What’s the key to a former Idol’s success on the singing competition? Stop yapping on your mobile!

Taylor Hicks wants to let all you American Idols-to-be in on a little secret: How to REALLY win Fox’s singing competition. Sure, picking the perfect songs each week, being original and singing your heart out are all important, but the key component, says Taylor, 33, is to get ditch your cell phone!

“I always like to say, ‘Don’t use your cell phones.’” Taylor, 33, told HollywoodLife.com exclusively Jan. 6 at the BCS National Championship party in Pasadena, Calif.

But why? Chatting and gabbing away will destroy the contestant’s most valuable asset: Their voice! “You know, you start talking on your cell phone and your voice gets hoarse. So all the family and all the friends who keep calling you, tell them it’s not good for you to be using your voice.”

Idol hopefuls should really trust the gray-haired singer, who’s currently on tour with Grease as Teen Angel. He certainly knows a thing or two about winning — after all, he did take the American Idol title away from fan favorites Katharine McPhee and Elliott Yamin in 2006.

Another piece of advice Taylor offers is something he learned the hard way after wearing way too many pairs of acid-washed jeans: Make the right fashion choice! “[My regret is] I probably wouldn’t have worn some of the shirts that I might have worn!”

Don’t forget the denim, Taylor. We still haven’t!

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3. It’s Not Just Reality TV: Why We Need ‘American Idol’ — A Show That Actually Rewards Talent!