One evening when I had about decided it might be my last night to watch American Idol, into the audition room entered a quiet man. Hicks' first audition. He appeared older than his reported age due to his silvered hair, his reserved mannerisms, his politeness. He was asked by Simon Cowell what he was doing there and why he was there to try out for Idol. His quiet, reply "I want my voice heard, because I think I have one."
That audition performance was like none other I had ever seen on Idol. One moment the silver-haired, composed, soft spoken man was just standing there, the next he exploded into Sam Cookes' "Change is Gonna Come". Judge Paula was appreciative and asked for 20 more seconds. Hicks smiled and burst into "Swannee River", knee slapping, clapping, swaying, and fearlessly belting the song out.
It was a portent into what "changes were gonna come" ... Fearless is Hicks. He attacks the stage like a tiger let loose, spilling it all out, giving everything he has. He is amazingly, completely infectious - magnetic, a quality that all of the truly great entertainers have possessed. His "Taking it to the Streets" performance was brilliant; his introduction clip prior to the performance, provided background insight while simultaneously demonstrating his sense of humor, faceted genius. Talk about "pulling a rabbit out of your hat"! Taylor Hicks has been previously described in articles as "the dark horse" of American Idol. This dark horse is proving he knows how to run a good race.
19E and American Idol owe Taylor Hicks. He is bestowing American Idol and 19E yet another controversial and interesting season. The responses in the press, over the web, and for the show overwhelmingly have been generated this year over the silver-haired Soulman. Having a performer like Hicks just further guarantees this show's longevity. The A.I. viewers are seeing that contestants may not all come from the throngs of pop-tart-dom or rocker-wanna-be's. We might actually find through AI5 what we have secretly been seeking; the likes of Buddy Holly, another Elvis, another Ray Charles; A real American Idol. Big shoes to fill, but I understand Taylor sports a size 14. He can handle the pressure.
The public loves their Idols. We are intrigued and enamored by our celebrities; we love our heroes, be they sports figures, actors, or musicians. American Idol was developed with the premise of finding and delivering heroes for the public to idolize, ergo the name! "The Powers that Be" that created this program recognize what the public really wants and have worked to provide the promise of a true American idol. By glorious accident this year, they have discovered they have a bonafide newsmaker and a real star on their show, and his name is Taylor Hicks.
The Modern era Mack-Daddy of Soul.
I knew the moment I heard him sing in that initial audition, he was it. He had IT. I watched him, transfixed - I saw the looks of attention and astonishment on Paula and Randy's faces, they too saw the Possibility of IT.
Give the Silver-haired Soulman a listen; one of his songs, "(It's a) Soul Thing".
Groove on Soulman.
Article comments
— go to most recent comments1 - Sterfish
Taylor is one of my favorite contestants and I agree that he is someone fresh and really has a good chance to win it all. Even if he doesn't, he certainly has a chance at a career in music.
2 - Laurie
I think Taylor Hicks should win this compision by a land slide and if not then there is something wrong with America!!!
3 - Auntie Cindy
Jewels~ Youe ARE a WRITER, girl!! I APPLAUD YOU!!:c) I sure hope Taylor reads this someday, You will definately make him PROUD! To quote you
"By glorious accident this year, they *(AI)* have discovered they have a bonafide newsmaker and a real star on their show, and his name is Taylor Hicks"~ABSOLUTELY!!
THANK YOU JEWELS!! How fortunate we are to have your presence! (((HUGS))) Auntie Cindy :c)
4 - Leo Nelson
Taylor hicks is a clear entertainer in my mind. A refreshing part of American Idol. Sometimes I am at my computer, doing my work, but when Taylor Hicks comes on, I always stop and watch, I am always fasinated. He brings out the best in American Idol. Thank you for this singer, this true American Idol.
Leo Nelson
5 - claytay
Thanks for a great article. You get Taylor! And yes! He has IT!
6 - Alex
Let me tell you why i like Taylor hicks. I saw his audition also. At first i thought he was ok. Then after few weeks i did n't watch. I start to watch top 24. Then searched web how he came to top 24 with simon rejecting him outrightly?. ...Then start to watch his audition tape 2000+ times again and again.
