New York, NY (Top40 Charts) Though American Idol comes to an end tonight, Hicks' television career is going full steam ahead. He has recently been announced as the host of
State Plate, a new food and travel series on INSP, to premiere this fall.
State Plate will celebrate the unique food traditions of all 50 states. "In each episode we dig into the distinctive foods of a particular state," said Doug Butts, SVP of Programming at INSP. "Unlike most food shows, we won't be touring restaurants; this is about the food itself, how it is grown and the people who bring it to our dinner tables. What emerges is the trivia and unknown stories behind our states' most emblematic foods."
Taylor Hicks is no stranger to great cuisine, as the singer is a partner inSaw's Juke Joint in Birmingham, Ala.
"Taylor's wide popularity, experience as a restaurateur, and down-home charm make him an ideal host for a traveling food series." Butts said. "In each episode of
State Plate, he travels to a particular state, where he will 'assemble' a plate filled with the food most associated with that state. He'll sample everything from crab cakes in Maryland and peaches in Georgia; to chili in
Texas and potatoes in Idaho. As he makes his way from coast to coast, Taylor will visit farms, ranches, markets, festivals, and other diverse and unusual locales. In the process, viewers share in the journey as he uncovers the rich details behind each state's unique food traditions. It's a heaping helping of America's most beloved cuisine, rich in history, folklore, and flavor."
"State Plate has tested very well, and audiences agree that this series complements and enhances INSP's family-oriented schedule," Butts said. "We are thrilled that viewers will be taking this journey with such a beloved personality as Taylor Hicks.
State Plate is produced by RIVR Media.
As the nation prepares to say a fond farewell to FOX-TV's American Idol tonight, Hicks returns to the show that made him a star, one last time.
Taylor will be among those that will perform on the series' final episode, airing at 8/7c.
"I'm so grateful for the platform that American Idol gave me as a performer and a recording artist," said Hicks. "I'm looking forward to returning to the show one last time."
Taylor also has a fast-filling slate of tour dates woven into his taping schedule, stretching well into the fall. His 2016 tour includes more stops next week in his hometown of Birmingham, continuing on through Georgia, Tennessee, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, and more!
TAYLOR HICKS ON TOUR:
Apr. 14 Cox Capital Theatre / Macon, Ga.
Apr. 15 Lyric Theatre / Birmingham, Ala.
Apr. 16
Franklin Theatre / Franklin, Tenn.
Apr. 17 Lyric Theatre / Birmingham, Ala.
Apr. 21 StageOne - Fairfield Theatre / Fairfield, Conn.
Apr. 22 World Cafe Live / Wilmington, Delaware
Apr. 23 Avalon Theatre / Easton, MD
Apr. 24 New Hope Winery / New Hope, Pa.
May 04 Dick Clark's American Bandstand Theatre / Branson, Missouri
May 26 The Tobin Center / San Antonio, Texas
Jun. 04 PRIVATE / Hilton Head Island, S.C.
Jun. 11 Flat Rock Summer Blast / Flat Rock, Mich.
Jun. 16 Daryl's House / Pawling, N.Y.
Jun. 17 Flying Monkey Performance Center / Plymouth, N.H.
Jun. 24 Center for the Arts / Natick, Mass.
Jun. 25 Opera House / Boothbay Harbor, Maine
Jul. 08 Downtown Rutland / Rutland, VT
Jul. 09 Katherine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center / Old Saybrook, CT
Oct. 29 Halloran Centre at the Orpheum / Memphis, Tenn.
Nov. 26 Island View Casino / Gulfport, Miss.
Dec. 01
Black Oak Casino / Tuolumne City, Calif.
Dec. 04 Cache Creek Casino Resort / Brooks, Calif.
For more information, visit TaylorHicks.com and follow him on Twitter,Facebook and Instagram.
