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From the start of American Idol, Alabama has proved it's chock-full of homegrown talent.

Between 2003 and 2006, Alabama produced two American Idols and one runner up.

Birmingham's Ruben Studdard earned the top title in 2003, Â鶹´«Ã½'s Bo Bice was runner up to American Idol Carrie Underwood in 2005, and in 2006, Birmingham native Taylor Hicks became the American Idol.

Hicks put his heart into his Idol audition and two judges voted for him. Simon Cowell famously did not, predicted Hicks would never make it to the final round. Hicks didn't flinch, eventually forcing Cowell to eat those words.

"I'm partial to that season, you know," Hicks recalled. I think obviously being on Idol at that time when it was so big - it was an amazing run."

Since Idol, Hicks has been a constant on the touring circuit, gracing stages around the world. He recently made his debut on Nashville's Grand Ole Opry.

"That's such a great audience for me," Hicks says. "My music really resonates in the Opry House."

Hicks has also dipped his toe into acting, starring in a production of the iconic musical, Grease.

He's tight with his fellow American Idols, especially, "the winners around my era, Carrie, Fantasia, Ruben's from Birmingham," Hicks said.

All these years later, Hicks still watches American Idol, picks his favorites and cheers them on - all the way.

"To be part of this family is a blessing."

You can bet Hicks is holding out hope another Alabamian will one day reclaim the title he is so proud do hold - American Idol.

American Idol is currently on Season 23, which you can watch Sundays at 7 p.m. on WAAY 31.