The 2006 American Idol, Taylor Hicks, is coming to Branson’s Welk Resort Theatre for one concert on Monday, July 30 at 8 p.m. Hicks charmed America with his soulful voice and rousing delivery of songs such as "Takin' It to the Streets,” to win the title of the fifth-season American Idol. The 29-year-old with salt-and-pepper hair and a legion of fans dubbed the “Soul Patrol” captured the hearts of more than 63.4 million people who voted him the 2006 American Idol.
Hicks’ debut single, “Do I Make You Proud,” debuted at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, Single Sales and Pop 100 charts last summer. His self-titled debut album was released on December 12, 2006. Taylor Hicks debuted at the number two spot on the Billboard 200 charts and was certified as an RIAA platinum album on January 17, 2007. Hicks was named “Hottest Bachelor” in 2006 by “People” magazine. His memoir, “Heart Full of Soul, an Inspirational Memoir about Finding Your Voice and Finding Your Way,” is scheduled for release in July.
The Welk Resort Theatre is located three miles south of Highway 76 at 1984 State Highway 165. The 2,245-seat theatre near Table Rock Lake was home to The Lawrence Welk Show from 1994 through 2004. Since 2004 Welk-Sullivan Productions has presented extended engagement shows in the theatre including Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers, Pam Tillis, The Lennon Sisters, Darren Romeo, Crystal Gayle & Lee Greenwood plus Welk Stars Reunions. Special engagement concerts have featured B.B. King, The Moody Blues, The Beach Boys, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Chuck Berry, Three Dog Night, Ray Price, Creedence Clearwater Revisited, B.J. Thomas & Billy Joe Royal, and Delbert McClinton. The destination resort complex includes a 160-room hotel, the Stage Door Restaurant & Lounge, a gift shop, miniature golf course, swimming pool, game room and other family-friendly amenities.