Taylor Hicks: Faith Keeps Him Grounded 20 Years Later

Twenty years after winning American Idol, Taylor Hicks hasn't forgotten where he came from or who got him through the wild ride of fame.

The Birmingham, Alabama native credits two things for keeping him grounded through sold-out shows, a Vegas residency, and Broadway appearances: his blue-collar hometown and his faith. "My faith makes me the happiest," the 49-year-old told Fox News Digital.

Hicks grew up in a hardworking community that shaped how he approaches success. "Birmingham is a blue-collar town," he explained, comparing it to places like Pittsburgh and Boston where his music resonates strongly with audiences who understand the value of dedication.

Before his 2006 Idol win, Hicks performed at local bars and clubs throughout the Southeast. At 29, he auditioned for the show with no idea what awaited him.

The transformation happened fast. "I went from playing to 50 people in my little bar called the Oasis in Birmingham to touring Southeast Asia in seven months," he shared with People magazine.

Sunny's Take

What makes Hicks' story special isn't just his success. It's his perspective on it. He doesn't see his career as work because he genuinely loves what he does. "I don't go to work every day. I love what I do and am just very blessed," he said.

The singer, who released his latest single "The Mirror" last month, remains grateful for the platform Idol provided. "The dream that I had when I was a little boy, in making it and being an entertainer, was realized on American Idol," he reflected.

Hicks offers wisdom to his younger self and anyone chasing dreams in unpredictable industries. "Enjoy the wave as much as you can because in this business, sooner or later, it's going to crash, and you've got to catch another one."

After nearly 24 years in show business, Hicks wouldn't trade any of it, proving that staying true to your roots and faith can carry you through Hollywood's roughest waters.