Taylor Hicks: Idol Karma?
Published May 21, 2006
Taylor Hicks had been in New Orleans the night before Hurricane Katrina hit, he encountered problems trying to evacuate the city, but he succeeded. Handling matters in a diplomatic manner, the airline responded in kind, providing him a free ticket anywhere in the country.
He had planned to attend the Memphis September 5th, American Idol auditions, but they were cancelled; Memphis could not take in the American Idol crowds with incoming victims from Katrina requiring shelter. Instead of forfeiting his efforts to try out for this show, Taylor later used that free ticket to attend the Las Vegas auditions.
In the Vegas audition, he performed accappella, Sam Cooke's classic, "A Change is Gonna Come". This performance awarded another ticket for Hicks, the 'golden ticket' to Hollywood. (Thanks to support from judges Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul who overruled judge Cowell.) This song has been adopted by Hicks' fanbase as an anthem, perhaps the first karmatically selected song choice
The Soulman performed; the audition and song stand as the defining moment the silver-haired young man attracted the attention of his now currently burgeoning fanbase. Previously casual American Idol watchers as well as folks who have never watched this show have morphed into devoted viewers - and voters. A change is gonna come, indeed.
"Will it Go 'round in Circles" was a song Taylor Hicks performed while on his hometown visit in Alabama. This song is included in Hicks' regular repertoire he and his band perform. Mr. Hicks has been unabashedly upfront with the media and his fanbase in his desire to win this talent show.
Considering how fans of this insanely popular show spend much of their time and personal funds to promote their favorite, it is rewarding to see and hear Taylor Hicks declare consistantly, heartily and passionately, his desire to win. His 'shout outs' of "Soul Patrol", the repeated expressions of thanks to that fanbase, following every televised performance, including all of his recent Alabama appearances are truly indicative of a man as devoted to his fans as they are apparently devoted to him.
Taylor Hicks uniquely demonstrates gratefullness vociferously, in a way not often seen in the world of celebrity. But 'will it go 'round in circles'? Will all the love and affection deliver Taylor Hicks the Idol win?
Taylor has performed memorable songs such as Elton John's "Levon", he gave his heart and soul to The Doobie Brothers' "Taking it to the Streets," demonstrating fierce energy, "Trouble" by Ray LaMontagne showcased brilliant vocal attributes, as well as did "Something," by George Harrison. His performance, "In the Ghetto" by Elvis Presley artfully breathed new life into an old song.
- Taylor Hicks: Idol Karma?
- Published: May 21, 2006
- Type: Opinion
- Section: Video
- Filed Under: Music: News, Video: Music, Video: News, Video: Television
- Writer: Jewels Richardson
- Jewels Richardson's BC Writer page
- Jewels Richardson's personal site
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I see a pure love of the music in Taylor. He is going to be making music somewhere, whether or not he wins the American Idol contest. All I see out of Katharine is someone looking out only for herself. I don't see ANY of the sheer love of music that should be in someone who is an American Idol. Lord, I hope Taylor wins. You can be sure that I will be voting...and I have NEVER voted before.
Tom, I would be very interested in hearing your theory as would others. Please do share in this blog. Thanks for your input. Regarding his desire for a tour bus and going on the road, how very Taylor is that? He is bursting to share his music. I read the USA Interviews and you're right, completely sizes up the motivation and heart of each of them. Could they be more polar opposites?
Melanie, I am so glad to hear you'll be voting like never before, as will I and many others.
Ms. Davis, thank you. Took me long enough to muddle through. (Being Sunday I did not want to pull on your editing expertise.) I am so pumped about Tuesday!
Check out this weeTV Guide (at a discount price - only 49 cents): GREAT feature on AI with a really nice segment on each of the top 3 and even a bit on Chris. The Taylor stuff... whoo! And he looks like a star in that buttoned-down white shirt with the rolled sleeves.
Okay, here goes on why the AI voting system guarantees a micro-thin voting margin when it's down to the last two or three. I'll try to be as brief as I can.
The problem is that for any given second during the voting period, there are only "x" number of phone lines available to accept votes. (As any of us who have tried to vote, we know that all lines are busy the vast majority of the time.)
Okay, for example purposes, let's say that for any given second, there are 1000 available lines to register a vote for each contestant. During that second, if Contestant A has 1100 people calling in to vote for them, and Contestant B has 2500 people calling in to vote for them, each contestant will be credited with exactly 1000 votes, since that's the max available. And that 1000 total votes per second will apply to each second during the voting period where each contestant has more than 1000 voters calling in, even if one, again, has 1100 per second and the other has 2500 per second.
