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Winning “American Idol” made Taylor Hicks a star, but the singer says life after the confetti fell wasn’t nearly as glamorous as many fans imagined.
Nearly two decades after winning America’s vote in 2006, Hicks reflected on the realities of overnight fame, revealing the biggest misconception about winning one of television’s most popular singing competitions.
“It’s a lot more complicated than it looks,” Hicks told Fox News Digital exclusively.
COUNTRY STAR GABBY BARRETT SAYS SHE WAS ‘SLEEPING IN THE CAR’ BEFORE ‘AMERICAN IDOL’ CHANGED HER LIFE
Taylor Hicks shares the advice he gave his younger self after confetti fell on “American Idol.” (Paul Archuleta/Getty Images)
“I think opportunity creates luck. But with a little faith and a little luck, you can achieve your dreams.”
Known to millions as the leader of the Soul Patrol during its winning season, the 49-year-old Birmingham, Alabama native has spent years building a career that has included sold-out concerts, a Las Vegas residency, Broadway appearances and television hosting.
WATCH: TAYLOR HICKS REFLECTS ON HARD REALITIES AFTER ‘American IDOL’ WIN
Looking back on the whirlwind that followed his victory, Hicks noted one lesson he wished he could share with someone before his life changed overnight.
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“Well, 20 years is a long time in show business, but if I could look back and someone would give me advice, I would probably say, ‘Be patient and trust God.’
Despite his success in music, Hicks said staying grounded was key to navigating the entertainment industry.
Taylor Hicks attends the premiere of “May We All: A New Country Musical” at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center in Nashville, Tennessee on June 15, 2022. (Erica Goldring/Getty Images)
He credits his upbringing in Alabama and his parents for helping him focus on what’s important.
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“One thing my parents taught me and my values is to stay down to earth and be kind to others,” Hicks said.
“Karma is real, so be nice, sweet and happy.”
Although Hicks has spent years building a career outside of “American Idol,” he shared with Fox News Digital that faith, perseverance and staying true to his roots have helped him survive the ups and downs of winning one of the biggest talent competitions on television.
Hicks spent years performing locally before competing on “American Idol” at age 29, a decision that instantly changed the trajectory of his career.
Taylor Hicks on American Idol. (Chris Polk/FilmMagic for Fox Television Network)
But Hicks said aspiring reality stars today face a much more crowded battlefield than he did when he auditioned nearly 20 years ago.
“Luckily for me, ‘American Idol’ was the only game in town,” Hicks previously told Fox News Digital. “I think the last talent show that aired on television was Star Search.” And once Idol became so successful, I think America’s Got Talent, So You Think You Can Dance. There are all these entities that you really have to compete for now. So I think it’s harder for people on shows like this because they’re kind of spreading love.”
Hicks remains grateful for the doors his “American Idol” win opened.
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The “Mirrors” singer knows firsthand that success in the spotlight can be unpredictable. Reflecting on the moment he became a champion, Hicks said he would give his younger self one important piece of advice.
“The first thing I would tell myself when I won ‘American Idol’ was to enjoy the wave as much as possible, because in this business, sooner or later it will crash and you’ll have to catch another one.”
Hicks also reflected on American history and the stories of those who helped shape it.
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As part of the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration, the “American Idol” winner performed “Nineteen,” a tribute to the young Americans who answered the call to serve after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
WATCH: TAYLOR HICKS REVEALS WHY AMERICA’S 250TH ANNIVERSARY IS DESERVING A CELEBRATION
For Hicks, the milestone represents a chance to recognize how far the country has come and look to the future.
“Well, I think we’ve come a long way as a country. From where we started, from our Founding Fathers to this moment, this is an amazing time in history for our country, and we should all be proud that we made it to 250, and here’s to 250 more,” Hicks told Fox News Digital.
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Hicks is also busy touring, with several upcoming performances lined up in his schedule.
The country singer is set to perform at the Flora-Bama Lounge on July 11 and then head to North Haven, Connecticut, where he will host the Connecticut Country Music Festival on August 1.
Stephanie Jung-Paunon is an entertainment columnist for Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to Stephanie.giang@fox.com and on Twitter: @SGiangPaunon.