American Idol 2006 winner Taylor Hicks releases “Teach Me to Dance” ahead of Grand Ole Opry debut
On the day that Taylor Hicks, makes his Grand Ole Opry debut, the American Idol season 5 winner releases his new single, “Teach Me to Dance.” Victoria Shaw (Garth Brooks) and Candy Parton (Conway Twitty), penned the sentimental waltz.
The track, which the Alabama native describes as ‘the perfect wedding song,’ comes complete with a lyric video made up of fan-submitted wedding shots, as Taylor celebrates a milestone in his own life.”
A surprise invitation to perform at the Grand Ole Opry
During an appearance on 650 AM WSM’s “Coffee, Country & Cody,” the hosts surprised Taylor with the invitation to make his Opry debut. “Teach Me to Dance” follows “Porch Swing” as the second single set for Taylor’s forthcoming album, recorded at Zac Brown’s Southern Ground Studio in Nashville.
Taylor Hicks’ New Single, A New Album is Coming (Exclusive)
“Growing up as a southern musician, being able to be called ‘in the circle’ is something that dreams are made of.” Taylor shared with People about his Opry debut. “Also being a Nashvillian for so long, the Opry is the ever-flowing musical river of Music City. To be a part of the Opry is truly an honor and a blessing.”
As far as the song is concerned, the writers intended it for another singer. “She stood up, ran downstairs and had a CD in her hand,” Taylor told People magazine about a studio session he and Shaw had together. “The story is that Garth Brooks absolutely adored ‘Teach Me to Dance’ but never cut it. When she played it for me, I knew immediately that this was a song for me. I’m thrilled it’s the new single!”
“Teach me to Dance” comes after Taylor’s first single in 14 years
The singer debuted “Porch Swing,” his first official single release in 14 years, on “The Bobby Bones Show” and also performed the ballad on The Kelly Clarkson Show.
Taylor appeared as himself and performed “Porch Swing” in Samuel Goldwyn Films’ 2021 romantic comedy Stars Fell on Alabama. His acting roles also include starring in Serenbe Playhouse’s 2019 production of Shenandoah, touring as Teen Angel in Grease, appearing on Law & Order: SVU and hosting the INSP series State Plate (available now to watch on Amazon Prime and Peacock.)
Since winning American Idol’s season five finale, Taylor was the first alum to land a Las Vegas residency. He also co-owns Saw’s Juke Joint in his hometown of Birmingham, crowned one of the “25 Best Barbecue Spots in America” by Men’s Journal.
