Who will snap Alabama’s 15-year American Idol winner drought? Auditions are August 16th.

Taylor Hicks
American Idol winner Taylor Hicks will perform at the Birmingham Intermodal Facility Grand Opening in 2018 – via www.eventsfy.com

Who is going to snap the 15-year American Idol drought here in Alabama?

When the long-running talent show launched in the early 2000s it felt like there was going to be a winner or runner-up on the popular show from the Yellowhammer State every year or two. 

Remember when Birmingham’s Ruben Studdard, the “Velvet Teddy Bear” won in season 2? 

In 2005, Helena’s Bo Bice came in 2nd to Carrie Underwood, who would go on to  become a country music superstar. 

And in season 5, another Magic City native, Taylor Hicks, edged out Katherine McPhee after 63.4 audience votes were cast.

Fun fact: The finale that year was seen by a worldwide television audience of 200 million people.

Time to Bring the Crown Home

Last month, American Idol announced via social media virtual audition dates for all 50 states.

Contestants can either reserve a spot for an in-person virtual audition with show producers, or submit an online video audition. The Alabama audition date is August 16th.

Make sure to get all the details on how to participate and set up an audition at the “American Idol” website.

Long History of Our Own American Idols

Montgomery Mural
Nat “King” Cole mural in Montgomery, Alabama. Photo via Pat Byington for The Bama Buzz

Are you going to join the ranks of Alabama’s “original” American Idols? Heroes and Sheroes like (most on this list are in the Alabama Music Hall of Fame) :

  • Nat “King” Cole
  • Hank Williams
  • Percy Sledge
  • Lionel Ritchie
  • Jimmy Buffett
  • Eddie Kendricks
  • Tommy Shaw
  • Emmylou Harris
  • Brittany Howard

Don’t forget to register for the August 16th audition.  You can’t win if you don’t enter.

Who is your favorite Alabama American Idol? Taylor Hicks? Ruben Studdard? Tag us and let us know @thebamabuzz.

Pat Byington
Pat Byington
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