Taylor Hicks Turns Birmingham Concerts Into Fundraisers for Victims of Deadly Tornado That Struck Alabama March 2

Taylor Hicks Turns Birmingham Concerts Into Fundraisers for Victims of Deadly Tornado That Struck Alabama March 2

American Idol Champion Partners With Red Cross

NEW YORK, March 8 /PRNewswire/ -- When reigning "American Idol" champion and Arista recording artist Taylor Hicks returns home to Birmingham, Alabama to headline his own show for the first time since being crowned winner of the series' fifth season, he'll be giving back to the community. Hicks is partnering with the American Red Cross to raise funds for victims of the violent tornado that struck Enterprise, Alabama, on March 2, killing eight students and destroying the local high school.

Hicks, a native of Birmingham, is currently headlining his first national tour, with dates scheduled through May 12, when he plays Seattle, Washington. He was already scheduled to perform March 10 and 11 in his hometown at the Alabama Theater. The venue has a capacity of 2,166 and both shows sold out immediately upon being announced, prior to the tragic events of March 2. Hicks has transformed both shows into benefits by inviting the Red Cross to collect money on site and educate concert-goers on what they can do to help those affected by the tornado.

"This tragedy affected me very personally," says Hicks. "I know Enterprise, and have friends from there. When I heard the news, I wanted to be able to do something concrete to help all of the folks affected by the tornado. And I wanted to do it sooner rather than later, as these people need our help now."

This is not the first time Hicks has teamed up with the Red Cross. A portion of the proceeds from his first single, "Do I Make You Proud," goes to the charity, a campaign that continues with the sale of every single and paid digital download. "Do I Make You Proud" hit No. 1 on The Billboard Hot 100 and was the magazine's best-selling single of 2006, with over 460,000 sold to date.

"The American Red Cross is so grateful to Taylor Hicks for his compassion and generosity to those affected by the recent tornadoes in Alabama," said Kathleen Loehr, Senior Vice President for Development at the American Red Cross. "Donations collected at the concert will help provide food, shelter, counseling and other assistance to those affected by the deadly storm."

While he is in Birmingham, Hicks will also autograph CDs and meet fans at Laser's Edge, the first retail outlet in the United States to support Hicks when he released his two independent albums. Due to capacity, the in-store signing is limited to 300 people, with wristbands available in advance from the store or its website at www.lasersedge.com. The signing will take place from 2-5 p.m. on March 10.

During his Birmingham visit, Hicks will also be presented with the key to the city, which he will dedicate to the victims of the deadly tornado.

Hicks' self-titled debut album entered the Billboard album chart at No. 2. His new single, "Just to Feel That Way," moves up to No. 25 this week on the Adult Contemporary chart.

About the American Red Cross

All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. You can help the victims of thousands of disasters across the country each year, disasters like the Alabama tornadoes, by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, which enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to victims of disaster. The American Red Cross honors donor intent. If you wish to designate your donation to a specific disaster please do so at the time of your donation. Call 1-800- REDCROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org.

Source: Arista Records

CONTACT: Sarah Marchetti, American Red Cross, +1-202-303-4473, or Cell:
+1-202-439-0389, marchettis@usa.redcross.org, or Chris Osborne, Officer,
Public Affairs, Birmingham Area Chapter, +1-205-966-8795,
osbornech@usa.redcross.org; or Liz Morentin, +1-310-449-2636,
Liz.Morentin@sonybmg.com, or Sara Langerman, +1-310-449-2635,
Sara.Langerman@sonybmg.com, or for TV Opportunities, Kevin Beisler,
+1-646-840-5675, Kevin.Beisler@sonybmg.com

Web site: http://www.jrecords.com/
http://www.redcross.org/
http://www.lasersedge.com/

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