Silver-haired Soulman providing American Idol its potential to deliver a real idol.
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."…
Article comments
— go to most recent comments26 - qtkat
Ok,,,,,I used to at least respect some of Somon's critiques, although I agree he could be more polite. Tonight tnough, i think he just does not want Taylor to win. Saying that Taylor's performance was "ridiculous" is RIDICULOUS. Simon said he was afraid America would vote Taylor as the next American Idol,,,,well let's prove to him he is right about Taylor on that one. RIDICULOUS Simon.
Kathy
27 - Taylor fan from TN
Wouldn't the photo of Taylor at the top of this site make an awesome cover for his first release.. or maybe a shot of him standing at the mic playing harmonica..
28 - kathy
It should have been Ace,,,,,,,,what a fake. I really like Bucky,,,he seems so real, sweet and funny. I'll miss him. Got to celebrate Taylor though,,,,and next week,,ROD STEWART,,,,it better be gooood.
29 - Macario
Say it ain't so....Bucky gone???? Oh well, on to the next one. Ace totally escaped this week, let's make sure he and his cheesy, look I'm crying, don't vote me off look" do not come back after next week, what a chump!
America, let's make sure Elliott is not ever again in the bottom three, how about we get rid of Katherine, she stinks
30 - Jewels
I was sad to see Bucky leave before Ace, but like he said, "Somebody had to go". Very true. When I watch Ace, I think about all the folks early on in this season who were so convinced he was The One. Yeah right. Boy never did anything for me.
Thanks for the comments and the Taylor Hicks support!
31 - Chris
Taylor hicks is an absolute joke of a performer. Honestly judging soley on his vocals he is NOTHING great. He has absoluteley no style and bareley sings on key to extremeley simple songs. I believe he has a horrible look and absoluteley no stage presence. He makes a fool of himself every night with his ray charles/peewee herman dance moves. He is absoluteley horrible and america would be making a HUGE mistake if they voted him as the winner. Mcphee is a girl with true talent and class. She is the full package.
32 - Jewels
Chris, you misspelled more words than you got correct;I can't blame those on all typos, let's just say your prose backs up your idiocy.
33 - SoulPatrol
Taylor is genuine, developed, genius talent. I said it when I heard his audition. I will vote for him right up to the end. I hope those producers let him do his thing on the CD--if they reel him in they'll ruin the magic.
34 - Jewels
WOOOO!!! SOULPATROL is in the house! Thanks for your post and let's help this talented man achieve his due!!!
35 - Chris
I may have made a few mistakes in spelling, but at least i have the ability to recognize true talent. If you like taylor hicks you must have absoluteley no taste in music. He has NO talent! GET THAT THROUGH YOUR HEAD! gosh.
36 - Shaniqua
I have been a professional singer for over 13 years and to say that he sings "soul" would be an insult to my industry. Taylor Hicks is an absolute fool with no musical talent.If you vote for Taylor you obviously have a mental problem. Vote Paris she sings soul, not that idiot Taylor!
37 - Jewels
Wow, Did anyone notice who had the most votes tonight?
Well, let me break it down like this - Taylor Hicks.
38 - Jewels
Matt, sadly your post was deleted. Such an intelligent diatribe too. Stay sweet.
Oh, and thanks for your post, eventhough you were uhm, censored - I guess for being so naughty.
39 - Mary
I pride myself on being able to spot talent immediately. I picked him as the winner from day one! He has the charisma of Dean Martin, the soul of Simply Red and last night's performance sealed the deal--I pictured him on a Vegas stage with the likes of Sammy and Frank--at that moment he became a true star! No matter the outcome, he will be big on concert or Vegas circuit. I believe if he records that Sam Cooke song, it will be a hit, I for one would love listening to it over and over again--he has got it in Aces, sorry bout the pun Ace, you were great too!!
40 - SteveS
I came across a site earlier today dialidol.com which uses software (it claims) to analyze the busy-ness of the phone numbers. It said it had predicted 17 of the last 19 eliminations correctly. Check out their prediction page.
