Taylor Hicks - Brand New Interview About His New Album and Starring Role in 'Grease'

Check out this wonderful new Taylor Hicks interview from tvguide.com !! I love the first couple of lines - an unbiased truth about the mutual departure from JRecords. Finally the word is out. Good times, great music and vibes are starting again with the soulman and aren't we glad we've got a front row seat on the bus - the Boogie Bus that is! Also, after you read this piece, do check out TV Guide's new profile of Taylor at http://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/taylor-hicks/280426.

It's been quite a year for Taylor Hicks. After mutually splitting with his record company, Arista, in January, the former American Idol champ took his career into his own hands by starting his own label, Modern Whomp Records, and taking a little music breather to get into acting. And no, there was no From Justin to Kelly monstrosity. Hicks made his Broadway debut in Grease as Teen Angel, the one (role) that he wanted and loved so much that he's joining the musical on a nationwide tour. Before the festivities kick off Dec. 2, the man behind the Soul Patrol chatted with TVGuide.com about jump-starting his acting career, his upcoming, as-yet-untitled album and why he loves working overtime.

TVGuide.com: Let's start at the beginning. How'd you land the role of Teen Angel?
Taylor Hicks: I've been offered to do some parts on Broadway before I took it, but I didn't really want to dive into the theater and acting without starting from a really good point. I wanted to get my feet wet in the acting field and the theatrical field and we wanted to find a role where I'd be able to learn about the process for future acting jobs and this is a great start. Being musical, I'm starting to understand the little nuances and stuff about acting because it's very similar to playing music with its rhythm. It's just in an acting sense instead of musical sense. I'm still learning.

TVGuide.com: How nervous were you about not only making your acting debut, but having it be on Broadway?
Hicks: Oh, yes, I was so nervous! Not only was my first acting gig of [my] life on Broadway, but I was suspended 40 feet in the air, so I wasn't actually on the stage! [Laughs] So, I was definitely feeling a little queasy before I actually opened the cone. To say the least, it was a grand entrance.

TVGuide.com: And now you're gonna be suspended across America. Are you nervous about the tour? It's different going on the same stage every night as opposed to traveling across the country.
Hicks: A little bit, but there are a lot of things I'm excited about. Being able to be with the cast, to do Grease on the road and take it to the different places — places I've never been before — I'm very blessed to have that opportunity to do that.

TVGuide.com: You obviously took a break from music to do this. Was that a conscious choice?
Hicks: I knew that I had to reinvent myself. I think reinvention is key. Being an entertainer, you have to cover all your bases, so to speak. That's something that's allowed to write music for the next record. It allowed me to do a lot of things that wasn't the norm for a standard musician or entertainer. I had the time to write, reflect and obviously try a new venture out.

TVGuide.com: And you started your own label —
Hicks: Yeah, I started Modern Whomp Records. I'm aligned with a distribution company, A2M. It's just a learning process. The inner workings of a label — I'm understanding them. Every label has the standard procedure and practices, so I'm just now learning. I'm excited about that process. Hopefully, it'll allow me to sign other acts in the future too.

TVGuide.com: After you left Arista, did you decide right away you would start your own label or were you looking at other homes?
Hicks: I'd been offered traditional record deals and I just felt like it was best for me to be able to start my own label and partner with distribution. Having your own label really allows you to be out there and have total control of your art and how you want to sell it and how it best fits you. You really live and die by the sword, which I think really makes the artist drive a lot more — drive to succeed.

TVGuide.com: What's the update on your new album?
Hicks: It's coming out Feb. 10. I should have a single the first of the new year. I can honestly say that some of the instincts that I had picking songs on Idol, I was able to use picking songs for this album, which has really been a great experience. I've been able to wrap my artistic expression around these songs and I've had some time to live with these songs and be able to visualize what I want for each of them. I'm really excited about the record because I feel like from the style aspect, nowadays you listen to records that sound very similar on each track, but this album, I wanted to take the listener on a musical journey and touch on the stylings that are reflective of who I am as an artist.

TVGuide.com: How different is it from your first one?
Hicks: There's definitely soul. I think it all starts with soul, but this time around, I think the songs are touching on a lot of different styles that reflect me, so that's different in a way. On the last record, it was kind of an R&B influence. This is my journey as a songwriter. But what's really interesting and cool about it is I'm gonna be able to play my single within the Grease show. It's a very unique aspect. It's like I'm gonna be performing as Teen Angel, but then I'll also be performing my single to the record, so everybody who comes and sees me as Teen Angel can also experience me as a musician.