Other than text message votes, the ONLY way one contestant can pick up votes over the other is in the limited number of seconds when less than 1000 votes are cast in a second for one contestant. In this example, say Contestant A receives 950 votes in one second, and Contestant B receives 2000 votes, Contestant B will gain exactly 50 votes over Contestant A (since 1000 is the max).
I hope this makes sense to everyone. The bottom line is that, with the voting system in place, it is almost impossible for one contestant to gain huge numbers of votes over another contestant, even if there is a huge difference in the number of people voting for each contestant.
The only variable is text messaging, which apparently does not have a per-second limitation. For that reason, my wife and I will both be text messaging a lot of votes tomorrow night. For Taylor, of course.
Tom
Ho come on--did you see SNL last night? It started out with a long American Idol joke, performed by two time Oscar winner Kevin Spacey and then in the news update who came to visit? A parody of Taylor Hicks and I thought that is it--he's gonna make it, cause people like to laugh not only about him, but more important WITH him.
If I had the chance to vote and I may will just do that--I will for the grey ghost! The chick is cool, but she blends in like a Pepsi commercial at the Super Bowl.
Sorry, that is just my opinion and I saw him in the first shows and he seemed a bit embarrassed because of his hair, age etc. but now he is going to be the big surprise! Hollywood: anything goes, as long as it is unique. And he definetely is. He found his niche and he will be successful with it.
Good Luck Taylor, not only your name has star qualities--to me you sticked out of the crowd from the beginning and with some singing lessons you may be on Elvis' foot prints, or maybe just Joe Cocker's and Ray Charles'
Just Joe Cocker's and Ray Charles'? Wow, I'd settle for that.
I was lucky to saw Ray Charles live on tour and he was blowing you away. I know that is a long way for that Idol guy Taylor; I meant to say that Ray Charles is one of his obvious role models and yeah--Cooker as well. What do you think of Taylor, NR?
Mark, SNL has been great for him, such a great compliment in their wacky way. Statement, he is distinct, original - qualities that help pave the way in the entertainment business. I had heard along the grapevine, there's a possibility for him to make an actual appearance on SNL in the future. They would love to have him. Sort of a which is the real Taylor, or the duelling Taylors!
I agree, in the audition phase in Las Vegas and first several shows he did seem shy, but I could see in his eyes determination, fire and desire.
Jewels! You are right and I would prefer Taylor Hicks than seeing that Paris Bimbo Hilton for sure at any given Saturday night anyhow. And I bet that if he will win the contest that he will maybe even open the new season--he would bring some freshness into that same ol same ol business that is called fighting wanna be Divas and paparazi escaping but paparazi addicted crap shooters.
Let's even cross our toes for him. But I think he will make it.
Oh wow--you do love him, yo really really do love him! lol Wonderful. So we three agree and we are stating the general public--sure thing! Votes are in--a clear win for the grey ghost Taylor Hicks! YEAH!
I love your article, Ms. Davis. A fabulous summation. I stopped by the A.I. boards briefly today and bumped your article up on top again today for the Soul Patrollers that missed it previously, so they could read it - it took off again. It's very heartfelt and sums up how a lot of fans feel about Taylor.
The article is still being discussed over there? Shelf life over there is about 10 minutes. Interesting. I'm not wild about that board; much too crazy and too many meanspirited posters. Being a Taylor fan doesn't mean someone has to hate any other contestant and vice versa. There are some people there (a relative few, of course) that are taking this way too seriously and saying things I expect they'll regret when all the hoopla subsides.
I've text votes for Taylor from week 1. Taylor is one of a kind-he is a 'southern gentleman', is handsome (love that great smile), not at all arrogant, just confident and loves what he does.
I love his voice (I am a Ray Charles, Joe Cocker fan), I love his moves and I loved the latest sexy 'woos' he added in 'You are so Beautiful'-a lot is written about Taylor but women think he is very sexy..full of charisma, makes people forget the troubles in our screwed up world and smile..we love him!!! Taylor has so many fans worldwide (unfortunately not all can vote for him) that if Fox or anyone gave him his own TV show they would also have 'instant fans that go with Taylor - he would be an exciting and refreshing outlet (from all the trash on TV). Taylor needs to be on TV!!! Keep those text messages coming.
I think there is only one Taylor and many many Katharine's around. Therefore my vote goes to somebody who breathes music out of his very being.
That shy guy, who at his audition, said "Just give me a chance", has almost come full circle.
