July 5, 2007

If you like American Idol, or maybe even a little soul music, Thursday night was your night at the Paramount Theatre.

Last year's Idol winner, Taylor Hicks made a stop in town. Hicks played at the Paramount as part of his multi-city summer tour.

He is on the road through September, and on Thursday local fans were out in full fore to see some 'soul patrol.'

"There's kind of like a movement for soul music," said Hicks before his performance Thursday. "That old sound with new techniques, and I'm excited about playing my kind of music and if it catches on fine, and if it doesn't, then I know people will still come see me play."

The Birmingham, Alabama native's first album went platinum earlier this year. But he hasn't quite topped the charts like fellow idols Kelly Clarkson or Carrie Underwood. But that's fine with him. He's happy doing the music he likes.

"I'm not really a (music) chart studier. I'm more of a musician," he said.

The musician auditioned for the most popular show on television almost two years ago. He says he's been working non-stop ever since. So he's looking forward to some down-time when his tour wraps up in the fall.

"I'm gonna take a couple of months and re-gather my thoughts and my writing skills and write for my next album," said Hicks.

Hicks also has a book coming out. It hits store shelves Tuesday. He said it's a short read about 'beating the odds.' Hicks has a number of book-signing events scheduled next week.

And, of course, we couldn't let him get away without one last question about his favorite idol judge.

"I love Simon Cowell," Hick said winking and smiling at the camera. "I love Simon Cowell."