

Fans of Hicks have been dubbed the "Soul Patrol" <ref>[http://myidol.idolonfox.com/boards/topic.aspx?tid=15962 Original "Soul Patrol" thread on American Idol forums]</ref>. Hicks frequently mentions the "Soul Patrol" after performances and in subsequent appearances by exclaiming "Soul Patrol! Soul Patrol! Soul Patrol!". Hicks became the subject of two [[Weekend Update]] lampoons on [[NBC]]'s [[Saturday Night Live]] on [[April 15]] and [[May 20]], [[2006]], portrayed by cast member [[Jason Sudeikis]]. In the allusion of Hicks' quirky tweeks and disposition, Sudeikis mocked playing Hicks' trademark blues harmonica and repeatedly shouted out "Soul Patrol!". Hicks, when interviewed by [[Ryan Seacrest]] on the subsequent episode of American Idol on [[April 18]], [[2006]] as to whether or not he saw the imitation, admitted that he had and that the impression made him "fall out on the floor" with laughter.

{{see also|American Idol (season 5)}}

Hicks auditioned for ''American Idol'' in [[Las Vegas, Nevada]], on October 10, 2005. Hicks passed the audition with the approval of judges [[Randy Jackson]] and [[Paula Abdul]], but not [[Simon Cowell]], who said that Hicks would never make it to the final round. On Hicks's first performance for the voting public, Cowell called back to this quote, admitting he was wrong.

On the [[May 10]], [[2006]], results show, Hicks wasalong inwith the[[Katharine topMcPhee]] 2 along withand [[Elliott Yamin]], andwere theyannounced madeas the Toptop 3 with [[Katharine McPhee]]finalists. On [[May 12]], Idol producers brought Hicks to [[Birmingham, Alabama|Birmingham]] for a weekend of promotional events including television interviews for the [[WBRC|local FOXFox affiliate]], a downtown parade, and mini-concertconcerts, anotherand concertan ataudience thewith Governor [[RiverchaseBob GalleriaRiley (Alabama)|Bob Riley]].<ref>{{cite news | last = Brantley | first = Mike | title = Taylor Hicks' 'Soul Patrol' goes global | publisher = Mobile, aAlabama mallPress inRegister his| hometowndate = May 23, an2006 evening| appearanceurl at= thehttp://www.al.com/entertainment/mobileregister/index.ssf?/base/entertainment/1148376053273630.xml&coll=3 [[Birmingham| Museumaccess-date of= Art]]May 25, 2006 | url-status=dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070927200533/http://www.al.com/entertainment/mobileregister/index.ssf?%2Fbase%2Fentertainment%2F1148376053273630.xml&coll=3 | archive-date = September 27, 2007 }}</ref><ref>{{cite press release | title = American Idol and aTaylor campaignHicks appearancecome withto GovernorHoover! [[Bob| Rileypublisher = City of Hoover, (Alabama) |Bob Riley]]date and= MayorMay [[Bernard15, Kincaid]].<ref2006 | url name="hoover">[ http://www.ci.hoover.al.us/CitySub.asp?PageID=32&action=view&nid=215 City| ofarchive-url Hoover]= [https://archive.today/20120731182024/http://www.ci.hoover.al.us/CitySub.asp?PageID=32&action=view&nid=215] [http://ci.bham.al.us/pressrele/may06/TaylorHicks.pdf]| url-status=dead | archive-date = July 31, 2012 | access-date = January 13, 2007 }}</ref> May 12 was proclaimed "Taylor Hicks Day" and Hicks was given the [[keyKey to the cityCity]].<ref>{{cite namepress release |title="hoover"Proclamation />of OnTaylor [[Hicks Day |publisher=City of Birmingham, Alabama |date=May 17]]12, Hicks2006 joined|url=http://ci.bham.al.us/pressrele/may06/TaylorHicks.pdf [[Kelly|access-date=January Clarkson]]13, [[Clay2007 Aiken]]|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060618081434/http://ci.bham.al.us/pressrele/may06/TaylorHicks.pdf |archive-date=June 18, and2006}}</ref> [[CarrieAlso Underwood]]on asMay the12, onlyGov. ''Idol''Riley contestantsissued whoa wereproclamation nevermaking votedMay in16 the"Taylor bottomHicks 2Day".<ref>{{cite orpress 3release|title=Proclamation of Taylor Hicks Day |publisher=State of Alabama |date=May 12, 2006 |url=http://www.governorpress.alabama.gov/pr/proc-2006-05-12-hicks.asp |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060604172336/http://www.governorpress.alabama.gov/pr/proc-2006-05-12-hicks.asp |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 4, 2006 |access-date=January 13, 2007 }}</ref>

