Taylor Hicks: 'I Haven't Changed'
When Taylor Hicks auditioned for season five of "American Idol," he never dreamed that he'd end up being the winner.
"I think my chances when I entered 'American Idol,' to me, were probably slim to none," Hicks told The Showbuzz's Judy Faber. "I was probably the oldest-looking guy in the whole thing. That was definitely interesting for me."
When the thirty-year-old from Birmingham, Alabama, became a finalist, he began to think winning was possible.
"When I got to the Top 12," he said. "I think things started to change, my confidence started to build."
A seasoned musician who plays harmonica and guitar, Hicks acknowledged that being able to draw on more than a decade of performing experience gave him an edge over his competition.
Now, six months after his triumph on 'Idol,' Hicks is ready for the next big step: his debut album.
"It's my modern take on modern soul music," Hicks said. "I like to say the word 'modern whomp music' because it's just got that funky, bluesy, jazzy, but modern edge. And that's kind of the route I wanted to take on this album."
Hicks was able to draw on his experience again, this time to guide him in selecting the music for his album.
"I had a lot of control on this album," said Hicks. "Being a musician for ten or twelve years, you really learn about (who you are) as a struggling artist and as a creative person. You realize that if you can't connect emotionally with a song, then you can't sing it, and you can't perform it."
Listen: "Runaround" by Taylor Hicks Listen: "Dream Myself Awake" by Taylor Hicks
Photos: "American Idol" Finale
He admits he had to stand firm on his song choices, but in the long run, it was worth the effort. "I was pretty stubborn about the whole process. You have to be," he said. "…struggling for so long and having a chance to debut an album like this. You have to fight for your creative influence in this position. Knowing that, and being stubborn, has allowed me to really have some great songs that I really like on the album."
The album's first single hasn't been selected yet. "The people are deciding what they like and what the single should be," said Hicks.
In the meantime, he's been performing the song "Runaround" on his promotional appearances. He said, "It's got a Billy Joel in his heyday kind of feel." He's also been performing "Dream Myself Awake," which was given to him by singer-songwriter Rob Thomas.
During the "American Idol" tour this summer, Hicks had a chance to perform in much larger venues than he's ever played.
When he goes out on tour, most likely at the end of February, Hicks said he wants to perform in small theaters and clubs across the country.
"I enjoyed the experience of playing arenas, but for me, as an artist, I think the more intimate settings and the more theater-oriented settings is right for my music," said Hicks.
Hicks was named People's No. 1 Hottest Bachelor, which he finds amusing.
Listen: "Runaround" by Taylor Hicks Listen: "Dream Myself Awake" by Taylor Hicks
Photos: "American Idol" Finale
"It was flattering," said Hicks. "It was crazy; I couldn't believe my face was on the cover of People. It was quite interesting."
Does that mean he wants a shot at People's "Sexiest Man Alive" cover?
"No, but I guess you could say yes," he laughed.
At the time the People cover was published, Hicks said he wasn't dating, but that there was a "mystery blonde" he spotted on a plane whom he wanted to meet. People set up an e-mail and mailing address for the woman to contact Hicks, but she hasn't responded yet.
Hicks said he is "still keeping his fingers crossed" but in the meantime he's too busy with the launch of his new album to find time for dating.
He's managed to find enough time, however, to stay in touch with several of his fellow "American Idol" finalists, including Elliott Yamin, Katharine McPhee and Bucky Covington. He said the "American Idol" experience is "like a whole family that comes together for like a year and it becomes a new family. It's really cool."
So has success spoiled Taylor Hicks? He doesn't think so.
"I've seen both sides of this," he said. "I've been a struggling musician, and now I'm more successful, but I'm still in the learning process of music. I'm learning to be a better recording artist and understand the music business a little bit better."
He added, "All the surroundings have definitely changed but the person hasn't. If the person doesn't change, the surroundings change but the music stays true - that's the stuff that's going to set you free."
By Judy Faber