Taylor Hicks

Taylor Hicks emerged into the national spotlight in 2006 when he was declared the winner of the fifth season of "American Idol." Hicks was the oldest contestant to win at age 29 and the first male contestant to win without ever being in the bottom two or three. He promptly signed a recording contract with 19 Recordings Limited/Arista Records, releasing his debut single, "Do I Make You Proud," which debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100. His debut album, "Taylor Hicks," released later that same year, was certified platinum by the RIAA. In addition to his music, Hicks also showcased his theatrical talents in 2008, when he performed on Broadway in "Grease" as "Teen Angel," later joining the national tour.

Further diversifying his entertainment portfolio, Hicks began a long-term residency at Bally's Las Vegas in June 2012, later moving to Paris Las Vegas in 2013. During this time, he was featured on the Grammy-winning album "Blow Your Pants Off" by Jimmy Fallon. In 2009, he released his second album, "The Distance," on his own label, Modern Whomp Records. Furthermore, Hicks participated in the Bama Rising: A Benefit Concert For Alabama Tornado Recovery in 2011, which raised an estimated $2.2 million.

In 2016, Hicks began hosting the INSP original series "State Plate," a role he filled until 2018. He released new music, debuting the single "Six Strings and Diamond Rings" in 2017 and another single, "Porch Swing," in 2023. That same year, Hicks made his Grand Ole Opry debut. He also debuted in the Serenbe Playhouse production of "Shenandoah" as Charlie Anderson in March 2019.