Wouldn't it be awesome to see the confetti falling down on "the real deal" for a change! Not just an American Idol, but a real American Dream! A guy who wants to have a bus to tour the country making music, maybe get a little place by a lake where he can look at the water, and have a girl, who can among other things, cook turnip greens. A humble guy, who is overwhelmed by his fans' support - It doesn't get much better than this!
We've got your back, Taylor! We love you - no matter what the outcome this week. Congratulations for making it this far, and thank you for the renewed spirit you've given us!
Let's rally round folks! TH needs all of our votes. Your time and effort will be rewarded when you see his smile on Wednesday night!
Azure, love your post. I too adore his take on life and what he deems important. He's a real person with actual natural talent. Less than 48 hours.
Bravo on hitting the nail on the head yet again!
Yes, Karms is an interesting thing, Taylor is a
winner in my book no matter what the outcome!
Love from Canada
Hi Barb! Thanks for stopping by; just over 24 hours for the last performance then on to the next challenge.
He was so cool in Alabama. Loved the turn-out everywhere.
Hey
Great post!! It says exactly how I feel about Taylor and more!!
I don't live in the US so I can't vote, but all I can say is VOTE LIKE MAD GUYS!!!!!! TEXT AND PHONE, IT DOESN'T MATTER!! JUST VOTE VOTE VOTE
I really hope Taylor wins. You've got what it take to be the next American Idol... the one and only Soul Patrol!
Love ya!
Maybe Taylor should sing something by McDonald tonight. His voice is similar but Taylor is totally more exciting to watch. I can't wait until he has the whole stage to himself and can add his harmonica. Just a totally wonderful "real" man. Go Taylor! Let's not stop voting until the whole two hours are up.
Actually, phones will be open for voting tonight for FOUR hours. Get those dialing/texting fingers ready and take a nap beforehand!
I have been a Taylor fan from day one at the audition.This is my first AI,I was watching because I heard how funny some of the people were.But I quickly seen that some could really sing.And then in walked Taylor,& my life ain't been the same.""I just want to be heard""I hope all his dreams come true.I know he is going to win.I love his voice,music.Takes me back to a time I thought was gone for ever.vote""vote""vote""for Taylor
Katharine's fans may be hot with McPheever, but Hicks'fans spreading the globe like wildfire.
Evidence of Taylor Hicks' global appeal is becoming more prevalent. In an article written by Mike Brantely with al.com his research lead to these comments from folks far and abroad:
We've got 4 hours to vote tonight!
Well i'm from Singapore,Taylor have fans here too,i love to see him be the AI.From day 1 (the audition)i knew he'll will succeed,he's different compare to the past 4 AI.He is unique,he has his own signature move and he really moves me. Unfortunately we won't be able to vote him but we support him with our heart and soul.
Go Taylor,go soul patrol!!!
Thank you for giving the word from Singapore! At my house, we have 3 go phones working and I have the boring trying to get the reg. cell and land lines through. I multi-task so answering comments too. Can't get through land lines, but we're doing great on text.
Simon Cowell said, "You, Taylor Hicks, have just won American Idol!". He tonight admitted three times he was wrong about Tay. How sweeeet it is. Let's hope the numbers add up. Can't get thru the land lines. We're Texting tho on 3 go phones.
I dialed for nearly two hours straight - landline; so far, only one vote went through successfully. (I'll take busy singals as a good sign.) Had to take a break when my eyes went blurry, but will start up again in five.
How about that Simon Cowell?
GO TAYTAY!
Vote - vote - vote, people! landline 'til it hurts or makes you crosseyed. Text 'til your fingers bleed. Only 90 minutes to go on the east coast!
Ms, Davis it was like I was on a hot streak - got 6 cell calls in a row. Freaked me out a moment, then I checked DIAL IDOL:
1
Taylor Hicks 71.759 1.273 -
2
Katharine McPhee 63.026 1.457
Of course the California, West coast still out. I pulled short straw again this week, and got the bloody cell and landlines, BUT my liberal neighbor (yet good friend - I'm really more Libertarian than Conservative) and Daughtry fan and I had a bet - which I won, so she had to take the land line I'm holding the cell and re-dialing. She's had not much luck land line - one call thru - her first. I'm feeding her wine, so she should be good for another hour. Have two household members with GO Phones still going until they run out ($$) - they've lost count on how many votes...
Keep going gal!
We'll see. DialIdol is reporting Tay with 10 percentage points over Kat, but as you said, Cali just started voting and has three hours and 40 minutes to go. Surely there are TH fans in California, but...