TVGuide.com: Really?! How is it gonna be incorporated?
Hicks: It's gonna be a big surprise! [Laughs] We're still working the details out. What's even cooler than that is I'll be doing an intimate club tour in each market, hopefully, to be able to start working on this record from a live aspect.

TVGuide.com: When will you start that? After the Grease tour?
Hicks: No, actually, that's gonna be during the Grease tour, like after the shows.

TVGuide.com: Aren't you gonna be exhausted?
Hicks: This business isn't for the faint of heart! [Laughs] Yeah, it's a lot of work, but at the same time, it's very fulfilling from a creative aspect. It's like the time is now.

Taylor Hicks to Star in the Touring Company of Grease!!

If you missed Taylor this summer on Broadway as the Teen Angel in *Grease*, you will have another chance as he joins the touring cast of the show which will come to at least 15 cities this Winter and Spring! Yes, according to Broadway World, "...the producers of the Tony Award nominated new Broadway production of GREASE are proud to announce that "American Idol" Season Five winner, Taylor Hicks, will star in the first national tour of the show, launching at the Providence Performing Arts Center in Providence, RI on December 2, 2008. Taylor Hicks made his debut on Broadway in the role of "Teen Angel" this past summer..."

Taylor goes on to say, "I had such a great experience on Broadway for the last three months," says Hicks. "This is such a great opportunity to visit old fans and new fans across the country while bringing them a great Broadway show!"

Here are my thoughts.... As I'm reading comments from long time fans of his who are expressing disappointment that this is somehow a distraction from working on and completing his new album, I say that nobody has walked in his shoes and therefore are not in a position to pass judgement on this man's business decisions. After 10+ years of being a broke musician, perhaps Taylor sees this as an opportunity to secure his financial independence in the short term. Perhaps this is a way to finance a kick-ass tour coming up in support of the CD that's on it's way. We have NO IDEA what he has mulling in the back of his mind.

The word "selfish" keeps coming to my mind when reading about those whiners. They are like children - wanting it their way and their way now. Whaaa! I swear, this recent development is like deja-vu all over again when the news of Taylor's role in Grease at the beginning of the summer garnered a lot of whining & disappointment. Let's not forget people - it turned out to be one of the BEST career decisions he has ever made - gaining kudos from everyone from the press, to his fellow cast members to hard-core, long time theater goers. I have enough faith in Taylor to know what's best for HIM.

As much as some refuse to admit, Taylor is FIRST an entertainer and SECOND a musician, in my not-so-humble opinion. Let's not forget people, whether you like Taylor in this role or not, it's rejuvenated his career, got people excited about him again, gained GREAT press and put a hell of alot of cash in his pocket - enough to afford that gorgeous $4,600/month sky-line apt in the heart of Times Square.

As a fan, I will support him in any career decision he deems good for himself because I'm not in a position to know the ins and outs of his life and what he needs for himself and what he's aiming for. I may not always be enthusiastic about every decision he makes, but I will be there for the next gig.

Those 'fickle fans' should be ashamed. Should he just disappear again for 6 months while finishing this CD, or should he continue to get out there and be a working entertainer gaining kudos across the country until the CD is ready? It's a no-brainer in my mind.

For those planning on seeing this production of Grease starring Taylor Hicks, here is the current itinerary:

Dec. 2-7, 2008 at the Providence Performing Arts Center, Providence, RI
Dec. 9-14, 2008 at the Wharton Center for the Performing Arts, East Lansing, MI
Dec. 16-21, 2008 at Palace Theatre, Columbus, OH
Dec. 30, 2008-Jan. 4, 2009 at the Orpheum Theatre, Minneapolis, MN
Jan. 6-18, 2009 at the Auditorium Theatre, Chicago, IL
Jan. 20-Feb. 1, 2009 at the Aronoff Center for the Arts, Cincinnati, OH
Feb. 3-15, 2009 at the Hippodrome Theatre, Baltimore, MD
Feb. 24-March 1, 2009 at the Music Hall, Tucson, AZ
March 3-8, 2009 at the Civic Theatre, San Diego, CA
March 10-22, 2009 at the Pantages Theatre, Los Angeles, CA
March 24-April 19, 2009 at the Golden Gate Theatre, San Francisco, CA
April 21-26, 2009 at Keller Auditorium, Portland, OR
April 28-May 10, 2009 at the Orange County Performing Arts Center, Costa Mesa, CA
May 12-30, 2009 at the 5th Avenue Theatre, Seattle, WA

If you'd like to audition for this touring company, check out the audition schedule. According to Broadway.Com Taylor is the only role that has been cast so far. So... who knows, it's possible Taylor could be singing to you on that stage!

http://www.playbill.com/jobs/find/job_detail/23560.html

Taylor Hicks in New York, New York!

