Every artist needs a break. Some wait longer than others, forcing them to relinquish their dreams of making it big while others battle through it. For Taylor Hicks, it was almost a decade on the lonely highways of the south playing gigs anywhere he could to support his two self released independent albums. Along the way he built a grassroots fanbase know as the "Soul Patrol," then came his shining moment. American Idol expanded the Soul Patrol to a national phenomenon and with 63+ million votes cast, Hicks was crowned the fifth champion of America’s favorite television show.

Back on the road for his second major solo headlining tour, Hicks is enjoying every moment of his new success, which he admits at times still feels surreal. The humble superstar still comments, "I’m like a kid in candy store," after speechlessly recounting how he met Basketball Hall of Famer Bill Walton earlier this week in Cleveland (where the two discussed the Grateful Dead). Hicks’ new stardom has also brought plenty of opportunities for him to give back through various charitable endeavors, something he speaks of with genuine compassion and love for helping those less fortunate than he.

It was just over a year ago when Hicks defeated Katherine McPhee in the American Idol season five finale, propelling him into his new superstar status. "Everyday I feel blessed," Taylor tells Boston Music Spotlight from his bus in Ohio. "I feel very thankful for all those people that voted for me. Its amazing how the show really gives you a platform."

For Hicks it was a journey that started long before his American Idol audition in Las Vegas. Despite years of living as a struggling musician, he never gave up on his dream. In the end, it was those hard lessons he learned on the road that made the Idol triumph that much sweeter. "I think it really teaches you how important the artistry is and how important having an opportunity like this is," Hicks says. "Because you go ten years without catching a break so when you realize there’s a opportunity in front of you, you take full advantage if it."

Hicks certainly took full advantage of the resources presented to him for his major label debut, released at the end of last year. "The recording process was pretty intense," admits Hicks before reasoning that he and his label (Artista Records) wanted to get the album released as soon as possible. With the aid of top-notch studio session players and songs penned by the likes of Bryan Adams and Rob Thomas, Hicks had plenty of experienced star-power support. He also managed to push two tracks of his previously released songs, "Soul Thing" and "The Deal" off Under The Radar, onto the new record. This with a trio of cover selections comes together to form an album that Hicks feels embodies who he has been as an artist without succeeding to any new pressures. "I had time to develop myself as an artist," reflects Hicks, "and I was very thankful for [Artista Records] guiding me down the path I started a long time ago.

The album also manages to capture Hicks' eclectic energy as a modern soul artist, which was his distinction on American Idol. Still, nothing captures it better for Hicks himself or his fans than his live performances, which have been taking place non-stop across that nation since February. In addition to the new album, Hicks will also be promoting his inspirational memoir, Heart Full of Soul, which will be released on July 10. "There’s a lot of life lessons you can learn on the roads in the south, as a struggling musician, that you can apply to everyday life," explains Hicks for the novel’s inspiration. "If I can help people in my story and some of my thoughts to get over the hump and really make something of themselves, whether it be in music or any other business, that’s what the book is aimed for."

If any free time permits on the tour bus, Hicks hopes to work on ideas for his next album before returning to the studio this fall to start the songwriting process. With more time expected to be on his side for this project, Hicks plans on recording more of his own material and possibly returning to play guitar on the sophomore release.

Until then, it’s back to life the 30-year old silver haired star loves best: on the road and performing live. He’ll be in Massachusetts this weekend before returning for more New England shows in August. "It’s going to be a lot of fun," boasts Hicks. "My shows are very family orientated. It teaches a lot of kids who don’t know about Supertramp or some jazz stuff, and so it’s a learning process. And it also makes their parents happy to hear some good ole rock ‘n roll."

Taylor Hicks performs at the South Shore Music Circus in Cohasset on Saturday, June 16 and at the Cape Cod Melody Tent on Sunday, June 17. He’ll return to New England for shows in August.