Born October 6, 1976. Is an American pop-soul singer, songwriter, and musician. He was an independent artist for the span of a decade before rising to prominence as the winner of the fifth season of American Idol. Upon winning American Idol, Hicks was immediately signed to Clive Davis' record company, Arista Records. His energetic stage performances and throwback to classic soul music have gained him a following of devout fans, who have dubbed themselves the "Soul Patrol".