Taylor Who? Former "American Idol" Winner Headed To Broadway

NEW YORK — Taylor Hicks is going from "Idol" to "Angel."

The "American Idol" alum will join the Broadway cast of "Grease" on June 6, playing Teen Angel in the revival of the popular musical.

The gray-haired singer _ whose "Idol" fan base was called "The Soul Patrol" _ said he plans to add "soulful flavor" to his performance of "Beauty School Dropout." The flashy role, he said, is "a classic fit for a classic performer."

"It's a big number, and, you know, I've made some pretty grand entrances before," Hicks told The Associated Press on Thursday. "And this one is probably the grandest entrance I've had in my career."

Well, besides "Idol." Hicks, 31, took home the title in the fifth season of the top-rated Fox show _ the biggest stage on television.

He later lost his record deal with J Records, a label within Sony-BMG, which signs the show's singers, and had been looking for the perfect part to make his debut on The Great White Way.

"If you're gonna be a great entertainer and you're gonna be a great performer, than these are the things that you have to do to season yourself in that manner," said Hicks, who views this "opportunity of a lifetime" as a way to improve his "Idol"-tested skills.

The Alabama-born crooner's run ends Sept. 7. He'll be the latest "Idol" to hit Broadway, following runs by season-three winner Fantasia Barrino ("The Color Purple") and a host of also-rans including Clay Aiken ("Spamalot"), Diana DeGarmo ("Hairspray") and Constantine Maroulis ("The Wedding Singer").

Hicks' self-titled, post-"Idol" album, released in December 2006, has sold a respectable 702,000 copies, according to Nielsen Soundscan data. But it didn't reach the 1 million mark or register a hit song, unlike previous "Idol" winners.

This summer, Hicks intends to finish up a follow-up album _ on his own terms.

"I've had the creative freedom and the time to write some of the best music that I've ever written in my whole life. ... The options are unlimited and there has been some great interest now that I'm a free agent, so to speak," he said.

Comments

[grimm]

I can't stand that bullshit idol show but my family watches it. When I first heard Hicks sing it was through a closed door in the next room.

I couldn't believe the voice. I entered the family room and asked "Who is THAT?" I thought if this guy didn't win the show then the show is for nothing.

He's the real deal and I hope he's around for a good long while because his voice will age very well.

[citizenofmars]

Broadway? That makes sense actually. He'll could become a major star in NY. He has that "Music Man' quality....

[M.S. Bellows, Jr. - Huffpost Blogger]

See M.S. Bellows, Jr.'s Profile

Anyone know why he lost his Idol contract? That has personal issues written all over it, though I hope that isn't the case.

[americanwomaninpa]

Good for him. I wish him well.

[sf94127]

With a few notable exceptions (Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson), Idol produces cruise ship entertainment. David Artuletta is perfect entertainment for a park in Epcott center. I think sexy and talented Syesha has the best chance for long term success.

[luckyoldson]

Well, it is an "amateur" talent show that showcases those (with a few who have done some previous work) who want to make it.

You did know that...right?

[SOOKOOYAH_GURL]

Fantasia and Clay Gaykin are successful too.. Though I will never get the appeal of Clay Aiken.

But Fantasia really made Color Purple successful. And she got great reviews. The funny thing is that Not only could Jennifer Hudson sing, but she could act too.. And she didn't even win.. LOL

I knew they made a mistake when they got rid of her.

[anastasiabeaverhousen]

Next stop: an airport Holiday Inn's cocktail lounge near you!

[theidaexpress]

He looks old enough to be my grandfather. Why would they want him in Grease? He is fat and has grey hair--way to go broadway!
http://www.theidaexpress.com

[luckyoldson]

Hey, maybe by the time he does the show somebody will invent hair dye and diets.

Ya think...???

[theidaexpress]

They should just hire a person who already FITS the role! Ya think??

[kellygrrrl]

hey, I like Taylor Hicks -- at least he is original

[SOOKOOYAH_GURL]

Yeah he's original, he was GREY at 20 years old..

[mediamarv]

From the headline I thought he got a job parking cars.... why else would he be on Broadway.

Talent, you say?? What talen, I ask.

[jozielee]

You forgot LaToya London. She played Nettie in The Color Purple. I saw the production in Los Angeles.