Ford's incessant, you-can't-escape-it ad campaign with Taylor Hicks is Chinese water torture - you know it's coming, you just don't know exactly when.
I'm not a fan of American Idol by any means, but I thought Taylor Hicks was a breath of fresh air just because he wasn't one of the wailing, caterwauling, warbling, over-emotive divas that the show is usually responsible for churning out. This includes the big dude who won a while back whose name I completely forget because he's done absolutely nothing since winning, while the little pixie Clay Aiken who came in second actually had an entire career since then. Now, however, thanks to Ford's ambush marketing campaign, I am eagerly awaiting the day when Taylor Hicks completely disappears.…
Article comments
— go to most recent comments26 - Joanne ingenito
Tom,
BTW, how tall are YOU? The "little pixie" Clay is 6'1", but probably looked shorter standing next to the "big dude" whose name you couldn't recall: Ruben.
Not even going to comment on the rest of your article. When I see one blatant unchecked fact, I have a hard time believing anything else.
Jo
27 - B. Anders
So this is what happens to a person when they watch too much TV? They turn wierd? Hey,Tom, you are one strange dude.
28 - Andrew T
I just need to add that I absolutely hate that commercial and hate Ford and Taylor Hicks for it. I had no grudge before, but they let that weak attempt at songwriting be published on TV (every 5 minutes) so FUCK THEM.
HATE IT.
29 - Liz
You really need to get a life.
30 - Tom Johnson
I see the Soul Patrol is in the house. Unfortunately they seem to have left their senses of humor on the welcome mat.
31 - Hitek
Hicks the next Elvis... PLEASE!!! All you Hicks fanboys have got to be kidding, right? :) Since when did winning AI ever result in anything more than a mediocre career? Even Kelly Clarkston was quite attractive and could sing quite well, but even she is far from reaching an overwhelmingly successful carrer(when compared to Elvis, Madonna, etc)... Hicks the next Elvis? You MUST be kidding. If he were *that* good, he would have become successful in spite of/without American Idol...
32 - Christy
Tom - you must by hyper sensitive or a Taylor-hater. I've seen this commercial maybe 3 times in the NY area and my TV is on all day on several channels. Get over it already and find more substanitive topics to write about.
33 - maggie
Taylor Hicks hasn't even put a cd out yet and I am already sick of him and Ford. During one show last night they played the commercial three times. I switch stations now.
34 - Christy
ok - where are you people living that you see Taylor's commercial so often? I've seen it three times since it first aired and live in NY. Fess up...you live in Birmingham and now hate all the Taylormania! (which is why you see it three times during every broadcast)
35 - maggie
christy--In Atlanta they play the commercial on all stations as many as ten times a night. They have even made fun of it on the radio. To the person who stated that Ford sales are up it may have somethinng to do with Ford giving free gas to the end of the year.
36 - amused reader
I'm dying over the diclaimer above the comments box.."Personal attacks are NOT allowed. Please read our comment policy." Well, God Bless America! I can't attack you, but you can attack anyone you want. Typical.
Not a fan of Taylor's but I understand the Ford endorsement. Get over it. By the way, "Big" Ruben and "Pixie" Clay, who is NO pixie..are millionaires. Carrie and Kelly are terrific, but ALL have unique talents. Right now, it's Taylor's turn to get the glory.
P.S. I hate the Geico commercial enough to blow up my TV...talk about seeing something in every commercial break! Why don't you pick on that little guy ...you know, someone your own size!
37 - Sandie
Grrrrr. My mute button is broken so I have to turn off the TV instead and guess when to turn it back on.
38 - BlahBlahBlah
THE COMMERCIAL IS TERRIFIC AS WELL AS TAYLOR IS A UNIQUE AND GIFTED TALENT. You really must get a life and quit putting others down who have surpassed you in life.
39 - Neelo
I live in Illinois, I usually only watch comedy central or WGN (chicago) for sports. I rarely watch TV... and yet I see it all the time.
I can't stand it either. And theres nothing wrong with ranting about something that drives ya nuts. Lighten up, fangirls :)
40 - Jrock
Haha. You're mad about this commercial (which *gasp* I haven't seen because *gasp* I don't watch hours of crappy television); you have attracted more attention to Ford and Taylor Hicks through this useless entry. Congrats, this is all very pathetic. I'm more pathetic for reading this... and taking time out of my day to respond. You have cheapened me sir.
41 - Gram
And your point is???
42 - gkw44
Even Taylor himself said he was sick of seeing himself everytime he turned on the tv. It doesn't bother me in the least. I've seen it a dozen times. Much better than watching those stupid commercials about toenail fungus that come on just as you're eating a meal.
And what's with the comment about 'pixie' Clay..
Clay's a hunk of a man, and so is Taylor..and they are both loaded with looks and talent.
As they are saying, turn the channel or hit the mute button.
You want to see the girls, we want to see the guys. So what else is new in this world?
43 - Love Taylor Hicks!
