Alabama billboards will tout state's ‘Idols’

Tourism campaign will feature Taylor Hicks, plus Studdard and Bice

A new billboard created by the Alabama Bureau of Tourism and Travel will feature some of the state's most well-known singers.

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updated 10:32 a.m. ET Aug. 3, 2006

MONTGOMERY, Ala. - The state Bureau of Tourism and Travel isn’t missing a beat when it comes to “American Idol” winners Taylor Hicks and Ruben Studdard and finalist Bo Bice.

The agency released artwork Wednesday for billboards featuring the singers from Alabama who became nationally known on the Fox talent competition. The billboards will show photos of the three over the headline, “Where America finds its voice. Alabama.”

Tourism director Lee Sentell said six billboards will be displayed for four months before being moved out of state.

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“The boards will go up shortly before the ‘American Idol’ auditions begin in Birmingham on Aug. 21,” Sentell said.

The show will hold auditions in Birmingham for the first time; 10,000 to 15,000 people are expected to try out.