Photo Coverage: Taylor Hicks Final Curtain Call for 'Grease'
By: Eddie Varley Sep. 12, 2008
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"American Idol" Season Five winner, Taylor Hicks, made his Broadway debut when he joined the cast of GREASE in the role of "Teen Angel" on Friday, June 6, 2008 at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre. On Sunday, September 7th, 2008 Hicks took his final bow after a successful three month run met with rave reviews.
Taylor Hicks achieved widespread fame in 2006 as a contestant on the hugely successful FOX singing competition "American Idol." On May 24, 2006, Hicks was named the winner of the fifth season of "Idol" with over 63.4 million votes in total. Winning the title over Katharine McPhee, the announcement was made during the live finale episode which aired to a worldwide audience of over 200 million viewers.
Born in Birmingham, Alabama, Taylor Hicks' passion for music began at an early age. He toured the Southeastern Unites States during his teenage years and released two independent albums. Known for his energetic performances with influences derived from classic soul, blues and R&B music, he quickly grew a large fan base among the millions of viewers and voters who tuned in to "Idol" each week. His fans ultimately dubbed themselves the "Soul Patrol." Immediately following "Idol," Hicks signed a recoding contract with 19 Records Limited / Arista Records. His debut single, "Do I Make You Proud," debuted in the #1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 and was subsequently certified Gold. His eponymous debut album, Taylor Hicks was released on December 12, 2006 and debuted in the #2 spot on the Billboard 200 charts and was later certified as a Platinum Album. After signing a book deal with Random House, Hicks' memoir Heart Full of Soul: An Inspirational Memoir About Finding Your Voice and Finding Your Way was released in July of 2007.GREASE™ opened on Broadway at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre (256 West 47th Street) on Sunday, August 19, 2007 following preview performances which began on Tuesday, July 24, 2007. Directed and choreographed by two-time Tony Award-winner Kathleen Marshall (The Pajama Game, Wonderful Town), GREASE™ features book, music and lyrics by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey.
Taylor Hicks takes his final bow
Derek Keeling and Taylor Hicks
Taylor Hicks and the Grease ensemble
Taylor Hicks serenades his farewell
Photo Credit Amy Shaughnessy
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