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NASHVILLE- Since being crowned winner on “American Idol” in 2006, Taylor Hicks has cemented his status as a beloved entertainer. From sold-out shows and a successful Las Vegas residency to television hosting and Broadway appearances, the Birmingham, Alabama-native has remained steadfastly grounded. He credits his humbleness to two things: his blue-collar roots and faith.
In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, the 49-year-old — who was dubbed the “Soul Patrol” leader during his run on the singing competition show 20 years ago — spoke about how his hometown has helped him navigate Hollywood’s ups and downs and shared what makes him happiest these days.
“[Birmingham] is a blue-collar town. You know, I think it would be kind of like growing up in Pittsburgh or something,” said Hicks. “So, you know, Boston, which I love to go there and perform because I got a pretty big constituency in blue-collar towns. I think it’s a testament to the people that live there, the hard work, my family … I had a really, really good, hardworking base of Birmingham folks that I love, and I still get to see.”
Taylor Hicks credits his blue-collar roots with helping him navigate the ups and downs of stardom. (Erika Goldring/Getty Images)
“My faith [makes me the happiest],” he said. “I’m really happy that you know I can be in the business that I will always love to be in. Over the years, the arc of my career, I am going on 20-something years in show business plus, and I am very, very fortunate to be able to be in the business I love, and I don’t go to work every day. I love what I do and am just very blessed.”
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Before his “Idol” run, Hicks — who released his latest single “The Mirror” last month — often performed at local bars and clubs throughout the Southeast. When he auditioned for the show at 29 years old, however, the musician had no idea what was in store for him.
“It’s been a whirlwind since my win in show business,” he recently told People. “I mean, I’m coming up on almost 23 or 24 years in show business, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”
WATCH: Taylor Hicks credits faith and blue-collar Birmingham roots for keeping him grounded after ‘American Idol’ win
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“I mean, [‘American Idol’] was the greatest platform,” he continued. “The dream that I had when I was a little boy, in making it and being an entertainer, was realized on ‘American Idol‘ and [with] that win,” he says. “And I’m very nostalgic about going back on the show and seeing everybody.”
Taylor Hicks won the fifth season of “Idol.”
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“I went from playing to 50 people in my little bar called the Oasis in Birmingham to touring Southeast Asia in seven months,” he added. “So that’s the kind of impact that ‘Idol’ made for me at that time.”
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Looking back on his season, Hicks admits he had it easier than the contestants today.
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“Luckily for me, ‘American Idol’ was the only game in town,” Hicks told Fox News Digital. “I think the last talent show that was on television was ‘Star Search.’ And once ‘Idol’ became so successful, I think ‘America’s Got Talent,’ ‘So You Think You Can Dance.’ There’s all these entities that kind of popped up that you really have to compete for now. So I think it is tougher for contestants on shows like that, because they’re kind of spreading the love.”
Hicks said the fame waves are continuously crashing. (Chris Polk/FilmMagic for Fox Television Network)
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Regardless, Hicks could not be more grateful for where his time on the show led him.
“The first thing that I would tell myself right when I won ‘American Idol’ is enjoy the wave as much as you can because in this business, sooner or later, it’s going to crash, and you’ve got to catch another one.”