“It was the 10-year overnight success story. I started out in small clubs and road houses in Alabama. For 10 years, I really worked hard to find that one break, and luckily during the time of Hurricane Karina and with a Southwest Airlines ticket, I was able to be at a place where Idol was auditioning, and the rest is history,” Hicks said.
His coronation song, “Do I Make You Proud,” was a No. 1 single on the Billboard Hot 100 charts. “That song has a lot of meaning,” he said. “It is still being played in radio stations in Indonesia. I am fortunate that many people still enjoy it.”
He continued, “I am actually celebrating my one decade anniversary in show business. It is unbelievable, and it sneaks up on you.”
Hicks’ winning moment on the reality singing competition American Idol may be seen below.
On his new music, Hicks said, “I want to record music that will touch all kinds of different people, and try to find the right mix of music that will cross all generations. My fan-base is pretty extensive and there are a lot of different people that are fans, so I have to be selective in the songs that I choose.”
Hicks is working with acclaimed producer Mickey Jack Cones on his forthcoming album. “Mickey and I have a great musical relationship, and in the studio, he is a brilliant engineer and producer. I am very glad to be working with him. He is a hard worker and that mind-set makes him an even better producer and engineer,” he said.
Success for Hicks means “Being happy with yourself and your surroundings.” “If you are happy and if you are charitable, that is success,” he said.
He hopes to be out touring in the near future, to be bringing the music to his fans. For more information on American Idol winner Taylor Hicks, check out his official website.