OnHicks [[Maywas 24]], [[2006]], Taylor Hicks becamenamed the new American Idol. Thison makesMay Hicks24, only2006,<ref name=Today/> winning the secondtitle manover toMcPhee, winwith theover contest63.4&nbsp;million (aftervotes [[Rubencast Studdard]])in total. ThisThe alsoproclamation makeswas himaired theto thirda personworldwide toaudience winof the200 competitionmillion withouttelevision everviewers.<ref>{{cite beingvideo in| thepeople bottom= twoHart, or threeMary (afterreporter) Kelly| Clarksonmedium &= CarrieTV Underwood),series he| istitle the= onlyEntertainment manTonight (as| ofdate Season= 5)May to25, attain2006 such}}</ref> aWith feathis (althoughwin Clayat Aikenage was29, neverHicks inbecame the bottomoldest 2contestant or 3 he did notto win the''American Idol competition)''. He Lastly,was this makes himalso the onlyfirst Season 5male contestant to havewin neverthe beencompetition without ever being in the bottom two or three.

In June 2006, [[Ford Motor Company]], the show's major sponsor, signed Hicks to promote Ford's "Drive on Us" year-end sales event.<ref>{{cite press release | title = Ford signs American Idol winner Taylor Hicks to star in national advertising | publisher = Ford Motor Company and he ended up getting his very own Ford Mustang convertible off of this. | date = June 14, 2006 | url = http://media.ford.com/newsroom/release_display.cfm?release=23630 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060624045749/http://media.ford.com/newsroom/release_display.cfm?release=23630 | url-status=dead | archive-date = June 24, 2006 | access-date = January 13, 2007 }}</ref> He was also named Hottest Bachelor by [[People (magazine)|''People'']] for 2006, appearing on the magazine's cover.<ref>{{cite news | title = 'American Idol' Winner Taylor Hicks Is The Most Eligible Bachelor | publisher = World Entertainment News Network | date = June 15, 2006 | url = http://www.starpulse.com/news/index.php/2006/06/15/american_idol_winner_taylor_hicks_is_the/ | access-date = July 22, 2006 | archive-date = February 21, 2007 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070221191741/http://www.starpulse.com/news/index.php/2006/06/15/american_idol_winner_taylor_hicks_is_the/ | url-status = dead }}</ref>

==American Idol performances==

[[Image:Taylorhicksai.JPG|right|thumb|190px|Taylor Hicks performing on the ''American Idol'' results show of May 17.]]

===Semifinals===

* Week 1: "[[Levon]]" ([[Elton John]])

** The judges enjoyed the performance. Jackson and Abdul agreed that there never was a performer like Hicks in the history of ''American Idol''. Cowell took back what he said to Hicks during the audition by stating that he was wrong about saying that Hicks would never make it to the finals, states that Hicks is interesting, and that he received more compliments from people outside the show about him than any of the other contestants.

* Week 2: "[[Easy (song)|Easy]]" ([[The Commodores]])

** The judges did not like the song choice. Jackson said that Hicks probably sang the song a lot when he was coming up in bars, but he thought it could have been better. Abdul was complimentary, but said it was not her favorite performance from Hicks. Cowell thought if Hicks would go back and watch the show, and have no doubt in his mind that the performance was "average."

* Week 3: "[[Takin' It to the Streets]]" ([[The Doobie Brothers]])

** The judges loved this performance &mdash; Jackson said it was not his favorite song from Hicks, but he was trying to comprehend his dance moves onstage. Abdul said that the song was great and loved the energy and dancing. Cowell "loved the song" and said that "that's what its all about&mdash; having fun and being memorable." Cowell also said it was the best performance of the night.

{| class="wikitable"

===Finals===

|-

* Week 1: "[[Living for the City]]" ([[Stevie Wonder]]) '''Stevie Wonder´s songs'''

!Week

**Jackson said that it was "hot" and "fearless." Abdul praised Hicks and said that she wanted to "steal his dance moves for her next video." Cowell thought it was like a "drunken father singing at a wedding."

!Theme

* Week 2: "[[Not Fade Away (song)|Not Fade Away]]" ([[Buddy Holly]]) '''Songs of the '50s'''

!Song Sung

**Mixed reviews. Jackson wished that Hicks would have showed off a bit more vocal range. Abdul, like the week before, loved his dancing and enthusiasm, but Cowell argued that the show is about singing and said that even Hicks had to admit that "it was a complete and utter mess."

!Artist

**[[Barry Manilow]] complimented Hicks on being one of the best vocalists on the competition, pointing out his distinct whiskey tenor.