Thanks to all who took and supplied these beautiful pictures! The whole Taylor Hicks community very much appreciates the effort you went to to get these snapshots of Taylor's debut in *Grease* (and you know who you are)! By all accounts, it was, and continues to be, a complete and total success! Here's my tribute to Taylor on Broadway.

Taylor Hicks Hangs From a 10 Story Building in NYC!

Yes indeed he does! I'm pretty sure all his fans have seen this, but if you happen to be in NYC on 47th and 7th Ave. this summer, you might want to look up because THIS beautiful vision will be in your sight. Taylor is receiving some of the best publicity and attention he's ever gotten since his win on American Idol in Season 5. Those publicists on Broadway know how to promote their own people eh? Clive and Co. should take notes. And come to think of it, I would be glad to send Simon this giant bigger-than-lifesize, 10 story poster of Mr. Hicks to stick his gum on! Heh! In fact, I'll have to send him a BIG sky-lift to bring his fat ego up to Taylor's level - all the way up on the 10th floor! Read this and weep Nigel -"starring Taylor Hicks". Notice no mention of "American Idol Winner" on that ad?

Maybe on next season's backdrops, Taylor won't be decapitated again and get stuck behind the potted plant. Ya think? Pfttt. Does it really matter anymore? Nope!

Thanks to DeeDee56 for the picture!

Taylor Hicks Talks to the Press-Telegram - `Taylorizes' Teen Angel Role

So much GREAT press lately for Taylor!! What a fantastic way to ease his name back into the public consciousness before his brand new album drops in the Fall. Here's an interview he gave the Press Telegram out of Long Beach, CA about his role in Grease, AI and appearing on the Capitol Fourth special on PBS.

After winning "American Idol" a couple years back, Taylor Hicks didn't go on to sell nearly as many records as fellow "Idol" champs Carrie Underwood and Kelly Clarkson.

But the silver-haired singer from Birmingham, Ala., remains upbeat and is following in the footsteps of Season 3 winner Fantasia Barrino ("The Color Purple") by making his Broadway debut in "Grease."

Taylor called from Manhattan on Monday afternoon to talk about his latest gig, which kicked off last Friday.

"It's definitely country come to town," he said of his presence in the Big Apple. "The traffic, all the people and the fast pace that New York is an adjustment. But I love it and I'm starting to become more comfortable with my role in the show."

The role is that of Teen Angel, played by Frankie Avalon in the 1978 movie version, and Taylor gets a nice, big solo in the production.

"The music is classic and the part is a perfect fit," he said. "I couldn't turn down the opportunity to perform on Broadway for the first time."

But don't expect an imitation of Avalon or anyone else. Like everything else he does, the 31-year-old performer said his number has been "Taylorized."

"The great thing about this role is I was able to be Taylor at the same time as Teen Angel," he said. "It allows me to get my feet wet a little bit before I really dive into acting."

He will be living in New York until at least Sept. 6, when his run in the show is due to end. But he will be multitasking all summer: writing songs for a new album planned for later this year and an appearance on "A Capitol Fourth," which airs live on July 4 (on PBS).
Taylor will join such stars as Huey Lewis and Jerry Lee Lewis on the west lawn of the U.S. Capitol and he will be performing "This Land is Your Land" as well as songs "Dancing in the Dark" and "Heaven Knows."

"The numbers will be Taylorized," he promised. "You just gotta put as much soul as you can into it."

So what did he think of this season's "Idol" competition and the champion, David Cook?

"I think he's got a great shot to be successful in the pop-rock genre," he said. "He's an accomplished instrumentalist and it was nice to see that on the show this year. I wasn't allowed to play harmonica or guitar."

Taylor's self-titled first album after winning "Idol" reached platinum status but was still considered a disappointment and he parted ways with his record company earlier this year.

I wondered if he felt more pressure to succeed as a former "Idol" champ?

"What's the measuring stick for an `Idol' winner? Is it sales? Everyone has their own opinion," he said. "I'm not worried about it at all. I'm just excited to be an entertainer.

