By Popular Demand, “American Idol” Winner Taylor Hicks Returning to Perform at Bally’s Las Vegas With Year-Long Extension

[Taylor Hicks]

As a testament to his musical talent and showmanship, “American Idol” winner Taylor Hicks will continue to bring the roadhouse to the Las Vegas Strip with a year-long extension performing at Bally’s Las Vegas through 2013, beginning Wednesday, Oct. 17. Hicks is the first “American Idol” winner to secure a long-term residency in Las Vegas and is quickly becoming one of the most popular acts in the city. Hicks will have an exclusive commitment to Caesars Entertainment, taking his talents to other Caesars properties across the country throughout the year with specific dates and locations to be announced at a later date.

“It’s an honor to follow in the footsteps of the legends who have headlined in Las Vegas over the years,” Hicks said. “I’m thrilled to extend my relationship with Caesars Entertainment so that I can continue to entertain fans not only in Las Vegas but nationwide.”

“Taylor was enormously successful in his first headlining engagement here at Bally’s this summer,” said David Hoenemeyer, president of Bally’s Las Vegas. “Locals, as well as tourists from around the nation flock to see him perform on the Vegas Strip, and we look forward to continued success both here in Las Vegas and at some of our other properties.”

Hicks will perform nightly in The Indigo at 7 p.m. Oct. 17-Nov. 12, and Dec. 3-16, with 2013 performances to be announced at a later date. The show will be dark Friday and Tuesday. Ticket prices are $39.99 and $69.99, which includes a meet and greet with Hicks. Additional service fees apply. Ticket sales to the public begin Monday, Sept. 24 at 10 a.m. and are available by calling [phone] or [phone], in person at the Bally’s Box Office (3645 Las Vegas Blvd South) and online at www.ballyslasvegas.com. Members of Caesars Entertainment’s Total Rewards program will have access to an exclusive pre-sale beginning Friday, Sep. 21 at 10 a.m.

Taylor Hicks is one of the most beloved “American Idol” winners of all-time. His residency will serve a homecoming of sorts, as Las Vegas is where Hicks’ journey to fame began. He was in New Orleans the night before Hurricane Katrina. With his flight cancelled, he was given a free airplane voucher. Hicks used the ticket to travel to Las Vegas, where coincidentally “American Idol” auditions were being held.

From the start, Taylor’s material on “American Idol” set him apart, with a unique take on southern soul, R & B, country and blues. More than 63 million votes were cast and nearly 37 million viewers tuned in to crown Hicks the Season 5 winner of “American Idol,” making it one of the most watched television events of the decade. The applause hasn’t stopped since he stepped off that stage. Less than three weeks after Hicks’ Idol win, his debut single, “Do I Make You Proud,” entered at #1 on Billboard’s Hot 100, Pop 100 and Single Sales charts. Coinciding with the single release, a cover story named Hicks as People Magazine’s “Hottest Bachelor of the Year.” His self-titled album, “Taylor Hicks” (Arista), debuted #2 on the Billboard 200 and was quickly certified RIAA platinum.

On Broadway, Hicks starred in the hit musical, “Grease” as Teen Angel, and when asked to join the national tour, happily agreed. The 18-month tour connected him with fans across the United States and Canada.

Hicks, who hails from Birmingham, Ala., was destined for the musical stage from an early childhood. Focusing on music full-time, he then became a fixture around the southeast, playing concerts and club dates with visiting stars like James Brown, Tom Petty, Jackson Browne, Robert Randolph, Keb’ Mo’ and Widespread Panic among others, and released two independent albums “In Your Time” and “Under The Radar.” These albums were compiled and released by Vanguard Records as “Early Works.”

For more information and updates, please visit www.ballyslasvegas.com or www.taylorhicks.com.

[Jennifer Jacobs]

Congrats! Gotta start saving back up now!

[4Tay/Louise]

Congratulations, Taylor.  Caesar's knows a great thing when they see/hear it!  Viva Las Vegas indeed!