Taylor Hicks Announces Las Vegas Residency

American Idol season 5 winner Taylor Hicks will return to the city where he first auditioned for the show that made him famous: Las Vegas.

The Birmingham, Ala., native has signed on with Caesars Entertainment-owned Bally's Las Vegas Hotel and Casino for a three-month residency starting June 26. "It's a true full-circle moment for me," Hicks tells The Hollywood Reporter. He'll perform every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at The Indigo.

Indeed, when the then-29-year-old tried out in October 2005, he essentially was fleeing Hurricane Katrina-ravaged New Orleans.

"I had a free voucher to fly anywhere in the country," Hicks recalled in a 2010 interview. "I went to Las Vegas because I'd never been there and heard it's a fun place to go. I was just hanging out until my brother called at midnight to tell me Idol auditions were the next day. I had nothing better to do, so I showed up at 4 a.m., got in line with some very interesting people and started rolling with it."

Hicks performed "A Change Is Gonna Come" and "Swanee River"; wowed judges Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul; made "Soul Patrol," his eager and loyal legion of fans, a household name; and the rest is Idol history.

Since winning the show in 2006, Hicks has released several albums including his platinum-certified self-titled debut and 2009's The Distance. He was also a cast member on the Broadway production and national tour of Grease in 2008 and 2009.

Tickets for Hicks' Bally's run go on sale at the casino's box office starting April 21 and online beginning May 15.

Watch his original Idol audition segment below:

Sweet mercy! So looking forward to Vegas. (keeping fingers crossed)

Hmm I got to thinking.. I wonder if he will wear an ELVIS suit...

I am hoping to make it down to Vegas myself. I need to see how my financial picture goes as I will be renting a car rather than driving my own. Sometimes they have great weekend rates here at Enterprise. This might kill several birds with one throw as my mom has a friend down there and she could visit her while I stay at a hotel (will be checking on cheap ones) and also seeing the show. Jodie, where do you live? It would be great if we could all get together to see Taylor. Just a thought!

I would love to CC but alas I am far to broke, live in Michigan, do not drive and have kids, a wife a house, 3 cats and 2 dogs to care for.. life is full but where the hell is my pleasure? lol

Yep Jodie you do seem to have a pretty full life to deal with. Sorry you can not make it but do understand about being broke as my pension is all but gone now and I rely on my Social Security overall to make it. Vegas is about an 8 to 9 hour drive for me and thankfully I do drive. Anyhow you take care and glad to see you back.

Been there and done it Jodie so I can feel your pain. As soon as the youngest one turns 18 I say...HIT THE ROAD! LOL I know....easier said than done.

Nope once he is 18 this lady is going to fly free for awhile and enjoy life.. so long as I can find a driver LOL

heeheehee.....I hear ya there.