Idol winner coming to Cleveland for show

Five years into the “American Idol” phenomenon, it’s safe to say that no other winner has generated as much controversy from winning the reality television show than Taylor Hicks, who from the start was an underdog. In fact, Hicks will tell you it’s been a David-vs.-Goliath struggle his whole life.

“Yeah, I definitely was an underdog and still am to a certain degree,” said Hicks, calling from New Orleans. “It’s always good to feel that way. You have to feel like that, carry that around with you. It makes you work harder.”

Love him or hate him, Hicks is making his victory lap around the country touring his platinum self-titled album to one sold-out show after another. This includes a Cleveland date Saturday and a Greensburg, Pa., date Sunday. In talking to Hicks about his image — that being a white guy singing blues and soul — he points out his current show is aimed at solidifying his style.

For the complete story, see Wednesday's Vindicator or Vindy.com.