Interview: Taylor Hicks — A Renaissance Man

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Interview: Taylor Hicks — A Renaissance Man

Celebrity Extra: What was the impetus for your deciding to audition for American Idol back in 2005?


Taylor Hicks: It was really fate. I went to Las Vegas on a whim and my brother told me Idol tryouts were there. So about four hour later I was there auditioning. It wasn’t something that I said I needed to go do; it was something that just happened. Luckily, by the grace of God, I went in and won.

CE: How awesome was it for you when Simon had to admit he was wrong about his prediction that you’d never make it to the final round?

TH: You have to let your actions speak louder than your words, so to speak, that’s the key. And I just did that. And when you get toward the end of the competition, it’s not really about the judges. It’s about the fan base and about who does well that night.

CE: How did the term “Soul Patrol” start in referring to your fan base?

TH: It was an organic thing, really. They are just a great fan base. I am very happy and blessed to have a fan base that is so supportive of me.

CE: Aside from winning American Idol, you really know you’ve made it when a cast member on Saturday Night Live imitates you. How did you feel about Jason Sudeikis’ impersonation of you a few years back?

TH: I thought it was spot-on. I wish he had done more — it was hilarious. It’s pretty flattering when that happens. With that being said, I am very fortunate to have these opportunities come my way.

CE: Now you are playing Teen Angel in Grease, which is currently touring in the U.S. How has the experience been so far? (Go to taylorhicks.ning.com/events/event/listUpcoming for tour info.)

TH: It’s been great. It’s allowed me to get into acting and understand role-playing. It’s just a great starting point for me in the acting field.

CE: How’s life on the road?

TH: I love the road. It’s nice to be able to be in one spot for an extended amount of time, as opposed to doing music shows where they are just one-night runs.

CE: Looks like you are up in D.C. now (at the time of the interview). How’s that blizzard treating ya?

TH: I don’t mind there being snow, because I never saw a lot of it before. It’s good to experience all kinds of different weather, and all different parts of the country too.

CE: Anything can happen during a live show — do you have any funny stories or audience encounters?

TH: My fly has been down during “Beauty School Dropout,” which is pretty hilarious. That’s a definite wardrobe malfunction.

CE: What can fans who are contemplating coming to see Grease expect? Why should they come out?

TH: For those who’ve seen the movie and not the play, it’s the best of both worlds. There’s “Hopelessly Devoted” and “Greased Lightning,” and they integrate some of the movie into the Broadway show, so it’s really the best of both worlds. It’s a lot like the movie.

CE: Tell me about your concert DVD, Whomp at the Warfield. Is this your first concert DVD?

TH: Yes, it’s my first concert DVD. I am just really pleased about it.

CE: Why did you decide now is the time to make a concert DVD?

TH: It shows me in a live setting, which is what I am good at. It’s where I thrive — that’s a good light for me to be in. I am really excited about it. I am really excited about the fact that people can see a really great live show in that setting.

CE: Who would you like to work with?

TH: Paul Simon would be a great collaboration for me. I really like his music. I would also like to a funk/R&B album with Lady Gaga. That’d be cool.

(Don't forget to enter Celebrity Extra's Whomp at the Warfield DVD contest. Details are here.)