Taylor Hicks crowned American Idol winner

May 25, 2006 the 29-year-old, Alabama, native was crowned the fifth season winner of American Idol. Taylor received the majority of the 63.4 million votes cast after Tuesday night's two-hour performance show.

The finale was broadcast on and, from the  in.

Hicks got a recording contract with the as his prize. His first single is called "Do I Make You Proud" written by Tracy Ackerman, Andrew Watkins and.

Hicks is expected to release an album in the upcoming months.