Guide Note

Taylor Hicks is an American singer and songwriter who won season 5 of American Idol, beating out Katharine McPhee on the series finale. Hicks' released his first album post-Idol on December 12, 2006. It debuted at the number two spot on the Billboard 200 chart. In January, 2008, Hicks suffered the same fate as fellow contestant Katharine McPhee, when he was dropped by his record company. In response to the reports about his release Hicks posted a message on his MySpace page informing his fans of his intent to release another album on his own.

Fast Facts

1. Full Name: Taylor Reuben Hicks
2. Born: October 7, 1976
3. Birthplace: Birmingham, Alabama
4. Season five of American Idol
5. Placed: Winner
6. Audition City: Las Vegas
7. Years Active: 1997 - Present
8. Fans are called the Soul Patrol

"To all my fans and The Soul Patrol, I want to take a moment to talk about the recent news that my label and I have mutually parted ways. The important thing for all of you to remember is that I've been a working musician my whole life. This is turning the page on a new chapter of my career. Artistic freedom and control is an exciting prospect. The things that are most important to me is creating my art, performing it, and my fans. With the momentum that all of you have created over the years, Taylor Hicks is not going to stop anytime soon. I've started working on the new album, writing and scheduling exciting collaborations. The DVD, Whomp at the Warfield, is in its final stages, and will be released soon. So as one door closes, a new one opens for 2008 with more excitement for all my fans than ever before. Sit tight, because the best is yet to come!" — Taylor Hicks' response to reports of being dropped