!Result

* Week 3: "[[Trouble]]" ([[Ray LaMontagne]]) '''Songs of the 21st Century'''

|-

**Jackson thought Hicks almost had a big moment at the end, and was upset that he didn't take more of a risk with his song choice. Abdul enjoyed his performance a lot, particularly for the fact that Hicks showed a different side, without relying on the frenetic dance moves. Cowell "rather liked the song" and thought it was an "excellent vocal", but did not like the way he dressed, calling the outfit and image "too [[Clay Aiken]]."

|Top 24

* Week 4: "[[Take Me Home, Country Roads]]" ([[John Denver]]) '''Country songs'''

|12 Men

**The judges gave mixed reviews. Jackson thought it did not show his vocals. Abdul admitted that she loved Hicks and that she was a fan. Cowell described it as "safe, boring, and lazy" and wondered if Hicks chose the song just a few minutes before the show.

|"[[Levon (song)|Levon]]"

* Week 5: "[[Crazy Little Thing Called Love]]" ([[Queen (band)|Queen]]) '''Queen songs'''

|[[Elton John]]

**Jackson described this performance as his Hicks' revival from the two weeks prior, Abdul considered it a great performance and did not know whether or not to have Hicks sign a record deal or be fitted for a [[straitjacket]]. During the performance, Hicks attempted to kick over the stand while taking the microphone off and missed. He then kicked some more and finally knocked it over. Cowell asked if Taylor was [[drunkenness|drunk]] and said the performance was ridiculous.

|Advanced

''[[Entertainment Tonight]]'' later reported that Hicks took offense to Cowell's remarks.

|-

* Week 6: "[[You Send Me]]" ([[Sam Cooke]]) '''Songs from The Great American Songbook'''

|Top 20

**The judges universally praised Hicks, with Jackson stating that the performance was "hot" and that Hicks was "in his element." Abdul said that "Sam Cooke would have been proud" and that the ending was "superb." Cowell described the beginning as "lame cabaret," but the end of the song as "magic."

|10 Men

* Week 7: "[[Just Once]]" ([[James Ingram]]) '''The Greatest Love Songs of All Time'''

|"[[Easy (Commodores song)|Easy]]"

** Jackson said it was the wrong song choice and believed it was too karaoke. Abdul enjoyed it and said it was the perfect song. Cowell said the performance would be "played every day of the week in a hotel lounge." In a radio interview, executive producer [[Nigel Lythgoe]] defended Hicks by admitting he had to change his song choice from [[Otis Redding]]'s "[[Try A Little Tenderness]]", saying it didn't fit the week's genre. Was told by [[David Foster]], producer, to have [[charisma]] and [[Andrea Bocelli]] said that he had an extraordinary voice.

|[[Commodores]]

* Week 8: "[[Play That Funky Music]]" ([[Wild Cherry (band)|Wild Cherry]]) '''Songs from the birth year of the contestants''', "[[Something (song)|Something]]" ([[The Beatles]]) '''Songs from the top ten of any Billboard Chart.'''

|Advanced

**1st song: Jackson loved the performance and said he felt like he was at a bar and "had a couple". Abdul also loved the performance and thought Hicks dressed the part, it was fun and "authentic Taylor we love." Cowell thought it was like another "horrible wedding performance."

|-

**2nd song: Although the song is more than thirty-five years old, it is included in the Beatles album ''1'' which was in the top 10 of the Billboard charts. The judges were surprised at the song choice believing it was daring and clever. All the judges loved the performance. Cowell also said that, in all of his barminess, it's easy to forget that he is a "very, very good singer."

|Top 16

* Week 9 '''Two of Elvis Presley's songs'''

|8 Men

**1st song: "[[Jailhouse Rock (song)|Jailhouse Rock]]", ([[Elvis Presley]])

|"[[Takin' It to the Streets (song)|Takin' It to the Streets]]"

***Jackson said Hicks was "in his element" and did a good job overall. Abdul said Hicks looked fantastic and liked the performance. Cowell said it was a "terrible impersonation of Elvis Presley," the dancing was hideous and the performance was "Karaoke with a capital K."

|[[The Doobie Brothers]]

**2nd song: "[[In the Ghetto]]", ([[Elvis Presley]])

|Advanced

***Jackson said it was the perfect key for him. Abdul said Hicks was great. Cowell said "you just sang your way into the semi-finals".

|-

**In Week 9, special guest [[Rebecca Romijn]] asked Hicks to sing Jailhouse Rock for her, he did. He ended up in the top two along with [[Elliott Yamin]]. [[Katharine McPhee]] and [[Chris Daughtry]] were in the bottom two. [[Chris Daughtry]] had the lowest vote total and was dismissed from the show.

|Top 12

* Week 10 '''Three songs'''

|Songs of [[Stevie Wonder]]

**[[Clive Davis]] pick: "[[Dancing In The Dark]]", ([[Bruce Springsteen]])

|"[[Living for the City]]"

