It is also a sort of homecoming, as Las Vegas is where Hicks’ journey to fame began. He was in New Orleans the night before Hurricane Katrina. With his flight cancelled, he was given a free airplane voucher. Hicks used the ticket to travel to Las Vegas, where coincidentally “American Idol” auditions were being held.
“A residency in Las Vegas is one of those opportunities an entertainer dreams about. Vegas is where Sinatra’s Rat Pack and America’s greatest talents make musical history," says Hicks. "To join those ranks is both humbling and thrilling. My goal is to live up to that legacy of live showmanship."
“It’s not every day that a property on the Las Vegas Strip can announce that an ‘American Idol’ winner will be a headlining act. We are very excited to welcome Taylor to Bally’s,” said David Hoenemeyer, president of Bally’s Las Vegas. “Taylor won the hearts of fans across America when he competed on ‘American Idol,’ and I am sure that he will have just as many fans among our property’s guests.”
Since winning Idol, Hicks has performed with the likes of Willie Nelson, Snoop Dog, Gladys Knight, Earth Wind and Fire and The Allman Brothers, has appeared in concerts worldwide and penned a brisk-selling Random House autobiography, “Heart Full of Soul.” On Broadway, Hicks starred in the hit musical, “Grease” as Teen Angel, and when asked to join the national tour, happily agreed. The 18-month tour connected him with fans across the United States and Canada.