American Idol winner and Auburn alumnus Taylor Hicks’ message of faith and opportunity highlights Women’s Philanthropy Board’s Winter Workshop

“Opportunity creates luck,” was one of the key messages American Idol season five winner Taylor Hicks drove home to a packed ballroom inside The Hotel at Auburn University and Dixon Conference Center as he shared his journey to American Idol and music stardom at the Women’s Philanthropy Board 2025 Winter Workshop and Luncheon on Wednesday, Feb. 26.

The Winter Workshop themed “Made in Alabama… Made by Alabamians” was headlined by Hicks but the full day of activities was centered around businesses and products that are made in Alabama and made by Alabamians.

Before and after the luncheon, those in attendance had the opportunity to attend a Made in Alabama Showcase with featured presenters from vendors that included Carmen Jordan of RAPA Automotive, Ellen Ellis Burkett of Priester’s Pecans, Jenna Collins of Prodigal Pottery, Anna Yeager Brakefield of Redland Cotton, Christy Breed of Orbix Hot Glass, Elizabeth Adams of ExVoto Vintage Jewelry and more. Other businesses in the showcase included Hornsby Farms, Laura Murray Creative, Coast & Cotton, Exceptional Foundation of East Alabama, Bonnie Plants and Scarlet & Gold.

Magnolia James Boutique of Auburn served as the presenting sponsor and was recognized for its support of the Women’s Philanthropy Board Distinguished Speakers Fund that supports the organization’s efforts to feature prominent speakers at its educational programs.

Brooke Slezak, owner of Magnolia James Boutique, spoke on what it means to her and her business to be a valuable supporter of the Women’s Philanthropy Board and its mission and programs. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in communications which also included a minor in philanthropy and nonprofit studies in the College of Human Sciences.

“When I opened Magnolia James, I thought it would be a great way to continue my philanthropic work through the store as well, doing events and sponsoring events like this, and being a member of WPB. I think it's critical for a business to thrive, to give back and not only help the community but give glory to God and kind of keep it all together as one with community and faith.”

Slezak introduced Hicks as the keynote speaker who addressed the crowd for several minutes as he spoke of his valuable time spent at Auburn as a student, his journey to American Idol stardom and the importance of relying on faith, family and his friends.

Faith and taking an uncomfortable risk are a main reason Hicks is where he is today. Hicks shared the story of how he ultimately ended up at tryouts for American Idol in Las Vegas back in 2005.

After attending a friend’s wedding in New Orleans, some unfortunate timing occurred as the wedding coincided with the arrival of Hurricane Katrina that caused mass evacuations to reach safety and out of harm’s way. Because of this, Hicks rode in a taxi for several hours to get out of New Orleans to West Monroe, Louisiana. After renting a vehicle to get back to Birmingham, Hicks called Southwest Airlines to explain he was displaced from the hurricane and received a free ticket to fly anywhere in the country. Being 27 years-old at the time, Hicks chose Las Vegas and flew there on a whim. Ultimately, it turned out to be the exact place Hicks was supposed to be.

“I got to Las Vegas around 1 in the morning and received a call and it’s my brother telling me that American Idol tryouts were in 45 minutes,” said Hicks. “Initially, I said ‘I don’t want to do all that’ but then I thought, you know what? Maybe there’s a reason why I’m in Las Vegas?”

After getting in line and being interviewed, he was pushed to the front of the line and upon completing the audition, the rest is history as they say—as Hicks went on to win the fifth season of American Idol in 2006—a historic television event which drew an audience of more than 200 million viewers.

“When I was given that one chance and opportunity for me, I like to say, ‘opportunity creates luck’ and when I have younger performers or artists that want to make it, I just tell them that,” said Hicks. “You never know when that opportunity is going to arise, but you must put yourself in situations that are sometimes uncomfortable. I think I’m here today for the purpose of inspiration and inspiring kids and people to say you do have a voice and you do have an opportunity to find your way in whatever way that you want to.”