It's not that bad. It's a commercial. I really like Taylor Hicks and think he's going to be a huge star. Good for him for getting the commercial deal and all the $ that goes with it. If you've ever seen him interviewed, he is really a funny guy and down to earth, not to mention a really talented artist. I'm happy for him, and frankly, I smile every time I see the commercial. Love Taylor Hicks!
44 - Bev
I like anything Taylor does. Everyone's a critic. He's making some money, and I can see him till he really gets started. Maybe he'll have enough money for his own tour bus. Everyone is doing commercials, so what? He's not up for a Grammy, yet!
45 - me
I too hate this commercial. It drives me crazy. I am not a Taylor fan- Kat should have won. Peace out!
46 - sherry5150
Hey everyone relax...it could have been worse! Katharine McPhee could've won,and we'd be watching her Ford commercial instead!!!!!! Look at this as a blessing!
47 - Sam
I can't believe you people actually spend time thinking about this.
48 - Musie
Thank you so much for the additional media attention you've given to Taylor Hicks! It can only help him.
Taylor is continuing to add to his fan base with each American Idol concert, and people who will spend hundreds of dollars to fly from Canada, AZ, and 28 other states just to see him perform in Birmingham have a commitment to him that you will never understand.
I can understand where you are coming from, and I feel sorry for you. I "passed" on Elvis, The Beatles and other "real" stars. I thought they were untalented, boring, flash-in-the pans, and I couldn't understand what all the hubbub was about.
But, I couldn't "pass" on Taylor Hicks. He grabbed me from the git-go!
This is one guy who's going to be around --and in the limelight-- for a long time. He has vocals that capture an audience, charisma to keep an audience, charm to woo an audience, and a love and passion for his music that enervates all who see him perform. For those who don't "get it"...go on and enjoy the little music world you live in. The rest of us will enjoy Taylor!
49 - empath
Wow, Elvis and the Beatles "flash-in-the-pans", but Taylor Hicks is going to be around, eh? I think even Taylor's mother would think you were nuts. We need to save this thread for posterity so that in five years there'll be some way that we can actually remember Taylor's name.
50 - Paddywack
This commercial is nauseating, irritating and just plain objectionable. Ford also did the same thing with the Kelly Clarkson song. There sales are down and they are grasping at straws to appeal to the younger generation, thereby getting rid of those crappy cars.
For you that are hot for Taylor, its nothing personal against him, its more directed at the producer of the commercial and Ford for ramming it down the public's throats on a regular basis.
51 - jeannie
I only have 2 words for you Taylor haters....shut up and those are the only two I can print and you can bet I will never be here again.
It really does not matter what you Taylor haters think us soul patrollers and fans.....get a life
52 - suzi bella
Turn your TV off. What a hateful bunch of people. You all suck
53 - Carol
You are right-on about Hicks & those commercials. I turn them off! And there is another one out with Kelly now, equally irritating. Bring on CLAY AIKEN! He's gorgeous and can sing like no one else. If I have to be subjected to repetitive commercials, the fabulous Mr. Aiken would provide exquisite "torture" I would love to endure!
54 - Matthew T. Sussman
I was about to chew you out, Tom, but I have the sudden urge to buy a Ford.
55 - Jet in Columbus
Matt why does that sound kinky?
56 - Anna Creech
jeannie and suzi and all the rest of you: The soul patrol folks seem to be doing most of the hatin' on this thread.
57 - Kate in washington
Ugh I hate that commercial. How old is that guy anyway? Why would I buy a car just because the oldest living American Idol is singing a gross song. I don't get why they play the same commercial so much either. Isn't there a younger American Idol who can really dance so Ford could at least alternate the two or something? Great article I loved it.
58 - Kelly
You're entitled to your opinion of Taylor Hicks and that Ford commercial, but please don't call Clay Aiken a "little pixie." Clay is gorgeous, and he doesn't deserve to be insulted like that. He's the kind of guy I'd marry! (Yep! I'm a female Kelly, not a male Kelly. I'm not Kelly Clarkson though, just in case you were wondering. And I don't buy any of that "Clay is gay" crap!)
Anyway, back to the subject of Taylor Hicks. If you're so sick of the commercial, you can do one of two things. Either hit the "Mute" button or change the channel. It's that simple!
59 - BARBIGURL44
DON'T PEOPLE USUALLY GET UP AND GET A DRINK OR SOMETHING TO EAT DURING COMMERCIALS. WHY ON EARTH ARE YOU SITTING THERE WATCHING THEM. DON'T YOU HAVE ANYTHING BETTER TO DO. YOU MUST NOT BE HAPPY WITH YOUR LIFE SINCE YOU ARE SO ANGRY THAT TAYLOR IS FINALLY GETTING SOMEWHERE WITH HIS. GET OFF YOUR COUCH AND SEE IF YOU CAN MAKE A BETTER LIFE FOR YOURSELF. TAYLOR DID !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
60 - Faye
I have to think that you are watching way too much tv if you are seeing this ad enough for it to "torture" you. My mute button and my DVR kept me from the torture of Simon Cowell, I suggest the same to you. Try it, you'll like it.
