A year ago, Taylor Hicks was a struggling musician unknown to those outside the small Southern clubs where he performed. Today, he is a bona fide TV star and major-label recording artist whose self-titled solo debut hit stores Tuesday.

"It's mind-blowing," Hicks says. "This is what happens when you catch a break."

More than 63 million votes were cast to determine the contest, and the majority chose Hicks over Katherine McPhee as their "American Idol" in May.

He spent the summer touring the country with his fellow "Idol" finalists. When the concert wrapped in September, Hicks began his tutelage with legendary music mogul Clive Davis to craft an album that would be a fitting follow to his star-making "Idol" turn.

It was an "intimidating" experience, Hicks says, describing himself as "stubborn about my artistry and my creative integrity." But he's happy with the result. The album's 12 tracks are "a great representation of me as an artist," he says.

Hicks said he'll spend the holidays in Alabama, "eating some Southern food and lying on the couch watching football."

Next up? A halftime performance during the Orange Bowl on Jan. 2 and a planned nationwide tour to begin in February.

"If I can keep an audience and be a working musician, I'll be happy," he said. "I'm like a traveling musical gypsy, which is what I've always wanted to be."

Catch More Taylor

Hear the songs: www.taylorhicks.com or www.myspace.com/taylorhicks

On TV: Taylor Hicks' release week includes several scheduled appearances, including "Martha Stewart" and "Dr. Phil Christmas Show" (both syndicated), and "Christmas in Washington" (TNT), all today; and "Megan Mullaly" (syndicated) Thursday.

More: Head to a fan blog at www.graycharles.com; Hicks' official Web site is www.taylorhicks.com.