It predicted that Chris, Paris and Ace would be the bottom three with Ace going home. Now I came across that site early this afternoon and apparently it had been predicting it for several days. Chris being in the bottom three is a surprise and the fact that it got the votes dead on must give some credibility to the site's claim. And it's now correct on 18 out of 20 eliminations for the last two years.
Now it's projecting the winner and don't read further if you don't want a spoiler, (although it's not a guaranteed spoiler, I suppose).
It says that one person has consistently gotten the most votes, and that whoever is number 2 (which can vary) has never even come close to the number 1 person since voting began. That person is Taylor Hicks.
41 - Dave Nalle
Steve. If you factor in the margin of error that site lists, then Elliott Yamin and Taylor Hicks are essentially tied. They've got Katharine McPhee third. IMO she is going to end up winning, because she's been more consistent than the other two, so as the remaining weeks pass they will be more likely to have a truly bad performance and get eliminated by a fluke downswing of support. Plus Hicks is a freak and Yamin is boring as hell.
Dave
42 - Jewels
Steve, your are reading what I read. Taylor has consistantly ran with the highest number of votes. Another barometer to possibly estimate the odds in his favor, the A.I. forum. On their boards Hicks has more than double the response than anyone else on Idol plus he's ranking more posts than the general board concerning all the contestants.
I think this explains the judges attitude towards Hicks this week. Especially Cowell's - they've been told by you know who with the show that he's The "Gravy Train" right now. I knew he had the It Factor from audition one, that this season needed to maintain interest in this year's show.
Another barometer I am measuring Hicks with is my Hicks blogsite. Numbers TuesTay (as is called in Taylor Hicks circles) and Wednesday soared over 2000 percent higher than its top highest average. I had Clustr Maps and tracksy contacting me. My site is freaked out and I guess maxxed out - working to repair the damage from the onslaught.
43 - Renee
He's the Best thing to hit Idol. Never liked this cheesy show - but watched one night outta nothing to do and there was Hicks. I'm Hooked.
44 - Mike
My wife, unfortuneately is in Love with Hicks - this is her article. I'm trying to repair her blog from the Killer onslaught this week...free sites can suffer from massive input. She is thrilled. I am confused. Taylor I like from a guy's standpoint in that he's not a gay-type guy like Ace. But man, I am living with a woman I have adored for over 10 years and she is Over The Moon for Taylor Hicks. Gone. When Bo Bice happened wasn't nothing like this. But that is only one tip of the iceberg. She is in so many frays, fighting fights and championing people I know nothing about. Her issue - she thrives on "pushing and publicizing her 'heroes', Man, if she digs you - she Can Make It Happen For You. What freaks me out is that she doesn't give a damn about monetary compensation - she'll go off on a tear a 'make somebody, some thing, some issue, do it well and too much of the time do it for nothing. She's going to freak when she sees I have entered this area of her life.... Speak good words for me when my "tiger woman" comes to 'kill me'.
45 - kathy
Awwww,,,,cute Hubby ya got there Jewels,,,,, Taylor's rendition of LEVON beats the original, hands down,,,if they don't realease that, win or not, they are foolish.
46 - Jewels
Kathy, he's embarrassing at times, guess this answered the why of the blog I have, not working yet; too busy chasing my links and not my HTML.
Back to topic, "Levon" was a great rendition. I am getting revved about tomorrow.
Thanks though, for your comments!
Tomorrow is TuesTay!
47 - MK
I thought Taylor did great tonight, in spite of what the judges said. Every time that guy is on the stage, I sit up in my seat. That's a sign that he does have "it."
48 - Roxanne
Taylor is the bomb! What was his voting number!!! I am freaking out!!! Company came, off with the TV. Help 1.5 hrs to go to vote. Help!!!! What is his number?????
49 - Chris
The judges finally got it right last night! Too bad they didnt recognize that was the way he has sang every single week. Oh well at least they finally grew some ears! By the way, can any of you people hold a tune? Sometimes it takes an ear for pitch to recognize whether people can actually sing as opposed to flinging their arms wildly during a performance. KATHERINE IS THE BEST! sorry taylor.
50 - Chris
seems like america got it right too :)
51 - Jewels
Hey, we all have our 'off' nights, days, whatever applies. He wasn't Great, but last night he was still gorgeous.