***Jackson said he loved Hicks having fun and liked the performance. Abdul said she loved him dancing with her. Cowell thought it was okay although it wasn't as good as the original.

|Stevie Wonder

**Judge's pick: ([[Randy Jackson]])- "[[You Are So Beautiful]]", ([[Joe Cocker]])

|Safe

***All three judges agreed Hicks was dead on in his best performance so far.

|-

**Contestant Pick: "[[Try A Little Tenderness]]", ([[Otis Redding]])

|Top 11

***Jackson dubbed Hicks the "Have a Good Time Funky Taylor", and loved his performance. Abdul said she's waited all season for that performance and it was fantastic. Cowell said the performance was great, the ending was hideous, but he told Hicks he will "see him next Tuesday". Hicks has made it to the final two, alongside [[Katharine McPhee]].

|'50s Hits

* Week 11 '''Finale'''

|"[[Not Fade Away (song)|Not Fade Away]]"

** Hicks' first song was "[[Living for the City]]" ([[Stevie Wonder]]).

|[[The Crickets]]

***Jackson said it was "hot". Abdul agreed. Cowell said that Hicks had outsung McPhee in the first round.

|Safe

** The second song was "[[Levon]]" ([[Elton John]])

|-

***Jackson called it "round one Taylor, round two Katharine and round three Taylor."

|Top 10

** Hicks' final song was an original single called "[[Do I Make You Proud]]".

|2000s Songs

***All three judges loved it; Cowell said that assuming the show was tied, Hicks had won American Idol with that performance. He was right.

|"[[Trouble (Ray LaMontagne song)|Trouble]]"

* Week 11 Results

|[[Ray LaMontagne]]

**Taylor beat out [[Katharine McPhee]] to win American Idol.

|Safe

|-

|Top 9

|Country Music

|"[[Take Me Home, Country Roads]]"

|[[John Denver]]

|Safe

|-

|Top 8

|Songs of [[Queen (band)|Queen]]

|"[[Crazy Little Thing Called Love]]"

|Queen

|Safe

|-

|Top 7

|Great American Songbook

|"[[You Send Me]]"

|[[Sam Cooke]]

|Safe

|-

|Top 6

|Love Songs

|"Just Once"

|[[James Ingram]]

|Safe

|-

|Top 5

|Year They Were Born<br/>Current Billboard Top 10

|"[[Play That Funky Music]]"<br/>"[[Something (Beatles song)|Something]]"

|[[Wild Cherry (band)|Wild Cherry]]<br/>[[The Beatles]]

|Safe

|-

|Top 4

|Songs of [[Elvis Presley]]

|"[[Jailhouse Rock (song)|Jailhouse Rock]]"<br/>"[[In the Ghetto]]"

|Elvis Presley

|Safe

|-

|Top 3

|[[Clive Davis]]'s Choice<br/>Judges' Choice<br/>Idol's Choice

|"[[Dancing in the Dark (Bruce Springsteen song)|Dancing in the Dark]]"<br/>"[[You Are So Beautiful]]"<br/>"[[Try a Little Tenderness]]"

|[[Bruce Springsteen]]<br/>[[Joe Cocker]]<br/>[[Otis Redding]]

|Safe

|-

|Top 2

|Finale

|"Living for the City"<br/>"Levon"<br/>"[[Do I Make You Proud?]]"

|Stevie Wonder<br/>Elton John<br/>Taylor Hicks

|Winner

|}

==Post-''Idol'' career==

[[File:Taylor hicks with harmonica on the miller stage june 18 2006.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Hicks played harmonica and guitar on every date of the [[American Idols LIVE! Tour 2006|American Idols LIVE! Tour]].]] Hicks signed a recording contract with 19 Recordings Limited/[[Arista Records]], managed by ''American Idol'' creator [[Simon Fuller]], in May 2006.<ref>{{cite news|first=Mary |last=Morningstar |title='American Idol' Taylor Hicks Releases Major Label Debut |date=January 12, 2007 |publisher=Voice of America |url=http://www.voanews.com/english/archive/2007-01/2007-01-12-voa73.cfm |work=VOA News |access-date=January 1, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081202195730/http://www.voanews.com/english/archive/2007-01/2007-01-12-voa73.cfm |archive-date=December 2, 2008 }}</ref><ref name="Arista">{{cite press release | title = 2006 American Idol Taylor Hicks Signs With 19 Recordings Limited/Arista Records | publisher = Arista Records | date = May 31, 2006 | url = http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/05-31-2006/0004371724&EDATE= | access-date = January 13, 2007 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070929134659/http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=%2Fwww%2Fstory%2F05-31-2006%2F0004371724&EDATE= | archive-date = September 29, 2007 | url-status = dead }}</ref> Hicks's debut single "[[Do I Make You Proud]]" debuted on the number one spot on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]] and was subsequently [[gold certification|certified gold]] by the [[RIAA]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Deep in the bowels of J Records | publisher = Gray Charles: The Official Taylor Hicks Weblog | date = September 29, 2006 | url = http://www.graycharles.com/index.php/2006/09/29/goldplaque/ | access-date = December 21, 2006 }}</ref>

