Earth Angel--Taylor Hicks

Earthy Angel: Taylor Hicks

SILVER-MANED SINGER Taylor Hicks made his name by winning the fifth season of "American Idol" in 2006, fueled by the support of his fans, dubbed the Soul Patrol. Since then, the 33-year-old has released two albums and parlayed his "Idol" success into a stint on stages across the country as the Teen Angel in the national tour of "Grease." Hicks and company land at the National Theatre Feb. 9-21.

»EXPRESS: Had you thought of doing professional musical theater before "Idol"?

» HICKS: Never in a million years would I dream that I would actually grace a Broadway stage in New York City. That's what "Idol" allows — the platform to be an entertainer and to experience all facets of the business.

» EXPRESS: What was it about "Grease" that lured you to sign on?

» HICKS: You always want to start small and get bigger, and from just a learning perspective — not having ever had any acting training — I think taking a small role like Teen Angel was the best move for me because it allowed me to get my feet wet.

» EXPRESS: Has the Soul Patrol made itself heard during the show?

» HICKS: Oh, yes. There's kind of a Grateful Dead-meets-Parrot Head contingent in some of the Broadway theaters across the country, which has been great.

» EXPRESS: How do you keep up that kind of fan base?

» HICKS: You have to tour all the time. I've been on the road now for four years straight. It's quite extensive, but I don't know any other way, because I've studied so many legendary musicians, and that's the reason why they are legendary, because they do tour extensively.

» EXPRESS: The Teen Angel's style is a little flashier than yours, isn't it?

» HICKS: I designed my Teen Angel costume. It's a midnight blue, rhinestone-studded suit — it's got kind of an Elvis-meets-Gram Parsons-meets-Liberace kind of feel.

» EXPRESS: Has wearing that so often changed your fashion choices?

» HICKS: I've not gone to dinner with my Teen Angel jacket [shown] yet, but before I leave this Broadway tour, I will go clubbing in it. I might give 50 Cent a run for his money as far as bling is concerned.

» EXPRESS: Favorite angel: Clarence from "It's a Wonderful Life" or Charlie's Angels?

» HICKS: I'd have to go with Charlie's Angels. Cheryl Ladd for $200, Alex.

» EXPRESS: You're from Alabama. Do you like your barbecue with or without white sauce?

» HICKS: I'll take barbecue with white sauce once every seven-and-a-half months. Usually, it's more just good, old-fashioned red sauce.

» EXPRESS: Any favorite spots in D.C.?

» HICKS: I love Georgetown. Being in a city like D.C. is a blessing, and I'm going to comb through it as much as I can.

http://www.expressnightout.com/content/201...icks-grease.php

Great article Sandy. I have to agree with Taylor about the sauce on ribs. It's red sauce all the way.

Taylor always gives good interviews, It's like he knows what is going to be asked before they ask, so he's ready with the answers. Smart Guy

I'm more than slightly scared of white sauce on ribs. Just thought I'm mention that. It's like, for me, clam chowder should be white/gray.
~tyg

ROFLMAO.....OMG, I didn't think about that. It IS kinda scarrry.