Taylor Hicks

Biography: After years of trying to make it in the music biz as a harmonica-playing singer-songwriter, the 29-year-old Hicks took a chance and auditioned for Season 5 of American Idol. Although he didn't fit the previously established Idol image, this personable (and polarizing) performer won over viewers — and ultimately won the 2006 competition — with his stellar musicality and spastic, Joe Cocker-esque dancing. Judge Simon Cowell initially balked at the baby-faced, gray-haired soul singer (and Saturday Night Live constantly goofed on him), but by the end, Hicks had joined an elite group of Idol contestants who never appear in the bottom three. Dubbed Gray Charles by his fans (who in turn were nicknamed the Soul Patrol), he released his self-titled album in December 2006. However, he was dropped by J Records, the company that signs American Idol winners, in early 2008. But Hicks didn't let this setback stop him. Later that year, he began releasing albums on his own label, Modern WhompAfter years of trying to make it in the music biz as a harmonica-playing singer-songwriter, the 29-year-old Hicks took a chance and auditioned for Season 5 of American Idol. Although he didn't fit the previously established Idol image, this personable (and polarizing) performer won over viewers — and ultimately won the 2006 competition — with his stellar musicality and spastic, Joe Cocker-esque dancing. Judge Simon Cowell initially balked at the baby-faced, gray-haired soul singer (and Saturday Night Live constantly goofed on him), but by the end, Hicks had joined an elite group of Idol contestants who never appear in the bottom three. Dubbed Gray Charles by his fans (who in turn were nicknamed the Soul Patrol), he released his self-titled album in December 2006. However, he was dropped by J Records, the company that signs American Idol winners, in early 2008. But Hicks didn't let this setback stop him. Later that year, he began releasing albums on his own label, Modern Whomp Records. He also made his Broadway debut as Teen Angel in Grease, and he reprised the role for the show's national tour.… Expand