“American Idol” Season Five winner Taylor Hicks comes to the Majestic Theater on Saturday, March 17, as part of his nationwide headline tour. In the days leading up to the show, Hicks took some questions last week from 210SA.

WHO: Taylor Hicks WHEN: Saturday, March 17, 8 p.m. WHERE: Majestic Theatre,% 224 E. Houston St. HOW MUCH: $39.50-59.50 INFO: majesticempire.com Playing favorites with the final 12 ‘American Idol’ hopefuls Idol Overload

210SA: Looking back on your “Idol” experience, what are your thoughts on it?

Taylor Hicks: I would do it all over again. I just enjoy entertaining for people, and it's what makes me happy.

210SA: Almost a year after winning the “Idol” title, what's it like headlining your first tour?
TH: It's everything and more than I thought it would be. It's been an awesome experience. Having worked for 10 years (to get to this point), the last year has felt like 10 years. I have a lot to learn, and it's a big learning process, but I'm learning as I go.

210SA: For a person like yourself, who played local clubs for a decade before hitting it big, how do you reflect on the tougher times?

TH: Trying to get your music heard is one of the toughest things to do. It's very tough, so you have to take every opportunity. And you have to make the best of it, to make it happen when the opportunity comes around.

210SA: What was your and the record company's goal in recording the new album?

TH: The mentality was that if it ain't broke, don't fix it. I've been working for 10 years, and that's just kind of the way I am.

210SA: You admitted that you weren't the best singer on “Idol” Season Five, so how much does entertaining factor into your victory?

TH: Entertaining people, that's the key. Whether visually or musically, it's all about entertainment.

210SA: How would you describe the live show, and what are some of your favorite tracks to play?

TH: It's everything new and old, just an awesome experience. I think “The Right Place” has been the best (crowd favorite), and “Wherever I Lay My Hat.” There's some covers in there, and some originals that I wrote. It's a high-energy show.

210SA: Was it surprising to be named People's “Bachelor of the Year?”

TH: It was, and I was very flattered. I was very happy about it, and it was a great honor. I just wish I could utilize it a little more.

210SA: Do you keep up with anyone from “Idol?”

TH: I've talked to Katharine (McPhee) a couple of times, and I wish them all the best.

210SA: What is the key to sustaining success after being on a show like “Idol?”

TH: Just writing and performing, and building a fan base at small venues. That's what we're doing with this theater tour.

210SA: What are your plans once the tour wraps?

TH: Rest, get a little bit of sleep, and get right back into it.

210SA: Now that you've hit it big, is there anything you miss from the days when you were a struggling musician?

TH: Well, you know, just all the people in my family that I don't get to see anymore. That's one thing you take for granted when you're local as opposed to national.

Clint Hale | 210SA