Song choice always holds an ultimate role of importance on this show. Hicks weekly demonstrated what he's about and for the most part successfully chose songs to match up with his style. "Levon" by Elton John garnered him praise, "Taking It to the Streets" by The Doobie Brothers brought out Taylor's fierce intensity as a performer.
That energy translated into his real ability to communicate mind, body and soul to the audience. This performance generated tons of mixed media attention for Taylor and made him a household name. His sense of humor emerged in the pre-performance clip about his days as a shopping mall Easter Bunny.
He made a few mistakes, but learned from them. "Easy" by Lionel Richie; lesson learned to lay off a little on the "Woo's", concentrate more on the singing. "Country Roads," and "Just Once," were his two weakest performances of the competition. With the performance of "Just Once," an inkling of doubt, a slight lessening of confidence became a ghost shadow in his eyes.
Taylor had endured week after week of poundings from Cowell, mixed reviews from Jackson and Paula. Realistically, there's just so many times a guy can be compared to 'someone's drunk Dad at a wedding' and not let it affect him somewhat. I found myself comparing Idol to a football game. Your team's been playing the first quarter pretty well, not too many penalties, a fumble, but not much yardage lost, then into the second quarter the penalty flags begin to fly fast and furious, the other team scores a lead breaking touchdown, 2 minutes before the second quarter ends.
The half-time whistle blows.
Third quarter, Taylor exploded on the Idol field in a wild hot paisley shirt and blue suede shoes with pink laces. He belted out "Play that Funky Music White Boy!" by Wild Cherry, it was an in-your-face, 'up-yours-Cowell' moment. Great move, it enthused his fans who applauded his seemingly flip-off to Cowell criticisms and negative critiques.
Pairing that song with "Something" by George Harrison was brilliant. "Something" gave weight to Taylor's real vocal abilities; he sung it masterfully, beautifully. The game had turned tide. "Jailhouse Rock" had been a popular on-line request for Elvis Week. I had a request out that he sing "In the Ghetto." Elvis week scored that comeback touchdown for Taylor.
Article comments
1 - Tinak
Wow, very nice article. It's all part of that Taylor magic, it's unreal the effect his music has on people and it's going to be even more fun to watch him succeed :D
2 - Bliffle
I saw the AI semi-finals, and wasn't impressed enough by ANY of the singers to tune in for the finals.
I did, however, watch "Live From Lincoln Center, 30th Anniversary" on PBS and it was fabulous! Great performances, both instrumental and singing. Selections from the first 30 years of this terrific program. Pavarotti, Renee Fleming, etc. Even a performance of St. James Infirmary, sung by Wynton Marsalis.
Watch it when you get a chance. Some of the best 2 hours you'll ever spend with music.
3 - sal m
i'm amazed at the criticism that is heaped upon some of these contestants, not only by the judges but by people who watch the show.
when you consider with the exception of prince and live on the final show, there really wasn't an established singer who appeared on the show as a guest, that could have competed as a contestant.
shakira, rod stewart and kenny rodgers wouldn't have even made the final 12, and stevie wonder, barry manilow and boccelli would have been voted off before any of the final 5.
the fact that these people could get up there week after week a sing tough songs - many songs you've never heard covered by professionals - and sing them live is impressive.
and the studio versions that have been recorded by the final 5 are just as good if not better than anything that you'll hear from a "known" singer.
4 - Teresa
Great Article! You summed things up so well and it is a great tribute to Taylor. He deserves it. I love him, but I would have voted for him at the end just due to persistence and determination. He is an example of hard work, what I always thought was the American dream. He was always polite to Simon, when Simon deserved a punch in the mouth. Taylor was a gentleman. Thank you for this article.
5 - Dave
#2
Take your highbrow attitude elsewhere. Why are you even reading an article about talent that couldn't impress you?
6 - Johan
Great article - very insightful and emotionally perspective; due just was given to Taylor in this artcile and what he actually accomplished. You are also a very good writer with a very meticulous style that is refreshing !
7 - Jewels
Johan, thanks for your compliment on the article. I had to do a wrap up for the Idol season on Taylor; I have a great deal of admiration for him and all that he accomplished on this show. He moved Idol mountains and established new precedences for this talent show. Part of the show being able to draw some of the big names for the finale had to do with Taylor. He has a lot of fans now, that are currently in the music business and in the entertainment industry.
sal m - I'm glad someone sticks up for the contestants. Some of the artists currently on the top charts today wouldn't be there if it wasn't for who they knew to pump them up. It takes a certain amount of grit for the hopefuls that put themselves through this ordeal called Idol and I don't think they get near the credit.
Teresa, perserverance and commitment, those attributes of Tay's fans are what got him through. The support kept him strong and really gave him the courage and ability to not let anyone with AI or 19E get to him. It also completely threw the shows producers for a real loop. This kind of support that Taylor's received made history for this show. The fan turn out in Alabama, folks from all over the country waving their signs proudly to let Tay know how far they'd come to see him; you know that had to stir his heart. I have heard his father still is in awe. Tay told his Dad and friends he was going to win this show and he pulled it off.
It is just his beginning.
8 - Deidre
I am so happy for Taylor! He is a great performer and so fun to listen to. My sister and I were so excited when we heard his single on the radio Friday. I hope big things are in the future for him!
9 - Liz
We are soooooo proud of Taylor. He worked his way all the way into the hearts of America and
the world. He is a true "Southern gentleman", and
will never forget where he came from.
I have known him for many years and what you see
is what you get!
Great article
10 - detroitsoul
Dear Jewels, Loved your articles on Taylor and loved your writing. Good writing is hard work. We became Taylor fans from the get-go. We realized he was different from the others and had something real and significant to offer. He's got a lot of heart and soul. I grew up IN Motown, surrounded by R&B and Soul music. Taylor fits right in there with the best of them. I generally don't like 'pop' music, but this man has won my ears and my heart. His 'coronation' song was filled with gratitude for not only his 'soul patrol,' but also for the other Idols and America. My spouse of 18 years is a professional musician who has played with many of the professionals on Idol and many of the performers mentioned by #2. He thought all along that Taylor had the most potential and was by far the best performer. Each week, the kids and I turned to him and said "well?" And each week, he backed up Taylor (he also thinks Paris is going to make it big--we hope so!). The best part of this though, is that Simon has to be eating a lot of gray crow right now. Love the fact, he's also producing Taylor's CD. I only wish Toni B. had a little more class 'In the Ghetto.' Oh well, we can't win them all--but we did win this one! Go Soul Patrol--Go Taylor. Also #2, I prefer Denyce Graves to Fleming any day and many musicians believe Pavarotti is past his prime. Jewels, again, thanks for the great writing, thanks for the awesome articles. I'm usually pretty hard hearted and quite cynical but this Soul Man has won over this Detroit Soul Woman.