He was prophetic about "change is gonna come" . The song is written for his life in advance. What can i say. What a timing. Every one like taylor loves to be part of TAYLORS success journey. I see how he pleads "give me a chance" "give me a chance" ..classic moment. Every time Simon reject or critic him , i see his face, nothing happens in his face. He takes it all. Remarkable.
Even though he can bring down the house , he is mortal , he is human , he makes mistakes like "EASY" and "NOT fade away". That ok. he is allowed to make mistake. It is our journey to success.
Now spread thejoy taylor gives you to every one. Let every one see taylor audition tape.
Go TAYLOR!.
7 - -E
He is my fave as well. Something about watching him just makes me smile and feel good. If he doesn't win, I sure hope he gets a deal (a better one since the winners never get that great of a record deal anyway). I've not bought any albums from anyone involved with American Idol. I would totally buy Taylor's.
8 - Candice Wilson
From Candice Wilson from Manitoulin Island Ontario, Canada to: Taylor you are the best. I am a Canadian, so therefore i cannot vote for you but you are in my heart and i have no doubt that you have what it takes... I loved your 50's tribute. You had my husband and I up dancing... You are the best one in that competition by far and WE hope that you win. Also, I am a hairdresser in Ontario, and no matter what anyone says about your hair, it is beautiful... so don't change it!!!! you are awesome and we love you!!!!!!
9 - VotingTaylor
You got it so right. Taylor had me from his audition when I felt like I'd been a fan all my life and would be one forever. I can't wait to see and hear what he will do next. I haven't felt like that since waiting for the next Beatles' single. And yes that dates me, but good for Taylor that he has a voice for people of every age.
10 - Michael J. West
Oh, God. I hate Taylor. Seriously? All these people like him the best? Do you all like Michael Bolton too?
11 - Jewels
No, can't stand Bolton. What on Earth are you talking about? Comparing Hicks to Bolton? Again, What?
12 - sueann, nashville, tn
i love taylor. as a matter of fact i think hes the best thing ever. i fell in love with him when i saw his very first audition. i find it remarkable that he is so non-conforming to what he thinks america wants to see but how he feels comfortable portraying his real self. that is so very respectable. it is so unfortunate that taylor lived here in nashville and i never had the luck of ever hearing of him or meeting him. taylor, if you ever read this, when and if you ever make it to nashville again, look me up.
sueann griffith,26 nashville, tn
13 - NR Davis
Ms. Richardson, I had been planning to ask which contestant you preferred. This fellow Bo Bice fan has fallen for Taylor Hicks' song stylings too. He had me at his first audition... and I would love to see him go all the way. I suspect that America, though, as it did last year, will reward safe and mainstream, which sure as heck isn't Taylor.
14 - Jewels
Ms. Davis, you should have known I'd pick Taylor! I love the type of music he does - I am a big blues and jazz music fan. He is unique, masculine, and has real talent. Don't doubt the dark horse, he has a few more 'rabbits in his hat'.
I admit I was not knocked down by the last performance as it came across televised, but if you watch the video, it is smokin'! The video clip gives a more intimate feel to the performance. He is different and his individuality makes him very sexy. I love his voice.
15 - cathy
I ENJOYED YOUR ARTICLE ON TAYLOR! I FELT THE SAME WAY AS YOU WHEN I SAW HIS AUDITION.HIS SOUL HAS SOUL AND THE MAN HAS TALENT. HIS VOICE AND SHOWMANSHIP ARE GENUINE AND HE HAS A CONTAGIOUS FEEL GOOD SOUND THAT MAKES YOU FEEL HIS MUSIC.THE MAN HAS HEART AND SOUL AND A HELL OF A VOICE.THIS IS THE FIRST TIME I HAVE EVER VOTED FOR ANYONE ON IDOL BECAUSE HE MADE ME WANT TO HEAR MORE .THANK-YOU!
16 - Linda (Prattville)
This is the first season of American Idol that I have ever bothered to watch. And I was hooked the moment I saw Taylor Hick's audition. Man was I hooked. Some of the others are good to, but Taylor has them all beat in my opinion.
