<p class="wp-block-paragraph" style="text-align:center"><strong>GRAMMY®-WINNING, PLATINUM-SELLING<br> AMERICAN IDOL TAYLOR HICKS TO CO-HOST <br> ALABAMA BICENTENNIAL CONCERT<br> AND FINALE PRESENTATION WITH JETT WILLIAMS ON DEC. 14 IN MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA</strong></p>



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<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>MONTGOMERY, Ala.</strong> – On Saturday, Dec. 14, GRAMMY®-winning, platinum-selling American Idol Taylor Hicks returns to his home state for the grand finale of Alabama’s Bicentennial Celebration in Montgomery, Ala. The recent appointee to the Alabama Music Hall of Fame Board is set to co-host the Alabama Bicentennial Concert and Finale Presentation with fellow Alabama native, Jett Williams, the daughter of Hank Williams. <br><br> Sponsored by the Alabama Tourism Department and the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, the Concert and Finale Presentation, hosted by Hicks and Williams, concludes the three-year long bicentennial commemoration with performances by popular musicians from Alabama and the history of Alabama presented in a never-before-seen way. ;<br><br> The free, day-long celebration, which begins at 10 a.m., also includes a parade of Alabama people, places and history, the official dedication of Alabama Bicentennial Park by Governor Kay Ivey and exhibitions, performances, presentations and open houses throughout the capital. Major bicentennial sponsors, including Coca-Cola Bottling United, Regions and Alabama Power, will be on hand with activities and giveaways. The Alabama Tourism Department, Conservation and Natural Resources, State Department of Education and other agencies will join Alabama Public Television, Alabama Cattlemen’s Association, Alabama Kiwanis and others to make sure all ages are inspired, educated and entertained.  ;<br><br> Since winning &#8220;American Idol&#8217;s&#8221; record-breaking season five finale, Hicks has gone on to achieve RIAA-certified Platinum status, win a ;GRAMMY® and secure a prestigious Las Vegas residency. Hicks&#8217; theatrical and television roles include touring as Teen Angel in the popular Broadway musical “Grease,” starring as Charlie Anderson in the Serenbe Playhouse production of “Shenandoah” in addition to appearing on “Law &; Order: SVU” and hosting the INSP series &#8220;State Plate.&#8221; ; ;Hicks is set to release his highly-anticipated, third album next year. The deeply personal, roots-inspired collection was recorded at Zac Brown’s Southern Ground studio in Nashville with contributions from GRAMMY®-winning musician Keb&#8217; Mo as well as Robert Randolph. Produced by Hicks along with ;GRAMMY®-winning guitarist Bryan Sutton, the project will bring Hicks back on the road for extensive touring. ;</p>