mini-Review: Taylor Hicks ( American Idol Winner ) at Bally's

who: Taylor Hicks
date: Tues 07/31/2012
locn: Bally's Indigo Room


We had watched the 2006 American Idol season with
our girls, so we were very familiar with who Taylor
Hicks was. (He won that year).

So it was interesting to see that he was playing in
Las Vegas, and it was a bonus that he was in our
hotel, and that there was a 2 for 1 deal in Groupon.

But we didn't know what to expect. The show room
is VERY small ( seating for a couple hundred ? ),
which we thought would be great for us, but would
that be enough of a let-down for him that his
performance would be lackluster ?

The answer to that is a RESOUNDING NO ! If he
felt that way at all, he never showed it even for
a minute.

Starting out with Stevie Wonder's "Living for the
City", and mixing in his own stuff with other classics
such as Elvis' "In the Ghetto" and Michael
MacDonald's (of the Doobie Brothers) "Minute
by Minute", this was a give it all he had
performance for 90 rock, country, and soul
filled minutes.

His material leans more to
the soul and country side of things, which
is not normally my cup of tea, but he
does a great job with it.

I even liked his own songs, which I did not
have the benefit of hearing before. I think
that says a lot about his song writing ability.

So regardless if his career has turned out how
he would have liked post-American Idol, he
really delivers a great performance and I
CAN DEFINITELY RECOMMEND IT.

It is also a good value with tickets at 29.99 + tax
for such a small venue. We had General
Admission tickets, and every seat was a
good seat, very close to the small stage.

After the show, he takes time to sign CD's and
pictures you can purchase. He was also
happy to sign an advertisement from the
current "What's On" freebie tourist magazine
for my kids, who were back home during this
trip.

Thanks for the review. Though I don't watch American Idol, he was probably the last winner who I could remember. Maybe it was because he looks much older than he is.

I'm a little surprised that Bally's booked him; that seems like a very odd fit for the typical Bally's crowd, but I'm glad to hear he's working at least.

I just had to say something when I saw this review. So very glad that you enjoyed Taylor. I've been a long time fan of Taylors and I can tell you he never gives less than 100%. Just a great live performer who always has a great band. He enjoys his own musicians. Not surprised at all that Ballys booked him, he is perfect for Vegas and he has done shows there. Some corporate shows, which he does often. You can be sure that he is working, he has been very busy ever since he won Idol. I think Taylor has an online fan base that is more active than most. His fan base may not be as big as some have but they are very much music lovers and music knowledgable and very active. I like it that Taylor has among his fanbase some very good musicians. I want to send you this link that details Taylors activiities just for 2011. Has some great vids there. I don't think Taylor is in any way disappointed about his room at Vegas, quite the contrary he seems thrilled to be the first Idol to have a Vegas residency and what I have read leads me to believe that he is going to be invited back soon. I'm hoping for a slightly bigger stage , he does love to move around. But whatever the size of the room, he will amaze.

Quote: Tiltpoul

I'm a little surprised that Bally's booked him; that seems like a very odd fit for the typical Bally's crowd, but I'm glad to hear he's working at least.

Maybe the demographic at Bally's is growing a little older,
at least that was my impression. I have only stayed there
a couple of times.

My guess is that the younger crowd is maybe more at PH
or at IP for those on a tighter budget.