You know how sometimes you get so excited, you just talk on and on and every sentence blends into one another?
Well, Taylor Hicks has so much going on that the below run-on sentence perfectly describes that feeling...
Somewhere in-between making ratings history with his win on the American Idol stage, Taylor Hicks managed to achieve a chart-topping, Platinum Certified album, starred on Broadway, achieved a spot on Law & Order: SVU, penned a best-selling autobiography, has ownership in a BBQ restaurant / music venue Saws Juke Joint, all while becoming the first Idol with a Vegas residency, first male Idol on a Grammy Award-winning album with a tour schedule that’s lasted a decade.
Not so idle, Idol!
You’re a multifaceted artist: musician, actor, even had a Broadway stint. What makes you prefer working 45-hour days vs. a 9-5 job?
Growing up, my family worked hard at practical things. I’m just glad my impractical dreams became practical work.
Maybe, it’s partly that I was taught to work just a little bit harder - at everything, and partly that I truly love my job.
Definitely subscribe to the notion that if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.
You won the Fifth season of American Idol in 2006, taking the title from Katharine McPhee. What would you have done differently (if anything) in auditioning now that you’re 10 years wiser?
Hmm. It’s hard to say I’d do anything different auditioning… because I won.
That said, being completely honest, after I won, I wish I wasn’t such a hermit. I wish I enjoyed being in Hollywood more back then.
Welcome to Periscope! As an entertainer, what are your thoughts about social media?
I love social media. It creates a closeness between fans and artists. I get to hear first-hand stories about the effect my music has had on people. It’s humbling.
Daily, I’m reminded of the power of being a performer. Certain music changed my life growing up, helped me through hard times, hearing others have that experience with my music makes me constantly amazed and extremely grateful.
You have such dreamy eyes. Tell us who you got your features from.
Thank you kindly for that. Don’t want to offend anyone, so I’ll say, ‘My mom and dad gave them to me.’ ; )
I’m hungry. Since you’re hosting the new Food & Travel show State Plate on INSP Television Network this fall, what are you making my three hatchlings, Kylee, Tyler & Anna, of The Green Planet Band, and me for dinner? State: New Jersey.
Let’s start with fried okra. Nothing like it. Then let’s move to sweet tea, fried chicken sandwiches with a side of greens. Finale- banana pudding, or as people in the South call it, nanner puddin’.
When you were a child and got in trouble, what type of punishments did you receive?
That’s easy. Basketball and football were taken away. Crushing. Still have a deep love for both.
…And you know, there was the occasional, proverbial switch. ; )
What distractions do you have on a daily basis?
What was the question? Haha!
You’re heading out on tour. Seems like you’re never NOT on tour. What makes you continue at such a high rate?
I think performers are born with an innate gypsy spirit. That gypsy spirit allows me to enjoy being on the move at all times.
Tour is work. Music is passion. Sharing that experience with fans, meeting face-to-face, that’s the reward.
I know several groups of fans who I met ‘on tour’ following my shows who are now best friends. I’m blessed to have this beautiful, uplifting community around me.
Any big concerts coming up?
Always! Extra special: October, Hometown concert in Birmingham, playing the great Van Morrison’s tunes.
Memphis, TN; South Orange, NJ; Richmond, VA; Washington, DC; Nashville and Florida galore.
Bookmark TaylorHicks.com - shows through December!
Do you have a favorite instrument that is always with you?
The trusty harmonica of course : ) [NOTE FROM ILANA: OMG, I love the harmonica!!!!]
Have you ever been in love with a human?
I have been in love. It’s the greatest feeling in the world. The single biggest blessing in life is to know that feeling.
As I’ve grown older, I’ve come to realize a simple but important truth: Love is about the little things.
What advice do you have for people under the age of 18 who want to have a music career?
With regard to young singers, I hear a lot who are obsessed with running their voices when they actually need to be obsessed with tonality- YOU be YOU.
You MUST be an individual. Don’t mimic other entertainers. You can cover songs you love and still show your voice and style.
Don’t fall in line. People want authenticity.
If you know you’re fighting for yourself, you’ll be able to weather the lows, and there are lows. When people understand who you are, they’ll fight for you too.
Anything else you’d like to say?
Tweet me… I’ll respond… Let’s set a date.
How about October 21? Night of the PREMIERE of my show, State Plate, on INSP?
Works for me.
Join me as I tour a new state each episode, discover local cuisines while digging into how they’re made along with some cultural exploration in this great nation.
… Also, pretty sure I drank a cactus and was almost trampled by some jumpin’ sheep.