Taylor Hicks - Country Influenced album?

I have been getting great, positive Google alerts all day about Taylor. He has announced that he will be playing Teen Angel in the Broadway production of Grease and singing the song Beauty School dropout. Another Google alert I got is from an article in People magazine. Here are some of the quotes I find most interesting.

While in New York City, the Alabama native will also record his country-influenced second album.

"I've been spending a lot of time with songwriters in Nashville," Hicks tells PEOPLE. "I can really breathe creatively without the constraints of a post-Idol album."

He also plans to tackle some serious issues. "It's an election year so there will be some political undertones. I've become a sponge while creating each song, soaking up what's going on whether it's political or about love."

I am a huge fan of country music. Country really is great to the artists. I can’t wait for this CD to come out. My kids and hubby all love country music so maybe with some country influenced Taylor they won’t complain that it is always in the CD player.

And for those worried about Taylor doing Grease here is what he had to say about Grease.

Hicks tells PEOPLE he can't wait to perform in Grease. "I'm truly honored to have a role in such an American institution,"

I so agree with him on this. Grease is my favorite movie. I have never saw the play but still I am sure Taylor will be great at it.