[Amy Smithers](/columnists/Amy+Smithers)  
3/19/2006

Unusual American Idol contestant a great role model for youth too concerned with perfection.

Though he's only 29 years old, American Idol contender Taylor Hicks has a full head of grey hair, and he's not afraid to flaunt it. The Alabama born blues singer may seem an unlikely winner, but many viewers are singing the praises of his individuality and genuine nature.  
  
Host Ryan Seacrest jokingly suggested on a recent show that Hicks was being pressured by Idol producers to update his look. He, however, has no intention of modifying his style, and the fans seem to like him that way.  
  
"Grey-haired idol" was one of the top Yahoo searches this month, and multiple fan sites have popped up quickly for the singer, such as [www.graycharles.com;](http://www.graycharles.com; "www.graycharles.com;") a tribute to his hair and his musical influence, Ray Charles.