"It is a wild ride (winning `Idol') and it still is. You have to just understand that you've been working as an entertainer for years and want to keep working and you have to re-invent yourself. Some of these things that I'm doing now, it's going to allow me to do that."

Whatever the sales of the upcoming album, Taylor is confident the effort will be better music than his first.

"This time around, I've just had the time to be able to write music," he said. "You're really under the gun to create an album in a short period of time post-`Idol.' With this next album, I'm going to be able to breathe."

Taylor Hicks - "Broadway World" Coverage of Opening Night!

"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.

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.

Performances are Tuesdays at 7 p.m., Thursday through Saturday at 8 p.m., Wednesday and Saturday at 2 p.m. and Sundays at 2 and 7 p.m. For more information on the show and ticket availability, please visit our website, www.greaseonbroadway.com



Source: Broadway World
Photos: Walter McBride/ Retna Ltd.

More photos at the above link.

Taylor Hicks To Give Handprint At Planet Hollywood!

According to Urbanite, Taylor will be out and about in the Big Apple tonight celebrating his Broadway debut!

The gray-haired, crazy-dancin' crooner hasn't made much of a splash since he took top honors on American Idol Season Five.

But starting today, Taylor Hicks will take a shot at being "the one that you want" in his Broadway debut playing the role of "Teen Angel" in "Grease." He's just another in a long line of "Idol" contestants to hit the Great White Way.

Others include: 2005 winner Fantasia Barrino ("The Color Purple"), 2005 finalist Diana DeGarmo ("Hairspray") and 2003 finalist Josh Strickland (Disney's "Tarzan").

Hicks starts today and will hold the role through Sept. 7. And apparently, Hicks and his "Soul Patrol" are so sure he'll be a hit, immediately after tonight's performance he'll celebrate his stage debut with a handprint ceremony at the Planet Hollywood in Times Square, tonight at 10:45 p.m.

If anyone attends, please let us know what happened!! And bring back lots of video and pictures!

Taylor Hicks Debuts in *Grease* Tonight!

Tonight, Taylor Hicks will make his Broadway debut in *Grease*! Who would have thought that this guy from Birmingham, AL, who relentlessly knocked on doors that never opened and who struggled for 10 years to make it in the music business is now a Broadway star! Well, not exactly a Broadway star *yet*, but I am certain he will blow the roof off of the Brooks Atkinson theater with a completely taylorized version of that 50's 'classic' - Beauty School Dropout!

Is it wrong that I spent the better part of last night and today listening to the Frankie Avalon version of Beauty School Dropout on YouTube? Maybe it eases my nerves to think that if I can memorize the lyrics, certainly Taylor can, right? Right...

"...Your story sad to tell,
A teenage ne'er do well,
Most mixed up non-delinquent on the block!
Your future's so unclear now,
What's left of your career now?
Can't even get a trade in on your smile!

Angels: (La lalala lalala lalala...)..."

There are a LOT of words to that song and I'll admit I'm a wee-bit nervous for him (and I know I shouldn't be) because he's a pro, but what if he messes up the lyrics?!?? ACK!!! Okay, calm down, self, he'll be fine! In the words of Randy Jackson, "No matter what the song is you know how to make it into a Taylor Hicks vehicle".

The rush of pride that his family and friends will be feeling as they sit in the audience to watch him perform will be a completely overwhelming experience, I suspect - and for Taylor as well.

".... I won't wait til I'm a star on Broadway..." How prophetic those words are and how ironic is it that he decided to record the song well over 10 years ago. Break A Leg, Taylor!

Daughtry, Underwood, Hicks: The Ass Lickers vs. the Bad Ass!

It seems Simon Fuller, one of the executive producers of AI, got married this past weekend in Napa Valley, CA. He invited Chris Daughtry and Carrie Underwood to attend [BIG surprise *belch*]. That same weekend, further south in Los Angeles, American Idol's other executive producer, Nigel Lythgoe, gets an achievement award at the SHARE, Inc. event that Taylor Hicks was supposed to headline. As it turned out, Taylor blew off the event at the last minute (apparently coming to his senses) to focus his attention on more important matters like settling into his new digs in NYC and rehearsing for his Broadway Debut in Grease.

Now, considering the above scenario, I have a question for you. Of Chris Daughtry, Carrie Underwood and Taylor Hicks, who are the ass-lickers and who is the bad-ass? Who is liberated enough to control his own career and who are the puppet tools still tied by the gonads to the American Idol corporation?

