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Taylor Hicks Goes from Idol to Teen Angel

080516taylorhicks.jpg
Taylor Hicks by Jim Spellman/ WireImage.com
Our favorite gray-haired, funky-dancing, soulful-singing American Idol winner Taylor Hicks will join the Broadway cast of Grease on June 6, reports the AP. You'd think the former Idol, who's been missing in action since losing his deal with J Records after selling a respectable 702K albums, would go after a part like sexy Danny Zuko or troublemaker Kenickie. But, no, this Idol winner wants to be your Teen Angel, and plans to add his trademark soulful sound to his version of "Beauty School Dropout."

Hicks joins a growing list of former Idols who have joined Broadway shows, including Fantasia (The Color Purple), Clay Aiken (Spamalot), Tamyra Gray (Rent) and more. Hicks considers his debut "the opportunity of a lifetime," and a great way to season his skills as a performer.

And coming up this summer, Hicks will be finishing up his second album where he "had creative freedom and the time to write some of the best music that I've ever writen." And even though he's sans record deal, he adds, "there has been some great interest now that I'm a free agent." Soul Patrolers rejoice, your boy is back in town!

Would you go see Taylor belt out "Beauty School Dropout?" — Erin Fox

Related:
• Who should win it all? Vote now!
• Watch video interviews with Idol finalists
• Read our in-depth recaps of every Idol

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Posted by The Idol Chatters
May 16, 2008 11:04 AM
Gross.
Posted by Kyle
May 16, 2008 11:42 AM
My least favorite AI winner ever from one of my favorite AI seasons. America totally got that top 2 wrong and the sales reflect it. But when it comes down to it who finished what didn't matter, so it all turned out right in the end. And LOL @ 700K albums being a "respectable" number for a winner of a show that got nearly 30 million viewers.
Posted by breakdown
May 16, 2008 11:57 AM
That's pretty sad for someone who got a million dollar contract just two years ago.

I rooted for Elliott that season and didn't even watch the finale so it's not like I care what happened to Taylor. But still... At least Diana, Fantasia and Clay appeared in new shows. "Grease" is about as played out as it gets.
Posted by jujube11
May 16, 2008 12:02 PM
Heck YEA I'd go see Taylor Hicks on Broadway! WOOOOOOOOO!! What a fantastic opportunity for a guy who was born to be on stage!! I just adore him!!! Best Idol Winner Yet!!!:-D
Posted by Marc1
May 16, 2008 12:06 PM
Absolutely!! Season 5 was my favorite because of him. Without a doubt, the season with the most talent. Can't wait to hear the new CD and I wish him all the best!!!!
Posted by lori0620
May 16, 2008 12:36 PM
"Would you go see Taylor belt out "Beauty School Dropout?" Not if they paid me.

I would, however, go out of my way to get tix for Ruben Studdard & Frenchie Davis on tour in "Ain't Misbehavin'".
Posted by Sheldon
May 16, 2008 12:58 PM
"Would you go see Taylor belt out "Beauty School Dropout?"

And have one of my all time musicals ruined for me? What Sheldon said. Ugh.

Dude ruined Elvis when he was competing, and is, at best, imho, suited as a Lounge Act.

~Sangeeta
Posted by Geets226
May 16, 2008 2:38 PM
No.
Posted by maurine
May 16, 2008 4:02 PM
What is the matter with you people? He's a fantastic performer!! I would go see him if he had a bigger part.
Posted by taylorsoul
May 16, 2008 6:39 PM
Mr. Hicks is the most talented Idol ever. He can do just about anything. And he would have sold more albums if they had left them in the stores. 3 months after his cd dropped you couldn't find it anywhere. Weird.
Anyway YES, I will go see him, I would crawl across New York if I had to. He is going to be great. People should quit hating him because he won and just enjoy him. Oh well, their loss.
Posted by gingercake22
May 17, 2008 8:35 PM
He is my ULTIMATE favorite idol because he doesnt try to be like everyone else! He is so talented and knows who he is! He is just being who he is and I think he is awsome! I wish him the best of luck!! :-x
Posted by NoreSammi
May 17, 2008 9:33 PM
There have been several mistakes as far as AI winners...he was one of them...Fantasia was the other. Neither really have a mass appeal to anyone. Taylor's a heck of a nice guy, but he's just not an American Idol.
Posted by Joe B.
May 17, 2008 10:54 PM
Erin!!! Thanks for the Taylor Hicks article, I would go in a heartbeat. to answer your question, YES........Im in Cleveland and am taking my Taylor love to New york to see him. For me this will be a Great happening, I cant wait, as I enjoyed Taylor Hicks more than any other contestant on American Idol. Taylor played at our House of Blues here in Cleveland (sold out concert) and he was AMAZING....cant wait to see him again! wooooo! SOUL PATROL
Posted by msredboot7
May 20, 2008 6:56 PM
are you kiddin? I am so there!
Love Taylor Hicks! woooooooooo!!!!!
Posted by msredboot7
May 22, 2008 1:35 PM
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