The first time Taylor Hicks appeared on "American Idol 5" it was apparent that his was a talent not to be ignored. He was an individual in a world filled with cookie-cutter plastic pop stars.

It was also evident that judge Simon Cowell was not predisposed to give the gray-haired, Joe Cocker-movin', mouth-harp playin', soul singer a chance.

But the audience knew best. The audience hungered for someone like Hicks who felt the music from the top of his head to the bottom of his feet and never apologized for his unique style.

In the end, Hicks, who performs Saturday at the Paragon Casino Resort's Mari Center in Marksville, won the pop competition that in the past few years has taught Cowell and his other British cohorts that an American music idol isn't about creating pop stars.

America recognizes talent and celebrates individuality. America picks idols for their talent regardless of the particular genre that artist suits.

Hicks follows in the footsteps of Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Fantasia, Clay Aiken, Chris Daughtry, Bucky Covington, Kelli Pickler and Bo Bice who have carved their own paths through pop, country, contemporary, R&B and country music.

All have transcended the "pop idol" image given us in the 1980s and 1990s.

Hicks, a 29-year-old Alabama boy, is creating his own musical style -- blending pop, soul and blues into a genre that could only have come from a true Son of the South where Dixieland jazz, Delta blues, gospel, Southern rock, rockabilly and honky-tonk were bottle fed babies in their cradles. Another Son of the South, Ray Charles, is Hicks' musical hero.

"I started listening to Ray Charles at an early age," Hicks said in an interview with MTV's Corey Ross earlier this year. "I guess when everybody else was listening to Blind Melon, I was listening to Ray Charles. He was the foundation for my musicality."

A testament to Hicks' talent is his first Idol single, "Do I Make You Proud." The song debuted at No. 1 even though, as Cowell rightfully described it, the song was a second-class cheesy pop ballad unworthy of Hicks' talent. That talent, however, made the so-so song a hit.

Hicks self-titled first album, "Taylor Hicks," has been on Billboard's Top 200 chart for 14 weeks peaking at No. 2. His first hit single off the CD, "Heaven Knows," has been on the singles chart for four weeks and is at No. 24.

He told MTV that "The songs are great, and I am emotionally attached to each one of them." That's what fans have come to expect from Hicks. He is all about entertainment.

Concertgoers will be treated to up-tempo songs and soaring ballads as well as softer tunes, but all will have that trademark gritty soulful voice Idol fans came to love. Fans are also sure to be treated to some of his famous harmonica playing as well.