Taylor Hicks is one of the most beloved AMERICAN IDOL winners of all-time.
From the start, Hicks' material on the mega-hit show set him apart, with a unique take on Southern soul, R & B, country and blues. More than 63 million votes were cast and nearly 37 million viewers tuned-in to crown Hicks the Season 5 winner of AMERICAN IDOL, making it one of the most-watched TV events of the decade.
Hicks' star continued to rise after he stepped off the IDOL stage. Less than three weeks after his IDOL victory, his debut single, "Do I Make You Proud," entered at #1 on Billboard's Hot 100, Pop 100, and Single Sales Charts. Coinciding with the single's release, a cover story named him People magazine's "Hottest Bachelor of the Year." His self-titled album (Arista), debuted at #2 on the Billboard 200 and was quickly certified RIAA Platinum.
Hicks has performed with artists like Willie Nelson, Snoop Dogg, Gladys Knight, Earth Wind & Fire and The Allman Brothers, appeared in concerts worldwide, and penned a bestselling autobiography "Heart Full of Soul" (Random House).
On Broadway, Hicks starred in the hit musical, GREASE as Teen Angel, and when asked to join the national tour, happily agreed. The 18-month tour connected him with fans across North America.
Hicks, who hails from Birmingham, Ala., had music on his mind from childhood. As a young adult, he became a fixture around the Southeast, playing concerts and club dates with visiting stars like James Brown, Tom Petty, Jackson Browne, Robert Randolph, Keb' Mo' and Widespread Panic, among others. Hicks also released the independent albums "In Your Time" and "Under the Radar." Later, these albums were compiled and released by Vanguard Records as "Early Works."
In June 2012, Hicks began a residency at Bally's Las Vegas, becoming the first Idol in history to secure a long-term residency in Las Vegas. As a testament to his musical talent and showmanship, Hicks will continue to bring the roadhouse to the Las Vegas Strip with a year-long extension performing at Bally's Las Vegas through 2013. Hicks is quickly becoming one of the most popular acts in the city. He will have an exclusive commitment to Caesars Entertainment, taking his talents to other Caesars properties across the country throughout the year with specific dates and locations to be announced at a later date.
Hicks performed at the closing night of the 2012 Republican National Convention, playing to a crowd of 18,500 delegates in Tampa, Florida.
He is also in the studio working on his first country album.
