Taylor Hicks, the platinum-selling artist and entertainer from Alabama whose soulful vocals won over America’s heart and the fifth season of American Idol at the height of the singing competition phenomenon’s ratings heyday, has signed with APA, it was announced today by the agency’s Seth Rappaport. Hicks, who is currently in-studio finishing his latest album to be released this year, will be announcing upcoming tour dates soon.
“I’m a long-time fan and thrilled to be working with Taylor Hicks,” commented Rappaport in making the announcement. “His soulfulness and passion is evident in his music and live performances.”
One of the most beloved and popular American Idol winners in the 15-season history of the global broadcast juggernaut, Hicks unique take on Country, Southern Soul, R&B and the Blues set him apart from his fellow competitors during one of the show’s highest rated seasons. In the end, after 64 million votes were cast, 200 million viewers worldwide tuned in to see Hicks crowned the fifth season winner of American Idol — one of the most-watched television events of the last decade.
Less than three weeks after his Idol victory, Hicks’ debut single, “Do I Make You Proud,” entered at #1 on Billboard’s Hot 100, Pop 100, and Single Sales Charts. His self-titled album (Arista) debuted at #2 on the Billboard 200 and was quickly certified RIAA Platinum. Hicks is also the first male Idol winner to be featured on a Grammy Award-winning album, Jimmy Fallon’s “Blow Your Pants Off,” which took home the 2013 Grammy for Best Comedy Album. Digitally remastered versions of his two previous albums — In Your Time(1997) and Under The Radar (2005) were recently released for the first time. The artist has also made his mark on the culinary world as a partner in Saw’s Juke Joint, a local eatery in Birmingham, Alabama, which has become one of the most popular BBQ and live music bar restaurants in the region.
In addition to headlining the Paris Casino in Las Vegas, as well as other Caesars Entertainment properties across the United States, Hicks has performed alongside an amazing variety of artists such as Willie Nelson, Snoop Dogg, Gladys Knight, Earth Wind & Fire, and The Allman Brothers. e also performed on Broadway in 2008, and in the national tour of the famed musical Grease in 2009, playing the Teen Angel role originated by Alan Paul.
TAYLOR HICKS ON TOUR:
Jan. 16 Bartlett Performing Arts Center / Bartlett, TN (SOLD OUT)
Feb. 13 Pastime Theatre / Winfield, AL
Mar. 11 Land O Lakes Spring Music Festival / Land ‘O Lakes, FL
Apr. 15 Lyric Theatre / Birmingham, AL