Taylor Hicks adds his own flourishes to 'Grease' Options

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Mid-Michigan fans of "American Idol" who are willing to take a road trip will be able to watch one of the show's past favorite sons storm the live stage.

Donning a midnight blue suit with 13,000 rhinestones, Taylor Hicks belts out "Beauty School Dropout" in a touring production of "Grease" from June 9-28 at Detroit's Fisher Theatre. He'll also perform songs from his new album, "The Distance," at 8 p.m. June 22 at the Magic Bag in Ferndale.

Since taking on the role of Teen Angel on Broadway last year, Hicks has been thrilling audiences around the country in a touring production of the popular musical.

"I was really nervous when Broadway came calling because I'd never done theater before," Hicks said. "Once I started getting comfortable in the role, the role started expanding. You can take a role and night in and night out, you can expand it."

One New York columnist said Hicks was the big draw to "Grease" last summer and contributed to sold-out houses of the Broadway production.

The popular musical centers around Sandy Dumbrowski (played by Olivia Newton John in the 1978 film version) and Danny Zuko (John Travolta), who fall hopelessly in love one summer. Zuko's world is turned upside down when Sandy appears at Rydell High on the first day of school. What follows is a rock 'n' roll celebration of growing up, cruising with friends and going steady.

"Grease" originated in Chicago and made its premiere at The Kingston Mines Theater in 1971 before heading for off-Broadway and then Broadway in 1972. It closed as the longest-running show in Broadway history.

Hicks said embellishing the role of Teen Angel started with the suit.

"I had a vision for the costume - they helped me design it to have a signature look. It's a very shiny suit to say the least. I would have had more (rhinestones) if there was any room."

Then Hicks added his own flourishes to the music by "writing R&B lines for it." He also showcases his harmonica skills, an instrument he's been playing since he was 16.

The role of Teen Angel affords him the opportunity to "observe musical theater," he said. It's different than performing as a singer because "there's a storyline involved."

Hicks said he's also fortunate to be able to debut his new album, which features 11 tracks including the first single, "What's Right is Right." It's produced by Simon Climie (Eric Clapton, Carlos Santana, Faith Hill).

The Alabama native won the fifth season of "American Idol" in 2006 with more than 63 million votes. His debut album, "Taylor Hicks," was released on Dec. 12, 2006, and debuted in the No. 2 spot on the Billboard 200 charts and was later certified platinum.

During the last three years, Hicks as performed with Earth, Wind & Fire, The Allman Brothers and Willie Nelson. He's toured through Asia and penned a Random House memoir.