America’s fifth Idol, Taylor Hicks, celebrates his birthday today! When Taylor auditioned for American Idol, Simon Cowell that he would never make it to the final round of Season 5. After Taylor's first live TV performance for the voting public, Simon admitted he was wrong and that Taylor's personality is what makes him stand out.
“Soul Patrol” leader’s self-titled post-Idol album was certified platinum and introduced Taylor’s hit single, “Do I Make You Proud.” In July 2007, Hicks released his autobiography, Heart Full of Soul: An Inspirational Memoir About Finding Your Voice and Finding Your Way. In March of 2009, Taylor released his second album, The Distance, on his own label, Modern Whomp Records. During a Season 8 results show, Taylor returned to the American Idol stage and performed the second single from The Distance, "Seven Mile Breakdown." In January of this year, Taylor released a live DVD entitled Whomp at the Warfield. Over the past couple of years, Taylor has performed on Broadway and around the country as Teen Angel in Grease.
This Saturday, Taylor will take part in Break'n Bread 2011 at Railroad Park in downtown Birmingham.
Grab your harmonica, shout "Soul Patrol," and do a little dance for Taylor Hicks!
Happy Birthday, Taylor!