52 - Jewels
Chris, nice trolling. But hey, this isn't "The Billy Goat's Gruff" story. Go find your Kat McCHEEse site and - well whatever you do there. Adios.
53 - Chris
Oh please! Taylor has been acclaimed for his "talent", but i dont think his looks is one of his best attributes to say the least!
54 - Chris
And in response to your "billy goats gruff" remark, posting on katherine sites would do me no good. My purpose on these sites is to possibly change the minds of mis-guided americans that may be responsible for voting taylor as the winner. Maybe if i get through to a few of you it might make a difference. Every vote counts!
55 - Jewels
Chris, by calling him 'gorgeous' I wasn't just talking about looks, it encompasses charisma, the "it" factor, but yeah, he has nice 'eyes'.
56 - Chris
Oh yeah and the reason I even bothered this site was that when i googled "i hate taylor hicks" ironically this is the first site that comes up! hehe
57 - asssHllllEeeeYYyy
... i agree withhh the l0vee 0f myyy lifeee chrisss =) this is s0ooo gayy all of you have no livesss whatsoeverrr lmaooo
58 - Jewels
Well Chris, it seems we have some things in common, I too like to fight for certain issues, causes; my attachment to this cheesy show, American Idol withstanding. Call me "Crusader Rabbit", but you will not come on my blogs to detract folks from Hicks without a fight. McCHEEse had a good night in her lovely CHEESE yello dress, and she does sport some nice 'pipes' but she lacks charisma, charm, whereas Hicks is The Man with the Whole package, charisma, charm, vocals AND huge sex appeal.
59 - Chris
Alright then i suppose we can agree to disagree. There is still so much to say, but i grow tiresome. Lets just wait it out and hope the best person wins. COUGH MCPHEE COUGH
60 - Robin
What is 19E? thanks Robin
61 - Jewels
19E is short for 19 Entertainment. Here is the Wikipedia description of 19E if anyone else needs clarification. Thanks for your question.
62 - Robin
Thanks, Jewels. That's what I thought, but wanted to be sure. Robin
63 - Jenram47
I also fell in love with Taylor at the audition.He has something that the world has been missing and yearning for,something different and unique.I have glanced at AI in the past..but after seeing Taylor that 1st day,I have been hooked, I am glued to the TV on Tuesdays & Weds.I doubt very seriously if I watch it again after this season, afterall after you've seen the best..why bother? Love to Taylor
64 - Merrymax
I'm totally obsessed with Taylor Hicks. He is such a breath of fresh air. Love him, his style, moves, singing and anything he does. America recognizes this talented young man who appeals to all ages. He is the American Idol! Great comments from everyone and happy there are so many others out there that feel the same way. Taylor, I'm going to vote my fingers off every Tuesday for you.
65 - lizzie
It must be an American thing, but most English (Brits) people I've spoken to think Taylor is a bit weird. When he stands still and sings he is fine, but otherwise he drives us mad. Please vote him off for the sake of your British ancestors!!!!
66 - Carrie
Lizzie -- Wow. I have talked to quite a few Brits and they LOVE Taylor. To each his/her own.
Taylor's original music is incredibly good. The show does him no justice whatsoever. I do admire Taylor for going on the show, though. Otherwise, we would have never gotten to see this wonderful performer/singer/musician. He is so much more complex than singing 90 seconds on the Idol stage. I can't wait for this show to be done so we can get some more original stuff from Taylor. EXCELLENT stuff. And his rendition of "Georgia" is impeccable. Check it out.
67 - Carrie
I just really hope that if they do sign Taylor to a contract that they don't try to change him. Look what happened to Bo. :(
68 - Jewels
Thank you Carrie, but Lizzie is obviously one of the trolling implants sent to sabotage Hicks.
They are now coming out in droves. I know a good many Brits who love and adore him, and Irish, and Canadian, and South American, and Asian.
The list could go on. Nice try Lizzie, but no cigar.
69 - Jewels
Carrie, thank you for that, but Bice is doing just fine. He's able now to provide a better life for his loved ones, and at least we've heard of him and can enjoy his music. That CD isn't bad. Just not what we expected from The Biceman. What we expected, it will come in time.
