TAMPA, Fla. - "Soul Patrol" recording artist Taylor Hicks paid a visit to the Republican National Convention's Radio Row Thursday afternoon ahead of his scheduled musical performance this evening, and told reporters he was excited to be part of the event.
Hicks, 35, of Birmingham, Ala., rose to fame after his soulful music carried him to victory on the 5th season of American Idol in 2006.
Hicks admitted that he was not a Republican.
"I actually had (Barack Obama's campaign anthem) 'Yes We Can' on my last record," he said.
But, he said, he was still resolving his political position.
"I'm figuring that out. I'm navigating the waters," he said.
Meanwhile, Hicks said, he was "just thrilled to be a part of the political process," and thought the Romney/Ryan ticket was strong. He also offered some advice of his own for Romney's keynote speech Thursday evening.
"He needs to connect with the audience," he said. "I think he needs to make sure that his values can connect."