Hicks joined his fellow Top 10 ''Idol'' finalists on the [[American Idols LIVE! Tour 2006|American Idols LIVE! Tour]] which ran from July to September. The members of the former Taylor Hicks Band, formed by Hicks two years prior, regrouped as the [[Little Memphis Blues Orchestra]] and shadowed the Idols' tour route. Hicks occasionally appeared as a "special guest" when circumstances permitted, and was accompanied at times by the other Idols, such as [[Elliott Yamin]], [[Chris Daughtry]], [[Ace Young]], and [[Bucky Covington]].<ref>{{cite news | last = Colurso | first = Mary | title = Taylor Comes Home | publisher = The Birmingham News | date = August 6, 2006 | url = http://www.al.com/entertainment/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/entertainment/1154856322240230.xml&coll=2&thispage=1 | access-date = December 22, 2006 | url-status=dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070930013205/http://www.al.com/entertainment/birminghamnews/index.ssf?%2Fbase%2Fentertainment%2F1154856322240230.xml&coll=2&thispage=1 | archive-date = September 30, 2007 }}</ref>

In August 2006, Hicks's lawyers sued a producer with whom he worked in Nashville, for redistributing without permission songs that Hicks had copyrighted in 1997. The lawsuit was dropped when the masters were handed over to Hicks.<ref>{{cite news | last = Harris | first = Chris| title = Taylor Hicks Files Suit To Halt Digital Release Of Early Recordings | url = http://www.cmt.com/artists/news/1539310/08242006/hicks__taylor.jhtml | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070930024455/http://www.cmt.com/artists/news/1539310/08242006/hicks__taylor.jhtml | url-status = dead | archive-date = September 30, 2007 | publisher = [[Country Music Television]] | date = August 26, 2006 | access-date = November 1, 2006}}</ref>

Hicks received a US$750,000 deal to write his memoir.<ref>{{cite news | last = Silverman | first = Stephen M. | title = Taylor Hicks Prepares Memoir, Billboard | publisher = [[People (magazine)|People]] | date = August 4, 2006 | url = http://people.aol.com/people/article/0,26334,1222950,00.html | access-date = January 13, 2007 | archive-date = January 11, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200111203430/http://people.aol.com/people/article/0,26334,1222950,00.html | url-status = dead }}</ref> Titled ''Heart Full of Soul: An Inspirational Memoir About Finding Your Voice and Finding Your Way'' and ghostwritten by ''Rolling Stone'' writer David Wild, the book was released in July 2007 by [[Random House]].

On June 6, 2008, Hicks joined the cast of the Broadway musical ''Grease'' in the [[Brooks Atkinson Theatre]]. He played the role of "Teen Angel".<ref>{{cite news| title = Taylor Hicks Joins 'Grease' as 'Teen Angel'| url = http://broadwayworld.com/article/Photo_Coverage_Taylor_Hicks_Joins_Grease_as_Teen_Angel_20080609 | publisher =Broadway World| date = August 26, 2006 | access-date = November 1, 2006}}</ref> Once his 18-month tour in the traveling Broadway show 'Grease' ended, Hicks performed in over 20 live shows.

===2006–2008: ''Taylor Hicks'' and ''Early Works''===

Studio recording sessions for the eponymous major label debut ''[[Taylor Hicks (album)|Taylor Hicks]]'' ran in [[Calabasas, California]], between October and November 2006, and took six weeks in total.<ref>{{cite podcast| url = http://www.paulandyoungron.com/cc-common/podcast.html | title = Interview on the Paul and Young Ron Show | host = Paul and Young Ron

