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TAYLOR HICKS: Still enjoying 'Idol' worship

By Cara Jordan

Taylor Hicks is getting used to life on the road.

Preview caught up with the illustrious gray-haired blues "Idol" while he was on his way to Wisconsin to play with some of country music's most well-known. It's just one of Hicks' tour stops this summer.

"This has been an amazing ride — like sitting on a rocket ship," said Hicks of his rise to superstardom.

The guitar-strumming, harmonica-wielding Soul-Patrol icon captured the hearts of millions around the country when he became the winner of "American Idol's" fifth season.

In December 2006, Hicks released his self-titled debut album for Arista records — a funky, blues-infused musical collection partly written by the singer himself. Under the direction of legendary music mogul Clive Davis, Hicks wrote four original songs for the album and co-wrote another.

"I have some original music on there," he said. "But I was careful when I selected the other songs. I made sure I connected with each song on an emotional level."

Since its release, the album was certified platinum in January, and the first single "Do I Make You Proud" captured the top spot on Billboard's Hot 100, the Single Sales Chart and the Pop 100. Two other singles, "Just to Feel That Way" and "Heaven Knows," have also been released.

Since his rise to fame, Hicks has discovered the complexities that come with touring.

"It seems like the schedule gets crazier by the minute," he admitted. "And I understand that I just have to work as hard as I can."

In his online blog he added, "The days are going by so fast, and sometimes I get stressed, but then I hit the stage and then it all comes together."

Hicks acknowledges his faithful fan base, the Soul Patrol. The phrase became a household name when Hicks gained rapid momentum on "American Idol." The singer even has a phone number for fans to call and leave messages for him detailing things they'd like him to share.

"They are such a dedicated fan base," he said. "They really mean a lot to me."

In addition to his tour and album release, Hicks also took the time to co-write a book. "A Heart Full of Soul" will debut July 10, and Hicks will enjoy a brief promotional tour for his book after the release.

"The book is about beating the odds and finding your own voice," Hicks said.

It's obvious that Hicks has definitely found his place in the entertainment world, though he acknowledges that he won't let it change his grass-roots style and genuineness.

"My surroundings have changed, but my person hasn't," said Hicks. "I just hope that as an artist I can grow and keep building my career."

Hicks will perform Saturday at the North Charleston Coliseum. The show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $49.50 and $36.50 plus applicable fees and are available through Ticketmaster. For more information, call 529-5000.

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