2006 American Idol Taylor Hicks Signs With 19 Recordings Limited/Arista Records!

2006 American Idol Taylor Hicks Signs With 19 Recordings Limited/Arista Records!

Hicks' first single 'Do I Make You Proud' is available in-stores and digitally on June 13th

NEW YORK, May 31 /PRNewswire/ -- Following this year's most successful season of American Idol with over 35 million viewers tuning into the finale on May 24th, the 2006 winner Taylor Hicks signs a recording deal with Simon Fuller and 19 Recordings Limited, in conjunction legendary music man Clive Davis, Chairman of BMG U.S., and Arista Records.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060531/NYW120 )

The 29 year old Alabama native, that captured the hearts of millions of viewers by pouring heart and soul into every performance, joins the ranks of other idols that have gone on to have outstanding music careers under the guidance of Davis. Previous Idol winners and runner ups have sold a staggering 33 million records which includes music from Kelly Clarkson, Clay Aiken, Fantasia, Carrie Underwood, Ruben Studdard and Bo Bice.

The first single from the charismatic performer includes the original Idol composition, "Do I Make You Proud," sung during the final round of voting and again during the finale. The single also includes his soulful rendition of the Doobie Brothers classic, "Takin' It To The Streets," from the American Idol Season 5 Encores CD. The single is available in-stores and through digital outlets on June 13th. Hicks' legion of loyal followers dubbed the "soul patrol" and fans all across the country can expect a full length album from Hicks later this year.

About 19 Entertainment

The 19 Group of Companies was founded by Simon Fuller in 1985 and to date has been involved in the creation of 109 Number 1 singles and 87 Number 1 albums with an impressive tally of 296 Top 40 albums and 465 Top 40 singles.

Fuller created and managed the Spice Girls, who became a global phenomenon under his guidance, selling over 38 million albums. In 1998, Fuller's 19 launched S Club 7, which has sold over 10 million CDs worldwide, while its four television series were sold to over 100 countries around the world.

In 2001, Simon Fuller's 19TV created and produced the television phenomenon "Pop Idol" and in 2002, "American Idol." "Pop Idol" launched the singing careers of Will Young and Gareth Gates in the UK, while "American Idol" did the same for Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard, Clay Aiken, Fantasia, Diana Degarmo, Bo Bice and Carrie Underwood in the United States.

About RCA Music Group

The RCA Music Group includes J Records, Arista Records, RCA Records and RCA Victor. The J Records roster is home to platinum superstars Alicia Keys, Rod Stewart, Pearl Jam, Annie Lennox, Luther Vandross, Jamie Foxx, Maroon5, Mario, Gavin DeGraw, Fantasia and Monica among others. The Arista Records family includes all-time superstars Sarah McLachlan, Santana, Dido, Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Carrie Underwood, Barry Manilow and Kenny G. RCA Records is home to superstar artists Christina Aguilera, Dave Matthews Band, Foo Fighters, The Strokes, Velvet Revolver, Avril Lavigne, Clay Aiken, Kelly Clarkson, Heather Headley and more. RCA Victor's roster includes Imogen Heap, Rachael Yamagata, Etta James, Eliane Elias, George Winston, The Chieftains, Larry Carlton and Fourplay. RCA Music Group is part of Sony BMG Music Entertainment.

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060531/NYW120
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN13
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: J Records

CONTACT: Liz Morentin of J\Arista Records, +1-310-449-2636,
liz.morentin@sonybmg.com

Web site: http://www.jrecords.com/

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