| date = November 21, 2006 | access-date = November 22, 2006 }}</ref> The album was released on December 12, 2006, and debuted at the number two spot on the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]] charts.<ref>{{cite news | last = Cohen | first = Jonathan | title = Taylor Hicks Unveils 2007 Tour Plans | publisher = Billboard | date = December 27, 2006 | url = http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/56351/taylor-hicks-unveils-2007-tour-plans | access-date = December 28, 2006 }}</ref> It was certified as a [[platinum album]] by the RIAA on January 17, 2007.<ref>{{cite press release| quote = Hicks is the only artist to win American Idol that has not had an album reach one million sales.| title = American Idol Champ Taylor Hicks's Self Titled Debut Album is Certified Platinum by the RIAA| publisher = [[Arista Records]]| date = January 17, 2007| url = http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/070117/nyw118.html?.v=86| access-date = January 18, 2007 }}</ref> Hicks embarked on a three-month US promotional tour for his album that started on February 21 in [[Jacksonville, Florida]], and ended in [[Seattle]], Washington on May 12.<ref>{{cite news |last=Kilgore |first=Kim |title=Taylor Hicks Rolls out Album, Tour Dates |publisher=Live Daily |date=December 12, 2006 |url=http://www.livedaily.com/news/11174.html?t=104 |access-date=December 22, 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070104121921/http://www.livedaily.com/news/11174.html?t=104 |archive-date=January 4, 2007}}</ref>

Arista Records confirmed in January 2008 that it had dropped Hicks from its roster.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.today.com/id/22544644/ns/today-today_entertainment/t/idol-winner-taylor-hicks-loses-record-deal/|title='Idol' winner Taylor Hicks loses record deal|website=Today|date=January 7, 2008|access-date=December 6, 2019|archive-date=December 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191206055753/http://www.today.com/id/22544644/ns/today-today_entertainment/t/idol-winner-taylor-hicks-loses-record-deal/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |last=Baldwin |first=Kristen |url=https://ew.com/article/2008/01/03/two-idol-winner/|title=Taylor Hicks, Ruben Studdard dropped from J Records?|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|date=January 3, 2008 |access-date=December 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090221133709/http://hollywoodinsider.ew.com/2008/01/two-idol-winner.html |archive-date=February 21, 2009}}</ref> Hicks had, at that stage, the lowest selling American Idol winner's album.

In 2008, Hicks signed a distribution deal with Vanguard/Welk records to distribute a compilation album ''Early Works''. He also starred in ''[[Grease (musical)|Grease]]'' in the national tour as the Teen Angel after playing the role on Broadway.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.broadway.com/Taylor-Hicks-Signs-On-for-National-Tour-of-Grease/broadway_news/570994 |title=Taylor Hicks Signs On for National Tour of Grease |publisher=Broadway.com |date=February 20, 2010}}</ref> ''[[Early Works (Taylor Hicks album)|Early Works]]'' was released on August 12, 2008.

===2009–present: ''The Distance''===

[[File:Taylor Hicks.jpg|thumb|right|Hicks in the ''[[American Idol]]'' motorcade at [[Walt Disney World]] in February 2009.]]

In 2009 Hicks released his second album, ''[[The Distance (Taylor Hicks album)|The Distance]]'', on his own label, Modern Whomp Records, on March 10, 2009. The first single, "[[What's Right Is Right]]", was added to AC adds on January 27, 2009. The single reached number 24 on Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks. It was produced by [[Simon Climie]] and [[Dennis Morgan (songwriter)|Dennis Morgan]].

In May 2009, Taylor Hicks made ''[[Forbes]]''' "Top Ten earning American Idol stars" list, coming in at number 10, with over $300,000 earned from album sales and from his role as "Teen Angel" in the national tour of ''[[Grease (musical)|Grease]]''.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/money/galleries/which_american_idol_stars_make_the_most_loot_/which_american_idol_stars_make_the_most_loot_.html#ph2 |title=Forbes: Which American Idol stars rake in the most loot? |publisher=Nydailynews.com |date= May 26, 2009|access-date=February 20, 2010 | ___location=New York}}</ref>

In May 2011, Taylor Hicks opened ORE Drink and Dine restaurant in Birmingham, Alabama. Birmingham Magazine readers voted ORE as Birmingham's "Best New Restaurant" in the fall of 2011.<ref>{{cite news | last = Whitley | first = Carla Jean | title = A Star is Born | publisher = Birmingham magazine | date = October 6, 2011 | url = http://blog.al.com/birmingham-buzz/2011/10/a_star_is_born.html | access-date = January 8, 2012 }}</ref> ORE Drink and Dine re-opened as Saw's Juke Joint, a barbecue and live music bar, on October 30, 2012.<ref>{{cite news|last=Carlton|first=Bob|title=Taylor Hicks partners with Saw's BBQ founder to open Saw's Juke Joint in former Ore ___location|url=http://www.al.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2012/10/taylor_hicks_partners_with_saw.html|access-date=November 20, 2012|newspaper=Birmingham News|date=October 30, 2012}}</ref>

