To help close out the Big E, West Springfield's two-week long fair extravaganza, organizers have brought aboard season five American Idol winner Taylor Hicks. He is set to perform Saturday, Sept. 29 at 8 p.m.

With a salt and pepper mane, soulful gyrations and catalog of blues-pop songs, Hicks quickly gained popularity in the nation's biggest singing competition as the anti-pop star. Such attributes made him everything every contestant wasn't, which apparently resonated with the home audience.

Unfortunately for Hicks, his relevance since the show has waned, a fate suffered by every other American Idol winner, save for Kelly Clarkson. Case in point, Hicks' performance is free, while season five runner-up Chris Daughtry drew enough interest to charge admission when he performed at the Big E only two weeks prior.

Regardless, Hicks organic song-and dance routine makes him a natural born performer, so if nothing else, people should expect an entertaining show. And the price is right.

The Big E is located at 1305 Memorial Avenue, West Springfield, Mass. More information at www.thebige.com.