After two months of performing as Teen Angel in the National Broadway Tour of GREASE, Season Five ‘American Idol’ winner Taylor Hicks is enjoying his debut acting role as well as looking forward to the release of his new CD next month. Hicks was offered a number of Broadway and acting roles previously but he is thrilled to make this iconic role his first.

“I wanted to start with something small to get my feet wet and understand role playing and musical theatre. This was just a good fit for me,” Hicks said.

Most would assume the transition from concert tours to a Broadway tour would be drastically different. However, Hicks seems to be taking the transition in stride.

“Fundamentally, it’s very similar. As far as the production, it’s totally different; which is really rewarding,” Hicks said.

Life on the road is made easier for Hicks with a team of people balancing his music and acting career. Enjoying the experience of touring with GREASE and being able to perform as a musician is the positive experience Hicks was hoping for.

“It’s been a great combination for me and the production. I think it’s a real cutting-edge way to be able to have a role and be a musician at the same time,” Hicks said.

Hicks is using the Broadway tour to help promote “The Distance”, his new CD which will be released March 10 on his Modern Whomp record label. In between GREASE performances, he continues to schedule shows at local venues.

“I’m going to try to work in as many shows as I can in support of the record. That is something I can do in each city that GREASE comes to,” Hicks said.

Hicks co-wrote a number of songs on the 11-track album, which will feature more soul-inspired sounds than his previous work. Hicks collaborated with producer Simon Climie, who has worked with musicians such as Eric Clapton, Carlos Santana and Faith Hill. Musicians Doyle Bramhall II and Nathan East, who have worked with Clapton, and Paul McCartney drummer, Abe Laboriel Jr., all play on the album. Fans can check the listings of local venues or Hicks’ official website for dates and times of local performances.

The first single, “What’s Right is Right,” was released on January 27 and Hicks was fully involved in deciding which song to pick. As with his ‘American Idol’ days, he knows song selection is vitally important.

“Overall ‘What’s Right is Right’ is the obvious first choice for the single, for my fans and for radio,” said Hicks. “I think it covers all the bases, all of my musical bases and it’s a great song.”

Open to more acting roles in the future and whatever comes his way, he is clearly enjoying his foray into musical theatre, playing gigs on the road and connecting with fans.

More information on the GREASE National Tour can be found online at GreaseOnBroadway.com.

By: Allison Thomas and Danielle Devery