On June 14, 2011, Taylor Hicks performed at Bama Rising: A Benefit Concert For Alabama Tornado Recovery at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Center. According to ''Billboard'', the Bama Rising benefit concert raised an estimated $2.2 million for Alabama tornado relief efforts.<ref>{{cite news | last = Waddell | first = Ray | title = Alabama, Brad Paisley, Sheryl Crow Help Bama Rising Raise Over $2 Million For Tornado Benefit | publisher = Billboard | date = June 15, 2011 | url = http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/genre/country/alabama-brad-paisley-sheryl-crow-help-bama-1005237452.story | access-date = January 8, 2012 | archive-date = August 4, 2012 | archive-url = https://archive.today/20120804083902/http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/genre/country/alabama-brad-paisley-sheryl-crow-help-bama-1005237452.story | url-status = dead }}</ref>

On April 19, 2012, Hicks appeared on ''American Idol'' and announced he would begin a one-year residency at Bally's in Las Vegas on June 26<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.al.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2012/09/birminghams_taylor_hicks_ready.html|title=Birmingham's Taylor Hicks ready for yearlong run at Bally's in Las Vegas|date= September 27, 2012|access-date=October 13, 2012}}</ref> that has been extended until December 2013.{{Citation needed|date=January 2013}} ''Entertainment Weekly'' magazine revealed that Hicks would be a celebrity contestant on Fox's dating show ''[[The Choice (American TV series)|The Choice]]''.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/article/2012/05/08/fox-choice-celebrities/|title=Fox's 'The Choice' cast revealed! Joe Jonas, Dean Cain, The Situation, many more – EXCLUSIVE|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|first=James|last=Hibberd|date=May 8, 2012|access-date=October 13, 2012|archive-date=December 28, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141228094231/http://insidetv.ew.com/2012/05/08/fox-choice-celebrities/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

On August 30, 2012, Hicks performed for the [[2012 Republican National Convention]] in [[Tampa, Florida]].<ref name="RNC">{{cite news|last=Naught But Nice|first=Rob|title=Taylor Hicks On Performing at RNC, Taking Risks|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/31/taylor-hicks-rnc_n_1847494.html|publisher=Huffington Post|access-date=November 20, 2012|date=August 31, 2012}}</ref>

Hicks was the first male Idol to be featured on a Grammy-winning album when he performed "Friday" on [[Jimmy Fallon]]'s ''[[Blow Your Pants Off]]'', which won for Best Comedy Album in 2013.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/idol-worship/american-idol-taylor-hicks-collects-420126 | work=The Hollywood Reporter | title='American Idol' Taylor Hicks Collects Grammy Award}}</ref>

In July 2013, Hicks attended the [[EVO 2013|Evolution 2013]] [[fighting game]] tournament<ref>Mrs. Erin Cleary Quinlin, Graduate of Creighton University.</ref> as a [[professional Super Smash Bros. competition|competitor]] for ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]''. Hicks finished tied for 257th overall out of 709 players.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/american-idol-winner-places-257th-at-evo-smash-bros-event/1100-6411496/|title=American Idol winner places 257th at EVO Smash Bros. event|first= Eddie |last=Makuch |website=[[GameSpot]]|date=July 16, 2013|access-date=July 3, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eventhubs.com/news/2013/jul/15/american-idol-winner-taylor-hicks-attended-evo-2013-tied-257th-place-super-smash-bros-melee/|title=American Idol winner Taylor Hicks attended EVO 2013, tied for 257th place in Super Smash Bros. Melee |first= Jonathan 'Catalyst' |last= Grey |date= July 15, 2013 |website= EventHubs.com |access-date= July 3, 2015}}</ref>

In January 2017, Hicks recorded "Call Paul" — the theme song for ESPN's Paul Finebaum show.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.facebook.com/TaylorRHicks/posts/here-it-isthe-new-theme-song-for-espns-paul-finebaum-show-titled-call-paul-this-/10154998971821995/ | work=Facebook | title=Taylor Hicks announces Call Paul}}</ref>

In September 2017, Taylor Hicks premiered his song, "Six Strings and Diamond Rings" with Billboard Music, his first musical release in eight years.<ref>{{cite magazine| url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/country/7980790/taylor-hicks-six-strings-and-diamond-rings-premiere | magazine=Billboard | title=Taylor Hicks Returns With New Single 'Six Strings and Diamond Rings': Premiere}}</ref>

Hicks hosted ''State Plate'' via the INSP channel for three season from 2016 to 2018 where he featured iconic dishes and ingredients from each state in the United States.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://variety.com/2017/tv/news/taylor-hicks-food-travel-show-state-plate-season-2-1202522826/|title=Taylor Hicks to Return as Host for 'State Plate' Season 2|last=Angermiller|first=Michele|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|date=June 30, 2016|access-date=January 26, 2018}}</ref>

