Q&A With Taylor Hicks

Taylor Hicks has many reasons for singing a happy tune. Still riding the wave from his American Idol success, this Southern native has been on the road touring, falling in love and promoting his book of memoirs called Heart Full Of Soul. While he was enjoying an afternoon break, Hicks took a few minutes tell to Star's Ilyssa Panitz what's behind the smile on his face.

WHY WRITE THE BOOK NOW?
I feel like I am at a point where I can share my past, such as experiences American Idol, with the public. I also think there is a lot from childhood people will enjoy learning about such as how I got to this point.

SO WHAT FROM YOUR CHILDHOOD WILL SHOCK YOUR FANS?
I was a little bit of pyromaniac from the second to third grade. I loved lighting matches.

WHY PICK THE TITLE HEART FULL OF SOUL?
It is kind of like me I am full soul.

YOU TALK ABOUT LESSONS YOU LEARNED. WHAT IS THE BIGGEST LESSON YOU'VE LEARNED?
I think the biggest lesson came from winning American Idol. It was there I gained confidence, preference and drive. I didn't have that when I started but when the fans kept responding that was the key thing to finding those things.

DO YOU KEEP IN TOUCH WITH ANY OF YOUR AMERICAN IDOL FRIENDS?
I talk to Chris Daughtry and Elliot [Yamin].

YOU ALSO LOST A LOT OF WEIGHT. HOW DO YOU MANAGE TO KEEP IT OFF?
Yes, that is going good. Because I am still touring, I run around on stage and that keeps you active and on the move.

SO ARE YOU OFF THE MARKET?
(Laughs.) I might be. But I will say I am very happy.

CAN YOU CONFIRM THE WOMAN MAKING YOU BLUSH IS CAROLINE LYDERS?
(Laughs.) That might be correct. I don't want to say anything else on this other than I am very happy.

WAS WRITING THE BOOK THERAPEUTIC?
Yes, very therapeutic. It also kept me grounded.

WHAT'S NEXT ON YOUR PLATE?
I want to take some time off to write a record in the fall.

WHAT'S YOUR REACTION TO KELLY CLARKSON DISSING CLIVE DAVIS?
She used artistic expression so I am proud of her for standing for what she believes in.

SO ONCE THE TOUR WRAPS, WHERE WILL YOU AND YOUR SWEETIE LIKE TO CHILL OUT? Some beach, somewhere soon — I kind of like panhandle of Florida.