The 45-minute drive from West Hurley to Poughkeepsie might be the most exhilarating car ride of Erica Manfred's life.

For Thursday, that trek will bring the Ulster County music fan to the Mid-Hudson Civic Center in Poughkeepsie, where she'll finally see in person the singer she's only watched on television.

That's when Taylor Hicks, the singer who won the fifth season of "American Idol," brings his 54-city tour to town to the delight of fans like Manfred.

"The music is a funky combination of rock, blues and folk - very unique," said Manfred, who said she hasn't been so touched by a musician in decades. "He's offbeat, sexy and original. I love the gray hair and his dance moves while he performs. I don't get crushes on performers anymore - not since Elvis - but Taylor is an exception."

That's the kind of support that's kept the 30-year-old going since his tour began June 1 in his native Alabama.

"I have a lot of loyal fans and I am very thankful for all of you," Hicks recently told his supporters on his Web site. "I'm very excited about this connection I have with you now."

Hicks was not available for an interview with the Journal before press time, but he was expected to give one after Enjoy! went to press. Check out "Sean's Space" at www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/blogs for the interview.

Before winning a major recording contract by beating out Katharine McPhee on the finale of the 2006 Fox talent search, Hicks had already released two independent CDs: 1997's "In Your Time," followed by "Under the Radar" eight years later.

His self-titled CD, his first since his "American Idol" victory, was certified platinum - that means more than a million units were shipped - and sold almost 300,000 copies in its first week of release. Last month, Hicks released his memoir, "Heart Full of Soul."

None of that success surprises Lisa Brinkley.

The Poughkeepsie resident said she's enjoyed Hicks, his sound and his persona since he first appeared on TV, trying out for the show that would eventually make him a star.

"I've been a fan of Taylor's since his audition. Although I liked others, he ended up being my favorite," Brinkley said of Hicks, who won her over with his covers of "In the Ghetto," "Something" and "Play That Funky Music, White Boy" on the show. "I voted for him constantly. … He made 'A.I.' fun that year."

For Brinkley, Hicks' combination of good music and good image made her a fan.

She said Hicks gives supporters like her "good music, good lyrics and a good time without all that controversy that some of today's music brings." Hence, Brinkley said she's happy to bring her family to Thursday's show.

"Again, it's more that I like the fact that all of us, my kids included, can listen to his albums and that appeal brings us together," she said. "He plays a mean harmonica, which is fun to watch, and he just puts his all into his shows, something that the more experienced and more expensive acts can learn from."

That energy and passion for the music Hicks exhibits is bringing Candy Smith all the way from Mount Holly, N.J., to Poughkeepsie to see her "Idol."

"I have never seen any performer give more than a thousand percent of themselves on the stage. There is something about him that just draws you in and never lets go," said Smith, who will follow up the Poughkeepsie show by seeing Hicks perform in Staten Island and Toms River, N.J., next weekend.

"He seems to feel every note in the song and manages to convey that into his audience. He looks like he goes into another zone all together, and is totally lost in the music and the feeling of it. That comes across in his performance."

While some previous "Idol" winners have tried to distance themselves from the show, Smith said Hicks doesn't bite the hand that made him famous.

"He also seems to be very appreciative of the opportunity that was bestowed upon him," she said.

Manfred is also thankful for the chance to hear the music that's moved her live and up-close in Poughkeepsie.

"I'm an old folkie from the '60s and '70s and Taylor has that vibe - kind of roots music, but with his own twist," she said. "His music is very soulful and really touches me in a way most performers don't."