Hicks debuted in his starring role as Charlie Anderson in the Serenbe Playhouse production of ''[[Shenandoah (musical)|Shenandoah]]'' in March 2019.<ref name=playbill>{{cite web | url = http://www.playbill.com/article/immersive-shenandoah-starring-taylor-hicks-and-rachel-potter-opens-at-serenbe-march-15 | publisher = Playbill | title = Immersive Shenandoah, Starring Taylor Hicks and Rachel Potter, Opens at Serenbe March 15 | date = March 15, 2019 | access-date = March 29, 2019}}</ref>

Hicks released the single, "Porch Swing", on February 20, 2023.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://tasteofcountry.com/taylor-hicks-porch-swing/ | work=Taste of Country | title=Taylor Hicks Delivers Romantic Soul in 'Porch Swing,' His First Single in 14 Years [Listen] Read More: Taylor Hicks Delivers Romantic Soul in 'Porch Swing}}</ref> Hicks made his [[Grand Ole Opry]] debut on June 16, 2023.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.opry.com/artists/taylor-hicks | work=Opry.com | title=Taylor Hicks Makes His Opry Debut}}</ref>

==Discography==

{{main|Taylor Hicks discography}}

<gallery>

Image:Inyourtime.jpg|<center>'''In Your Time'''<br>'''(1997)'''<br>'''Laser's Edge'''</center>

Image:Taylor Hicks Under the Radar.png|<center>'''Under the Radar'''<br>'''(2005)'''<br>'''Laser's Edge'''</center>

</gallery>

===Albums===

*''[[Taylor Hicks (album)|Taylor Hicks]]'' (2006)

* ''In Your Time'' (1997)

*''[[The Distance (Taylor Hicks album)|The Distance]]'' (2009)

# Son Of A Carpenter

# The Fall

# In Your Time

# Somehow

# On Broadway

# Tighten Up

# Georgia

* ''Under the Radar'' (2005)

# The Deal

# Hell Of A Day

# Hold On To Your Love

# Heart and Soul

# West Texas Sky

# Soul Thing

# My Friend

==TriviaSee also==

*[[List of Billboard number-one singles]]

*Hicks has two pet [[goldfish]]{{fact}}.

*[[List of artists who reached number one in the United States]]

*Hicks is 6'1" (1.85 m){{fact}}.

*[[List of Billboard Hot 100 chart achievements and milestones]]

*[[List of Idols winners|List of ''Idols'' winners]]

==References==

{{Reflist}}

<div style="font-size: 90%"><references/></div>

==External links==

{{Commons category|Taylor Hicks}}

* [http://www.idolonfox.com/contestants/taylor_hicks/ ''American Idol'' profile]

*{{imdb nameWikinews|id=2212558|name=Taylor Hicks crowned American Idol winner}}

{{Wikiquote}}

*[http://www.songmeanings.net/artist.php?aid=137438972343 Taylor Hicks at songmeanings.com]

*{{myspace| [http://www.taylorhicks|.com Taylor Hicks}}'s Official Website]

*[http://www.auburn.edu/student_info/plainsman/archives/99FA/1118/1118ilsfletch.html Taylor Hicks Band at Auburn University]

<!-- Wikipedia is not a web directory, please do not advertise your blog and/or fan sites here -->

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{{succession box|title=''[[American Idol]]'' Winners|before=[[Carrie Underwood]]|after= TBA 2007|years=Season 5 (2006)}}

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[[Category{{DEFAULTSORT:1976 births|Hicks, Taylor]]}}

[[Category:American1976 singer-guitarists|Hicks, Taylorbirths]]

[[Category:American harmonicablues players|Hicks, Taylorsingers]]

[[Category:American Idolharmonica Season 5|Hicks, Taylorplayers]]

[[Category:American maleIdol singers|Hicks, Taylorwinners]]

[[Category:American soulmale singers|Hicks, Taylorsinger-songwriters]]

[[Category:BlueAmerican eyedmale soul|Hicks,pop Taylorsingers]]

[[Category:ChristianAmerican musicians|Hicks,blues Taylorsinger-songwriters]]

[[Category:LivingArista people|Hicks,Records Taylorartists]]

[[Category:PeopleAuburn fromUniversity Birmingham, Alabama|Hicks, Tayloralumni]]

[[Category:Living people]]

[[Category:Musicians from Birmingham, Alabama]]

[[Category:People from Hoover, Alabama]]

[[Category:19 Recordings artists]]

[[Category:Participants in American reality television series]]

[[Category:20th-century American singer-songwriters]]

[[Category:21st-century American singer-songwriters]]

[[Category:American soul singers]]

[[Category:Super Smash Bros. Melee players]]

[[Category:20th-century American male singers]]

[[Category:21st-century American male singers]]

[[Category:Singer-songwriters from Alabama]]

[[Category:Hoover High School (Alabama) alumni]]

[[Category:21st-century American guitarists]]

[[Category:American multi-instrumentalists]]