Must be such a relief to Taylor not to have completely sold his soul to his 'owners', eh? Free. At. Last.

Source & Source

Taylor Hicks: Broadway Star!

Well, you have to admit, Taylor threw a wicked curve ball to just about everyone when he announced he was going to appear on Broadway, at the Brooks Atkinson Theater, in *GREASE* starting June 6 and ending Sept 7.

Looking as handsome as ever on The Today Show last Friday, he seemed to be spilling over with excitement at this wonderful opportunity. He will be starring as the "Teen Angel", a flashy role that makes a grand entrance during Act II. Word from those who have seen the play is that he will fly in on a giant Ice Cream Cone! Yes, you heard right! A GIANT ICE CREAM CONE! I dunno about you, but I can't WAIT to see that!

In recent years, he expressed a bit of interest in acting, so this part will give him the opportunity to get his feet wet without being overwhelmed. He did say, however, that if he liked doing this sort of thing, he would look for bigger roles down the road. At the same time, he will be able to finish up his new album that we're all waiting with baited breath for. According to the Birmingham news, he's written some of the best songs of his life, with themes ranging from love to the socially conscious. I suspect the big plan is to tour after the album is released and the Broadway gig is up in the Fall.

For those who are a bit uneasy about this unlikely role for Taylor, consider this. I think Taylor sees himself as an entertainer by way of music, which is still his meat and potatoes - his 'day job' in other words. The man needs diversification. He's a pocket full of energy who needs creative outlets to breath. To be creatively challenged is his nourishment. Like he said, the role is a 'perfect fit' for him.

I'm sure trying out for American Idol left many of his friends scratching their heads in wonder, but in the end, it turned out to be a life altering experience. I see this temporary move to the Broadway stage as another bold move - something we as Taylor fans need to get use to - the unpredictability of his choices.

Some are concerned that his peers won't see him as a "serious musician". I disagree. I think pigeonholing him into a very narrow career path - one that can't be deviated from in fear on falling off course - is selfish on the part of his fans. Perhaps Taylor sees himself and actually is working towards a career that not only includes the soul and blues that he loves so much (and from what we hear, this new album will rock some serious socks!), but also include other creative outlets such as Broadway and perhaps movies and TV as well someday. He already has "author" credit to his name. Good for him! He's trying to *broaden* his territory and some are trying to stifle his growth.

It's like a homing missile. Those missiles are geared to hit a target but sometimes they go off-course once in a while - not in a straight, direct route - on the way to hitting the target. Eventually they DO hit it tho. I see Taylor's career like this homing missile.

Bottom line - Taylor envisions himself as an all-around entertainer. Those who want him to just stick to the "it's all about the music" mentality might want to reconsider. Maybe, just maybe, it's not.

Taylor Hicks: I'm Bringing the Soul Patrol to Broadway

Taylor Hicks is following in the footsteps of Fantasia and Clay Aiken: The American Idol winner will make his Broadway debut June 6.

Hicks tells PEOPLE he can't wait to perform in Grease. "I'm truly honored to have a role in such an American institution," says Hicks, who made the announcement Friday on the Today show. "I'm going to Broadway shows and just watching and learning."

While in New York City, the Alabama native will also record his country-influenced second album.

"I've been spending a lot of time with songwriters in Nashville," Hicks tells PEOPLE. "I can really breathe creatively without the constraints of a post-Idol album."

He also plans to tackle some serious issues. "It's an election year so there will be some political undertones. I've become a sponge while creating each song, soaking up what's going on whether it's political or about love."

Since he was recently dropped from his record label, he's considering releasing the upcoming album himself. "It's motivation," says Hicks. "This is a marathon for me, not a sprint.

But he'll make time for some N.Y.C. fun as well. "I need to go to the Statue of Liberty for the first time," he says, adding that he knows one way he'll try to fit in with the natives.

Says Hicks: "I'll have to figure out what fan I should be, Yankees or Mets!"

Source

Here's Taylor's Interview on the Today Show:

AP Press Release: "Taylor Hicks to play Teen Angel in Broadway's `Grease'"

Taylor Hicks to play Teen Angel in Broadway's `Grease'
By ERIN CARLSON – 1 hour ago

NEW YORK (AP) — Taylor Hicks is going from "Idol" to "Angel."

The "American Idol" alum will join the Broadway cast of "Grease" on June 6, playing Teen Angel in the revival of the popular musical.

