‘American Idol’ Taylor Hicks signs record deal

NEW YORK — Taylor Hicks has taken step two on his “American Idol”-fueled career, signing the record contract that comes with winning the hit show.

The gray-haired crooner inked a pact with music mogul Clive Davis in conjunction with 19 Recordings Unlimited, the label managed by “AI” creator Simon Fuller, it was announced Wednesday.

The 29-year-old Alabama native’s recording of two songs — “Do I Make You Proud,” which he performed in the show’s finale, and a soulful cover of the Doobie Brothers classic “Takin’ It to the Streets” — will be released in stores and through digital outlets on June 13.

With Davis’ guidance, Hicks is expected to release a full-length album later this year.

In a recent interview with The Associated Press, Davis, who has molded the careers of previous “Idol” winners, said he thinks Hicks has charisma and a unique singing style that will help him establish his pop audience.

“He definitely has his own sound,” Davis told the AP. “He does have that gift, you know who it is when you hear him.”