He just seems to make ya want to smile when he performs. We are so proud of him here in Alabama.
I can't wait to see some of Taylor's music hit the store's. I would love to hear Taylor sing "Soul Man" On AI. If Taylor is reading these posts, Please come to Montgomery or Autauga to play sometime. You have many fans down south.
Linda :-)
17 - Jill Manty
I love Taylor Hicks! Thanks for this great review of a great musician. I think he is, by far, the most unique contestant who has ever been on American Idol.
18 - Tabitha Howard
What a great vocal talent we have in Taylor. The thing with him is that he knows what to do with himself while belting it out. I love the moves, the looks, the soul, the voice and the personality. I feel lucky to see him on the rise to stardom. I find myself glued to every second of his performances. He has my vote every week. Thanks Taylor!! I can't wait to hear what you have for us next.
19 - Pat (Birmingham, Al)
I totally agree...He is totally fresh and appealing..He is genunie and humble and just loves performing. Music is his life and each time he performs he shows that..As Paula calls it "Passion" and that's what Taylor is all about! ...I have been fortunate to live in Birmingham, Al and have seen Taylor perform live before he went on Idol and I have to say he is still the same way...No gimmicks or anything that is pure Taylor everyone is seeing on stage..He just can't play his harmonica on stage and to me that's a shame because he can rock on it...He has a great sense of humor and wants to perform at 120%. I love you my Bama Soul Man..I'll be voting for you until the end...You deserve to win!! Soul Patrol, Baby!!
20 - Trish in Philly
Great article, and I couldn't agree more.
I absolutely fell in love with Taylor the first time I saw him. I think he's too original to ultimately end up the winner this season, but I think this is most likely for the best since the AI contract is very limiting.
And just for the record, in spite of the big hullabaloo about Chris Daughtry "stealing" Live's version of "I Walk the Line," he too really wows me. I tune in every week to see Taylor and Chris and would spend money to see either of them, the ultimate endorsement.
Many of the performers this season are very talented, but I wouldn't spend money on most of them--at this point anyway.
21 - Jewels
Thanks for all the Tay Hicks support. Check out this posting by Gray-Haired Dude.
Simon says:
On MSNBC Last night Simon Cowell said the following to Rita Cosby:
Rita: "Who do you think will win? What’s your prediction on who’s gonna win? Who’s gonna take it all?"
Simon: "I have a horrible feeling the public is going to vote for Taylor, and I’d prefer Chris."
Seriously Simon, I'm working to help you get that horrible feeling.
Groove on Soulman.
22 - Marcia
I knew the first time I saw Taylor Hicks that he
was different. I wasn't real sure in what way he was different, though. When I first heard him sing, then I knew. He is awesome. No matter what he sings, being so versatile, he is great. I am so impressed with him, I just can't wait until Tuesday comes around. He doesn't seem to have an attitude, like some of the other contestants, he just rolls with the punches. GOOD LUCK TAYLOR!!!! YOU DESERVE TO WIN!!!!!
p.s. Loved TROUBLES
23 - kathy
Taylor is awesome but he needs to pick up the choice in songs. I really want him to win but he should please sing some songs that let him belt it out. Something by Cocker, Rod Stewart or Bob Seger,,,,come on Taylor, at this point you need to WOW everyone.
24 - Jewels
Seriously. kathy, I watched tonight and wanted to just go through the TV. He has such a Great voice, he could do So much; yet as I posted in my blogspot; as a spoiler; he picked That song by John Denver. I will elaborate on this further. Really not a good night for Tay - bottom 3 next week a possibility.............................
25 - DON BROWN
TAYLOR HICKS IS GETTING KNOWN IN OAHU,HAWAII. MY DAUGHTER,SHANNON AND ALL HER FRIENDS IN THE NAVY WATCH YOU TAYLOR EVERY WEEK. AND I RECORD YOU HERE IN ZANESVILLE OHIO SO WHEN SHE COMES HOME WE WILL WATCH YOU AGAIN. YOUR THE BEST AND WOULD LIKE TO SEE YOU PREFORM IN PERSON. GOD LOVE YOU. THE VEARY BEST WILL COME FOR YOU. FRIENDS DON