Taylor Hicks [ tickets ], the exuberant Alabama native who became the most recent winner of Fox-TV's "American Idol" in May, will release his first major label album in December.

The performer's self-titled debut, set to hit stores Dec. 12, will feature 13 tracks, including a pair penned by the singer himself, "Soul Thing" and "The Deal," both of which previously appeared on Hicks' independent release, "Under the Radar."

The set, produced by two-time Grammy winner Matt Serletic (Matchbox Twenty, Santana), features songwriting contributions from Rob Thomas and Diane Warren, among others. Hicks also pays tribute to Marvin Gaye on the album with "Wherever I Lay My Hat," a Gaye composition that was a minor hit for singer Paul Young in the '80s.

Hicks' first single, "Do I Make You Proud," debuted at No. 1 in Billboard's Hot 100 after the singer's "Idol" win in May.

Hicks was crowned the newest "American Idol" in May after beating out fellow contestant Katharine McPhee. Following the pair's final face-off, viewers cast more than 63 million votes to determine the winner.

Previous "Idol" winners and runners up have sold a combined total of 33 million records, according to a press release. That figure includes music from Kelly Clarkson, Clay Aiken, Fantasia, Carrie Underwood, Ruben Studdard and Bo Bice. Clarkson, who was the first-ever "Idol" winner, bears the additional distinction of winning two Grammy awards earlier this year.

Hicks, McPhee and this year's other Top 10 finalists joined forces for a 60-date tour this summer.