The Broadway Year of Taylor Hicks
Soul Patrol Stirs GREASE In 2008
Winner of the fifth season of American Idol, Taylor Hicks contributed greatly to Broadway in 2008. Reports say that Hicks has the lowest selling American Idol winner’s album. Even so, in 2008 Hicks played ‘Teen Angel’ in GREASE on Broadway. Hicks fans came from all over the country to see his performance. Critics pointed out that Hicks really was only on stage for a very short time. However, fans still praised his performance and ticket sales reflected this fact. Some say, arguably, Hicks saved GREASE from closing on Broadway during the summer of 2008.
After his limited engagement of playing Teen Angel on Broadway, Hicks took to the road playing the character on the GREASE National Tour currently touring the United States.
In August 2008 Hicks released an album titled “Early Works” that was available only at Target until November 24, 2008 when other distribution options were made available.
In 2008, Broadway.tv and Broadway Magazine interviewed every leading star of GREASE on Broadway, except Hicks who took limited interviews. With that said, we asked each of his cast-mates that we did interview what it was like working with him, the answer was time and time again, “Taylor is great to work with!”
Following Taylor Hicks while he has been involved with Broadway in 2008, we can say he was a great addition and titled him “Rookie of the Year.” We look forward to seeing if Hicks will contribute to Broadway in 2009.
Tags: Ace Young, American Idol, Ashely Spencer, Derek Keeling, Grease, GREASE National Tour, Taylor Hicks
December 30th, 2008 at 8:02 pm
Your right about fans travelling to see Grease because of Taylor HIcks. I travelled to NYC twice this summer from Toronto,just to see this amazing singer and I was not disappointed. Even his short time on stage was worth the trip,
December 30th, 2008 at 9:24 pm
you are right i traveling from north carolina to my first broadway show just to see taylor he is awesome .i went to about 9 concert in 2007 and 2008 just to hear him perform and sing live . he is one in a million musician so if you havenot seen him live just go to see him in grease . you want be dissappointed he is great. we are proud to follow him because we love him soul patrol.
December 31st, 2008 at 10:36 am
Taylor got me to come to New York for the first time to see my first Broadway show. He may have had only one song but what he did with that song was amazing. I’ve already got plans to see the show on the tour.
December 31st, 2008 at 11:39 am
Taylor got me back in NYC after a 20 year absence and our group had a great time at the show. The cast was really talented and Taylor was outstanding in his short appearance. Well worth the trip! We also went to see the National Tour show in Providence which was fabulous as well. Can’t wait to hear Taylor’s new CD!
December 31st, 2008 at 11:57 am
New England Soul Patrol congratulates Taylor on his Broadway Triumph!
If the Grease National Tour comes your way, don’t miss it. There may even be surprises from the Teen Angel.
December 31st, 2008 at 12:00 pm
Taylor is clearly head and shoulders above the rest when performing live, you have to go see wth your own eyes. The New England Soul Patrol had a blast in NYC over the summer and again this month seeing Taylor on the road in Providence. If you saw the show, be sure to check out his new album “The Distance” on March 10th.
December 31st, 2008 at 12:58 pm
I went to see Taylor in Grease several times this past summer. Taylor was sensational on stage and gracious off-stage. What a great welcome NYC gave Taylor. Congratulations to the hardest working musician in show business today! Going to see the show in Baltimore in February and I know that Taylor will “Taylorize” the role once again.
Thanks Broadway for making this the Broadway year of Taylor Hicks.
Louise in NJ
December 31st, 2008 at 1:51 pm
Taylor was the reason I traveled all the way from South Alabama to Broadway twice
this summer.
I had not seen a show since 1986 and had no intentions to do so again.
Kudos to the producers for having the vision to put Taylor in Grease. Looking forward to
seeing him soon in a traveling Grease show !!
January 1st, 2009 at 7:15 pm
I have been to 9 Taylor Hicks Concerts. Every show is different, and he is unbelievable as an entertainer.
I went to New York City 2 times to see Taylor in “Grease”. I went with AnotherTayFan, my Mother, and my brother. I traveled from Boca Raton, Florida to New York City, and we had a great time. “Grease” was my favorite movie. Taylor being in Broadway made it even more special.
Men, Women, and Children were in awe of Taylor. He even received a standing ovation. Taylor is always so generous and warm to the fans, “The Soul Patrol.”
I will be going to Baltimore with my family and friends to see Taylor in Grease. We are also going to Rams Head.
If “Grease” comes to a nearby city, give yourself a treat, and go see Taylor Hicks in “Grease”.
Congratulations Taylor on a great 2008! Good luck and safe travels in 2009!
Debbie