Regarding Hicks, I think that is one thing 19E and A.I. are afraid of - Hicks is very different from Bo, and I'm not taking anything away from Bo, but they'll have a tougher time with Hicks...if you know what I mean...
70 - Carrie
Yes, I do know what you mean, Jewels. Bo's CD is okay, but I feel like they tried to make him into what he wasn't. Honestly, that is why I'm a bit scared for Taylor.
I just saw a Fox poll that asked "What remaining male vocalist is the best on AI?" (or something to that effect). Almost 70% of the responses went to Taylor, followed by 24% to Chris and 6% to Elliott. That floored me. I just don't want Taylor to actually win and get trapped into all pop songs. His UTR CD is so great because it's unique. I think he is a really talented songwriter in that he understands music and can convey that meaning to others. I don't know. I am so torn. I just know that I am happy that Taylor has been able to bless millions of people with his music. At least AI has given him the opportunity to do that.
71 - Jewels
I'm glad the poll favored Hicks so highly. I think Taylor's not the type to allow them to cookie-cutter him; that may be the reason for the seemingly sabotaging treatment he is being given. Chris Daughtry has been TCO, and Kat McCHEEse running close second. The fact Kat's McFather was manipulative enough to approach the judges table after their critique of the W. Houston song, and was allowed to, speaks volumes. Also every bloody show he's sitting there with tears streaming forth and the camera has to zoom in, and take advantage of 'the moment' (agh!)- gives AI good television.
72 - Carrie
Jewels -- I HATE when they show Mr. McCHEESE crying every week. I guess he's just a proud parent, but it's really annoying.
I think you might be right about the treatment Taylor has received being a response to him not allowing them to cookie-cutter him. Taylor's critics say that all the other people had to change their songs, blah, blah, blah. But Taylor had to do it the day before...and for the craziest reason I have ever heard. I think those who say that Taylor is being treated by Simon the way that Clay was are completely correct. I liked Clay in Season 2, but I wasn't passionate about his music, like Taylor. It bothered me that Simon was awful to Clay, but it really ticks me off he does it to Taylor. Well, we all know what happened with Clay compared to Ruben! :)
It's no wonder Taylor looked ticked off in last week's performance. My thing is that I want Taylor to be allowed the creativity he has shown on his own. As an objective music lover, I find his "Under the Radar" CD really good. He goes from catchy songs like "Soul Thing" to story telling in "The Deal." I love his talent. This is the FIRST time I am SO looking forward to a CD coming out!
73 - Jewels
Carrie, yes, you could tell Hicks was pissed last week, it radiated from him. Slimon seemed so overly smug too. Well, I think Hicks has a surprize in store for Simon this week.
I looked forward to Bo Bice's CD, and will look forward to Tay's. Love his "Under the Radar". Good tunes.
It was ironic how Slimon pimped Reuben over Clay and Clay just smoked him in CD sales.
74 - Mike
Now, I'm not one to attack artists because I firmly believe art is art, and to try to qualify it is only asking for arguement.
This is the first season I've watched AI. I broke my leg in a car accident, and I've been house-bound since then.
Having said all of this, my vote has been going not to Taylor Hicks, but to Elliott Yamin, because I think Elliott, not Taylor, shows his soul and has true, TRUE vocal talent. Yes, I will admit that, although it isn't my taste AT ALL, Taylor has a distinctive voice, and seems to care about what he does, but he seems really smug to me. As a trained singer, I think Elliott is the only one with a really strong and versatile vocal instrument. I do believe he will go home soon because of what this competition represents, and that Taylor will win. Again, this says a lot about what the American public prefers: Taylor the (odd, gyrating, average singer) entertainer, not Elliott, the talented, humble understated artist.
75 - Jewels
Thank you, Mike for your comments. Elliott does have a beautiful voice, and should be able to parlay his outstanding talents into a career. Taylor Hicks, though is the Entertainer of the group. He completely won the night tonight and showed the others how it is done. The Mack Daddy was in the house! and on the floor, and ...just WOW!