One "American Idol" standout champion parlayed what he learned in Murfreesboro in his early 20s through Middle Tennessee State University’s Department of Recording Industry program into a successful show business platform for the past two decades.
From Taylor Hicks' newly released single, "The Mirror," to his personally polished mirrored harmonica, Taylor once again led his Soul Patrol fanbase into bliss while marking the 20th anniversary reunion of his title as Season 5 winner of ABC's American Idol reality singing competition during the show's May 4 airing.
"As an entertainer, you don't get many times like that, where you're not completely on the hook, and it's easy to be in the moment, totally enjoying it all. Back then, it was all about what I needed to do to get to the winner's circle," Taylor says of his recent special evening and glide down memory lane. "The bones of the show were the same and familiar, but the aesthetics, such as lighting, playing instruments, set changes and production, have really evolved."
He says he pulled an old trick from 20 years ago by again spending a lot of time in the bathroom during the filming period because it's the most humidified room in the building. "They probably thought they lost me a few times, or that maybe I needed Pepto-Bismol, and forgot that's a way of me avoiding drying out my voice," he quips.
"There's absolutely no question that Idol is 'the' platform for me, with about 50 million viewers a week and 200 million worldwide during my season. And there was a beautiful array of talent," Taylor reflects. "I was blessed to go back for the reunion, visit the stage, see the contestants and catch up with the judges."
Starting With Blue-Eyed Soul
Taylor's passion and devotion to music mainly started with a harmonica he purchased for $2 at a flea market when he was 16 years old. While teaching himself to play the blues harp by matching pitches to sounds around him, such as air conditioners and truck tires, he discovered he had perfect pitch. He 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.
Taylor graduated from Hoover High School in 1995 where he played varsity baseball, soccer and basketball, then pursued a major in business and journalism at Auburn University.
As a country-funky singer and favorite performer of the Soul Patrollers, Taylor, now 49, also is still sometimes referred to as the Silver Fox, and says his hair actually started turning gray when he was 14. Instead of succumbing to pressure through the Idol time period to dye his hair, Taylor embraced the nickname as part of his entertainer persona.
Looking Back At Taylor's American Idol Season
American Idol's fifth season of the singing reality competition began on Jan. 17, 2006. That year, Ryan Seacrest returned as host, and Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell returned as judges. It reportedly remains the highest-rated season in the show's run so far. On May 30, 2006, Taylor was named American Idol, as chosen by viewers, with Katharine McPhee the runner-up.
Taylor had auditioned for the TV show devoted to searching for vocal superstars in Las Vegas, where he'd been a hopeful nightclub singer. At the audition, he sang "A Change is Gonna Come" by Sam Cooke. Although Simon voted "no," Randy and Paula voted "yes," sending him to the next round.
With his triumph at age 29, he became the oldest contestant to win American Idol. He also was the first male contestant to win the competition without ever being in the bottom two or three.
“What a great blessing that my name was called in that instance (of winning). I thank God every day for that. I felt like I won the national championship, like a proud Alabamian," he says.
Befittingly, "Do I Make You Proud" was released as Taylor's first single post-show.
He's also the first Idol winner to secure a long-term residency at a Las Vegas casino. And, May 12 is still "Taylor Hicks Day" in Birmingham each year.
Taylor's Life Now
Taylor currently lives in the Nashville area (Germantown), with many of his live shows performed in the area. However, he also spends a lot of time in Alabama, which is where he's originally from, and co-owns the restaurant, SAW's Juke Joint in Birmingham. It was opened during 2012 in partnership with Mike Wilson and Doug Smith. The restaurant is a barbecue and live music venue known for its Southern dishes such as pork, smoked wings, fried green tomato BLTs and white sauce.
"My favorite menu items at SAW's are the sweet tea fried chicken sandwich with pickles and white sauce or the pork n' greens over cheese grits with onion rings and red sauce," he reveals.
He also travels for tours, films and TV opportunities. In fact, he even performed on Broadway in 2008 and on national tour in 2009 in Grease playing Teen Angel, the role originated by Alan Paul.
As often as he can, Taylor adores driving his open-air 1951 Mercury Eight fondly named Alfea. This classic, roadhouse relic previously was owned by American guitarist and music producer Charlie Sexton.
Taylor made his Grand Ole Opry debut on June 16, 2023, and just performed there again this year on April 14 and May 22.
Taylor's new song, The Mirror, which he confirms is a bit of a love revenge song, was recorded in Memphis at Sam Phillips Recording Studio. He says guitarist Jamie McLean is on the track, reminding him of an Eric Clapton vibe. It was co-written with fellow Alabama native Adam Hood.
As a dedicated advocate for his home state's musical heritage, Taylor has served on the Alabama Music Hall of Fame board of directors since 2019. He's hosted induction ceremonies and performed at the group's events, too. "As a prideful Alabamian, I want to help preserve the state's wide array collection of musical art," he adds.
"When I first started in music, I knew I had to tackle the 10,000 hours required before catching a break, but it was a calling for me. So, I hope to continue touching people's lives through music and making them feel happy," he says. "My music borrows from the best of all the Southern world, which culturally speaking, is an epicenter. Alabama is the heart of Dixie and that heart lives deep within me."
"I don't release a lot of music, so when I do, it means a lot to me." ~Taylor Hicks, Season 5 winner of American Idol, bluesy-country-soul singer/musician and restaurant co-owner.
"I've been in and out of Nashville for 20 years. I'm really thankful to be part of its entertainment fabric and the Music City scene."