The gray-haired singer — whose "Idol" fan base was called "The Soul Patrol" — said he plans to add "soulful flavor" to his performance of "Beauty School Dropout." The flashy role, he said, is "a classic fit for a classic performer."

"It's a big number, and, you know, I've made some pretty grand entrances before," Hicks told The Associated Press on Thursday. "And this one is probably the grandest entrance I've had in my career."

Well, besides "Idol." Hicks, 31, took home the title in the fifth season of the top-rated Fox show — the biggest stage on television.

He later lost his record deal with J Records, a label within Sony-BMG, which signs the show's singers, and had been looking for the perfect part to make his debut on The Great White Way.

"If you're gonna be a great entertainer and you're gonna be a great performer, than these are the things that you have to do to season yourself in that manner," said Hicks, who views this "opportunity of a lifetime" as a way to improve his "Idol"-tested skills.

The Alabama-born crooner's run ends Sept. 7. He'll be the latest "Idol" to hit Broadway, following runs by season-three winner Fantasia Barrino ("The Color Purple") and a host of also-rans including Clay Aiken ("Spamalot"), Diana DeGarmo ("Hairspray") and Constantine Maroulis ("The Wedding Singer").

Hicks' self-titled, post-"Idol" album, released in December 2006, has sold a respectable 702,000 copies, according to Nielsen Soundscan data. But it didn't reach the 1 million mark or register a hit song, unlike previous "Idol" winners.

This summer, Hicks intends to finish up a follow-up album — on his own terms.

"I've had the creative freedom and the time to write some of the best music that I've ever written in my whole life. ... The options are unlimited and there has been some great interest now that I'm a free agent, so to speak," he said.

Source: AP

Taylor Hicks prepares for Broadway role in 'Grease'

Taylor Hicks will make his Broadway debut on June 6, playing Teen Angel in "Grease" at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre.

Taylor Hicks said being in New York for three months will allow him to continue working on his next CD. He's been writing songs and recording demos in Nashville, Hicks said, and hopes to release a new single in the fall. The Hoover native and former "American Idol" winner, 31, will perform in the musical through Sept. 7. Hicks plans to announce his Broadway run on television this morning, on NBC's "The Today Show."

"I'm honored for the opportunity to experience Broadway," Hicks said Thursday. "I feel blessed and excited."

He'll appear in one number in the musical, singing "Beauty School Dropout." That's traditional for his character, a hip guardian angel who makes a showy appearance in Act II, offering advice to a teen named Frenchy.

"This particular part, Teen Angel, really allows me to put my toe in the water and test the waters," Hicks said. "I've always been a little over the top, so this is perfect for me."

If he does well on stage and draws audiences, Hicks said, he'll probably look for another, larger role on Broadway.

Meantime, he's been listening to "Beauty School Dropout" and meeting with the "Grease" team to create his niche in the musical.

"It's a cool song," Hicks said. "I can see myself being able to Taylorize it. Who knows? Maybe I'll do the Elvis meets Aretha Franklin meets Joe Cocker version of 'Beauty School Dropout.' I don't think anybody's taken that approach yet. I'll get with the producers and sink my teeth into the role."

Hicks said he's never seen a theater production of "Grease," but has watched the 1978 movie version, which starred John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John as lovelorn 1950s high-schoolers. In the film, Frankie Avalon played the Teen Angel.

On stage, the character has been portrayed by singers ranging from Chubby Checker to Al Jarreau to Jennifer Holliday.

"Grease" made its first appearance on Broadway in 1972, had a long run and was revived in 1994. The show has been produced in London over the years, as well, and national touring casts have traveled throughout the United States.

The current Broadway production, which opened in August 2007, stars Max Crumm and Laura Osnes, who won their parts on the TV reality series "Grease: You're the One That I Want."

Hicks is likely to be the most recognizable name in the cast, despite his relatively small part. Teen Angel tends to be a flamboyant force in the show, typically wearing a large, fluffy set of wings.

Will Hicks continue that costume tradition? "I might," he said. "I might be flying, too."

http://blog.al.com/scene/2008/05/taylor_hicks_prepares_for_broa.html

and from the NY Times:

...The revival of "Grease," at the Brooks Atkinson Theater, was born from reality talent show and will survive by reality talent show. Taylor Hicks, the 2006 “American Idol” winner and captain of the so-called soul patrol, will step into the role of Teen Angel from June 6 to Sept. 7....

Here is the song Taylor will be singing (here it is sung by Frankie Avalon)