What Happened to Taylor Reuben Hicks?
Taylor Hicks, the soulful singer who won Season 5 of *American Idol* in 2006, has continued a diverse career in music, live performance, and entrepreneurship. He regularly performs, releases new music, and co-owns a barbecue restaurant in Alabama, making a notable return to *American Idol* in May 2026 for its 20th-anniversary celebration.
Quick Answer
Taylor Hicks is currently active in the music industry, performing live, touring, and releasing new music. As of May 2026, he released a new single titled "The Mirror" and returned to the *American Idol* stage for its 20th-anniversary reunion. Beyond music, Hicks is also a restaurateur, co-owning SAW's Juke Joint in Birmingham, Alabama, and splits his time between Nashville and Alabama.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline14 events
Releases Independent Album 'In Your Time'
Taylor Hicks independently recorded and released his first album, 'In Your Time', which featured both studio and live tracks.
Releases Independent Album 'Under the Radar'
Hicks released his second independent album, 'Under the Radar', showcasing his musical development before his television debut.
Wins American Idol Season 5
Taylor Hicks was crowned the winner of the fifth season of *American Idol*, beating runner-up Katharine McPhee with over 63.4 million votes.
Releases Self-Titled Major Label Debut Album
His first major label album, 'Taylor Hicks', was released and debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 charts.
Debut Album Certified Platinum
The 'Taylor Hicks' album was certified platinum by the RIAA, signifying sales of over one million copies.
Dropped by Arista Records
Arista Records confirmed that Taylor Hicks was dropped from their roster.
Broadway Debut in 'Grease'
Hicks made his Broadway debut playing the role of Teen Angel in the musical 'Grease', a role he also took on for the national tour.
Releases 'The Distance' Album
Hicks released his second album, 'The Distance', on his own independent label, Modern Whomp Records.
Begins Las Vegas Residency
Taylor Hicks became the first *American Idol* winner to secure a long-term residency in Las Vegas, starting at Bally's Las Vegas.
Co-owns SAW's Juke Joint
Hicks joined forces with Mike Wilson to co-own SAW's Juke Joint, a barbecue restaurant in Birmingham, Alabama.
Hosts TV Series 'State Plate'
Hicks hosted the INSP original series 'State Plate' for three seasons, exploring iconic dishes and ingredients from across the United States.
Releases Single 'Porch Swing'
Hicks released the single "Porch Swing," his most recent song prior to 2026.
Makes Grand Ole Opry Debut
Taylor Hicks performed for the first time at the prestigious Grand Ole Opry.
Returns to American Idol and Releases New Single 'The Mirror'
Hicks returned to the *American Idol* stage for its 20th-anniversary reunion episode, performing his new single "The Mirror," which was released on the same day.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Taylor Hicks rose to national prominence as the winner of the fifth season of American Idol in May 2006, captivating audiences with his energetic stage presence and blue-eyed soul style, earning his fanbase the moniker "Soul Patrol." Prior to his Idol victory, Hicks had already established himself as a professional musician in the Southeastern United States, independently releasing two albums, In Your Time (1997) and Under the Radar (2005).
Following his American Idol win, Hicks signed with Arista Records, releasing his self-titled major label debut album on December 12, 2006. The album achieved platinum certification by January 2007, debuting at number two on the Billboard 200 charts. However, Arista Records dropped him from their roster in January 2008. Undeterred, Hicks continued his career, making his Broadway debut as Teen Angel in Grease in 2008, a role he reprised for the national tour through 2010. He also launched his own record label, Modern Whomp, under which he released his second album, The Distance, in 2009.
A significant turning point in Hicks's post-Idol career was securing a long-term residency in Las Vegas, becoming the first Idol winner to do so. He began performing at Bally's Las Vegas in June 2012, later moving to a larger venue at Paris Las Vegas in January 2013, continuing through 2014. In addition to his musical endeavors, Hicks diversified into the culinary world, co-owning SAW's Juke Joint, a barbecue restaurant in Birmingham, Alabama, which he joined in 2012. From 2016 to 2018, he further expanded his public profile by hosting the INSP original series State Plate, a food and travel show exploring iconic dishes across the United States.
Hicks has consistently released new music, including singles like "Six Strings and Diamond Rings" in 2017, "Call Paul" (the theme song for ESPN's Paul Finebaum show, with a new version released in 2024), and "Porch Swing" in February 2023. He made his Grand Ole Opry debut on June 16, 2023. As of May 2026, Hicks remains active, living in Nashville, Tennessee, and performing regularly. He marked the 20th anniversary of his American Idol win by returning to the show on May 4, 2026, to perform his brand-new single, "The Mirror," which was released on the same day.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Taylor Reuben Hicks made different choices?