61 - frank
american idol is the biggest piece of shit! the panel also sucks (except simon which lets everybody know they suck). and seriously, this last clown to win should really put the show out of commission!!!
HE-SUCKSSSSSS!!!!!!!
62 - GG
i believe all these guys on amer. idol are twinks!!! and anyone in here complaining about us calling them that, is a twink who hasnt come out of the closet!!! what could be more hurtful? to admit your gay or take it in the rears!!! wake up and get out of the closet!!!!!!!!FAGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
63 - wynshar
Tom, I do think your writing is humorous. I can see why some may be annoyed with the commercial, and that's okay. Soul Patrol - remember not everyone is going to like Taylor and people will bash him just to get a rise (not talking about you, Tom). Let's not lower ourselves to this junior high level. To all who believe it is a joke about Taylor being the next Elvis, you have probably forgotten how many people despised Elvis and criticized everything he did in the beginning (some throughout his career). There can only be one Elvis, but Taylor's career may be just as huge. Soul Patrol!
64 - Shawn
Get a life!!! How much TV do you watch? You must be bored to death and a very lonely person! Little jealous are you? I feel sorry for you, if your life resolves around the TV and commercials anger you.
65 - BamaMamma
RE: "Personal Attacks are NOT allowed. Please read our comment policy." Did anyone else read this? Personal attack to whom? Each other? The "author"? My COUSIN Taylor who has worked his FUCKING ASS OFF for more than 10 years to get where he is today? You may find that you are not tired of him,just jealous because unlike SOME PEOPLE, he is actually talented and successful in his chosen field. You might find a very interesting feature on the remote control, it is called MUTE and if you can't stand to look at this handsome young man you might just try changing the channel. You must remember this: HE is not exploiting himself right now, if you play you gotta pay. Love him or hate him, the things that were said about him were not very nice, after all you people don't know him as a person just an "image". Try to walk in his shoes for a while and you might find out what it is like to be bashed and insulted by people you don't even know.
66 - idle-wandering
Hey, looks like the Clay fans might be relieved of the bad rep for being defensive and nasty. There's a new gang of bad asses in town. Heh.
67 - Barb
WOW! I hope everybody took their blood pressure meds today. I know a lot of folks forgot their zanax and prozac though... I have to tell you I'm a "Soul Patrol" fan. I am so glad we have Taylor and if he wanted to do a commercial for Fleet products, that would be ok with me. He is a very talented entertainer and has a wonderful personality to go with it. I think he is going to brighten our lives with his soul. I love his dancing... I love his hair.. When I die I would love to come back as his harmonica! So, there you go... jump in, chew me up and spit me out. He sings my kind of music and I love it. Eat your heart out guys, he's going to be around as long as he wants to be.
68 - duane
Who is this Taylor Hick character? American Idol? Is that the one with Kevin Spacey and that naked chick covered up in flowers? What part did Hick play. Was he the guy that was moving in on Spacey's wife? I didn't like him. Didn't like him a bit. Nope.
69 - Jewels
duane; he is Bo Brice's couzin, you knew that. Sheesh. I love Spacey too, but hey, he waznt in that one....
70 - Jean
You Must be joking OR DREAMING,,, NO WAY TAYLOR IS THE NEXT ELVIS!!!!! TAYLOR WILL BE A FLASH IN THE PANTS....
71 - Joseph
BamaMamma bad manners to cuss here...When you actually listen To Taylor with out the crazy dancing. Taylor doesnot have the Voice factor.
Listen to when he sings When the world needs love in comparison to American Idol 2 Group. Taylor voice is very ordinary and will fad in the sunset.
It's all about Taylor Personailty and goofness...
Taylor Voice is no comparison to Clay's Aiken Voice with power and range whose is one the Best in American Idol and also Kelly Clarkson.
72 - Lisa
This ad campaign only runs until the end of July, of course they are going to push it to the hilt.
It maybe that you watch tv more than you should.
I only pay attention to the programmes I actually want to watch, ask me what was on the last commercial break I couldn't tell you, I mentally switch off. I'm an advertisers nightmare.
73 - Dee
I didn't mind the commercial at first, but it has turned into torture.
I like Taylor. He sings and "dances" from his heart. He is entertaining to watch.
As for Clay, he was the best idol contestant. He is an awesome entertainer, especially in concert.
74 - Girl
Why are people so jealous and Nasty about American Idol contestants. First of all the article doesn't need to slam and insult Ruben, you don't like him fine, then you should be happy he has "disappeared" in your eyes. You may not remember his name (which I HIGLY doubt, but you still remember everything else about him). forgetting a person means forgetting they ever existed and never mentioning him again.
I look forward to the day when people can leave these contestants alone (if they don't like them). Ruben doesn't even have anything to do with this and he's still get slammed!
Butheads!
BTW, don't hate on Taylor that he has commercials on TV! Nothing is nastier then a jealous hater. Ever heard of changing the channel? how hard is that?
75 - Hehehe
Great article. And I love seeing The Soul Patrol going crazy.