I will feel better tomorrow morning perhaps, but I won't relax until it is over and done with. Come on 10 PM Wednesday!
And VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE TAYLOR HICKS! East Coast - 40 minutes left. Central - one hour and 40 minutes left. Mountain and Pacific time zones... three and 40. Vote, dang it, vote! Please!
Back to dialing...
im very excited and scared for the result.... i wish it would be taylor hicks.
im from the phils... i wish i could vote and support my idol
analy - Keep the vibes positive. It will work in his favor. While I was dialing and getting busy signals on my cellphone, searching web - I'm a Libra, can't do one or two things at a time - I have to be all over the place, he's leading right now - but have to keep it up. We're past time here, but go phones drained (3) AND used cell and land lines. Hope it helped. Thanks for your good wishes and your post. I feel that wheel turning...
Ms. Davis, look at us! Late to bed and early to rise! What's that make us?
(I crawled out at 5:30 a.m. to look at Dial Idol.)
Dial Idol Results
1 Taylor Hicks 45.583 1.141
2 Katharine McPhee 37.097 1.227
Taylor! Taylor! Taylor!
Soul Patrol! Soul Patrol! Soul Patrol!
Yeah, I saw that around the same time. Couldn't sleep and couldn't stand the suspense. Told my fourth-grader, who was thrilled. When I dropped him off at school an hour ago, his last words to me were, "Love you, mommy, bye! Soul Patrol! Soul Patrol! Soul Patrol!" Another kid nearby went, "Yeah! Taylor all the way, man!"
Out of the mouths of babes...
I think our TayTay will be A-OK.
I HAVE WATCHED TAYLOR HICKS FROM THE ONSET AND I
KNEW AT THAT FIRST MOMENT HE WOULD BE AMERICAN IDOL 2006 BECAUSE HE HAS WHAT IT TAKES TO KEEP
THE AUDIENCE INTERESTED...THAT GREAT STYLE, VOICE
AND PERSONALITY...THAT'S WHAT MUSIC IS ABOUT AND
TAYLOR MAN YOU HAVE IT ALL IN ONE PACKAGE..I WILL
STAND IN LINE TO BUY THAT FIRST RECORD FOR SURE..
GO TAYLOR GO!!!!
I love you Taylor Hicks. You were always one of my favorite's, and I am so happy that you are the new America's Idol, very well deserved. I knew you had the heart in you to make it all the way. I love you, Lindsay
There was enough love and affection, enough of the positive karma for that wheel to complete its round.
You made me proud.
taylor your smokn hot. your rock the dogg pound at amercian idol.if your wanting a good date juste-mail me for a date that would make my dreams come ture i've been waiting for a long time for a man like you. love lots
Taylor was his sweet sexy self on Jay Leno's Tonight Show.
He's so spontaneous, so intelligent. Everything I ever thought he'd be and more. Just - mmmm. * wipe the persperation from my fevered brow. *
When Taylor walked into that now famous audition,I swear I was absolutly astonded by him. My poor husband thought I was in a trance,and you know what I was and still am.To be this excited about music again is such a thrill,and I thank Taylor for that.Taylor you have a lifetime fan in me .I cant wait for him to solo in Connecticut,I will be first in line.Hurrey up we are waiting for you Taylor.
JAG, I'm so glad you read and posted to this blog also; ain't he cool? Keep the TayLove Strong.
Jewels,The love will continue forever,of that there is no doubt.As soon as I get home from work I am searching for every bit of information on Taylor.I love to read what people have to say about him.Your articles are great,and so much fun to read.Keep up the wonderful job of informing us about such a magnificent subject.I promise you we will never grow tired of it.
JAG; once again you show the Soul Patrol support and love. Thank you.
taylor hicks you are get married brittany carlisle at st bernard parish
taylor hicks cell phone number i need to talk with you [Personal contact info deleted]
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You and Nora have both hit home runs in the last two days with your articles on Taylor. And once again, I agree with every word.
I think their USA Today interviews brought it all home. Katharine talked about meeting with a management company, how she wanted to put broadway on her resume, and become the next Kelly Clarkson. Taylor was most excited about getting a bus to travel in. Even now, his entire focus is on bringing his music to as many people as he can -- while riding in a little more comfort than the van he's been travelling in.
I hope he wins. I do have a somewhat lengthy explanation for why the AI voting system GUARANTEES micro-thin percentages when it gets down to the top two or three contestants, even if one contestant has a far greater number of people trying to vote for them. I'd be glad to add it in another comment, if you're interested.
Tom